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“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Vector ID: 2205603287 - Parable of Jesus Christ about the talent buried in the ground - Vector Formats - Vector Contributor: AndryDj
You are invited to a special talk on the topic of “How To Hear From God".
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 & 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.
Pastor’s Post:
Occasionally, one hears of these radio programs where famous people are asked what single book or one song they would be happy to have if they were stuck on a desert island. For Christians and many others, the best choice is the book that is by far the all-time biggest-selling book in the world—the Bible.
Speaking of the Bible, God’s living word for us, I found these reflections from an excellent resource called “Prepare the Word”:
The word bible comes from a Greek word meaning “book.” If you could have no other book, the Bible would be the one! As you count your blessings this week, don’t forget to give thanks for sacred scripture and spend some time with the inspired word of God. If you haven’t before, try lectio divina (Latin for “divine reading”)—it’s a traditional monastic form of praying with scripture meditatively to open ourselves to hearing what God is saying to us and listening for our own inner response. Scripture isn’t just text; it’s the Living Word—initiate conversation!
According to tradition, Mary’s parents—an elderly Anne and Joachim—were so grateful for the unexpected birth of their daughter that they presented her in the Temple to thank God. Accounts also say the toddler Mary “danced with joy” on the third step of the Temple, signifying her future role. Other qualities of the Blessed Mother, present even from her youth, are enumerated in the “Ten Evangelical Virtues of Mary” that we’re all encouraged to emulate as Christians: pure, prudent, humble, faithful, devout, obedient, poor, patient, merciful, and sorrowful. It is beautiful to cultivate these in our own life by praying the Virtues of Mary chaplet used by the Marian religious order since 1699.
Fr Paul Kelly
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
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 that 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 take place with collections at the end of every Mass. This financial appeal is critical for our parish Vinnies conference to urgently assist those most in need.
The ongoing generosity of this parish has ensured that local Vincentians have been able to support 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 home or obtain temporary respite from living on the streets. Due to your support, we have been able to provide 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 over $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
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRADLEY DAVIES WHO WAS ORDAINED A TRANSITIONAL DEACON AT HOLY SPIRIT SEMINARY FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER.
Bradley did his parish pastoral internship year here at Surfers Paradise Parish.
Here is the link for the livestream on the Ordination to the Diaconate.
Live streaming via: https://youtube.com/live/YZhKQFRndrU?feature=share
This link will also replay the event after the live broadcast finishes.
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, Mick Sherrard, 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):
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.
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.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
James Kenneth Ackroyd, Eve Barry, John Bastable, Allan and Veronica Bond, Ellen Bond, Dorothy Briffa, Pauline Margaret Brooks, Bruce Barry Basil Buckley, Ronald George (Ron) Burnell, Fr Cornelius Cahalane, Effie Elizabeth Clark, June Marea Cogan, Pat Conway, Dora Crisante, Bridget Frances Dalton, Bridget Finn, Benjamin Gage, Fr Michael Gallagher, Fr Stan Griffith, Sim Bee Hiang, relatives and friends of Howorth family, Merv Hughes, Giuseppe (Joe) Iulianetti, Halam & Amelia Japour, Mary Kirsch, John Bernard Landrigan, Charlie Macky, Marko Mazic, Agnes Kean Main McDermott, Stanley McQuee, Samir Moussa, Shirley Elizabeth O'Brien, Bob And Rose O’Sullivan, Wayne Allan Pearce, Garry Edward Pearse, Mary Catherine Reeves, Grahame Roberts, Elizabeth Mary Pauli Rose, Shirley Shepard, Sidney James Slater, Sandra Smart, Fr Edmond (Ted) Stapleton, Bob Sutcliffe, Kelly Marie Sutherland, William Wall, families of Westgate-Woodgate-Wheeler, Bridget and Anne Weston, Alan Whitbread, Phyllis (Phyl) Woodhead.
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. The books priced at $6
November Catholic Leader, Daily Mass Books, Columban Calendars, Church Art Calendars, Wood Scroll Calendars, 2024 God’s Word, and many Christmas figurines available now until sold out.
