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PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
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“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Matt 10:40)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 1874080966. Jesus sends the disciple on a mission. Illustration Contributor: Marco Sete
Message from the parish office relating to Blue Cards for volunteer parishioners.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane uses a safeguarding matrix to assess the risk of safeguarding on every ministry. In 2018 the requirement for all readers and eucharist minister was to apply for a blue card and a police check and complete a number of staturary deculations and on line training. This was the recommendation that came out of the royal commission and it had very strict protocols.
The new matrix that has been approved in May 2023 no longer requires blue cards for any ministy that is not directly involving children. Therefore many of you will receive a letter that you have been “delinked.” This does not mean your blue card has been cancelled. It means that your card is no longer linked to the Archdiocese of Brisbane as these people are not required to have a blue card for their role in the parish and the Blue Card system only wants people who need to have them to apply for them. If you use the card for other volunteer roles please contact those organisation that you are with, and link your card to that organisation. People need to have all working with children related roles linke to the organisations who provide those roles. If you have further concerns please contact the parish office.
STELLA MARIS 7 AM SUNDAY MORNING MASS FOR 2nd JULY - CANCELLED - (For this Sunday only)
Please note that due to the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 2nd July, the usual 7 am Mass at Stella Maris will be cancelled for this Sunday only.
PASTOR’S POST -
Throughout my life, there have been many times when I have witnessed that wonderful Aussie characteristic of "giving a bloke a chance" of digging deep in times of trouble. Through droughts and fires and numerous other disasters, people have done amazingly generous things for their fellow Australians that have spurred the rest of us on to make some sacrifices ourselves, when at first we thought it didn't have anything to do with me. That type of generosity is infectious and, if done with a good spirit, brings its own rewards.
"We take care of our own," is now a proud part of our tradition. But who is "our own," and when does 'taking care' start to become a burden? How do we respond when those who don't come from our "tribe" or traditions or our lifestyle need that chance?
Certainly, one of the most confronting issues in our world is the crisis surrounding refugees. People, for a range of reasons, find they can no longer live in the country of their birth and must seek refuge elsewhere. Every day hundreds of thousands of people find it necessary to gather their family and belongings and search for security away from the place where they believed they would be safe.
You can only imagine what despair these people must have grappled with when they finally decided that the danger of departing was seen to be a better option than staying where they had established their house, employment and their family tradition. May we never know the trauma of having to take such desperate measures?
I wonder whether these people ever know what will greet them when they arrive at some new place. Will they be greeted at all, or will they find a country that will reject them like we would an invader? The only way these desperate people will survive is if they are welcomed into this new and often vastly different society.
In the sacred tradition of Israel, hospitality was regarded as one of the chief responsibilities of a caring people. The stranger, the outsider. The Wayfarer. Anyone outside their home territory – all were regarded as people who were in need of special care.
The reason for this was enshrined in the Law: "If a stranger lives with you in your land, do not harm him. You must count him as one of your own countrymen and love him as yourself – for you were once strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:33-34).
We should not be surprised to know that while this Law was held sacred, as people settled in their lands and became established, they started to worry about their own security before that of others. Eventually, they no longer looked to their community, their tribe, for help but started looking after their own property. They started to care for only those they knew.
By the time Jesus was born, the people of Israel had settled into the land of Palestine, and since they were no longer wandering people but had the land and security they wanted, their values changed and so did their connection and responsibilities for each other.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear clearly that Jesus was born into a place where he was not accepted. He had no security and had to be taken to Egypt for safety and shelter. From the very beginning of his life, he had to rely on the hospitality of others. In fact, the whole of Jesus' adult life seemed to be one of taking to the road with his band of itinerant supporters. Where could he lay his head in a land of strangers? As they leave their own region of Galilee, they become refugees who have to depend on the hospitality of others to receive them and welcome their message.
It would seem that people did welcome his disciples, particularly those who needed to hear the good news they were bringing. Those who welcomed them as holy messengers from God did receive their own reward in the form of healing and forgiveness. They came to discover that the message of a loving forgiving God was not a finite commodity like their land and belongings. That their hospitality was not a matter of bed and breakfast and goodbye, but rather it was the act of opening their hearts to the visit of God who came in the person of Jesus. In doing so they caught something of the goodness and values that Jesus showed them. They changed because of his visit.
