PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
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“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1076041262 - BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018: The icon of the Face of Christ in church Chiesa di San Pietro by sr. Marina Chirico. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PASTOR’S POST. “Caution!”
I happened upon this sign recently:
“CAUTION: This is a working farm with hazards all over it,
And the owner cannot identify every one of the tens of thousands of risks.
As a result, we have a very good Health and Safety Policy in place.
It is called “common sense”.
If you do not possess any common sense – do not enter.
If you enter, you must use your common sense whenever necessary.”
This sign reminded me of a time when we needed less direction from rules and regulations and fewer signs instructing us to do the simplest things. Gone are the days when we simply used our eyes and our heads to assess what might be a risk and how we might mitigate that risk.
Our parish recently had a Workplace, Health and Safety Audit for the second time in a year. The second one was necessary because I hesitate to admit we failed the first one with an embarrassing 33% compliance. Hence the re-visit to see if we had addressed the long list of items that needed to be corrected. Like the diligent people we are, this time we passed with 98%, which in any other situation might be rewarded with a trophy or a cash prize, but for the present, we can comfort ourselves that we did our job well. It is worth noting that it took several days of inspection and correction to ensure such high compliance. Now I know we aren’t a farm, and we don’t need a sign stating what should be seen as ‘the obvious, but I am wondering that, in a world filled with instructions about keeping our community and us safe, we might have eased up on the old common sense and personal responsibility. We have become so familiar with instructions about how we are to walk, to stand, to wear a mask and ensure a distance from others that we just expect someone will tell us what we can or cannot do to ensure a safe environment.
One of the most common accidents I hear of these days is simply called “the fall”, a frequent occurrence among our aging population. Medical specialists who deal with the welfare and health of our senior community members tell us that “the fall” is both the result of and the indicator for a range of more serious issues requiring more attention than previously thought.
While we have many strong and independent older parishioners who would do anything to avoid being a nuisance or require a walking aid, prevention before the event is an excellent use of common sense. What is it that pride cometh before? Since two of our parish churches have a sloping floor and the car park at Sacred Heart is some distance from the church, it is really important that all attendees, myself included, become very aware of potential trip hazards. Since all our churches have kneelers, these, too, can be a watch point for the inattentive.
As I often travel on our Gold Coast roads and read of some of the reckless driving (unfortunately often displaying a P plate), I wonder should Common Sense 101 be a compulsory subject in our schools, with a high distinction for those who open their eyes and use their heads, before waiting for instructions as to how to live safely in a world full of hazards.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
The Surfers Paradise Vinnies conference calls 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. 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. 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
A NOTE RE PENANCE IN ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
We plan to have a penitential reflection incorporated as part of the final Sunday of Advent Masses to assist people who are unable to attend to what would ordinarily be pre-Christmas reconciliation. Eucharist is, of course, effective in the forgiveness of all venial sin. The actual rule is that all Catholics are ordinarily bound by an obligation TO confess any and all serious sins at least once a year.” - Please note that this does not oblige people to go to confession once a year but simply that we are obliged to confess any serious sins that we know of at least once a year. And also "without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.” But when these instructions are read together and with the current circumstances of covid caution, only those who need to confess serious sins are obliged to seek confession. A private confession with a priest outside the usual mass times can be arranged in this situation. Please avoid the pre-Christmas rush. We will not be available for hearing confessions just before Christmas masses. We encourage most people, where possible, to make use of personal acts of contrition, participation in the Eucharist, and penitential services, in these present times, for their preparation for Christmas.
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
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
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.
St Michael’s College final report for the year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2VGqmuvUNo
ST VINCENTS SCHOOL - END OF YEAR EVENTS
ST KEVIN’S SCHOOL - END OF YEAR
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
A message from Aid to the Church in Need Australia: Christmas Shopping
ACN is the Pontifical Foundation dedicated to supporting the suffering and persecuted Church.
That Catholic Shop - Christmas orders from Aid to the Church in Need’s online store – That Catholic Shop – can still be made up to 19 December! Choose from our broad range of religious gifts and receive free shipping for orders over $100. Peruse our Christmas range at www.thatcatholicshop.com
Catalogues at the back of the churches.
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” This is absolutely a scam. The priests and staff of the parish and the archdiocese would never solicit money in that way. 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.
STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
From Prep to Year 4, 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:
"As your models in suffering hardships and patience, friend, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." (James 5:10). A vocation is responding to the call of God. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:8
Patience is another one of those things many of us struggle with. We want things to go according to our plan and schedule; we like things to be convenient. Any change brings anxiety and fear. Through daily prayer, God reveals what He wants us to do with the gifts He has given us. We can better align ourselves with God’s will and His plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with.
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: Dr John Casey, Dr David Westmore, Natalie O’Reilly, John Nathaniel Maher, Peter O’Brien, Betty Taylor, Rosie May Fisher, Denise Tracey, Millicent Monteiro, Sally Gage, Jean Di Benedetto, Sebastian Condon, Maria Manuela, Rogelio Rodriguez, Tony Metzen, 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: Helen Margaret White, Dorothy Whiteman, Donald Greenwood, Paul Broughton, Jan Falk, Bernece Brown, David Joshua Maher, Michael Thomas Fitzgerald, Fr Dennis Riley, Julio Enrique Astorga, Dr Michael Tracey, Joseph Horvatt, Ian Richard Kentley, Angela Hawes, Michelle Thomas, Aniela Halina Hedditch, 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, Vivian Williams, Florence (Flora) Smith, Leo Lampago, Ray Burton, Patrick Byrnes.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: George Stidwill, Bill Wall, relatives and friends of Howorth, Henry Restall, Joe Bugeja, Melita Bugeja, Pat Foster, Tessie Craig, Most Rev Joseph Angelo Grech, Maria Consiglio, Charlie Restall White, Emidia Micallef, Hilario Aguiman, Mello Scharenguivel, Albina Kristina Vah, Darryl Patrick Sulzberger, James William Boland, Gail Patricia Little, William Raymond (Billy) Willbrandt, Desmond Robert Castle, Brian Leslie Boehme, Kenneth Raymond Martin, John McCabe (Husband of Maureen), Jack O’Brien (Husband of Shirley), Ken Martin, Maureen Smith, Disa Fleurette Hunt (Daughter of Robyn And Terry Hunt), Luigi Tassone, Mary Anderson, Con Ante Pizzol, Jarmila Julie Muller, Warwick Gerard Jones, Wadad Doumani, Judy Jones, Warwick Gerard (Rick) Jones, Charly Macky, Anthony Malouf, Elda Ferluga, Taufau Ah Lo, (Itufo Ah Lo), Josephine Elizabeth (Josie) Dowd. And also: Charlie Macky, Beth Green, William (Bill) Goodrem, Josephine Barbara McIver, Clare Debozy, Norbert Bestkamp, Doris Catherine Mathews, Marko Jaksic, Owen Louis Ryan, Fabian McCarthy (Bishop Michael's Father), Iris Ann Elizabeth Scerri, John McKinstry, Colin Peter Randazzo, Kevin Francis Ryan, Norman John Desmond (Des) White, John Baptist Covan, Joseph Nazari, Dawn Turner.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - 'Tis the season to be generous.
Seasonal gift-giving was originally an expression of generosity toward the needy. These days, gift-giving has become many other things, including a source of anxiety or obligation, mindless consumerism, one-upmanship, and often, an annual occasion of snowballing debt. The gifts Jesus brings are different—they are restorative occasions of good news. Consider offering gifts that fill hearts, not closets. Heifer International, World Wildlife Fund, and PlanUSA are among the many organisations that accept donations in directed ways to honour your loved ones.
"Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk . . . and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them." (Matthew 11:2-11).
“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.
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 -
This weekend is also known as Gaudete Sunday... which means rejoice...although we are still in waiting and preparation for the Arrival of the LORD, his comIng is ever nearer and our hearts are lifted in joy and expectation for the Lord is near... the following hymn words inspire me in this joy and hope...
HYMN
(Suggested tune: qua 76 76 D Aurelia).
Wait when the seed is planted,
Wait for the rain to fall;
Wait for the restless green sprout,
Wait while the plant grows tall.
Wait for the coming Saviour,
Wait through the heart's slow race;
Wait for the kingdom's dawning,
Wait till we see his face!
Hope when the sun is setting,
Hope through the dark of night;
Hope though the moon is waning,
Hope as we long for light.
Hope for the coming Saviour,
Hope through the heart's slow race;
Hope for the kingdom's dawning,
Hope till we see his face!
