PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
MAY YOU HAVE A HAPPY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS!
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL - CHRISTMAS APPEAL - LOCAL CONFERENCE
Thanks to everyone for your support of the Vinnies' annual Christmas appeal and hamper drive. It was a wonderful success. This financial appeal is critical for our parish Vinnies conference to urgently assist those most in need.
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
To tune in to The Advent and Christmas Mass on audio Podcast, please visit regularly the following link:
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
Pastor’s Post:
The Annunciation would have to be one of the greatest and astounding pieces of good news ever to have been received by humanity. It turned an ordinary day into the beginning of our long hoped-for salvation.
Mary is the model for everyone who wants to follow God's ways. She was a humble servant of God who was faithful to the Lord. In her lowliness, God chose her for the most essential role: the mother of His Son.
This weekend's gospel, for the closing Sunday of Advent, is all about the greatness of that word "YES" in Mary's life and the lives of all of us who want to be Disciples of Christ. Mary's trust in God's promise is absolute. Mary continues to live according to God's ways, even when her life's events are confusing, worrying and disorientating.
It would be tragic if Mary's "yes" were the last "yes" in human history! Mary's YES becomes the pattern for many more "Yeses."
The Hebrew word "Amen" means "yes," --That is, "let it be so." And we say this "yes/ Amen" whenever we come forward for the Communion at Eucharist. We say yes, we will be the house where God, in Jesus, makes his home.
We are saying YES. we will take the divine life of God into our bodies - by the body and blood of Our Lord. And we, too, say, "Let it be done to us, according to your word." So, as unique and incredible as it seems, one of God's last known addresses is….within YOU!
Fr Paul.
FRANCE, PARIS AND LOURDES 2024 with Fr Dan Ryan,
as he celebrates 50 years of priesthood.
Would you like to travel to France from mid-May to mid-June next year with me, Fr Dan Ryan, on a French Saints Pilgrimage, with a possible extension to Rome?
I have organised a pilgrimage with Harvest Journeys to travel through France and visit the Places of Saints.
The trip will include Paris (2nights), Rouen, Lisieux(2), Mont-Saint-Michel (2), Chartes, Nevers (1), Taize, Paray le Monial (2), Ars, La Salette (1), Avignon, Lourdes (3), Montserrat(1), and Barcelona (1), Optional Rome Extension (3)
If you would like more information, you can contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156 or https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2445 . If you contact Harvest Journeys, mention my name and the pilgrimage is the French Saints Pilgrimage. There are a few brochures at the back of the church. Father Dan Ryan. A copy of the brochure is available here as well: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EuOjctr5PMLmUrxxhut9-IoMAI3OMQXQ/view?usp=sharing
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.”
(Luke 1:30)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 661574125 - TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 15, 2017: The fresco of Annunciation in church Chiesa di San Dalmazzo by Luigi Guglielmino (1916). Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES IN SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH
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)
Also Christmas Eve Mass (Sunday 24th) at 11pm, run by the Hispanic Community.
Christmas Day: 8.00 AM & 10.00 AM
Also, 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
SCHOOL NEWS - ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENT -
Saint Michael’s College Principal Anthony Elmore has announced that he will be stepping in as Acting Principal at St Joseph’s College, Coomera from now until further notice . While he is away from the College Veronica Wasiak will be Acting Principal at St Michael’s. Veronica is well known to you having been Acting Principal of the College for Semester 2, 2023 while Anthony was working in Brisbane Catholic Education Head Office.
Thank you for your continued support of our College and for your contribution to the important partnership of educating the young people of St Michael’s.
Many thanks and best wishes to Anthony and Veronica for their work.
Anthony Elmore (Acting Principal of St Joseph’s Coomera); Veronica Wasiak (Acting Principal, St Michaels)
MESSAGE STICK FROM ARCHDIOCESE
The priest of Southern Deanery - Gold Coast gathered at Surfers Paradise Parish Presbytery, for their end of year Deanery meeting and Christmas meal last week (21/12/23). We also handed back the Message Stick from the Archdiocese which has been travelling through the deanery these last few weeks. #150thanniversarymessagestick
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.