And that is where hospitality begins, with an open door and open heart. Yes, it does extend beyond being comfortable. It goes beyond offering others some immediate assistance in the hope that they might go away and leave us alone. Supporting the stranger means first listening to what they have to say and providing practical support for them in their quest for belonging.
We profess that 'generosity to the needy' is now one of our proud Catholic characteristics, but it is often tempered with the concern of "What do I get out of this, and how long does my giving last?" It is a question that our country must ask itself, and it has no easy answer. Yet, if we as individuals are not sure about our answer, how can we expect to have any influence on the rest of the community? We offer no example to others if we are not prepared to practise what we profess to believe if we only take the comfortable bits of the Gospel message.
I suppose it comes down to seeing if we believe what Jesus proclaims when he says people won't lose by their generosity to the cause of the Gospel. As he tells his messengers: "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me".
In the end, it is God who is our guest.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUNDAY - A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
FROM THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CATHOLIC COUNCIL
Artwork Jesus the Living Water by Troy Mardigan (Daly River)
Every year, on the first Sunday in July, Catholics come together across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia’s First Peoples in the Catholic Church. As we approach the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, it has never been more important for Catholics to come together and listen to Australia's First Peoples.
In Australia we are blessed to be home to the world's oldest continuing Culture and the resources that we have created and collated will assist you to celebrate this very important day on our Liturgical Calendar.
Catholic Bishop, Columba Macbeth Green has provided the following reflection for this year's celebration:
The Second Reading from Paul to the Romans reminds us of the great gift of Baptism. When we rise out of the waters of Baptism, we rise to a new life in Christ and Death and Sin no longer has power over us. This is part of the Good News and is a great gift of God to us. To receive this gift of new life in Baptism, we need to have an encounter with God somehow. One of the best ways to encounter God is through hospitality.
Hospitality can be defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
In the readings for Mass today, we hear about the special blessings that people will get if they show hospitality to someone sent by the Lord.
In the First Reading from 2nd Kings, we hear about the extraordinary hospitality shown to the Prophet Elisha by the woman at Shunem and her husband. Elisha was travelling on Mission for the Lord and was given hospitality by this kind woman. The woman (we do not know her name - but I like to think of her as Beryl) judged Elisha to be a holy man and, after giving him food and rest on his journeys, even convinced her husband to build a small room in the roof that Elisha could stay in when he came past that way. Because of her hospitality, she encountered God through Elisha. The woman was rewarded for her kindness towards the Prophet with what she wanted most but didn’t have - a child. Her life was changed.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his Apostles that he wants 100% commitment from them. Jesus wants people to encounter Him in His followers so their lives may be changed. He tells the Apostles that anyone who is hospitable to them is hospitable to Him. Jesus goes on to say that anyone who is hospitable to a Prophet, Holy Man, or the least of His Disciples because he is one of His followers will be rewarded. We know that being rewarded by Jesus would be life-changing.
Culture is very important when it comes to hospitality. In the cultures of the Middle East it was considered a duty to be hospitable to the traveller that comes by. This was (and is) especially true of the nomadic peoples who lived in arid and inhospitable areas. It was expected that, if a stranger was judged to come in peace, they would be welcomed into the tent and be provided sustenance and protection by the tribe or family.
With these Cultural practices, it was easy for God to teach people the importance of encountering God by being especially hospitable to those sent by God as His messengers. Special rewards, physical and spiritual, and no doubt, life-changing will be bestowed on them for their kindness.
In the Culture of most First Nations Peoples in Australia, hospitality is also very important. When someone is “Welcomed to Country,” the Elder or Elders judge that the stranger comes in peace and is given permission to walk on the land of which they are the Traditional Custodians. The “Welcome to Country'' also means that while the stranger is on the Traditional Land, the Custodians will give sustenance and protection if needed.
