PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 47498338 - Last Supper. Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic
(Please pass this on to anyone who might not receive this)
BINGO MORNING (15.6.23).
The Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies are having their wonderful Bingo Morning on Thursday 15th of June 10 am-2 pm. Admission $20.00 which includes 1 Bingo Card, Raffle Tickets, Door Prizes for Morning tea and Lunch. We Welcome New Parishioners as well as our current Parishioners who have not come for Bingo. Please ring Maxine Sela 0421051193, or Wendy Webb 0412237832, if you are
Coming.
PASTOR’S POST - Age Old Lessons
During the Covid lockdown, my 91-year-old aunt phoned me to tell me that she had met up with her four daughters and 15 of her grandchildren. Before I could chide her for breaking the lockdown rules, she told me that she had met with them on a Zoom conference, a new computer program that allows people to meet and have discussions with several people at once while staying safely in their own home. Besides shaming me by doing something I was yet to do, she actually understood how it worked. She said all I had to do was download the app and then follow the prompts. “It’s all too easy,” she said, adding that if I don’t get with it, I will get left behind.
I have always had a great admiration for the older members of our community who are anxious to learn new things. Seniors who seem to push beyond what must be comfortable and familiar to make sure that they can stay in contact with contemporary opportunities, recognising that every era is someone’s past and someone else’s future.
I was reminded of what it must have felt like for those who heard for the first time about the innovations or otherwise of Vatican II when they must have thought the Church had gone mad. Why would we change something that had served us so well and given us such clear direction and comfort over many years?
They might be saying, “Don’t take away those things that have given us security by trying to bring God closer to us. It’s the same old God; let’s not change the way we honour him,” and still today, they long for the ‘good old days’.
There's a great danger of looking back with nostalgia to the 'Good Old Days', especially as we advance in years. We tend to think that the past was better than the present, and we can become fearful that the decline will continue in the future.
Certainly, there was much that was good in the past. We were in the prime of youth, and now the years have taken their toll. But we also tend to edit our memories and forget what was bad in the past.
Those who extol the Victorian Values of the Industrial Revolution -- the inventiveness of the entrepreneur -- overlook the human cost in the appalling conditions of labour. In contrast, working conditions are now far better, and medicine has made an enormous improvement in our health.
While we are always looking back to the very beginnings of the Christian communities, there's a great danger of idealising the Infant Church. The Acts of the Apostles tell us that the Christian community was of one mind and heart and held everything in common. Indeed, there was the enthusiastic zeal that you would expect of any recently formed group. And this was fired by the Holy Spirit.
Again, the Church in Corinth, which Paul himself had founded, was torn by feuding factions and caused him great sorrow. Everything was not peace and harmony among the Christians of Corinth, nor in their relationship with Paul.
In their desire to get on with implementing “the good news”, converts from Judaism overlooked the widows and poor in the daily distribution of food. That showed a serious lack of care and concern and undermined the unity of the community. Not surprisingly, there were complaints.
These incidents should warn us against being starry-eyed about the first Christians. But more importantly, when the Church recognised its failure, it immediately took steps to remedy the fault. And it used great imagination to find a solution.
We should never forget that the Church's members are all flawed. We are sinners and have blind spots about our faults. But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reformers have opened our eyes to our failures. This has led to the community developing imaginative solutions, sometimes new ministries.
This is much more than filling in the gaps; having to find new solutions to fresh problems provides an opportunity for positive development in the life of the Church. More people are enabled to use the variety of their talents in the service of God. We've seen that happen in our own day.
And we must expect this process to continue in the future. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church should recognise new needs and may find unexpected solutions. That's a sign of its vitality -- not by trying to recapture an idealised past that never existed.
Although this can create unsettling uncertainty, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to guarantee that any development in the Church will be consistent with its nature, not a betrayal.
When we realise that our very failures can become the springboard to future progress.
Now that's encouraging, life-giving and very exciting!
