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“This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 2056914827 - ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 31, 2021: The painting of Transfiguration in the church Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini by Mario Balassi (1604 - 1667). Important information. Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
Robyn’s Speech for Fr Peter’s Farewell - Sunday Night Mass 6 pm 23rd July 2023
It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to you on behalf of the Parishioners who frequent this 6 pm last chance Mass.
The little slide says that the ordinary things in life can be made extraordinary simply by doing them with the right people – you have been for us in this Parish - the right person.
Some of you have heard this story in the last week, so please forgive me if I repeat it. I came to the Surfers Paradise Parish in 1985 - 38 years ago this September - my Mum went to the little Stella Maris church each Sunday, so we started going there – Fr Peter, for some reason, did not say Sunday Mass at Broadbeach very often, so I didn’t really get to know him other than hearing that he rode a donkey down the aisle at St Vincent’s on Palm Sunday the next year - I did, however, go to his farewell here at Sacred Heart and to my amazement the present that was given to him by the Parish was a cravat –
and I thought to myself, who is this guy – later, I learned that he also wore Gucci shoes – so when he returned on 17th April 2017, I was a little sceptical. I happened to be at his first Mass the next day, where he gave a small homily based on the scripture readings of the day – after he finished, I said,
“Thank you Lord for sending us this guy”, and I have continued to say that prayer over the last 6 years.
Fr Peter, you break open the Word in such a way that it is very relevant to our lives and speaks to the joys, sorrows, and regrets that we experience each day. It is a wonderful gift that enables you to speak to us not only about your life and the impact that scripture has had on you personally, but it has given us a new insight into our own relationship with God and how the Word will nourish our lives if we but open ourselves to receive it and share it with others.
Your time here has not been easy for you as you have had ill health of one kind or another over most of the six years – although I must say that now is probably the best we have seen you in a while. You and Fr Paul brought us through the hard times of COVID and kept us together as a community – thank you – that would have been a difficult time for you both.
Several of us have experienced pushing you in your wheelchair down the aisle here at Sacred Heart, easy, and then pushing you back up the aisle after Mass, not so easy, hearing of your early morning riding on your exercise bike, seeing you scooting around on your knee scooter, hobbling around with your walking stick, coming down the sanctuary steps where all of us have had our hearts in our mouths terrified that you would fall, hearing of mad dashes in the ambulance to emergency and so on – but in the last months we have been delighted that your health seems to have improved and your walking has become very natural again - the body seems to have trimmed down. Well done! Please let me in on your secret!
Fr Peter, we are going to miss you terribly as you have not only been our Parish Priest, but you have been our friend. We have laughed together, cried together, shared our deepest sorrows with you and our most joyous times as well – the Tuesday and Friday coffee club will miss your smiling face, as will all those who have shared your love of reading and your ability to remember everything about the book, where some of us, particularly myself, read it, enjoy it and it has gone right out of the head.
I almost forgot, what are you doing about your herb garden? – don’t expect Fr Paul to look after them!
Winnie has the last say – How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard – Fr Peter, you have been and are that something that makes saying goodbye to you so hard. Every blessing for your new role as Vicar of Administration, and see you soon. Please stand and congratulate our Parish Priest, Fr Peter Dillon.
Robyn Hunt (RCIA coordinator)
World Youth Day - Our Parish Representatives as pilgrims to World Youth Day 2023 are parishioners Jeunita and Jeunesse, Antao and Alec De Sousa. God bless and guide them in their pilgrimage. Please keep them in your prayers.
INTENDED MARRIAGE PROCLAMATION (AS PER REQUEST OF OVERSEAS DIOCESE) (Week III)
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. O casamento será realizado em 14/10/2023 na PAR. MADRE DE DEUS (CATEDRAL). Quem souber de algum motivo para que este Casamento não seja realizado,está obrigado, em consciência, a avisar o Pároco. PEDIDO DE PROCLAMAÇÃO - NOIVA. SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. Revmo. Sr. Pároco. Favor, publicar e informar.
(transl):
With the favour of God and the Holy Mother Church, they want to marry: BENJAMIN RYAN and FABIOLA LERCH DUARTE. He is the son of DANIEL GLIFFORD RYAN and ZVIA RYAN, a resident for 1 year at SURFERS PARADISE.
CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. She is the daughter of JANOR TRINDADE DUARTE and ROSEMARI LERCH, 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 is obliged, in conscience, to notify the parish priest. REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION - BRIDE. SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - AUSTRALIA. Rev. Fr 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 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.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST - THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday week 15th August, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a holy day of obligation.