Nearly all of my ministry to the Aboriginal people of my Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes starts with hospitality. I get ‘Welcomed to Country’. If I am assessed as a friend and not a foe, I get into conversations in the street, then I can get invited into a person’s front yard for a yarn, and then later on, I might be invited to talk on the verandah, and if I am privileged, I get invited into the home. The receiver of the hospitality must respect and acknowledge the hospitality that is given. Then trust is established, and with trust comes encounter, and in some cases, the Holy Spirit works through me, the gift of new life in Baptism is asked and received, and a life is changed.
I think all of us in the Church could learn a lot from the culture of hospitality of our First Nations Peoples in helping bring people closer to God. Respect, patience, building trust, protecting those in our care, invitation and welcome are all facets of hospitality and, as such, are very important in bringing about an encounter with God.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CATHOLICS IN AUSTRALIA
First Nations Catholics are the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the Australian Catholic Church.
135,681 The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics
4.6% The percentage of the Catholic population aged under 5
8.2% The percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics aged under 5
10 The number of Dioceses which have over one-fifth of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population who identify as Catholic
Notes: Prepared by the ACBC National Centre for Pastoral Research as part of the National Catholic Census Project. Data is sourced from the 2021 Census unless specified. Data on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population for some years and prior to 1971 is not recorded here due to the poor quality of data collected.
Prayer: Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will accompany us on our journey of healing on these lands, seas and waterways; And also that the Spirit of peace is with all those who are living a life of fear, dispossession and distress.
God of all creation, as we journey together in this Great Southern Land, We pray for healing, forgiveness, and unity, Creating a path of goodwill with justice and compassion. Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom, and strength To share our gifts and talents in humility. In peace and understanding, we reconcile with each other. Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received. Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one. Amen.
FOR MORE CATHOLIC NATSICC INFORMATION AND RESOURCES, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
https://www.natsicc.org.au/
THE NATIONAL (SECULAR) NAIDOC WEEK - COINCIDES WITH THE CATHOLIC CELEBRATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAIDOC WEEK, PLEASE SEE BELOW AND LINKS
We’re proud to announce that the 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders.
Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.
Our loved ones pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line when we need them too.
They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world.
We draw strength from their knowledge and experience in everything from land management and cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.
The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today. The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength have carried the survival of our people.
It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision-making for our people, there is nothing about us - without us.
We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting for us across all our Nations, and we pay homage to them.
Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based in Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland, is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders.
“Where there is knowledge, there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge and our history, and they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster, I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.” said Bobbi.
Watch the video below to learn more about the incredible Bobbi Lockyer and her art
Calling Surfers Paradise Parish Altar Servers
On July 15, at 2:30pm until 4:30pm - Come and share some afternoon snacks, get to know other altar servers and then join in a training workshop with our parish Altar Server Coordinator, Nola Smith and our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson.
Who's invited? All current altar servers from any of our three parish churches (Stella Maris, St Vincent’s or Sacred Heart); servers from any mass time slots are invited.
Is anyone else invited? We are also hoping to see some new faces; children who may have been wondering how they can become an altar server. If you are interested and you have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion; as well First Reconciliation, then please come along and meet everyone. You can just watch and listen, and then decide if this is what God is asking you to do.
Is anyone else invited? Yes, please bring an adult, a parent would be great 🙂
If you have any questions about the day, please email Nola at churchaltarserving@gmail.com
What should I bring (other than an adult)? Please bring your best ideas and friendliest smile; the snacks etc will be supplied?
BIRTHDAYS GALORE!!
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 and speedily 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. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gld Coast Pvt Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
The injured from the Hunter Valley Bus Crash.
