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“‘’Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ - “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you pull the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.” (Matthew 13:28-29)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1250987929 - green spikelets of wheat with a lot of weed on an agricultural field in spring, green unripe cereals. Photo Contributor: rsooll
PASTOR’S POST - Fr Peter - “Uncertain Surprises”
(photos from St Vincents, farewelling Fr Peter)
Many people often ask for prayerful support as they face complex health issues and uncertain outcomes from confronting life situations. Sometimes in these situations, people are lost for words to say to God. While God hears without words needing to be said, the following prayer “fell in my lap” and I thought it might be helpful for anyone uncertain of how to take the next step. While I am unaware of its author, its sincerity is obvious and application universal.
Lord, I’m prone sometimes to imagine that the tides of my life are buffeting me without purpose, tossing me to and fro without meaning, battering me against the hard rocks cruelly. Sometimes the storms are really fierce, the skies are grey, and you seem absent. It’s just not true that my life is all sunshine and light.
Lord, remind me that you never promised to deliver me from struggle and conflict, but you did assure me that I can live through life’s difficulties. In the world, we will all have trouble. Troubles are a necessary part of the human condition. Your own experience of life was a testament to a struggler in hope.
But in that struggle, you overcame despair and hopelessness. Just as a stone becomes beautifully smooth only in constant friction, so in the mystery of your purpose for us, you often create a thing of beauty from our conflicts and questions. Conflict is the price to be paid for spiritual growth. That which resists us perfects us.
So Lord, when the waves are huge, and I feel helpless, let me not move against them in rage or go under them in helplessness, but flow with them in faith and hope.
Lord, may we experience your peace in our trouble, hope when we are tempted by despair, faith and courage when the heavens seem silent, and the sure knowledge that you have been through it all before us and are walking beside us now.
So let us accept our “surprises” that upset our plans, shatter our dreams and give a completely different turn to our day and, maybe, our life. It is not by chance. Leave God free to weave the patterns of our lives.
Fr Peter Dillon
Anointing Mass Returns to the Parish. First Tuesday of every month (excluding January and December).
For that Mass only, it will be at 10 am,
followed by a morning tea organised by the Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies. Sacred Heart Church Next Mass 10 am Sacred Heart - Tuesday, August 1st 2023. There will be no 9 am Mass that day.
Please spread the word.
Stock Photo ID: 2288579397. Song Vinh Church. Stained glass. The sacrament of Extreme Unction or Anointing of the Sick. Vietnam. 12-10-2022. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto
World Youth Day - The image reflects the theme the pope has chosen: Mary set out in haste. Pope Francis looks forward to joining the pilgrims at World Youth Day Portugal - Lisbon, Portugal - August 1-6, 2023. Pope Francis has his pilgrim’s backpack ready!
Our Parish Representatives as pilgrims to World Youth 5h Day 2023 are parishioners Jeunita and Jeunesse, Antao and Alec De Sousa. God bless and guide them in their pilgrimage.
The logo of World Youth Day, reflecting the change in date to 2023 due to the pandemic, was unveiled on October 16.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for WYD in Portugal is “Mary rose and left in haste,” from the Gospel of Luke’s description of how Mary went quickly to her cousin Elizabeth upon hearing from the angel that Elizabeth was expecting a baby.
The organisers of WYD in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, chose to reveal the logo on October 16, the anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II, the creator of World Youth Days.
The logo features the colours of the Portuguese flag and elements of the country’s spiritual culture.
A cross dominates the new logo, and a road runs over it, “where the Holy Spirit rises,” specifies the organisers, who see in it an invitation to young people “not to stand idly by.” The image is an invitation to “be the protagonists of the construction of a more just and fraternal world.”
This path reflects the road Mary took to visit Elizabeth. “Mary was ready to live according to the will of God, available to serve Elizabeth,” the statement read.
The rosary represents the spirituality of the Portuguese people and their devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. This is placed on the path to recall the experience of pilgrimage that is so important in Portugal.
Fatima is less than 70 miles from Lisbon, and it is anticipated that many youths will visit the place of Mary’s apparition to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta during the days of WYD.
Finally, the figure of Mary is present. “The drawing expresses the youth of her years, characteristic of one who is not yet a mother but who carries the light of the world within her,” specify the organisers.