Trust in the new spring's promise,
Trust through the summer's heat;
Trust in the dying autumn,
Trust through the winter sleet.
Trust in the coming Saviour,
Trust in the heart's slow race;
Trust in the kingdom's dawning,
Trust till we see his face!
(P204. Magnificat DEC 2019: vol 10; no.2).
The letter from Saint James, (second reading this weekend), has the beautiful image of Patience being like a farmer planting and tending to their crop. The crop grows in its own time. It cannot be hurried… Well, perhaps a bit of encouragement by the right amount of watering, the correct soil and fertilizer… but still, they grow at their own rate… The seasons, times and conditions affect it greatly. We do the work we can, but then we have to wait for as long as it takes. And be ready to get to work when the time for harvest eventually does come.
Our Lord was very familiar with images of the land and of farming and other images. His heart is surely with those who are doing it tough and he would certainly want our hearts and actions to offer practical support to these people too - .
The preaching and the message style of John the Baptist are so different from that of Our Lord's. John preached God's imminent judgement and the uprooting of the weeds… and then Our Lord came along proclaiming a time of God's favour and inclusion and mercy…. Even John had to ask.. "are you the one who is to come, or ought we to wait for another?" But both visions of God's Messiah or King are found in different parts of the Holy Scriptures. There was a bit of varying vision going on: Jesus was clearly fulfilling the image of the Lord's anointed one in Isaiah 35:5-6, The blind shall see, the lame shall walk, the deaf shall hear… whereas, Saint John seemed to be focusing on passages like Psalm 17 (also known as psalm 18 in the Catholic numbering system): eg vv39-40 "You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes."
The Lord in beautiful humility answered the question without boasting but simply referring to the evidence of the truth around him.
The Lord is indeed the King, the Messiah. He ushers in God's Kingdom with his gospel.
"the gospel is proclaimed to the poor by way of concrete actions. – by giving life to others… practically assisting the poor, the injured, the suffering, the blind the lame. The Kingdom and all who belong to it will primarily proclaim the Kingdom by their practical actions, bringing peace, compassion, mercy and love.
Even though John's message was challenging. John the Baptist must have been an extremely likeable and charismatic figure. We are even told that King Herod who imprisoned him for his outspoken criticism of him, nevertheless liked him and was enthralled to hear what John had to teach and say.
Our Lord is truly the Messiah but he wants us to let go of expectations of him and his Kingdom that are more about earthly power; rather than God's mysterious and gracious ways.
Us humans must really try the patience of God. Here come The Messiah and some people say to him…. "you aren't doing and saying what WE expected the Messiah to do and say….. so we are not sure if you fit the bill……."….. Our Lord, with infinite patience and grace, replies, (in effect), to all who hesitate… "I am indeed the messiah… now let me show you who the messiah is and what he does. Let ME show you just what the Kingdom of God and its values are really like…. Put aside your pre-suppositions about how you think things SHOULD be, and see how they really are…..
(Sadly, many who had spent their lives and careers building their world according to their own self-serving vision, were not prepared to receive this challenging shift towards God's ways of seeing and acting….)… To his credit, John the Baptist and countless followers of the Lord after him did indeed open their minds and hearts to Christ's message. Of course, if God wants to save us by Mercy and Grace, instead of by Judgement and vengeance; so be it! Who are we to question Christ? Surely God knows best.
The qualities of the disciple of Christ are the qualities of God's Kingdom… which must be about giving justice to those who are burdened, compassion to those in need, and helping the poor and needy in real and practical ways. The Kingdom is about sheltering and including the stranger, the outsider, and showing real mercy, patience, respect, and care….… Showing true care, compassion and active assistance.
All who follow Christ are urged to be patient, diligent and open. In the mean-time, we are to live and practise the values of God's kingdom… Patience, reverence, hope, service, and harmony - avoiding complaining about one-another; not getting caught up in factions and rivalries and disputes...
Waiting and working for the coming of the Lord who comes to save us.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books; Pilch, J. (1995). The Cultural World of Jesus. SUNDAY BY SUNDAY, CYCLE A. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press;
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1568131969 - Brussels, Belgium. 2017/10/27. Icon of Saint John the Forerunner (the Baptist, "Angel of the Desert"). Orthodox Chapel at the Brussels Zaventem Airport. - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Adam Jan Figel
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 Lucy:
Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.