Also, (Alphabetical) Jack Barretto, Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Jean Di Benedetto, Coralie Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Diana Castro, Cecily Cellinan, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Margaret & George Cook, Margaret Cusack, Geraldine Daniels, Anne Van Deurse, Beryl Dorfield, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Fred Grioli, Margaret Haerse, Jenny Haines, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Kath Kiely, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs. Shirley Montford, Joanne Mooney, Michael Murtagh, Lynn Nunan, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, Natalie O’Reilly, Letty O’Sullivan, Joanne Parkes, Kay Pitman, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Patricia Roberts, John & Molly Robinson, Rogelio Rodriguez, Sue Rogers, Bob Rogers, Annie Scicluna, Felipe S Cataquiz Sr, Kathy Stevens, Jim Stewart, Betty Taylor, Liza Teo, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Karen Vestergard, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED:
(Alphabetical) Jeffery Ah Lo, Luciano Albergo, Victoria Alexander, Norma Ancrum, Leo Anderson, Delores Barrett, Peter Barry, Jill Bolger, Maria Brazinas, Elijah Christian, Daniel Clancy, Robert Conn, Charles George Dayney, Beatriz Dos Santos, Bill Drummond, Roberta Fantuz, Noel Ferdinands, Des Fox, Lorraine Geraghty, Joseph Griffa, John Iocobucci, Shane Hall, Antonio Invernizzi, Melissa Ann Lord, Bernadette Martin, Mario Paul Mazza, Barry McMahon, Dr Frank Miau, Don Palin-Brinkworth, Graham Price (Ashgrove), Patricia Rankin, June Toole, Phyllis Jane Woolaston.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Jack And Daphne Banks, Mons Edward Barry, Marjorie Bates, Peter Briggs, Albert Lewis Bush, Fr Gerard Casey, Mary Dean, Alfred Desira, Stanislaw Dominiak., Alan Herbert Driscoll, Anna Felisiak, Rodney Clarence Godden, Giuseppe Grasso, Francisca Hanoszek, Emily Hasdell, George Arthur Higgs, Matthew Hoare, Fr Vincent Kiley, Ante Kolak, Julia McKay, Rev Fr Nicholas F Moynihan, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Jill Cecelia O’Brien, Maureen Patricia O’Connor, Fr Bernard O'Shea, Kathleen Perkins, Fr James Quirk, Josephine Sanders, John Schreiber, Vona Winifred Sellars, Gregory Joseph Shara, Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, John Callistus Tobin.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Mons Michael Baldwin, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A. Joseph Butler, Polly Cummins, Julie Dwyer, Rainer Empen, Reuben Empen, John Gannon, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Maureen Glenn, Jabour Haddad, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, John Gerard Robinson (Jr), Joseph Kania, Fr John Kitts, Lynette Lesley Larking, Kwang Hua Lim, Fr William Livingston, Charles Henry Nolan, Fr John O'Halloran, Ralph Smith Pownall, Carole May Stratigos, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Fr Joseph Troy, Edward (Ted) Woodhead.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Shops are open before and after Mass each weekend. Other times, please contact the Parish Office, phone 56717388 9 am-12 pm Monday-Friday.
New stock has arrived this week, rosary beads, crucifixes and much more.
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am 1st of July. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this 1st Friday 7th July at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678 . "Could you not watch with Me one hour?" Mt 26:40
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, we grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For any important calls regarding this, please ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
Contemplative Women’s Group.
We spend a gentle 2 hours together on the 4th Saturday of the month, from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm in Mary Mother of Mercy Church, Burleigh Waters, creating a circle of sharing prayer, ritual, contemplative silence, and story. Simple afternoon tea supplied. Come join us as we walk with Clare of Assisi this month. For information, contact Sue Thomas sue@suethomas.net.au
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.07.2023. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
Trace the journey of Jesus from the land of his birth to the way he carried his cross and gave the eternal sacrifice in this 12-day Holy Land pilgrimage to Jordan & Israel led by Fr Thomas Areekuzhy MCBS. This pilgrimage features places from the Old & New Testament and includes Petra, Mt Nebo, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem for an all-inclusive offer of $6,590 AUD. The fare includes Airfare + Local Transfers in Deluxe Coaches + Stay in Premium Hotels + All Breakfasts & Dinners + English speaking professional guides. Departure from Melbourne on 15 October 2023. For inquiries & bookings call 1300 721 561 or email us info@magiholidays.com.au
Women’s Night of Spirituality
will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 25 July in St Ignatius Church, Kensington Tce, Toowong.
The event will take the format of a panel to discuss “Nurturing the nurturer” – how does a person in a nurturing role, sustain their own spirit?
Entry by donation & supper provided.
Please mark the date in your calendar.
See further details on event flyer available on parish website www.stignatiustoowong.org.au
This event will be livestreamed on the night and the link will be available via parish website www.stignatiustoowong.org.au
Grand Plans for Grandparents – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The Church is preparing to celebrate the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, 23 July.
