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“Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?” Luke 17:9
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PASTOR’S POST. The Last Straw
Am I right in thinking that more and more Australians are operating on a short fuse? Is it possible that the little things which we used to tolerate and absorb, now seem to assume bigger proportions? It would seem that the general level of anxiety in the community is such that it only requires a small spark to ignite feelings of irritation, helplessness, frustration, anger and violence. A brief look at the Letters to the Editor in any daily newspaper will show you a cross section of what is vexing the general population, rarely focusing on positive outcomes or good news, preferring to highlight what is not working as we should expect.
My go-to social observer, Hugh Mackay referred to a “Last Straw Syndrome”, a condition in which so much stress and anxiety is being experienced that even quite minor upsets can feel like one too many. Elsewhere it is called ‘Concern Overload’ or ‘The Age of Anxiety’, where our access and exposure to problems beyond our own personal issues makes us feel personally responsible for events beyond our capacity to have an impact, but still we worry and fret and wonder where it will end. The old adage of ‘what we don’t know won’t hurt us’, has lost any truth it may have had, replaced by, ‘I’m sure we are not being told the complete truth’ or ‘why can’t things just stay as they are?’ This is not exactly a conspiracy theory so much as “how much are we not being told?” and “what do I really need to know to make me feel secure?”
It would seem that the rate of change in our way of living and the speed with which we can access information and world news while positively connecting us with each other, also reminds us that the world is bigger and more troublesome than we had previously known. We can see floods in Pakistan and mass graves in Ukraine in real time, and once seen they can never be forgotten. It would seem that sometimes what we do know does hurt us, particularly when we might feel unable to make any change to situations that trouble us.
The number of social, cultural, political and economic landmarks which we have traditionally used as reference points for defining our way of life have vanished, been eroded or shifted. Ironically these changes that have happened while we watched can be seen as areas that were positively desirable and may be seen as enriching or enhancing our lives. Areas like an increased access for women in the workforce, instant credit, an expanded population through migration and a rapid rise in our standard of living. Generally these are all positive outcomes, but the scope and scale of the changes have been too difficult for most of us to process and incorporate in our lives.
Instead of adjusting to the new opportunities these changes have brought about, we start to get swallowed up by the lack of clarity about the direction and real purpose of these changes. The redefinition of gender roles and identity, the broad defining of family units, the shrinking of the traditional Australian middle class and the confusion around our cultural identity in the name of multiculturalism. What do they mean for me in my comfortable existence and do I need to prepare for change that is thrust upon me?
My earnest hope is that we do not see these rapid changes as ‘the last straw’, but a reminder that we are people always on the move, needing to clarify our own individual values, purpose and identify and not wait for that to be presented to us from some external body. Unless we put our own meanings into our own lives, they will remain meaningless. Wanting things to stay the same is only a whimsical thought. The more realistic observation is to change or decay.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES!
Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. Also, please do not close the doors in the church as we need a flow of fresh air. Coordinators are following Church Health and Safety directions. It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that may better suit your needs or bring something warm to put on. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
OCTOBER 1 – INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS
The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1 each year. This day recognises the rich contributions of older persons to communities and is a timely occasion to explore issues that affect their lives.
The theme for 2016, Take a Stand Against Ageism, challenges everyone to consider ageism – the negative attitudes and discrimination based on age – and the detrimental impact it has on older people.
“It is widely recognised that older persons are an asset to the society; their wisdom, value-system and experience help in guiding and mentoring the present generation…..What is important is not merely adding ‘years to life’ but also adding ‘life to years.’
This is a challenge to us as individuals, families and communities. It calls us to be patient rather than indifferent or disdainful of old age.
‘The Church cannot and does not want to conform to a mentality of impatience and much less of indifference and contempt toward old age. We must reawaken our sense of gratitude, of appreciation, of hospitality, which makes the elderly feel like a living part of the community. Our elderly are men and women who came before us on our road, in our house, in our daily battle for a worthy life.’ Indeed, ‘how I would like a Church that challenges the throw-away culture by the overflowing joy of a new embrace between young and old!’ (Pope Francis)
References: A Place at the Table – Social Justice in An Ageing Society – Social Justice Statement 2016 – 2017 (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/
http://www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/
2022 Theme: The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, with the past three years intensifying the socioeconomic, environmental, health and climate-related impacts on the lives of older persons, especially older women who constitute the majority of older persons.