Fr Peter Dillon pp
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: (Alphabetical) Jack Barretto, Peter Barry, 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,Elsie, 4years, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Fred Grioli, Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Margaret Haerse, Jenny Haines, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Kath Kiely, 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, Joanne Parkes, Kim Parkes, Kristy Peat, 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, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Karen Vestergard, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Alphabetical) Victoria Alexander, Norma Ancrum, Leo Anderson, Delores Barrett, Jill Bolger, Maria Brazinas, Daniel Clancy, Charles George DAYNEY, Roberta Fantuz, Noel Ferdinands, Des Fox, Lorraine Geraghty, Joseph Griffa, Shane Hall, Antonio Invernizzi, Andrija Kudus, John Marchmont, Joe McDonagh, Jeanne Monisse, Greg Moray, Mary O’Grady, Debbie Pinard, Geoffrey John Rapp, Elizabeth Smith, Grant Steele, Madge Taheny, Clement Tong, Robert Wasniowski, Anne Weatherburn, Denise Welsh.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical) Fr Denis Ahern, Patricia Allen, Annette (Annie) Anning, Raymond Victor Assaisso, Jean Anne Burgess, Fr Charlie Casey, John Cooper, Don Cope, John Vincent Davis, Fr John Egan, James William Fuller, Stephen Gallagher, Andrew Hale, Helmut Kaltenthaler, Frances Kelliher, Alfonso Lim, Anthony Teck Lee Lim, Amelia Catherine Limbert, Pearl Agnus MacCartney., Mons John McCarthy, Mons Timothy Molony, Fr Patrick Murphy, Fr Gabriel Nolan, Mary John On, Aileen Pettersson, Mary Reeves, Mary Reid, Mark Reid, Maria Silvestri-Fiore, Sr Christine Chia (Singapore), Francis (Frank) Kevin Stephens, Valma Sudgen, James Mark Tamai, Lorna Sabina Wheeler, Rita Woodhouse, Agata “Tina” Zammit, Grazyna Zyner.
And Also: (Alphabetical) Rossaria Dom Barbaro, Antoinette Denise Brennen, Albert Lewis Bush, Fr Charlie Casey, Frances Therese Collins, Raul Cruz, Theo Robert Farr, Mary Fredricks, Judith Gilliland, Marie Hayden, George Arthur Higgs, Jacqueline Faye (Jackie) Hogan, Keith Patrick Hoolihan, Tony Howell, Therese Lorraine Anne Hunt, Myrtle Joyce Condon (Mitchell) (Mother of Robyn Hunt), Roy Jackson, Gerald Freestone Junck, John Alexander Kazimierowicz, Costanzo Letizia, Alfonso Lim, Anna Marmina, Barry Wayne Moore, Neville John Malcolm Nielsen, Maureen Patricia O’Connor, Aileen Pettersson, Felicitas Fay Robbins, Dorothy Ryan, Maria Silvestri-Fiore, Cerry Tanquintic, Judith Lorraine Taylor, Casey Jones Townsend, Marie Van Twest, Janmaree Walsh, Irene Wholohan, Henry Wirth.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
The June edition of the CATHOLIC LEADER out now $4.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus recalls Christ’s love for all of us and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost which this year falls on Friday 16th June. The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on Saturday, 17th June.
The Religious Goods Shops have many devotional items such as statues, rosary beads, medals, and holy cards remembering the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Mary.
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.
150th Anniversary of St Stephen’s Cathedral
The Archbishop has launched a year of celebration for the 150th anniversary of the Opening and Blessing of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. There will be a number of celebrations throughout the next twelve months.
This month of June, we will be celebrating the story of Ordinations in the Cathedral. Parishioners are invited to attend 10 am Mass on Wednesday, June 28th, at the Cathedral as we celebrate and acknowledge all those who have been ordained in the Cathedral throughout its history. Archbishop Coleridge will preside, and refreshments will be provided afterwards. Come along and give thanks for the gift of service to the ordained ministers of our local church. Stay tuned for news about more commemorations over the course of this year-long celebration.