Two Masses will be celebrated in our Parish at the
Sacred Heart Church,
50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters,
at 9 am Tuesday morning and 6 pm Tuesday evening.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
Also, (Alphabetical) Lorraine Gallagher, Jack Barretto, Julie & Paul Bowden, Nellie Bellinger, Jean Di Benedetto, Coralie Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Diana Castro, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), 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, Laurel Goddard, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Peter Harford, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, 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, Joanne Mooney, Hugh Morand, Michael & Lesley 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, Bob Rogers, 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):
Four Army Aviators who died in the Whitsundays helicopter crash: Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
Ralph Tobiano, Tommie O’Grady, Pasqualino Morabito, Janis Delgado, Maryanne Cassar, Dennis Rowan, John Hanly, Beverly Ann Morand, Denham De Silva, Patrick Vincent (Paddy) Hoolahan, Carlo Boladian, Barbara Mary Currie, Marcia McCausland, Rebecca O’Reilly, Fritz Bower, Beatriz Dos Santos, Pat Goddard, Rodney McLennan, Moureen Elaine Tracey, Domizio Gandini, Rocco Bellantoni, Jack Cartwright, Luciano Albergo, Antonio Invernizzi, Barry McMahon, Bernadette Martin, Bill Drummond, Charles George Dayney, Daniel Clancy, Delores Barrett, Don Brinkworth, Dr Frank Miau, Elijah Christian.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Tessie Guevara Thompson, Michael George Armstrong, Janine Ailsa (Jan) Bastian, Mary (Molly) Biltoft, Aleksandra Bodziak-Zbierowska, Fr Brian Bolton, Alyce Catherine Boswell, Fr Con Busser, George Busuttil, Nea Mary Butler, Charles Cam, Mons Vincent Cleary, Fr Mark Cosgrove, Eileen Coyle, Joan Degan, Gloria June Louise Diamond, Wayne John Egan, Vera Endrody, Roslyn Mary Fisher, Russell Forrestal, Gary Foster, Stewart Gallagher, Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio, Margaret Gore, Shirley Ann Hishon, Nicholas Anthony Kyle (two days old) (his brother also passed away in infancy), Brian Edmund Jones, Bozo Kardum, Fausto Mascia, Fausto Mascia, Noelle Hope Matthew, Fr Francis McKinlay, Francesco Mennella, Bruce Milgate, Patrick Needham, Fr Arthur O'Keeffe, John Joseph Sesta, Reg Sheehan, Patricia (Pat) Sievers, Fr Liam Horsfall SVD, Fr Hilary Turner, Joe Vella.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Barbara June Arthurson, Marjorie Veronica Bates, William John (Bill) Burroughs, Jack Burrow, Mons Francis Burton, Lawrence Anthony Buttigieg, Raymond Moran Byrne, Fr Dan Carroll, Fr Bill Taylor Cm, Lyn Daly, David D'arcy, Rachel Desira, Fr Maurice Duffy, Josephine (Joyce) Farrugia, Denis Frederick Fletcher, Elizabeth Josephine Gagiero, Mavis Joseph, V.F Joseph, Herbert Ernest Mitchell, Fr Basil Nolan, Fr Arthur O'Brien, Eileen O'Reilly, Fr Peter Schultz, Fay Sorensen, Edgar Triffett, Fay Virtue (Nee Tierney) Tyrril, Luigi Valdarchi.
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
Daily prayer books are available.
Shops are open before and after Mass each weekend. Other times, please contact the Parish Office, phone 56717388 9 am-12 pm Monday-Friday.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this 1st Friday, 5th August, at Sacred Heart Church 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 5th of August.
Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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-
07/8/2023 Bernadette Hensley - Arundel
14/8/2023 Merla & Rodney Antony - Chevron Island
21/8/2023 Merla & Rodney Antony - Chevron Island
28/8/2023 Maxine & Pat Sela - Main Beach
4/9/2023 Katherine & Earnie Adolfo - Clear Island Waters
11/9/2023 Katherine & Earnie Adolfo - Clear Island Waters
18/9/2023 Geary & Rudi Camera - Southport
25/9/2023 Geary & Rudi Camera - Southport
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.
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.
“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 hardship situations.
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 to register for Module Two.
Check out the course overview for more info: DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS
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:
It is Vocations Awareness Week this week.
DAILY PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Gracious God,
We give you thanks and praise that our lives,
in union with the Church, are filled with the presence of your love. You are opening our hearts to the world and the needs of those around us. Through this need, you instil in us an eagerness to make a difference. Quiet the fears and distractions of our hearts, long enough to listen to the movement of your Holy Spirit and to hear your gentle invitation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, Pray for us.
