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‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (Luke 18:13)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 748122562. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 19, 2017: The parable The Prayers of Pharisees and Tax Collectors in the temple on the stained glass in St Mary Abbot's church on Kensington High Street. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PASTOR’S POST. Doing God’s Will
For as long as I have been seriously paying attention to what my faith has asked of me (sorry to admit that has not been all my life), I have been told that all we need to do is simply – Do God’s Will. Sounds simple enough, but it takes a great deal of discernment to negotiate the difference between God’s will and mine. Is God’s will just to love God and our neighbours as much as we love ourselves? Is it giving to those in need, selling all you own and giving it to the poor, turning the other cheek to those who harm you? How about honouring our father and mother and not taking the Lord’s name in vain? I could go on with listing the Ten Commandments and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It can sound like a very demanding and confusing list of requirements, supported by the Gospels as the instruction book.
This ‘Will of God’ does beg a few questions like: “What’s in it for us?” And equally: “What’s in it for God?” Valid questions for people genuinely prepared to seek some answers.
Recently during my retreat, I came across the writings of Saint Cyprian, a pagan convert who went on to become bishop of Carthage in the 3rd Century, who provided what I think is an excellent summary of the will of God. He put it this way:
“Humility in our daily lives, an unwavering faith, a sense of modesty in our conversation, justice in acts, mercy in deeds, discipline, refusal to harm others, a readiness to suffer harm, peacefulness with our brothers and sisters, a wholehearted love of the Lord, loving in him what is of the Father, fearing him because he is God, preferring nothing to Him who preferred nothing to us, clinging tenaciously to his love, standing by his cross with loyalty and courage whenever there is any conflict with his name and honour, manifesting in our speech the constancy of our profession and under torture confidence for the fight, and in dying the endurance for which we will be crowned – this is what it means to do the will of the Father.”
Clearly, there are some tough goals in his reflections, but I found his writing to be a helpful examination of conscience when we adapt them to our lives in this present time. Suggestions about modesty in our speech are something that comes to mind as a very contemporary issue, particularly when every day in any street, on the television, or on the sporting ground, we hear language that, until recently, was only used by criminals and bikies. It doesn’t sound any better when it comes from them. People of any age or gender seem to think that words we used to refer to as “coarse” are now thrown about with no concern about who hears them.
Similarly, refusal to harm others does not necessarily mean physical harm, which may heal much quicker than the abusive relationships meted out most often to children and women by spouses claiming to love, honour and respect the very people they treat so cruelly. While standing by his cross with loyalty and courage, embracing our faith proudly in a time when it is less confronting to keep quiet when others seek to belittle our participation in a faith community.
Of course, doing the will of God makes no sense whatsoever until we appreciate why God has a will at all. Why would God wish us to follow any particular path in life if it wasn’t for our benefit? If God is love personified, then what does God do with all that love? Surely we’re not following this mystical will only to discover that life was just as fulfilling without it. That no path is as meaningful as this path. Give it a try for a while and see if life gets any better.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL - PARISH
The annual Catholic Mission appeal for our parish is this weekend, 22nd/23rd October 2022. Mission speaker Jane Doogan will be speaking at some of the Masses this weekend.
This year World Mission Sunday has the theme “You shall be my witnesses (Acts 1-8). Our Catholic Mission Appeal supports the church's work in the Emdibir diocese of Ethiopia.
Here the church and community are working as one to create a goat-rearing centre where nutritious goat milk will be produced and distributed to families most in need.
No matter how big or small your contribution will have an impact.
https://www.catholicmission.org.au/ -
RAY BURTON FUNERAL
We gather to celebrate the life of RAY BURTON. Who began life’s journey on 11th June 1930, And entered Eternal Life on 14th October 2022. Funeral Mass of Christian Farewell. Stella Maris Catholic Church, Broadbeach. Saturday 22nd October 2022. At 11 am. All Welcome.
SPCL BINGO
“Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies” will be having their Bingo Tuesday on the 1st of November 2022, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. We will finish in time for you to go home and watch the Melbourne Cup. Please phone Maxine Sela at 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.”