While older women continue to meaningfully contribute to their political, civil, economic, social and cultural lives; their contributions and experiences remain largely invisible and disregarded, limited by gendered disadvantages accumulated throughout their life course. The intersection between discrimination based on age and gender compounds new and existing inequalities, including negative stereotypes that combine ageism and sexism.
The 2022 theme of International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) serves as a hallmark and reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude.
Recognizing the vital contributions of older women and promoting the inclusion of their voices, perspectives and needs is critical to creating meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national, and global challenges and catastrophes, UNIDOP 2022 is a call to action and opportunity aimed to embrace the voices of older women and showcase their resilience and contributions in society while promoting policy dialogues to enhance the protection of older persons human rights and recognize their contributions to sustainable development.
Objectives of #UNIDOP2022:
To highlight the resilience of older women in the face of environmental, social, economic and lifelong inequalities
To raise awareness of the importance of improved worldwide data collection, disaggregated by age and gender.
To call on member states, UN entities, UN Women, and civil society to include older women in the centre of all policies, ensuring gender equality as described in the Secretary-General’s report, Our Common Agenda.
BACKGROUND
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
The composition of the world population has changed dramatically in recent decades. Between 1950 and 2010, life expectancy worldwide rose from 46 to 68 years. Globally, there were 703 million persons aged 65 or over in 2019. The region of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of older persons (261 million), followed by Europe and Northern America (over 200 million).
Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050. All regions will see an increase in the size of the older population between 2019 and 2050. The largest increase (312 million) is projected to occur in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, growing from 261 million in 2019 to 573 million in 2050. The fastest increase in the number of older persons is expected in Northern Africa and Western Asia, rising from 29 million in 2019 to 96 million in 2050 (an increase of 226 per cent). The second fastest increase is projected for sub-Saharan Africa, where the population aged 65 or over could grow from 32 million in 2019 to 101 million in 2050 (218 per cent). By contrast, the increase is expected to be relatively small in Australia and New Zealand (84 per cent) and in Europe and Northern America (48%), regions where the population is already significantly older than in other parts of the world.
Among development groups, less developed countries excluding the least developed countries will be home to more than two-thirds of the world’s older population (1.1 billion) in 2050. Yet the fastest increase is projected to take place in the least developed countries, where the number of persons aged 65 or over could rise from 37 million in 2019 to 120 million in 2050 (225%).
Change the Way You Think About Age!
Did you know? By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5 years.
Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050 and 80% of them will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
A survey of 83,034 people in 57 countries found one in every two people held moderately or highly ageist attitudes (i.e. stereotypes and prejudice).
LITURGY NEWS
The latest edition of the Liturgy Brisbane publication Liturgy News is now available for free. Please click here: LITURGY NEWS
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community. Our last live-in weekend for 2022 will be held from Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. For bookings/details contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44 For testimonies from ordinary families who have experienced a Marriage Encounter weekend visit https://www.shalomworld.org/show/family-discovering-coupleness
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES FIRST TO THE RESPOND TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic Parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies going to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 56717388
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
Initially Prep to Year 3, with an extra year level being added each year until 2026. The school is master-planned to accommodate approximately 550 students.
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Becoming Catholic! A Journey of Faith
Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic faith? Welcome!
The Catholic Church’s mission is to offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to deepen their understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ. Becoming Catholic involves a journey of faith, accompanied by the support of a parish community. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (RCIA). During the RCIA process, you meet with others to share, reflect, pray and learn more about the Catholic faith. Ceremonies or ‘rites’ at each stage signify the steps along the way. If you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming Catholic or starting to become Catholic as an adult, please contact -
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, Clear Island Waters Q 4226. Phone: 5671 7388 surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
***PLEASE NOTE: ITALIAN MASS RETURN - UPDATE
“ ITALIAN MASS IN OCTOBER - to be held at Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. on the 2nd October, 23rd October and 30th October. Everyone welcome. But, NO ITALIAN MASS on the 9th and 16th of October as the Italian Scalabrinian priest will be in Rome for the Canonization and Pilgrimage of San Giovanni Scalabrini. Please contact Giovanna on 07 55395528 or email gianna52@hotmail.com for further information about the Italian Mass on the Gold Coast.
A VOCATION VIEW:
The Spirit of God makes us strong, loving and wise. How will you use these gifts to serve the gospel? Consider being a sister, brother, priest or deacon (2 Timothy 1:6-8. 13-14). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and ww.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”2 Timothy 1:7
Many of us compartmentalise our Faith, we bring it out only when we attend Mass or a parish event. Being a good steward requires discipline and striving to put God first in everything - all the time. The next time you are at a neighbourhood party or work or out shopping, would your words and actions signal to others that you are a good and faithful servant of our Lord?
