PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for him.” (Mark 1:3).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 88708627 - Magnificent Ancient Roman mosaic of John the Baptist baptising Jesus Christ from the UNESCO-listed Neonian baptistry, Ravenna, Italy - Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: mountainpix.
SPECIAL RECONCILIATION TIMES IN ADVANCE OF CHRISTMAS -
Weekdays after Mass - Mon - Fri (11-15th Dec.): 9.30 am -10.30 am - Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
Saturday morning (16/12/23) - Sacred Heart Clear Island Waters- 9 am-10.30 am.
Also, special individual Reconciliations on Saturday (16/12/23): 4 pm Stella Maris, 4 pm Sacred Heart,
Sunday (17/12/23): St Vincents, Surfers. 9 am after the 8 am Mass, and 11 am after the 10 am Mass.
**Please note there is not a special obligation to go to confession before Christmas.
(Regular, timely reconciliations are advised throughout the year). **
SAINT VINCENT de Paul - Christmas Appeal - Local Conference
This weekend (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 urgently assist those most in need.
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, keep the lights on, and help 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
The SVDP scrolls for the Christmas hamper are in the churches. Please bring back the item written on the scroll and place it under the Giving Tree. Your gifts will be packed into hampers and given to those persons/ families who are in need at Christmas time". 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.
As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, the Surfers Paradise Vinnies conference calls on all parishioners to help give hope to struggling local families.
SPECIAL RECONCILIATION TIMES IN ADVANCE OF CHRISTMAS -
Weekdays after Mass - Mon - Fri (11-15th Dec.): 9.30am -10.30am - Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
Saturday morning (16/12/23) - Sacred Heart Clear Island Waters- 9am-10.30am.
Also, special individual Reconciliations Saturday (16/12/23): 4pm Stella Maris , 4pm Sacred Heart,
Sunday (17/12/23): St Vincents, Surfers. 9am after the 8am Mass, and 11 am after the 10am Mass.
**Please note there is not a special obligation to go to confession prior to Christmas. (Regular timely reconciliations are advised throughout the year). **
Pastor’s Post: “RECONCILIATION.” THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE.
Reconciliation is such a special sacrament. To minister to all people who wish to celebrate reconciliation, we ask that each person thoroughly examine their conscience well before the day of celebrating the sacrament. Then, within the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation, the penitent names the sins briefly, without extensive background. There is not enough time for an extensive life history in the sacrament. If a person feels they have much to discuss, please contact the office and make an appointment for a longer time with the priest.
In the early days of the Church, the primary (and only) sacramental means of forgiveness of sin was the sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism (which is still the first and the entry-point for all other sacraments), the believer is initiated and welcomed into the life of the Christian community and, even more dramatically, is ‘immersed’ into Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The Baptised person is ‘conformed’ to Christ (made part of Christ’s life and character) and is reborn and “washed clean” of past sins. Since Baptism permanently connects us to Christ's life, it is a one-off action. That is, we do not repeat Baptism. We do not re-baptise a person.
In early times of the Church’s history, a dilemma occurred because, when someone sinned again, they could not be re-baptised - and that is still the case today. So, what would become of them? In the early days of the church, a person who sinned could be publicly enrolled into the “order of penitents” and would have to perform some very onerous penance. At the end of the time of penance, they would be publicly welcomed back into communion. As one could imagine, this was an arduous, very public and often impractical means of penance.
Another alternative developed within communities of religious priests (monks), whom people would visit for Spiritual direction. A person who had sinned would confess their sins to the religious priest (monk), and they would be privately given an action to perform to ‘make recompense,’ based on the seriousness of the sin. This has now grown up to be the sacrament of penance. In Penance, we hear the Word of forgiveness from the Lord through the church's sacramental ministry and by the priest confessor's words and actions. We encounter God's forgiving and reconciling love in a tangible way, and we experience healing in our relationship with others and the church community, all within a respectful and confidential sacramental ceremony.
There are three specific Rites of Reconciliation, adapted for different circumstances.
