PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23: 43).
Original Painting - Courtesy of Peter and Cathy Anderson. Painting Peter Abraham.
Christ Crucified. Painting in the Parish Office, Clear Island Waters.
PASTOR’S POST. There Will Always Be Hope
The following piece was written by Brother Damien Price CFC when he was chaplain at St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace in Brisbane. He had the role of school chaplain and would offer words of wisdom like these to the students every week in their school newsletter. He was highly respected by the students and many parents knew that their sons were in excellent hands when Damien’s wisdom was shared well beyond the college community. I often re-read this piece to remind me to not surrender to negative perspectives, when they seem easier than an optimistic and positive approach.
Sometimes it feels like there is a wall, a giant wall right in front of you: too high to climb, too long to walk around. Sometimes it feels so heavy, like a wet blanket holding you down. Sometimes it feels endless, like a long dark tunnel and your legs are so weary. Sometimes it’s so confusing, a swirling world of irrational feelings and thoughts. Sometimes you lose and lose again. Sometimes it’s like a spider’s web and you are trapped by circumstance, and sometimes it’s like a runaway train and you have no control. The “it” might be the pain, the shame, the fear, the loss or the hurt, associated with life’s battles, big or small. It’s at theses times we need to find hope, and we need to find meaning; a reason to keep on going.
Hope is such a fragile thing. Hope - it’s that little voice that says, “Don’t give in”; that small flickering flame of courage, in the face of overwhelming odds; the will to try again. Hope - the belief that winter will end, the rain will come, and the prodigal will return, the hardened will be softened, the closed will be opened and all will be well.
It is said that the people who have most trouble with death are those who feel as though they have never done anything worthwhile with their lives, and if God could only give them another year or two maybe they would finally get it right. It was not death that frightened them, it was insignificance, the fear that they would die and leave no mark on the world.
Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth or power. These rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. No, our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter: so that the world will be just a little better for our having passed through it.
If there is one story, one drama rich in every human emotion from intimacy to fear, joy to sorrow, one series of choices that is complete in meaning and in hope, it is the story of Jesus. A story freely offered to those who make the time to listen, but sadly we have engrossed ourselves in the latest distraction and we miss the reason for it all, too busy looking for meaning where it never existed.
Brother Damien Price from ‘The Worth of the Ordinary’
Fr Peter Dillon PP
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
As we all look towards the Advent season and preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth the Surfers Paradise Vinnies conference is calling on all parishioners to help give hope to struggling local families.
Over the coming weeks Vinnies will commence collections of gifts for our annual Christmas hamper appeal. On the weekend of 26th and 27th November Vincentians will hand out scrolls with specific items that you can contribute as a gift towards hampers. Each year this appeal allows for the distribution of hampers to over 100 families in our community and ensures that they are able to enjoy a Christmas meal with their loved ones.
On the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of December the Vinnies annual Christmas appeal will take place with collections at the end of every Mass. This financial appeal is critical for our parish Vinnies conference to urgently assist those most in need.
The ongoing generosity of this parish has ensured that local Vincentians have been able to support over 550 local families in need this year.
Many of the families we visit need urgent support with basic necessities including food, fuel and clothing. We increasingly see companions at risk of homelessness and we aim to do all that we can to help them retain their home or obtain temporary respite from living on the streets. Due to your support we have been able to provide hope to an increasing number of families. Your generosity in the past year has helped local Vincentians to provide over $35k of urgent food and fuel assistance and over $45k in rental, utility, furniture and medical assistance - collectively helping to provide locals with hope and a hand up where the current cost of living crisis is not ending.
Any support helps, however, a $75 donation helps provide a family with enough food for a week, ensuring that kids do not go to bed hungry. $250 helps Vincentians provide emergency electricity or utility bill relief, keeping the lights on and helping kids complete schooling. Increasingly Vincentians visit local families at risk of eviction amid a rental crisis - where we are able to on average it costs us $600 to bring rent up to date and keep a family in their home.
Should you wish to understand more about our conferences good works or have any questions you are able to email our conference at sv4217@svdpqld.org.au ;
the President Craig.McMahon@svdpqld.org.au or
the Treasurer Adrian.Biermann@svdpqld.org.au
Best regards,
SVDP Surfers Paradise Conference
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES (Date Claimer)
{NO SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ON CHRISTMAS EVE}
STELLA MARIS CHURCH, BROADBEACH
{Stella Maris. 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, 4218}
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS.