Behind this work which will accompany the hundreds of thousands of participants in WYD, hides Beatriz Roque Antunez, a Portuguese artist of 24 years. She studied design in London and currently works in a communication agency in Lisbon. For her, her work should encourage young people to take charge, not to remain inactive, and to build the world of tomorrow.
INTENDED MARRIAGE PROCLAMATION (AS PER REQUEST OF OVERSEAS DIOCESE)
Com o favor de Deus e da Santa Mãe Igreja querem se casar: BENJAMIN RYAN e FABIOLA LERCH DUARTE
Ele, filho de DANIEL GLIFFORD RYAN e ZVIA RYAN, residente há 1 anos na SURFERS PARADISE
CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. Ela, filha de JANOR TRINDADE DUARTE e ROSEMARI LERCH, residente há 1 anos na SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA.
With the favor of God and Holy Mother Church they want to marry: BENJAMIN RYAN and FABIOLA LERCH DUARTE. He, is the son of DANIEL GLIFFORD RYAN and ZVIA RYAN, resident for 1 year at SURFERS PARADISE
CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. She, the daughter of JANOR TRINDADE DUARTE and ROSEMARI LERCH, a resident for 1 year at SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. The wedding will take place on 10/14/2023 at PAR. MOTHER OF GOD (CATHEDRAL). Anyone who knows of any reason why this Marriage should not take place, he is obliged, in conscience, to notify the parish priest. REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION - BRIDE. SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. Rev. Mr. parish priest. Please publish and inform.
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2023
In Surfers Paradise Parish, we have 112 children who have recently begun Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. We ask the members of our Parish Family to remember these children and their families in prayer:
May God bless these parents as they continue to fulfil the promises that they made on behalf of their children at baptism. As they approach this sacred task; may the Holy Spirit guide them. Just as the Lord Jesus made the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak; may he once again touch the ears of these children to receive his word, and their mouths to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen.
LITURGY REFLECTION - PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL (Article by Elizabeth Harrington Part II)
The Liturgy of the Word ends with the Prayer of the Faithful or Universal Prayer.
The Prayer of the Faithful is actually not a prayer addressed to God at all but a series of intentions that worshippers are invited to pray for. The pattern of the Prayer of the Faithful is:
• The presider begins by addressing the faithful and inviting them to pray.
• The intentions are read out, using a form of words such as “Let us pray for/We pray that…”.
The faithful pray about the announced intentions in the pause that follows each one. The petitions only become the ‘Prayer of the Faithful’ when we, the faithful, respond to the invitation, formulate a prayer in our hearts and bring them together in the “Lord, hear our prayer”.
For example, if the reader says: “We pray for those experiencing violence or hunger or homelessness”, each of us prays in silence for those we are aware of in those situations – perhaps for the people of Ukraine or Yemen, where there is famine, or for the homeless in our city.
• After a cue (e.g. “Lord, hear us”), the community responds together (e.g. “Lord, hear our prayer”).
• The presider concludes with a “collect” summarising the assembly's prayer.
THE EUCHARIST: DOING WHAT JESUS DID
The Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass is based on what Jesus did at the Last Supper. The Gospel accounts tell us that Christ took the bread and the cup of wine and thanked God for them; he broke the bread and shared the bread and wine with his disciples.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts when the bread and wine are taken forward, placed on the altar and prayed over. Along with the bread and wine, we offer ourselves to God, and as the bread and wine are blessed, we, too, are blessed by God.
In the Eucharistic Prayer, which is the centre and high point of the celebration of the Mass, we give thanks to God for the gifts of bread and wine and the whole work of salvation.
After the sign of peace, the celebrant breaks the bread. Early Christians considered that this part of the ritual was so important that they called their Sunday gathering “the breaking of the bread”. The breaking of the bread into many pieces signifies that we are made one when we receive Communion from the one loaf. The Lamb of God litany accompanies the action of the breaking of the bread.
