PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matt 24:44)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2191586359 - An illustration of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Biblical Series. Vector Contributor: AndryDj
PASTOR’S POST. Is It That Time Already?
Each year in late November or early December, marine biologists travel from around the world to North Queensland to sit in boats out on the coral reefs. There they patiently wait to watch and learn from the spawning of the coral. The exact night that this event will occur is not known, but the event always occurs about the same time of year. Conditions have to be right: relatively little tidal movement; darkness must pass before the corals spawn, so artificial lighting will delay the process. One interesting fact is that although there are many different types of coral, they all spawn simultaneously. As they wait for the coral to spawn, the scientists listen, observe what is going on, and avoid disturbing the natural course of this phenomenon. They know that while they gently and patiently wait, the process has already begun, and in waiting, they prepare, trying to become at-one with nature and the birthing that is happening around them, but knowing that what they see and observe is nothing compared to the upside down snow storm that is happening beneath the surface.
The marine biologists were not waiting because there was nothing to do. They were very much at one with what was happening around them. They were alert, attentive, listening and observing, excited and stimulated. Those watching and waiting biologists would have no trouble understanding the intention of Advent since the readings of Advent are interwoven in this theme of waiting, conversion, change of heart, centering ourselves and living with the questions all reflect the theme of waiting. It's hard to do in this impatient, live-for-the-moment, and don't-waste-a-second world of ours, but after the year that has been, we should be more skilled at being patient and taking time to get things right.
Advent is not simply an immediate preparation for Christmas, but it invites us to expand our horizons beyond the first coming of Christ. There are two comings of Christ. We begin with the second first. The early weeks of Advent concentrate on the second coming. Although it's supposed to be a joyful expectation, the readings give us images of watery destruction, sudden rapture and prowling thieves. The picture of the end of time is terrifying; the world is engulfed in flame, and a fearsome judge calls us to account for our sins. Why should we look forward to the end? Yet the early Christians had an intense yearning for it. They had no anxiety about death. We don't like to think about it, talk about it, see it, or have any signs of it in sight. Anxiety also comes from guilt, a gut feeling that there is something wrong with us and with our world. It has gone wrong and is beyond repair. We are divided, we fight against ourselves, and we have good intentions but do wrong nevertheless. We cannot undo the evil we have done.
Advent is an invitation for us to trace back our unhappiness with life to its roots: anxiety about death and guilt and to realise that we need to be saved from them, the way the early Christians were. We need someone who can transform death into resurrection and give meaning to our lives to take away our guilt.
Today we start in the dark, in the shadows of our fears. We realise that we have come only so far, a people caught between the Jesus who came and the Jesus who will come again. The 1st. Sunday of Advent is the dawn of a new liturgical year. In the next few weeks, we move from the darkness into the bright light. We hear in Jesus' stern command to watch his firm promise that there will be a final healing for those who follow him and a final rejection of those who have turned against him.
We stand on this spiritual ledge so far, straining on tiptoe to catch sight of the coming light. Listen carefully to the prayers of the Mass over the next four weeks, especially the Prefaces that precede the Eucharistic Prayers, as they remind us that: We should watch for the day hoping that the salvation promised us would be ours when Christ our Lord comes again in his glory.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
As we all look towards the Advent season and prepare 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 these weeks of Advent, Vinnies are collecting gifts for our annual Christmas hamper appeal. This weekend on the 26th and 27th of November, Vincentians will hand out scrolls with specific items 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 they can 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 assist those most in need urgently.
The ongoing generosity of this parish has ensured that local Vincentians have supported over 550 local families in need this year.
Many families we visit need urgent support with 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 homes or obtain temporary respite from living on the streets. Due to your support, we have provided 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 can, on average, it costs us $600 to bring the rent up to date and keep a family in their home.
Should you wish to understand more about our conference's good works or have any questions, you can 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 5:30 pm 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 4 pm Italian Mass)
12.30 PM POLISH MASS (confirmed) - Sacred Heart (25th and 26th)
4 PM ITALIAN MASS. (confirmed) - Sacred Heart
SPANISH MASS AT ST VINCENT’S SUNDAY NIGHT (25/12/22)- 5:30 PM
Christmas Eve 5:00 pm FAMILY MASS including Nativity Play
Sacred Heart Church, 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 19 (10:30 am), Wednesday, December 21 (10:30 am) and Friday, December 23 (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 and we want to know that all children are being well cared for at these practices, we ask that an adult accompanies every child who attends. 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 the 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.
HEARTFELT THANKYOU - 25th Anniversary of Ordination
Thank you to everyone for your wonderful messages of congratulations and prayers, and best wishes on the occasion of my Twenty-fifth anniversary of priesthood. I deeply appreciate and cherish the support, encouragement and prayers of you all at this time. Thanks to everyone who sent me cards and prayers of blessing and for the kind gifts. It is very much appreciated.