Christmas Day: 7.00 AM
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE
{St Vincent’s. 40 Hamilton Avenue. Surfers Paradise 4217}
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS. (SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MASS TIME ONLY)
Christmas Day: 8.00 AM & 10.00 AM
Also, Sunday night 25th December - Christmas night Mass (Sunday 25th) at 5:30pm at St Vincent's Church run by the Hispanic Community.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS
{Sacred Heart - 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters, 4226}
Christmas Eve (vigil): 5.00 PM=FAMILY MASS with Children’s Nativity Play
(See note below for more information)
8.00 PM SPECIAL MASS (Christmas Eve only).
Christmas Day: 9.00 AM (No Sunday night mass at SH, except the 4pm Italian Mass)
12.30PM POLISH MASS (confirmed) - Sacred Heart (25th and 26th)
4PM ITALIAN MASS. (confirmed) - Sacred Heart
SPANISH MASS AT ST VINCENT’S SUNDAY NIGHT (25/12/22)- 5:30PM
{NO CHRISTMAS EVENING Sunday night MASS AT CLEAR ISLAND WATERS}
Christmas Eve 5:00 pm FAMILY MASS including Nativity Play
Sacred Heart, Clear Island Waters
Would your children like to be part of our 2022 Nativity Play?
Everyone is welcome to come to the practices: Monday, December 18 (10:30 am), Wednesday, December 20 (10:30 am) and Friday, December 22 (10:30 am) The practices are to prepare any interested children for parts in the Nativity Play presentation of the Gospel story of the First Christmas. The children will present their play at our 5 pm Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Each practice will be run by our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson and should take about 90 minutes.
As numbers may be large, we want to know that all children are being well cared for at these practices, we ask that every child who attends is accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions regarding the practices or the play, please email our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
To celebrate ‘Life Remembrance Month’ during November, the Book of Remembrance will be placed and remain on a small table on the sanctuary, in front of the lectern.
You are invited to enter names of your deceased loved ones and friends who have gone before us. The book will be available at the back of the Church this weekend 27/28 October and then placed on the small table at the Sanctuary from 1st November where names may be added throughout the month. The book will remain in that position until Advent.
WARNING - WARNING - WARNING -
A scam has been going around where emails purporting to be from Fr Peter or Fr Paul (or other priests etc) are asking parishioners to help them in a difficult situation - the message claims that they cannot be contacted as they are “just about to go into a meeting” but could the person reply by email. The scammer then gives story that the priest is trying to help a friend in financial difficulty - and the object is to get money or gift cards bought. this is absolutely a scam. The priests and staff of the parish and the archdiocese would never solicit money in that way. Please do not respond or cooperate with any such requests. Please let others know who might be likely to be affected. We do not ask people for money for personal matters and our parish official collections are conducted through proper channels.
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.
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 13th November 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:
The Church needs shepherds. Pray that the bishops will lead us well and rely on the power of God. (2 Samuel 5:1-3). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“….giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.”Colossians 1:12. God wants us to be happy! Instead of looking at the Ten Commandments as being restrictive and telling us what we can’t do, look at them as guides for living a joy-filled and peaceful life. Most of our problems arise when we put our own needs first, or we spend most of our time trying to acquire more stuff. Instead, try putting God first in all things. We were made for God. Open your heart and let Him in!
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: Angela Hawes, Millicent Monteiro, Precious Bautista, Sally Fisher, Jameal Tooma, Jean Di Benedetto, Sebastian Condon, Maria Manuela, Rogelio Rodriguez, Tony Metzen, John Nathaniel Maher, Gus Reeves, Patrick Joven de Leon, Baby Samuel Timothy, Maria Yuna, Peter Lofts, Phil Bawden, Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Geoffrey Dixon, Margaret Haerse, Annie Scicluna, Jo Clark, Kay Pitman, Michael Murtagh, Leslie Clarke, Lena Hiscock, Shirley Montford, Beryl Dorfield, Joanne Mooney, Patricia Roberts, John Thomas, Tom Ross, Joanne Parkes, 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.