The First Rite of Reconciliation is usually celebrated in a particular room or space set aside. The penitent comes forward, and either kneels or sits behind a screen to allow for privacy and anonymity if they prefer, or they are welcome to come and sit in a seat facing the priest.
The Second Rite of Reconciliation is a more communal liturgy. It usually resembles the more public rituals like the Mass. There is usually a reading, Gospel, homily and formal ‘examination of conscience.’ This often reminds us of areas where we are not living as we should. Then people come forward, as in the first rite, to a priest, one by one, confess particular sins and receive individual absolution. The people then re-gather for a final prayer and a hymn.
The Third Rite is like the second, except there is no individual confession. The priest gives a ‘general absolution.’
The Vatican has clarified that the Third Rite is to be used only for major and immediate situations of emergency (Like on the ‘Titanic’, where it would be impossible to hear individual confessions of many hundreds of people, so the priest gives a general absolution to all present, in those urgent circumstances). The Third Rite is not permitted for ordinary usage. Even when the third rite was used more frequently, a person was always obligated (even back then), to confess any serious sins to a priest at the very next opportunity. So, continuing with the example of the Titanic, the sacrament would have been efficacious for those who tragically perished on that ship after receiving the third rite, but anyone who survived would be obliged to confess any serious sins at their next confession. Interestingly, the third rite was not deemed appropriate even for the circumstances of the COVID restrictions, so it really is only for dire situations and immediate emergencies with a particular proximate group of people in danger of imminent death where the emergency has arisen suddenly.
Fr Paul Kelly.
Helpful information re Reconciliation -
With increased crowds and demands during the holiday, please remember that there is no obligation to go to confession in Advent or Christmas. Timely reconciliation throughout the year is the recommended alternative. Naturally, it is always the case that any serious sins need to be confessed as soon as possible at any time of the year. Confession of venial sins regularly throughout the year is encouraged as a rich spiritual grace and fortification. Other acts of penance, including participation in the Eucharist, are also perfectly effective for remission venial sins. It is best to utilise the less busy times for this spiritual practice. Annual confession and communion is a traditional practice during Lent and Easter, as seen in number 2042 of the Catechism. Again, it is a highly recommended spiritual practice, but is never obligatory unless someone has committed a serious sin.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES IN SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH
INVITING CHILDREN TO JOIN IN THE NATIVITY PLAY
Each year at this time, we invite our parish children (and any visiting children) to be involved in our annual Nativity Play. Our surfers Paradise Parish Nativity Play is presented as part of our Family Mass on Christmas Eve in Sacred Heart Church at the 5pm Vigil Mass (Sunday, December 24).
We ask parents to explain to children who volunteer, that they may be asked to play the part of Mary, Joseph, an angel, a shepherd, a wise man or even one of the animals in the stable.
At each practice, each child needs to be in the care of an adult (either the child’s parent, a carer or an adult delegated by the parents).
Adults from the parish who will be organising practices for the Nativity Play:
Cathy Anderson and Marylou Ayres - Parish Sacramental Team
Christeen Harth - Parish Music Coordinator
Loren Kozlova - member of Parish CLOW team and registered teacher
All children are welcome but each child will need to attend each of our three practices:
Practice 1: Tuesday, December 19 [10:30 am to midday in Sacred Heart Church]
Practice 2: Thursday, December 21 [10:30 am to midday in Sacred Heart Church]
Practice 3: Saturday, December 23 [11:30 am to 1pm in Sacred Heart Church]
Christmas Vigil Mass: Sunday December 24 [Arrive at church 4:15 pm for 5pm Mass]
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES (Date Claimer)
{NO SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ON CHRISTMAS EVE}
STELLA MARIS CHURCH, BROADBEACH
{Stella Maris. 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, 4218}
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS.