It's a special day when the Church honours and recognises the important role that grandparents and elderly individuals play as they share their faith with their grandchildren and witness Jesus through their lives. The Church observes World Day each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Jesus' grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne.
The theme for this year's World Day, "His mercy is from age to age" (Lk 1:50), is connected to the upcoming World Youth Day in Portugal, where the theme, "Mary arose and went with haste" (Lk 1:39), highlights the profound connection between the young and the old through the magnificent encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.
To celebrate here in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we will be holding an event called Grand Plans for Grandparents – celebrating World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Please share this invitation with the grandparents of your community to join us for this special morning tea and celebration.
Who's it for? Grandparents!
Time: 9:15-11:15 am, Morning Tea included
Date: Saturday 22 July 2023
Location: Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre (194 Charlotte St, Brisbane City)
Dress code: smart casual
RSVP: 17 July
Cost: $15
Free parking available via 194 Charlotte Street (underneath the Cathedral)
Stay on for Mass at Cathedral at 11:30 am where you'll receive a special blessing, reaffirming the impact you have on your family's spiritual journey.
Register here: https://protect-au.mimecast.
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THE THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10 and tap again when it has reset for another $10, and so on.
MEN ALIVE GATHERINGS
We have two significant events coming up; see below.
We are wondering if you could promote the following events to your contacts and parishioners by:--
BEHOLD! It’s less than 2 weeks until MAX2023 BEHOLD! This is the last menALIVE MAX weekend in Brisbane! After 2023, MAX will be on tour to other capital cities and not be back for 3 years. Come along. 50% of starting prices. Engaging workshops. If you seek to be closer to our God and the key people in your life, just come along. You are invited. See options at --https://app.tickets.org.au/
LOOK? SEE? BEHOLD >> DON’T waste/miss this opportunity! Last days!!
Brochure here:
https://drive.google.com/file/
BRISBANE CITY POPS ORCHESTRA
Brisbane City Pops Orchestra, joined by local School choirs. Guardian Angels Church, Southport. Sunday 23 July 2023 at 2.00 pm. Please save the date
OUR LADY’S STATUE
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
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 is-
3/7/2023 Eileen & Julian Carrara
10/7/2023 Eileen & Julian Carrara
ART AND CRAFT GROUP -
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 to 12. Activities include art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc.), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, 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.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
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” - It 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 -
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
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.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
Join us for our social 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, please arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.
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.
A VOCATION VIEW: (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday)
Jesus knew that when we are committed to whatever we are doing no obstacle can prevent us from reaching our goal. So, Jesus could say: "If you will not take up your cross and come after me, you are not worthy of me." To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
Today’s readings take us back to some basics of stewardship living. The First Reading shows us the necessity and power of hospitality. The Second Reading reminds us what it is that makes us disciples and Christian stewards in the first place (hint: it’s our Baptism). Finally, in today’s Gospel, Christ teaches us how to live daily life as His stewards.
Our First Reading, from 2 Kings, tells the story of a woman who showed loving hospitality to a visitor, inviting him to dinner with her family and arranging a room for him in their home so that he would have a comfortable place to stay during his travels through her town. She reached out to the man in a simple and practical manner to make him feel welcome. That is the essence of Christian hospitality. As it turns out, this man was none other than the prophet Elisha. He rewarded her kindness by interceding with God to obtain for her the miracle of a baby boy after long years of infertility.
In our Second Reading, from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us of the power of our Baptism and how it is that this sacrament makes us disciples and, therefore, stewards. He says that through Baptism “into Christ Jesus,” we were both buried with Christ and now are alive in Christ. We are literally new creations, marked for all eternity as one of His own. What does that mean for us here and now? St. Paul tells us very clearly: “You too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.” We must live for Christ! Nothing less will do.
Our Lord Himself proclaims this same instruction in a rather shocking way in our Gospel passage from Matthew: “Whoever loves father or mother… son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” And, “Whoever finds his life [by living for oneself] will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” How can all all-loving Lord say such things? Precisely because He is the source of all love — He is love incarnate. We can only love others, and even ourselves truly, if we allow ourselves to be emptied of self-love and filled with God’s love.