In the communion procession, we walk and sing together as we go to the altar to share the paschal meal. By taking and eating the Body of Christ, the faithful become the Body of Christ, united in service to the world and in working for the Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
Elizabeth Harrington -
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
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, Alfonso Covino, Margaret Cusack, Pam Davis, Geraldine Daniels, Anne Van Deurse, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Peter Harford, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, 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, Vennetia Miles, 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, Rogelio Rodriguez, Sue Rogers, Bob Rogers, 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:
(Chronological - Most recent first): Rebecca O’Reilly, Fritz Bower, Beatriz Dos Santos, Pat Goddard (Sydney), Rodney McLennan, Moureen Elaine Tracey, Domizio Gandini, Rocco Bellantoni, Jack Cartwright (Gympie), Luciano Albergo, Antonio Invernizzi, Barry McMahon,, Bernadette Martin, Bill Drummond, Charles George Dayney, Daniel Clancy, Delores Barrett, Don Brinkworth, Dr Frank Miau, Elijah Christian, Graham Price, Joseph Griffa, June Toole, Lorraine Geraghty, Maria Brazinas, Mario Paul Mazza, Melissa Ann Lord, Noel Ferdinands.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Malcolm Condon, Giuseppe Joe Alba, Dr Rogerson Bullen, John Peter Reid, Raphael Desira, Marie Doreen Emslie, Fr Dominic Fogarty OSA, Fr Owen Hayes, Thomas Hirst, Fila Jones, Tadeusz Antoni Karawczyk, Fr John Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Alan King, Kenneth Ledster, Fr Raymond Lyons, Valda Martin, Marie Martinek, Patrick McKenzie, Vivienne Marie Miau, Helen Therese Moffat, Ronald (Ron) Mooney, Tera Phillip, Daniel Charles (Dan) Quinn, John Peter Reid, Eileen Scharenguivel, Danny Schembri, Fr Michael Stapleton, Maurie Taafe, Vittoria Ulliana, William (Bill) Walker, William Cecil (Bill) Wall.
And Also: (Alphabetical): Joseph Patrick Condon, Billy Edmonds, Terrence Gavin (Terry) Faloon, Margaret Mary Gordon, Fr Owen Hayes, Thomas Hirst, (Father of Robyn Hunt), Ruby Agnes Johnson, Judith Kloser, Margaret Ann (Ann) Mason, Fr William McCarthy, Corbett Benedict (Corby) McKay, Ermis Moro, Carmen Nicholas, Fr Robert O'Donoghue, Victor O'Reilly, Eftim Orloff, Norman Pearce, Fr Gerald Ronayne, Archbishop Frank Rush, William Sammut, Patrick Sexton, Fr Cyril Shand, Joseph Shen (Jiasheng Shen), Fr Greg Jordan SJ, Emilia Smarzewska, Alan Smith, Rita Steptoe, Bryan Suter, Stefan Iosif Szemes.
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 Pvt Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
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.
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 as follows-
24/7/2023 Maree & Alex Anderson - Broadbeach
31/7/2023 Bernadette Hensley - Arundel
07/8/2023 Bernadette Hensley - Arundel
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.
The Bold and the Beautiful Friendship Group
The Friendship Group is meeting for lunch at 12 noon on Thursday, the 27th of July. Coffee at New Life Cafe on Markeri Street. All are welcome. If you need more information, please contact Amanda Rowe at 0421 487 009.
“Signs of Hope - People of Faith” Concerts with Peter Kearney
Signs of Hope-People of Faith. Concerts with Peter Kearney - songwriter, singer, and guitarist. Songs, stories and reflections about people whose faithful lives have brought compassion, hope and justice into our world. Three venues: 1. THE GAP. Monday 31st July, 7.30 pm in St John’s Wood/The Gap Parish Hall.
2. BURLEIGH WATERS. Wednesday, August 2nd, 7.00 pm in Mary Mother of Mercy Church.
3. WAVELL HEIGHTS. Thursday, August 3rd, 6.30 pm in St Paschal’s Catholic Church.
No set $ admission. Donations are welcome at intervals. Peter’s hymns and songs have been published in fifteen albums. His best-known compositions include ‘Fill My House’, ‘The Beatitudes’ and 'Where is Your Song My Lord?'
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 more information, please ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
Contemplative Women’s Group.
Contemplative Women’s Group: Sinking into the Feminine Divine. We meet on the 4th Saturday of every month from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm in Mary Mother of Mercy Church, for a time of contemplation and sharing, as we depth the charism and legacy of a woman of faith. This month, Saturday 22nd July, we are walking with Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann.