Christmas Day: 7.00 AM
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE
{St Vincent’s. 40 Hamilton Avenue. Surfers Paradise 4217}
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS. (SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MASS TIME ONLY)
Christmas Day: 8.00 AM & 10.00 AM
Also, Hispanic Community Monday night mass, 25th December - Christmas night Mass (Monday 25th) at 5:30 pm at St Vincent's Church, run by the Hispanic Community.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS
{Sacred Heart - 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters, 4226}
Christmas Eve (vigil): 5.00 PM=FAMILY MASS with Children’s Nativity Play
(See note below for more information)
8.00 PM SPECIAL MASS (Christmas Eve only).
Christmas Day: 9.00 AM
(No Sunday night mass at SH, except the 4 pm Italian Mass)
12.30 PM POLISH MASS (confirmed) - Sacred Heart (25th and 26th)
4 PM ITALIAN MASS. (confirmed) - Sacred Heart
SPANISH MASS AT ST VINCENT’S Church at Surfers Paradise. MONDAY NIGHT (25/12/22)- 5:30 PM
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, 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, Nia Falekakala, 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, 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, Ann Marie Loder, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Amy Elizabeth Morgan, Rick Murphy (USA), 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):
Helen Bohringer, Michael Joseph Scanlan, Paul Hodges, Kevin Wellspring, Carmel Eadie, Lindsay Horne, John Foulds, Mick Sherrard, Keith Weissel, 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)
Mary Anderson, Fr Kevin Aspinall, Maria Magdalena Bizzotto, Brian Leslie Boehme, James William Boland, Castellaro Family Members, Desmond Robert Castle, Wadad Doumani, Josephine Elizabeth (Josie) Dowd, Elda Ferluga, Bishop John Gerry, Jeno (Jim) Goboly, Disa Fleurette Hunt (Daughter of Robyn And Terry Hunt), Warwick Gerard Jones, Judy Jones, Warwick Gerard (Rick) Jones, Gail Patricia Little, Taufau Ah Lo, Charly Macky, Anthony Malouf, John Peter Bartolomeo Mandile, Kenneth Raymond Martin, Ken Martin, John McCabe (Husband of Maureen), Fr William McKeown, Jarmila Julie Muller, Fr Peter (Fintan) O'Beirne, Con Ante Pizzo, Henry Restall, Joe Bugeja, Melita Bugeja ,Pat Foster , Craig, Most Rev Joseph Angelo Grech, Maria Consiglio ,Charlie Restall White, Emidia Micallef.
Dulcie Ricks, Mello Scharenguivel, Jack O’Brien, Maureen Smith, Darryl Patrick Sulzberger, Luigi Tassone, Albina Kristina Vah, William Raymond (Billy) Willbrandt.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Norbert Bestkamp, Fr Ronald Bopf OSA, Rev Dr Thomas Boland, Maria Cassar, John Baptist Covan, Clare Debozy, William (Bill) Goodrem, Felix Michael Grech, Beth Green, Kenneth Rex (Rex) Howard, Marko Jaksic, Christopher Leigh Kennedy, Doris Catherine Mathews, Fabian McCarthy, Josephine Barbara McIver, John McKinstry, Joseph Nazari, Paul Broughton OAM, Colin Peter Randazzo, Owen Louis Ryan, Owen Louis Ryan, Iris Ann Elizabeth Scerri, Dawn Turner, Helen Margaret White, Norman John Desmond (Des) White.
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
Still available
December Catholic Leader, (last printed edition), Daily Mass Books,
2024 Columban Calendars, Church Art Calendars, Wood Scroll Calendars,
2024 God’s Word, includes daily readings and reflection,
Children’s storybooks, Adult and Children’s Bibles,
Christmas cards, Christmas figurines and nativities available until sold out.
Marian Valley
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 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 the contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH
All are invited to a Christmas morning tea gathering after the 10am Mass on Sunday 17th December, please bring a plate to share.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
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:
11/12/2023 Maxine & Patrick Main Beach
18/12/2023 Merla & Rodney Chevron Island
25/12/2023 Merla & Rodney Chevron Island
01/01/2024 Merla & Rodney Chevron Island
08/01/2024 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
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 will hold its final meeting for this year this coming Thursday 14th December from 5-6pm 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 6pm. The group will resume in the new year on Thursday 18th January. Further enquiries 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 - NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - RESUMPTION DATE 17 JANUARY 2024
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 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 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- LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 11TH DECEMBER AND WILL RESUME ON THE 8TH JANUARY 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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:
John the Baptist is a sign of contradiction, calling his contemporaries back to a relationship with the Living God. Perhaps you are being called to follow in John’s footsteps today. (Mark 1:1-8)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Prepare the way of the Lord…” - (Mark 1:3). We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle and being grateful and generous with our gifts puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too. We are responsible not only for our own lives but for the lives of others as well. How are you helping others get to Heaven?
