PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.” (Matt 3:3)
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. Waiting for God.
In his poem ‘Kneeling’, the Welsh Anglican priest R. S. Thomas writes:
Prompt me, God; But not yet. When I speak, Though it be you who speak, Through me, something is lost. The meaning is in the waiting.
Most of us, young and old alike, are impatient. Our lives move at such a pace that we have great difficulty in finding any meaning in the experience of waiting. We communicate almost instantaneously with other people anywhere in the world and at any time of day or night.
We become frustrated and angry when we are kept waiting - ‘Your call is important to us!’ Waiting is doing nothing, wasting time. Sitting at traffic lights or in restaurants waiting for attention from the often overworked waiter can result in our unreasonable frustration. Waiting for the internet to deliver a command on the computer, should remind us how quickly we have forgotten that only a few years ago we might spend hours searching for the information in a library or technical books.
The skill of waiting, and it is a skill, seems to be lost on those who live in world that promotes, “I want it, and I want it now”. Can you remember, as a child, seeing the first advertising of Christmas and then having the interminable wait for the actual day and its expected bounty?
In this new season of Advent, the Church asks us to reconsider the concept of waiting and to give it a positive value. We take as our models of faith the great figures of the Old Testament: Abraham and Sarah who waited for a child, as did Hannah, Rachel and Elizabeth. The prophets Isaiah, Micah and Zephaniah show us that in waiting our concept of time collapses so that the past and the future are meant to anchor us in the present. They inspire us to wait for the coming of God’s reign which we know has been firmly established in the incarnation of God’s Son. John the Baptist waited in the wilderness until his prophecies were realized in the baptism of Jesus of Nazareth.
The greatest example of all is Mary, the Mother of Jesus, woman who spent much of her life waiting. She waited, not only during her pregnancy, but also throughout the life of her Son, culminating in her sad and lonely wait at the foot of his cross. Mary reminds us forcefully that to be a true disciple we often have to wait, to accept what happens without completely understanding the meaning of events, to live life forward but understand it backward – if we can understand it at all.
Waiting in patience while looking with hope is a dominant theme in the New Testament. We often encounter the words ‘wait’, ‘wake’ and ‘watch’ which are related to the coming of God’s Kingdom in our world and in our lives. We prepare for the coming of Christ as a baby at Christmas but also await his return in glory at the end of time.
As we wait throughout much of our lives, we are sustained by the promises that God has made to us. Often we forget that God is waiting too – for us.
Denise Levertov’s poem ‘Annunciation’ focuses on Gabriel’s visit to Mary:
The engendering Spirit did not enter her without consent. God waited. She was free to accept or refuse, choice integral to humanness.
There are annunciations from God in everyone’s lives but often these moment s ‘are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief’. ‘Ordinary lives continue. God does not smite them. But the gate closes, the pathway vanishes’.
Will these weeks before Christmas signal another lost opportunity, another vanished pathway. Or will we allow the infinitely patient God to find us as we await His coming?
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 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
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies Bingo Breakup
will be having their Breakup Bingo Tuesday on the 6th of December 2022, from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
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.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies
will be having their Breakup Bingo Tuesday on the 6th of December 2022, from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
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
Admission to Candidacy - Seminarian Bradley Davies
Thank you to all who were able to attend my Admission to Candidacy on Saturday evening. It was wonderful to have you, my parents, seminarians, and our seminary vice-rector, Fr Frank Jones, and Fr Peter there as I formally expressed my desire to follow God’s invitation to serve in the ministerial priesthood, and to receive your acceptance as a candidate for Holy Orders. As well as this year being a year of pastoral experience, it has also been a year of deepening my calling and allowing God to show me more of my true desires, which are to serve God in everyone way I have been created to do so. I can honestly say that I am more at peace with the path that I am on now than I was at the beginning of the year, and feel resolved in my decision to enter a more deeper and intentional phase of my discernment. I have greatly appreciated your prayers, especially the prayers I received while on my 30 day retreat, which was a fruitful and consolidating time for me. Thank you so much for the many ways you have supported me on my journey this year and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you when I return from my pilgrimage to Rome.
HEARTFELT THANKYOU - 25th Anniversary of Ordination - (Sunday’s Mass)
Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful messages of congratulations and prayers, and best wishes on 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. With God's grace, I pray that I will continue to serve him and his beloved people all my days. Sincerely, Fr Paul Kelly
Today we remember to stay awake and stay alert. There is no time like the present to be about God's work. 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 joy and welcome. 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.