LIFTING CHAIR FOR SALE - Adjust electric lift chair
My name is Martin, and I am trying to help my 99-year-old grandad recoup some money that he spent on an electric lift chair (which is brand new) that he can no longer use and I'm hoping you or someone in your organisation/community might be interested in buying it. This new, super comfy Avante brand Studio Adjust electric lift and massage chair was purchased by my grandad in February this year - 2022, for $1,899 from a retailer in Tweed Heads. However, due to floods/COVID, it was only recently delivered to him - BUT sadly, my 99yr old grandad can no longer use it, and the retailer will not refund, so I'm trying to recoup some costs for him by selling the chair, to help with other medical bills. The fabric has had Scotchgard professionally applied in the store. The colour is called ‘wheat’ which can go with any interior decor. The chair has a dual motor lift and reclining action with a 6-motor vibration unit for massage. It includes remote controls (still in plastic), a user manual, receipts of purchase and 3x removal fabric pieces to help protect the fabric on the arm and headrest.
I'm happy to negotiate a price for those who are genuinely interested - however, full disclosure, I've also currently got it advertised on the Facebook marketplace for $1499.
If you are looking for a chair like this, don’t overpay in-store and wait months for one to be delivered, you can buy this new chair and use it straight away - and also know that you are financially helping a 99yr old pensioner. If you want to talk to my grandad to confirm this story check out, I'm more than happy to introduce you to him - although he is living at Mountain View Retirement Village in Murwillumbah. Pickup from the Robina location - or I can deliver within the Gold Coast area for a small extra fee.
If you or someone you know are interested or would like more photos/information, please feel free to reply to this email or call me directly on 0421874020. Kind Regards - Martin Palac. Mob: 0421 874 020.
Email: m_palac@hotmail.com
DURING CHURCH SERVICES - FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING the HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES!
Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. Also, please do not close the doors in the church as we need a flow of fresh air. Coordinators are following Church Health and Safety directions. It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that may better suit your needs or bring something warm to put on. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Fr Paul, along with many jubilarians at a recent weekday Mass at the Cathedral
Replay of the Jubilee mass here:
https://youtu.be/aRMM_SVkpbY?list=PL8-1Dil2Zzb_v-0khKGn5WkAxsRJgEqwE
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
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
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
***PLEASE NOTE: ITALIAN MASS RETURN - “ ITALIAN MASS to be held at Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. on the 23rd October, 30th October and onwards. Everyone is welcome. 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:
Be humble and allow God to do great things through you. (Luke 18:9-14). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“…for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14). Pride and ego are the root causes of most of our sins.Thinking your time is so valuable or your talent is better than anyone else or your money gives you status is another way of making those things “gods” before God.Pride is the opposite of humility.Remember, all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God.We should be humbled by God’s incredible generosity and be grateful for all we have been given. Ultimately, gratitude leads us to humility. 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: Patrick Joven de Leon, Baby Samuel Timothy, Maria Yuna, Pauline Dolan, Peter Lofts, Phil Bawden, Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Geoffrey Dixon, Margaret Haerse, Annie Scicluna, Jo Clark, Kay Pitman, Michael Murtagh, Leslie Clarke, Lena Hiscock, John Nathaniel Maher, Shirley Montford, Beryl Dorfield, Joanne Mooney, Patricia Roberts, 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, 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, Milka Barac, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Savannah Ayoub, Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Patrick Byrnes, Bernard (Bernie) Markijevic, Penny Speedy, Antonio Cruz, Nivalda Lopes Da Silva, Marianne Nelson, Aparecida Jose Teixeira, Ray Burton, Donnie Williamson, Betty Eviston, Duncan Dawson, Helen Watter, Paz Tumbokon, Derrick James Thompson, Fr Joe Sardie, Baby Adele, Phyllis Taheny, Fay Marie Giovine, Phillipa Kennedy, Liudmyla Ganshyna, Baby Theodore, Rhona Egan, John Weinber, Sr Carmel Hodkinson PBVM, Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Helen McMeniman, Sr Mary O’Brien, John Smith, Gienna Rufus, Kees Van Grinsven.