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 - A voice cries out
This year, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75. The world could use a reminder that human rights belong to each of us and must be defended without exception. We live in an age marred by misinformation. Attacks on others grow more destructive online and in our shared spaces. Climate change, hunger, and poverty are unequally borne by those whose rights are not recognised or protected. Advent is the perfect time to identify the most potent rights for you. Claim them. Discover ways to stand up for them. Create alliances with those whose rights are in jeopardy.
“In the desert, prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” (Isiah 40:3). ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
IImage Credit: Image: Photo by Ray Fragapane on Unsplash
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
*Prologue: Just to be even a very small part of God's grand project, is surely satisfaction enough. In the same way, wilfulness, pride and self-focus are obstacles to our peace and to accepting Christ's unconditional love.
May we appreciate more deeply, the reality of Christ's selfless and generous love and make it an ever deeper reality in our lives too.
O Come, Lord Jesus!!
+++
Homily:
A fitting quote (from Scripture commentator William Barclay), is quite apt for today. . .." In my youth, because I could not be a singer, I did not even try to write a song; and I planted no little trees along the roadside Because I knew their growth would take so long and I would never see them fully grown. But now from the wisdom that the years have brought me, I know that it may be a blessed thing; to plant a tree for someone else to water and enjoy, Or make a song that someone else will sing when I cannot." (William Barclay).
The goal will never be reached unless the labourers unite to make it possible, under the great architect's plan. Each one adds their little bit to a project much bigger than any one of us.
God's plan was being unfolded long before we came on the scene and it will continue to come to fruition long after we have finished our earthly journey.
In the gospel, we hear that those who were baptised also confessed their sins. . .. Admitting to our sins and faults is difficult. But when we do this we straighten the path between us and God. Often, the most difficult person to admit sin, is actually ourselves. For example, when the prodigal son took off with half his father's property, he probably thought very well of himself. He thought he was a fine and clever young man who will make it big. But, later, in extreme poverty, as he even longed to eat the scraps of pigs' food and realised his folly, he would first have had to admit to himself how pathetically he had acted. Even before he returned to his father, he had to look at himself honestly and humbly, and it must have been very deflating and difficult. But he could not have imagined the astounding love and mercy he would receive when he made a straight path back to his father.
We must let the barriers down… and fill in the valleys of pride and self-satisfaction. It is not the person who desires to meet God on equal terms who will discover forgiveness, grace and compassion - but rather, the person who falls to their knees and whispers: "Lord, I need you! I am a terrible mess without your help. Be merciful to me, for I am a sinner!"
The Prophet Isaiah in the first reading speaks of comfort for God's people. God assures the people that they have 'done their time' for their sins. The debt is cancelled. However, one gets a distinct feeling that God is just being kind and generous. We couldn't have paid off the debt; but God, in His love and mercy has cancelled it and written "paid in full" anyway. Another act of astounding generosity.
John the Baptist was out in the desert. This reminds us of the time when the People of Israel wandered in the desert and lived in the wilderness for forty years, In that time, they were utterly reliant on God's providence. They had nothing else but the presence and leadership of God's guiding hand. The people had to trust totally in God's wisdom and care. For the most part, they were humble and grateful people. (although at times, for those who trudged the relentless desert paths, - pride, distrust and ingratitude got the better of many of them)
In the process of trying to give up sin and live with virtue, we often find it difficult. Even after years of struggle, we often face the same sins and defects in our lives. But let us not lose hope. The Lord assures and comforts us…… He comes to save us, not to condemn us. The secret is to trust completely in Jesus Christ. To surrender to God. To stop wrangling with God and resisting him with our wilfulness. We humbly admit our need for Our Lord's grace and mercy.
