PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1787155298 - BAD URACH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 21, 2014: Joseph's dream, detail of high altar by Sieger Koder in St. Joseph's Church in Bad Urach, Germany. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic
PASTOR’S POST. Christmas Past
Perhaps I am exercising selective memory, but I do believe that Christmas was a much more exciting and joyful time when we were children. The anticipation, the preparation, the mystery and the decorations was so different from the rest of the year, and we knew something wonderful was going to happen. I can’t remember ever being disappointed with the result. Even the selection of gifts was a pleasure rather than a chore. The dilemma of which size bottle of 4711 for Mum and Old Spice or Brylcreem for Dad. (I knew they like these gifts because they had several bottles of each in the bathroom cabinet, probably saved from previous Christmases.)
The atmosphere in the house was also different, and while our decorations did not reach the dizzy heights of the electrical extravaganzas of today, a tree, a crib and a bit of tinsel on the front door was a great reminder that some time good was coming our way. Special foods were prepared with the Christmas cake ingredients soaking in brandy for weeks before. Dad was in charge of refreshments in an era when six tallies of beer and a couple of bottles of Ben Ean Riesling was apparently enough for about ten thirsty adults, (those were the days). For some reason watermelon had a starring role for dessert, not to mention plum pudding with a cash reward in every serving. To this day I refuse to eat plum pudding outside of December. It just seems wrong. There was a palpable air of happiness in the house and in the community, and without being aware of the behind-the-scenes activities of the grown-ups, everything seemed to happen smoothly and simply. It was a happy, busy time.
Is it just when we get older that the wonder starts to fade or do we overload and try too hard to force the festivities, rather than just let some of the simple things we hold dear take hold. Perhaps because we were one of those conventional Catholic families of the time, going to mass at Christmas, or any Sunday, was not too much a decision to be made, but a tradition to be upheld. I honestly can’t remember any of the homilies of the perspiring priest of that time, but they all seemed to put us in the mood for what was to come.
Because our family had a large yard, most of the rellies would come to our place, laden with more treats than any child deserves. Some adequate contribution was made for “those less fortunate,” via St. Vincent de Paul. While I never knew the recipients of our family donation, I did naively imagine that many families were now sitting down to luscious feasts mainly due to our few dollars of contribution. Win/Win as far as I could see.
Mobility and distance from family members can make the celebrations of today more demanding to organise and participate in, however it is important to appreciate the efforts that so many people go to to make this time more special than the rest of the year. While it’s not just about the food or the gifts, the decorations or the carols, these are the trimmings which remind us that this is not a bad world, it is just one in need of repair. Like families, it’s a world that is trying to do the right thing for its members, but we can’t seem to let go of thinking or way is the only way of living. Perhaps if families could put aside their petty quarrels to remember the greater blessings we have been given, then maybe bigger families, like world powers, can recapture some of the lost wonder of belonging and not be afraid to see that what we already have might be enough.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
The Christmas hampers are being packed and sent out this weekend. However, cash donations to the local work of St Vinnies is still very welcome. Thanks for the wonderful Vinnies and all helpers in this project. 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 OR CHRISTMAS DAY}
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 AT 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.
You can access the podcast for the Penitential themed Mass here:
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 receive communion at least once a year. This would mean that reconciliation is only compulsory for any serious sins and would be best confessed as soon as possible - Please note that this does not oblige people to go to confession once a year but simply that we are obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, and that implies confessing any serious sins that we know of. 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. Some interesting information from the Cathechism of the Catholic church:
Para 1393: Holy Communion separates us from sin. The body of Christ we receive in Holy Communion is "given up for us," and the blood we drink "shed for the many for the forgiveness of sins." For this reason the Eucharist cannot unite us to Christ without at the same time cleansing us from past sins and preserving us from future sins: For as often as we eat this bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord. If we proclaim the Lord's death, we proclaim the forgiveness of sins. If, as often as his blood is poured out, it is poured for the forgiveness of sins, I should always receive it, so that it may always forgive my sins. Because I always sin, I should always have a remedy.
Para 1394: As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins.231 By giving himself to us Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to creatures and root ourselves in him: Since Christ died for us out of love, when we celebrate the memorial of his death at the moment of sacrifice we ask that love may be granted to us by the coming of the Holy Spirit. We humbly pray that in the strength of this love by which Christ willed to die for us, we, by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, may be able to consider the world as crucified for us, and to be ourselves as crucified to the world. . . . Having received the gift of love, let us die to sin and live for God.
