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“Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.” Luke 16:25
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1999042277 -
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - JUNI 24, 2021: The fresco of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in the Votivkirche church by brothers Carl and Franz Jobst (sc. half of 19. cent.). - Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PASTOR’S POST. Do The Right Thing.
Recently, I was asked by a parishioner when I thought the Archbishop might reintroduce the obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday Mass, which had been lifted during the pandemic. I truthfully answered that I didn’t think it would be any time soon, if at all. The question reminded me of the issue of the obligation to get vaccinated and to wear masks during the pandemic. I wondered then why we needed a law imposed that would impel us to ‘do the right thing’. The obligation to attend Mass should be the obligation of gratitude and spiritual enrichment for every baptised Catholic as a personal commitment.
While I understand why Canon Law # 1247 states that:
In ordinary circumstances, Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. This includes refraining from work that impedes the worship of God or due relaxation of mind and body (can. 1247). If it is impossible to assist at Holy Mass for some grave reason, the faithful are strongly encouraged to spend an appropriate time in prayer either personally or as a family (can. 1248§2). A “grave reason” that makes it impossible to attend Holy Mass is generally understood as risking one’s health/safety or another’s health/safety. Therefore, when one is sick, injured, or the sole caretaker of another person, these situations qualify as legitimate excuses to refrain from attending the Eucharistic celebration.
As the pandemic started to take hold, our Archdiocese, along with many others, lifted the canonical obligation to attend Sunday Mass in an attempt to restrict the impact of the virus. This is within the mandate of the local bishop to lift this obligation for his diocese. Initially normal parish life ceased to operate, but slowly and with great care we started to return to life as close to normal as we could get. Parishioners returned and the pews started to fill up again.
Although there are still some people who have not returned, our numbers are very close to pre-pandemic levels and, while certain restricted practices are still in place, like no Holy Water in the fonts and no sharing of the Precious Blood, people do what they have always done – adjusted to the circumstances and learned to live with the conditions of the day. They appear not to need an external obligation to be imposed other than their own desire to be connected again to the faith community that connects them with their God.
I do not understand why this obligation is not something we as individuals might require of ourselves, without having this imposed by a Church authority.
For some reason when I was a child I did not like cleaning my teeth twice a day. I didn’t understand how my teeth might be damaged if I didn’t give them attention. It was bad enough having to go to the dentist, without doing his job for him. Similarly I didn’t know why it was necessary to stand up straight, or polish my shoes, or make my bed or mow the grass. These were chores that didn’t have sufficient value for me to take an interest. Back then they were more a discipline than a benefit.
Equally I wasn’t all that fussed about getting out of bed on a cold morning to head off to an even colder church to hear the priest rattling on about subjects that held no interest for me. It was only when I grew a little in my understanding of what the Mass was about and why there were more things happening than the homily, that I started to pay more attention and took more personal ownership about why I was not giving up something more important to attend, but was receiving something that gave my life more purpose and direction. The reason for going to Church far outweighed the inconvenience of getting there.
So we ultimately set our own standard, and we honour our baptismal commandment according to our own conscience. As we grow from childhood confusion and uncertainty to adult maturity and understanding, so it is with our faith. None of us is obligated to love God, but having experienced what God’s love, guidance and compassion feels like, why would we not want to return frequently to gather as a community who want to give thanks.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
Sunset showing the cross above Sacred Heart Church. 🙏 Geoff Parsons
LITURGY NEWS
The latest edition of the Liturgy Brisbane publication Liturgy News is now available for free. Please click here: LITURGY NEWS
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
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 WITHIN PARISH - 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.
NO ITALIAN MASS on the 9th and 16th 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:
Who do you identify with – the rich man or Lazarus? Choose to notice others and reach out to those in need. Support those who serve the poor. (Luke 16:19-31)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established…” Luke 16:25-26
When God created the world, He declared that it was good, and He gave it to all mankind for us to enjoy. However, over the years, we have created a chasm between those who have great gifts and those who do not. In today’s Gospel, we see that with our generosity, we must bridge that gap between those who have much and those who have little, or we may find ourselves on the wrong side of the chasm in the next life.
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, 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, 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: 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, Bruce Smith, Sr Cecilia Anning RSJ, Barbara Arthurson, William Walker, Remi Young,
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: 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. And also: 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.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Blessed are the wanderers.
Biblical prophets warn the comfortable not to overlook the suffering of those less fortunate. Today on World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we support the church's solidarity with uprooted people since the Second World War. A mass exodus to the West of Soviet bloc refugees prompted Pope Pius XII, future Pope Paul VI, and layman James Norris to form the International Catholic Migration Commission. The ICMC continued its response to the "boat people" of Vietnam, Bosnian Muslims, Afghani refugees, and more. Their efforts restore dignity, inspire change, and companion the displaced. Welcome the stranger.