Everything God gives us is a grace -- Gifts and blessings are given, completely and unreservedly in love for all people….By contrast, we are tempted to keep score or place conditions on love, or by "trying to live as if we were an island complete of itself," this is what creates valleys and mountains – making rocky the pathway of communication and friendship between God and ourselves.
Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Mark. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press; Leonard, R. (2006). Preaching to the converted. New York: Paulist Press; Fr Paul Kelly; Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Abbot's Homily. Advent 2, Year B. 2008; PrepareTheWord.com © 2008, TrueQuest Communications, LLC.
Image Credit: Image: Photo by Ray Fragapane on Unsplash
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 Damasus I:
He who walking on the sea could calm the bitter waves, who gives life to the dying seeds of the earth; he who was able to loose the mortal chains of death, and after three days darkness could bring again to the upper world the brother for his sister Martha: he, I believe, will make Damasus rise again from the dust.
The arrangement of the names of Christ, however, is manifold:
LORD, because He is Spirit;
WORD, because He is God;
SON, because He is the only-begotten son of the Father;
MAN, because He was born of the Virgin;
PRIEST, because He offered Himself as a sacrifice;
SHEPHERD, because He is a guardian;
WORM, because He rose again;
MOUNTAIN, because He is strong;
WAY, because there is a straight path through Him to life;
LAMB, because He suffered;
CORNER-STONE, because instruction is His;
TEACHER, because He demonstrates how to live;
SUN, because He is the illuminator;
TRUTH, because He is from the Father;
LIFE, because He is the creator;
BREAD because He is flesh;
SAMARITAN, because He is the merciful protector;
CHRIST, because He is anointed;
JESUS, because He is a mediator;
VINE, because we are redeemed by His blood;
LION, because He is King;
ROCK, because He is firm;
FLOWER, because He is the chosen one;
PROPHET, because He has revealed what is to come.
(From the Decree of Damasus (attributed to St Pope Damasus I)
St Pope Damasus I (c 305-384))
The feast day of St. Damasus is celebrated on December 11. He was the Bishop of Rome.
Damasus was born in 306. His father was a Roman priest. Following his father’s footsteps, he began as a deacon. He served in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. He also served Pope Liberius following him into exile. When Pope Liberius died he was elected Pope. At the same time a minority elected Ursinus as the Pope. Ursinus was considered the anti-pope. Unrest and discord were constant during the reign of Pope Damasus.
Pope Damasus commissioned his secretary St.Jerome to translate the scripture into Latin, the Vulgate version of the Bible. He also changed the liturgical language of the Church from Greek to Latin. He worked to preserve the catacombs and the graves of the martyrs, and relics. During his reign, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state. Pope Damasus I died of natural causes in Rome on December 11, 384.
Our Lady of Guadaloupe
Mysterious mother of the Americas
On a wall, under glass, is the life-sized image of Our Lady of Guadalupe—enshrined in the Basilica of Guadalupe, on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego in December 1591. As mysterious and symbolic as the Woman of the Apocalypse described in Revelation 12, it continues to defy human explanation, including analysis from a NASA scientist. The humble cactus fiber cloak it appears on hasn’t deteriorated in more than 400 years, nor has the image, which experts from Kodak likened to a photograph though photography wasn’t invented yet. Countless miracles are associated with Guadalupe, but the greatest is the conversion of an entire continent. Pray for the people of the Americas with the Center of Concern prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe that begins: Hail Mary, Lady of Peace, We pray for the peace in our world; make us peacemakers.
St Lucy:
Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.
No one's body is polluted so as to endanger the soul if it has not pleased the mind. If you were to lift my hand to your idol and so make me offer against my will, I would still be guiltless in the sight of the true God, who judges according to the will and knows all things. If now, against my will, you cause me to be polluted, a twofold purity will be gloriously imputed to me. You cannot bend my will to your purpose; whatever you do to my body, that cannot happen to me.
St John of the Cross:
"Lord, I shall see you no more with the eyes of the flesh..."
"To saints, their very slumber is a prayer."
"The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light."