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Geoffrey Dixon, Margaret Haerse, Annie Scicluna, Jo Clark, Kay Pitman, Michael Murtagh, Leslie Clarke, Lena Hiscock, John Nathaniel Maher, Ray Burton, Shirley Montford, Beryl Dorfield, Joanne Mooney, Patricia Roberts, Jenelle Mullins, John Thomas, Tom Ross, Joanne Parkes, Maria Manuela, Jack Barretto, Kath Kiely, Doug Chester, Kathy Stevens, Nellie Bellinger, Leslie Clarke, Raymundo C. Isaga, Kristy Peat, Anna Janiek, Andrew McPherson, Louise Holmes, Don Williamson, Michael & Denise Tracey, Betty & Patrick O’Connell, Margaret & George Cook, Fred Grioli, Lynn Nunan, Elaine Casonati, Kim Parkes, Cecily Cellinan, Kevin Brennan, Margaret Cusack, Fabiola Menzs, Peter O’Brien, Rachel Raines, Mary Jackson, Nenette Csundo, Vince Shanahan, Ilene Simpkins, Claire Perera, Jayani Antony, Panfilo Bantugan, Sandii Wall, Therese Mullins, Michael Connell, Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Gus Reeves, John & Molly Robinson, Laila Mikael, Jean Di Benedetto, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O’Brien, Ludwig Mueller, Kent Vince, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Olga Hamshari, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Savannah Ayoub, Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Derrick james Thompson, Fr Joe Sardie, Baby Adele, Phyllis Taheny, Fay Marie Giovine, Phillipa Kennedy, Liudmyla Ganshyna, Baby Theodore, Rhona Egan, John Weinber, Sr Carmel Hodkinson PBVM, Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Helen McMeniman, Sr Mary O’Brien, John Smith, Gienna Rufus, Kees Van Grinsven, Bob Hood, Nicole Tierney, Garry Robert Sullivan, Joan Simmonds, Ken Ledster, Les Edmonds, John Joseph Despard, Daphne Andreas, Michael Armstrong, George Busuttil, Brian Edmund Jones.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Brian Kenway, Yvonne Henrietta Lofthouse, Veronica Ella Mantle, Reginald Ronald Glover, Rhonda Milne, Craig Antoine Blanch, Gwenyth Aiken, Gordon Farquhar, Imelda Petronella (Millie) Duijn, Edward Lawrence(Ned) Darcy, Elio Romanin, Diana Angela Tam-Barrett, Yvonne Mary McMahon, Frank Alcock, Muriel Rasey (Previous Sacre Coeur Owner), John Roy Wotherspoon, John Sudgen, Terry Maloney. And also: Thomas & Winifred Robertson, Shane Burgess, Rita McCarthy (Fr Michael's Mother), Allan Taranto, Maria Nazari, Maureen Murphy, Wilma Claire Burcham, Geoffrey Rose, John Maxwell Dixon, Peter Avery, Anita Cruz, Giacomo Gallo, Fanny Macky, Franz Mrak, Shirley Alford, Ricardo Joseph Herft, (Heavenly Birthday Anniv), Muriel Doris Miller, Catherine Alford, Christine Antoinette O'Leary, Kelly John Chen, Nea Mary Butler, Charles Henry Lynch, Cecilia Mary Kelly, Vera Rose, Mary Jean Lenthall, Dulcie May Ricks.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Your wild and precious life
Today bears many names: Respect Life Sunday. Gandhi's birthday. International Day of Non-Violence. World Habitat Day. This cluster points to one precious idea: that all people bear the divine image and their welfare matters. We honour the whole fabric of life issues protecting each person from conception to death. The United Nations recognizes Gandhi's birthday with a call for nations to abandon aggression and embrace peace. This year's "Urban October" extends the work of Habitat Day in achieving a carbon-free world by focusing on cities, where 70 per cent of emissions are generated. Respect life with every decision.
“For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfilment, and will not disappoint.” Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2
“Thus says the LORD the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion!” Amos 6:1a, 4-7; 1.
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
MASK WEARING
The risk of Flu and Covid virus is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, so please consider using masks and hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible, still highly prudent.
BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.