“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.
PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL - 10 AM - 5 PM - Broadwater Parklands. Sunday 18th June
Gold Coast on Sunday, 18 June, at Broadwater Parklands. We would like to invite you and the parish to join us
SCHOOL FEAST DAYS
St Michael’s College had its Foundation Day last week, beginning with a whole school Liturgy. Following this time of prayer and thanksgiving, was a cross-country run, activities, and sausage sizzle. Congratulations everyone for a wonderful day.
ST KEVIN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL ALSO CELEBRATED THEIR FEAST DAY LAST THURSDAY 8TH JUNE. We celebrated Mass and then the students had lots of fun activities for the day. Bless you all.
NOTICE - PETER’S PENCE APPEAL UPCOMING
Each year parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane take up the Peter's Pence collection as a retiring collection. The collection is to be taken at the Masses the weekend around the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. Therefore, this year's collection will be taken up on 25 June 2023 (12th Sunday of Ordinary Time).
The Peter's Pence Collection gives Catholics in Australia an opportunity to join in communion with the Catholic faithful throughout the world in support of the charitable works of the Holy See.
The Peter's Pence Collection is an annual collection of the Catholic Church around the world.
The collection allows the Holy Father to respond to the most needy throughout the world, and to offer timely, effective emergency assistance to our suffering brothers and sisters.
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we take this collection up as a retiring collection.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YVONNE WIENAND
Many happy returns to Yvonne for last Week. God bless. A wonderful gathering of friends and family at the Italo-Australian CLub next door. (The cake was delicious. I also had my eye on those marshmallows!)
Spirituality of St Clare of Assisi.
Experiencing God's Love and Light through the Spirituality of St Clare of Assisi.
A quiet weekend retreat for women. Hosted and Facilitated by: Grace Harwood of Dragonfly Ministries. When: Friday 30 June at 6 pm – Sunday 2 July 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
MEN ALIVE GATHERINGS
We have two significant events coming up over the next 6 weeks; see below.
We are wondering if you could promote the following events to your contacts and parishioners by:--
1. MAX2023 BEHOLD – A National Gathering of Catholic Men. See the date claimer attached—July 14/16. Use this link for registration--https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/MAX2023BNE
Registrations start from $150.
2. GROWING GOOD MEN– 23/25 June Kindilan Adventure Park Brisbane—See brochure attached and register here-- https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/GGM2023
Thank you so much for your energy to be involved with our mission to men. Very Kind regards, Robert Falzon/Founding Director.
Brochure here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFoMhqVCl2infF7lPyTTw-sxQu6W-H1C/view?usp=sharing
ST IGNATIUS SCHOOL TOOWONG - 120TH ANNIVERSARY INVITATION
DATE CLAIMER: 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-
12/6/2023 Rachael & Kermal Broadbeach
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, 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.
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.
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE:
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley. On 24.06.2023, Annual Pilgrimage of the Maltese Community in the Honour of Christ the Redeemer. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters on Both days. The Cost for the bus fare is $25.00 return each day. You can secure your seat with a contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
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.
Stock Vector ID: 513637168 - First Communion Eucharist -chalice and host, with grapes and wheat , cross, fish and candle. Colourful modern abstract vector illustration. Vector Contributor: Thoom
SEVEN PRIORITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE -
1. TEACHING PRAYER
2. RESHAPING PARISH COMMUNITIES
3. BRINGING CULTURAL COMMUNITIES TO THE CENTRE
4. RESPONDING TO ABUSE AND THE ABUSED
5. ENGAGING ANEW WITH FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES
6. IMPLEMENTING INTEGRAL ECOLOGY
7. EMBEDDING SYNODAL GOVERNANCE
“Lamps Ablaze” - to download the full document - please visit this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oVNiTRAhQn_5aTDZ9mo2dDh9bGeqxewL/view
A VOCATION VIEW:
That we can collaborate with God is a humbling truth. That God lives among us is startling. That we are the Body of Christ is our vocation. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to lead holy lives and invite others to join us. We are called to be fed and to feed others. Living a stewardship lifestyle, and being grateful and generous with our gifts, serve a twofold purpose. One, it helps build God’s kingdom here on earth. Two, it helps us strengthen each other’s relationship with God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It becomes our roadmap to Heaven. Let’s help each other get there! “Because there is one bread, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 CORINTHIANS 10:17).