“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
Children who have made their First Communion in June 2022 are also eligible to participate in this Preparation for Reconciliation.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
This weekend, God's word emphasises the importance of empathy and compassion. -- particularly, having the eyes of compassion, which are not blind to the suffering of others around us. The readings give a "big serve" to all who enjoy every kind of luxury but who are quite ignorant of people in extreme need (for even the basic necessities) - - People who are "hidden in plain sight." The Lord wants everyone to know that the sick, the poor, and the outcast, are very dear to him. They are cherished children, as dear to God as the loftiest person on earth. The Lord desperately wants us to see and recognise our fellow brothers and sisters and to respond to them as we would a brother or sister in need. Their welfare is our welfare since we belong to the same family of God. This is faith, hope and love.
++
The Parable in this weekend's Gospel is often called The Story of "Lazarus and "Divés". These are supposedly the names of the poor man, who certainly is called Lazarus, and the rich man, who is actually not named - and I think he is deliberately not given a name in this parable.
The word "Divés" is a Latin word that translates as "Rich". So, it is actually not a name, but rather a description.
In many Biblical stories, and in the culture of the time, the importance of the person is often shown by the fact that they are given a "name". To know the name of someone is to know and understand the importance of that person.
It is an error, then when commentators attempt to give a name to the rich man when it is clearly not intended in the parable. This story is deliberately turning the usual conventions on their head. Usually, the rich and influential person is regarded as so important that they must have a name in the drama, whilst the unimportant, insignificant character of the poor person remains nameless, as well as being without food, shelter or supplies. However, Our Lord's parable makes it quite clear that the most important person in this story is Lazarus! The whole point of the story is to overturn the usual expectations of status and importance. Tragically, this point is also lost on the rich man who, even in the torment of Hades, still misses the point badly.
He ignorantly requests Abraham to command Lazarus to cross over to Hades to serve him with a little taste of water. However, his request is rightly denied. Lazarus is poor no longer! he is no longer unseen and without value in the eyes of those around him. He is no longer at the beck and call of the powerful and influential who would only have noticed him if he were of some practical use to them at the time – (and if he was of no use to them, he would be quite invisible to them).
As St. Basil said in one of his homilies on this parable, "Tell us the reason why you have received your possessions. Is it so that God may be unjust? Does God unequally distribute those goods necessary to live? Why are you rich and another poor? To the hungry belongs the spare bread that you keep. To the naked, the cloak you keep tucked away. You commit as many injustices as there are people to whom you could give."
One of the great failings of the rich man in this parable is that he is ignorant and apathetic to the poverty and need of people around him; -- people who turn out to be his brother and his sister in God's Kingdom. … SO, these needy people are co-heirs to the Kingdom which this uncaring man will never inherit….
This parable invites us to change our way of seeing things. The gospel tells us in countless ways that the last will be first. Our Lord calls upon us to truly build up a world based upon true gospel values….. a world and the Kingdom of God which is filled with many people like Lazarus, who are despised now by those who, according to the parable, do not deserve to have a name.
The parable leaves no room for doubt. The unnamed rich man tries to say he had no idea about the plight of the poor. However, "Father Abraham" will have none of this! He dismisses this categorically, saying "you have the word of God to listen to." The words and teachings of the Scriptures are more than enough to guide us in how we should live.
In spite of the clarity of the gospel message, we admit that we too can look for excuses or ask for more obvious signs before we respond to the blatant demands of justice and compassion. The priorities of the gospel are really quite plain enough, without any further embellishment…. we only have to pay attention.- to look, listen and feel.
Those who ignore the poor are rejected by the Lord. Saint Paul gives us the reason for such behaviour: "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Greed leads us to place our trust in money when all true power rightly comes only from God. This is why Paul calls it 'idolatry.' And the poor are victims of this distorted worship, which separates people by a great chasm, -- unable to be crossed over.
But all is not lost… This parable continues from the earlier parables in this section. Although we are told that the rich man faced a great gulf between himself and the Kingdom of God, where Abraham and Lazarus in Paradise. …. Jesus has already given his carefully attentive listeners a hint… and a key… There is actually one way out of this seemingly impossible situation -- In theory, this rich man can be saved….. But he is so ignorant that he cannot even comprehend it, and so in practice, he probably will never access this reprieve… He must act just as the foolish younger son did in the parable of the Prodigal Son…. He must, come to his senses and see the folly of his ways. He must say to his heavenly Father (from the depths of his heart) --…. "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against earth… I no longer deserve to be called your son, treat me as one of your hired servants…. "….. Because we KNOW, (from Jesus' own lips), what the Heavenly Father's response will be to those who realise their error, and who awake from their apathy, truly repent… and turn back…….
