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“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
(Matthew 22:21)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1026212380. Ancient Roman coin and Statue. Photo Contributor: George Marcel
CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL SUNDAY -
A special welcome and thank you to our Mission Ambassadors, Maree-Elizabeth Lewis and Mark Beiers, who will speak at masses this weekend on our World Mission Sunday appeal here at the parish.
Donate online at: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/see-our-work-in-action/timor.
This week, Catholic Mission will offer the opportunity to be part of a life-changing program that aims to address gaps in medical care and provide families with essential health care and knowledge, equipping them with the confidence to act and autonomy over their health and well-being.
The Maria Auxiliadora Clinic is a vital project for the Salesian Sisters and the Church in Venilale. Since its establishment, the clinic has provided life-saving treatment for needy families, like Petrolina’s, whose daughter Vitoria was found to have tuberculosis. But, with increased demand for treatment, the Sisters' resources can only carry them so far.
Please give generously today to help continue this life-giving program by using the appeal envelope, going online at catholicmission.org.au/timor, or scanning the QR code. Your gift will also help many other similar Church-run mission programs worldwide.
The Gospel for the 29th Sunday of the year comes from the section of Matthew’s Gospel where he is teaching the disciples about the journey to the cross.
Before today’s passage about paying taxes to Caesar, there are three essential parables where Jesus explains who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the parable of the two sons, the one who went into the vineyard was commended for doing what was right rather than the other who just said the right words. In the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus tells the scribes and chief priests that the kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to people who will produce fruit. In the parable of the wedding feast, those invited were not worthy, and those on the margins are admitted.
This sets the scene for the Pharisees to seek an opportunity to trap Jesus. Will he side with the Romans and upset the people, or will he side with the people and incur the wrath of the Roman occupiers?
By turning the question around, Jesus teaches an important lesson – that the things of this world are not as important as our relationship with God.
It is customary on the second last Sunday of October, World Mission Sunday, to give attention to the work of the mission. Today’s Gospel is very appropriate in
reminding us that worldly concerns have their place but are not paramount.
By baptism, all the disciples are called to be missionaries – yes! They give to the world what belongs to the world, but by their preaching and witness, they acknowledge the importance of giving priority to a higher calling, to building the kingdom of God.
Jesus came so that we might have life to the full, and that fullness of life encompasses values and choices that put others first. Not long after today’s Gospel passage, in verse 34, the Pharisees try another tack to trap Jesus by asking him which is the greatest commandment. He replies by ignoring the minutiae of the Mosaic regulations. He reminds them of the passage from the Book of Deuteronomy – to love God above all things and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. These are the greatest commandments.
The missionary church is involved in whatever affects humanity’s deepest longings. Through prayerful and material support, we can partner with church personnel whose vocation takes them to some of the neediest and most challenging places on earth – places of civil disturbance, dire poverty and persecution.
We support the fledgling local churches as they mature and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Even in the most affluent communities, the mission also responds to the longing of so many people for something more profound than instant gratification and the accumulation of possessions.
In his message for this year’s World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis says:
The urgency of the Church’s missionary activity naturally calls for ever-closer missionary cooperation on the part of all her members and at every level.
This is an essential goal of the synodal journey that the Church has undertaken, guided by communion, participation, and mission. This journey is certainly not a turning of the Church in upon herself, a referendum about what we ought to believe and practice, or a matter of human preferences.
Instead, it is a process of setting out on the way and, like the disciples of Emmaus, listening to the risen Lord.
The disciples had hearts burning with zeal and resolutely went out to proclaim the kingdom.
There may be opportunities within your family, workplace and neighbourhood to show others what your faith means and how it is expressed by “rendering to God what belongs to God.”
You will find Mission Appeal envelopes on the seats in Church this weekend. Please fill out your details and drop the envelope into either of the two collections this weekend or post it to the address on the front. Alternatively, you can donate online at https://www.catholicmission.org.au/see-our-work-in-action/timor or simply scan the Q code..
Thank you for your time, prayers and generous gifts.
Fr. Paul. On behalf of the Catholic Missions Team.
Fr Paul
ALL SAINTS DAY (1ST OF NOVEMBER) - and ALL SOULS DAY (2ND OF NOVEMBER)
(Plus vigil Masses the night before)
Mass in this parish will be offered for this Solemnity and Commemoration at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, For ALL SAINTS DAY and ALL SOULS DAY.