PETER HARFORD - REST IN PEACE
Stella Maris and St Vincent’s Church parishioner Peter Harford passed away recently after a long illness. His memorial was last week. His family asked anyone who knew him if they could share any anecdotes, memories, and inspiring stories of Peter. The family would love to read these memories for their consolation. Please forward any anecdotes through Fr Paul at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: (Alphabetical)
Jack Barretto, Nellie Bellinger, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Diana Castro, Cecily Cellinan, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Margaret Cusack, Geraldine Daniels, Anne Van Deurse, Nia Falekakala, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Laurel Goddard, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Mary Hirst, Lena Hiscock, 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, 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, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), Thor Skjaerbaek, Kathy Stevens, Brenda Stewart, Jim Stewart, Rose Stewart, Betty Taylor, Liza Teo, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Vic Van Der Rhede, Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Arthur “John” Robinson, Tracy Appleyard, Patricia Gray, Patricia Haber, Sybil Vos, Doreen Mary McCarthy, Peter Harford, 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., Carmel Wilkinson, Dr Frank Miau.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Dell Emma Bloomfield, Joan Sadie Brown, Patricia Anne Burton, John-Paul Camilleri, Fr Vincent Carroll, Maurice Cass, Carmen de Celis, Joseph (Joe) Che, Mr Vivian David (Viv) Cogar, Mons Daniel Cremin, Fr Martin Doyle, Lionel Stanley Duggan, Dorothy “Dolly” Dyer, Alec Edwards, Johan (John) Egner, Percy Felsman, Denis Graham, “Young Harold”, Herta Haselhorst, Norma Heather, Bill Heather, Sue Hewitt, Marian Howell, Trevor Jones, Ferdinand Paul (Paul) Kiely, Neil Davey Lawrence, Betty Lloyd, Ellice Mayhew, Fr Patrick McHugh, John Francis Moore, Fr Daniel O'Hare, Nora and Harold Stanley Ragan, Caterina Di Losa (Cathy) Randazzo, Robert Henry Rathborne, Mons Cornelius Roberts, Maria Sidic, Ernest Vincent (Vin) Smith, Rodolfo Solatan, Mariette Anna Stradiotto-Alda, Dolly Tan, Bp John Torpie, Marian Ware, Penny Natalie Woodman
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Fr James Bolton OSA, Margaret Borg, Ada Teresa Bradshaw, Fr William Cashman, Noel (Max) Patrick Christmas, Barry Charles Day, Fr John Dobson, Fr Patrick Doyle osa, Caridad Duazo, Teresa Duffy, Konrad Zbigniew Dziurdziak, Maureen Fitzgerald, William Fouad Gazal, Denis Graham, Paul Thomas Grennan, Fr Peter Grice, Fr Francis Hefferan, Murray James Hill, Fr Ron Illidge, Maureen Jobling, Stanley (Stan) Kassulke, Walter de Launey, Patricia Lazaro, Mary Jean Lenthall, Vera McCormick, Frankie Anne Mackedie, Bill Magno, John Brian McCabe, Gary John Moore, Patricia Nolan, Jack O'Brien, Fr Thomas O'Callaghan, William Patrick., Fr Denis Power, Henry Martin Prince, Imelda Mary Rundell, Abina Jean (Jean) Saalmann, Alfred Ernest (Alf) Symonds, Robert John (Bob) Thorburn, Maria Vos, Fr Vincent Wheeler, Grazyna Zyner.
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 Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Still available many gift ideas for that special person including -
statues, rosaries, medals with/ without chains plus
December Catholic Leader, (last printed edition for 2023), 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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on First Friday, 5th January at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am 6th of January.
Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA - MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.01.2024. 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 -
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
25/12/2023 Merla & Rodney Chevron Island
01/01/2024 Kathy & Erwin Chevron Island
08/01/2024 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The group will resume in the new year on Thursday 18th January.
The Bible Study Prayer Group Thursday from 5-6 pm 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. 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 24 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- NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - 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 - NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - 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 -NOW ON HOLIDAY RECESS - 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:
Mary was called to be open to the extraordinary. What do you need to say “let it be” in response to God’s call to you? Trust that the Lord is with you and will guide you always. (Luke 1:26-38)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – Luke 1:28
After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. Mary teaches us to live with joy for all we have been given. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world through our gratitude and generosity.
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 - An Embarrassment of Riches
Every so many years, we experience this happy collision of observances: the last Sunday of Advent blossoms into Christmas Eve in a single day. This means next week, the Feast of the Holy Family will roll into the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, by nightfall. It's a mad scramble for presiders, preachers, choirs, and liturgists to keep up with the whole, holy mess of these occasions. Parishioners, too, will be obliged to untangle the remarkable Mass schedule this landslide of liturgies creates. Consider it a cheerful reminder that liturgy gathers us into mysteries that are not finite but everlasting.
“Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Luke 1:26-38.
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2157071191 - religious acrylic painting Annunciation, angel Gabriel comes to Mary to tell her she's pregnant with God's baby illustration art Illustration Contributor: Valery Rybakow
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The wonderful news of the Annunciation to Mary occurred more than two thousand years ago. The message Mary received was the start of the fulfilment of God's promise, made to King David one thousand years before that. That timeline is so long that it is hard to comprehend. God has a very, very long memory. The people of Israel hoped and trusted in God's promise to King David. And as the years went on, (and there were many years); that hope was boosted, and then seemingly shattered, then rebuilt.