And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: John Bastable, Clare Hammond, Anthony Hendry, Pauline Dolan, Rita Donaldson (mother of Fr Paul Taubman), Lawrence Byrne, Acushla (Margaret) Patton, David Joshua Maher, Vivian Williams, Florence (Flora) Smith, Leo Lampago, Ray Burton, Patrick Byrnes, Bernard (Bernie) Markijevic, Anthony Hendrie, Penny Speedy, John Domain, Antonio Cruz, Nivalda Lopes Da Silva, Marianne Nelson, Aparecida Jose Teixeira, Donnie Williamson, Betty Eviston, Duncan Dawson, Eamon O’Dowd, Patsy Kelleher, Mairead Stynes, Helen Watter, Paz Tumbokon, Derrick James Thompson.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: ALL Holy souls (during this month of November). Elizabeth di Leo, Guiseppe (Joe) Canavo, Giacomo (Jack) Ulliana, Remedios Solatan, Alfred Desira, Elizabeth Anne Topalov, Maurice Cook, Arthur Bocking, Eve Barry, Paul Louis France Melanie, Irene Bridget McPhie, John Peter Reid (Father of Mary Connelly), Eileen Dougherty (And Dcd Husband John, Dcd At A Different Time), Leonardo Sorrenti, Latina Adele Calista, Werner Meyer, David Valencour, Ryan Evalds Erglis, Mervyn Kenneth Nelson, Maria Hue Thi Nygen. And also: Stanley McQuee, Samir Moussa, Shirley Elizabeth O'Brien, Phyllis (Phyl) Woodhead, Agnes Kean Main McDermott, Benjamin Gage, Westgate, Bruck, Woodgate & Wheeler families, Halam & Amelia Japour, Bob Sutcliffe, Mary Kirsch, Pat Conway, Giuseppe (Joe) Iulianetti, Bob And Rose O’Sullivan (Parents of Madelon Sutcliffe), Bridget Frances Dalton, James Kenneth Ackroyd, Ronald George (Ron) Burnell, June Marea Cogan, Bruce Barry Basil Buckley, Sim Bee Hiang, Pauline Margaret Brooks, John Bernard Landrigan, Dorothy Briffa, Alan Whitbread, Effie Elizabeth Clark, Elizabeth Mary Pauli Rose, Mary Catherine Reeves, Bridget Weston, Grahame Roberts, Sandra Smart, Anne Weston, Wayne Allan Pearce, Garry Edward Pearse, Eve Barry, Kelly Marie Sutherland, Dora Crisante, Sidney James Slater; and Birthday anniv. of the late beloved Shirley O’Brien.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Suffer the little children to enter paradise
Jesus promises Paradise to a man dying in disgrace next to him on the cross. Today, on World Children's Day, we can bring Paradise a little closer by contemplating 10 principles the United Nations calls the "Rights of the Child," including Every child without exception should have a name and nationality; access to physical, mental, moral, spiritual, and social development; food, housing, and medical care; love and understanding; education and moral guidance; protection from exploitation and discrimination. Our Catholic preferential option for the poor and respect for a life fully embraces the welfare of children. "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:35-4. SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
ONLINE ADORATION - From Shalom Media - Fr Paul - November 10th, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqyUyxp5Hso
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.
Sacrament of 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 Surfers Paradise 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 to confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION - 20 October, 2023
We have received word from the Archdiocese of Brisbane Episopal Offices so we can now confirm the date for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the Surfers Paradise Parish will be on the evening of 20 October 2023.
Within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Confirmation is the second sacrament that children are invited to receive. Confirmation completes Baptism.
For the celebration of Confirmation in 2023, parents of children in Year 3 or older are invited to enrol their children in the continuing Sacramental Journey (Confirmation, Eucharist and then Reconciliation). In our parish, the Sacramental Journey involves preparation and celebration for children and their parents. It requires a small number of meetings and the completion of an At Home Preparation Program led by the parents and supported by the Parish Sacramental Team.
The enrolment form (one form for each child) is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
Once on the website, use the drop down menu under Sacraments to click on Confirmation; scroll down the page to Children’s Sacramental Program Application Form. Next, please complete the orange and red form and finally, click on Submit. You will receive an automated email response to indicate that your form has been received. In Term 3, 2023, you will receive an email from the Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, providing further details regarding meetings and documentation.
Please continue to regularly check the parish newsletter for Confirmation updates and further information.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION Either May 28 at 11:00am or June 4 at 11:00am, 2023
Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of Sacramental Initiation. The Sacrament of Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Through this sacrament, the child can fully participate in the Eucharist (also known as the mass) by receiving Holy Communion.
In 2023, children in Year 4 or greater who have previously been enrolled in our Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Journey are invited to participate in preparation for their First Holy Communion. During Term 1, 2023, these families will receive an email inviting their child to participate in the At Home Preparation Program for first Holy Communion.