It is hard to believe that it is now 25 years since that ordination, and over the last two weekends, I give thanks to God for the many blessings that God has given us during these 25 years.
I thank the Lord for all the beautiful people I've gotten to work with and for allowing me to be a small part of God's wonderful work for the Kingdom.
I give thanks, particularly for my parents- my mother and father. I pray for God's blessing upon my Mother, Patricia - for her continued health, well-being and joy. And also give thanks for my beloved late father, William, who I now trust is in heaven. May he smile upon us from the heavenly banquet table, along with all our loved ones, family, friends and parishioners who have gone before us in faith.
I also give thanks for family and friends, my brothers and sister and their wonderful families and for all the people I've worked with; - mentors, including my uncle, Fr Clem Hodge, and all the wonderful Priests, Religious and lay people that I've had the honour to serve with and work with.
(Image: Paul Kelly in c. 1973)
May God’s graciousness, kindness and mercy continue to bless this ordained ministry – And of course, I know all too well that any good that we achieve in our ministry and work is always through God's wonderful grace and blessing of our efforts.
In this Mass this weekend, I offer the Lord heartfelt and sincere thanks for 25 years of service and ministry. And with God's grace, I pray that I will continue to serve him and his beloved people all my days.
Sincerely,
Fr Paul Kelly
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 the 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 and not for personal or private financial need. 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's official collections are conducted through proper channels.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2209652973 - Illustration of Moses receiving the ten commandments at Mount Sinai, religion and faith, a prophet of Judaism and Christianity Illustration Contributor: Berit Kessler
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 of 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 suits 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 RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic Parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies going to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 56717388
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
Becoming Catholic!
A Journey of Faith
Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic faith? Welcome!
The Catholic Church’s mission is to offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to deepen their understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ. Becoming Catholic involves a journey of faith accompanied by the support of a parish community. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). During the RCIA process, you meet with others to share, reflect, pray and learn more about the Catholic faith. Ceremonies or ‘rites’ at each stage signify the steps along the way. If you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming Catholic or starting to become Catholic as an adult, please contact -
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, Clear Island Waters Q 4226. Phone: 5671 7388 surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Mass celebrating 25 years of priesthood
for Fr Paul Kelly.
This Sunday, the 27th of November, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Clear Island Waters,
at 9 am.
Followed by a morning tea.
All are welcome.
STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
From Prep to Year 3, with an extra year level, 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 27th 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:
In our materialistic society, someone must stand up to speak for our spiritual heritage. Could that be you?
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,
Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42
People who have had health issues or near-death experiences generally have a greater appreciation for each day is a gift from God. The rest of us usually assume that we will be around tomorrow. But when you start to look at each day as a gift, you realise all the little miracles that happen daily, and you begin to see God’s active presence in your life. You grow in gratitude each day for all that we have been given.
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: Rosie May Fisher, Denise Tracey, Angela Hawes, Millicent Monteiro, Sally Fisher, 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, 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: Michael Tracey, Precious Bautista, Marco Mazic, John Bastable, Jameal Tooma, Dean Leigh Smith, 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, 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).
Aniela Halina Hedditch, Merv Hughes, Relatives and Friends of Howorth Family, Alan Bond, Shirley Shephard, Shirley Ryan, Ryan Evalds Erglis, Mervyn Kenneth Nelson, Maria Hue Thi Nygen, Fr Owen Oxenham, Herbert Dawson, David Isbel, Fr Stanislaus Barry cm (late of Southport parish and Ashfield), Anthony John Makin, Joan Valmae Stewart, Fr Neal Shannon, Arnold Jones, Catherine Phythian (Mitchell), (Aunt of Robyn Hunt), Anna Guila Diepold, Barbara Anne Farrell, “Aaiden (Joseph) Ng” (Kaiden aka), Angela Radin, Fr Keith Turner CSSR, Jan Hart (Wife of Rob Hart), Michelina Pernazza, Peter John Llewellyn, Howard John (John) Jones, Kenneth Rex (Rex) Howard. And also: 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, Leonardo Sorrenti, Latina Adele Calista, Werner Meyer, David Valencour.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - The most wonderful time, indeed
"It's the most wonderful time of the year" - as some popular lyrics go, many of us agree. Andy Williams made the tune famous, but composers Eddie Pola and George Wyle wrote it. Ironically, Pola and Wyle were Jewish. Yet they assisted Williams in earning the title "Mr Christmas" with their composition. The song celebrates holiday parties, Christmas Hymns, good cheer, and loved ones near. But for believers, the season beginning today is about anticipation and Incarnation, the light illuminating the darkness, and God coming near. We know what time it is. Make this Advent a genuine celebration of hope. “You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” (Romans 13:11-14). 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 confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION - 20 October 2023
We have received word from the Archdiocese of Brisbane Episcopal 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 click Submit. You will receive an automated email indicating 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 regularly checking the parish newsletter for Confirmation updates and further information.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION Either May 28 at 11:00 am or June 4 at 11:00 am, 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 the 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 click Submit. You will receive an automated email indicating 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 concerning the At Home Preparation Program.