This is why our Lord tells us we must “lose our lives.” Putting ourselves or others — even those dearest to us — above God simply cannot give us the ultimate fulfilment and peace of soul that we all want. Only God can do that. Only loving God first and living for Christ — “losing our life” — can do that.
But how do we know if we love God more than “father or mother or son or daughter”? Jesus tells us in the next verses. And the fascinating genius of it all is that it is precisely through loving actions towards others, loving them as if they were Christ, that we demonstrate our love for Christ! “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple… he will surely not lose his reward.”
So, we have come full circle to the importance of hospitality and putting God first in our lives because we have become disciples of Christ through our Baptism. We put God first by serving others as if we were serving Christ Himself, thus losing a self-centred life and finding our true fulfilment.Source: https://www.catholicsteward.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Welcome, prophet
Younger generations are quick to tell older ones how wrong they are about everything. But wise elders don’t dismiss challenges to their perspective lightly—especially when they have some truth to them. A prophetic word may at times come more naturally to the young: free of the accretions of habit and with no comfortable niche to defend (yet). Take time today to talk across the age gap. Hear the words to another generation’s songs, consider their protests, and withhold instant judgment. Having a conversation partner is worth the investment. “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” (Matthew 10:37-41)
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - Suffering Love
Even Our Lord hesitated at the enormousness of the cross.. at the garden of Gethsemane he prayed that this cup of suffering would be taken from him... but then added (wonderfully) but not my will be done, but yours! Nobody rushes towards suffering or prefers the Cross. The mystery of the cross is a difficult but central reality in the life of Christ and of us all..... And in life, there are many little crosses as we journey along our path......... Helen Keller... the American author, political activist, and lecturer, who was both deaf and blind. She said the most extraordinary thing once...It is challenging and difficult to comprehend this message but it is the message of the Cross.......The following are her words and this is what she said motivated her life....."I thank God for my disabilities. For through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God!" - WOW. What an amazing outlook...... one that transformed everything she did and said. Because of... and despite many major obstacles in life, she did not let stop her.
There is something very beautiful and central about the readings this weekend.They speak of the "cost" of discipleship. A very big difference when we follow Christ and "die to sin" - We die with Christ so that we can rise to newness of life, as the readings say.
It reminds us that when we become followers of Christ, it really does change our priorities. We "die" to selfishness and live to "generosity", - And although we know that there is indeed a cost to following Christ, we do not keep a ledger - we don't count the cost. Because we follow Jesus' ways, we can be opposed by others who feel threatened by Christ's values. We can be rejected by others whom the Gospel challenges. We must be prepared for the fact that we may lose earthly "things" because of our discipleship and be put at a material disadvantage in terms of material priorities. Still, we are greatly encouraged to know that we are living something greater - life with and in Christ!
I think of the wonderful generosity of that lady in the first reading. This lady just wanted to help a holy man, a servant of God, and she supported him in his holy work. She did it unselfishly, without expecting anything back, but because she and her husband had been so kind, they were blessed in ways they could never have imagined or expected.
I was reading a reflection by the Jesuit commentator Mark Link, SJ. He was speaking about this Gospel message of "taking up one's cross and following Christ" - I must say, that at times I have said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I will follow you, and I will keep your message and values and proclaim it... but this "taking up the cross" and "suffering" thing.... that part!... can we talk about that... maybe re-negotiate it ... I find that difficult! " - I think most people baulk at the idea that there will be pain, loss and suffering in life and in our decision to follow Christ's ways.....
Mark Link tells a story of a movie he once saw called "American Anthem" - it shows a young man who is having great difficulties coming to terms with the loss of a limb in an accident. The man falls into a deep depression and stays in his room, with curtains drawn, not speaking to others, - passing his time in darkness.... he then contrasts this scene with another incident reported by a man called Robert Bruce... who recounted the day he was walking down a crowded street - He heard the voice of someone singing joyfully.....and when he located the source of this uplifting singing.....He could not believe his eyes.... it was a man without legs, pushing himself along in a wheelchair, and singing joyfully and beautifully at the top of his voice....// it is a reminder that one person's rejection of a cross brought sadness, whilst another person's acceptance of a cross was the source of peace and joy. This is not at all an easy message. This is something that Our Lord not only taught us about, but he also lived this message so wonderfully.