Para 1395: By the same charity that it enkindles in us, the Eucharist preserves us from future mortal sins. The more we share the life of Christ and progress in his friendship, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin. The Eucharist is not ordered to the forgiveness of mortal sins - that is proper to the sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church.
Even more interesting is this teaching from The great Doctor of the Catholic Church, St Thomas Aquinas: (also known of as the Angelic Doctor). St. Thomas Aquinas explains:
"As stated above (III:87:3), there is no remission of any sin whatever except by the power of grace, because, as the Apostle declares (Romans 4:8), it is owing to God's grace that He does not impute sin to a man, which a gloss on that passage expounds as referring to venial sin. Now he that is in a state of mortal sin is without the grace of God. Therefore no venial sin is forgiven him" (Summa Theologica, Third Part, Question 87: The remission of venial sin, Article 4)
For those however who only have venial sins on their souls, the Angelic Doctor continues by explaining what are the means for remitting the venial sins:
"No infusion of fresh grace is required for the forgiveness of a venial sin, but it is enough to have an act proceeding from grace, in detestation of that venial sin, either explicit or at least implicit, as when one is moved fervently to God. Hence, for three reasons, certain things cause the remission of venial sins: first, because they imply the infusion of grace, since the infusion of grace removes venial sins, as stated above (Article 2); and so, by the Eucharist, Extreme Unction, and by all the sacraments of the New Law without exception, wherein grace is conferred, venial sins are remitted.
"Secondly, because they imply a movement of detestation for sin, and in this way the general confession [i.e. the recital of the Confiteor or of an act of contrition, the beating of one's breast, and the Lord's Prayer conduce to the remission of venial sins, for we ask in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses."
"Thirdly, because they include a movement of reverence for God and Divine things; and in this way a bishop's blessing, the sprinkling of holy water, any sacramental anointing, a prayer said in a dedicated church, and anything else of the kind, conduce to the remission of venial sins" (Summa Theologica, Third Part, Question 87: The remission of venial sin, Article 3)
Thus, we learn that the Sacraments, such as receiving Holy Communion, remit venial sin, although we of course may never receive Holy Communion without prior Sacramental Confession for mortal sin. We also learn that the Confiteor, the Our Father, and blessing ourselves with Holy Water all remit venial sin.
So if you find yourself away from the Sacrament of Confession, do not lose heart. Make use of the prayers and Sacramentals at your disposal.
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
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR JANUARY 2023
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for First Friday, 6th January 2023 at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
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.
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
A VOCATION VIEW: Faith!
Vocations from God are not always clear. Not all of us are like Joseph, who had an angel appear to him saying: "Take Mary as your wife, and fear not." To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - TRUST!
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”MATTHEW 1:24
Putting our complete trust in the Lord without expecting anything in return. Striving to put God first in all things and follow Him wherever He may lead us. Joseph was a model of these pillars of our faith. As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, pray for the strength and courage to be a model of discipleship, just as Joseph was.
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: Constable Randall Kirk, 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, 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: The two Queensland Police Officers who were murdered whilst permforming their duties: Constable Matthew Arnold (aged 26), and Constable Rachel McCrow (aged 29). With Honour They Served!:
and civilian Alan Dare (aged 58),
Felix Grech, Maria Magdalena Bizzotto, C. L. Kennedy, 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: Itufa Ah Lo, John Agustinus Ngati, Marian Howell, Grazyna Zyner, Barry Charles Day, Henry Martin Prince, Noel (Max) Patrick Christmas, Gary John Moore, Walter de Launey, Margaret Borg, Abina Jean (Jean) Saalmann, Stanley (Stan) Kassulke, Murray James Hill, Denis Graham, Maureen Fitzgerald, Maria Vos, Frankie Anne Mackedie (baby), Mary Jean Lenthall, Alfred Ernest (Alf) Symonds, Ada Teresa Bradshaw, Patricia Lazaro, John Brian McCabe, Jack O'Brien, Caridad Duazo, Robert John (Bob) Thorburn, Paul Thomas Grennan, Bill Magno, Imelda Mary Rundell, Patricia Nolan. And also: 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.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Welcome!