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
20/11/2023 Rose & Joseph Pindo Ashmore
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.
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 -
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 RESUMPTION DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
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.
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)
Don't just bury your talents. Dream your best dream about your life and then live it to the full. God calls you to live in happiness. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” - Matthew 25:21. God calls us to nurture and develop the gifts He has given us and then generously return a portion with increase. He doesn’t want us to waste or hoard the gifts He has given us. He expects us to grow our gifts, to use them wisely, and to be generous with them. Unfortunately, many of us are not generous in proportion to all that God has given us. God asks us to be generous with all our gifts, especially the one that means the most to us. 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 - (Sourced From The USA). Curl Up With The Good Book
“For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
President Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated the first National Bible Week. Presidents since have continued the tradition of encouraging scripture reading during the holidays. The practice began in 1941 when NBC radio hosted the National Bible Association's founders. News of the attack on Pearl Harbor interrupted the program, and NBC asked the association to continue reading the Bible all day to a grieving nation. This week, spend some time with scripture daily. Consider reading the book of your choice from the Old or New Testaments. Or read a psalm of thanksgiving daily. Discover the inspiration. ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY CALLS FOR ACTION ON HOUSING CRISIS
The St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on the Albanese Government to implement “workable solutions” to fix the availability and affordability of rental properties in both urban centres and regional areas.
Responding to this week’s release of the ninth annual National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index, the society’s national president, Mark Gaetani, said, “This crisis has been going on for much too long and it is getting worse”.
“The most visible impact of a lack of secure rental housing is the high number of people experiencing homelessness, currently at a record level of over 122,000 on any given night. On top of that are the many ‘hidden homeless’, along with the vast number of Australians living in poverty who forego paying for other essentials, including food, in order to cover their rent,’ Mr Gaetani said.
“Currently, some 3.3 million people are living below the poverty line, including 761,000 children. Our members working on the frontline tell us that many of these folk are sacrificing meals and utility bills in order to cover their rents.”
The report showed that rental affordability is hitting all-time lows across the nation, including cities and regional areas, with few exceptions. The situation has been made worse by rent rises coming at a time of stagnant incomes, which in many cases have gone backwards because of inflation.
Mr Gaetani said a range of workable solutions to the rental crisis had been identified by the Government and the society is urging that they be implemented as soon as possible.
“These include increasing social housing stock in accordance with the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, and progressing minimum national rental standards such as limiting rent increases, ending no-grounds evictions and addressing energy efficiency for rental stock.
“It is also vital that people relying on support payments are better able to cover their expenses.”
FULL STORY
New report confirms the hardships facing renters (St Vincent de Paul Society)
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 727444846 - LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The parable of the talents on the stained glass in the church St. Michael Cornhill by Clayton and Bell from 19. Cent. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
[Gospel values included in the readings: God entrusts us with gifts according to our abilities. The gifts we have are given to be shared and nurtured]
This weekend's parable could be summed up with the following quote from Charles M. Shulz, creator of the cartoon characters Charlie Brown, Linus and Snoopy …. He writes…: "Life is like a ten-speed bicycle… Most of us have gears we never use."
We certainly have talents, and burying them would be more than a tragedy.
This weekend's gospel…. (often described as the parable of the "talents") could also be entitled….' do not let what you cannot do stop you from doing what you CAN do.'
The key to this parable is that the master gave each servant several talents according to their abilities… So he KNEW what they could do and expected them to do what they could….
So, from the gospel's perspective, we are not always the best judge of our own gifts and talents. God is!
Sometimes, it takes family, friends or trusted mentors to encourage us in gifts and talents that we might be too lacking in confidence to see for ourselves.
We can be our own worst enemies when it comes to saying things like: "'I am not good at that' or…. " I can't do this."…. It is God who truly knows all the things that we "ARE" and "ARE NOT" able to do. Talents and gifts are to be promoted and nurtured or else they get wasted.
"This weekend's gospel speaks of the gifts God has given all of us. We are invited to develop the daily habit of reflecting on the gifts God's grace has given us. Daily, we become more aware of the gifts God has given to us, and we put them to good use in response to God's call.