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - We are one
Unity is what our sacrament of Communion is about oneness with God and each other. Yet, because we're human, that communion is necessarily paired up with another sacrament that does the work of reconciling. When unity gets torn, reconciliation repairs the damage. Lately, toxic polarisation has been shredding our international and national unity, creating an illusion of insurmountable division. Media sources sharpen the knives of contrasting worldviews, leading to anxiety and depression, fear and violence. Trust in unity. Resist being recruited in the polarisation game. “We, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:17) ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
"Hungry hearts are all around us. Those mourning the loss of a loved one, those in need of a job, people desperate for solid advice, people unable to curb an addiction, those who are angry and bitter, people who feel unforgiven or unforgiving, …. Those in poor health or people worried about finances, or unhappy in a relationship, … and people who are unsure of their commitments, or being too hard on themselves, … and people who are afraid of the world around them, …….The list goes on and on. These are the people Jesus offers to feed—-- Jesus offers us himself –real food for our lifelong journey….. and he offers us his word and his vision of the Kingdom… A real nourishment for the values that will completely transform us and satisfy us…. He promises to be with us in the ups and downs of life – he who is with us… our faithful and loving God.
There is a common saying - “You are what you eat.” This is indeed an interesting concept. It also reminds us that what we take in - food, entertainment, conversations, etc., forms us. If we were to eat only junk food, we would become unhealthy and not receive the proper nutrition. This is the same in the spiritual life. When we take in the wholesome Word of God in the Scriptures, and receive the Body and Blood of Christ in communion, and when we hear and receive the teachings of the church, and in the writings of the lives of the saints, we are taking into ourselves truly satisfying and eternal food. It is very true to say when it comes to Eucharist. “We become what we eat…..” - As we receive Jesus, we become more and more like Jesus, who makes his home in our hearts, minds, and actions.
I always like to say to First Holy Communion classes as they receive Jesus in communion for the first time… that "There is only one thing better than one's first holy communion … and that is your second holy communion….. and there is only one thing better than second holy communion and that is your third…. and so on…and so on…..weekly...… It sets up a pattern of communion with Christ in our daily life…
Our communion in the Body and Blood of Christ connects us forever to God… and to our loved ones….. every time we celebrate Eucharist and every time we receive the body and blood of Christ, we are united, in communion and connected by an unbreakable bond to God, first and foremost… (through Jesus). Still, also we are connected to our loved ones.. and friends.. and fellow Christians….. and we are even connected to our departed loved ones, who are all part of the communion of believers…. Alive in Christ… forever… Today we celebrate Jesus, who makes his home in us through the sacrament of his body and blood… This is a gift that is truly priceless.
REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 628109324 - - Modern abstract Eucharist -Sacrament with grapes and wheat on a square abstract background. Digital illustration made without reference image. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Illustration Formats. Illustration Contributor: Thoom
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
Saint Antony of Padua, Priest, Doctor
The breadth of charity widens the narrow heart of the sinner.
O Father, in your Truth (that is to say, in your Son, humbled, needy and homeless), you have humbled me. He was humbled in the womb of the Virgin, needy in the manger of the sheep, and homeless on the wood of the Cross. Nothing so humbles the proud sinner as the humility of Jesus Christ’s humanity.
Alas, alas! He who is the liberty of captives is made a prisoner. He who is the Glory of the angels is mocked. The God of all is scourged. The spotless mirror of the eternal Light is spat upon. The Life of mortals is killed. What is there left for us poor wretches to do but go and die with him? Draw us forth from the mire, Lord Jesus, with the hook of your Cross; so that we may run, not to your sweetness, but to the bitterness of your Passion.