TUESDAY NIGHT, 31st of October, there will be an ALL-SAINTS DAY VIGIL MASS AT 6 PM.
WEDNESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER: 9 AM MASS ON ALL SAINTS DAY, 1ST NOVEMBER.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - ALL SOULS DAY VIGIL MASS AT 6 P.M. ON THE 1ST OF NOVEMBER
THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER - 9 AM MASS ON THE SECOND NOVEMBER.
ALL AT SACRED HEART - 50 FAIRWAY DRIVE - CLEAR ISLAND WATERS.
REST IN PEACE - PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE FOLLOWING PARISHIONERS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.
JEAN DI BENEDETTO - FORMER PARISH LIBRARIAN (1st May 1947- 13th October 2023).
You are welcome to attend Jean’s Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church - 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226. At 10.30 am Tuesday the 24th of October, 2023.
CARMEL WILKINSON (ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE PARISH AND PARISHIONER, ESPECIALLY AT STELLA MARIS) Passed overseas on 17th October 2023.
And: DAVID CANNON (PARISHIONER AT STELLA MARIS CHURCH)
May they now rest in the peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2023
On Friday, October 20, Surfers Paradise Parish celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The children have been talking, learning and praying at home, guided by their parents and sponsors. They have completed various activities as part of an At Home Preparation for Confirmation document. We ask the members of our Parish Family to continue to remember these children and their families in prayer.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: (Alphabetical)
Leo Aguggia, Jack Barretto, Nellie Bellinger, Helen Bohringer, Julie & Paul Bowden, Coralie Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Josip Burda, Michelle Burda, Diana Castro, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), Cecily Cellinan, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Margaret Cusack, Geraldine Daniels, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Laurel Goddard, Ken Green, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Peter Harford, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Paul Hodges, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Annie Mealing, Fabiola Menzs, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Amy Elizabeth Morgan, Michael & Lesley Murtagh, Joanna Muthu, 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, Thor Skjaerbaek, Kathy Stevens, Brenda Stewart, Jim Stewart, Betty Taylor, Liza Teo, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Anne Van Deurse, Karen Vestergard, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Carmel Wilkinson, David Cannon, Jean Di Benedetto, Cynthia Alice Rufus, Violet Capra, James Kiernan, Mary Carniel, Paul Sweeney, Margaret Miller, Maria Mihalic, Doreen Slater, Nelson Bancoro (Philippines), John O’Brien, Dorothy Penney, Len Murphy, Janis Delgado, Dennis Rowan, John Hanly, Mario Mazza, Dr Frank Miau.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Fr Thomas Armstrong, Florence Auburn Blacker, Fr Martin Brady, Jerry Calleja, Gaetana Cutayar, Robert James Duncan, Anna Elliot, Andrew Keith French, Dorothea Hay, Kurt Hillesheim, Ryan Andrew Hogan, John Aloysius Kelly, Fr Brian Kelly, Glennis Ann Lamb, Shirley McEvoy, Fr Patrick McGinley, Fr Michael McKeaten, Mary Frances (Billie) Mullahy, Jesuraya Yema Nadar, Betty Neilsen, Vincent Netting, Fr James O'Connor, Fr Tomas Mescall osa, Alicja Paciej, Claude Wilfrid Rene, Sgt. Leonard (Len) Siffleet, William Taylor, Urbana Villagomez, Wilhelmina Antoinette Vos, Vivian Williams, Mary Wylie.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Fr George Ainslie, Harold Alexander, Philippe Melham Aouad, Danielle Suzanne Marthe Marie Begaud, Fr Thomas Brady, Leonie Carey, Fr Michael Donlon, Fr John Dwyer, Virginia Mary Fay, Marta Goran, Fr Patrick Grennan, Helen Hoare, Flora Hodge, Cecil John (Digger) Hogan, Theresa Hooworth, Beatrice Hughes, Fr John Humphries, Carmen Kruse, Evonne Martin, Helen McIntosh, Rodney Bertram Matthews, Fr James McDermott, Christine McQuee, William Henry Mitchell, Sylvia Moray, Elizabeth Neilsen, Rosario Nocal, Bessie Rice, Julie Mary Ritchie, John Michael Rosenlund, Fr John Rosenskjar, Stephen John Schreck, Emy Vetsch, Cecilia Louisa Vlemmix,
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
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
To celebrate ‘Life Remembrance Month’ during November, the Book of Remembrance will be placed and remain on a small table on the sanctuary, in front of the lectern.