For those who are new to our parish in 2023, parents of children in Year 4 or greater are invited to enrol their children in the continuing Sacramental Journey (Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion and then Reconciliation). The enrolment form is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
Once on the website, use the drop down menu under Sacraments to click on First Holy Communion; scroll down the page to Children’s Sacramental Program Application Form. Next, please complete the orange and red form and finally, click on Submit. You will receive an automated email response to indicate that your form has been received. In Term 1, 2023, you will receive an email from the Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, providing further details regarding meetings and documentation in relation to the At Home Preparation Program.
Please continue to regularly check the parish newsletter for First Holy Communion updates and further information.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION November 9 at 5:30pm, 2023
Penance is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices. The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated through the Rites of Reconciliation.
In Term 3, parents of children who have completed their Sacraments of Initiation with Surfers Paradise Parish will receive an email invitation to participate in the At Home Preparation Program for Reconciliation.
For those whose children received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) in other parishes and who wish their child to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance in Surfers Paradise Parish, The enrolment form is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Please continue to regularly check the parish newsletter for Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) updates and further information.
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 -
The church liturgical year is slightly different from the calendar year by about a month. The last Sunday of the church liturgical year ends rightly with a celebration of Christ, the King of heaven and earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death and is now King of the Universe. God's Kingdom is established and present amongst us and within us, but it is not yet fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be put under Christ's feet.
Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God through our everyday actions and choices. God's kingdom is one of peace and justice, and compassion. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom - and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against it.
What a perfect gospel to represent the Kingship of Our Lord. Even if it is surprising and thought-provoking.
It reveals a stark contrast:
A King is ordinarily portrayed sitting in glory on a magnificent throne, dressed in fine clothes, with attendants beside him and surrounded by the trappings of his power.
But, here is Jesus the king- ruling from the Cross- With no trappings of power. Except for the power of love.
As the writer, Bruce Prewer puts it so wonderfully:-
"What should the worldly-wise do with an "un-kingly" king?
Who:
-flatly refuses to take authority over armies
- who will not grant cabinet posts to cronies
- who will not, even for one day, live in a palace
- who refuses to hate enemies or plot their downfall
- who mixes in common crowds without any sense of royal dignity
- who won't have a bodyguard or wear a safety vest
- who refuses to play political games or engage in betrayals or backstabbing to increase his power
- who will not dress in gilded robes or wear a jewelled crown?
What on earth, indeed, would the worldly-wise do with such an "un-kingly" king?**
Today is when we are asked to turn an idea upside down.
To firmly take words such as "king" and "power," "strength" and "victory" and turn the meaning of these words inside-out.
Christ is our King, the monarch of all things. He is that humble, compassionate person who–
"- never went to university
- never wrote a book,
- never held any public office,
- had few if any, friends in high places on earth,
- in his adult life, he never travelled far from his tiny home country,
- never met anyone much more important than a provincial governor or some foreign wise men.
His only crown was a terrible wreath of thorns.
His only throne was two planks of wood – forming a cross.
(no earthly court for this king. Rather, at his right hand and his left, two dying thieves)."**
The end of the church year should declare Jesus to be the King of Heaven and Earth. The Lord Jesus is the King of the universe. At the end of all things, Christ's universal Kingship will be revealed in its fullness.
The Lord is rightly the king of our world, our lives, our priorities, our plans, our hopes and our dreams. If only, Lord Jesus, you would fully establish your Kingdom values in our lives now. We long to have our whole selves transformed by the peace, justice, love and forgiveness that marks your gospel, Lord.
On this feast of Christ the King. I am thinking particularly of the complete transformation God has done to our concept of "Kingship," "power," "authority" and even of the usual definition for "victory" and "success".
Our previous human concepts of these words and their meanings are (to put it bluntly) pretty shabby. Not far from the surface, many people have the ingrained belief that "power" is about "dominance" and "having the upper hand" over others. It often goes hand in hand with the "use of force" or the "implied threat of force." In rather limited human terms, many think that "authority" is about who can push their point of view the strongest, loudest or longest. Kingship is often considered to be about separation, distance, privilege, prestige and aloofness. Power often seems to be about winners and losers. It is also often considered to be about “survival of the fittest” - // “all is fair in love and war,” and “eat or be eaten.”