Most folks live in the land of their birth. Only one in 30 migrate, and for many reasons. They may marry a non-national and relocate to make a life together. Jobs may move overseas. But people often migrate under forces they can't control: military conflicts, natural disasters, extreme poverty, or other dangers. Migration may not be chosen, but it doesn't have to spell doom to those who depart or receive them. Migrants have knowledge, networks, and skills to share. History proves it, as does the history of our faith. The Lord God told the Israelites: “You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt" (Lev. 19:33-34). On this International Migrants Day, O Sacred Lord, give us the spirit of welcome and openness so we may each find our way to you. “The Lord's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
MASK WEARING
The risk of Flu and Covid virus is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, so please consider using masks and hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible still highly prudent. If you feel unwell, please stay home until you feel better. The requirement to attend masses, even Holy Days of obligation, remains suspended at this time. No formal times for reconciliation are scheduled to ensure minimum crowd density. Venial sin is remitted by Eucharist, and also acts of personal penance and contrition. Reconciliation is available by prior appointment - avoiding peak holiday times and Solemnities.
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 and also - https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/ukraine-appeal/
SOME CHRISTMAS READING - LITURGY NEWS NOW READY FOR DOWNLOAD - VOL 52, NO 4. Summer 2022.
Archdiocese of Brisbane - Free Liturgy Magazine
To download your free copy of Liturgy News - please click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JOiU_eo43MjRYqIVBvq6ILjtvUz8E_YX/view?usp=sharing
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 - The Day of the Lord is very near!
Our time of Advent waiting is almost over. The excitement and the beauty of this Christmas Feast are so close, only a week away, now.
God has entered human history in a definitive and miraculous way. And through "God with us," we are saved.
It puts me in mind of the words of this hymn:
HYMN
{Suggested tune: Bishopthorpe or St Flavian: CM}
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light triumphant breaks;
When beauty gilds the eastern hills,
And life to joy awakes.
0 brighter than that glorious morn
Shall this fair morning be,
When Christ, our King, in beauty comes,
And we his face shall see.
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And earth's dark night is past;
0 haste the rising of that morn,
The day that ever shall last.
(P.339, Magnificat DEC 2019: vol 10; no.2).
Our God has a very long memory and a very good memory. And Our God is faithful. He keeps his promises.
Something foretold long ago. Something promised by Our God more than 700 years before. Is now being fulfilled, just as God said. It is a reminder to us that God thinks for many hundreds of years. God has the whole picture, whilst we individually only have a glimpse of a small part of it. But God has all the time in the world to ensure that what he promised will be fulfilled at the perfect time.
When we stick with God, we are in very good hands.
"In Matthew's version …, an unnamed angel speaks to Joseph in a dream. …Leaving the angel unnamed redirects the reader's attention in two ways. First, attention is turned away from the person of the angel to his mission: he is a messenger doing God's bidding. In this, he is a model of what Joseph himself should be: an obedient servant. Second, the anonymity of the angel highlights the role of Joseph. … In Matthew's genealogy, Jesus is the 'son of David' (1:1) whose lineage is traced through Joseph. (Also), Matthew presents the husband of Mary in terms that recall the story of the patriarch Joseph (Genesis 37 - 50) who receives his messages from God through dreams and who rescues his family by bringing them to Egypt (Genesis 45:19 - 46:6) - … Joseph is the righteous, obedient, and compassionate protector of his wife and her child. Joseph is a wonderful model of discipleship for us. He is humble, honest, quick to respond when asked, and is all about God's priorities and vision, not his own. He is happy to be the Lord's humble and loyal servant and stay in the background to what God is achieving. Nevertheless, his cooperation, along with his blessed wife, Mary, allows God to do great and wonderful things through them.
The significance of the Child is indicated by his two names. He is 'Emmanuel.' (This) indicates WHAT Jesus is doing: He is 'God (who is come down from heaven to make his home with us.' It (also) shows that Jesus is fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, (our First Reading); and so God, indeed, is the one who is utterly faithful to His promises. The second name indicates WHO Jesus is: 'Jesus' means 'Saviour,' for 'he is the one who will save his people from their sins' (2:21). #"
Joseph is described quite deliberately, in this weekend's Gospel, as a "righteous man." We have lost the full technical meaning of this word. This really means that he was a man who always strove to do what was right. Not just the dead letter of the law, but the Spirit and meaning of the law, so that whatever he did would be the right thing to do, in God's eyes and for the good of others... So…. He was a man open to the Spirit….