You are invited to enter the names of your deceased loved ones and friends who have gone before us. The book will be available at the back of the Church on the weekend, 28/29 October, and then placed on the small table at the Sanctuary from 1st November, where names may be added throughout the month. The book will remain in that position until Advent.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Columban Calendars $10, available in the shops until sold out
Gold chains with a Saints medal will make an inexpensive gift at only $3. (unboxed)
God’s Word 2024 is available $20
October edition of the Catholic Leader available now.
ANOINTING MASS ON THE FIRST TUESDAY FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER WILL BE ON THE 7TH AT 10 AM.
There will be no 9 AM mass on this day.
Please join the Parish Hospitality Centre for light refreshments right after the anointing mass.
OUR LADY’S STATUE - Tenth Anniversary!
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next four weeks are
23/10/23 Nadine & Ayline - Merrimac
30/10/23 Nadine & Ayline - Merrimac
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
BIBLE STUDY / PRAYER GROUP- ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS.
The Bible Study Prayer Group will resume Thursday, 2nd November, 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave Surfers Paradise. We will be reading/studying Break Open the Word once a week on Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 6 pm (commencing Thursday, 2nd November)
Please place this important day, date and time in your diary.
Studying “Break Open the Word” helps you to remember the readings for the upcoming Sunday service and enjoy fellowship with other Catholics / Christians. The New Revised Standard Version is proclaimed in our Parish at the weekend Masses. We will have questions about what we will be reading.
In the end, prayerfully together, we will all leave the study session being like-minded, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about learning and understanding scripture-based faith, based around our Lord Jesus Christ and the love He intended for His church and each one of us. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. Enquires to Ashley 040984069.
Contemplative Women’s Group.
Contemplative Women’s Group “Sinking into the Feminine Divine”. Our next gathering is Saturday afternoon, 28th October 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm in Mary Mother of Mercy Church, 3 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters. This month, we are walking with St Anne, grandmother to Jesus. Join us as we walk contemplatively together, exploring God’s continuing invitational call into wholeness. Simple afternoon tea was supplied. For more information, contact Sue Thomas at sue@suethomas.net.au.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0428090703.
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.
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.
The Bold and the Beautiful Friendship Group
The Friendship Group is meeting for lunch at noon on Thursday, the 26th of October. Coffee at RQ Tavern on
Markeri Street. All are welcome. If you need more information, please contact Amanda Rowe at 0421 487
009.
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.
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 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration 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 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
ST. DON BOSCO'S RELIC VISIT TO BRISBANE
The Salesians of St. Don Bosco are celebrating 100 years since they arrived in Australia to work
in the spirit of St. Don Bosco. The Relic is touring Australia to allow people to pray to St. Don Bosco, especially in the presence of a holy relic of this saint. Brisbane is its last stop!
Brisbane Program - 13th to 22nd October 2023
SATURDAY 21ST - Our Lady of Victories, Bowen Hills - 6.30 am to 10 am and 1 pm to 3 pm
SUNDAY 22ND - Marian Valley Shrine, Canungra - 9 am to 6 pm
Up-to-date information at www.stdonboscobrisbane.weebly.com
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again when it has reset for another $10, and so on.
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) or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
A VOCATION VIEW: (World Mission Day)
We do not choose a vocation entirely on our own. We must prayerfully reflect on how we can best give to God what is God's and then live as though everything depends on God.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. - Matthew 22:21.
Everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. We aren’t “owners” of anything; we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given each of us. All God is asking is that we give back a portion of what He gave us. This is the essence of Stewardship. God should be our first priority in everything. All else comes second, especially our money.
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 - Hearts on fire, feet on the move
Goal-setting is a normal part of life. We set a particular horizon in our education and profession, in domestic budgeting and in relationships. Pope Francis reminds us on this World Mission Sunday that sharing the Good News is the horizon for all church activity. Our aim isn't just to save our souls but to share in the rescue of the world God loves. “Everyone has the right to receive the gospel. Christians must announce it without excluding anyone ... as one who shares a joy, signals a beautiful horizon, offers a desirable banquet” (Evangelii Gaudium, 14). Embrace the mission! “I am the LORD. There is no other.” (Isaiah 45:5). ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
LITURGY NEWS MAGAZINE - FREE COPY - SPRING EDITION 2023.
