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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 148013462. VIENNA - JULY 27: Holy Trinity. Detail from the fresco of scene from apocalypse from 19. cent. in the main apse of Altlerchenfelder church on July 27, 2013, Vienna. Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PASTOR’S POST -
As I get to know something of the lives of the people who sit in our Church pews each week, I am often delightfully surprised at the wealth of experience and the interesting lives of those people. Unless they choose to introduce themselves, I might never know if I am celebrating mass with an inventor or television star, a champion sportsperson or an explorer, a composer or cabaret dancer.
From time to time, I will ask some of these people to share with you some of their story so that you might get to know who they are and realise that there is no such thing as “an ordinary person”. Everyone has a life experience worth sharing.
This week I have invited Pat Tomlinson to share with some questions her faith poses and some of the wisdom she had gained along the way.. Fr. P.
A Journey with Heart - by Pat Tomlinson
“Some of us ask more questions than others… over the years we have questioned our personal lives, changes in our family life and the future of the parish and the church.
For 49 years I was a Brigidine Sister… teaching in Catholic Schools, working in parishes as a Pastoral Associate and for the past 20 years I have been privileged to be a Funeral Celebrant and assist families to facilitate the farewell of their loved ones. Now I’ve almost retired and because I still have plenty of energy, I volunteer as a driver with a community transport company which drives people to their medical appointments. I meet all sorts of people and everyone has their story.
We all like to be “useful” and even in my ministry as a Brigidine, I have asked myself “Am I being of any use?” I am a questioner and often it gets me into trouble. Sometimes I think.. why can’t I just keep my mouth shut… but that’s not me.
For me, one of the most important questions is Does my journey have a heart?
I have to say mine has had varying degrees of heart… but today without doubt, it does. I loved teaching, I was passionate about my work as a Pastoral Associate and was certainly committed to being a good funeral celebrant. I often questioned myself… how can I do this better?…. Is there anything else I can do to make this service more personal, more dignified, for this person we are farewelling?
I am not holding myself up as some great model….. because I know you ask similar questions about what you do in your lives….And so, back to the original question… Does your journey have a heart? Are you doing more than surviving, more than breathing in and out and existing?
It unsettled and challenged me when I read the comments Fr. Peter wrote recently in “The Pastors Post.” He was speaking about not leaving faith participation to Christmas and Easter. He asked the question: “Does what we provide in our parish really address what folks need, to live a fruitful and satisfying life? How might we, as a parish, more effectively encourage greater participation from young families and youth in general… and to what sort of Church are we inviting them?” As he said, dealing with those questions would require “courage and skill”.
I have asked myself those very things so many times over the years, and whether I like it or not, I am part of the questions, but… there are dangers implicit in the asking process. Firstly, when you ask people to respond to questions, it gives them the idea that you are going to take their answers seriously. Secondly, to ask questions is to imply that you are open to considering someone else’s way of looking at possible answers. Thirdly, asking a question to which you don’t want an answer different from your own threatens to show up the underlying problems.
What would your answer be to Fr. Peter’s questions? We can’t sit in our churches week after week and just take… we are challenged to go and spread the good news. Once people begin to think and talk together, the community sets in, energy is created, and possibility appears.
Buddha says: “There are only two mistakes on the way to truth. One is not going far enough, and the other is not starting.”
Perhaps starting is what having heart really is!!”
(Pat Tomlinson)
Parish Volunteers are needed to walk the journey!
Catechists - Sponsors - Support
Ring the Parish Office 56717388 to volunteer - thank you!
SAINT VINCENT de PAUL WINTER APPEAL (Local)
The St Vincent De Paul Society Surfers Paradise conference continues to pursue good works to support locals in need actively. On the weekend of 10 & 11 June, Vincentians will be conducting an annual winter appeal to help support those locals in need of extra help.
The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community. This year the Vincentians continue to see an increase in locals doing it tough due to increases in the cost of living and the housing crisis. In Particular, we are seeing an increase in those faced with homelessness, particularly women over 55. With your ongoing help, we can continue to provide comfort and tangible assistance to help people get back on their feet. Local Vincentians offer help in many forms, including food, clothing, blankets, crisis accommodation, furniture and assistance with heating and utility bills. Your generous donation will help us continue these good works. As with all things, the cost of providing this assistance continues to increase. A donation of as little as $10 can make a difference to the good works of the Surfers Paradise conference.