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Stephen Schreck, William Francis Taylor, Wilhelmina Antoinette Vos, Vincent Netting, Gaetana Cutayar, John Aloysius Kelly, Mary Frances (Billie) Mullahy, Kurt Hillesheim, Ryan Andrew Hogan, Betty Neilsen, Jesuraya Yema Nadar, Robert James Duncan, Alicja Paciej, Claude Wilfrid Rene, Glennis Ann Lamb, Dorothea Hay, Urbana Villagomez, Mary Wylie, Andrew Keith French, Shirley McEvoy. And also Mello Scharenguivel, Emy Vetsch, Harold Alexander, Gwen Hoare, Yvonne Martin, Therese Hooworth, Sylvia Moray, Bea Hughes, Nalin Sena, Alex Renoul, Edwin Emile Ware, Rodney Bertram Matthews, Cecil John (Digger) Hogan, Marta Goran, Virginia Mary Fay, Bessie Rice, Cecilia Louisa Vlemmix, Christine McQuee, Danielle Suzanne Marthe Marie Begaud, Helen McIntosh Davidson Kelly, Rosario Nocal, Carmen Kruse, Julie Mary Ritchie, William Henry Mitchell, (Uncle of Robyn Hunt), Philippe Melham Aouad, Flora Hodge, Elizabeth Neilsen.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Share some good news
The church isn't stationary but missionary. The word Mass shares the same root as mission: to be sent. We enter the sanctuary weekly to prepare for our mission. This World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis shares his "dream of a completely missionary Church." To embrace this vision is to do three things: Bear witness. Do it everywhere. Trust the Spirit. We remember on this day five Adorers of the Blood of Christ from Illinois who embraced the vision and were martyred in Liberia in 1992. One sister wrote: "We need to move to the call of our mission, not to the call of our comfort.” Venture out of your comfort zone. “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that through me the proclamation might be completed.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
“For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfilment, and will not disappoint.” Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2
“Thus says the LORD the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion!” Amos 6:1a, 4-7; 1.
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
MASK WEARING
The risk of Flu and Covid virus is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, so please consider using masks and hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible, still highly prudent.
BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.
Infants and children are baptised at the request of their parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God’s commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION October 2022
Over 50 children are now preparing for the First Rite of Reconciliation which will be celebrated on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 5:30 pm in Sacred Heart Church. These children are fully initiated members of our Catholic family of faith and they are now preparing for Reconciliation which is a Sacrament of Healing. Within the Children’s Sacramental Program, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion.
On the cross, Jesus has already given his life for each of us. In the sacrament of Reconciliation, we simply give God a chance to share with us the infinite merits of his Son. We accept God’s invitation to be restored in our relationship with God and the Church.
The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team has prepared a program similar to the Confirmation and First Communion At Home Preparation Programs. Please pray for these children and their families as they prepare to embrace God’s love and forgiveness through this healing sacrament.
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.
SILENT WEEKEND RETREAT
God delights in me. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
18 – 20 NOVEMBER 2022. At SANTA TERESA RETREAT CENTRE - Ormiston, Brisbane. Santa Teresa has the main chapel and a small adoration chapel. Outdoor prayer spaces include a Labyrinth, Cana walk, Hermitage, Yarning Circle, prayer walks and Stations of the Cross. It sits on beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Moreton Bay. Catering: It is a fully catered facility (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning & afternoon teas), with a chef who can accommodate any dietary requirements. Their website https://santateresa.org.au Accommodation: single bed & ensuite. Cost: $350 per person for two nights. Program: Group sessions [Meditation, Reflection, Creative Contemplation, Mass, Blessings, etc.] Individual companioning available with Spiritual Directors Catherine Smith & Lynne Head-Weir Bookings essential: Mareece 0413071552 Email: mareecem@hotmail.com - For further information: contact any one of us. St Mary’s Coomera Parish Retreat Team Catherine Smith: csmith3183@gmail.com Lynne Head-Weir: lynneheadweir2@gmail.com; Anne-Marie O’Connor: amoconnor54@hotmail.com ; Mareece Grant : mareecem@hotmail.com
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - Being “at rights” with God.