So, In comes God. And, (through the life and example of Jesus), totally transforms the meaning and definition of these things. It is such a surprising transformation that you can hardly recognise that it is the same thing. And many in this world will never accept or recognise that God's definition of these things is the right one.
"God- with- us" came down very close to us. He was not a distant authority but one who has lived in our flesh and known our experience. “Being there” for others is such an important gift and skill. Time is the most important gift we can give, and it should be given generously. But sometimes work, illness and circumstances hamper our availability to "be there" for others. But we keep searching for ways of being present to others in need. Whether it is. Letters, cards, phone calls and the like.
Jesus sets clear principles on behaviour. We all know the 'Golden Rule' that we should be compassionate, forgiving etc. We need to love the way Jesus loves, setting clear principles in our lives so that we and those around us can be our best selves with behaviour that makes us fully human and fully alive. Jesus loves us, but that is very different from telling us to do what we like.
Jesus sets the example. The behaviour Jesus wants us to do, he did first. Our Lord did in actions what he said with his words.
Jesus loves us as a parent loves us. Not for what we can give or do back; but simply because we are created in God's image, as are all people.
The world cries out for this newly renovated definition of authority, power, victory and kingship. Which is more about family and relationships, care, protection, and love.
Out goes "survival of the fittest," and in comes a Kingdom of people who ensure that the frail and the weakest members are not left behind. And indeed, who are carried along with us- on our tough journey to God's house. - The Kingdom shows that a truly Christ-like community is discerned by how much the most vulnerable are protected by the strongest.
We today celebrate that we desire more than anything to participate in and hold true to the values of Christ. (the King and his Kingdom). Which we joyfully and humbly admit is the true way in all things.
To you, Christ our King:
We bring our lust for power and set it down before your rejection of power.
We bring our love of money and place it before your willing poverty.
We bring our stubborn pride and set it before your utter humility.
We bring our pay-back mentality and lay it before your mercifulness.
We bring our desire for self-glory and put it before your passion for the Father's glory, not yours.
We bring our inveterate self-interest and rest it before Your self-giving.
We bring all our vain wisdom and lay it before the "folly" of your cross.**
- To Jesus- Lord of All the earth. To you be honour, glory and true power and authority, forever and ever- Amen-
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; **Brief Prayers for Busy People. Author: Bruce D Prewer. ISBN 978- 1- 62880- 090- 6). Web site www.acresources.com.au; Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun from Tanby near Rockhampton. On "Celebrating Jesus' authority."
Image: By Thoom. Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 322637498. "Wooden cross with a crown of thorns on a white cloth background."
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.
St Cecilia:
“Death and hell combine to distract man with a thousand useless cares, and to engage his thoughts with a multitude of imaginary wants.”-St. Cecilia
“We pray you to please help us as His fair praise we sing! We lift our hearts in joyous song to honour Him this way.”-St. Cecilia
St Columban (543-615)
“We, indeed, are, as I have said, chained to the Chair of Saint Peter.”
“Be gentle to the weak, firm to the stubborn, steadfast to the proud, humble to the lowly.”
“Be helpful, when you are, at the bottom of the ladder and be the lowest, when you are in authority.”
“Be slow to anger, swift to learn, slow also to speak, as St James says, equally swift to hear.” “Be respectful to the worthy, merciful to the poor.” “Be mindful of favours, unmindful of wrongs.”
St Clement
Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.
This world and the world to come are two enemies. We cannot, therefore, be friends to both; but we must decide which we will forsake and which we will enjoy.
We should let God be the One to praise us and not praise ourselves. For God detests those who commend themselves. Let others applaud our good deeds.
Charity unites us to God... There is nothing mean in charity, nothing arrogant. Charity knows no schism, does not rebel, does all things in concord. In charity, all the elect of God have been made perfect.
Who can describe the bond of God's love? Who is able to explain the majesty of its beauty? The height to which love leads is indescribable. ... In love the master received us, Jesus Christ our Lord, in accordance with God's will gave his blood for us, and his flesh for our flesh, and his life for our lives.
Filthy talk makes us feel comfortable with filthy action. But the one who knows how to control the tongue is prepared to resist the attacks of lust
... faithfully and strenuously you should resist the heretics in defence of the only true and life-giving faith, which the Church has received - the apostles and imparted to her sons. For the Lord of all gave to His apostles the power of the Gospel, through whom also we have known the truth, that is, the doctrine of the Son of God: to whom also did the Lord declare: 'He who hears you, hears Me; and he who despises you, despises Me, and Him who sent Me' (Lk. 10:16).