Today's gospel invites us to reflect honestly on the talents, skills, and qualities that are part of each of us, and how we help multiply life's goodness by using those talents fully. We also have to be wary of all the weak excuses we can be tempted to use when we doubt our abilities or find the task challenging. The foolish person who hid his talent had what he thought was a perfect excuse to offer to the master, but the master soon labelled it for what it was: - nonsense!" Our Lord can see through our lame excuses too.
The Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' time, focused on preserving and keeping the law of Moses…. "building a fence around the law" keeping the law pure and untainted…. They were so intent on this that they were focusing on simply keeping the law, burying it in a field, and handing it back exactly as they had received it, without change or growth or improvement….. They had lost the point….. The Law had become an end…. "keeping the rules" was the only thing that mattered….. Earning God's reward by keeping the rules, but not much else…. This had distorted the Good news of God's Kingdom…….. What they were doing is a bit like a farm worker handing back a seed they had been given and saying to the farmer… here it is… you gave it to me... I have preserved the seed… froze it… and here is the seed back exactly in the same condition as you gave it to me…. But how crazy… The seed is meant for the sowing. It is intended for planting… and for germination… it is to produce a plant which will bear fruit…..
This tendency still occurs today…. the tendency to miss the forest for the trees…. and to focus on restrictive rules as opposed to the purpose, reason and spirit of the law and what it was trying to achieve can be a constant obstacle….
God has distributed talents differently to different people…… we don't all have the same qualities and talents…….. (but the talents each of us have been given to share for the common good of all…..) We also know that (throughout history), some very talented people have under-utilised their talent and produced mediocre fruit. There are also countless stories of saints and famous people over the many ages, who overcame great obstacles (including feeble health), and limitations of all sorts to produce the most amazing, (disproportionate),l fruits and astounding results in their lives….. They did it by determination, hard work (and of course, by the grace of God)….and utilising well the talents and vision they DID possess….. It's the story of the 'tortoise and the hare' – slow and steady wins the race…..….
The reward in God's kingdom is an unusual one, according to this parable - - Those who do well, are given even more responsibility (That is, they are given even more work to do)… Sounds a little daunting, doesn't it… But we remember the saying: "If you want something done, ask a busy person". Those who produced the fruits were given even more to produce….. So it is with us… There is no time like the present… and the harvest of the Kingdom is plentiful… and the labourers are few….
If we use our gifts, they will deepen, they will increase in significance and effect…. If we don't use our gifts they will weaken…..we could lose them…..so the best way to keep our gifts is to use them in the service of God's Kingdom…here and now…. serving God, by helping others.
Sources: Fr Paul W. Kelly; ##THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF Matthew. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; Prepare the Word Resources; Mark Link SJ.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 727444846 - LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The parable of the talents on the stained glass in the church St. Michael Cornhill by Clayton and Bell from 19. Cent. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
St Cecilia:
“Death and hell combine to distract man with a thousand useless cares, and to engage his thoughts with a multitude of imaginary wants.”-St. Cecilia
“We pray you to please help us as His fair praise we sing! We lift our hearts in joyous song to honour Him this way.”-St. Cecilia
St Columban (543-615)
“We, indeed, are, as I have said, chained to the Chair of Saint Peter.”
“Be gentle to the weak, firm to the stubborn, steadfast to the proud, humble to the lowly.”
“Be helpful, when you are, at the bottom of the ladder and be the lowest, when you are in authority.”
“Be slow to anger, swift to learn, slow also to speak, as St James says, equally swift to hear.” “Be respectful to the worthy, merciful to the poor.” “Be mindful of favours, unmindful of wrongs.”
St Clement
Follow the saints because those who follow them will become saints.
This world and the world to come are two enemies. We cannot, therefore, be friends to both, but we must decide which we will forsake and which we will enjoy.
We should let God be the One to praise us and not praise ourselves. For God detests those who commend themselves. Let others applaud our good deeds.
Charity unites us to God... There is nothing mean in charity, nothing arrogant. Charity knows no schism, does not rebel, and does all things in concord. In charity, all the elect of God have been made perfect.