When he heard that Mary was with a child, and not from him, he obviously did not initially understand what was happening. This was completely out of the ordinary. He clearly did not respond with outrage or immediately demand that the letter of the law be followed in this situation, because he must have known and loved Mary very much, and must have known intuitively that there must be some kind of explanation for this situation, no matter how bewildering. And, so he did not act rashly or imprudently. We are told that he carefully considered what he should do that would be best for Mary and for him and for everyone in all circumstances. He is an inspiration of how we Christians ought to respond to the many surprises, confusions and misunderstandings in life – that is, not rushing to judgement, not overreacting but rather, lovingly, prayerfully considering, with a thoughtful, reflective mind, what is truly in the best interests of all parties concerned, especially those most vulnerable. What had occurred was so enormous he could not really comprehend. And of course, when he got more information when the Angel appeared in a dream and explained that this was all happening because of God's actions. He realised that God wanted to include his humble, lowly self in God's plan. God wanted Joseph to be the stepfather of the Lord…. Joseph immediately, faithfully (and righteously) did all that was necessary. He obeyed God and did God's will, even when it was all very confusing. Joseph and Mary are an enormous inspiration to us.
Inspired by Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we, too, wait for the Lord.
May our hearts be ever alert, ready to respond immediately to what God asks of us.
O Emmanuel,
king and lawgiver,
Desire of the nations,
Saviour of all people.
Come and set us free.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; #(Adapted by me, from the Commentary on the Fourth Week of Advent, Year A. >From "Liturgia," Subscription Electronic Resource. © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2019); "The righteous person's dilemma," by Alice Camille. Reflection: From: 19 Dec 2010 - Fourth Sunday of Advent Cycle A. From Prepare the Word resource: TrueQuest Communications, LLC. All rights reserved; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1417111835 - FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 11, 2019: Altarpiece of saint Joseph the Worker, by Pietro Annigoni in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy. Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor - Zvonimir Atletic
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
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
St Peter Canisius
"(St Peter Canisius had) an extraordinary devotion to the Holy Eucharist – his devotion to the Holy Sacrifice were such that people would come from great distances to watch him offer Mass, so devoutly did he celebrate. He was one of the people that urged frequent Communion at the Council of Trent and was one of those who got the Council of Trent to pass a little-known decree, little known because it took almost three hundred years for that decree to really come to life. The Council of Trent, mind you, sixteenth century, encouraged daily Communion – you would never guess it, would you? Peter Canisius was one of those who, under instructions from Ignatius,
made sure that the Council passed that decree and he spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament." Ven Servant of God Fr John A Hardon S.J. (1914-2000)
If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all.
"Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary, for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to his disciples: “You are the light of the world”; but also added these words: 'A city seated on a mountain cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house.' Those churchmen err, who imagine, that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of all-embracing love, they fulfil their office."
"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.
These ceremonies which are used in the administration of the Sacraments, each of which we receive as delivered and entrusted to us through the hands of the fathers, must especially be retained and observed with great devotion.
It behoves us unanimously and inviolably to observe the ecclesiastical traditions, whether codified or simply retained by the customary practice of the Church.
Saint John of Kanty
"Fight all error but do it with good humour, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause."
"What kind of work can be nobler than to cultivate the minds of young people, guarding it carefully, so that the knowledge and love of God and His holy precepts go hand-in-hand with learning? To form young Christians and citizens-isn't this the most beautiful and noble-minded way to make use of life, of all one's talents and energy?"
"Going hand-in-hand with that true brand of humility one saw in him a great childlike humility. There was nothing deceitful or ambiguous in his actions and words. Whatever was in his heart he unhesitantly and honestly revealed. If he thought that his words, even when speaking the truth, could accidentally offend someone, he humbly asked for forgiveness before approaching the altar." Pope Clement X (In the Bull of Canonisation of St John of Kanty on 16 July 1767)
©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
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).
We treat affective relationships the way we treat material objects and the environment: everything is disposable; everyone uses and throws away, takes and breaks, exploits and squeezes to the last drop. Then, goodbye. Narcissism makes people incapable of looking beyond themselves, beyond their own desires and needs. Yet sooner or later, those who use others end up being used themselves, manipulated and discarded by that same mindset. It is also worth noting that breakups often occur among older adults who seek a kind of “independence” and reject the ideal of growing old together, looking after and supporting one another. (Para 39)
We need to find the right language, arguments and forms of witness that can help us reach the hearts of young people, appealing to their capacity for generosity, commitment, love and even heroism, and in this way inviting them to take up the challenge of marriage with enthusiasm and courage. (para 40).