Our Church's Liturgical year is coming to an end soon. We have a three-year cycle of readings in which we hear from the three main Gospels in-depth, and this year that is coming to an end is the Year of Luke's Gospel...Year C. and it's been a wonderful journey. Next year's gospel will primarily be Matthew's Gospel. Each of them has a special focus. In Luke's gospel, we hear some of the most beloved parables that are not featured in the other gospels. Oh, and if you are wondering why there is a three-year cycle when there are four gospels, John's gospel is so significant for special times in the year that it features heavily within all three years, as well as augmenting the gospels such as Mark which are shorter than the others. So we get a very wonderful large selection of texts from all of the gospels over the three years. This weekend is another excellent and thought-provoking parable... the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector. What matters most to God is what is within... what is in our hearts and minds... and how this flows out consistently into justice, kindness, compassion, and loving actions.
The parables of our Lord combine together to build an extraordinary and beautiful picture of God's view of the world and God's people. The parables of Jesus, collected together in Luke's gospel, which we have been listening to throughout this year, create a clear picture of the Kingdom. For example, the parable of the Prodigal son, or the two sons who act like slaves and forget they are beloved sons of the father, and even last weekend's gospel of the unjust judge, who does the right thing but for the wrong motive. The unjust judge didn't care about God or the poor widow but only did the right thing because he was sick of being annoyed and wanted to get the widow out of his hair. And of course, today's parable where the person who does everything right according to God's law, is offside with God because of the lack of charity and humility in his heart.
The person labelled a sinner is at rights with God because he is humble and repentant and knows his utter dependence on God's mercy and grace. I am deeply struck by the earlier parable of the prodigal son's older brother. He, too, has done everything right and worked on his father's property very diligently. But he is in the wrong because he acts more like a slave and not like a beloved son. he works begrudgingly and without love and is resentful and judgemental, and has lost concern and love for his brother. It takes a slave working for his father to try and explain the realities: "your father had to celebrate because he got his son back safe and sound." You know you are in trouble when you don't get something and the hired workers do. Same with the Pharisee in today's gospel, he does all the right things but not with the right spirit of love and of being an eager shareholder in the family of God, not just a resentful and judgemental slave who goes through the motions of faithfulness but who is quite unloving at heart.
Today's gospel is about true inner humility.. and also refraining from judging others. The Pharisee in the gospel seemed a righteous and upright man who outwardly did everything God's law required….but inside his heart and mind, we discover that he was filled with pride and conceit and judgementalism.
His actions were loveless and uncharitable, and he looked down on his neighbour who outwardly did not appear to be as righteous as the Pharisee seemed to be.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone. the tax collector's mind and heart were actually much closer to God. He was penitent and humble.. and knew his place. He recognised his absolute need for God's grace and mercy and that he did not deserve or merit God's love, that God gave this grace and mercy out of love (as a loving parent does), and that all of us depend on God's generous love and mercy…
It is true, God does want us to be faithful co-workers for the Kingdom and eager, compassionate, loving ones at that. Of Course, God wants us to do the right things and avoid doing wrong, but first and foremost because choosing the wrong path is terribly bad for us and God wants only good for us. But as important as doing good is, just as vital is HOW we do this good and how we avoid the bad. The love with which we do this is an essential factor.
This gospel brings to mind the life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, (the Little Flower). Her famous 'little way' was built on such principles......It turns out that actually Therese always focused primarily on why and how one does the things they do. She also was too well aware, as Saint Paul writes, that it is possible to do great acts of bravery, sacrifice and good, but for a wrong motive - and without love in one's heart.
Thérèse knew that a person can do kindness to someone not out of love but rather, of pride or superiority. The action itself might be good, but it does not foster love within the person nor strengthen unity between God and ourselves. Such acts do no good whatsoever (as St Paul puts it in his famous letter to the Corinthians).
Also, a person can do something that can be mistakenly interpreted to be selfish or hurtful but where their inner intention and object were quite the opposite and was actually done with great love and out of concern for the good of another or to build up the love between God and ourselves.
St Thérèse gives an example of the time her superior asked her and another nun: "Which of you two would like to go and open the door to let in the man delivering the Christmas tree?"
Thérèse (filled with love and concern) believed that her fellow nun would have loved to do this, so she rose from her seat slower than the other, slowly untying her apron and putting up her hand after the other sister raised her hand. The superior, mistaking the motivation of her heart for selfishness, singled out Thérèse in front of everyone and said 'Aha, so Thérèse didn't want to go and do the hard work, so she responded slowly. No glory for you then!"