No one's body is polluted so as to endanger the soul if it has not pleased the mind. If you were to lift my hand to your idol and so make me offer against my will, I would still be guiltless in the sight of the true God, who judges according to the will and knows all things. If now, against my will, you cause me to be polluted, a twofold purity will be gloriously imputed to me. You cannot bend my will to your purpose; whatever you do to my body, that cannot happen to me.
St John of the Cross:
"Lord, I shall see you no more with the eyes of the flesh..."
"To saints, their very slumber is a prayer."
"The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light."
"The soul that is quick to turn to speaking and conversing is slow to turn to God."
"Who teaches the soul if not God?"
"He who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark."
"In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction."
"In order to come to union with the wisdom of God, the soul has to proceed rather by unknowing than by knowing…"
"Among all created things, and things that can be apprehended by the understanding, there is no ladder whereby the understanding can attain to this high Lord."
"This perfection consists in voiding and stripping and purifying the soul of every desire."
"Let all find compassion in you."
"Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications."
"My spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on You."
"The soul that journey's to God, but doesn't shake off its cares and quiet its appetites, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill."
"If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back."
"Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity."
"Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith."
"The fly that lands on honey makes its flight impossible."
"The soul, which does not want to give up the flavour of the spirit, prevents its freedom and its contemplation."
"Oh cherished Cross! Through thee my most bitter trials are replete with graces!"
"An action done entirely and purely for God, with a pure heart, creates a whole kingdom for those who make it."
"It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak."
"Do not ask for anything other than the cross, and precisely without consolation, because this is perfect."
"Lord, my God, do not turn away from those who do not turn away from you: how can they say that you are absent?"
"You will not find what you want or most desire, neither on this road of yours nor for that of high contemplation, but in a great humility and submission of heart."
"Make sure not to get involved in other people's things and not to let them even pass through your memory, because maybe you won't be able to complete your work."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he's travelling on, then he must close his eyes and travel in the dark."
"Speak little and do not meddle in matters about which you are not asked."
"Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire… Having nothing and possessing all things."
"Whoever flees prayer flees all that is good."
"More is gained in one hour from God's good things than in a whole lifetime from our own."
"Be silent concerning what God may have given you and recall that saying of the bride: My secret for myself."
"Deny your desires and you will find what your heart longs for. "
"For how do you know if any desire of yours is according to God?"
"Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn't seek the glory of Christ."
"God leads every soul by a separate path."
"If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection."
"Silence is God's first language."
"He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good."
St John the Baptist
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,” - Matthew 3:1-17 ESV
“He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire."?
“Repent, the Kingdom of God is near.”?
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee before the coming wrath?”
“Behold, the Lamb of God!”?
“He must increase; I must decrease.”
“When Jesus stepped into the waters of the Jordan and was baptised by John the Baptist, he did so not because he was in need of repentance, or conversion: he did it to be among people who need forgiveness, among us sinners, and to take upon himself the burden of our sins.” Pope Francis, on Jesus and John the Baptist.
©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
ADVENT APPEAL FOR UKRAINE –
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is supporting a special Advent appeal for the people of Ukraine, following a request from Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, Eparch of Sts Peter and Paul for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia. Donations will support Mudra Sprava (Wise Action), a Patriarchal Charitable Foundation in Ukraine. The organisation has three focus areas: Evacuation of people from frontline territories, Food packages for people in need, and Shelters for internally displaced persons. Find out more at: www.catholic.au
POPE FRANCIS: (From Amoris Laetitia)
POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION AMORIS LÆTITIA OF THE HOLY FATHER, FRANCIS (19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, in the year 2016).
What we need is a more responsible and generous effort to present the reasons and motivations for choosing marriage and the family and in this way to help men and women better to respond to the grace that God offers them. (para 35)
We also need to be humble and realistic, acknowledging that at times the way we present our Christian beliefs and treat other people has helped contribute to today’s problematic situation. We need a healthy dose of self-criticism. (para 36)
We also find it hard to make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations. We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them. (para 37)
Yet we have often been on the defensive, wasting pastoral energy on denouncing a decadent world without being proactive in proposing ways of finding true happiness. (para 38)
Many people feel that the Church’s message on marriage and the family does not clearly reflect the preaching and attitudes of Jesus, who set forth a demanding ideal yet never failed to show compassion and closeness to the frailty of individuals like the Samaritan woman or the woman caught in adultery. (para 38)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1212094594 - Pope Francis - St. Peter's Square. Vatican Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Daria Serdtseva
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Due to end of year warehouse clearances, we have received many items priced at $1 & $2, have a look this weekend, for stocking fillers and that small gift.