The lack of dignified or affordable housing often leads to the postponement of formal relationships. It should be kept in mind that “the family has the right to decent housing, fitting for family life and commensurate to the number of the members, in a physical environment that provides the basic services for the life of the family and the community”.23 Families and homes go together. This makes us see how important it is to insist on the rights of the family and not only those of individuals. (para 44)
Families, in particular, suffer from problems related to work, where young people have few possibilities and job offers are very selective and insecure. Workdays are long and oftentimes made more burdensome by extended periods away from home. This situation does not help family members to gather together or parents to be with their children in such a way as to nurture their relationships each day.” (para 44)
The sexual abuse of children is all the more scandalous when it occurs in places where they ought to be most safe, particularly in families, schools, communities and Christian institutions. (para 45)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 188022557 - ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2014: Pope Francis celebrates the 'Via Crucis' procession at Colosseum in Rome on April 18, 2014. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: giulio napolitano
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
There are still a few Columban Calendars, Church Art Calendars, 2023 God’s Word and Daily Mass Books available.
Due to end-of-year warehouse clearances, we have received many low priced items at $1 & $2, have a look this weekend, for stocking fillers and that small gift.
The last of the Christmas nativities have arrived, also plenty of crucifixes, rosaries and keyrings etc for last minute gift giving.
The December edition of the Catholic Leader now available
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR JANUARY 2023
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for First Friday, 6th January 2023 at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
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:
19/12/22 Merla & Rodney Anthony
26/12/22 Merla & Rodney Anthony
5/1/23 Merla & Rodney Anthony
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (Resumes on 21 January 2023)
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
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
(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.
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 (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.
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.
II. THE GLOBALIZATION OF THE TECHNOCRATIC PARADIGM
106. The basic problem goes even deeper: it is the way that humanity has taken up technology and its development according to an undifferentiated and one-dimensional paradigm. This paradigm exalts the concept of a subject who, using logical and rational procedures, progressively approaches and gains control over an external object. This subject makes every effort to establish the scientific and experimental method, which in itself is already a technique of possession, mastery and transformation. It is as if the subject were to find itself in the presence of something formless, completely open to manipulation. Men and women have constantly intervened in nature, but for a long time, this meant being in tune with and respecting the possibilities offered by the things themselves. It was a matter of receiving what nature itself allowed, as if from its own hand. Now, by contrast, we are the ones to lay our hands on things, attempting to extract everything possible from them while frequently ignoring or forgetting the reality in front of us. Human beings and material objects no longer extend a friendly hand to one another; the relationship has become confrontational. This has made it easy to accept the idea of infinite or unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, financiers and experts in technology. It is based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the earth’s goods, and this leads to the planet being squeezed dry beyond every limit. It is the false notion that “an infinite quantity of energy and resources are available, that it is possible to renew them quickly, and that the negative effects of the exploitation of the natural order can be easily absorbed”.[86]
107. It can be said that many problems of today’s world stem from the tendency, at times unconscious, to make the method and aims of science and technology an epistemological paradigm that shapes the lives of individuals and the workings of society. The effects of imposing this model on reality as a whole, human and social, are seen in the deterioration of the environment, but this is just one sign of a reductionism that affects every aspect of human and social life. We have to accept that technological products are not neutral, for they create a framework that ends up conditioning lifestyles and shaping social possibilities along the lines dictated by the interests of certain powerful groups. Decisions that may seem purely instrumental are in reality decisions about the kind of society we want to build.
108. The idea of promoting a different cultural paradigm and employing technology as a mere instrument is nowadays inconceivable. The technological paradigm has become so dominant that it would be difficult to do without its resources and even more difficult to utilize them without being dominated by its internal logic. It has become countercultural to choose a lifestyle whose goals are even partly independent of technology, of its costs and its power to globalize and make us all the same. Technology tends to absorb everything into its ironclad logic, and those who are surrounded with technology “know full well that it moves forward in the final analysis neither for profit nor for the well-being of the human race”, that “in the most radical sense of the term power is its motive – a lordship over all”.[87] As a result, “man seizes hold of the naked elements of both nature and human nature”.[88] Our capacity to make decisions, more genuine freedom and the space for each one’s alternative creativity are diminished.