Should you wish for more detail on the activities of the conference, you are able to contact Conference President Craig McMahon (craig.mcmahon@svdpqld.org.au) or Conference Treasurer Adrian Biermann (Adrian.Biermann@svdpqld.org.au)
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 & Gold Coast Private 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, 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, Annie Scicluna, Felipe S Cataquiz Sr, Kathy Stevens, Jim Stewart, Betty Taylor, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Karen Vestergard, Anne Weatherburn, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Antonio Invernizzi, Roberta Fantuz, Lorraine Geraghty, Maria Brazinas, Greg Moray, Geoffrey John Rapp, Daniel Clancy, Norma Ancrum, Delores Barrett, Shane Hall, Mary O’Grady, Joe McDonagh, Madge Taheny, Jill Bolger, Des Fox, John Marchmont, Robert Wasniowski, Jeanne Monisse, Denise Welsh, Clement Tong, Debbie Pinard, Andrija Kudus, Leo Anderson, Grant Steele, David Trebilco, Rose Grima, Brian Mooney, Albert Daly, Joyce Rosa Parisi, Douglas Glenn.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Cerry Tanquintic, Therese Lorraine Anne Hunt, Theo Robert Farr, Marie Van Twest, Gerald Freestone Junck, Mary Fredricks, Barry Wayne Moore, Marie Hayden, Anthony Charles Franklin (Tony) Howell, Rossaria Dom Barbaro, Raul Cruz, Henry Wirth, Judith Gilliland, Keith Patrick Hoolihan, Neville John Malcolm Nielsen, Jacqueline Faye (Jackie) Hogan, Myrtle Joyce Condon (Mitchell) (Mother of Robyn Hunt), Albert Lewis Bush, John Alexander Kazimierowicz, Frances Therese Collins, Janmaree Walsh, George Arthur Higgs, Antoinette Denise Brennen, Costanzo Letizia, Maureen Patricia O’Connor, Dorothy Ryan, Irene Wholohan, Anna Marmina, Felicitas Fay Robbins, Casey Jones Townsend, Judith Lorraine Taylor, Roy Jackson, Alfonso Lim, Fr Charlie Casey, Aileen Pettersson, Maria Silvestri-Fiore.
And Also:
Relatives and Friends of Hooworth, Elsie Wall, Ian Berman, Sylvia Goodwin, Veronica Bond, Pat Rainbird, Mary Ward, Jordan and Cleta Bismonte, Josip Grzic, Matthew Maric, Theresia Johannes, Adam McGuffie, Maurice Hayes, Patricia Geor, June Lewis, Dr Elaine Kluver, Margaret Lyon, Constantin Onea, Catherine Watson, Jacques Philoppe Desbleds, Beryl Hodge, Mary Therese Dean, Ivy Mulcahy, May Ashton, Shirley Pettiona, Isabelle Rose Brock, Kevin Cassels, Dorothy Gravener.
BIRTHDAYS
Irma Courtney celebrated her 70th Birthday a couple of weeks ago. Congratulations Irma - we hear that it was a great party! Some photos below.
Jan Carter - we finally got together to celebrate Jan’s 80th Birthday with a morning tea after the 9 am morning Mass at Sacred Heart.
Father Paul is pointing out that we forgot the BIRTHDAY GIRL - Jan was taking the photos.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
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.
First Friday Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart Church this First Friday, 2nd June, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch with Me for one hour?" Mt 26:40.
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am on the 3rd of June.
Followed by adoration and Benediction.
“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.
THANK YOU FROM SPCL
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies had a "Morning Tea for Cancer" on Saturday, the 20th of May. The event raised a total of $1,800.00 for Cancer Research. A special thank you to all the ladies who supported this event. A fashion show with clothes donated by St Vincent de Paul, a game of Trivia, Raffles, and lots of chatter made a great day.
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.
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
ST IGNATIUS SCHOOL TOOWONG - 120TH ANNIVERSARY INVITATION
The Contemplative Women’s Group
“Sinking into the Feminine Divine” is an initiative of Burleigh Heads Catholic Parish, open to all women who may be interested in exploring contemplative experiences with other interested women. We meet informally and in quietude on the 4th Saturday of each month in Mary Mother of Mercy Church, 3 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters, from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. We gather with a simple prayer and ritual, brief input, and then enter into around 45 minutes of silent contemplation and reflection. Resources are supplied. We then round off our time with a very simple supplied afternoon tea, sharing story as people choose to, and closing prayer. In this month of May, we will be walking with Julian of Norwich. Saturday 27th May, 1.30-3.30 pm. Join us as we walk the contemplative journey together. For information, please contact Sue Thomas at sue@suethomas.net.au.
