PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (luke 16:8)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 631541066 - "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Photo Contributor: -No-Te Eksarunchai
PASTOR’S POST. Words of Remembrance
I have been told by many children of deceased parents that delivering the eulogy at their parent’s funeral was the hardest job they have ever had to do. I can believe it, having celebrated the funeral of both my parents. It is tough and necessary given what you have received from them. It comes with high responsibility and deep emotion, and is a once-only opportunity to publicly acknowledge the love and appreciation that you had for them. I’ve been thinking what a difficult task is now ahead for King Charles, as no doubt he will be the one speaking to the world on the occasion of his mother’s funeral service. I really hope he will be able to speak as a son and not as a king, and the world will understand and identify if he is emotionally moved by the task, as we will all be feeling some of his pain.
As you can imagine, I’ve heard quite a few funeral eulogies over the years. These days they are referred to as “words of remembrance” and their purpose is not to read a detailed list of significant times, places and people in the deceased life, but more about highlighting the contributions a person has given to the lives of their family, parish or wider community, the non-material gifts that have been taught and learned in the course of their life. I usually suggest to the person designated with the responsibility on the day, not to tell the gathered congregation the street number, where they first lived or the golf handicap or model of their first car, but rather aspects of the person’s life that you would see as a lesson or advice for those of us left to continue life’s journey. Even though the speaker is largely preaching to the converted, it is never an easy task and should not be left to grasping at random thoughts on the day. Carefully worded, written and thoughtfully timed deliveries are the most respectful and appropriate, and are usually the most memorable. As disciplined as it is, containing the words to ten minutes at most, that is as much as people can take in on a day of high emotion.
Given that we are usually gathered in a Church for the funeral, it is helpful to focus on the deceased’s faith and relationship with God, although this sometimes requires a creative approach, particularly when the person being spoken about didn’t show any overt signs of religious practice. Not that that necessarily means that they weren’t deeply spiritual, but that light might have been tightly hidden under a bushel and never shared with the near and dear. Above all, words of remembrance should be about the truth, not necessarily all the truth, but those bits that might assist the assembled gathering to enrich their own lives as they contemplate the life of the one who has gone to God before them. On the odd occasion I get the impression that while the words of the eulogist are full of superlatives, those present appear to be wondering if they are attending the right service. While we are often told about the most wonderful mother/father who ever lived, we all understand that the perfect parent is yet to be born and there is a little bit of rogue in the best of us. It makes them so real and precious.
Perhaps it might be a worthwhile exercise for you to imagine or even record what you would like people to know about your life when the time comes for people to gather at your funeral (Sorry to bring this up, but it will happen one day). This is not a morbid task and can be quite therapeutic, and might allow you a little bit of pride when you can look back on what you have achieved in your life. What is the truth you would like others to know about you and are there any myths that need to be debunked? What would you like your children to know better about life through the way you lived it, and do you want people to leave the church grateful that they shared some of your interesting life? Here’s your chance to have your say and not risk leaving the job to someone less creative.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
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
St Stephen’s Cathedral mass for Queen Elizabeth II
In Brisbane, St Stephen’s Cathedral will hold a requiem Mass for Queen Elizabeth II on September 17 starting at 11.30. The principal celebrant will be Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who has joined other Church leaders to express his condolences at the death of the Queen. https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast/
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
***PLEASE NOTE: ITALIAN MASS WITHIN PARISH SUSPENDED UNTIL OCTOBER
The celebration of the Italian Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THREE MONTHS (SEPTEMBER 2022) and will resume regularly as from Sunday 2nd October 2022.
Fr Angelo Cagna, the present Chaplain, will be on sabbatical leave for six months (30 June 2022 - 31 December 2022). Fr Savino Bernardi, a Scalabrinian priest from Sydney, will supply the Italian Sunday Mass for October, November and December 2022. For any other matters regarding the Italian Chaplaincy and Community, Giovanna Santomauro (Mob 0418 198 437) will be the liaison officer.