109. The technocratic paradigm also tends to dominate economic and political life. The economy accepts every advance in technology with a view to profit, without concern for its potentially negative impact on human beings. Finance overwhelms the real economy. The lessons of the global financial crisis have not been assimilated, and we are learning all too slowly the lessons of environmental deterioration. Some circles maintain that current economics and technology will solve all environmental problems, and argue, in popular and non-technical terms, that the problems of global hunger and poverty will be resolved simply by market growth. They are less concerned with certain economic theories which today scarcely anybody dares defend, than with their actual operation in the functioning of the economy. They may not affirm such theories with words, but nonetheless support them with their deeds by showing no interest in more balanced levels of production, a better distribution of wealth, and concern for the environment and the rights of future generations. Their behaviour shows that for them maximizing profits is enough. Yet by itself, the market cannot guarantee integral human development and social inclusion.[89] At the same time, we have “a sort of ‘superdevelopment’ of a wasteful and consumerist kind which forms an unacceptable contrast with the ongoing situations of dehumanizing deprivation”,[90] while we are all too slow in developing economic institutions and social initiatives which can give the poor regular access to basic resources. We fail to see the deepest roots of our present failures, which have to do with the direction, goals, meaning and social implications of technological and economic growth.
110. The specialization which belongs to technology makes it difficult to see the larger picture. The fragmentation of knowledge proves helpful for concrete applications, and yet it often leads to a loss of appreciation for the whole, for the relationships between things, and for the broader horizon, which then becomes irrelevant. This very fact makes it hard to find adequate ways of solving the more complex problems of today’s world, particularly those regarding the environment and the poor; these problems cannot be dealt with from a single perspective or a single set of interests. A science that would offer solutions to great issues would necessarily have to take into account the data generated by other fields of knowledge, including philosophy and social ethics; but this is a difficult habit to acquire today. Nor are there genuine ethical horizons to which one can appeal. Life gradually becomes a surrender to situations conditioned by technology, itself viewed as the principal key to the meaning of existence. In the concrete situation confronting us, there are a number of symptoms that point to what is wrong, such as environmental degradation, anxiety, a loss of the purpose of life and of community living. Once more we see that “realities are more important than ideas”.[91]
111. Ecological culture cannot be reduced to a series of urgent and partial responses to the immediate problems of pollution, environmental decay and the depletion of natural resources. There needs to be a distinctive way of looking at things, a way of thinking, policies, an educational programme, a lifestyle and a spirituality which together generate resistance to the assault of the technocratic paradigm. Otherwise, even the best ecological initiatives can find themselves caught up in the same globalized logic. To seek only a technical remedy to each environmental problem which comes up is to separate what is in reality interconnected and to mask the true and deepest problems of the global system.
112. Yet we can once more broaden our vision. We have the freedom needed to limit and direct technology; we can put it at the service of another type of progress, one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral. Liberation from the dominant technocratic paradigm does in fact happen sometimes, for example, when cooperatives of small producers adopt less polluting means of production, and opt for a non-consumerist model of life, recreation and community. Or when technology is directed primarily to resolving people’s concrete problems, truly helping them live with more dignity and less suffering. Or indeed when the desire to create and contemplate beauty manages to overcome reductionism through a kind of salvation which occurs in beauty and in those who behold it. An authentic humanity, calling for a new synthesis, seems to dwell in the midst of our technological culture, almost unnoticed, like a mist seeping gently beneath a closed door. Will the promise last, despite everything, with all that is authentic rising up in stubborn resistance?
113. There is also the fact that people no longer seem to believe in a happy future; they no longer have blind trust in a better tomorrow based on the present state of the world and our technical abilities. There is a growing awareness that scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity and history, a growing sense that the way to a better future lies elsewhere. This is not to reject the possibilities that technology continues to offer us. But humanity has changed profoundly, and the accumulation of constant novelties exalts a superficiality that pulls us in one direction. It becomes difficult to pause and recover depth in life. If architecture reflects the spirit of an age, our megastructures and drab apartment blocks express the spirit of globalized technology, where a constant flood of new products coexists with a tedious monotony. Let us refuse to resign ourselves to this, and continue to wonder about the purpose and meaning of everything. Otherwise, we would simply legitimate the present situation and need new forms of escapism to help us endure the emptiness.