Everyone assumed she had acted selfishly, but her inner motivation was not that at all. Her actions or others' judgements of those actions did not reveal the true motivation of her loving heart. This is very revealing of the inner working of the heart attached to God.
On top of this, and in the true spirit of the Gospel, Thérèse also determined never to try to justify or explain herself if wrongly judged; for she felt it would be her pride that would be trying to prove that she did not act selfishly. ironically, Thérèse would not have even shared this example with anyone in her writing s, except her Mother-Superior ordered her, under her vow of religious obedience, to write down her life and insights as an act of absolute generosity. The head nun rightly judged that these secret insights from Therese would be enormously inspiring and helpful to other souls. So the sharing of these things was itself a sacrifice that might have looked to some like self-promotion.
So Thérèse showed that she had a healthy caution when it came to judging merely external acts.
Outward appearances can be quite misleading and ambiguous. Thérèse also developed a healthy ambivalence to both receiving compliments and receiving criticism or negative judgement from others. (Her previous experience had taught her that the judgements of others as to the state of her inner heart - or anyone else's heart - were quite unreliable, to say the least) – Only God truly and fully knows the human heart and its true motives.
There is a little example that Thérèse cites which I love ………One day she was walking along, and a nun said to her, "my… my, you are putting on weight, that is not God's will for us. ……" Thérèse nodded respectfully and kept walking. Then Thérèse met another nun as she continued along the same corridor, and the older nun said to her: "My goodness child, you are so thin. Dear me you are wasting away. You are like a skeleton. God wouldn't want you to be skin and bones." Two completely opposite judgements within seconds of each other, based on incorrect assumptions from external appearances. And to both contradictory judgements, Therese gently and lovingly nodded and continued on her way. (This is simply amazing and wonderful!).
Incidents like these underlined to Thérèse that she ought not to rely on others' opinions and judgements in order to get a sense of self-worth; a worth that truly comes alone from her identity as an infinitely beloved child of God and not by her own merits or virtues or what other people think of our hearts or motives. Thérèse also believed strongly in the scripture passage 'judge not, and you shall not be judged.'
Imagine three people looking at a person. Imagine that one of the three is God and the other two are ordinary people. One person might point to the subject person and say: "I see a saint!" and the other might say, "well, I see a sinner." Meanwhile, note how God answers in an entirely different way, coming from a completely different mindset and perspective. God says, "I see my dear child - for whom I want only all that is good .... and whom I love utterly."
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; and "Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux" (1898)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1999042286- VIENNA, AUSTIRA - JUNI 24, 2021: The fresco of the parable of Pharisee and the tax collector in the Votivkirche church by brothers Carl and Franz Jobst (sc. half of 19. cent.). Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
OCTOBER 22 - Saint John Paul II, pope
The future starts today, not tomorrow.
Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.
As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.
Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.
Love is never defeated, and I could add the history of Ireland proves it.
Loss leads to life
Pope Saint John Paul II, canonized in 2014, was revered for his many accomplishments during his long pontificate. What is less well-known about the beloved pontiff is that he experienced tremendous loss early in life. The future pope lost his mother when he was only 9, his eldest brother when he was 12, and his father when he was just 21. Perhaps this is why Saint John Paul II made the “culture of life” a focus of his pontificate: the “church counters the culture of death with the culture of life,” he said as he advocated for all life issues in statements such as this: “May the death penalty, an unworthy punishment still used in some countries, be abolished throughout the world.” Let loss lead to life.
OCTOBER 24 - Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop
Christian perfection consists of three things: praying heroically, working heroically, and suffering heroically.
I will be kind to everybody, particularly to those whom I find troublesome.
A son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary...is a man who unceasingly expends himself to light the fire of divine love in the world. Nothing stops him.
Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbour- it will work wonders.
When people love and recite the Rosary they find it makes them better.
An apostolic missionary must have both heart and tongue ablaze with charity.
The Christian who desires to follow Jesus carrying his cross must bear in mind that the name "Christian" means "learner or imitator of Christ" and that if he wishes to bear that noble title worthily he must above all do as Christ charges us in the Gospel: We must oppose or deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow him.