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-
5/6/2023 Rachael & Kermal Broadbeach
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 for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Anthony’s feast on 13.06.2023. 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.
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
Let us pray.
Grant, all-merciful God, that your faithful people may watch without fail for the coming of your Son and joyfully hasten with lighted lamps to meet him when he comes. Who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
“Lamps Ablaze” - to download the full document - please visit this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oVNiTRAhQn_5aTDZ9mo2dDh9bGeqxewL/view
A VOCATION VIEW:
Each of us experiences a story of God's self-revelation in a unique way. Tell your story. Add to the beautiful mosaic of God's life in this world with the story of your life. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”JOHN 3:16
Is your love conditional? Is there a price others have to pay to receive your love and forgiveness? Are you generous with your time, skills, money and possessions? If you give someone something, do you expect something in return? Do you give your time freely, or do you “fit it in” when it’s convenient for you? God desires a personal relationship with us so much that He gave us His Son unconditionally! Pray for a grateful and generous heart. The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Widen the circle
Trinity Sunday isn't for parsing the Three-in-One. It's an invitation to meditate on the mutual self-giving of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who "so love the world" that we all share in the divine embrace. Yet, to child victims of aggression, their experience has felt outside of any caring circle. That's why the U.N.'s “Convention on the Rights of the Child” was the most rapidly and widely ratified rights treaty in history. It ensures every child has a right to life, a name, family or guardian, health care, education, freedom of religion—even the right to play. Encircle the children in your life with tenderness.
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” (John 3:16-18). SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH - OUR LADY OF AKITA - NW of TOKYO
Parishioners Paul and Akiko are visiting a shrine in Japan.
As we had hoped, we did actually make it to the convent of Our Lady of Akita earlier in the week (a round trip by car from Tokyo of around 1600 kms).
We also had the opportunity to sit with the statue of Our Lady, which lacrimated (issued tears) in the 1970’s and 80s and to pray a rosary to Our Lady. I thought it was appropriate we visited on a Tuesday as we contemplated the sorrowful mysteries.
The official name of the convent is 聖体奉仕会 (seitai houshikai)
In English, they use the following title: Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist
They do not permit photographs of the statue but statue images and others of the surrounds etc. can been accessed on the convent's website and elsewhere: https://www.seitaihoshikai.com/us/index.html
However, we did take a few other quick photos, which are attached:
Painting of Our Lady at the 14th Station and close-up of her feet (the scripture is Genesis 3:15)
Akiko standing at the entrance
The chapel altar
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - The Communion of the Most Holy Trinity
The celebration of God as Trinity also reveals to us the true nature of God and shows us what is in the heart of the One who is at the centre of the universe. That nature of our God is a perfect community of persons with one divine nature - and within this union is - communion, sharing, harmony, and above all, LOVE.
If we look at what Jesus did not hunger for, it is very revealing. He did not hunger for money. He warned us to be very wary of its hollow charms. He did not hunger for popularity. In fact, the popularity contest was revoltingly won by a thief and a murderer (namely Barabbas). The TRUE thirst and hunger of Jesus are these:- He longed to share with others. He thirsted for others' faith and participation. He longed to protect and comfort the poor and the struggling. He could hardly wait to usher in the Kingdom of peace, mercy, grace and inclusion. To invite us into the inner life of God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit - The Three in One!
It breaks your heart, doesn't it… seeing so many people throughout the world clearly searching for something that will truly satisfy their longings…. And yet… they go down paths that seem lifegiving.. seem attractive… but ultimately prove to be dead-ends and unsatisfying…… but does it stop us…. No…. we can tend to keep rushing down the path of the next attractive glittering possibility…. Whether it be the pursuit of money as the supposed solution to everything….., power, influence, or celebrity, ….. so many things in this world and this society cry out for our attention and invite us to get enmeshed in them…… May the Spirit of truth guide us as we discern, through the light of Jesus' words and actions, just what are the lifegiving treasures to put all our heart and soul into…
When we look at our local parish community….. We are heartened……. In so many ways, people have asked themselves, "Now that I am following Jesus, what shall I DO in practical ways.... to make a difference......" - God has answered our prayers in many very satisfying ways that bring grace and benefit and service to so many.. people have joined the St Vincent de Paul Society, and done wonderful work and practical actions to make a difference in the lives of people in need. Others have joined the Surfers Paradise catholic ladies… and shared in the community, finding raising and friendship…. Others have joined Rosies,... street ministry…… and many other ministries in the parish and in the wider community too.