114. All of this shows the urgent need for us to move forward in a bold cultural revolution. Science and technology are not neutral; from the beginning to the end of a process, various intentions and possibilities are in play and can take on distinct shapes. Nobody is suggesting a return to the Stone Age, but we do need to slow down and look at reality in a different way, to appropriate the positive and sustainable progress which has been made but also to recover the values and the great goals swept away by our unrestrained delusions of grandeur.
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…….
LOOKING FORWARD: 2023-2025
The celebration of an ordinary Jubilee, (the next of which is 2025), entails years of preparation because of the demands involved in such an event. In these years of preparation, it is especially important to provide the particular Churches scattered throughout the world with tools that foster pastoral care that will most effectively convey the dynamic momentum necessary so that the Jubilee can be a truly ecclesial event that sustains faith and is a precursor for evangelization.
Pope Francis has asked that these two years leading up to the Jubilee be focused on two particular themes.
The year 2023 will be devoted to revisiting the fundamental topics of the four Constitutions, so that the Church can breathe anew the profound and timely teaching produced by Vatican II, whose 60th anniversary will be celebrated on October 11th, 2023. For this reason, a series of user-friendly resources, written in appealing language, are being produced to arouse curiosity in those who have no memory of the event and to help them enter into the essence of the Council in order to discover the innovative longing that enabled the Church to consciously enter the third millennium of its history.
The year 2024 will be a year dedicated to prayer aimed at creating a favorable context for the Jubilee and helping pilgrims to prepare for this primarily spiritual event in a consistent and fruitful manner. In due time, information will be given about the more specific events that will accompany these two years, in order to give an initial preparatory overview. These two years will also allow the city of Rome and the country of Italy to once again display the best of their tradition of hospitality, which over the centuries has become patria communis. I would like to thank the Italian Government, with special mention to the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Massimo Garavaglia, the Mayor of Rome and Jubilee Commissioner, the Hon. Roberto Gualtieri, and the President of the Lazio Region, the Hon. Nicola Zingaretti. I would also like to thank the various administrative authorities and those associated with them, first and foremost the Fondazione Roma in the person of its President Emeritus, Prof. Emmanuele Emanuele, for the great attention they have given to the Jubilee and for the close cooperation that has ensued for several months, fully aware of the importance of the event and its religious, cultural and social relevance.
“Pilgrims of Hope” is the motto that has been chosen for the event. It expresses the need to make sense of the present so that it can be preparatory for a real thrust into the future in order to embrace and respond to the various challenges that arise from time to time. The symbolic scenario of the Jubilee, therefore, arises from the reality in which it is embedded, captures its colors and shades of meaning, speaks the language of contemporary man and interprets its essential forms. We are taking our first steps into the digital culture. The younger generations are the children of this new world that brings with it perspectives so daunting that they still look like science fiction, coupled with major shortcomings that undermine the historic achievements of truth and freedom, creating a new anthropological paradigm. The upcoming Jubilee cannot avoid entering into this culture, and for this reason we are studying how to communicate in a proactive and direct way by taking on the achievements that science and technology have placed in our hands. It should enable millions of users to become pilgrims also digitally and move along the pilgrim paths grasping the beauty and sacredness of the moment by receiving information, which, while enabling them to recall centuries of history, still demands that they remain rooted in the present with the commitment that this entails.
The Logo represents four stylized figures to indicate humanity from the four corners of the earth. They are embracing each other, to indicate the solidarity and brotherhood that must unite peoples. You will notice that the opener is hanging on to the cross. It is the sign not only of the faith that it embraces, but of the hope that can never be abandoned because we need it always and above all in moments of greatest need.
It is helpful to observe the waves that are below and are choppy to indicate that the pilgrimage of life does not always move in still waters. Personal events and world events often impose a call to hope with greater intensity. It is for this reason that the lower part of the Cross must be underlined, which extends and transforms itself into an anchor, which imposes itself on the wave motion. As we know, the anchor has often been used as a metaphor for hope.
The anchor of hope, in fact, is the name that in seafaring jargon is given to the reserve anchor, used by boats to carry out emergency maneuvers to stabilize the ship during storms. Do not overlook the fact that the image shows how much the pilgrim's journey is not an individual fact, but a community one with the imprint of a growing dynamism that tends ever more towards the Cross. The Cross is by no means static, but dynamic too, it curves towards humanity as if to go towards it and not leave it alone, but offering the certainty of its presence and the security of hope.
Finally, the Motto of the Jubilee 2025 is clearly visible in green.
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