Our Lord has created persons for all states in life, and in all of them we see people who who achieved sanctity by fulfilling their obligations well.
Lord, by the words of consecration the substance of the bread and wine is converted into the substance of your Body and Blood. All powerful Lord, say over me the word which will change me into You.
The faith I have when I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is so strong that I find it impossible to express what I feel... When the time comes to leave I must force myself to overcome the inclination to prolong my stay with Jesus.
Although the sinner does not believe in Hell, he shall nevertheless go there if he has the misfortune to die in mortal sin.
When I see the need for Divine teaching and how hungry people are to hear it, I am atremble to be off and running throughout the world, preaching the word of God. I have no rest; my soul finds no other relief than to rush about and preach.
When I am before the Blessed Sacrament, I feel such a lively faith that I can't describe it. Christ in the Eucharist is almost tangible to me...When it is time for me to leave, I have to tear myself away from His sacred presence.
It was the consideration of the multitude of souls which fall into the depths of Hell because it is of faith that all those who die in mortal sin are condemned forever and ever. According to statistics, approximately 80,000 persons die every day. How many of these will die in mortal sin, and how many will be condemned, for, as their lives have been, so also will their end be.
When you see a condemned man on his way to the gallows, it moves you to pity. If you could do something to free him, you would do it. Well, brothers and sisters, when I see a person in mortal sin, I see someone drawing nearer with every step to the gallows of hell. And seeing him in this unhappy state, I happen to know the way to free him: that he be converted to God, ask God's pardon, and make a good confession. Woe betide me if he does not.
Once [a soul] is condemned by God, then God's friends agree in God's judgement and condemnation. For all eternity, they will not have a kind thought for this wretch. Rather they will be satisfied to see him in flames as a victim of God's justice. ("The just shall rejoice when he shall see the revenge . . ." Psalm 57:11) They will abhor him. A mother will look from paradise upon her own condemned son without being moved, as though she had never known him.
OCTOBER 28 - F - Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
Wisdom of St Jude –"Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Jude 1:1-2)
"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21).
©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: Francis on Solidarity.
"Life is a journey. When we stop, things don't go right."
"We must always walk in the presence of the Lord, in the light of the Lord, always trying to live in an irreprehensible way."
"Solidarity, as a moral virtue and social attitude born of personal conversion, calls for commitment on the part of those responsible for education and formation."
"It is impossible for peace to exist without dialogue. All the wars, all the strife, all the unsolved problems over which we clash are due to a lack of dialogue. When there is a problem, talk: this makes peace."
A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/pope_francis.html#utXMg0CHJ3IXueOK.99
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS AT THE SACRED HEART CHURCH AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
Still a few copies of the October Catholic Leader available $4.
Check out the shops this weekend, new stock has arrived.
Break Open the Word, Daily Mass Books and the Advent Book will be available from 13th November onwards…. Watch this space!
SPCL BINGO
“Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies” will be having their Bingo Tuesday 1st of November 2022, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. We will finish in time for you to go home and watch the Melbourne Cup. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.”
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12.
Activities include art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc.), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -OUR LADY’S STATUE
Details of the Statue of Our Lady which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary :
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next seven weeks are:
24/10/22 Blanche Braganza, Benowa
31/10/22 Blanche Braganza, Benowa
7/11/22 Bernadette Hensley & Family, Arundel
14/11/22 Bernadette Hensley & Family, Arundel
21/11/22 Rachel & Kermal Courtino, Broadbeach
28/11/22 Rachel & Kermal Courtino, Broadbeach
5/12/2022 Garry & Rudi Camera, Benowa
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
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.
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
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.
PILGRIMS FOR MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.11.2022. 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.
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. Euro Concert 26/10/22. https://www.coasit.asn.au/events/euro-concert-gold-coast/
Volunteer Opportunities - English Teachers, Youth Workers & Youth Ministers
The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, providing overseas volunteer experiences for Australians who wish to work with disadvantaged young people.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers for January 2023 departure. Our volunteer placements run for 6-12 months and are centred around working with young people in educational settings. We are currently recruiting volunteers for Cambodia, Samoa, Timor Leste, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
We aim to utilise the skills and talents of our volunteers to provide the best possible contribution to the host community. Our aim is not to ‘help’ but to walk in solidarity with young people and for volunteers and hosts to have a mutual learning experience. We are also present in host communities to be role models - people that young people can aspire to be.