St Andrew Dung-lac & Companions
Image: St Andrew Dung-Lac and Companion Martyrs | photo by Lawrence OP | flickr
Prayer from the Mass of the Saint - O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions faithful to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant, through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
St Catherine of Alexandria
Text about St Catherine: - From this martyr’s uncommon erudition, and the extraordinary spirit of piety by which she sanctified her learning, and the use she made of it, she is chosen in the schools the patroness and model of Christian philosophers.
©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:
Each of us has a vision of good and of evil. We have to encourage people to move towards what they think is good... Everyone has his own idea of good and evil and must choose to follow the good and fight evil as he conceives them. That would be enough to make the world a better place.
A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.
Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.
Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.
We all have the duty to do good.
Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.
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.
Find new ways to spread the word of God to every corner of the world.
I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars. You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.
The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly human goal.
If one has the answers to all the questions - that is the proof that God is not with him. It means that he is a false prophet using religion for himself. The great leaders of the people of God, like Moses, have always left room for doubt. You must leave room for the Lord, not for our certainties; we must be humble.
Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will not be good.
Human self-understanding changes with time, and so also human consciousness deepens.
Where there is no work, there is no dignity.
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/pope-francis-quotes
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1392413996 -Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass
Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Filip Viranovski
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS LOCATED AT SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
Statues have finally arrived from Italy, the more popular statues, Miraculous, Infant of Praque, Divine Mercy, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Holy Family are just a few available. Others may be ordered by ringing Pat 0404805819
HEART OF THE DISCIPLE
- available now, is the latest Advent Resource from Evangelisation Brisbane Cost $5.
A 28-day reflection resource for Advent titled HEART OF THE DISCIPLE , is a small book that is easy to carry, and read, while commuting or sitting at home.
Its main purpose is to help us to find a few minutes each day to practice what it means to sit with God and to trust God to lead us forward.
Each day there is a double page spread with: the date; a Scripture verse; a short reflection; a quote from Pope Francis; and a short prayer.
In the way that John the Baptist announced the coming of something new, so giving people hope and offering them healing, we are to live lives that inspire others to reach out to God.
To do this, we must learn what it means to have the ‘heart of a disciple’ – increasingly open to hearing and responding to God.
Learning to do this takes time, but it begins with simply ‘showing up’. We learn to put the time aside each day to allow God to teach us who he is and how he communicates with us.
This mini book is available now at the Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s Piety Shops, until sold out.
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:
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- (20th Anniversary this year)-
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 - (2022 last session on 13 Dec - resumes on 24 January 2023)
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.
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 (2022 last session on 13 December - resumes on 10 January 2023)
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 13.12.2022. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare is $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with a contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine at 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
Roll up your sleeves; make a difference overseas.
Do you require professional renewal, or are you seeking a retirement challenge? Communities abroad are asking for qualified and experienced Australians able to mentor their people in education, health, administration, trades, agriculture and more.
Imagine yourself re-engaging your vocational passion in Africa, Asia or the Pacific. Since 1961 Palms Australia has been recruiting Australians able to offer mentoring that will allow overseas counterparts opportunities otherwise unattainable. Sharing your skills will strengthen the capacity of workers overseas to serve their communities for generations to come, long after you return home.
Communities in American Samoa, Cambodia, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Zambia are seeking to fill a variety of roles.
Enquire about those roles via www.palms.org.au or by calling 02 9560 533 or 0422 472 567.
The Fabric of Our Lives - A Quiet Weekend for Women of Faith
God is the Master Crafter, and each day lived in relationship with God is an opportunity to create something wonderful - a life which is gradually woven by the coming together of relationships, events and experiences, and ultimately, overseen by the One who is love.
This weekend is an opportunity to explore the bits and pieces of the everyday as well as the extraordinary moments that come together to create a life – our life.
Hosted and Facilitated by: Grace Harwood of Dragonfly Ministries
When: Friday 9 December at 6pm – Sunday 11 December at 3pm
OR
Friday 20 January at 6pm – Sunday 22 January at 3pm
Where: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston
Cost: $380 ($350 for concessions) includes all accommodation, meals (an additional fee for special diets), resources, spiritual direction and facilitation.