1.30 – 3.30 pm, Mary Mother of Mercy Church, 3 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters. Contact sue@suethomas.net.au for more information. Or just turn up by 1.30 pm. No cost. Simple afternoon tea was supplied. Come, join us on the path.
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OUR BEAUTIFUL SACRED HEART COLUMBARIUM - BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DIE IN THE LORD, THEY CAN REST FROM THEIR LABOURS, FOR THEIR GOOD DEEDS GO WITH THEM
The first Interment in this new section of the Columbarium was on the 69th wedding anniversary of Dorothy and Desmond Fox. Their ashes have now been placed in niches beside each other. May they now be enjoying the Heavenly Banquet Feast in Heaven. Des passed away on the 14th of May this year, and Dorothy passed away on the 9th of May 2004. Her ashes were transferred from Mudgeereeba to here to be placed simultaneously with Des’. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. (Thanks to the Fox family for permission to publish this beautiful picture).
“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.
ST STEPHENS CATHEDRAL SAINT MARY MACKILLOP MASS
To honour St Mary MacKillop’s legacy and seek her intercession, I invite you to join me for Mass on Tuesday, 8 August 2023, at 10a m at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
I also invite you to consider a contribution to support the Mary MacKillop Bursary Fund. Your kindness and compassion mirror the heart of St Mary of the Cross and make it possible for her legacy to continue in our Brisbane Catholic schools today. With your gift, you provide educational opportunities to children and families in situations of hardship.
Please join us for this special celebration as we turn to the patron of the Archdiocese on her feast day.
Join us on Tuesday, 8 August 2023, for Mass at 10 am at the Cathedral of St Stephen
To register your attendance, please click here to RSVP, email rsvp@bne.catholic.net.au
or phone (07) 3324 3200.
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.
ARCHDIOCESAN CENTRE FOR CATHOLIC FORMATION
After the successful launch of the first module by the Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation, we are excited to open registrations for Module Two: Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures.
The experience of these core modules will engage both the head and the heart, so participants grow in knowledge and the lived experience of the Catholic faith. Each module includes 10 sessions supported by individual reflection and an Archdiocesan Certificate awarded for completion. Note, you do not need to have completed Module One in order to register for Module Two.
Check out the course overview for more info:
Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures
This second module engages participants in the scriptures. We will explore their inspiration, canonisation, unity and how to interpret scripture within the Catholic tradition. Beyond the mechanics, this module provides an experience of listening to the voice of God in scripture, ensuring that scripture moves beyond mere text to being experienced as God’s word to us.
It will cover themes including:
Can We Trust the Scriptures?
The Unity of the Two Testaments
Biblical Foundations for Catholic Doctrines
Scripture in Liturgy
Time: 7-9 pm (Monday nights)
Dates: 21 August - 13 November 2023 (excl. public holidays & school holidays)
Location: Xavier Hall, Holy Spirit Seminary, Banyo
Module Presenter: Deacon Peter Pellicaan PhD (Executive Director, Evangelisation Brisbane)
Cost: $250pp | $150pp for groups of 5 or more
We’d like to invite you to personally prayerfully consider if God may be calling you to partake in this opportunity. Register now at catholicformation.au or find out more via the button below.
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.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Many weeds are growing alongside the wheat in our lives. Sometimes the weeds strangle our growth or prevent us from hearing clearly God's voice. We need time to reflect on the garden of our life.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field…He who sows good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom.”-Matthew 13:24, 37-38. As children of God, we are all “good seeds”. God blesses us with the potential to accomplish much good in the world. We fulfil God’s plan when we spend time in prayer every day, use our skills to help others and share our financial gifts to help build God’s kingdom on earth. Through our example of gratitude and generosity, we sow “good seeds” on earth and ultimately help each other get to Heaven!
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 - God’s kind of justice
Our exercise of justice can be remarkably heartless. Too often, we confuse justice with judgment, imagining justice is only served by lowering the boom on the offending party. The writer of the Book of Wisdom describes God's justice as both mighty and clement: that is, powerful and merciful at the same time. Among the loveliest recommendations in the Old Testament is this: "Those who are just must be kind." Written 50 years before the time of Jesus, Wisdom demonstrates why Jesus came to heal, forgive, and rescue—not destroy, condemn, and disown. Make kindness your partner in justice.