Who can describe the bond of God's love? Who is able to explain the majesty of its beauty? The height to which love leads is indescribable. ... In love the master received us, Jesus Christ our Lord, in accordance with God's will gave his blood for us, and his flesh for our flesh, and his life for our lives.
Filthy talk makes us feel comfortable with filthy action. But the one who knows how to control the tongue is prepared to resist the attacks of lust
... faithfully and strenuously you should resist the heretics in defence of the only true and life-giving faith, which the Church has received - the apostles and imparted to her sons. For the Lord of all gave to His apostles the power of the Gospel, through whom also we have known the truth, that is, the doctrine of the Son of God: to whom also did the Lord declare: 'He who hears you, hears Me; and he who despises you, despises Me, and Him who sent Me' (Lk. 10:16).
St Andrew Dung-lac & Companions
(Image: St Andrew Dung-Lac and Companion Martyrs | photo by Lawrence OP | flickr).
Prayer from the Mass of the Saint - O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions faithful to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant, through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
St Catherine of Alexandria
Text about St Catherine: - From this martyr’s uncommon knowledge, wisdom and learning, and the extraordinary spirit of piety by which she sanctified her learning, and the use she made of it, she is chosen in the schools the patroness and model of Christian philosophers.
“If you are ruled by the mind, you are king; if by the body you are a slave.”
Catherine was known for her beauty. One night, Catherine dreamed that she accompanied the hermit to a sanctuary, whence Angels came to meet her. She fell on her face before them, but one of the Angelic band bade her, "Rise, dear sister, Catherine, for the King of glory delighteth to honour thee." She rose and followed the Angels to the presence of the Queen of Heaven, who was surrounded by Angels and Saints and was beautiful beyond description. The Queen welcomed her and led her to her Divine Son, Our Lord. But He turned from her, saying: "She is not fair and beautiful enough for Me." Catherine awoke at these words and wept bitterly until morning. She then sent for the hermit and inquired what would make her worthy of the Heavenly Bridegroom. The saintly recluse instructed her in the true Faith and, with her mother, she was Baptized. That night, in a dream, the Blessed Virgin and her Divine Son again appeared to her. Mary presented her to Jesus, saying: "Behold, she has been regenerated in the water of Baptism." Then Christ smiled at her and plighted His troth to her by putting a ring on her finger. When she awoke, the ring was still there, and thenceforth, Catherine despised all earthly things and longed only for the hour when she should go to her Heavenly Bridegroom.
POPE FRANCIS: Pope calls for a ‘paradigm shift’ in Catholic theology
Pope Francis has called for a “paradigm shift” in Catholic theology that takes widespread engagement with contemporary science, culture and people’s lived experience as an essential starting point. (Source: CNA)
Citing the need to deal with “profound cultural transformations,” the Pope presented his dramatic vision for the future of Catholic theology in a new motu proprio issued yesterday.
Titled Ad Theologiam Promovendam, or “to promote theology,” the document revises the statutes of the Pontifical Academy of Theology (PATH) “to make them more suitable for the mission that our time imposes on theology”.
“Theology can only develop in a culture of dialogue and encounter between different traditions and different knowledge, between different Christian confessions and different religions, openly engaging with everyone, believers and nonbelievers,” the Pope wrote in the apostolic letter.
Pope Francis wrote that Catholic theology must experience a “courageous cultural revolution” in order to become a “fundamentally contextual theology”. Guided by Christ’s incarnation into time and space, this approach to theology must be capable of reading and interpreting “the Gospel in the conditions in which men and women live daily, in different geographical, social, and cultural environments,” the Pope wrote.
He contrasted this approach with a theology that is limited to “abstractly re-proposing formulas and schemes from the past” and repeated his long-standing criticism of “desk-bound theology”. Instead, he emphasised that theological studies must be open to the world, not as a “‘tactical’ attitude” but as a profound “turning point” in their method, which he said must be “inductive.”
Pope Francis emphasised that this bottom-up re-envisioning of theology is necessary to better aid the Church’s evangelising mission.