News and background articles that are invaluable for parishes and schools. Priests, religion teachers, pastoral associates, liturgy committees… this magazine is for you!
Please download your free copy here: https://www.liturgybrisbane.net.au/resources/liturgy-news/issues/vol-53-no-3-september-2023/
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1545751649 - Christian Cross at The Colosseum. It is an elliptical amphitheatre built of concrete and stone, built in 80 AD under by Emperor Titus. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Rome, Italy, Feb 2015 - Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Wagner Santos de Almeida
"Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21).
The first reading from Isaiah is really fascinating. It speaks about God declaring King Cyrus to be a "shepherd," his "Anointed One"-
King Cyrus might not mean much to us thousands of years after he lived and reigned. But, it was extraordinary in his day. King Cyrus was the founding ruler of the Great Persian Empire, and although he was not Jewish (and was of another religion), was highly supportive of the Jewish people and issued a proclamation that allowed the "Jewish population to return to the Promised Land from Babylon, and he also allowed them to rebuild the temple and gave them back their treasures. The book of Isaiah honours him as a dignified and righteous king. He is the only Gentile to be designated as an anointed one of God. The word means. "Messiah," or "a Christ" - a divinely-appointed king.
Even those who are not religious, do not profess a religious faith, or have faith different from ourselves may still be enormously instrumental in promoting the values of God's Kingdom. and as such, they may very well be acting as God's servants, friends and instruments of God's will, even if they would not themselves name it as such.
The Pharisees and Herodians, usually fierce opponents, have come together in an uneasy alliance motivated by a common hatred. They are trying to trap Jesus- They attempt a hypocritical ploy where they ask about Our Lord's loyalty to the Roman Emperor by asking whether he recommends payment of Roman taxes. They are hypocrites: The Pharisees portrayed themselves as fiercely nationalistic. They hated the Herodians, who supported King Herod, who had "sold out" as a puppet of the Roman Empire. And here they were, asking after Jesus' loyalty to the Romans. The only ones touching the coin with Caesar's head on it… are the Pharisees and the Herodians. They ought to have seen the coin as unclean and repellant. Jesus likely kept his hands right off these coins. .
Did they care about government and religious relations? Very Likely not! They were setting Jesus up in a seemingly "no-win" situation. However, Our Lord answered wisely by affirming that there is a duty to observe civil laws and procedures but that we also owe ultimate allegiance to God, who created all things. There does not need to be a clear-cut Religion vs. Government (“either one or the other but not both”), line here. It requires discernment. It is possible that supporting civil projects gives glory to God… It is also possible that serving God can be at the service of civil needs. Our Lord is not trying to build an impenetrable "them and us'' mentality, unlike his opponents.
The true test is how self-serving our actions really end up being.(Or as St. Paul says.,… in the second reading, putting faith into action. and not merely words. but as power, as the Holy Spirit and as utter conviction…). Jesus was utterly sure that he owed absolutely EVERYTHING to The Father, and did not make excuses, Instead, he emptied himself entirely in service and love. This humbles us and makes us truly grateful. May we be strengthened to follow his example. in our daily life and actions…
References: Homily Fr Paul W. Kelly; Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Matthew. Part II. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.; "RENDER TO GOD WHAT IS GOD'S"- JOEL SCHORN;
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1545751649 - Christian Cross at The Colosseum. It is an elliptical amphitheatre built of concrete and stone, built in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Rome, Italy, Feb 2015 - Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Wagner Santos de Almeida
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
OCTOBER 22 - Saint John Paul II, Pope. (this year, the feast is overridden by the Sunday Solemnity).
The future starts today, not tomorrow.
Freedom consists not in doing what we like but the right to do what we ought.
As the family goes, so goes the nation and the whole world we live in.
Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.
Love is never defeated, and I could add the history of Ireland proves it.
Loss leads to life
Pope Saint John Paul II, canonised in 2014, was revered for his many accomplishments during his long pontificate. The beloved pontiff is less well-known because he experienced tremendous loss early in life. The future pope lost his mother when he was only 9, his eldest brother when he was 12, and his father when he was 21. Perhaps this is why Saint John Paul II made the “culture of life” a focus of his pontificate: the “church counters the culture of death with the culture of life,” he said as he advocated for all life issues in statements such as this: “May the death penalty, an unworthy punishment still used in some countries, be abolished throughout the world.” Let loss lead to life.