One of the ways we are encouraged to remain alert and awake … is to notice the many, many blessings God gives us every day. And to remember them and give thanks for them. Name our blessings and thank and praise our God from whom all blessings come.
The greatest thing to remember is our Lord’s overflowing love, compassion, mercy and grace…… I love the ministry of Word and Sacrament…
And we all love and Cherish God’s word, which is ever ancient and at the same time, ever new and alive. It is always such a joy and honour to savour God’s word and reflect upon it, take it into our hearts… and try to allow this living word to flow into practical actions and attitudes.
And so too, we remember today and give thanks on this occasion of the 25th anniversary of my Ordination to Priesthood. It is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the wonderful people I get to minister to and to serve and accompany along life’s many pathways…
I give thanks for the blessings God has given me… in family, friends, parishioners… and all people I have worked with, ministered and served in this beautiful ministry of love, service and blessing.
It is hard to believe that it is now 25 years since that ordination, and this mass. I give thanks to God for so many blessings. So often, the people around me and the joy of the ministry – which I pray through God’s grace, have (in some small way) produced good fruits for the kingdom.
I thank the Lord for all the beautiful people I've gotten to work with, minister to, and serve.
I give thanks, particularly for my parents- my mother, Patricia- for her love, wisdom, faith and care and friendship…… I pray the lord grants her continued health and joy. And also give thanks for my father, William (for his integrity, faith, care, wise counsel and consistency, who I trust is now smiling upon us from heaven, from the heavenly banquet table, along with all our departed loved ones and friends, (including my two grandmothers particularly, who were such inspirations of faith and kindness).
I also give thanks for, and ask God’s blessing and health upon family and friends: my beloved brothers and sister, (David and Liz, Lisa, Vincent and Jo, Ben and Ally, and their families - Madeleine, Michael, Charlotte, Meredith, Isaac, Jamie, and Ainslie, and Jenevieve,) – and the many wonderful uncles and aunts from a very big family… and all the beloved cousins, nephews and nieces and “great’s”.
My good friends from the earliest of days… - Those still with us, and those in God’s care.
And for all the people - This ministry is first and foremost for the care of God’s beloved sons and daughters…spiritual and sacramental care and service. For all I've worked with, I pray for and give heartfelt thanks. -
Thank you, Lord, for my mentors (and I have had wonderful mentors and spiritual guides and colleagues) - including my uncle, Fr Clem Hodge, and all the wonderful Priests, Religious and lay people I've had the honour to serve with and work with. Fr Peter Dillon, Fr Dan Grundy, Fr Frank Lourigan, Fr John Chalmers, Fr Joe Duffy, Fr Peter Casey, Fr Shand, Frs Pat Dowd and Pat Cassidy. To name but a few. (And - now-bishop Tim Harris, now in Townsville, who asked me to join the parish when I was a police chaplain, and feeling a bit disconnected from parish life). And the religious sisters and brothers…in this deanery and afar. who have been inspirations and true brothers and sisters in ministry… (particularly Sr Vianney, Sr Carmel, from Murgon, Sr Rose from Maryborough, Sr Maree Byron… and so many here too).
The parish team present and past of this parish and previous parishes, and, of course… all of you… all the wonderful people who are indeed the body of Christ and who participate generously and tirelessly in so many ways in the Lord’s loving work. It really is a joy and a pleasure to be of service… - to be both a servant and co-worker… I do indeed love it… and I love you.
For anyone I have ever been asked to pray for; for all I have ministered to and with; for all the wonderful celebrations of marriages, baptisms, anointings, reconciliations, masses, funerals, blessings for anniversaries and special moments…… all the sacraments… for all these, I hold you all up to our Lord, in thanksgiving and for blessing.
May God’s graciousness, kindness and mercy, continue to bless this ordained ministry. Of course, I always know that anything good we achieve is always through God's wonderful grace.
In this Mass this weekend, I offer to the Lord, heartfelt and sincere thanks to 25 years of serving. May the Lord’s fullest blessing be upon you all.
And with God's grace I pray that I will continue to serve him and his beloved people all my days.