“A synodal, missionary, and ‘outgoing’ Church can only correspond to an ‘outgoing’ theology,” the Pope wrote.
FULL STORY: Pope Francis calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in theology for the world of today (By Jonathan Liedl, CNA)
Image: Shutterstock photo ID: 1524254294 -Vatican City, - Pope Francis celebrates a Mass - in St. Peter's Basilica. Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - More Information on the Trinity Icon of Rublev
In regards to the Holy Trinity Icon, it is often asked which person of the Holy Trinity is represented by each of the Three Angels. Different versions of the Icon, in the centuries following the production of this Icon, sometimes identify Christ as in the centre but not identifying the other Two. The most usual way of identifying Christ would be to give the central Angel seated around the table a special “I AM” cross-halo, which is only associated with Jesus Christ.
However, this practice was condemned by the Stoglav Council (Стоглавый Собор) of 1551. The Council also recommended that the Icon not explicitly name any of the Angels but instead carry the inscription Svyataya Troitsa (Святая Троица), i.e., “Holy Trinity”. This practice spread out from the Russian Church and is now generally followed by all Orthodox Iconographers.
Despite the ruling of the Council, attempts have been made to identify the Three Angels of the Holy Trinity, even those depicted on the beautifully simple Icon by Rublev.
The most common explanation is so widespread that it is worth describing here:
To the left is the Father, Who is seated beneath Abraham’s “tent” as described in the Genesis account; yet in the Icon, the tent is shown as a magnificent castle: the open-doored House of the Father, the goal of our journey. He is shown clothed in garments that seem to shimmer, reflecting the Heavenly Glory. To the right is the Holy Spirit, clothed in green and blue hues: the colours of the Earth. These are also the colours of the Holy Spirit, as He “…is everywhere present and fills all things…” according to the Orthodox prayer. In addition, Orthodox churches are decorated in greenery at the feast of Pentecost (the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles), and worshipers wear green. The Holy Spirit is seated beneath a mountain, representing the spiritual ascent all believers must experience.
And so in the centre is seated the Son, or Word of God. His clothes are the typical bright red cloaked in blue, often seen on Icons of Jesus Christ, representing the Divine (red) and human (blue) natures. Over his right shoulder, there is a band of gold; as Isaiah prophesied: the Government shall be upon his shoulder. Towering above Him is the oak of Mamre, yet within this icon is revealed as a foreshadowing of the Cross, or tree, from which Jesus would be hung.
With this in mind, we can see that the Icon shows us not the three individuals of the Holy Trinity but the relationship between Them. Of the Three, the Father on the left of the picture is the only figure to be unbowed, displaying a fatherly authority over the other Two. The Holy Spirit and the Son together bow to the Father so that we can see the Father be the fountainhead of the other Two: from the Father comes both the Word (the Son) and the Breath (Spirit) of God. Contrary to the formulations of heretical theologians, the Holy Spirit does not bow before the Son, nor is He depicted as the love that flows between the Father and Son, but as a person in His own right, in a relationship with the other Two. The Son of God is shown as though in conversation with the Father, which is what is revealed to us in the Gospels, where Jesus frequently prays to the Heavenly Father. Despite the authority of the Father, all Members of the Holy Trinity are shown equal in size, and the reverence of the Son and Spirit to the Father appears voluntary; it is done out of love, not fear.
Yet we must be careful to separate what is revealed to us by God, and is therefore salvific, from that which is formulated by arrogant “over-philosophizing” and can, therefore lead us off in dangerous directions. We can look upon the Icon of the Holy Trinity and contemplate the relationship of the Father with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Yet, we must not try to concentrate too much on the Three figures as separate beings.
The canons of the Stoglav Council are, therefore, useful in encouraging us to look at the Icon in the most beneficial way. We are not invited to look at “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” – three individuals – but instead the Holy Trinity: a Tri-Unity toward Whom our prayers are directed.
All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Lord, cleanse us from our sins.
Master, pardon our iniquities.
Holy God, visit and heal us
For Thy Name’s sake.
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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
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