The last of the Christmas nativities have arrived. Plenty of crucifixes and rosaries for last minute gift giving.
The December edition of the Catholic Leader now available
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.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP (Resumes 7 February 2023)
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 - (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 four weeks are:
12/12/22 Maxine & Patrick Sela - Main Beach
19/12/22 Merla & Rodney Anthony
26/12/22 Merla & Rodney Anthony
5/1/23 Merla & Rodney Anthony
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 at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701
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 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 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
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
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.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
CHAPTER THREE - THE HUMAN ROOTS OF THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS
101. It would hardly be helpful to describe symptoms without acknowledging the human origins of the ecological crisis. A certain way of understanding human life and activity has gone awry, to the serious detriment of the world around us. Should we not pause and consider this? At this stage, I propose that we focus on the dominant technocratic paradigm and the place of human beings and of human action in the world.
I. TECHNOLOGY: CREATIVITY AND POWER
102. Humanity has entered a new era in which our technical prowess has brought us to a crossroads. We are the beneficiaries of two centuries of enormous waves of change: steam engines, railways, the telegraph, electricity, automobiles, aeroplanes, chemical industries, modern medicine, information technology and, more recently, the digital revolution, robotics, biotechnologies and nanotechnologies. It is right to rejoice in these advances and to be excited by the immense possibilities which they continue to open up before us, for “science and technology are wonderful products of a God-given human creativity”.[81] The modification of nature for useful purposes has distinguished the human family from the beginning; technology itself “expresses the inner tension that impels man gradually to overcome material limitations”.[82] Technology has remedied countless evils which used to harm and limit human beings. How can we not feel gratitude and appreciation for this progress, especially in the fields of medicine, engineering and communications? How could we not acknowledge the work of many scientists and engineers who have provided alternatives to make development sustainable?
103. Technoscience, when well directed, can produce important means of improving the quality of human life, from useful domestic appliances to great transportation systems, bridges, buildings and public spaces. It can also produce art and enable men and women immersed in the material world to “leap” into the world of beauty. Who can deny the beauty of an aircraft or a skyscraper? Valuable works of art and music now make use of new technologies. So, in the beauty intended by the one who uses new technical instruments and in the contemplation of such beauty, a quantum leap occurs, resulting in a fulfilment which is uniquely human.
104. Yet it must also be recognized that nuclear energy, biotechnology, information technology, knowledge of our DNA, and many other abilities which we have acquired, have given us tremendous power. More precisely, they have given those with the knowledge, and especially the economic resources to use them, an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world. Never has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that it will be used wisely, particularly when we consider how it is currently being used. We need but think of the nuclear bombs dropped in the middle of the twentieth century, or the array of technology which Nazism, Communism and other totalitarian regimes have employed to kill millions of people, to say nothing of the increasingly deadly arsenal of weapons available for modern warfare. In whose hands does all this power lie, or will it eventually end up? It is extremely risky for a small part of humanity to have it.
105. There is a tendency to believe that every increase in power means “an increase of ‘progress’ itself”, an advance in “security, usefulness, welfare and vigour; …an assimilation of new values into the stream of culture”,[83] as if reality, goodness and truth automatically flow from technological and economic power as such. The fact is that “contemporary man has not been trained to use power well”,[84] because our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and conscience. Each age tends to have only a meagre awareness of its own limitations. It is possible that we do not grasp the gravity of the challenges now before us. “The risk is growing day by day that man will not use his power as he should”; in effect, “power is never considered in terms of the responsibility of choice which is inherent in freedom” since its “only norms are taken from alleged necessity, from either utility or security”.[85] But human beings are not completely autonomous. Our freedom fades when it is handed over to the blind forces of the unconscious, of immediate needs, of self-interest, and of violence. In this sense, we stand naked and exposed in the face of our ever-increasing power, lacking the wherewithal to control it. We have certain superficial mechanisms, but we cannot claim to have a sound ethics, a culture and spirituality genuinely capable of setting limits and teaching clear-minded self-restraint.
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/)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety …….
See overleaf…….
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