To register or enquire: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283
Relevant recruitment processes underway:
Administrator – Holy Spirit Seminary
Full time offering
Small cohesive team
North-side location
The Holy Spirit Seminary QLD serves the five dioceses of QLD – Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville – in preparing candidates for priesthood. Founded in 1939, the Holy Spirit Seminary is located in Banyo in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. For over eighty years, young men have trained here in preparation for a life of priestly ministry in the Church in QLD and beyond.
The role of the Administrator is to provide effective and efficient administrative and secretarial support primarily to the Rector and subsequently all others working at the Seminary.
Specific responsibilities of this role include:
Administrative / secretarial; minute taking, archiving, corresponding, managing diaries, timesheets for support staff, travel bookings, purchasing of essential supplies / equipment,
Financial; processing payments, reimbursing of expenses and reconciling,
Hospitality; accommodation requests, bookings for halls / chapels and liaising with catering staff,
Maintenance; oversees site works / security.
The successful applicant will have:
High level communication and interpersonal skills,
Sound time management skills, Ability to operate in a unique organisational environment, Microsoft Office proficiency, Significant experience in, knowledge of and commitment to the Roman Catholic Church.
This is a full-time role working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The position will be remunerated under the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020.
If you would like to know more about this role or would like a copy of the Position Description, please contact Seamus Baldwin (HR Coordinator) at baldwins@bne.catholic.net.au
Alternatively, please click on the apply via link below, providing a copy of your current résumé and covering letter which outlines your suitability for the role.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=587407
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 that we conduct 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 a zero tolerance to abuse of children or vulnerable adults.”
- Catholic Chaplaincy Coordinator @ UQ https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=587440
- 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
- Project Officer - Justice, Ecology and Peace<https://au3.jobadder.com/job-ads/584032 > @ Evangelisation Brisbane https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=584032
- Administrator @ St Mary’s Coomera https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/?ja-job=591985
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 the abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
What do Catholics believe happens after death?
The Church believes that a person faces the particular judgement at death. God judges our souls and finds us either able to enter heaven immediately, needing to go through further purification in purgatory, or capable of hell because of our refusal to detach ourselves from sin and our unwillingness to repent. At the end of time, there will be a general judgement, at which time our bodies will be resurrected to join our souls in our eternal life, whether that be in heaven or hell.
What happens to us after death is an indication of our own personal, free choice to choose God and the path to holiness or to turn against Him. What happens after death also indicates who our God is—a God of both justice and mercy.
As Christians, we should not fear death, but rather ready ourselves for it, by growing in holiness and striving for eternal life.
(https://www.catholicscomehome.org/your-questions/church-teachings/the-end-times-and-last-things/ )
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 …)
CONCLUSION
Personally, I hope everyone who has heard this talk finds this a helpful insight into the Matrimonial Tribunal. Even though I have had many dealings with the Tribunal and its processes, what I have learned here and shared with you has even more deeply impressed me about the important and valuable work of healing, closure, and truth that this ministry brings. It is deeply pastoral and, whatever the result, it can hopefully go some way to allow people to be heard, respected and able to gain some closure after difficult life situations.
Fr Paul Kelly.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
V. A UNIVERSAL COMMUNION
89. The created things of this world are not free of ownership: “For they are yours, O Lord, who love the living” (Wis 11:26). This is the basis of our conviction that, as part of the universe, called into being by one Father, all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect. Here I would reiterate that “God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement”.[67]
90. This is not to put all living beings on the same level nor to deprive human beings of their unique worth and the tremendous responsibility it entails. Nor does it imply a divinization of the earth which would prevent us from working on it and protecting it in its fragility. Such notions would end up creating new imbalances which would deflect us from the reality which challenges us.[68] At times we see an obsession with denying any pre-eminence to the human person; more zeal is shown in protecting other species than in defending the dignity which all human beings share in equal measure. Certainly, we should be concerned lest other living beings be treated irresponsibly. But we should be particularly indignant at the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some considering themselves more worthy than others. We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider themselves more human than others, as if they had been born with greater rights.
91. A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted. This compromises the very meaning of our struggle for the sake of the environment. It is no coincidence that, in the canticle in which Saint Francis praises God for his creatures, he goes on to say: “Praised be you my Lord, through those who give pardon for your love”. Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.
92. Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. It follows that our indifference or cruelty towards fellow creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete out to other human beings. We have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is “contrary to human dignity”.[69] We can hardly consider ourselves to be fully loving if we disregard any aspect of reality: “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into reductionism”.[70] Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.
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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