The wisdom of God is reflected in the face of the soul: she will see God as he is, and she will know as she is known.
So the religious soul finds in the heart of Jesus a secure refuge against the wiles and attacks of Satan and a delightful retreat. But we must not rest merely at the entrance to the hole in the rock, and we must penetrate its depths. At the mouth of the deep hollow, at the mouth of the wound in his side, we shall, indeed, find the precious blood which has redeemed us. This blood pleads for us and demands mercy for us. But the religious soul must not stay at the entrance. When she has heard and understood the voice of the divine blood, she must hasten to the very source from which it springs, into the very innermost sanctuary of the heart of Jesus. There she will find light, peace, and ineffable consolations.
THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS Solemnity
I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine Infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine Infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen. (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
St John Eudes, who died in 1680, promoted devotion to both the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and devotion to the Heart of Mary. The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was introduced by Pope Pius XII, originally on August 22, (the eighth day following the Feast of the Assumption). In the reform of the Church’s calendar that followed the Second Vatican Council, August 22 became the Feast of Mary, Queen; and today’s celebration was placed very appropriately straight after the Feast of the Sacred Heart. It celebrates the Love in Mary’s heart. Let us reflect that often we have failed God’s Love for us.
POPE FRANCIS:
Please pray for the speedy recovery of Pope Francis, who recently underwent surgery in Rome.
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Ken Howell as bishop of Toowoomba by Pope Francis. Bishop Ken has been an auxiliary Bishop here in Brisbane since 2017, and prior to that was Parish priest of Bureligh Parish here in our local Deanery.
New shepherd: Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell shakes hands with retiring Bishop of Toowomba, Robert McGuckin. Bishop Howell was appointed as the new Bishop of Toowoomba Diocese on May 24, the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Bishop Howell, who has been a priest of the Brisbane archdiocese for 40 years, said he was humbled to be called by Pope Francis to shepherd the Toowoomba diocese.
He said he hoped to bring a ministry of “genuine engagement with the people” to Toowoomba.
“I’m standing on the edge of some new challenges and new opportunities; I see it as a great opportunity to be with people – especially in a country diocese.
“I think that will be a great joy for me.”
Bishop Howell paid tribute to Toowoomba Bishops Robert McGuckin and William Morris for their leadership over the last 30 years.
“I very much look forward to seeking out their wisdom as I move into being Bishop of Toowoomba,” he said.
He said he knew the diocese had been in “excellent hands” when he will take over from Bishop McGuckin.
Bishop Howell said his first priority as bishop would be to listen and learn.
“I need to understand what the (Toowoomba) diocese is about and where people are coming from,” he said.
Related Stories
Nationwide rosary tomorrow hopes to be ‘unifying voice’ for Australian faithful
Pray at Pentecost for courage to evangelise, pope says
Offering spiritual direction to teachers could transform Catholic school communities
He wanted to learn about the challenges and the joys, and also to share in the lives of the people, share what it means to be a member of the diocese and, of course, share the Gospel.
Bishop Howell said there had always been a special connection between Brisbane and Toowoomba priests.
“We seem to socialise together for important events like jubilees, so it’s not as if I’m going into strange territory,” he said.
Bishop Howell also has family roots in Toowoomba.
“My father grew up in Oakey… his sister lived in Jandowae, and on my mother’s side there were relatives who lived in Quilpie,” he said.
But after 40 years of priesthood and six years as bishop in Brisbane, he said he was leaving with both gratitude and a touch of sadness.
He held a heartfelt “thank you” for everyone who had befriended him in his ministry in Brisbane.
“It’s the story of one’s life when you think back over 40 years,” he said.
“There’s been some very significant things that have happened in those 40 years.
“That’s always where the mystery of God (is) – when you look back, you see where the hand of God has been and where the Spirit has been leading.”