“And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind.” (Wisdom 12:19)
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
A Quality that describes God in the readings this weekend is "Forbearance” -which is defined as: “patience, being long-suffering, tolerance, or “the act of refraining from enforcing a debt, obligation or right.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online)
“God is all-powerful, but is gentle and always wants to give us time for change, for transformation, and for repentance.” (Abbot’s homily, Monastery of Christ in the desert).
I love the lines in the first reading… They are so beautiful… it gives us a deep insight into God’s nature and message: Lord… Although your strength is sovereign.. You judge us in mildness, you govern us with forbearance… and by these, you teach us to be KIND… and have hope because you allow us to repent of our sins……. (paraphrased)\
The more I delve into the beauty of the gospels… the more I realise that, in the end, the Gospel is about profound kindness, compassion and love, as found in God.. I wish I could say that in every situation, particularly the trying times, I have responded with kindness and compassion… I wish I could say that, but sometimes I have not… I certainly can say, as we all do, that we want to be kind.. especially in difficult situations.. we want to be ever-more gentle and compassionate, merciful and fair…. And God is at work to grant this in our lives…
The gospel this weekend uses, among other examples, the image of the Kingdom of God is like ‘the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.’ Surely our mission as Christians is very fittingly described as that. We each seek to implement the good news of Jesus in a “whole” or “holistic” way… That is, we desire that our discipleship flows ‘right throughout every aspect of our lives’ ………so that the gospel is part of everything……. and not merely something that has been “tacked-on” to the end of an otherwise “non-Christian set-up”… but rather… it is “worked-in” (kneaded in) ……and becomes an integral part of who we are and what we do. … Just like yeast is mixed seamlessly into flour….. It becomes part of it, and then raises it into a new and more beautiful creation…. We are like that too in our daily lives…… // Daily, we get glimpses of the kingdom at work in our everyday lives…// The Spirit is working into and amongst the everyday events and values of our days………
We are all, as Christians, to be “leaven in the dough”…// We are called to be ‘So much part of society’ as to be integral… and all-the-while bringing the life, joy and compassion of the Gospel effortlessly into all we do and say… (and often not even in a very ‘obvious’ way, but perfectly naturally)…… being part of God’s transformation of all things into God’s image….
Finally, Jesus tackles the age-old question… why are there bad things in the world? Why does God allow bad people to do bad things?…. Why does God permit the ‘destructive’ to thrive alongside the ‘constructive’?…….. I suppose we can all be glad that God doesn’t dispose of anyone imperfect… Thank goodness that God does not strike with “a bolt of lightning” anyone who has ever sinned, made a mistake or was weak, or who was not entirely living up to the Gospel message…….
I, for one, am very glad that God is patient.. ….That God gives us time to be fully transformed by the gospel…….. I am sure we have all benefited from that most reassuring of Divine qualities… “forbearance and mercy.”
Contradictions exist not only around us… but also in our own individual lives too. – We, too, live with the “wheat and the weeds” within our own hearts. ……For all our good intentions and efforts, we will probably continue to struggle with some issues, some contradictions all our lives. The garden of our soul will always need a little weeding. These inner struggles will continue to call us to conversion, and we will continue to call on the Lord and allow God to be the gardener of our souls. Knowing the weeds and wheat within our own individual lives can help us be a little more patient and compassionate of the weeds and wheat around us – in our families, communities, and our Church. This is not an invitation to complacency, and we can never merely say, “This is just who I am with my sins, and that is as good as it gets.” God always calls us upward and forward and wants us to grow in grace and virtue and never stop being open to this transforming grace… But it reminds us to ‘stay real’ and see the bigger picture.***
God has unconditional love for us…. God made us, ///and the Lord sees into our hearts…..and sees the enormous potential and possibilities that lie within us….. God sees us as we truly are… and loves us…… giving us time and grace…so that we might foster the virtues and positive attributes of the Kingdom, … and allow God to transform and heal those areas that need forgiveness and conversion…..