"The soul that is quick to turn to speaking and conversing is slow to turn to God."
"Who teaches the soul if not God?"
"He who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark."
"In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction."
"In order to come to union with the wisdom of God, the soul has to proceed rather by unknowing than by knowing…"
"Among all created things, and things that can be apprehended by the understanding, there is no ladder whereby the understanding can attain to this high Lord."
"This perfection consists in voiding and stripping and purifying the soul of every desire."
"Let all find compassion in you."
"Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications."
"My spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on You."
"The soul that journey's to God, but doesn't shake off its cares and quiet its appetites, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill."
"If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back."
"Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity."
"Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith."
"The fly that lands on honey makes its flight impossible."
"The soul, which does not want to give up the flavour of the spirit, prevents its freedom and its contemplation."
"Oh cherished Cross! Through thee my most bitter trials are replete with graces!"
"An action done entirely and purely for God, with a pure heart, creates a whole kingdom for those who make it."
"It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak."
"Do not ask for anything other than the cross, and precisely without consolation, because this is perfect."
"Lord, my God, do not turn away from those who do not turn away from you: how can they say that you are absent?"
"You will not find what you want or most desire, neither on this road of yours nor for that of high contemplation, but in a great humility and submission of heart."
"Make sure not to get involved in other people's things and not to let them even pass through your memory, because maybe you won't be able to complete your work."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he's travelling on, then he must close his eyes and travel in the dark."
"Speak little and do not meddle in matters about which you are not asked."
"Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire… Having nothing and possessing all things."
"Whoever flees prayer flees all that is good."
"More is gained in one hour from God's good things than in a whole lifetime from our own."
"Be silent concerning what God may have given you and recall that saying of the bride: My secret for myself."
"Deny your desires and you will find what your heart longs for. "
"For how do you know if any desire of yours is according to God?"
"Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn't seek the glory of Christ."
"God leads every soul by a separate path."
"If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection."
"Silence is God's first language."
"He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good."
POPE FRANCIS:
XVI ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS. First Session. (4-29 October 2023). Synthesis Report - (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)
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Pope article:
2. Gathered and Sent by the Trinity
Convergences
1. According to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, the Church is "a people brought together by virtue of the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" (LG 4). The Father, through the mission of the Son and the gift of the Spirit, involves us in a dynamism of communion and mission that moves us from the "I" to the "we" and places us at the service of the world. Synodality translates the Trinitarian dynamism with which God comes to meet humanity into spiritual attitudes and ecclesial processes. For this to happen, it is necessary for all the baptized to commit themselves to the reciprocal exercise of their vocation, charism, and ministry. Only in this way can the Church truly become a "conversation" (cf. Ecclesiam suam 67) within itself and with the world, walking side by side with every human being in the style of Jesus.
Since the origins, the Church's synodal journey is oriented toward the Kingdom, which will be fully accomplished when God is all in all. The witness of ecclesial fraternity and missionary dedication to the service of the least will never measure up to the Mystery of which they are also a sign and instrument. The Church does not reflect on its synodal configuration in order to place itself at the centre of the proclamation, but to best fulfil, even in its constitutive incompleteness, its service to the coming of the Kingdom.
The renewal of the Christian community is possible only by recognizing the primacy of grace. If spiritual depth is lacking, synodality remains cosmetic. What we are called to, however, is not only to translate into community processes a spiritual experience gained elsewhere, but more deeply to experience how reciprocal relationships are the place and form of an authentic encounter with God. In this sense, while drawing on the rich spiritual heritage of the Tradition, the synodal perspective contributes to renewing its forms: of a prayer open to participation, a discernment lived together, and a missionary energy that arises from sharing and that radiates as service.
Conversation in the Spirit is a tool that, even with its limitations, enables authentic listening in order to discern what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. Its practice has elicited joy, awe and gratitude and has been experienced as a path of renewal that transforms individuals, groups, and the Church. The word "conversation" expresses more than mere dialogue: it interweaves thought and feeling, creating a shared vital space. That is why we can say that conversion is at play in conversation. This is an anthropological reality found in different peoples and cultures, who gather together in solidarity to deal with and decide matters vital to the community. Grace brings this human experience to fruition. Conversing "in the Spirit" means living the experience of sharing in the light of faith and seeking God's will in an authentically evangelical atmosphere within which the Holy Spirit’s unmistakable voice can be heard.