A wonderful variety of ministries and activities of the parish's mission ... the list is wonderfully long. There is so much to do, and God is calling each one of us in our own local sphere of influence to be united and in communion with each other in a spirit of cooperation, practical assistance, and spiritual support.
REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 467095817 - Troitsky Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia-circa July, 2016: holy icon. Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Antracit
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 Marcellinus and St Peter
◆ Marcellinus and Peter were beheaded on the outskirts of Rome. A few years after the event, a little boy from Rome heard about their deaths from the mouth of their executioner, who later became a Christian. That little boy was named Damasus, and he went on to become Pope from 366 to 384. Decades later, remembering the story he had heard as a child, Pope Damasus honoured Marcellinus and Peter by adorning their tomb with a marble inscription recounting the details of their martyrdom as he had heard them so long ago. Unfortunately, the inscription is lost.
➔ Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions (- 1885/7)
◆ Many Christians, Catholic and Protestant, were killed by the Ugandan king Mwanga. Some of them were servants in the king’s palace or even his personal attendants. Charles Lwanga and his twenty-one companions (the youngest, Kizito, was only 13) were executed for being Christians, for rebuking the king for his debauchery and his murder of an Anglican missionary, for “praying from a book,” and for refusing to allow themselves to be unspeakably assaulted by the king. They died between 1885 and 1887. Most of them were burned alive in a group after being tortured.
◆ Within a year of their deaths, the number of catechumens in the country quadrupled. St Charles Lwanga is the patron of Catholic Action and of black African youth, and the Ugandan martyrs’ feast day is a public holiday in Uganda.
MEMORIAL OF NORBERT, BISHOP
◆TODAY'S READINGS: Tobit 2:9-14; Mark 12:13-17 (354). "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
◆ One bread, one body. A painting by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens—called The Defenders of the Eucharist—includes a serene Saint Norbert, his white robes wrapped around a ciborium (the cup that holds the consecrated Eucharist) as he cradles the Blessed Sacrament. Norbert founded the Norbertine religious order as well as the first Third Order for laypeople embracing the spirit of religious life. And, as a successful peacemaker, he’s often depicted with an olive branch. But Norbert’s preaching about the Blessed Sacrament, convincing entire villages to reclaim their lost belief in the Real Presence—also having eucharistic miracles happen on his watch—has earned him the title “Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament.” May he inspire our devotion as the National Eucharistic Revival enters its second phase this month.
Mark 12:13-17 (354). "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
St MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT.
Marcellin Champagnat was born on the 20th May 1789 in a hamlet near St. Etienne, named Le Rosey in France. He was one out of nine children with four brothers and four sisters. As a child, he witnessed the horrible punishments given to children, and he wanted to change that. One of his famous quotes: "If you want to teach young people, first you must love them - love them equally." Through this quote, he taught us the valuable lesson that cruel punishments would not encourage students to learn.
Middle Life. When Marcellin came of age, he was sent to school. Marcellin was terrified by the discipline and punishments given to students by the students and immediately hated it.
When a priest from the seminary was sent to Le Rosey and visited the Champagnat family, he asked if any of the five boys were interested in the priesthood, Marcellin accepted, and it was here when he began his life as a priest.
Montagne Story. As one of his duties as a priest, Marcellin Champagnat was called to the bedside of a sick teenage boy who Marcellin determined knew absolutely nothing regarding religion. With this, Marcellin Champagnat spent two whole hours talking and teaching the boy about God, and finally, he finished by hearing the boy's confession. The boy died soon after and was even more determined to begin his Order of Brothers.
Marist Brothers. 2nd January 1817 was the date on which the Marist Brothers' Order was established. Only beginning with two members - Marcellin and another brother - they lived as a family. They prayed, studied, and worked together. To make themselves a living, they made nails made of iron. Later, in Spring, a third companion joined, and they soon received a fourth, increasing the little community of Marist Brothers to five members.
