PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” (Matthew 25:45)
Behold, Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
ShutterStock Photo ID: 2134461235 - VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 14, 2022: The painting tortured Jesus - "Ecce Homo" in the Cathedral - Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady by Mariano Salvador Maella (1806). Important information-Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
Pastor’s Post:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENT OF PARISH PRIEST FOR SURFERS PARADISE PARISH:
On Friday the 17th of November, I received the following letter from His Grace, Archbishop Mark Coleridge:
17 November 2023
Dear Fr Paul,
After consultation, I appoint you Parish Priest of Surfers Paradise parish with effect from 2nd of December 2023 to 1st December 2029. I am sure the parishioners will welcome your appointment, and I thank you for your generosity in accepting this new role…. I pray that the God of peace will bless you and those entrusted to your care.
As always in the Lord,
Mark Coleridge. Archbishop of Brisbane.
A heartfelt thank you to Archbishop Mark for his kindness and parishioners' beautiful prayers and support in this process. I look forward to continuing to serve God’s beloved people here. Relying always on God’s grace, guidance, and mercy.
God bless always,
Fr Paul.
On this Feast of Christ the Universal King, we celebrate the final Sunday in the Church’s Calendar Year. It is very fitting that when we reflect upon endings and beginnings, we recall that Jesus is the King of all heaven and earth. As is written in Revelation 22:13, and the beautiful blessing of the Paschal Candle each Holy Saturday Night:
Christ yesterday and today.
The Beginning and the End:
The Alpha and the Omega.
All time belongs to him and all the ages!
To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has the last say in everything. And it is a Word of tremendous authority, justice, love and hope!
The church liturgical year slightly differs from the calendar year by about a month. This weekend, the last Sunday of the church liturgical year, ends rightly with a celebration of Christ, the King of heaven and earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death and is now King of the Universe. God's Kingdom is established and present amongst and within us, but it is not yet fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be put under Christ's feet.
Meanwhile, we, disciples of Christ, are happy to assist in building up the Kingdom of God through our everyday actions and choices. God's kingdom is one of peace, justice, and compassion. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom - and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against it.
When we reflect on the Kingship of Christ, the anointed Messiah and King, I am taken to a reflection on a Psalm on the Messiah, given by the late Pope Benedict XVI (in November 2011):
PRAYING THE PSALMS ENRICHES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
During a general audience in St Peter's Square, attended by over 11,000 pilgrims, the Holy Father imparted the final catechesis of his cycle dedicated to the Psalms. He focused on Psalm 109 (110), which "Jesus Himself cited, and which the authors of the New Testament referred to widely and interpreted about the Messiah. ... It is a Psalm beloved by the ancient Church and by believers of all times", which celebrates "the victorious and glorified Messiah seated at the right hand of God".
Psalm 109 (110)
“The Messiah is king and priest. He must be king so that he may put all his enemies under his feet (1 Cor 15:25).”
[Antiphon: God has appointed him to judge everyone, living or dead].
The Lord's revelation to my Master: 'Sit on my right: your foes I will put beneath your feet.'
The Lord will wield from Sion, your sceptre of power: rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth, on the holy mountains; from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. 'You are a priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.'
The Master, standing at your right hand, will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall drink from the stream by the wayside, and therefore, he shall lift up his head.
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.
[Antiphon: God has appointed him to judge everyone, living or dead].
The Psalm begins with a solemn declaration: "The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool". Benedict XVI explained that "Christ is the Lord enthroned, the Son of man seated at the right hand of God. ... He is the true king who by resurrection entered into glory, ... higher than the angels, seated in the heavens over all other powers, ... and with all His adversaries at His feet until the last enemy, death, is definitively defeated by Him".
God and the king celebrated in the Psalm are inseparably linked. "The two govern together, to the point that the Psalmist confirms that God Himself grants the regal sceptre, giving the king the task of defeating his adversaries. ... The exercise of power is a task the king receives directly from the Lord. This responsibility involves dependence and obedience, thus becoming a sign to the people of God's powerful and provident presence. Dominion over enemies, glory and victory are gifts the king has received that make him a mediator of divine triumph over evil".