Please continue regularly checking the parish newsletter for First Holy Communion updates and further information.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION November 9 at 5:30 pm, 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.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - Prepare!
Image: By Lisa Missenda. Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 512104717. Advent Candles and Creche Week 1
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Our Church year begins this weekend with the first Sunday of Advent. a time of preparation, expectation and waiting. but it's not idle waiting. we are called to be awake and prepared. particularly using this time before the Feast of Christ's birth at Christmas to be aware of our need to be busy and active in cooperating with God in the building up of God's kingdom in the places we live and work, and socialise. We make room for Christ so that his coming will find our hearts open to respond to his values and his leadership. May this be a wonderful preparation time for the feast of God who lives with us.
++++
Advent has two qualities: It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; and secondly, Advent is a season where our mind and heart are directed to awaiting Christ's Second Coming at the end of time.
(Roman Calendar, 1969)
ADVENT IS UPON US. A time of waiting and of new beginnings.
Advent translates as "Arrival" or "coming."
We are preparing for the commemoration of when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. Jesus comes to us in so many ways in our daily lives, and we are invited to be open to receive him and respond to his action we also await his coming on the last day.
You will have noticed a couple of things are a little different in this Advent season we are now in. Every season of the church year takes on a distinct tone and feeling. Firstly, the colour of the Advent season is Purple (or "Violet").
Naturally, in the lead-up to Christmas (in this time of waiting and preparing), “The Gloria” is not sung (or recited) again until Christmas night.
With the start of Advent, a new Church year has begun and with it comes a new reading cycle. We are in YEAR A, where we systematically read through the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew is very closely tied to its Jewish heritage, probably written within a strongly Jewish-Christian community and particularly points out how Christ is the fulfilment of the Judaic Law and the Prophets. It is believed that Matthew's Gospel was written around 80 to 90 AD, probably closer to 90.
The Gospel of Matthew has five basic sections: the Sermon on the Mount (Ch.5-7), the Mission Instructions to the Twelve (Ch.10), the Three Parables (Ch.13), Instructions for the Community (Ch.18), and the speeches at the Mount of Olives (Ch.24-25). It has been suggested that this echoes the structure of the five books of the Pentateuch.
Today we are reminded to stay awake and stay alert. there is no time like the present to be about God's work. since we do not know the day of the Lords coming, God expects us to be like faithful members of The masters household who have the Lord's interest at heart and not just our self-interest. So, whilst we do not know the day or the hour, we can ensure that our priorities and choices, values and actions are at all times consistent with the values of Christ in the gospel. To deepen our fundamental core values to be based on love, compassion, generosity, empathy, justice, mercy and practical assistance to those in need. we should not be waiting like people who are afraid of their employers since God invites us to share in his vision and way of seeing the world. If the master comes unexpectedly, even in the events and circumstances of our daily lives, we hope our reaction will be joyous and welcoming. Look, Lord, we have been working away at the things you love. we hope you are pleased with our priorities and actions.
At Christ's coming, Lord, may we be found to be at peace with you and our neighbour and our hearts filled with love and kindness.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Brown, R., Fitzmyer, J. and Murphy, R. (1993). The New Jerome, Bible handbook. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
Image: By Lisa Missenda. Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 512104717. Advent Candles and Creche Week 1
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
Saint Andrew, the apostle:
Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of people.”
Saint Francis Xavier:
● “Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is
nobody to make them Christians.”
● “Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ.”
● “I have heard thousands of confessions, but never one of covetousness.”
● “I want to be where there are out-and-out pagans.”
● “Give me the child until he is seven, and I'll give you the man”
● It is impossible to find a saint who did not take the “two P’s” seriously: prayer and penance. –St. Francis Xavier, Priest
● Would to God that these men who labour so much in gaining knowledge would give as much thought to the account they must one day give to God of the use they have made of their learning and the talents entrusted to them.. .
● It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a one’s progress, nor the nature of the
task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken
©2022 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints are permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about “TAKE FIVE” and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com.Free daily email and app available online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
POPE FRANCIS: Pope lunches with poor, denounces 'sirens of populism'
Pope Francis has joined 1,300 migrants and homeless people at a special lunch at the Vatican
By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press - November 14, 2022, 6:19 AM
Pope Francis ate lunch with hundreds of refugees, poor and homeless people on Sunday as he called for a renewed commitment to helping society's weakest and denounced the “sirens of populism” that drown out their cries for help.