Golden Weddings Mass - 2022
The Annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be celebrated with Archbishop Mark Coleridge on Saturday 24th September @ 11:30 am at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
Those celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary, or more, are invited to attend, together with your family and friends. The Cathedral car park will be available. RSVP: Wednesday 21st September 2022
email: cathedral@bne.catholic.net.au
telephone: 3324 3030
A VOCATION VIEW:
You cannot serve two masters. Whom do you choose to follow? You have to make a choice. (Luke 16:1-13). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“No servant can serve two masters. He will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).” Luke 16:13
Jesus knows that for many of us, God and money run “neck and neck” as top priority. Is money a “god” that you put before God? Giving money to support the Church and other charity is a pillar of our faith, just like attending Mass every Sunday and participating in parish ministry. Giving money frees us from becoming a slave to money. It increases our dependence on God and our trust that God will provide all that we need.
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: 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, Leon Mostert, Anna Janiek, Andrew McPherson, Louise Holmes, Don Williamson, Michael & Denise Tracey, Betty & Patrick O’Connell, Margaret & George Cook, Fred Grioli, Lynn Nunan, Elaine Casonati, Michael Murtagh, 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, Annie Scicluna, 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: 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, Bruce Smith, Sr Cecilia Anning RSJ, Barbara Arthurson, William Walker, Remi Young, Alan King, Carmen Nicolas, Alvin Smith, Billy Edmonds, Ellen Moffitt, Anne Logan, Noel Watson, Alice Morrasayan, John Tobin, Kwang Hua Lim, John Gerard Robinson Jnr, Joseph Kania, Joe Hilton, John Massingham.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Elaine Preswood, Paul Damian Wyatt, John Maurice Quilligan, Liberata Mario (Lib) Meo, Barry Harth, Tom Killin, , Keith Smith, Kazimierz Zolerowski, Barbara Murray, Peter Daniel Lawlor, Noeline Davies, Lee Cross, Margaret Netting, Tadeusz Wieslaw (Ted) Szczesny, Ella Maria Cross, John Vizzard, Peter Robert Noble Beasley, Andrea Kujawa, Maria Nazari, David Gerald Fioravanti, John Hanna. And also: Veronica and Allen Bond, Phillip Capon, Margaret Corney, Mary Marsh (USA), Maria di Martino, Thomas Edward Holt, Fr Sean Nugent PP, Janina Momont, Mario Pase, World Trade Centre Attack Anniversary (2001), Patrick Mulcahy, Briggita Kelleris, Harry Kelleris, Fanny Macky, Daniel Simpson, Vincent Attard, Edna Foy, Neville John Coorey, Olive May Cam, Anthony Joseph Wienand, Doris Zarb, Andre Joerg Lenz, Antonio Vecardo, Natalie Dundon, Leo Isidore Josephson, Jane Bird.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Tell the greatest stories ever
We lift up those who give instruction as religion teachers, homilists, RCIA directors, spiritual writers, and retreat leaders. Catechism doesn't have to be dull. Fantasy writer George McDonald made spiritual realities come alive. His stories inspired C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, and J.M. Barrie to do the same. Want better leadership in government, businesses, parishes? Look for good storytellers. As Pope Francis said in his 2020 address to communicators, "Each of us knows different stories that have the fragrance of the Gospel, that have borne witness to the Love that transforms life. These stories cry out to be shared!"
“I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered . . . for kings and for all in authority.” 1 Timothy 2:1-8. 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.
90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Mary Patricia Clancy celebrated her 90th birthday on Monday 12th September 2022, the memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We wish Pat every blessing for her special day and many years to come.
Her husband, John, would like to thank all those who had a part in organising the little morning tea for Pat’s special day.
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 - The Dishonest Steward
Today’s parable of the “dishonest steward” would have to be one of the most confounding parables in the gospels. At first glance, Our Lord seems to be praising the dishonesty and unscrupulous behaviour of the manager who gets fired for dodgy practices. But a closer look shows that Jesus is actually contrasting the behaviour and priorities of people who have a worldly focus from those who have a focus on the Kingdom of God….
A parable which looks initially foreign to us, actually tells us something significant… This initially jarring parable actually has a lot in common with other parable of Jesus… namely… the parable of the rich fool. And also the parable of the rich man and the poor man Lazarus at his gate.
All of these parables are trying to tell us that collecting money and possessions is not the most important thing in life… it’s establishing significant and lasting relationships with our brothers and sisters around us…. That is - everyone!
“In Jesus’ mind, relationships are more important than money and should be served by money rather than the other way around. This is why the master praises the manager—not because he stole his money, but because the manager didn’t allow money to distract him from the greater goal of relationships. This is how Jesus views money and calls his followers to view it.