After all this time, (in the fullness of time), God's promise is fulfilled at the home of a humble maiden.
Here, we can learn our response from Mary to God's message: "Be it done to me according to your word." If only we could all learn to respond to the Lord in such a wonderful way as Mary did! May we more readily and with joy proclaim: "Be it done to me according to your word!"
Mary is the model for all of us who want to follow God's ways. She was a humble servant of God who was faithful to the Lord. In her lowliness, God chose her for the most important role: the mother of His Son.
This weekend's gospel, for the closing Sunday of Advent, is all about the greatness of that word "YES" in Mary's life and in the lives of all of us who want to be Disciples of Christ. Mary's trust in God's promise is absolute. Mary continues to live according to God's ways, even when the events in her life are confusing and worrying and disorientating.
It would be a tragedy if Mary's "yes" were the last "yes" in human history! In fact, Mary's YES becomes the pattern for many more "Yesses."
The Hebrew word "Amen" means "yes," --That is, "let it be so." And we say this "yes/ Amen" whenever we come forward for the Communion at Eucharist. We say yes, we will be the house where God, in Jesus, makes his home.
We are saying YES. we will take the divine life of God into our bodies - by the body and blood of Our Lord. And we, too, say, "Let it be done to us, according to your word." So, as amazing and wonderful as it seems, one of God's last known addresses is….within YOU!
One thing I find really striking and challenging. Mary's wonderful reply to the Angel was very down-to-earth and with no puffed-up pride. She answers: "I am God's servant !!" Mary is saying to God, "I am your servant. I am your humble slave; let it be done to me according to your word."? Briefly put, We are here to do things God's way, not our way.
May this Advent bring us all closer to the Lord because He is always close to us. God loves us and sends His Son to save us. Mary intercedes for us as we learn from her complete trust in God's plan and learn to serve her Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.
We say YES to God's invitation to cooperate in the constant work of building up God's Kingdom, not only in heaven but here and now, in this life. May this coming Christmas celebration be a time of incredible renewal and peace as we allow God's grace to strengthen and build upon our YES. Inspired by Mary's great YES to God.
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver,
Desire of the nations, Saviour of all people.
Come and set us free.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Celebrating the Gospels; My Daily Visitor, Nov-Dec 2011; Monastery Of Christ In The Desert. Abbot's Homily. http://christdesert.org;
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2157071191 - religious acrylic painting Annunciation, angel Gabriel comes to Mary to tell her she's pregnant with God's baby illustration art Illustration Contributor: Valery Rybakow
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 Stephen. The First Martyr
Died in Jerusalem at about 35. The feast of Stephen has been celebrated on this day since the fourth century. A Greek-speaking Jew, one of seven appointed by the apostles for special service (Diakonia). He died confessing Christ and seeking divine mercy for those stoning him. Named in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I). Remembered for preaching with wisdom and the Spirit (Acts 6:10), as one "full of grace and power" who "did great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).
St John the Apostle
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God”
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
“Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus is with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22: 20-21)
Holy Innocents
“These then, whom Herod’s cruelty tore as sucklings from their mother’s bosom, are justly hailed as “infant martyr flowers”; they were the Church’s first blossoms, matured by the frost of persecution during the cold winter of unbelief.” St Augustine.
St Thomas Becket
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
Remember the sufferings of Christ, the storms that were weathered... the crown that came from those sufferings which gave new radiance to the faith... All saints give testimony to the truth that without real effort, no one ever wins the crown.
Better are the blows of a friend than the false kisses of an enemy. Many are needed to plant and water what has been planted now that the faith has spread so far and there are so many people... No matter who plants or waters, God gives no harvest unless what is planted is the faith of Peter and unless he agrees to his teachings.
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session one of the Synod on Synodality.
Matters for Consideration
Proposals -
4. People in Poverty, Protagonists of the Church's Journey
Convergences
1. Those in poverty ask the Church for love. By love, they mean respect, acceptance and recognition, without which providing food, money or social services represents forms of support that are certainly important but which do not fully take account of the dignity of the person. Each person needs to be enabled to determine their own means of growth rather than be the object of the welfare action of others. Being afforded recognition and respect are powerful ways of enabling this.
The preferential option for the poor is implicit in Christological faith: Jesus, poor and humble, befriended people in poverty, shared a table with them, and denounced the causes of poverty. For the Church, the preferential option for the poor and those at the margins is a theological category before being a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one. For St. John Paul II, God offers His mercy first to them. This divine preference has consequences for the lives of all Christians, who are called to nourish “the same mind … as Jesus Christ” (Phil 2:5).