The priestly dimension, linked to that of regality, appears in verse four. "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek'". This priest, the king of Salem, had blessed Abraham and offered bread and wine following the victorious military campaign conducted by the patriarch to save Lot from the hands of his enemies. The king of the Psalm "will be a priest forever, mediator of the divine presence among His people, a catalyst for the blessing of God". Jesus Christ "is the true and definitive priest, Who will complete and perfect the features of Melchizedek's priesthood". In the bread and wine of the Eucharist, Christ "offers Himself and, defeating death, brings life to all believers".
The final verses portray "the triumphant sovereign who, with the support of the Lord, having received power and glory from Him, opposes his enemies, defeating adversaries and judging nations".
The Church traditionally considers this Psalm one of the most significant messianic texts.
"The king, as sung by the Psalmist, is Christ, the Messiah Who establishes the Kingdom of God and overcomes the world's powers. He is the Word generated by God before any creature, the Son incarnate, Who died and rose to heaven, the eternal Priest Who, in the mystery of the bread and wine, grants forgiveness for sins and reconciliation with God; the King Who raised his head in triumph over death by His resurrection".
The Psalm invites us to "look to Christ to understand the meaning of true regality which is to be lived as service and the giving of self, following a path of obedience and love 'to the end'. Praying this Psalm, we, therefore, ask the Lord to enable us to proceed along this same journey, following Christ, the Messiah, willing to ascend with Him on the hill of the cross to accompany Him in glory and to look to Him seated at the right hand of the Father, the victorious king and merciful priest Who gives forgiveness and salvation to all mankind".
Finally, the Pope explained that, during his catechesis dedicated to the Psalms, he had focused on those "that reflect the different situations in life and the various attitudes we may have towards God. I would like to renew my call to everyone to pray the Psalms to become accustomed to using the Liturgy of the Hours, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline. Our relationship with God can only be enriched by journeying towards Him day after day".
Prayer to Christ Our King
[**Brief Prayers for Busy People. Author: Bruce D Prewer. ISBN 978- 1- 62880- 090- 6)]
To you, O Christ, Our King:
We bring our lust for power and set it down before your wise rejection of power.
We bring our love of money and place it before your willing poverty.
We bring our stubborn pride and set it before your utter humility.
We bring our pay-back mentality and lay it before your mercifulness.
We bring our desire for self-glory and put it before your passion for the Father's glory, not yours.
We bring our inveterate self-interest and rest it before Your self-giving.
We bring all our vain wisdom and lay it before the "folly" of your cross.**
- To Jesus- Lord of All the earth. To you be honour, glory and true power and authority, forever and ever- Amen.
Fr Paul Kelly.
You are invited to a special “How To Hear From God" talk.
It is possible to hear from God daily. To have an intimate dialogue with Him every day.
Presented by Jo Hayes OSB. Benedictine Oblate, TV Journalist and evangelist
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Sacred Heart Church. 50 Fairway Drive
CLEAR ISLAND WATERS. Sunday, 26 November - following 6 pm mass.
All welcome. To give us an idea of numbers, please RSVP to Fr Paul at kellyp@bne.catholic.net.au.
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
To celebrate ‘Life Remembrance Month’ during November, the Book of Remembrance will be placed on a small table in the sanctuary, in front of the podium.
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, where names may be added throughout the month. The book will remain in that position until Advent.
SAINT VINCENT de Paul - Christmas Appeal - Local Conference
The SVDP members will be handing out scrolls at the conclusion of Mass today. Please bring back the item written on the scroll next weekend and place under the Giving Tree. Your gifts will be packed into hampers and given to those persons/ families who are in need at Christmas time".
As we all look towards the Advent season and prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, the Surfers Paradise Vinnies conference calls on all parishioners to help give hope to struggling local families.
Over the coming weeks, Vinnies will commence collections of gifts for our annual Christmas hamper appeal. On the weekend of 25th and 26th November, Vincentians will hand out scrolls with specific items you can contribute as a gift towards hampers. Each year, this appeal allows for the distribution of hampers to over 100 families in our community and ensures they can enjoy a Christmas meal with their loved ones.
On the weekend of the 9th and 10th of December, the Vinnies annual Christmas appeal will occur with collections at the end of every Mass. This financial appeal is critical for our parish Vinnies conference to assist those most in need urgently.
The ongoing generosity of this parish has ensured that local Vincentians have supported over 550 local families in need this year.