God appears to err on the side of human freedom so that we may be fully free to respond with love to all God wants for us…….The all-powerful God has deliberately constrained himself to permit human free will and choice…... (this is both an enormous gift and an awful responsibility). We know that many people have used their God-given gift of “free will” to do great acts of charity and love. Sadly, we also know that throughout history, many people have used their God-given gift of freedom to do terrible harm and shocking acts of evil.It was never God’s intention for people to use their free will to harm. God never gave permission for wrongdoing, but people have tragically abused this gift.
One thing is certain…. … we are invited to focus more than ever on doing as much good as we can in being people of kindness, mercy, justice and compassion in deeper ways with each passing day..….. let us not allow the hurts and sins of the world stop us from doing yet-more good, ….to love more deeply than before. When the weeds around us might otherwise prompt us to respond with negativity, bitterness, revenge or hate//…. where sin and hurt abounds// .. let us ensure that the grace, kindness and forbearing love of Christ all the more abound…. in all that we do and say…
REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY; ***Mary Coloe. LiturgyHelp.com; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT’S HOMILY.
IMAGE: stock photo ID: 1372767668 - Quail perched on a post surrounded by yellow mustard seed flowers. Photo Contributor: zaranda
[“’ gospel’ values included in the readings:” mercy, kindness, forbearance, wholeness, consistency, slowness to anger, allowing time to change and to grow, hope- (because of allowing for repentance and forgiveness), graciousness, steadfastness in love, faithfulness, being a person of encouragement, The Spirit prays in us, God forebears to leave freedom of will and wrongdoing – God plays the “long game,” to gain as many people as possible - the presence and action of the Kingdom is not grand and overwhelming but subtle and down-to-earth…..modest eg -shrub, leaven in the dough… ]
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
“The world would have peace if only people of politics would follow the Gospels.” (Bridget of Sweden).
“To write well and speak well is mere vanity if one does not live well.” (Bridget of Sweden).
“The source of justice is not vengeance but charity.” (Bridget of Sweden).
Make your prayer simple, as simple as you can. Reason little, love much, and you will pray well.” (Willie Doyle).
“Contemplation is knowledge by love.” (Bede Griffiths, OSB).
St Charbel:
A man who prays lives out the mystery of existence, and a man who does not pray scarcely exists.
Success in life consists of standing without shame before God.
Their buildings rise; their morality sinks. Their worldly goods increase, and their values diminish. Their speeches multiply, and their prayers grow scarce... An edifice based on man may well rise, but it ends up crushing him.
Persevere in prayer without ceasing.. to understand and live according to his will, not to change it.
The Father's will is always for your good.
Pray to soften hardened hearts, to open darkened minds.
By your prayers, you can bring down the rain of mercy.
Pray in your beds.
The family is the basis of the Lord’s plan, and all forces of evil are focusing all their evil on destroying the family because they know that by destroying the family, the foundations of the plan of God will be shaken. The war of the Evil One against the Lord is his war against the family, and the war of the Evil One against the family is the core of his war against the Lord. Because the family is the image of God, from the beginning of the creation of this universe, The Evil One is focusing on destroying the family, the foundation of God’s plan.
One does not have to look far to see evidence of Satan’s plan in today's world, as the family is further fragmented and divided in modern culture.
Guard your families and keep them from the schemes of the evil one through the presence of God in them. Protect and keep them through prayer and dialogue, mutual understanding and forgiveness, honesty and faithfulness, and, most importantly, listening. Listen to one another with your ears, eyes, hearts, mouths and the palms of your hands, and keep the roaring of the noise of the world away from your homes because it is like raging storms and violent waves; once it enters the home, it will sweep away everything and disperse everyone. Preserve the warmth of the family because the warmth of the whole world cannot compensate for it.
Sts Joachim and Anne. PARENTS OF the Blessed Virgin MARY.
A grand mission for grandparents:
At a time when grandparents shoulder an ever-greater role in the nurturing of children—helping young families navigate the many complex realities of modern life—fortunately, we have an international Catholic Grandparents Association, founded in 2009, to help fulfil a dual mission: “passing on the faith and keeping prayer at the heart of family life.” With Saints Joachim and Anne as patrons, the association hosts a podcast and encourages parishes to develop a thriving ministry for and by grandparents, recognising their unique evangelising presence. Remembering grandparents, pray today the official prayer of the 2022 World Meeting of Families.