Sincerely,
Fr Paul
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
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 all the way 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 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:
Isaiah says: "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord." Who taught you knowledge of the Lord, and whom are you teaching today? To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10. Do you bear good fruit for Jesus? Do you spend time in prayer or waste it with mindless activity? Do you use your talent to help others, or are you too busy? Do you use your treasure to support the Church or buy more things that go unused? Our time, talent and treasure are gifts from God. What we do with these gifts is our gift back to Him. What gifts are you planning to give the Lord this upcoming Christmas season?
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: John Nathaniel Maher, Peter O’Brien, Betty Taylor, Rosie May Fisher, Denise Tracey, Millicent Monteiro, Sally Fisher, 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: 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: 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. And also: 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, Anthony John Makin, Joan Valmae Stewart, Fr Neal Shannon, Arnold Jones, Catherine Phythian (Mitchell), Anna Guila Diepold, Barbara Anne Farrell, “Aaiden (Joseph) Ng” (Kaiden aka), Angela Radin, Fr Keith Turner CSSR, Jan Hart, Michelina Pernazza, Peter John Llewellyn, Howard John (John) Jones, Kenneth Rex (Rex) Howard.
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.
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 - Repent and be changed!
John the Baptist proclaimed that the Day of the Lord was near and that NOW was the time to repent and change our ways or else! Suddenly, he sees in the distance the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for a baptism of repentance. He calls out the equivalent: "Well, well!!.. Look who we have here! If it isn't the snakes escaping the Disaster! Who told you what was coming?" The Pharisees and the Sadducees were well known for focusing on external things and how they wanted to be seen as doing the right thing, whether or not they were. But this did not fool John the Baptist. Your lives have to change! External rituals are not enough unless your heart is changed, your heart is torn in repentance and sorrow and a change of mindset. God does not judge by what the eye sees, or the ear hears but from the heart...... with righteousness and equality.
++
"Years ago, a man was shocked to read his own obituary in the morning paper. His death was mistakenly reported. But what shocked him most was how the obituary described him: as someone who had devoted his life to making weapons of war. That morning he resolved to turn his energies in a new direction: working for world peace and human betterment. That man was Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.#
Alfred Nobel: Known for inventing dynamite, Nobel also formed an iron and steel company which he transformed into a major manufacturer of cannons, torpedoes and other armaments.
In 1888, Alfred's brother Ludvig died while visiting Cannes and a French newspaper erroneously published Alfred's obituary. It condemned him for his invention of dynamite. The obituary stated, "Le Marchand de la Mort est Mort!" - ("The Merchant of Death is Dead!"), and went on to say, "Dr Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday." Of his inventions and patents, he wrote that "there is nothing in the world which cannot be misunderstood or abused." In actual point of fact, Nobel truly despised war but knew that his creations would forever link him to what he called "the horror of horrors." The shock of reading his own obituary and its condemnation of his life is said to have brought about his decision to leave a better legacy by instituting and bequeathing the Nobel Peace prize and associated awards for human and scientific excellence. **
John the Baptist's warning to us to turn from our sins, and Nobel's decision to turn his energies in a new direction, challenge us to make an inventory of our lives and reassess our own life goals."
John the Baptist is a precursor to Christ. A word that means one who runs ahead of another. So, John is coming before the Lord, calling out, get ready, clear the path. The Lord is coming. Make way, he is coming. Get ready. Watch out.
I hadn't noticed before, but with the coming of John the Baptist, there was a battle between humble and oppressive priests. As the Priests and Sadducees came out to see what was happening in the Jordan River, John called them a "brood of vipers." This is saying you are ‘sons of snakes, not sons of humans.’ This is very important. The people of Israel believed themselves to be sons of Abraham and children of God. Also, people were born into noble or humble positions due to their family lineage. There were rich city priests and humble and poor priests such as Zechariah, John the Baptist's father. The gap between them was enormous and wrong. John was saying that birthright, alone, means nothing to God. One is a child of God by their actions, their fruits… and being called a son of Abraham won't count much if they don't show it by lives turned to God's justice, because, (as John points out so vividly), If those called to be children of the Kingdom should fail to produce the fruits of their calling, God could raise new ancestors from Abraham from the rocks that surround them.
The result of the full establishment of God's Kingdom will be peace. But true peace is only achieved by ensuring true justice is given to those bowed down by the state of things as they are. The powerful signs of repentance and conversion undertaken by John the Baptist have one major qualifier in them – The change he is calling for in people is not achieved merely by undertaking external rituals or outward signs. The change being proclaimed must be made worthy by the fruits produced by this conversion. That is timely advice, indeed.