Many families we visit need urgent support with basic necessities, including food, fuel and clothing. We increasingly see companions at risk of homelessness, and we aim to do all that we can to help them retain their homes or obtain temporary respite from living on the streets. Due to your support, we have provided hope to an increasing number of families. Your generosity in the past year has helped local Vincentians to provide over $35k of urgent food and fuel assistance and more than $30k in rental, utility, furniture and medical assistance - collectively helping to provide locals with hope and a hand up where the current cost of living crisis is not ending.
Any support helps; however, a $75 donation helps provide a family with enough food for a week, ensuring that kids do not go to bed hungry. $250 helps Vincentians provide emergency electricity or utility bill relief, keeping the lights on and helping kids complete schooling. Increasingly, Vincentians visit local families at risk of eviction amid a rental crisis - where we can help; on average, it costs us $600 to bring rent up to date and keep a family in their home.
Should you wish to understand more about our conference's good works or have any questions, you can email our conference at sv4217@svdpqld.org.au ; the President Craig.McMahon@svdpqld.org.au or the Treasurer Adrian.Biermann@svdpqld.org.au
Best regards,
SVDP Surfers Paradise Conference
DEACONS ORDAINED
Congratulations to Deacons Michael My Van Tran and Bradley Davies as they begin their diaconal ministry. We pray for them as they continue on their path towards priesthood.
New transitional deacons ordained for Brisbane archdiocese. Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell ordained Brisbane men Michael My Van Tran and Bradley Davies to the transitional diaconate at a Mass at Holy Spirit Chapel at Australian Catholic University, Banyo campus on Friday, the 17th of November. You can watch the full replay of the ordination here: https://youtube.com/live/YZhKQFRndrU
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2023/24
To begin or to continue the journey of faith with your child, please use the information provided in the table below.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
“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.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: (Alphabetical)
Jack Barretto, Nellie Bellinger, Helen Bohringer, Julie & Paul Bowden, Coralie Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Elizabeth Capoluco, 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, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Peter Harford, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Mary Hirst, 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, 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, Rose 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):
John Foulds, Mick Sherrard, Keith Weissel, Annie Mealing, Clive Pearce, Miguel (Mike) Charvet, Edick Youhanna, Josip Burda, Pascual Tantengco Jr., Ruben Vico, Carmel Wilkinson, Patricia Rae Smith, David Cannon, Maria Mihalic, Dr Frank Miau.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
All Souls in this Month of November. And all who are listed in the Books of Remembrance.
Julio Astorga, Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, Anna Guila Diepold, Jan Falk, Barbara Anne Farrell, Fr Joseph Flannery, Jan Hart, Joseph Horvatt, Arnold Jones, Howard John (John) Jones, Mons Grantly Lake, Peter John Llewellyn, Anthony John Makin, Doris Mathews, Catherine Phythian (Mitchell), Fr Gerard Mulholland SVD, “Kaiden (Joseph) Ng”, Rev Dr Owen Oxenham, Michelina Pernazza, Marie Peters, Angela Radin, Fr Dennis Riley, Shirley Ryan, Fr John Shannon, Fr Neal Shannon, Joan Valmae Stewart, Fr Keith Turner CSSR.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Arthur Bocking, Fr Harold Buckley, Latina Adele Calista, Guiseppe (Joe) Canavo, Maurice Cook, Alfred Desira, Ryan Evalds Erglis, Fr Patrick Flanagan, Angela Mary Hawes, Eileen and John Dougherty, Ian Richard Garrick Kentley, Irene Bridget McPhie, Paul Louis France Melanie, Werner Meyer, Dr Rodney Michael Tracey (known as Michael), Mervyn Kenneth Nelson, Maria Hue Thi Nygen, Remedios Solatan, Leonardo Sorrenti, Jameal Tooma, Elizabeth Anne Topalov, Giacomo (Jack) Ulliana, David Valencour.