Again. Luke's gospel is particularly addressed to influential and affluent Gentiles who want to be good Christians. Our Lord did not tell this parable so that people will give up in despair because their unavoidable destiny is Hades. He teaches this parable to wake them up from their apathy, and get them to show their fraternity to those who are bowed down.
Someone once write into a publication to share a little example: One day they received an appeal from a reputable foreign mission, asking for an aid donation. The person wrote a little cheque out to support the mission appeal and felt good about it. Then they went out to the local shopping centre and promptly spent twice as much on discretionary spending. Suddenly this person shares that their eyes were opened and they were overcome with a sense of shame as they realised the chasm between the two actions. This person quickly returned home and wrote five more cheques out, explaining that they were doing this to "catch a few more 'Lazaruses,' at the door"….(or even further afield)…….
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; Fr. John Fuellenbach, SVD, (Rome), Sabbatical Lectures 2007. Rome. (Notes of Paul Kelly); A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE. (2010).
Photo Credit: Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 313796105 DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 16, 2015: Homeless Jesus statue on August 16, 2015 near Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
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.
SEPTEMBER 26 - Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, martyrs:
Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers born in Syria in the third century. They were also doctors, and they became known as “the holy money-less ones" because they cared for the sick free of charge. The strange practice of accepting no money for medical care was their way of embodying God’s providential love and care for his people. And folks took notice.
The twin brothers were arrested on September 27, during the persecution of Christians by Diocletian in 303. Soon after, the faithful brothers defied death by water, fire and crucifixion before they were finally beheaded in Cilicia, along with their three brothers. They were buried in Cyrrhus, Syria.
Veneration to Cosmas and Damian began immediately. The faithful asked for their intercession, especially in matters of physical illness. St. Gregory of Tours spoke about the twin brothers this way: “These two physicians cured as many people by their prayers as they did by their medical knowledge, and now in heaven they still care for the sick miraculously.”
St. Cosmas and St. Damian are patron saints of pharmacists, physicians, and surgeons. In fine art, they are usually depicted in lined robes, hoods or cylindrical physicians’ hats, carrying surgeons’ bags and instruments. They are represented by a box of ointment and medical emblems.
Saint Vincent de Paul: (SEPTEMBER 27 - Saint Vincent de Paul, priest)
“Humility is nothing more than the truth, and pride is nothing but lying.”
“You will find that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humoured. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting masters, you will see. And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them.”
“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favourable light at all times and under all circumstances.”
“Go to the poor: you will find God.”
“Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity.”
“The kingdom of God is peace in the Holy Spirit; He will reign in you if your heart is at peace. So, be at peace, Mademoiselle, and you will honour in a sovereign way the God of peace and love.”
SEPTEMBER 28 - Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyrs
Saint Lorenzo (Lawrence) Ruiz (1600-1637), a husband and father, the first saint of the Philippines and the first Filipino martyred for the Christian Faith. He and 15 others were martyred at Nagasaki, Japan in 1637. The group included two consecrated women, two other laymen, two brothers and nine priests.
Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila, Philippines, to a Chinese Father and a Filipino mother who were both Catholic. Educated by the Dominicans, he was a devoted and active Catholic, a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, and a third-order Dominican. He was a husband and father of two sons and a daughter.
In 1636, while working as a clerk for the Church, Lorenzo was falsely accused of murder and forced to leave his country. The Dominican fathers who knew Lorenzo arranged to have him take a ship to Japan. Soon after arriving in Japan, Lorenzo was captured for being Catholic and brought to Nagasaki, where he was tortured. He was promised a safe journey back to his family if he renounced his faith, but he refused. He was tortured for days and finally murdered on September 29, 1637, by a notorious torture tool known as "the pit." Their bodies were crushed while hanging upside down for three days, then they were burned. The ashes were thrown into the Pacific Ocean.
On February 18, 1981, Lorenzo Ruiz became the first person beatified outside the Vatican when Pope St. John Paul II beatified him in the Philippines. He and his companions were canonised on October 18, 1987, in Rome. Saint Lorenzo is the patron saint of the Philippines and the Filipino people.
“When government officials asked, ‘If we grant you life, will you renounce your faith?’ Lorenzo replied: ‘That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for Him. I would give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please.’”
Saint Wenceslaus, martyr, (SEPTEMBER 28)
“But his deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched.” Chronicler of St Wenceslaus.
Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, archangels, (SEPTEMBER 29)
“But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!.’” Jude 1:9
Saint Jerome: (SEPTEMBER 30 - Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church)
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better, and your better is best.
The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes, without speaking, confess the secrets of the heart.