Infants and children are baptised at the request of their parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God’s commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2023
Dates and information for enrolling in Confirmation Preparation for 2023 will be available soon. Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION 2023
Dates and information for enrolling in First Holy Communion Preparation for 2023 will be available soon.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION 2022
If you missed the March opportunity for your child to celebrate their First Reconciliation, we would like to offer you another opportunity this year. The First Rite of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 5:30 pm in Sacred Heart Church.
Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. Within the Children’s Sacramental Program, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion.
The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team has prepared a program similar to the Confirmation and First Communion At Home Preparation Programs. If your child was previously enrolled in the Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Program and received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion, there is no requirement for you to complete a new online enrolment form. If you are unsure if your child will be included in the group or interested in your child being included in the next group, please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Children who have made their First Communion in June 2022 are also eligible to participate in this Preparation for Reconciliation.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
God always answers our prayers. However, sometimes the answer is a loving but firm NO! Amazingly, in the Gospel this weekend, the Apostles ask the Lord what seems a fairly sensible thing... they ask the Lord to increase their faith. Our Lord basically says, NO. Its not the amount of faith you have, it is your application of whatever faith you have. Faith is about action, and living consistently in the values of the faith. Our Lord says, even a small seed of faith can produce astounding results, if we put ourselves in God's hands and set about the work of service we have been called to. God's grace is more than sufficient. Let us humbly set to work in this excellent task.
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In this weekend's gospel, Our Lord teaches that in the life of a community all people must deny their own self-focused designs, and develop a healthy detachment from "self."
We are indeed heirs to God's Kingdom and sons and daughters of God…. But Our Lord warns us that pride is the beginning of many sins…. If we develop a sense of entitlement or presumption// if what we do fills us with a sense that God owe us something…or that others owe us something, this is can be highly corrosive…// Everything we do must be for the building up of God's Kingdom alone, or else it will unwittingly contribute to the building up of the "Kingdom of ME," at the expense of "the Kingdom of God"…. It becomes a form of "idolatry,"
Our Lord uses the example of the servant. In those days, a servant could not merit anything of their own. The master, (often hard and demanding, but hopefully fair), was entitled to the servant's efficient service. This was expected as the "norm." It was not normal to thank a servant for doing what was merely their job. The servant could often be the hardest working, most dedicated labourer in his master's house, and unquestionably fully committed to everything that was for the good of the family they worked for,-- but should this person demand gratitude and extra reward for this? ... Isn't the servant only being diligent in performing what is expected of them?
Looking at things from a self-serving mindset is the opposite of what Our Lord is teaching his disciples… And it also taints and lessens all the good work that a Christian disciple can do, if they turn around and expect something other than merely the sense that they may have helped build up God's values.
I think we can benefit from this gospel teaching very much……. Just think of all the good work done by so many. And then imagine if, later on, down the track… a person who has done so much for the community, metaphorically 'calls in the debt' by demanding something be done for them and citing, (as a reason of their demand), all the work they had done in the past -- suggesting that all that work entitles them to demand a benefit…. In doing so, they have absolutely, (according to this parable), cancelled out all credit for the Kingdom of God…. And forgone reward in the Kingdom…… And also this undermines the original good motive of doing what was needed simply for the sake of doing good itself, and helping build God's Kingdom….. we need to be on guard for this always….. in ourselves and in others…. As it derails the real direction of the community's efforts – towards God's priorities.
I must admit, as jarring as this image is, I really, really like this concept. It is a refreshing antidote (and corrective) to a world where 'what's in it for me,' and a sense of 'entitlement' can pervade every corner of society. Pride and an inflated sense of one's own importance is often at the centre of a lot of conflict, misunderstanding, disunity, frustration and resentment. In the gospel this weekend Our Lord reminds us that we are servants and disciples of God's word…. Our duty is to teach, to witness and to live the values of the gospel, no matter how challenging these values are, and irrespective of the opposition or the ridicule we will receive from some sections of secular society. And certainly despite of any criticism or praise, cost or reward that comes from doing our job.
I think of our own communities, with the increase in the legal requirements for safeguarding, all workers and volunteers have had to undertake even more compliance courses, and fill out and provide more information for the ministries they conduct. This has been very demanding and difficult for many people. And we are so grateful for the patience and generosity of so many. But there has been some outrage, too, because it has been a very trying and demanding process. This gospel, though, made me stop and think. Are we to be too outraged? Yes, there are many volunteers… yes, it is out of the goodness of one's time and energy. But, as Christians, is anyone really just a volunteer… or are we all doing what is needed to ensure the work of the gospel is fulfilled in this place? At any cost.