October 23 - Saint John of Capistrano:
“Those who are called to the table of the Lord must glow with the brightness that comes from a good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life. They must completely remove from their lives the filth and uncleanness of vice. Their upright lives must make them like the salt of the earth for themselves and the rest of mankind. The brightness of their wisdom must make them like the light of the world that brings light to others. They must learn from their eminent teacher, Jesus Christ, what he declared to his apostles, disciples, and all the priests and clerics who were to succeed them when he said: You are the salt of the earth. But what if salt goes flat? How can you restore its flavour? Then it is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (St. John of Capistrano, Priest; from the treatise “Mirror of the Clergy”)
“Prayer is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings.”
“Fasting of the body is food for the soul.”
“We must not mind insulting men if by respecting them we offend God.”
“The rich man does not have much, but one who gives much.”
“Remove from your lives the filth and uncleanness of vice. Your upright lives must make you the salt of the earth for yourselves and the rest of humankind…”
OCTOBER 24 - Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop
Christian perfection consists of three things: praying heroically, working heroically, and suffering heroically.
I will be kind to everybody, particularly those I find troublesome.
A son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary...is a man who unceasingly expends himself to light the fire of divine love in the world. Nothing stops him.
Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbour- it will work wonders.
When people love and recite the Rosary, they find it makes them better.
An apostolic missionary must have both heart and tongue ablaze with charity.
The Christian who desires to follow Jesus carrying his cross must bear in mind that the name "Christian" means "learner or imitator of Christ" and that if he wishes to bear that noble title worthily, he must, above all do as Christ charges us in the Gospel: We must oppose or deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow him.
Our Lord has created persons for all states in life, and in all of them, we see people who achieved sanctity by fulfilling their obligations well.
Lord, by the words of consecration, the substance of the bread and wine is converted into the substance of your Body and Blood. All mighty Lord, say the words over which you will change me into You.
My faith when I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is so strong that I find it impossible to express what I feel... I must overcome the inclination to prolong my stay with Jesus when I leave.
Although the sinner does not believe in Hell, he shall nevertheless go there if he has the misfortune to die in mortal sin.
When I see the need for Divine teaching and how hungry people are to hear it, I am atremble to be off and running throughout the world, preaching the word of God. I have no rest; my soul finds no other relief than to rush about and preach.
When I am before the Blessed Sacrament, I feel such a lively faith that I can't describe it. Christ in the Eucharist is almost tangible to me...When it is time for me to leave, I must tear myself away from His sacred presence.
It was the consideration of the multitude of souls that fall into the depths of Hell because it is of faith that all those who die in mortal sin are condemned forever and ever. According to statistics, approximately 80,000 persons die every day. How many of these will die in mortal sin, and how many will be condemned, for, as their lives have been, so will their end?
When you see a condemned man on his way to the gallows, it moves you to pity. If you could do something to free him, you would do it. Well, brothers and sisters, when I see a person in mortal sin, I see someone drawing nearer with every step to the gallows of hell. And seeing him in this unhappy state, I know the way to free him: that he be converted to God, ask God's pardon, and make a good confession. Woe betide me if he does not.
Once [a soul] is condemned by God, God's friends agree in God's judgement and condemnation. They will not have a kind thought for this wretch for all eternity. Rather they will be satisfied to see him in flames as a victim of God's justice. ("The just shall rejoice when he shall see the revenge . . ." Psalm 57:11) They will hate him. A mother will look from paradise upon her condemned son without being moved as though she had never known him.
OCTOBER 28 - F - Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
Wisdom of St Jude –"Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those called, beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Jude 1:1-2)
"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL. Please support this worthy cause of Catholic Missionary work by donating at: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/see-our-work-in-action/timor.
POPE FRANCIS:
Pope Francis - @Pontifex (via X- formerly Twitter).
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, is the saint of confidence. This coming 15 October, an Apostolic Exhortation on her message will be published. Let us pray that Saint Thérèse helps us have confidence and to work for the missions.
Let us pray for peace in battered Ukraine and all those lands that war wounded. Let us pray for the evangelisation of people. And let us also pray for the Synod of Bishops during this month in which the first Assembly on synodality in the Church occurs.