Catch, then, O catch the transient hour; Improve each moment as it flies!
The line, often adopted by strong men in controversy, justifies the means by the end.
The friendship that can cease has never been real.
True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.
Early impressions are hard to eradicate from the mind. When once wool has been dyed purple, who can restore it to its previous whiteness?
Why do you not practice what you preach?
Beauty, when unadorned, is adorned the most.
©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 Hope:
"Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!"
"From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us."
"Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God."
"Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts."
"God's love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to put on faith, hope and love as we go out into the world and become the word in body as well as spirit."
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1211304220 - Turin, Italy-June 21, 2015: Pope Francis during Mass for the faithful on the occasion of the Pope's visit to see the Exposition of the Holy Shroud. Photo Contributor - Stefano Guidi
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.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies (SPCL) BINGO
Tuesday on the 4th of October 2022, from 10.00am to 1.30pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
The Gold Coast City Council car park adjacent to St Vincent's Church has reopened this week.
Space is now available for approximately twenty cars, a 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.
Additional parking is still available only metres from St Vincent’s Church at the King’s Car Park, entry via Beach Road.
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.
The Bold and the Beautiful social group
Will meet for lunch at the Broadbeach Bowls Club, 12 noon Thursday, 29th Sept. All are welcome.
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 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 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 four weeks are:
26/9/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
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 $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 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.
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 III - Fr Paul Kelly …)
The people who approach the church and its ministers for assistance are asking for an inquiry to be made into their marriage breakdown.
There is much misunderstanding about the Tribunal and the process of inquiring about questions around marriage annulment. I am happy to say that having been introduced to the processes and ministry of the Tribunal, the Marriage Tribunal is indeed a truly pastoral ministry that respectfully assists people to make sense of the truth of their marriage.
People who approach the Tribunal or who are referred to the Matrimonial Tribunal will be relieved to find, as I have discovered in my dealings with the Tribunal, (and from the Tribunal course I have recently undertaken), that those who work in this ministry are a group of caring, faith-filled, hard-working and very busy group of Christians who are undertaking this ministry to be of assistance in gaining understanding and closure after the pain and difficulty of marriage breakdown.
People in the tribunal are respectful and sensitive people who have been through many great difficulties. This process is very careful to respect the rights of all parties to a marriage and aims at arriving at the truth of the situation, thereby offering truth, justice and hopefully peace of mind.
The old Catholic Code of Canon Law (1917), described marriage as a “contract", - which can certainly give a rather “contractual” and business-like impression of marriage. That does not really capture the concept of a communion of persons entering into a lifelong union of mutual love and care. In contrast, the new code of Canon law (1983) now reflects the positive and dynamic insights of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), which describes marriage as a covenant, just like the loving and grace-filled image of the covenant which God makes with his beloved people in the Scriptures.
The Tribunal is part of the church's exercise of its healing ministry. It is a pastoral exercise of applying the rules established to protect the rights and values of Christian Marriage, and also protect the rights of both parties to a marriage, and uphold the Catholic understanding of God's holy vision of marriage in the light of the particular individual situations that each marriage finds itself in.
Because the church respects and defends the sanctity of marriage according to God’s intention, it always presumes that weddings undertaken by a couple are valid and are entered into with the necessary intention and will. When inquiring into any doubts about the validity of a marriage, the church, and everyone involved in the process, are intended to work together as one. We are all searching for the truth of the marriage and the truth of the circumstances of individual marriages. The church and all involved in these processes do not go on a "fishing expedition,” as if it were actively searching for grounds that would prove the invalidity of a particular marriage. Neither does the Tribunal and its ministers go actively looking for faults. Rather, the process listens to the parties to the marriage and their selected witnesses to allow the truth of the situation to unfold.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
58. In some countries, there are positive examples of environmental improvement: rivers, polluted for decades, have been cleaned up; native woodlands have been restored; landscapes have been beautified thanks to environmental renewal projects; beautiful buildings have been erected; advances have been made in the production of non-polluting energy and in the improvement of public transportation. These achievements do not solve global problems, but they do show that men and women are still capable of intervening positively. For all our limitations, gestures of generosity, solidarity and care cannot but well up within us, since we were made for love.
59. At the same time we can note the rise of a false or superficial ecology which bolsters complacency and a cheerful recklessness. As often occurs in periods of deep crisis which require bold decisions, we are tempted to think that what is happening is not entirely clear. Superficially, apart from a few obvious signs of pollution and deterioration, things do not look that serious, and the planet could continue as it is for some time. Such evasiveness serves as a licence to carrying on with our present lifestyles and models of production and consumption. This is the way human beings contrive to feed their self-destructive vices: trying not to see them, trying not to acknowledge them, delaying the important decisions and pretending that nothing will happen.
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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