Living the gospel is difficult… and challenging… and it will often meet with opposition or challenges……. The Apostles realise the seemingly impossible demands of discipleship. So, they in today's gospel that Our Lord "increase their faith."
Our Lord' reply to his disciples is a stinging rebuke. In effect, he says, 'More faith? If you had any faith at all - faith as puny as a tiny mustard seed - you could do great things!' But doing great things is not the point, as the parable goes on to explain. What is required is merely doing what is expected. A servant's job is not in itself extraordinary, and nor is it dramatic or "histrionic." The work of a servant does not draw attention to itself. A faithful worker does what the master commands, namely, both the fieldwork as well as serving at the table. Similarly, disciples who are servants of the Lord must do what they are commanded, even forgiving others seven times a day if necessary. Though this may seem extraordinary, it is in fact merely part of our daily job.
Our Lord using a striking, dramatic and rather outlandish example….of the mulberry tree, when commanded to be uprooted and transplanted in the sea. Naturally, there is nothing to be gained by a mulberry tree in the sea… it would die there../ but it is an ancient version of our modern military saying.. "if your senior officer commands you to jump, don't ask why, just ask: how high?- or, even better, ask no questions and do it immediately" The Lord calls his disciples to listen to his gospel and DO what is asked of them.. . even if it seems quite difficult or confusing or even if it seems mundane.
So, surprisingly, Our Lord says NO to the disciples when they ask for more faith. Instead, he reminds them (and us), that abundant faith is not required for discipleship. Even a little bit of faith is sufficient to do great things. It is not the quantity of faith, it is how one puts it into action. If we put even the smallest amount of faith into action and place our efforts in the hands of God's grace, astounding and good things will be produced.
People of faith are not only those who do great, dramatic or extraordinary feats of wonder and bravery for God and Church. Actually, faith is as readily expressed in ordinary, everyday acts of service, love and kindness.
Our Lord instructs disciples that 'faith' is expressed in action… and even more precisely in obedience to him. THE GOSPELS teach us that obedience to God is not something that lessens us or demeans us but is actually an expression of love, and of faith.
This image of the servant disciple is put forward by Our Lord as the ideal image of how we should see our calling as disciples – to be servants with tasks in relation to God and God's Kingdom, rather than any sense of entitlement, reward, or even the idea that we can somehow earn or merit God's love or that God should thank us for doing what is merely necessary for our wonderful task of building up God's Kingdom, and for giving unceasing thanks to God for what is rightfully God's. (And, what is rightfully God's is…- "Everything!")
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; Living Liturgy – Homily reflection notes; Prepare the Word, reflections 2013;
Image licensed by Shutterstock: By Lazarenka Sviatlana. stock photo ID: 1354734821, Doorman at the door on the background of blurred people.
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
OCTOBER 1 - Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy.”
“Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.”
“The world's thy ship and not thy home.”
“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.”
“Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be.”
“I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enamelled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden.”
“When one loves, one does not calculate.”
“A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”
“I know now that true charity consists in bearing all our neighbours' defects– not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.”
“It's true, I suffer a great deal--but do I suffer well? That is the question.” ― Therese de Lisieux, St. Therese of Lisieux: Her Last Conversations
“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens,I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.”
OCTOBER 4 - Saint Francis of Assisi, religious
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” ― St. Francis of Assisi
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received--only what you have given.”
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
“I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.”
“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
“True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.”
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.”
“No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves.”
“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.”
“What we are looking for is what is looking.”
“Nor did demons crucify Him; it is you who have crucified Him and crucified Him still when you delight in your vices and sins. ”
OCTOBER 5 - Saint Faustina Kowalska, virgin
“Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth; it purifies the soul. In suffering, we learn who our true friend is.”
“Love endures everything, love is stronger than death, love fears nothing.”
“Jesus loves hidden souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus.”
“If the angels were capable of envy, they would envy us for two things: one is the receiving of Holy Communion, and the other is suffering.”
“The Holy Spirit does not speak to a soul that is distracted and garrulous. He speaks by His quiet inspirations to a soul that is recollected, to a soul that knows how to keep silence.”
“Some day, we will know the value of suffering, but then we will no longer be able to suffer.”
“The past does not belong to me; the future is not mine; with all my soul I try to make use of the present moment.”