Francis celebrated the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor by inviting an estimated 1,300 poor people to the Vatican for a special Mass and luncheon. Children threw their arms around his neck as he sat at one of the dozens of tables in the Vatican audience hall.
During the Mass that preceded it, Francis denounced the indifference that the world shows to migrants and the poor, as well as the “prophets of doom” who fuel fear and conspiracies about migrants for personal gain.
“Let us not be enchanted by the sirens of populism, which exploit people’s real needs by facile and hasty solutions,” Francis said.
This year’s commemoration takes place as Italy is at the heart of a European debate over migration, with the far-right-led government of Premier Giorgia Meloni going head-to-head with France over the fate of people rescued in the Mediterranean. Italy kept four rescue boats at sea for days until finally allowing three to disembark last week and forcing France to take in the fourth.
The standoff sparked a diplomatic row that resulted in France suspending its participation in a European migrant redistribution program reinforcing its border crossings with Italy.
Francis lamented that the war in Ukraine is only adding to the plight of the poor, who are still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as from natural disasters and climate change.
“Today also, much more than in the past, many of our brothers and sisters, sorely tested and disheartened, migrate in search of hope, and many people experience insecurity due to the lack of employment or unjust and undignified working conditions,” he said.
In addition to the luncheon, free medical checks that had been halted due to COVID-19 were restarted this week in St. Peter’s Square, providing checkups, vaccines, blood tests, electrocardiograms, and tests for hepatitis C, tuberculosis and HIV. Area parishes were also distributing 5,000 boxes of food donated by a supermarket.
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
Church Art calendars available now, only $5
Two new christening dresses available. Never worn, any reasonable offer accepted.
Can be viewed at the Sacred Heart Religious Goods Shop, or contact Pat 0404 805 819
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, giving people hope and 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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, 2nd of December, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND ADORATION AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass will be on the 3rd of December, at 9 am at Sacred Heart church. This will be followed by fifteen minutes of adoration and concluded with Benediction. All Welcome.
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 at 0428090703
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12 noon (2022 last session on 7 December- resumes on 18 January 2023)
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:
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 well-being. 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 pick 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 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 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 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 various 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 every day and 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 6 pm – Sunday 11 December at 3 pm
OR
Friday 20 January at 6 pm – Sunday 22 January at 3 pm
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 the 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, the Ability to operate in a unique organisational environment, Microsoft Office proficiency, and 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 the 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 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 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 abusing children or vulnerable adults.
ADULT FAITH - Why do couples marry in the Church?
When a couple is married in the Catholic Church, they not only say 'yes' to each other and God's blessing on their marriage; they say 'yes' to being a sacrament. That is, they declare before the community of faith that they will be a special sign to that community, a sign of the life of unity that Christ desires for his Church. That's a lofty calling! By the example of their daily witness, sacramental couples summon all members of the Church to live as one, to be united in mind and heart.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
VI. THE COMMON DESTINATION OF GOODS
93. Whether believers or not, we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone. For believers, this becomes a question of fidelity to the Creator, since God created the world for everyone. Hence every ecological approach needs to incorporate a social perspective that considers the fundamental rights of the poor and the underprivileged. The principle of the subordination of private property to the universal destination of goods, and thus the right of everyone to their use, is a golden rule of social conduct and “the first principle of the whole ethical and social order”.[71] The Christian tradition has never recognised the right to private property as absolute or inviolable and has stressed the social purpose of all forms of private property. Saint John Paul II forcefully reaffirmed this teaching, stating that “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favouring anyone”.[72] These are strong words. He noted that “a type of development which did not respect and promote human rights – personal and social, economic and political, including the rights of nations and peoples – would not be worthy of man”.[73] He clearly explained that “the Church does indeed defend the legitimate right to private property, but she also teaches no less clearly that there is always a social mortgage on all private property, so that goods may serve the general purpose that God gave them”.[74] Consequently, he maintained, “it is not in accord with God’s plan that this gift is used in such a way that its benefits favour only a few”.[75] This calls into serious question the unjust habits of a part of humanity. [76]
94. The rich and the poor have equal dignity, for “the Lord is the maker of them all” (Prov 22:2). “He himself made both small and great” (Wis 6:7), and “he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good” (Mt 5:45). This has practical consequences, such as those pointed out by the bishops of Paraguay: “Every campesino has a natural right to possess a reasonable allotment of land where he can establish his home, work for subsistence of his family and secure life. This right must be guaranteed so that its exercise is not illusory but real. That means that apart from the ownership of property, rural people must have access to means of technical education, credit, insurance, and markets”.[77]
95. The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone. If we make something our own, it is only to administer it for the good of all. If we do not, we burden our consciences with the weight of denying the existence of others. That is why the New Zealand bishops asked what the commandment “Thou shall not kill” means when “twenty per cent of the world’s population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive”.[78].
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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