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
A few copies still available “With Expectant Hearts” 22-day reflection resource that can be used during Advent. Also available
Christmas cards,
November Catholic Leader,
Daily Mass Books,
2024Columban Calendars,
Church Art Calendars,
Wood Scroll Calendars,
2024 God’s Word,
Children’s story book,
Adult and Children’s Bibles,
and many Christmas figurines and nativities are available now until sold out.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday
the 1st December at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am 2nd of December; Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Marian Valley
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.12.2023. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
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
27/11/2023 June Nye Carrara
4/12/2023 June Nye Carrara
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
Communing with the God Who Comes to Us
This quiet weekend is an opportunity to reflect upon the God who constantly chooses to come to us in a loving relationship. Hosted and Facilitated by Grace Harwood of Dragonfly Ministries. When: Friday 15 December 2023 at 6 pm – Sunday 17 December 2023 at 3 pm OR Friday 12 January 2024 at 6 pm – Sunday 14 January 2024 at 3 pm Where: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston.
Cost: $400 ($380 for concessions) includes all accommodation, meals (an additional fee for complex special diets), resources, spiritual direction and facilitation. To register or enquire: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group continues on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave Surfers Paradise. Come along and read/study Break Open the Word once a week on a Thursday evening from 5 to 6 p.m.
Studying “Break Open the Word” helps you to remember the readings for the upcoming Sunday service and enjoy fellowship with other Catholics / Christians.
Our Parish at the weekend Masses proclaims the New Revised Standard Version.
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. Further enquires to Ashley 040984069.
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 - LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 29TH NOVEMBER AND RESUMPTION DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
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.)
various kinds of Craft work (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 or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You 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.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH - LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 12TH DECEMBER AND WILL RESUME ON 16TH JANUARY
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 - LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 19TH DECEMBER AND WILL RESUME ON 9TH JANUARY
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.
MARIAN VALLEY ADVENT RETREAT - FROM 8-10 DECEMBER
(RSVP BY 1 DECEMBER)
Topics that will be covered:
Advent with BVM
What is Advent? Misconception addressed
Freedom from slavery and the compassion of God
How and Why did man need redemption? A crash course in salvation history
Hope! Jesus Christ: The Promises of God fulfilled
The Great ‘O Antiphons’: E.R.O.C.R.A.S.
Preparing a way for the Lord!
We have very limited paid accommodation but is open to, and encourages day visits for those who are living 30-45 minutes away from Marian Valley, Canungra. Food can be purchased and drinks also. All tea, coffee and water is free-nevertheless, donations are welcome.
Detailed program and relevant sign-up sheets can be requested from your local parish within the Gold Coast deanery.
Contact person and details: Fr Zachary Lewis, O.S.P.P.E. (07) 5533 3617 / marianvalley@bigpond.com
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 Day of the Poor)
The Church year ends today. We can proclaim Christ as King because we sense our vocation as being members of Christ's Royal Family, called to serve God and one another.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“…whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” – MATTHEW 25:40
Most of us are generous when it’s convenient for us. We are generous when we have the time or the money. But, real generosity is the opposite of that. It means giving of one’s time, money, compassion, forgiveness or mercy when it’s not convenient to us, when it’s not on our schedule, but on the other person’s timeline. 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 - Save the best for last.
The film industry has always had a love affair with the afterlife. From It's a Wonderful Life to Heaven Can Wait to Ghost to Flatliners, stories remind us that our choices in this world have ramifications in the next. More recent shows—Dead Like Me, The Good Life, After Life, and Hotel del Luna—are less traditionally religious but no less curious about what comes next. Every culture and generation seems to sense the need for spirit guides and guardians, as well as justice and an hour of reckoning. As the church year closes, contemplate the ledger of your years. Does it add up to a heavenly ending? "He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'" (Matthew 25:31-46)
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2179355949 - Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK - 22 September 2021: Colorful fresco depicting the Doom, Last Judgement scene inside St Thomas’s church; medieval 15-century mural of judgement day religious scene - Important information - Editorial Use Only: Photo Contributor: PhotoFires
The gospel this weekend is very special. I have always found that it goes to the heart of Jesus’ message and mission. How different the world would be if all people took this gospel at face value. Quite literally. “just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me”.
There is a story told (not sure if this actually happened but it is still great), of Queen Victoria, who went on a vacation to Scotland, and one day, took a walk on one of her estates.
On the country walk, the Queen was dressed very discretely in walking clothes. A storm blew up and Queen Victoria retreated to a neighbour’s house and asked if they would kindly lend her an umbrella. The neighbour, not recognizing this person on the steps in the pouring rain, begrudgingly lent the umbrella, but when the Queen walked off and opened up the umbrella, it was full of holes and quite useless. The next day, the Queen sent one of her attendants back to return the umbrella, with a polite note of thanks. When the neighbour saw the regal attendant and realised the truth of who the visitor was, she was mortified and said in explanation:. I am so sorry, if I had known it was Her Majesty, I wouldn’t have given her that umbrella.” (well, whether that situation happened or not, the point is a good one.)