There are crosses in our lives that we will surely find very difficult to accept or to carry.
Can we turn to the Lord and allow his grace to help us carry these burdens...
May the Lord and his grace help us in our crosses and struggles... May the Lord pass by the desert spaces and make them into a place of life-giving waters....... and may we trust in the Lord when he bids us .. come to me all you who labour and are heavily burdened... and I will give you rest..... learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and I will give rest for your souls..."...
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Mark Link S.J. Vision 2000: Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way: A Cycle.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 158676443. oil painting illustrating a religious scene, jesus christ and his disciples on a meadow. Illustration Contributor: Comaniciu Dan
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-
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
➔ Mon 3 - SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE Feast . Because of generations of a one-sided presentation of him, it is hard to hear of St Thomas, without thinking immediately ‘Doubting Thomas.’ In fact, it has become a phrase in the English language, as ‘you’re a doubting Thomas.’ Yet from Thomas’ lips came the supreme statement of Faith in the whole of John’s Gospel, ‘My Lord and my God.’ There is another statement of Thomas’ that expresses the commitment we make every time we come to Mass, “Let us go and die with him.’ At the beginning of our Mass for the Feast of St Thomas, let us reflect about our own commitment, and our doubting. We do not know for certain where Thomas preached the Gospel. There is a tradition that he went north-east to evangelise the Parthians. Parthia was part of what is now Iran. A much stronger tradition, which does not contradict his going to Parthia, says that Thomas brought the Gospel to India. The Christians of the Malabar rite claim him as their founder.
Near Madras there is an ancient stone Cross that marks his tomb, near the spot where he was killed in martyrdom by a spear. In 384 AD, his remains were transferred to Edessa.
TuesSt Elizabeth of Portugal
If only a few kings have been found worthy of being numbered among the Church’s saints, some of their wives have made up for it. We honour one of these today, St Elizabeth, queen of Portugal. She was actually a Spaniard, of the Royal House of Aragon; but she married King Denis of Portugal.
She is known as the peacemaker, for many times in her life, she intervened to prevent wars between her husband’s clan and her own clan. She had to intervene even to prevent vendettas between her son and the king’s illegitimate children, and for her pains, she was once banished for a time from the court. Denis, while a wise ruler of his people, was a very unfaithful and neglectful husband. But Elizabeth never wavered in her fidelity to him and even brought up, alongside her own two children, Denis’ illegitimate children as if they were her own.
She devoted herself to helping the poor tenderly all of her life. Death came to her at the age of 65, when she was on an errand of reconciliation.
St Anthony Zaccaria
Anthony Mary's letters do not belong to any literary genre nor can they be styled “spiritual letters” per se. They were occasional writings dashed off without any concern for style, in plain, totally unadorned language. However, they do contain a wealth of extraordinary spirituality, a fact easily recognized by his earliest biographers.
Anthony Mary himself, in his last letter, pointedly remarked: “I have not written one word without some special meaning in it. If you discover it, it will be, I think, most useful and gainful for you.”
St Maria Goretti
“He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait for the sinner for years, rather than keep us waiting for an instant.”
St Peter To Rot
“Blessed Peter understood the value of suffering. Inspired by his faith in Christ, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated catechist known for his kindness, gentleness and compassion. Daily Mass and Holy Communion and frequent visits to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, sustained him, gave him the wisdom to counsel the disheartened and the courage to persevere until death. In order to be an effective evangelist, Peter To Rot studied hard and sought advice from wise and holy “big men”. Most of all he prayed – for himself, for his family, for his people, for the Church. His witness to the Gospel inspired others, in very difficult situations, because he lived his Christian life so purely and joyfully. Without being aware of it, he was preparing throughout his life for his greatest offering: by dying daily to himself, he walked with his Lord on the road which leads to Calvary (Cf. Mt. 10: 38-39).