“Pure love is capable of great deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong in the midst of great difficulties, so too it perseveres in the toilsome and drab life of each day. It”
“Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else.”
“Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then, generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment.”
OCTOBER 6 - Saint Bruno, priest (c 1030-1101)
“While the world changes, the Cross stands firm.”while the world changes - st bruno
“By your work, you show what you love and what you know.”by your work - st bruno - 6 oct 2017
“No act is charitable if it is not just.”
“In the solitude and silence of the wilderness.. for their labour in the contest, God gives his athletes the reward they desire:
a peace that the world does not know and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
“If the bow is stretched for too long, it becomes slack and unfit for its purpose.”.
OCTOBER 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary
“One day through the Rosary and the Scapular I will save the world.”
“Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.”
“No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary. Either he will give up the sin or he will give up the Rosary”
“Those who say the Rosary frequently and fervently will gradually grow in grace and holiness and will enjoy the special protection of Our Lady and the abiding friendship of God.” -Bishop Hugh Boyle
“The Family that prays together, stays together.” -Father Patrick Peyton
“If families give Our Lady fifteen minutes a day by reciting the Rosary, I assure them that their homes will become, by God’s grace, peaceful places. -Father Patrick Peyton
“If our age in its pride laughs at and rejects Our Lady’s Rosary, a countless legion of the most saintly men of every age and of every condition has not only held it most dear and have most piously recited it but have also used it at all times as a most powerful weapon to overcome the devil, to preserve the purity of their lives, to acquire virtue more zealously, in a word, to promote peace among men.” -Pope Pius XI
©2022 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints are permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about “TAKE FIVE” and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com.Free daily email and app available online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
POPE FRANCIS: Pope Francis on Immigration:
"Having doubts and fears is not a sin... The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection... The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, the different, the neighbour, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord ... to overcome our fears so as to encounter the other, to welcome, to know and to acknowledge him or her."
"Even hope, like all good things in this world, has enemies... Hope is the push in the heart of those who leave their home, and sometimes their family and relatives - I am thinking of migrants - to find a better life, with more dignity for themselves and their loved ones... It's also the push in the heart of those who welcome: the desire to encounter, meet, dialogue... hope is the push to share the journey,"
Image Credit: Vatican website - picture of Pope Francis
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS AT THE SACRED HEART CHURCH AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
Orders being taken now at the shops or Parish Office.(email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au)
DAILY MASS BOOK 2023 contains all the texts for Sunday and weekday Mass, including the chants for parts of the Mass. Published in a compact format; the Daily Mass Book is convenient and economical. Printed in two colours throughout, its layout is easy to follow. Runs from Advent to Advent. Price same as last year $27.
BREAK OPEN THE WORD 2023 YEAR A contains readings and psalms for each Sunday with NEW commentary providing fresh and insightful background to the text and assistance on how to read it, along with a section entitled “The Ministry of Reader”. The popular pronunciation guide is also included. Break Open the Word is a vital publication for readers. Price $25. Rostered Parish readers are asked to pay $15 towards the cost of the book.
ORDO 2023 is an indispensable reference for liturgy planning and is the only official ORDO for Australia and New Zealand. The spiral-bound B5 size includes reading references and taglines, responsorial psalms and gospel acclamations. Printed in two colours for clarity. Also available as a digital flipbook. Price $20.
2023 Columban Calendars $10
2023 God’s Word $20
Christmas cards, packets of 8 $2 are available now.
Additional stock arriving weekly now until Christmas.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 7th October at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:40
FIRST SATURDAY MASS
Sacred Heart Church Saturday the 1st October 2022. At 9am. Followed by fifteen minutes of Adoration and concluded by Benediction. All welcome. Memorial of St Therese of the Child Jesus.
SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC LADIES (SPCL) BINGO
Tuesday 4th October 2022, 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
FROM SIN AND SORROW TO SERVICE (CHERISH LIFE): KAY PAINTER
Kay has spoken at forums in the United Nations and the White House, as well as national/international television and radio programs. Her testimony leads us down the rocky paths of abortion/adultery/divorce
before recognising the welcoming hand of God. Join Kay live:
When: 2.30-4.30 pm, Tuesday the 11th of October 2022
Where: Sacred Heart Hospitality Centre, 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters.
For more details text Cherish Life on 0457 781 513.