MEMORIAL OF MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS, FRIENDS OF JESUS
What are friends for?
It’s not easy to picture God as one of our friends. We can’t just call God up to meet us for a cup of coffee. But friendship has many characteristics that help us better understand our own relationship with God. “Friendship,” writes Pope Francis, “is no fleeting or temporary relationship, but one that is stable, firm and faithful, and matures with the passage of time. A relationship of affection that brings us together and a generous love that makes us seek our friend's good” (Christus vivit §152). For further reflection, look to Jesus himself and his friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
POPE FRANCIS: A boy who got past security barrier to embrace Pope Francis at WYD 2013 is now a seminarian
{Nathan de Brito hugs Pope Francis during his visit to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day 2013. | Credit: Nathan de Brito/personal file - Natalia Zimbrão - By Natalia Zimbrão. ACI Prensa Staff, Jul 11, 2023 / 16:30 pm}
The little boy who managed to get past the crowd control barrier at World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro in 2013 to give an emotional embrace to Pope Francis is now a seminarian preparing for the priesthood.
On July 26, 2013, de Brito, then 9 years old, managed to get to the popemobile carrying Pope Francis through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. He hugged the Holy Father and told him he wanted to be a priest.
Ten years later, de Brito is in the preparatory seminary of the Archdiocese of Campo Grande in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. For de Brito, “remembering that encounter is always to rekindle the flame of vocation.”
Nathan de Brito with his mother, Ana Paula. Credit: Personal file.
Nathan de Brito with his mother, Ana Paula. Credit: Personal file.
Pope Francis visited Rio de Janeiro for WYD in 2013. It was his first international trip after being elected pope in March of that year.
The photo of de Brito hugging Pope Francis soon went viral, becoming one of the most memorable images of the trip.
The young man said that he is moved when he talks about that encounter. “It will be 10 years since that great moment in my life. Of course, it was not the awakening of my vocation because I had wanted to be a priest for a long time. But it was, without a doubt, one more motivation within my vocation,” de Brito told ACI Digital, CNA’s Portuguese-language news partner, in an interview.
The seminarian said that since he was little, he wanted to be a priest. “I liked to play at celebrating Mass, going to Mass.” At the age of five, he began serving as an altar boy in Cabo Frio, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where he lived with his family.
“I was an altar boy for many years and really enjoyed serving. I also really liked catechism and was in a hurry for the sacraments. I remember my first Eucharist a lot, which was the happiest day of my life,” he shared.
De Brito recalled that it was at the age of 7 that he first said that he wanted to be just a priest: “Before I said that I wanted to be a teacher and a priest, a doctor and a priest, always something and a priest. But at the age of 7, one day, when my father picked me up from school and asked me what it would be like when I grew up, I told him that I would only be a priest.”
“I always emphasise that my call is to holiness. We are all called to holiness, and each one has a call, a specific vocation. And I understand that my vocation is to the priesthood, so I said ‘yes’ to this vocation,” he explained.
The young Brazilian stressed that the pope of his childhood was Benedict XVI and that his “attraction to the vocation was precisely in him because he saw in him an imposing figure, who spoke timidly, but who spoke very well, he was the man of the liturgy.”
“When I was 7 years old, I used to watch the Masses at the Vatican, my eyes wide open,” he related.
When Pope Francis arrived in Brazil in 2013, he said he saw a pontiff “very close to us.”
“When he was elected pope, my love for the Church and my vocation grew because he was someone close to us. It’s not that Benedict XVI wasn’t,” he said, but his perception was that “Benedict XVI was the pope who lived in the Vatican and was distant.”
Then came the opportunity to be close to the pope with Francis’ visit to Brazil for WYD Rio 2013. At that time, de Brito was living in Cabo Frio. He and his mother went to Aparecida, where the pope was present on July 24. But they didn’t manage to see him up close.
They then travelled to Rio de Janeiro, where de Brito managed to get to Pope Francis on July 26. “And this [matter of] being a priest is so important to me that when I met the pope, I didn’t even tell him my name. I don’t know how he knew my name, but I didn’t say it. I just said, ‘Holy Father, I want to be a priest, I want to be like you,’” de Brito recalled.