Conversion, repentance and lives of justice, compassion, practical assistance to the needy and, above all, LOVE are the only paths to God's Kingdom. The Lord is indeed coming. He will not delay.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books; #Link, M. (1992). Vision - PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. Year A. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub. P.20. ISBN: 0883474328; Pilch, J. (1995). The Cultural World of Jesus. SUNDAY BY SUNDAY, CYCLE A. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press; **"Alfred Nobel". 2019. En.Wikipedia.Org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Nobel; **https://www.ozy.com/flashback/the-newspaper-error-that-sparked-the-nobel-prize/40007/
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1460402699 - Paris, France - February 10, 2019: Stained Glass in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris, France, depicting a detail of the Tree of Jesse, the ancestors of Jesus Christ - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: jorisvo
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 Nicholas
"The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to imitate God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves." - St. Nicholas of Myra
St Ambrose
“No one heals himself by wounding another.”
“If you have two shirts in your closet, one belongs to you and the other to the man with no shirt.”
“Father, if possible, take away this cup from me." Many cling to this text to use the sadness of the Savior as proof that he had weakness from the beginning rather than taking it on for a time. In this way, they distort the natural meaning of the sentence. I, however, consider it not only as something that does not need to be excused but nowhere else do I admire his tender love and majesty. He would have given me less had he not taken on my emotions. Thus he suffered affliction for me, who did not have to suffer anything for himself. Setting aside the enjoyment of his divinity, he is afflicted with the annoyance of my weakness. He took on my sadness to bestow on me his joy. He descended into the anguish of death by following in our footsteps so that he might call us back to life by following in his footsteps. I do not hesitate to speak of sadness since I am preaching the cross; he took on not the appearance but the reality of the Incarnation. Thus, instead of avoiding it, he had to take on the pain to overcome sadness.”
“modesty, for that is the friend and ally of calmness of mind.”
“Death was not part of nature; it became part of nature. God did not decree death from the beginning; he prescribed it as a remedy. Human life was condemned because of sin to unremitting labour and unbearable sorrow, and so began to experience the burden of wretchedness. There had to be a limit to its evils; death had to restore what life had forfeited. Without the assistance of grace, immortality is more of a burden than a blessing.”
“Woman, the child of so many tears shall never perish.” ― St. Ambrose, spoken in response to Saint Monica, who begged for Ambrose’ help in the conversion of her son Augustine.
“The practice of perfect virtue does not require teaching, but instructs others.”
“If force is used, I cannot meet it. I shall be able to grieve, to weep, to groan; against weapons, soldiers, my tears are my weapons, for these are a priest's defence.”
The Blessed Virgin Mary
(About Mary): Luke 2:19 - “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
“How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”
“See, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word.”
"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (Luke 1:46-55)
"Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." (Lk 2:48)
"They have no wine." (Jn 2:3)
"Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2:5)
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
“I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf.”
©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. Collections in dioceses, eparchies and parishes on one of the Sundays of Advent 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; Shelters for internally displaced persons. Find out more at: www.catholic.au
POPE FRANCIS: Top Spanish football medic to treat Pope Francis.
Pope Francis has a busy schedule despite his mobility problem. The head of the football team, Atlético Madrid's medical specialists, has been summoned to the Vatican to help treat Pope Francis, who is suffering from an arthritic knee.
The 85-year-old Pope has cancelled various activities recently, including a trip to Africa, because of mobility problems.
José María Villalón said the Pope was "very nice" but also "very stubborn" as he refused surgery.
The Pope is a big fan of the Argentinian club San Lorenzo - not the Madrid club.
San Lorenzo's football base is in Buenos Aires, where the pontiff - Jorge Mario Bergoglio - was born.
Since May, the Pope - leader of more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide - has walked with the aid of a stick or used a wheelchair.
In an interview with the Spanish radio station Cope, Dr Villalón said, "I am optimistic the Pope can be helped", but he admitted that the Pope's busy schedule made treatment more difficult.
He also admitted that, at his first meeting with the pontiff, he was "very nervous" because of the responsibility of this new challenge.
"More conservative treatment will have to be offered," he said because the Pope is refusing surgery, having had a colon operation in July last year. The Pope's arthritis causes swelling of his joints, he explained.