What did it matter WHO it was? Why would you give ANYONE an umbrella with holes in it; which was utterly useless for its purpose? Irrespective of who they were or not! “Anyone who turns up on our doorsteps is not only possibly royalty in disguise; today’s gospel calls upon us to treat everyone with the reverence and graciousness we would give to Christ himself // Why can we humans be tempted to make distinctions in the ordinary matter of respecting human dignity, which is actually due to all people. Whether they be prince or pauper, the Lord says, “what you do to these … you do it to me.”
If the world took this very seriously and literally, the world would change profoundly… All humans would have the dignity and respect befitting God who lovingly created them. Which, I believe is the intention of Our Lord's parable.
The reading from Ezekiel… is also very fitting. The Lord will be our shepherd, lead us, guide us, heal us, …seek the lost, feed us, (The fat sheep come in for some very negative comment here in this gospel, because in this narrative they have pushed around the others and not let them eat and have pasture. The Well-off sheep have scattered the poor, needy sheep and the master is very unhappy with this.).…
God recognises that among the people (and among every group of people) there are some who are struggling and experiencing weakness, (as all of us do at different ways)… and some who are feeling lost, disconnected and injured… as well as those who are strong and satisfied…. And the co-responsibility of people to support and encourage each-other is an expectation of the Kingdom.
Our Lord instructs us that every time you look into the face of one who is hungry, the face of a person who thirsts…. The face of a stranger….. the face of someone in need, or someone who is ill….. or a prisoner…. Anytime you look at even those who might be regarded as ‘the least’ (by some)………There… you are looking and seeing the face of the Lord... //And how we respond to these people is how we are taken to be responding to the Lord himself.
Jesus tells us this parable because he wants us to take this message quite literally…. and act upon it……
In the parable…. everyone gets a surprise about this news….. the ‘sheep’ and the ‘goats’ alike….. neither realised that when they fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick, visited the prisoner…. welcomed the stranger… that they were helping Christ himself….. the wicked certainly didn’t know this….. but in this parable… even the righteous…. (they helped these people)…but even THEY didn’t realise that by acting in this way, they were serving Christ himself, to these needy people…..
The Gospel from Saint Matthew reminds us that we will be judged on how well we loved. It is the way that we love one another that reveals whether we love God or not. It is this love for one another that will confirm whether we are truly close to God or far from God…
We are all brothers and sisters in Christ….. and we ask for God’s guidance and grace as we look out for others.. especially the most vulnerable……. We move forward, joyfully remembering always that the Lord is Good… his mercy and faithfulness endures from age to age!!”
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; New Jerome Bible Handbook. Geoffrey Chapman Publishers. 1992; “2008 – a Book of Grace-filled Days,” by Lavonne Neff; “Monastery of Christ in the Desert,” Abbott’s Homily, http://christdesert.org; “Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A”
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2179355949 - Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK - 22 September 2021: Colorful fresco depicting the Doom, Last Judgement scene inside St Thomas’s church; a medieval 15-century mural of judgement day religious scene - Important information - Editorial Use Only: Photo Contributor: PhotoFires
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Saint Andrew, the apostle:
Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of people.”
Saint Francis Xavier: (feast day overridden by Sunday this year).
“Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians.”
“Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ.”
“I have heard thousands of confessions, but never one of covetousness.”
“I want to be where there are out-and-out pagans.”
“Give me the child until he is seven, and I'll give you the man.”
It is impossible to find a saint who did not take the “two P’s” seriously: prayer and penance. –St. Francis Xavier, Priest
Would to God that these men who labour so much in gaining knowledge would give as much thought to the account they must one day give to God of the use they have made of their learning and the talents entrusted to them.. .
It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.
POPE FRANCIS:
XVI ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS. First Session. (4-29 October 2023).