Memorare in the Snow: St. Marcellin Champagnat. An episode is often told about Fr. Marcellin Champagnat's deep compassion and confidence in Mother Mary. In February 1823, a brother became seriously ill in an isolated village. Marcellin was keen to comfort him. Despite the horrible weather conditions - heavy snowfall - Marcellin, accompanied by another brother, set out on foot for the other brother. The two found themselves stuck in a storm. However, Marcellin prayed constantly to Mary in hopes they would be saved. Shortly, a farmer came out with a light informing the brothers he had this sudden urge to check on his cattle. It was this when Marcellin believed that Mother Mary heard his prayers and rescued them.
The Growth of the Order - On the 6th of June 1840, while the Brothers were singing the "Salve Regina" in the chapel, Marcellin Champagnat - aged 51 - passed away due to cancer. Despite his death, the Order of Marist Brothers continued strongly, continuing to spread his love and teachings. On the 18th of August 1999, he was canonised by Pope John Paul II. Today, the Marist community are found worldwide.
The Marist Brothers came to Australia after an invitation from an Archbishop from Sydney, and today, there are around 4000 Marist Brothers nationwide.
➔ Saint Ephrem, (Ephraem). MEMORIAL OF EPHREM OF SYRIA, DEACON, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
A troubled land calls for compassion. Saint Ephrem of Syria was a prolific writer of poetry, hymns, poems, sermons, and biblical commentaries. He has been called the most significant of all the fathers of the Syriac-speaking church tradition. He addressed the church in Syria in troubled times … and Syria’s troubles continue, perhaps never more acutely than today. Already suffering badly from the devastation of 12 years of ruthless suppression, in February, it suffered a devastating earthquake that killed more than 7,000 people and devastated more than 10,000 buildings in northwest Syria. The U.N. reports that more than 4 million Syrians, mostly women and children, depend on humanitarian aid to survive. Mercy USA invites donations for housing for destitute Syrians. Consider a donation in honour of Ephrem.
◆ Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.
◆ Blessed the one who continually humbles himself willingly; he will be crowned by the One who willingly humbled himself for our sake.
◆ When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, pray to God thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears and eyes of my heart so that I may hear Thy words and understand them, and may fulfil Thy will." Always pray to God like this, that He might illuminate your mind and open to you the power of His words. Many, having trusted in their own reason, have turned away from deception.
◆ Let books be your dining table, / And you shall be full of delights. / Let them be your mattress,/And you shall sleep restful nights
◆ Anyone who wants to be an example to others must first examine himself.
◆ The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like the rock that was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered a spiritual drink. Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty person is happy when drinking and not depressed because the spring is inexhaustible. You can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring; then, when you thirst again, you can drink from it once more.
◆ No one is truly poor except the one who lacks the truth.
◆ O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, the lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother; for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
◆ Be a lamp in brightness, and make the works of darkness cease so that whenever your doctrine shines, no one may dare to heed the desires of darkness.
◆ The fear of God illumines the soul, annihilates evil, weakens the passions, drives darkness from the soul and makes it pure. The fear of God is the summit of wisdom. Where it is not, you will find nothing good. Whoever does not have the fear of God is open to diabolical Falls.
◆ Scripture brought me to the Gate of Paradise, and the mind stood in wonder as it entered.
◆ If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise, the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers so also through your reading obtain healing for your soul.
◆ If you wish to help someone, give secretly and avoid arrogance
◆ Don't let your eyes look here and there, and don't look at someone else's beauty so that the devil will not conquer you with the help of your eyes.
◆ Whoever fears God stands above all manner of fear. He has become a stranger to all the fear of this world and placed it far from himself, and no manner of trembling comes near him.
◆ Who is far from love is in a bad state and to be pitied. He passes his days in a delirious dream, far from God, deprived of light, and he lives in darkness ... Whoever does not have a love of Christ is an enemy of Christ. He walks in darkness and is easily led into any sin.
◆ Like the apple of Thine eye, preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations.
◆ It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.
◆ Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sin and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed from all ages to all ages. Amen
◆ O Lord, we cannot go to the pool of Siloh to which you sent the blind man. But we have the chalice of Your Precious Blood, filled with life and light. The purer we are, the more we receive.
◆ Blessed the one who has become a good spiritual net and caught many for the good Lord, such a one will be greatly praised by the Lord.
◆ Blessed be the one who meditates on death each day and destroys the base passions lurking in the vines of the heart, for he will be consoled in the moment of separation.