Cagliero volunteers who commit themselves to work in the ‘Salesian way’. This means that young people are the central focus of all work. The Salesian way also means approaching life in a joyful way with a loving heart. The experience as a Cagliero volunteer is not about the volunteer but is focused on the people we go to serve. However, serving as a Cagliero volunteer will probably be the most rewarding thing you ever do!
For more information, or to send us an inquiry, follow this link: http://cagliero.org.au/
Applications close on October 31st, 2022. Contact: Lauren Hichaaba, Director of the Cagliero Project
Email: lhichaaba@salesians.org.au
Youth Coordinator @ Mango Hill / North Lakes https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=579972
Parish Secretary @ Stafford https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=573058
Youth Coordinator @ Beaudesert https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=569638
Administration Assistant @ Beaudesert https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=569622
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 - Fr Paul Kelly.
(Tribunal of marriage - continued- Fr Paul Kelly …)
THERE ARE A FEW MISUNDERSTANDINGS WITH REGARD TO THE WORK AND EFFECT OF A MATRIMONIAL TRIBUNAL.
One frequently hears the question: “are you suggesting that my marriage never happened, or that my children are illegitimate?” The answer to this is a definite NO. This is definitely not what is happening.
Canon 1137. “The children conceived or born of a valid or putative marriage (a union understood to be a marriage) are legitimate. (Brackets are my emphasis).
This means that a declaration of invalidity does NOT mean “I was never married, or our children are not legitimate.” This is quite wrong. Of course, there was a marriage! Of course vows were exchanged. Of course children were born of this marriage. These are historical facts.
The Church, in declaring a nullity is not saying the marriage did not happen. Rather, it is declaring that there were one or more key elements missing at the time of exchanging the vows that meant the entering into the full meaning of marriage as a communion of love and life between parties to the marriage and the understanding and ability and discernment of being able to fulfil the obligations of what a marriage is, were sadly not all present at the time of the wedding:
In our region, before an inquiry into annulment can begin, the marriage must have broken down irretrievably and ended. Also, civil divorce, settlements, and children’s custody matters should already be finalised.
The church is saying that, in certain circumstances, it would be unjust and not in accord with the truth of a situation where a central defect is shown to be present that made it not possible to enter into the marriage fully as understood by Our Lord’s teachings. This can be found even if the marriage went on for some years, or even many years, although again this would need a clear explanation. This is a pastoral and caring response to the brokenness that occurs in many lives, and a way of putting closure and hopefully some healing for people as they rebuild and move forward in their lives after painful breakdown of marriage.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
73. The writings of the prophets invite us to find renewed strength in times of trial by contemplating the all-powerful God who created the universe. Yet God’s infinite power does not lead us to flee his fatherly tenderness, because in him affection and strength are joined. Indeed, all sound spirituality entails both welcoming divine love and adoration, confident in the Lord because of his infinite power. In the Bible, the God who liberates and saves is the same God who created the universe, and these two divine ways of acting are intimately and inseparably connected: “Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you… You brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders” (Jer 32:17, 21). “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grows weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless” (Is 40:28b-29).
74. The experience of the Babylonian captivity provoked a spiritual crisis which led to a deeper faith in God. Now his creative omnipotence was given pride of place in order to exhort the people to regain their hope in the midst of their wretched predicament. Centuries later, in another age of trial and persecution, when the Roman Empire was seeking to impose absolute dominion, the faithful would once again find consolation and hope in a growing trust in the all-powerful God: “Great and wonderful are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways!” (Rev 15:3). The God who created the universe out of nothing can also intervene in this world and overcome every form of evil. Injustice is not invincible.
75. A spirituality that forgets God as all-powerful and Creator is not acceptable. That is how we end up worshipping earthly powers, or ourselves usurping the place of God, even to the point of claiming an unlimited right to trample his creation underfoot. The best way to restore men and women to their rightful place, putting an end to their claim to absolute dominion over the earth, is to speak once more of the figure of a Father who creates and who alone owns the world. Otherwise, human beings will always try to impose their own laws and interests on reality.
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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