Today begins the month of October, the month of the Rosary and of the missions. I encourage everyone to experience the beauty of praying the Rosary, contemplating the mysteries of Christ with Mary and invoking her intercession for the needs of the Church and the world.
For the sinner, there is always hope of redemption; for the corrupt, it is much more difficult. His hypocrisy and false pretences, which had become habitual, are like a thick “rubber wall”, behind which he takes cover from the qualms of his conscience.
We ask in prayer to learn again to be silent: to listen to the voice of the Father, the call of Jesus and the groaning of the Spirit. #Synod
Silence is essential for the journey of Christian unity: silence that is prayer enables us to accept the gift of unity as Christ wills it, by the means He chooses, not as the fruit of our efforts and according to purely human criteria.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. stock vector ID: 2285846983 - Pope Francis for the Catholic Church. Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: doom.ko
LITURGY:
A whole liturgical life is grounded in the mystery of God’s love, a visiting theologian says. Reporter: JOE HIGGINS 19 April 2023 (Catholic Leader)
THEOLOGIAN and author Dr Timothy O’Malley wants to see Brisbane faith communities drawn fully into liturgical life, sharing in the “mystery of love, that God became human, that humanity might become divine” at the heart of our faith.
Dr O’Malley, the director of the Notre Dame Centre for Liturgy in the United States, stressed the need for Catholics to understand the significance of the liturgy and how it can change lives.
He said the liturgy was more than a weekly obligation but a daily opportunity for spiritual growth and encouragement in the mission of the Church.
This was true inside and outside the Mass – through daily observations like the Liturgy of the Hours or embracing the materiality of the sacramentals like holy water or blessing yourself when you walk by a church.
As he put it, “Matter matters”, and it was through physical actions and signs that young children first learn about the importance of their faith.
“I think it starts with the body and with practice,” he said.
“We first learn (our faith) matters through genuflecting, through learning songs, chants, and prayers, through beautiful things that attract our attention.”
Eventually, children reach the age of reason and begin to ask “why” we do what we do.
He said that part of providing an answer to the questioning child was becoming the fully-formed Catholic adult that the Church was calling each of us to become.
“You have to start seeing it as part of your sanctification of the world,” he said.
A significant part of that growth and formation comes directly out of a whole liturgical life, which prepares a person to engage in the mission of the Church.
“I think the heart of this is love,” Dr O’Malley said.
“You must care about the hungry and the thirsty and commit yourself to being in these spaces.
“This is all necessary, but it all has to be grounded in this mystery of love.
“From this mission, this encounter with love in the world, it brings me back into the heart of my vocation as a worshipper of God with this sense of love.”
This works both ways, too, he said; when someone is engaged in the mission of the Church, it deepens their experience of the sacraments, too.
“Because the more you meet Christ in the hidden one, whether they’re on the margins of society, political and social life, or existential margins, the more you come back to meet Him again,” he said.
Dr O’Malley was a keynote speaker at the September National Liturgy and Music Conference held in Brisbane.
SOURCE: THE CATHOLIC LEADER. https://catholicleader.com.au/news/australia/a-full-liturgical-life-is-grounded-in-the-mystery-of-gods-love-visiting-theologian-says/
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - The Sacrament of Confirmation
“By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptised are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. As true witnesses of Christ, they are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285]
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament that gives the Holy Spirit to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Effects of Confirmation:
Brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace
Roots us more deeply in sonship, which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”
Unites us more firmly into Christ
Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
Renders our bond with the Church more perfect
Gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action, never to be ashamed of the Cross
Imparts an indelible spiritual mark to profess Christ publically
Source: https://www.cathedralstm.org/about-our-catholic-faith/exploring-catholic-faith/sacramental-life/
Shutterstock licensed Image: Stock Vector ID: 787069999 - Illustration of a Stickman Teen Girl Having the Sacrament of Confirmation with a Priest and her Mother - Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: BNP Design Studio
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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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
Friends of the Suffering Souls (FoSS) is a Catholic Association which facilitates Masses for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
FoSS began in Australia in the early 1980’s and has spread around the world, currently having 11,000 members who
Collectively arrange more than 45,000 masses each year for the Holy Souls and is now administered to the Church in need. FoSS welcomes new enrolments to this important apostolate. To learn more and to enroll yourself and/or your loved ones visit www.fossnovena.org
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