◆ You victorious martyrs who endured torments gladly for the sake of God and Savior, you who have boldness of speech toward the Lord Himself, you saints, intercede for us who are timid and sinful men, full of sloth, that the grace of Christ may come upon us, and enlighten the hearts of all of us so that we may love Him.
◆ Prayer is converse with God, equal honour with the Angels, progress in good things, averting of evils, righting of sinners.
◆ The seed, swollen with moisture, bursts asunder its covering of soil and out peers the blade of wheat, full of symbols. So faith, whose bosom is filled with goodly fruits, is a blade of praise.
POPE FRANCIS:
Pope Francis - @Pontifex official Twitter page of His Holiness Pope Francis
The Risen Christ is our future. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the starting point and the ultimate goal of the history of humanity. As much as it is marked by fragility, our life has been solidly placed in His hands. #GeneralAudience
#FreedomofthePress is an important indicator of a country’s state of health. In fact, dictatorships are quick to restrict it or suppress it. We need journalists who are free, who help us not to forget many situations of suffering.#WPFD2023
Let us #PrayTogether that ecclesial movements and groups may daily rediscover their mission, an evangelising mission, and that they place their own charisms at the service of the world’s needs.
SOURCE: pontifex at Twitter
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 1816062089 - Vatican City, September 16, 2020. Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives to attend his weekly general audience in the St. Damaso courtyard. - Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update
EXPLORING OUR FAITH
The human person is the clearest reflection of God’s presence in the world.
Catholic social teaching is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person.
It is not a comprehensive policy statement but rather a set of questions that we might consistently ask ourselves as we respond to the world around us.
Ten Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
The Principle of Respect for Human Dignity
Human dignity emerges neither from what people accomplish or own but because we are created in the image and likeness of God. Consequently, every person is worthy of respect simply by virtue of being a human being. People do not lose the right to be treated with respect because of disability, poverty, age, lack of success or race, let alone gain the right to be treated with greater respect because of what they own or accomplish.
The Principle of Respect for Human Life
An implication of the first principle is that every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to a life consistent with the dignity that is ours as human beings. The Catholic tradition sees the sacredness of human life as part of any moral vision for a just and good society.
The Principle of Association
The human person is not only sacred but also social. We cannot consider a person simply as an isolated individual but as part of a rich tapestry of relationships. When making decisions that impact on the lives of others, we must consider how it impacts on that person’s connections with family, friends and the wider community.
The Principle of Participation
People have a right to shape their own lives and the society in which they live. They should participate in decision processes that impact their lives and cannot be considered passive recipients of other people’s decisions. We each have a responsibility to be shapers of the kind of world in which we wish to live.
The Principle of Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
In a world where we see deepening divisions between rich and poor, the powerful and the powerless, the Catholic tradition reminds us that God stands firmly on the side of the most marginalised members of society. While every person’s needs are important, we must consider, first and foremost, how the lives of the most vulnerable people are impacted or enhanced by the decisions we make.
The Principle of Solidarity
We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Learning to practice the virtue of solidarity means learning that ‘loving our neighbour’ is not, in the words of Pope John Paul II, “a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”
The Principle of Stewardship
We show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We have a responsibility to care for the world’s goods as stewards and trustees, not primarily, let alone merely, as consumers. As people working toward making these principles a reality, good stewardship also means making careful and responsible decisions with the resources entrusted to us.
The Principle of Subsidiarity
The word subsidiarity comes from the Latin word “subsidium” which means help, aid or support. The principle of subsidiarity means clearly determining the right amount of help or support that is needed to accomplish a task or to meet an obligation: “not too much” (taking over and doing it for the other: thereby creating learned helplessness or over-dependence) and “not too little” (standing back and watching people thrash about, thereby increasing frustration and perhaps hopelessness). The principle might be better summarised as ‘no bigger than necessary, no smaller than appropriate’.
The Principle of Human Equality
Given that every human being is entitled to respect and dignity merely because she/he has been created in the image and likeness of God, it follows that there is radical equality among all human beings. After all, as George Cladis points out: “competition is alien within God.” This principle lies close to the surface in every Australian. We talk of it in terms of giving people a fair go.
The Principle of Common Good
A community is genuinely healthy when every single person is flourishing. This is not the utilitarian formula of the greatest good for the greatest number but the moral formula of the greatest good for all, simply on the basis that they are human beings and therefore inherently worthy of respect.
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://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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