St Joseph, Pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Pray for us,
Reflection:
When we live the fullness of our vocation, reflecting the goodness of the Lord in our words and actions we shine brightly, as is God’s desire for us. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“…then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’” -Matthew 17:5
When Peter, James and John heard this they immediately fell prostrate to the ground and they “were very much afraid.”We, too, may respond the same way when we hear God’s voice. How many times do you become fearful when invited to participate more fully in the life of the Church? Or, when someone says something negative about the Church, are you afraid to respond? Remember, we too, are beloved sons and daughters of God; Jesus is there to help us, but we need to listen.
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 - Improve your vision
Much of the time, we keep our heads down. We focus on the day ahead or the task at hand. We worry about personal relationships going awry or the high cost of living. Transfigured seeing invites us to lift our gaze higher or to grasp truths under the surface of things. The broader, more profound vision reveals how to respond effectively to what we see. Saints in every generation have exercised this prophetic vision, recognising a social problem and then creatively proposing a response. Pray the daily news—and ask for the guidance of a clarifying vision.
“As the visions during the night continued, I saw: One like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven.” Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2. ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Please pray for the repose of the soul of a dear friend from my school days, Paul Giacomantonio (8th October 1968- 6th August 2020) – passing away on the feast of the Transfiguration. May he rest in the peace of Christ forever. As Saint Mary MacKillop once wrote: "Remember we are all but travellers here."
This feast of the Transfiguration originated in the East in the fourth century as commemorating the dedication of the church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. It was observed in the West from the eighth century and extended to the entire Western Church in the fifteenth century. The feast celebrates the divine radiance shining in Christ's human flesh and God's glory shining forth in the lives of Christians.
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Jesus was transfigured on the mountaintop and revealed, to these privileged disciples, a truth that would soon become known to countless generations. Jesus is the only begotten son of God.
The important thing following this is, "Did the disciples become transfigured (or changed) by this revelation……" It is important that they eventually did. Because this revelation was for them and us…. To encourage us to look deeply into Jesus' life and learn from what it tells us about God……. Jesus' life, his words, his actions, his parables, who he ate with, how he treated sinners and outcasts, his way of living, his way of dying… shows us just what God is like…… and encourages us to learn and take in the values embodied by Jesus life, words and actions…….. to be transfigured, by his example.
The old testament has the example of Moses, who, after speaking with God, came away literally glowing….his face shining……. The encounter with the God of transformation made him glow…….. I think we can all think of people who, because of their love, compassion, and energy, appear to be radiant… glowing….. filled with grace and light….. such people are contagious…. Their energy, vitality, and radiance also are transforming…..
Jesus is the best example of them all….. he glows with the divine light of God…… he did this all the time…. Even when this was not physically visible, he shone with God's light in happy times and in times of suffering………. His life was a transformation, and he invites his followers to walk this difficult path of transformation too….
The feast of the transfiguration is a special one….. the date also coincides with other world events….….. Such as today, also being the anniversary of the first atomic bomb ever to explode over a populated region…. Hiroshima…. (Our Prayers are that there be a universal end to weapons of mass destruction and misery….)…. And in this time of suffering and war through the world…. Today is an important opportunity to pay God for peace, understanding, goodwill, and respect between all nations, cultures, and creeds…. A Peace..that only God can give our hearts and minds…. And transforming peace….. peace that brings the light of hope and peace and love into a world struggling with hatred, violence and revenge….. May God help break the cycle of violence, retribution and counter-retribution that has wrought tragedy over countless generations through history. …
I also note that it's the anniversary of the death of Pope Saint Paul VI, who entered eternal life on this feast of the transfiguration back in 1978. Reading his biography a few years ago….. and being struck by Pope Paul's passion and love and his vision for the world, including a vision for peace….. it was Pope Paul who ensured that the Vatican Council begun by Pope John XIII and so transformed the spirit the church to address the needs of today…. Pope Paul kept it going after Pope John's death, halfway through the Council, threatened to derail the work that had begun.
They said of Pope Paul, "It may have needed a saintly man like Pope John to launch the second Vatican council. But the Holy Spirit seemed to need a man of the vision and clarity of Pope Paul to bring it back to port…….