This parable forces the listener to decide what it is they trust.”**
“Whether we live for Jesus and his Kingdom forces a moment of decision on us. Will we trust that Jesus is more trustworthy than all the economic structures around us? If those who don’t know Jesus cheat one another because they know the value of relationships over money, then how much more should we use the money God has freely given us by God for the benefit of others?”**
{A BAD MAN'S GOOD EXAMPLE (from Barclay)}
In today’s parable, the ‘”dodgy” steward knew that he had lost his job. He, therefore, had a brilliant idea. He falsified the entries in the books so that the debtors were debited with far less than they owed. This would have two effects. First, the debtors would be grateful to him and emotionally owe him in the future; and second, and much more effective, he had involved the debtors in his own misdemeanours, and, if the worst came to the worst, he was now in a strong position to exercise a little judicious blackmail!”%% terrible and dishonest behaviour for sure……
As Jesus says of this parable…..the sons of this world are wiser in their generation than the sons of light. That means that, if only the Christian was as eager and ingenious in their attempts to attain goodness as the people of the world are in their attempts to attain money and comfort, we would be a much better people. If only we would give as much attention to the things which concern our souls as others do to achieve the things which concern their business, we would be very profitable for the kingdom. “Over and over again a person will expend twenty times the amount of time and money and effort on his business endeavours and his pleasure, his hobby, his garden, his sport as he does on his church. Our Christianity will begin to be real and effective only when we spend as much time and effort on the things of God, as we do on our worldly activities.%%
People who are successful in the ways of this earthly world…. Spend days and nights plotting, scheming, working and planning for things that will produce good profits and material benefits… how much more importantly should we spend our time, energy and planning and honest scheming to produce the fruits of the Kingdom of heaven!!!%%
It is quite clear from these parables and from Jesus teaching that Our Lord had a very healthy suspicion and aversion to money and material possessions. He knew they were imperfect and tainted. He was a realist. Many people could not totally avoid dealing with money and material goods… but that doesn’t mean we should put much trust in them…. It is to be used with caution and with a healthy suspicion for its inadequacy and shallowness….%%
According to Our Lord’s teaching, material possessions should be used, if they must be used, to cement the friendships and relationship s wherein the real and permanent value of life lie.%%
The Rabbis had a saying, "The rich help the poor in this world, but the poor help the rich in the world to come." Ambrose, commenting on the rich fool who built bigger barns to store his goods, said, "The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever." It was a Jewish belief that charity given to poor people would stand to a man's credit in the world to come. A man's true wealth would consist not in what he kept, but in what he gave away.%%
Luke’s gospel, we must keep in mind, was written and addressed largely to gentile Christians of Greek background who were people of influence and wealth and social status… So the gospel is clearly teaching them…… “A person can use his wealth selfishly, or he can use it to make life easier, not only for himself, but for his friends and his fellow-person. How many a scholar is forever grateful to a rich man who gave or left money to found bursaries and scholarships which made a university career possible! How many people are grateful to a better-off friend who saw them through some time of need in the most practical way! Possessions are not in themselves a sin, but they are a great responsibility, and the person who uses them to help their friends has gone far to discharge that responsibility.”
Lk.16:13 lays down the rule that no slave can serve two masters. The master possessed the slave, and possessed him exclusively. Nowadays, a servant or a worker can quite easily do two jobs and work for two people. They can do one job and another in their spare time. But a slave had no spare time; every moment of his day, and every ounce of his energy, belonged to his master. He had no time which was his own. So, serving God can never be a part-time or a spare-time job. Once a man chooses to serve God every moment of his time and every atom of his energy belongs to God. God is the most exclusive of masters. We either belong to him totally or not at all.
(References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; *https://bibleproject.com/podcast/finding-meaning-in-the-parables/ - ; %%Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press).
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock vector ID: 1310016229 - Filling the checklist. Amendment to the text. Vector image. The icon of the hand write - Contributor: e.s design
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.
Saint Robert Bellarmine
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.”
“On the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be wrong.” “When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.”
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”
“When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.”
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.”
“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...”
“Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have got heaven and earth, and all of creation.
“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.”
“All of creation is a song of praise to God.”
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
“Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness.”
“Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
“The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured. It must not be destroyed!”
“A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.”
“God has arranged everything in the universe in consideration of everything else.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.”
“I, God, am in your midst. Whoever knows me can never fall. Not in the heights, nor in the depths, nor in the breadths. For I am love, which the vast expanses of evil can never still.”