2. Since synodality is ordered to mission, Christian communities are to enter into solidarity with those of other religions, convictions and cultures, thus avoiding, on the one hand, the risk of self-referentiality and self-preservation, and on the other hand the risk of loss of identity. The logic of dialogue, expressed in mutual learning and journeying together must come to characterize evangelical proclamation, service to those experiencing poverty, care for our common home, and theological research.
Matters for Consideration
1. To bring about true listening to the Father's will, it seems necessary to deepen the criteria of ecclesial discernment from a theological perspective so that the reference to the freedom and newness of the Spirit is appropriately coordinated with the fact that Jesus Christ comes “once for all” (Heb 10:10). This implies, first of all, to specify the relationship between listening to the Word of God attested to in Scripture, the reception of Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church, and the prophetic reading of the signs of the times.
To this end, it is crucial to promote anthropological and spiritual visions capable of integrating and not merely juxtaposing the intellectual and emotional dimensions of faith experience, overcoming any and all reductionism and dualism between reason and feeling.
It is important to clarify how conversation in the Spirit can integrate the contributions of theological thought and the humanities and social sciences, alongside other models of ecclesial discernment that are used such as the "see, judge, act" approach or the steps of "recognize, interpret, choose."
2. The contribution that Lectio Divina and different spiritual traditions, ancient and recent, can offer to the practice of discernment should be developed. Indeed, it is appropriate to value the plurality of forms and styles, methods and criteria that the Holy Spirit has suggested over the centuries and that are part of the Church's spiritual heritage.
Proposals
1. It is proposed that the Churches should experiment with and adapt conversation in the Spirit, and other forms of discernment in ways they may consider appropriate drawing from diverse spiritual traditions relevant to the needs and cultures of their contexts. Appropriate forms of accompaniment can facilitate this practice, helping to grasp its logic and overcome possible resistance.
Each local Church is encouraged to equip itself with suitable people trained to facilitate and accompany processes of ecclesial discernment.
2. In order to illuminate ecclesial life, the practice of discernment can usefully be implemented in the pastoral sphere, in a way that is contextually appropriate. This will make it possible to recognise more readily the charisms present in the community, to entrust tasks and ministries wisely. Going beyond the mere planning of activities we will be able to plan pastoral paths in the light of the Spirit.
(to be continued next week)
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html
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How to Celebrate Christmas - By Karl Rahner SJ (1904 –1984)
Have the courage to be alone. Only once you have really managed to do this and have achieved it in a Christian way can you hope to give the present of a heart filled with the Christmas spirit – in other words, a gently patient, courageously collected, softly tender heart – to those whom you are striving to love. This present is indeed something you should place under the Christmas tree, otherwise all other presents will simply be an unnecessary expense which could be incurred at any time of the year.
And so, for once, try to endure your own company for a while. Perhaps you can find a room where you can be alone. Or you may know a lonely walk or a quiet church. Don’t speak, then, not even with yourself nor with the other with whom we dispute and quarrel even when they are not there. Wait. Listen. You must not keep quiet in this way simply in order to be able to speak about it later on.
You must enter into this silence in such a way as to be resolved never to leave it again, in so far as you really make the appeal to this silence and into this silent infinity your last word standing on its own account and not existing for the sake of anything else, something which no one else need hear apart from the one to whom it is really addressed.
So: Stop, be silent, wait. Do not cast furtive glances towards some strange mystical experience. Nothing but the dispassionate clarity of truth should appear in this silence, nothing but what is pure and silent. Do not express yourself. After all, you are to accept yourself (this after all is already almost more than merely a prelude to the soft song of the angels): you are not to empty yourself in self-accusation, nor to escape from yourself by too unconcerned a rejoicing, nor to empty your own self in a smug small-minded way (for then you would have perceived nothing, neither of the celestial heights nor of the abysmal depths of you own existence).