Each and every Christian vocation… lay, religious priests…. And especially those who are in and amongst the world working with God's Spirit to transform according to God's vision
Let us pray that God will transform our hearts and mind and transfigure them according to God's goodwill… and shape our hearts and attitudes according to the mind and heart of Christ and his vision for a world made new…. The Light of the Resurrection, the Light of God's glory… and the light of peace, hope and love.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly;
Image: Shutterstock Licensed stock illustration ID: 1206378808. The Holy Transfiguration of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Illustration - fresco in Byzantine style.By Julia Raketic
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
Pope Saint Sixtus II.
May your faith ripen sweetly
It’s about this time of year that grapes in many parts of the world begin a crucial transformation process the French have named veraison. It’s when grapes start to ripen and change from green to purple—not always at the same time in the same cluster, making for some beautiful color combinations. Mostly likely because of the timing of his feast day, Pope Sixtus II is the patron saint of grape prosperity. Where are you in the midst of your own veraison as a Christian? Pray for cause to celebrate your faith bearing ripe fruit. MEMORIAL OF SIXTUS II, POPE, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS. TODAY'S READINGS: Numbers 11:4b-15; Matthew 14:13-21 (407). “They all ate and were satisfied.”
SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS
Some wonderful quotes from the Life of Saint Mary of the Cross, Mackillop, give us a superb taste of her spirituality and faith:
“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can.”
And this quote: “Find happiness in making others happy.”
And this: “We must teach more by example than by word.”
“Let us all resign ourselves into His hands, and pray that in all things He may guide us to do His Holy Will ... When thoughts of this or that come I turn to Him and say: "Only what you will, my God. Use me as You will".
“Be eager in your desires but humbly patient in their accomplishment.”
“Remember we are all but travelers here.”
“never see a need without doing something about it”
“Pray to be ever ready for God’s will, even when it takes you by surprise.” 1880
“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” 1891
“Try to at least excuse what you cannot understand.” 1877
And my absolute favourite quote from her: “Many things that seemed unaccountable worries have proved indeed to be hidden blessings.” – 1870
Saint Teresa of Kolkata
There is a beautiful reflection attributed to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, (which was written by an American man named Kent M. Keith and published in a 1968 College Pamphlet. However, a framed copy of this reflection was kept on the wall in one of Mother Teresa's Orphanages). It goes like this: "People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you; be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others may destroy overnight; Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten; do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it may never be enough; give your best anyway. (Kent M. Keith. "The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World." October 25, 2001." (ISBN-10: 1930722052).)
The Wisdom of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
"Do not accept anything as love which lacks truth."
"All those who seek truth, seek God, whether this is clear to them or not."
"To suffer and to be happy although suffering, to have one's feet on the earth, to walk on the dirty and rough paths of this earth and yet to be enthroned with Christ at the Father's right hand, to laugh and cry with the children of this world and ceaselessly sing the praises of God with the choirs of angels—this is the life of the Christian until the morning of eternity breaks forth."
"Intellect is the light which illuminates its path, and without this light, emotion changes back and forth. In fact, if emotions prevail over the intellect, it is able to obscure the light and distort the picture of the entire world…. Emotional stirrings need the control of reason and the direction of the will." "At first, after her conversion she thought she would have to renounce all that was secular and live totally immersed in God, but then she realized that, even in the contemplative life, you cannot sever all connection with the world, that the deeper you are drawn into God, the more you must go out of yourself to the world in order to carry the divine life into it." (https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/82877.Edith_Stein).
ST LAWRENCE -
"(St Lawrence) loved Christ in his life, he imitated Him in his death…After all, we shall not be able to give a better proof of love than by imitating His example… Christ humbled himself: you have something, Christian, to latch on to. Christ became obedient. – Why do you behave proudly? After running the course of these humiliations and laying death low, Christ ascended into heaven – let us follow Him there. Let us listen to the Apostle telling us, 'If you have risen with Christ, savour the things that are above and is, seated at God's right hand.'" (From a sermon delivered by St. Augustine in about 400 AD on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Lawrence.) (https://anastpaul.com/2017/08/10/quotes-of-the-day-10-august-the-feast-of-st-lawrence/)
The Prefect of Rome brought Saint Lawrence before him and demanded that he hand over the treasures of the church. Lawrence was given three days to gather the possessions, and he returned with what he claimed to be the church's true treasures. The Prefect expected money and other valuables. But Lawrence pointed to the humble people of God and their poverty. "Behold then, all our riches!" The Prefect was so incensed by this, that he ordered Lawrence be tortured and executed.
St. Clare of Assisi
"Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love." ―
"We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing. Imitation is not a literal mimicking of Christ, rather, it means becoming the image of the beloved, an image disclosed through transformation. This means we are to become vessels of God's compassionate love for others."