“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
“Our souls should be like a transparent crystal through which God can be perceived.”
St Januarius (Sep 19, 2022).
See the miracles in everyday life
Little is known about the life of Januarius, a bishop and martyr who died in the year 305, but he’s famous for a miracle that continues to happen all these centuries later. Three times a year in the cathedral in Naples, Italy, the faithful gather to witness a sample of his blood, kept in sealed glass, liquify and even bubble. There is no definitive explanation, and the blood cannot be studied since the vial is not allowed to be opened out of fear of permanent damage. Sound incredible? Some say yes. But does it even compare to the extraordinary tenets of your faith? Now that’s something much more consequential to marvel—every day of the year.
{Januarius, bishop of Benevento, together with one of his deacons, Festus, and Desiderius, a Lector, were among the many Christians put to death on the orders of Diocletian - in their case in 305 AD. St Paulinus of Nola was granted, shortly before his death, a vision of Januarius and of Irenaeus, sent by God to strengthen him as he faced death.
The miracle of Januarius’ blood is well-known and quite unexplained. Those who deny all miracles say that this particular miracle has a perfectly natural explanation; but they are unable to give one. God’s every day miracles, the birth of a baby, the coming into flower of a plant, are more important reminders of God’s wonder, but miracles like that of Januarius’ blood, can give us cause to ponder, too.
Let us call to mind our sins.
While Januarius is known most because of the seemingly miraculous liquifying of his blood that occurs each year on his feast-day, he is not a saint because of that. He is a martyr, one of many martyrs during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian. He was bishop of Benevento, near Naples, in Italy. On his way to visit some Christians imprisoned in Nola, he was arrested. He was tortured and, heavily manacled, made to walk in front of the governor’s chariot from Nola to Pozzuoli. There, in the circus, he was thrown to the wild beasts. They would not approach him; so he was beheaded.} MEMORIAL OF JANUARIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
MEMORIAL OF ANDREW KIM TAE-GŎN, PRIEST, AND PAUL CHŎNG HA-SANG, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS. “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Companions on the journey
South Korea has one of the largest Catholic populations in all of Asia. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn—the first Korean priest—played a role. As did Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, a lay Catholic born of a martyr who was martyred himself. In fact, the birth of the Korean church is a laypeople’s triumph. Pope John Paul II stressed this fact during his 1984 canonization of Tae-gŏn, Ha-sang, and 101 other martyrs: "Even though the Christians in the first half century had only two priests from China to assist them for a time, they deepened their unity in Christ through prayer and fraternal love. . . . The splendid flowering of the Church in Korea today is indeed the fruit of the heroic witness of the Martyrs." We, too, are called to be companions to the martyrs in building up the Body of Christ.
Apostle Saint Matthew.
Even tax collectors need a patron
Though we don’t know much about the apostle Matthew—even whether he was the actual author of the gospel that bears his name—we do know that he was a tax collector. And because of this, he was persona non grata in the Jewish community. It was the occupying Romans who demanded those taxes, so Matthew and his fellow taxmen were seen as collaborators. From the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus laid out the invitation to break out of righteous categories and see beyond narrow prejudices. A reminder for us to do the same.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
“Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Have courage and do not fear the assaults of the Devil.” Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
“Whoever does not meditate, is like someone who never looks in the mirror before going out, doesn’t bother to see if he’s tidy, and may go out dirty without knowing it. The person who meditates and turns his mind to God, who is the mirror of his soul, seeks to know his faults, tries to correct them, moderates his impulses, and puts his conscience in order.” Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
“You complain because the same trials are constantly returning. But look here, what have you to fear? Are you afraid of the divine craftsman who wants to perfect His masterpiece in this way? Would you like to come from the hands of such a magnificent Artist as a mere sketch and no more?” Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
“In order to attract us, the Lord grants us many graces that we believe can easily obtain Heaven for us. We do not know, however, that in order to grow, we need hard bread: the cross, humiliation, trials and denials.” Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions, you should only speak to Him with your heart.” Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
Remember that it is not a feeling of guilt that constitutes sin but the consent to sin. Only free will is capable of good or evil. But when the will sighs under the trial of the tempter and does not will what is presented to it, not only is there no fault, but there is a virtue. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
When you gossip about a person it means that you have removed the person from your heart. But be aware, when you remove a man from your heart, Jesus also goes away from your heart with that person. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.