"He has a great personality; he's doing well, very lucid, a very grateful man, very friendly and pleasant. He also likes football," Dr Villalón said.
The medic has been helping Atlético Madrid's footballers since 1995. He is a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Activity book for the kids! Christmas isn’t just one day: a fun booklet with activities for children, published by Evangelisation Brisbane, only $2, available until sold out.
December monthly edition of the Catholic Leader available now at the shops or the back of Stella Maris Church. Cost $ 4.
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 (2022 last session on 29 November - 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 - 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:
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
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 - Quotes from Pope Francis’ POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION - Amoris Laetitia… “The Joy of Love.”
The Family is the place where parents become their children’s first teachers in the faith. They learn this ‘trade,’ passing it down from one person to another. (para 16).
“we can appreciate the suffering created by unemployment and the lack of steady work, ….Sadly, these realities are present in many countries today, where the lack of employment opportunities takes its toll on the serenity of family life. (para 25)
“The tensions created by an overly individualistic culture caught up with possessions and pleasures leads to intolerance and hostility in families” (para 33)
“Here I would also include today’s fast pace of life, stress and the organization of society and labour, since all these are cultural factors which militate against permanent decisions.” (para 33)
“Indeed, in many countries where the number of marriages is decreasing, more and more people are choosing to live alone or simply to spend time together without cohabiting.” (para 33)
“It is true that there is no sense in simply decrying present-day evils as if this could change things. Nor it is helpful to try to impose rules by sheer authority.” (Para 35).
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
VII. THE GAZE OF JESUS
96. Jesus took up the biblical faith in God the Creator, emphasizing a fundamental truth: God is Father (cf. Mt 11:25). In talking with his disciples, Jesus would invite them to recognize the paternal relationship God has with all his creatures. With moving tenderness, he would remind them that each one of them is important in God’s eyes: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God” (Lk 12:6). “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Mt 6:26).
97. The Lord was able to invite others to be attentive to the beauty that there is in the world because he himself was in constant touch with nature, lending it an attention full of fondness and wonder. As he made his way throughout the land, he often stopped to contemplate the beauty sown by his Father and invited his disciples to perceive a divine message in things: “Lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest” (Jn 4:35). “The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but once it has grown, it is the greatest of plants” (Mt 13:31-32).
98. Jesus lived in full harmony with creation, and others were amazed: “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Mt 8:27). His appearance was not that of an ascetic set apart from the world, nor of an enemy to the pleasant things of life. Of himself, he said: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard!’” (Mt 11:19). He was far removed from philosophies that despised the body, matter and the things of the world. Such unhealthy dualisms, nonetheless, left a mark on certain Christian thinkers throughout history and disfigured the Gospel. Jesus worked with his hands, in daily contact with the matter created by God, to which he gave form through his craftsmanship. It is striking that most of his life was dedicated to this task in a simple life which awakened no admiration at all: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” (Mk 6:3). In this way, he sanctified human labour and endowed it with a special significance for our development. As Saint John Paul II taught, “by enduring the toil of work in union with Christ crucified for us, man in a way collaborates with the Son of God for the redemption of humanity”.[79]
99. In the Christian understanding of the world, the destiny of all creation is bound up with the mystery of Christ, present from the beginning: “All things have been created through him and for him” (Col 1:16).[80] The prologue of the Gospel of John (1:1-18) reveals Christ’s creative work as the Divine Word (Logos). But then, unexpectedly, the prologue goes on to say that this same Word “became flesh” (Jn 1:14). One Person of the Trinity entered into the created cosmos, throwing in his lot with it, even to the cross. From the beginning of the world, but particularly through the incarnation, the mystery of Christ is at work in a hidden manner in the natural world as a whole, without thereby impinging on its autonomy.
100. The New Testament does not only tell us of the earthly Jesus and his tangible and loving relationship with the world. It also shows him risen and glorious, present throughout creation by his universal Lordship: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Col 1:19-20). This leads us to direct our gaze to the end of time, when the Son will deliver all things to the Father, so that “God may be everything to every one” (1 Cor 15:28). Thus, the creatures of this world no longer appear to us under merely natural guise because the risen One is mysteriously holding them to himself and directing them towards fullness as their end. The very flowers of the field and the birds which his human eyes contemplated and admired are now imbued with his radiant presence.
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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