"Love that cannot suffer is not worthy of that name." (https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2981647.St_Clare_of_Assisi)
– St Jane Frances de Chantal
Follow your own way of speaking to our Lord, sincerely, lovingly, confidently and simply, ...
“In prayer one must hold fast and never let go, ...
“Suffering borne in the will, quietly and patiently, …
“The great method of prayer is to have none. ...
POPE FRANCIS:
Let us #PrayTogether that the #WYD in #Lisboa2023 will help young people to set out on the journey, witnessing to the Gospel with own lives. #PrayerIntention #ClickToPray
Thousands of migrants from the northern part of Africa have been trapped and abandoned in desert areas for weeks. I appeal in particular to European and African heads of State to provide urgent relief and aid to these brothers and sisters.
Many countries are experiencing extreme climatic events. I reiterate my appeal to the leaders of Nations, that something more tangible be done to limit polluting emissions: it is an urgent challenge and affects everyone. Let us protect our common home!
May politics, which is called to provide for the needs of the most fragile, never forget #GrandparentsAndElderly nor allow the market to banish them as “unprofitable waste”. We must never become incapable of accompanying them in our drive for utopian efficiency.
Let us not forget our #GrandparentsAndElderly, for so often we have been lifted up, felt loved and been healed within, all thanks to their care. Let us grow together; let us strive forward together. The Lord will bless our journey!
Article credit: Pope Francis @Pontifex
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. stock photo ID: 1524254300 - Vatican City, Pope Francis celebrates a Mass. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - The Pure SImplicity of Prayer at any time
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven. It is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. – (St Therese of Lisieux).
Some of the simplest,- yet most profound prayers of the Catholic Faith:
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is
the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Doxology
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
An Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that You are one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. I believe that Your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to
judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church
teaches because You have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
An Act of Hope
O my God, trusting in Your promises and because You are faithful, powerful and merciful, I
hope, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins, final perseverance and the
blessed glory of heaven.
An Act of Love
O my God, because You are infinite goodness and worthy of infinite love, I love You with my
whole heart above all things, and for love of You, I love my neighbour as myself. I forgive all who
have offended me and ask pardon of all whom I have offended.
An Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins, because I dread
the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who
are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess
my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and
sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer
them for all the intentions of the Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the
reunion of all Christians, and the intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope. Amen.
Prayer in the Morning
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
He has come to His people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty saviour,
born of the house of His servant David.
Through His holy prophets, he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in His sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for You will go before the Lord to prepare His way,
to give His people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:68-79)
Prayer in the Evening
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favour on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His Name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm,
he has scattered the pride in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of His servant Israel
for He has remembered His promise of mercy,
the promise He made to our fathers,
to Abraham and His children for ever. (Luke 1:46-55)
O eternal God and Ruler of all creation, You have allowed me to reach this hour. Forgive the sins
I have committed this day by word, deed or thought. Purify me, O Lord, from every spiritual and
physical stain. Grant that I may rise from this sleep to glorify You by my deeds throughout my
entire lifetime, and that I be victorious over every spiritual and physical enemy. Deliver me, O
Lord, from all vain thoughts and from evil desires, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
Prayer at Night
O my God, I thank You for having preserved me today and for having given me so many
blessings and graces. I renew my dedication to You and ask Your pardon for all my sins.
(review the day quietly then pray The Canticle of Simeon which follows)
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
watch over us as we sleep,
that awake we may keep watch with Christ,
and asleep, rest in His peace (alleluia).
Lord, now let Your servant go in peace;
according to Your word:
for my eyes have seen Your salvation
which You have prepared in the presence of all
peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to Your people Israel. (Luke 2:29–32)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
watch over us as we sleep,
that awake we may keep watch with Christ,
and asleep, rest in His peace (alleluia).
The Divine Praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His most precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving After Meals
We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy gifts, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer for Souls
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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 various priests of the archdiocese.
Technology Solutions is aware of a series of text messages being sent to staff reporting to come from Archdiocesan Clergy. This offers a timely reminder to check all electronic communications carefully. On inspection, the eagle-eyed will notice the number is from an international phone number and not from the person's real number.
An example is provided below
(in this instance, FrX was the person being impersonated). We recommend if you or other parishioners receive this SMS message (and any other illegitimate SMS) please forward the SMS to 0429999888 (this is the Australian Government spam reporting line).
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. Please report it as indicated in the paragraphs above.
We do not solicit money or gifts - and please warn anyone else who might not receive this message.,
(PS, the same applies to any other priest or church member, we would not be seeking money or gifts, and you would be advised not to respond to these sneaky scams).
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