©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 the Environment:
"We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behaviour... Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence ... We have no such right."
"The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish."
"We received this world as an inheritance from past generations, but also as a loan from future generations, to whom we will have to return it!"
"Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Cowardice in defending it is a grave sin."
"We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone,"
"God always forgives, we men forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives. If you give her a slap, she will will give you one. I believe that we have exploited nature too much."
"As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling."
"A Christian who doesn't safeguard creation, who doesn't make it flourish, is a Christian who isn't concerned with God's work, that work born of God's love for us."
"May the relationship between man and nature not be driven by greed, to manipulate and exploit, but may the divine harmony between beings and creation be conserved in the logic of respect and care."
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. photo ID: 173122346 - ROME, ITALY - at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo).- Photo Contributor: giulio napolitano
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/
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.
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.
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
The Gold Coast City Council car park adjacent to St Vincent's Church has reopened this week.
Space now available for approximately twenty cars, two hour parking limit. It can be accessed from the northern side of Remembrance Drive opposite St Vincent’s Church, next to the new Essence building currently under construction.
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: 2.30-4.30pm, 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.
The Bold and the Beautiful social group
Will meet for lunch at the Broadbeach Bowls Club, 12noon Thursday, 29th Sept. All are welcome.
Gold Coast Parishes — 24 hours Adoration - Southport
Tuesday 1pm to Wednesday 1pm every week at Guardian Angels Church 99 Scarborough Street, Southport. Parking onsite, church secured from 6pm to 8am. 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 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 for 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 commit themselves to working in the ‘Salesian way’. This means that young people are the central focus in 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 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.
1. Welcome to three new members over the past couple of weeks; outstanding artists, and a quilter!
2 Plenty of enthusiasm from our existing members involved in creating all sorts of items in the various aspects of what we do - painting, sewing, knitting, beading art, quilting, playing board games, making Rosary beads and lots more.
3. Great news from the Beads table - 500 Rosary Beads are on their way to ARMENIA this week to be distributed across this country. A big thanks to our team who made these!
Come along on Wednesdays, if you would like to dabble in the Arts; great company, plenty of conversation, no experience necessary, all ages and all ideas most welcome.
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 nine weeks are:
19/9/2022 Garry & Rudi Camera Benowa
26/9/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
4/10/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
10/10/2022 Merla Nario & Rodney Anthony
17/10/2022 Merla Nario & Rodney Anthony
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
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.
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary- Banyo-Nundah Parish
Applications are open for a casual position at the Banyo Nundah Parish. A person with excellent administration and secretarial skills is required for 38 hours a week, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. This position has the potential to become full time in the new year once the new Parish Priest has started.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Closing date – 23 September 2022 (Some interviews may take place before the closing the date)
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 II) - Fr Paul Kelly.
THE LAW IN ITS PROPER AND LIFEGIVING CONTEXT
Our Lord also said that he did not come to abolish the “law” but to complete or perfect it. The traditional Jewish/Christian understanding of the law was that it was made for the people’s good, not for the sake of itself. Law enshrined the values of God’s Kingdom and was a guide and protection for the principles and meaning of God’s ways. Jesus criticised those who distorted the law or used it to thwart the spirit of the Kingdom of God, but Jesus did not reject the law when it was used properly to guide and assist people in their lives as children of God.
In some Christian circles, the concept of “law” has developed somewhat of a bad name, mainly because of its misuse by the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’ time. They kept the letter of the law but broke the spirit of it. But a true understanding of “law” embodied in Jesus' life, reflects its fuller meaning, as also captured by Psalm 19:7ff. “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Proper understanding of the law can instruct and guide, protect the rights of the people, and enshrine the principles and values of God.
We all seek justice and truth in our lives. One lesser-known path of justice is known as “procedural justice.” This is when requirements are set down to ensure that certain things are done properly and in an orderly way, to ensure people’s rights and needs are not ignored or denied. It is in this spirit that the laws of the church are made. They seek to enshrine in practical and clear ways the values, principles and priorities of the gospel and the church's teachings. Laws also establish structures and organisations to ensure that the mission of the church and its daily activities and operations can be achieved in practical and effective ways.
The Catholic Church, as the Body of Christ and consisting of the People of God (including laity, clergy, and religious, and led by the pastoral care of its bishops in communion with the Pope), truly continues Christ’s mission of love, care, mercy, justice, inclusion and healing. This Body of Christ is a big “WE” in a communion of life and charity, and not an “us and them” as may have been the focus in the past.