You must allow yourself to approach silently nearer and nearer to yourself: the past, the present and the future, in this moment of silence …all the waters of your life which flow away and run out and which are collected in the one basin of a heart aware of itself…Perhaps you will realize – if you admit it honestly – how distant you are from those with whom you are in daily contact and with whom you would ordinarily say you are united in love. Perhaps you find nothing in yourself but weakness, wretchedness and things you would rather escape into the business of everyday life.
Perhaps you will not be aware of anything but an uneasy feeling of emptiness and deadness. Endure yourself! …One must look at the invisible and let the silent speak in stillness. Do that, but be careful. Do not call it God. Do not try to derive enjoyment from it, as if it were a part of yourself.
It is a mute pointer in the direction of God, something which in its namelessness and boundlessness gives us a hint of God which is more than just another thing, added to those with which we normally have to deal. It points to Him. Through it, He allows us to become aware of His presence, if we are quiet and do not take flight and run away from the mysterious being which lives and acts in this silence.
But, all this is merely the beginning, the preparation for your celebration of Christmas. If you manage to stay alone with yourself and to let the silence speak to you of the true God, then this loudly calling silence will become strangely ambiguous.
This infinity, which silently surrounds you, does it …drive you back into your limited day life?…Does if fall upon you with the merciless loneliness of death so as to make you run away from it into the more familiar sectors of your life…Or is it that which waits until you are open to its very self as something coming, the promised beatitude? If it said nothing, then we would find it quite impossible to celebrate Christmas from our heart. It tells us something, even quite exact: the message of Christmas told from within…this message is told to us by God at that point of the heart to which we should return; it is told to us by the light of the Christmas grace which enlightens everyone who comes into the world.
“… Christmas tells you in the experience of solitude to trust the nearness, it is not emptiness; let go and then you will find; give up and then you will be rich. For in your interior experience you are no longer dependent on the hard tangible phenomena… you possess much more than any such phenomena, for the infinite has become nearness. This is how you interpret your interior experience; you must experience it in this way as the most solemn feast and celebration of the divine descent of eternity into time – of the infinite into the finite.
This feast takes place within you, even within your very self. It takes place within you when you are silent, when you wait and when in faith, hope and love, you interpret correctly (that is, in the light of Christmas) what you experience…
If we accept the silent immensity that surrounds us as something distant and yet at the same time near and overpowering – as a protecting nearness and a tender love which does not make any reservations; if we have the courage to understand ourselves in this way, which is possible only with grace and in faith, then we have had the Christmas experience of grace in faith. This experience is very simple; yet it is the peace promised to men of good will who are pleasing to God.”
FOOTNOTES
1. Rahner, Karl. “Thoughts on the Theology of Christmas.” Theological Investigations, Vol. 3, 1974. 24-34.
During this Advent season, we pray that you can find time to be alone with yourself and in silence celebrate “the Divine descent of eternity into time.” It is this Divine descent that lives within you. In this way, you will truly know how to celebrate Christmas.
Putting it Into Practice
Commit to cultivating a contemplative practice. A commitment to a practice of sitting in silence for a period of 20 minutes, once or twice a day, is good. If you need to start with 10 minutes, do that till you are able to sit in silence for 20 minutes. It is best to learn traditional techniques of contemplation under the guidance of a teacher or experienced practitioner. Here at ASC, we have a weekly meeting of Centering Prayer every Tuesday in the Chapel from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm, where we practice contemplative prayer in a group setting, followed by 10 minutes of walking in silence, ending with a short reading and discussion. No experience with meditation is necessary to participate. Yet, even just ten to twenty minutes of following the arc of your inhale and exhale while in a seated posture, with eyes closed or gazing downward, can be transformative. Click “Contemplative Practices” below to see other forms of contemplative practice here at ASC.
What is Contemplation?
Contemplative practices facilitate and deepen our relationship with God. The more we practice and allow the transformation process to happen, the more we are able to experience the Indwelling Presence in everything we do. Contemplative practices give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear God calling us to the banquet that is our lives, as they are.
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
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