During times of persecution the faith of individuals and communities is “tested by fire” (1Pt. 1: 7). But Christ tells us that there is no reason to be afraid. Those persecuted for their faith will be more eloquent than ever: “it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you” (Mt. 10: 20). So it was for Blessed Peter To Rot. When the village of Rakunai was occupied during the Second World War and after the heroic missionary priests were imprisoned, he assumed responsibility for the spiritual life of the villagers. Not only did he continue to instruct the faithful and visit the sick, but he also baptised, assisted in marriages and led people in prayer.
(source: Wikipedia and https://anastpaul.com/)
POPE FRANCIS: Pope warns against being "anesthetized by indifference"
Pope Francis has voiced deep concern over growing "divisions" throughout the world and the Church, warning that members of the one human family have become "anesthetized by indifference" towards one another.
"So many wars, so many conflicts: it seems incredible the evil of which we are capable!" the pope told worshipers who gathered packed St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday to celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost – the festival 50 days after Easter that celebrates the Holy Spirit's descent on Jesus' disciples.
Despite the monotone voice he usually uses to read his homilies, Francis had some alarming words to describe the "divisions" the world is currently experiencing.
"In our world today, there is so much discord, such great division. We are all 'connected', yet find ourselves disconnected from one another, anesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude," the 86-year-old pope said.
Ukraine and Russia
"In fact, fueling our hostilities is the spirit of division, the devil, whose very name means 'divider'," Francis continued. "Yes, preceding and exceeding our own evil, our own divisions, there is the evil spirit who is 'the deceiver of the whole world'," he insisted.
Obviously in the pope's mind was the war in Ukraine, which he has agonized over from the moment Russia invaded the country in late February 2022. Since then, Francis has repeatedly called for immediate peace between the warring parties, drawing criticism from Ukraine, where he is accused of promoting peace on Russia's terms.
The pope, speaking two days after having suspended his normal activities due to what the Vatican said was a "fever", presided over the Pentecost Mass from start to finish. He appeared tired when he entered the basilica, being pushed in a wheelchair. He also needed assistance to move to the white presider's chair just below and to the right of the main altar, where Brazilian Cardinal João Braz de Aviz led the Eucharistic prayer and consecration.
"Brothers and sisters, let us build harmony in the Church"
During his homily Francis presented the Holy Spirit as the one "who opposes the spirit of division because he is harmony", and "the bringer of peace" and "unity". This same Spirit, the pope insisted, must lead the Church during the Synod on sodality that Francis launched with local consultations of the faithful back in October 2021.
"The Synod now taking place is – and should be – a journey in accordance with the Spirit, not a Parliament for demanding rights and claiming needs in accordance with the agenda of the world, nor an occasion for following wherever the wind is blowing, but the opportunity to be docile to the breath of the Spirit," he said. "Brothers and sisters, let us build harmony in the Church!" the pope insisted in a clear allusion to the Church's internal divisions.
Francis urged those present to invoke the Holy Spirit to help heal our "divided" world and "polarized" Church.
"Let's not waste time criticizing others and getting angry with ourselves, but let's invoke the Spirit," the pope said. "He is capable of resolving all this."
Read more at: https://international.la-
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1447597685. Vatican City, Pope Francis celebrates the Pentecost mass in St. Peter's Square, (archive). Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - The purpose of life
We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Catholics believe that the purpose of life is to have life and have it more abundantly. For this reason we constantly try to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and our neighbour as ourselves.
Why am I here?- is a question asked by humans throughout the ages. Each one of us at some stage in our lives looks for true meaning and purpose in our existence. This particularly occurs when we are faced with life’s joys and its challenges of anxiety, loss and grief. God calls us to seek God, know and love God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, ccc, sec. 1)
It is through understanding that Jesus, the Son of God, who lived on earth as a human, worked with human hands, thought with a human mind, acted by human choice, loved with a human heart and died for the forgiveness of our sins that we can begin to comprehend our reason for being. (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, GS 23, 24)
One reason for being is to learn to love ourselves and others as God loves us – enough to give over His own Son for the love of humankind. In this way we are gradually transformed into persons who can live and love like God does, becoming ready to live and love with God forever, which brings about an internal change and a conscious relationship with God.
Source: archdiocese of Brisbane website.
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
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 our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (see further: The Kombumerri People and https://
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/
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