“At that moment of meeting the pope, I could feel God’s enormous affection for me, saying, ‘My son, I love you,’ in the arms of the one who welcomes us like a father. I had this very great experience of being welcomed by the pope and that he received what I told him. He simply told me: ‘Pray for me, and I will pray for you,’” he said.
“Of course, we have an obligation to care for our vocation. But knowing that a person so special prays for us is something extraordinary.”
In early 2020, de Brito joined the Order of Friars Minor as an aspirant. He was a congregation member until the end of last year when he asked to be transferred to the seminary of the Archdiocese of Campo Grande.
“It’s my duty as a person called to the priesthood to keep that flame burning if that is God’s will. But those sparks that help us maintain our vocation, like the meeting with Pope Francis, are always very pleasant, very happy to remember,” he concluded.
{This story was first published by ACI Digital, CNA’s Portuguese-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by ACI Prensa/CNA}
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1447597685 - Vatican City, June 9, 2019. Pope Francis - in St. Peter's Square. Important information- Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - Expression of spirituality
There are many different expressions of Catholic spirituality that have developed over the past two thousand years. Many of these reflect the particular charism of founders of religious orders who developed their own unique way of approaching God in prayer and formed a unique way of living out the Gospel.
Some of these spiritualities include:
Desert – is characterised by prayer in solitude, asceticism and a life of sacrifice. St Anthony of Egypt (251-356) lived a desert spirituality, which includes centring prayer, a form of meditation on a single, sacred word that draws one closer to God.
Benedictine – is characterised by life in community, order and obedience to superiors. St Benedict (480-550) is considered to be the father of Western monasticism. Lectio Divina is a Benedictine prayer form based on reflection on the Word of God. More about Benedictine spirituality.
Franciscan – is characterised by a life of poverty, love of nature and giving charity to those in need. St Francis (1182-1226) rejected all of his possessions and founded a community of friars who lived in poverty and helped the poor. Franciscan prayer rejoices in God’s presence in the wonder of creation. More about Franciscan spirituality.
Dominican – is characterised by poverty, preaching and devotion to truth. St. Dominic (1170-1221) founded the Order of Preachers to help others to deepen their relationship with Christ. The Rosary is an example of Dominican spirituality since it focuses on the mysteries of Christ’s life and is a simple way of proclaiming the truths of the faith. More about Dominican spirituality.
Ignatian – is characterised by examination of one’s life, discerning the will of God and living the Resurrection. St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) founded the Society of Jesus to teach the Gospel message. The Spiritual Exercises are the Ignatian prayer form that focuses on examining conscience and the discernment of God’s action in one’s life. More about Ignatian spirituality.
Carmelite – is characterised by interior detachment, silence, solitude and mystical experience. St John of the Cross (1542-1591) and St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) were Carmelite mystics whose writings illuminate this spiritual pathway. The Dark Night of the Soul describes the need for the soul to be purified before entering into divine union with God. More about Carmelite spirituality.
Josephite – is characterised by simplicity, perseverance and care for the poor. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842-1909) developed a deep dependence and trust in God to carry out her many works of charity against great odds. Josephite prayer reflects this utter trust in God’s provision for what is needed to care for those in need. More about Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
See our section on prayer, renewal movements and faith groups for information on joining a contemporary faith group.
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church/#expression-of-spirituality
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, 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/)
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
Urgent Message - Scam Alert!
We have received several messages from people indicating that they have been texted by a scammer impersonating Fr Peter.
Please do not respond to this scammer or do anything they instruct.
The person sends a text saying they are Fr Peter and that he cannot ring as he is in a meeting, but please help me buy gift cards for a sick person.
This is definitely a scam.
The priests of this parish would not ask people to buy gift cards or send money.
We only have the usual collections and appeals via church for official purposes.
Don't even reply to the SMS or email if you get one. You could report it to your phone provider or internet provider.
We do not solicit money or gifts - and please warn anyone else who might not receive this message.,
Yours Sincerely,
Fr Pk
(PS, the same applies to any other priest or member of the church, we would not be seeking money or gifts, and you would be advised not to respond to these sneaky scams).
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