Synthesis Report
PART I – THE FACE OF THE SYNODAL CHURCH
A SYNODAL CHURCH IN MISSION
October 28th 2023
(ore 14:00)
INTRODUCTION
Dear Sisters, dear Brothers
"For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13). This is the experience, full of joy and gratitude, that we have had in this First Session of the Synodal Assembly held from 4 to 29 October 2023 on the theme "For a Synodal Church. Communion, Participation, Mission”. Despite our diversity of backgrounds, languages and cultures, through the common grace of Baptism we have been able to live these days together with one heart and spirit. We have sought to sing like a choir, many voices as though expressing one soul. The Holy Spirit has gifted us with an experience of the harmony that He alone can generate; it is a gift and a witness in a world that is torn and divided.
Our Assembly has taken place while wars both old and new have raged in the world, with dramatic consequences that are impacting upon countless victims. The cry of those who are poor resounded among us, of those forced to migrate and of those suffering violence and the devastating consequences of climate change. We heard their cry not only through the media, but also through the voices of many present, who are personally involved in these tragic events whether through their families or their people. We have all, at all times, taken this cry into our hearts and prayers, wondering how our Churches can foster paths of reconciliation, hope, justice and peace.
Our meeting took place in Rome, gathered around the successor of Peter, who confirmed us in our faith and encouraged us to be audacious in our mission. It was a grace to begin these days with an ecumenical vigil, which saw the leaders and representatives of the other Churches and Christian communities praying together with the Pope at the tomb of Peter. Unity ferments silently within the Holy Church of God; we see it with our own eyes, and we bear witness to it full of joy. "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity" (Ps 133:1).
At the behest of the Holy Father, the Assembly saw other members of the People of God gathered together and around the bishops. The bishops, united among themselves and with the Bishop of Rome, made manifest the Church as a communion of Churches. Lay people, those in consecrated life, deacons and priests were, together with the bishops, witnesses of a process that intends to involve the whole Church and everyone in the Church. Their presence reminded us that the Assembly is not an isolated event, but an integral part and a necessary step in the synodal process. The multiplicity of interventions and the plurality of positions voiced in the Assembly revealed a Church that is learning to embrace a synodal style and is seeking the most suitable ways to make this happen.
It is more than two years since we began the journey that has led us to this Session. After the opening of the synodal process on 9 October 2021, all the Churches, albeit at different paces, have engaged in a listening process at diocesan, national and continental stages, the results of which were recorded in their respective documents. This Session opened the phase in which the entire Church received the fruits of this consultation in order to discern, in prayer and dialogue, the paths that the Spirit is asking us to follow. This phase will last until October 2024, when the Second Session of the Assembly will complete its work, offering it to the Holy Father.
The entire journey, rooted in the Tradition of the Church, is taking place in the light of conciliar teaching. The Second Vatican Council was, in fact, like a seed sown in the field of the world and the Church. The soil in which it germinated and grew was the daily lives of believers, the experience of the Churches of every people and culture, the many testimonies of holiness, and the reflections of theologians. The Synod 2021-2024 continues to draw on the energy of that seed and to develop its potential. The synodal path is, in fact, implementing what the Council taught about the Church as Mystery and People of God, called to holiness. It values the contribution all the baptised make, according to their respective vocations, in helping us to understand better and practice the Gospel. In this sense, it constitutes a true act of further reception of the Council, prolonging its inspiration and reinvigorating its prophetic force for today's world.
After a month of work, the Lord is now calling us to return to our Churches to hand over to all of you the fruits of our work and to continue the journey together. Here in Rome, we were not many, but the purpose of the Synod path called by the Holy Father is to involve all the baptised. We ardently desire this to happen and want to commit ourselves to making it possible. In this Synthesis Report we have collected the main elements that emerged in the dialogue, prayer and discussion that characterised these days. Our personal stories will enrich this synthesis with the tenor of lived experience, which no document can adequately capture. We will thus be able to testify to the richness of our experience of listening, of silence and sharing, and of prayer. We will also share that it is not easy to listen to different ideas, without immediately giving in to the temptation to counter the views expressed; or to offer one's contribution as a gift for others and not as something absolute or certain. However, the Lord's grace has led us to achieve this, despite our limitations, and this has been for us a true experience of synodality. By having practised it, we understand it better and have grasped its value.