GOLD COAST PARISHES — 24 hours Adoration - Southport
Tuesday 1 pm to Wednesday 1 pm every week at Guardian Angels Church 99 Scarborough Street, Southport. Parking onsite, the church is secured from 6 pm to 8 am. We are joining the effort to have Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. To make this a success we need 2 people per hour. Please indicate your availability for a one-hour commitment. email brisbane.adoration@gmail.com - We will be in touch in mid-October to confirm your exact time and other details. We expect to start our Adoration cycle on the first Tuesday in November 2022
menALIVE is running a parish men's weekend
“Calling all Men!! A Parish mission for men By menALIVE is being hosted by Corinda/Graceville Parish on the weekend of 15/16th of October. For the brochure, please visit here: See details and Register here
https://www.menalive.org.au/menalive-weekend/
Volunteer Opportunities - English Teachers, Youth Workers & Youth Ministers
The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, providing overseas volunteer experiences for Australians who wish to work with disadvantaged young people.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers for January 2023 departure. Our volunteer placements run for 6-12 months and are centred around working with young people in educational settings. We are currently recruiting volunteers for Cambodia, Samoa, Timor Leste, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
We aim to utilise the skills and talents of our volunteers to provide the best possible contribution to the host community. Our aim is not to ‘help’ but to walk in solidarity with young people and for volunteers and hosts to have a mutual learning experience. We are also present in host communities to be role models - people that young people can aspire to be.
Cagliero volunteers who commit themselves to work in the ‘Salesian way’. This means that young people are the central focus of all work. The Salesian way also means approaching life in a joyful way with a loving heart. The experience as a Cagliero volunteer is not about the volunteer but is focused on the people we go to serve. However, serving as a Cagliero volunteer will probably be the most rewarding thing you ever do!
For more information, or to send us an inquiry, follow this link: http://cagliero.org.au/
Applications close on October 31st, 2022. Contact: Lauren Hichaaba, Director of the Cagliero Project
Email: lhichaaba@salesians.org.au
MUSICIANS AND SINGERS - PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY
As you have been made aware of recent illnesses, we have a shortage of musicians and singers for our masses. This situation will only get more pressing as time goes on. We are asking anyone interested in being part of the music and singing ministry to let us know. Ministers of music support and uplift the singing of the assembly and support the worship of all present. It is a specific ministry about worship instead of other musical endeavours in other situations that focus on performances. We need people who would be open to going to different churches and different masses to help us fill the weekly rosters.
For more information, please ring Christeen Harth 0439 399 461.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12.
Activities include art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc.), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
OUR LADY’S STATUE
Details of the Statue of Our Lady which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary: Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next four weeks are:
4/10/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
10/10/2022 Merla & Rodney Antony
17/10/2022 Merla & Rodney Antony
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (20 Years Young)-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge”
Is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It allows you to grow in your relationship with your spouse or community. Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening, 14 October, to Sunday afternoon, 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. For bookings/details, contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44 - Information website: www.wwme.org.au
PILGRIMS FOR OUR LADY OF FATIMA Feast 13th October
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.10.2022. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare is $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with your contact name and contact phone number Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine at 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Xavier on 0404 843 260.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
COMMUNION TO RESIDENTS AT NURSING HOMES. HELP IS STILL NEEDED!
We have had to reduce our visits with Holy Communion to the residents at Nursing Homes and urgently require more people to assist with this service. Can you spare 3 hours per month for this important Ministry?
Listed below are Nursing homes with their Day and time of visitation.
Lady Small Haven, Benowa. Tuesdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Merrimac Park Private Care, Merrimac. Wednesdays 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm
Bupa Nursing Home, Merrimac. Thursdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Tricare, Mermaid Beach Nursing Home, Mermaid Beach Fridays 10.15 am to 12.00noon
Tricare, Cypress Gardens Nursing Home, Clear Island Waters. Sundays after 9.00 am Mass Sacred Heart to twelve-Noon
For further information, ring the Parish Office or Maxine Sela on 0421051193.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE-
Join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
CO.AS.IT. COMMUNITY SERVICES
is a not-for-profit organisation based on Chevron Island with Head Office in Brisbane, Co.As.It. Community services is a peak body within the aged care and community services industry that has won industry recognition for providing high-quality services and excellent care. October is a month for Seniors Celebration and Co.As.It. Community Services is hosting a Euro Concert to bring the community together. Attached, please find the Euro Concert Flyer.