The Church - faithful to Christ and his loving mercy - and constantly confirmed by the teaching of the church throughout the ages and reminded by Pope Francis' recent teachings understands that marriage, sacred and precious as it is, also occurs in the real world, with real people, (real couples), from different backgrounds and life experiences, who come together to marry.
Whilst upholding the sanctity of marriage, the church also acknowledges that things can go wrong and do indeed go wrong, despite people’s best intentions. Elements essential to marriage can be missing from the consent given by a couple at the time of their marriage, so the ability and understanding of parties to enter into the full sacramental meaning of marriage can be unfortunately impaired in particular circumstances.
Pope Francis, in his teachings in recent years, has been very helpful in reminding us that we are a Pilgrim people, and we are “on a journey,” and that this journey and pilgrimage is an ongoing process and not a completed and perfect state from the outset. Because of this reality of being “on the journey,” there must be room for growth and understanding and mercy and the recognition of brokenness, sin and hurt within the community. Even with this brokenness and pain, we remain always the beloved children of God in need of care, mercy, healing and nurturing.
The Catholic Matrimonial Tribunal exists as a vital ministry of the church, which is actually a ministry of care, healing, and support for people whose lives have been deeply affected by marriage breakdown. The Tribunal exists to assist people hoping to gain a sense of closure, clarity, healing and peace of mind about the truth of their marriage if it has broken down irretrievably.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
VI. WEAK RESPONSES
53. These situations have caused sister earth, along with all the abandoned of our world, to cry out, pleading that we take another course. Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years. Yet we are called to be instruments of God our Father, so that our planet might be what he desired when he created it and correspond with his plan for peace, beauty and fullness. The problem is that we still lack the culture needed to confront this crisis. We lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths and meeting the needs of the present with concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations. The establishment of a legal framework which can set clear boundaries and ensure the protection of ecosystems has become indispensable; otherwise, the new power structures based on the techno-economic paradigm may overwhelm not only our politics but also freedom and justice.
54. It is remarkable how weak international political responses have been. The failure of global summits on the environment make it plain that our politics are subject to technology and finance. There are too many special interests, and economic interests easily end up trumping the common good and manipulating information so that their own plans will not be affected. The Aparecida Document urges that “the interests of economic groups which irrationally demolish sources of life should not prevail in dealing with natural resources”.[32] The alliance between the economy and technology ends up sidelining anything unrelated to its immediate interests. Consequently the most one can expect is superficial rhetoric, sporadic acts of philanthropy and perfunctory expressions of concern for the environment, whereas any genuine attempt by groups within society to introduce change is viewed as a nuisance based on romantic illusions or an obstacle to be circumvented.
55. Some countries are gradually making significant progress, developing more effective controls and working to combat corruption. People may well have a growing ecological sensitivity but it has not succeeded in changing their harmful habits of consumption which, rather than decreasing, appear to be growing all the more. A simple example is the increasing use and power of air-conditioning. The markets, which immediately benefit from sales, stimulate ever greater demand. An outsider looking at our world would be amazed at such behaviour, which at times appears self-destructive.
56. In the meantime, economic powers continue to justify the current global system where priority tends to be given to speculation and the pursuit of financial gain, which fail to take the context into account, let alone the effects on human dignity and the natural environment. Here we see how environmental deterioration and human and ethical degradation are closely linked. Many people will deny doing anything wrong because distractions constantly dull our consciousness of just how limited and finite our world really is. As a result, “whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenceless before the interests of a deified market, which become the only rule”.[33]
57. It is foreseeable that, once certain resources have been depleted, the scene will be set for new wars, albeit under the guise of noble claims. War always does grave harm to the environment and to the cultural riches of peoples, risks which are magnified when one considers nuclear arms and biological weapons. “Despite the international agreements which prohibit chemical, bacteriological and biological warfare, the fact is that laboratory research continues to develop new offensive weapons capable of altering the balance of nature”.[34] Politics must pay greater attention to foreseeing new conflicts and addressing the causes which can lead to them. But powerful financial interests prove most resistant to this effort, and political planning tends to lack breadth of vision. What would induce anyone, at this stage, to hold on to power only to be remembered for their inability to take action when it was urgent and necessary to do so?
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/)
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