We understood, in fact, that walking together as baptised persons, in the diversity of charisms, vocations, and ministries, is important not only for our communities, but also for the world. Evangelical solidarity is like a lamp, which must not be placed under a bushel, but on a lampstand so that it may shed light on the whole house (cf. Mt 5:15). The world needs this testimony today more than ever. As disciples of Jesus, we cannot shirk the responsibility of demonstrating and transmitting the love and tenderness of God to a wounded humanity.
The work of this Session was carried out in accordance with the ‘roadmap’ laid down in the Instrumentum laboris, by means of which the Assembly was able to reflect on the characteristic signs of a synodal Church and the dynamics of communion, mission and participation that it contains. We were able to discuss the merits of issues, identify themes in need of in-depth study, and take forward a preliminary set of proposals. In the light of the progress made, the Synthesis Report does not repeat or reiterate all the contents of the Instrumentum laboris; rather, it gives new impetus to the questions and themes we considered to be priorities. It is not a final document, but an instrument at the service of ongoing discernment.
The Synthesis Report is structured in three parts. The first outlines "the face of the synodal Church", presenting the practice and understanding of synodality and its theological underpinning. Here it is presented first and foremost as a spiritual experience that stems from contemplation of the Trinity and unfolds by articulating unity and variety in the Church. The second part, entitled "All disciples, all missionaries", deals with all those involved in the life and mission of the Church and their relationships with one another. In this part, synodality is mainly presented as a joint journey of the People of God and as a fruitful dialogue between the charisms and ministries at the service of the coming of the Kingdom. The third part bears the title "Weaving bonds, building community". Here, synodality is presented mainly as a set of processes and as a network of bodies enabling exchange between the Churches and dialogue with the world.
In each of the three parts, individual chapters bring together convergences, matters for consideration and proposals that emerged from the dialogue. The convergences identify specific points that orientate reflection, akin to a map that helps us find our way. The matters for consideration summarise points about which it is necessary to continue deepening our understanding pastorally, theologically, and canonically. This is like being at a crossroads where we need to pause so we can understand better the direction we need to take. The proposals indicate possible paths that can be taken. Some are suggested, others recommended, others still requested with some strength and determination.
In the coming months, Episcopal Conferences as well as the hierarchical structures of the Eastern Catholic Churches, serving as a link between the local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod, will play an important role in developing our reflections. Taking their starting point from the convergences already reached, they are called to focus on the questions and proposals that are considered most urgent. They are asked to encourage a deepening of the issues both pastorally and theologically, and to indicate their canonical implications.
We carry in our hearts the desire, sustained by hope, that the climate of mutual listening and sincere dialogue that we experienced during the days of common work in Rome will radiate in our communities and throughout the world, at the service of the growth of the good seed of the Kingdom of God.
(article to be continued next week)
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1524254318 - Vatican City, Photo Contributor- Riccardo De Luca - Update
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
“Christ invites his disciples to follow Him by taking up their cross in their turn. By following Him, they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick. Jesus associates them with His own life of poverty and service.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1506)
“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)
1514 The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."129
1515 If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. the same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.
" . . . let him call for the presbyters of the Church"
1516 Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick.130 It is the duty of pastors to instruct the faithful on the benefits of this sacrament. the faithful should encourage the sick to call for a priest to receive this sacrament. the sick should prepare themselves to receive it with good dispositions, assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community, which is invited to surround the sick in a special way through their prayers and fraternal attention.
Effects of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
:
IV. The Effects of the Celebration of This Sacrament
1520 A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. the first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death.134 This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will.135 Furthermore, "if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."136
1521 Union with the passion of Christ. By the grace of this sacrament the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ's Passion: in a certain way he is consecrated to bear fruit by configuration to the Savior's redemptive Passion. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.
1522 An ecclesial grace. the sick who receive this sacrament, "by freely uniting themselves to the passion and death of Christ," "contribute to the good of the People of God."137 By celebrating this sacrament the Church, in the communion of saints, intercedes for the benefit of the sick person, and he, for his part, though the grace of this sacrament, contributes to the sanctification of the Church and to the good of all men for whom the Church suffers and offers herself through Christ to God the Father.
1523 A preparation for the final journey. If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to all who suffer from serious illness and infirmity, even more rightly is it given to those at the point of departing this life; so it is also called sacramentum exeuntium (the sacrament of those departing).138 The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house.139
Particular gift of the Holy Spirit (Strengthening, peace, and courage)
Union with the Passion of Christ
Preparation for the final journey
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church
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