You can find out more about this event by clicking on the link below.
https://www.coasit.asn.au/events/euro-concert-gold-coast/
Position Vacant – Pastoral Ministry Coordinator - Sunnybank Parish
Applications are open for a position at Sunnybank Parish.
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, committed person to join the Parish team and assist them with the coordination of a variety of pastoral ministry programs.
The position is permanent part-time, 28 hours per week, with the days of work to be negotiated.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities/548356/pastoral-ministry-coordinator-sunnybank-parish - Applications close: 14 October 2022
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting ‘working with children checks’ and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) and/or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
ADULT FAITH - The Tribunal of the Catholic Church and its pastoral role in respect of marriage nullity cases (part III) - Fr Paul Kelly.
(Tribunal of marriage - part IV - Fr Paul Kelly …)
Having had the opportunity to look into the workings and thinking of the Marriage Tribunal process, we must understand a few things and try to get other assumptions out of our heads.
Firstly, “Marriage possesses the favour of law; therefore, in a case of doubt, the validity of a marriage must be upheld until the contrary is proven.” (Canon 1060).
The church respects the validity of marriages - not merely its own, but any marriages - including those between non-baptised couples, (people of other religions), and of course also respect marriages of couples of other church denominations and so on. We recognise that there has been a natural God-given blessing of marriage to people of all cultures and creeds since the beginning of time.
From a Catholic Church understanding, there are two types of marriage, both of which are respected and defended:
A "natural bond" is a marriage anywhere between two unbaptised people, or a marriage between a Christian person and an unbaptised person.
A “Sacramental marriage” is a marriage between two Catholics or a marriage between a Catholic and a Baptised Christian from another denomination. (This assumes that the Catholic has followed the requirements that the church expects of a Catholic Marriage, that they are married in a Catholic Church building and with their consent received in the presence of a Catholic Priest or Deacon, unless the local bishop dispenses the Catholic party from that requirement of place and form, for certain limited reasons that are considered important).
Sacramental marriages are considered indissoluble and sacred, according to Our Lord's Gospel teaching. If there are any doubts raised by the parties to the marriage about the validity of this bond, one or both of the couples would need to go through the catholic tribunal to inquire about the process of nullity.
“Natural bond marriages” are valid but can be dissolved in favour of the faith of a Catholic person who married a non-baptised person, and this is a dissolution given by the church in favour of the one who has Christian faith, also known as the “Petrine Privilege,” because a pope once allowed this and it set a precedent. A marriage between two unbaptised people can be dissolved if a marriage broke down irretrievably before one of the couples becomes baptised. (“Pauline privilege”- taken from the Scriptural precedent given by Saint Paul (1 Corinthians 7:12a, 15) which states:
“I say, not the Lord, ……But if the unbelieving partner desires to separate, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. For God has called us to peace."[2]
(These two exceptional privileges are permitted because the Church understands that non Christian people may not understand the fullness of the meaning that Christians understand of the sacramental marriage. Both of these privileges obtained from the Pope dissolve a marriage rather than go through a judicial process of nullity and are not automatic or presumed, as other factors are also taken into consideration).
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
VII. A VARIETY OF OPINIONS
60. Finally, we need to acknowledge that different approaches and lines of thought have emerged regarding this situation and its possible solutions. At one extreme, we find those who doggedly uphold the myth of progress and tell us that ecological problems will solve themselves simply with the application of new technology and without any need for ethical considerations or deep change. At the other extreme are those who view men and women and all their interventions as no more than a threat, jeopardizing the global ecosystem, and consequently, the presence of human beings on the planet should be reduced and all forms of intervention prohibited. Viable future scenarios will have to be generated between these extremes since there is no one path to a solution. This makes a variety of proposals possible, all capable of entering into dialogue with a view to developing comprehensive solutions.
61. On many concrete questions, the Church has no reason to offer a definitive opinion; she knows that honest debate must be encouraged among experts while respecting divergent views. But we need only take a frank look at the facts to see that our common home is falling into serious disrepair. Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps, and that we can always do something to solve our problems. Still, we can see signs that things are now reaching a breaking point, due to the rapid pace of change and degradation; these are evident in large-scale natural disasters as well as social and even financial crises, for the world’s problems cannot be analyzed or explained in isolation. There are regions now at high risk and, aside from all doomsday predictions, the present world system is certainly unsustainable from a number of points of view, for we have stopped thinking about the goals of human activity. “If we scan the regions of our planet, we immediately see that humanity has disappointed God’s expectations”.[35]
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the community's life. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
(see further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