Bishop Howell said he had learned a lot from the last six years as auxiliary bishop and the last two years as vicar general of Brisbane archdiocese.
For one, it taught him how to be a bishop, he said.
His time as vicar general had also taught him a lot about governance and the running of a diocese.
“I’m sure (it) will be very helpful when I get to decisions that need to be made and problems that may need to be solved,” he said.
Bishop McGuckin was in Brisbane for the announcement and congratulated Bishop Howell on his appointment.
Retirement: Toowoomba Bishop Robert McGuckin has led the Toowoomba diocese for the last 11 years. “I wish Bishop Ken every blessing as he takes up his pastoral ministry in this vast and special diocese,” he said.
He said it had been a privilege and honour to be the bishop of Toowoomba. Bishops submit their resignation letter upon turning 75, and after a four-and-a-half-year search, he said “they’ve chosen a very worthwhile successor to come on now as the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba”.
“Bishop Ken brings great gifts,” he said.
“I’ve always said it’s a very special diocese.
“Oftentimes you have these smaller communities, and some of these churches only have (a few) people, but they’re very proud of their church.
“Toowoomba itself is a city that’s growing, it’s got a university and lots of schools and ongoing challenges to be faced there.”
Bishop McGuckin was also celebrating his golden jubilee this year – 50 years as a priest.
He was ordained the same day the Sydney Opera House was opened, and only just down the road as he originally came from New South Wales.
His ministry was all about “answering the call”.
“You don’t have a plan set out for when you’re ordained.
“You’re asked to do things and you respond graciously, and I think the Spirit works through all that.
Bishop Howell’s installation as the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba will be held on July 11 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Bishop Howell has asked for the people of the Toowoomba Diocese to pray for him as he prepares for his installation.
“Your prayer will be my greatest support,” he said. “May our blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Southern Cross, pray for us all.”
SOURCE: Article and Photo by JOE HIGGINS 24 May 2023 - Catholic Leader
Image Credit- Photo by JOE HIGGINS 24 May 2023 - Catholic Leader
EXPLORING OUR FAITH
Holy days of obligation
On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2185).
In Australia, the Catholic faithful should observe holy days of obligation:
Christmas Day (December 25 – the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
The Assumption (August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
All Sundays of the year. (Archbishop Mark recently reinstated the SUnday obligation as COVID restrictions have eased).
Early in the twentieth century, Catholics used to observe 36 non-Sunday Holy Days, in addition to all Sundays of the year. This was reduced by a Motu Propio of Pope Pius X to the much lesser number of eight. These were:
The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
The Epiphany
The Ascension
Holy Mary the Mother of God
Her Immaculate Conception
Her Assumption
Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles
All Saints
In 1917, the Code of Canon Law raised this figure again, to a total number of 10 non-Sunday Holy Days (adding in the Feasts of the Body and Blood of Christ and Saint Joseph), however local Bishops were permitted the ability to alter the days in their dioceses.
Canon Law 1246 now provides that with the prior approval of the Apostolic See, the conference of bishops can suppress some of the holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday.
In May 2001, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference exercised this option and promulgated a decree announcing the only feast days to be observed as holy days of obligation are Christmas Day, the Feast of the Assumption and all Sundays of the year.
The decree was reviewed and confirmed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, and signed in January 2001 by its Prefect, Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez.
The change became effective on 16 September, 2001 and remains in place.
Historically derived, holy days of obligation were special occasions on which Catholics, over the age of reason, were obliged to attend Mass. They were also encouraged to refrain from any work or involvement with commerce which would interfere with their participation in divine worship.
The number of holy days of obligation has changed greatly over time, cognisant of social change and the need for employment to support the family. For example in 1642, Pope Urban VIII greatly decreased the number to 36 from the much larger set which had been observed since the Middle Ages. Such a change enabled Catholics, many of whom were labourers in the fields, to more easily meet their obligations.
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/holy-days-of-obligation/
Image Credit- https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/
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://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
No comments:
Post a Comment