Poverty is not just of one kind. Among the many faces of those in poverty are those who do not have the things they need to lead a dignified life. There are also migrants and refugees; indigenous peoples, original and Afro-descendent peoples; those who suffer violence and abuse, in particular women; people struggling with addiction; minorities who are systematically denied a voice; abandoned elderly people; victims of racism, exploitation, and trafficking, especially minors; exploited workers; the economically excluded, and others living on the peripheries. The most vulnerable of the vulnerable, on whose behalf constant advocacy is needed, include the unborn and their mothers. The Assembly hears the cry of the "new poor," produced by wars and terrorism that plague many countries on several continents, and the Assembly condemns the corrupt political and economic systems that cause such strife.
Alongside forms of material poverty, many also experience spiritual poverty, understood as lacking a sense of life’s meaning. An excessive preoccupation with oneself can lead to seeing others as a threat, which in turn causes us to further turn in on ourselves, expressing a certain kind of individualism. When the spiritually and materially poor encounter one another, they begin a journey towards finding answers to each other’s needs. This is a way of walking together that makes the perspective of the synodal Church concrete, which will reveal to us the fullest sense of the Gospel beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3).
Standing with those who are poor requires engaging with them in caring for our common home: the cry of the earth and the cry of those living in poverty are the same cry. The lack of responses to this cry makes the ecological crisis, and climate change in particular, a threat to the survival of humanity. The Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, published by Pope Francis to coincide with the opening of the work of the Synod Assembly, emphasises this. The Church in countries most exposed to the consequences of climate change are keenly aware of the urgent need to change course, and this represents their contribution to the journey of other local churches in various parts of the planet.
The Church’s commitment must address the causes of poverty and exclusion. This includes actions to protect the rights of those who are excluded, and this may require public denunciation of injustices, whether perpetrated by societal structures or by individuals, corporations or governments. Essential to hearing the voice of those in poverty is listening to their demands and points of view, and utilising their own words.
Christians have a duty to commit themselves to active participation in building up the common good and defending the dignity of life, drawing inspiration from the Church's social doctrine and working together in various ways, through engagement in civil society organizations, trade unions, popular movements, grassroots associations, in the field of politics, and so forth. The Church is deeply grateful for them. The community has a duty to support those who work in these fields in a genuine spirit of charity and service. Their action is part of the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel and bring about the coming of the Kingdom of God.
2. The Christian community encounters the face and flesh of Christ, who, though he was rich, became poor for our sake, that we might become rich through his poverty (cf. 2 Cor 8:9). It is called not only to be close to them, but to learn from them. If becoming synodal means walking together with the One who is the Way, a synodal Church needs to put those experiencing poverty at the centre of all aspects of its life: through their sufferings, they have direct knowledge of the suffering Christ (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, no. 198). The likeness of their lives to that of the Lord makes those who are poor heralds of salvation received as a gift and witnesses to the joy of the Gospel.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1350611300 - Closeup of wooden Italian cross Catholic rosary with bokeh blurry background of Vatican church St Peter's Square Basilica during mass audience on sunny summer day - Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: Kristi Blokhin
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html
What is the purpose of Market On Fairway.?
A place where creativity and concern for personal income open doors to a world of dreams.
I invite you to participate without the commitment of a contract or exuberant exposure, your work has a lot of value as each discovers their talent. All applications will be emailed, I hope to hear from you. From Grace R. grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Fr Paul (2023)
To listen to the Christmas Mass (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - If the Mass for Christmas is not yet published, please re-visit regularly a day or so before Christmas
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
It is such a beautiful time this Christmas Season.
We celebrate God, who loved us so much that he made his home with us… to share our joys and sorrows, our graces and temptations, our failures and successes.
The wonder of this Christmas season is shown by the sight of so many people… Family, friends, and parishioners gathered together at Christmas masses and wonderful gatherings for meals.
Making contact with family and friends who are far away…..
Christmas is about family. And through the Birth of Our Lord, that first Christmas night, we are all made, forever, brothers and sisters in God's family. We are all one beloved family in Christ who loves us beyond words.
It is hard to imagine this now, but in the very early years of the church, Christmas was actually not a major feast. But, over the centuries, it grew in importance, and the great and inspiring Saint Francis of Assisi catapulted the popularity of the Christmas feast’s popularity 800 years ago today- Happy anniversary to the Christmas Crib…. The nativity scene……… Way back in the year 1223, THE HUMBLE and inspiring Saint Francie created the first nativity scene in a cave with live animals. Christmas Midnight Mass was celebrated there, and it was a huge hit with the whole town. The tradition of the Christmas crib or crèche was born. Francis loved Christmas, considering it the “Feast of Feasts” because God chose to take the humble form of a poor baby. (and he was so right!) Now, all these centuries later, we still very much allow the wonder of the God-made-flesh to fill our hearts and minds. (prepare the word 2023)
God could have come to this world in any way he wanted - to save us… but God chose exactly this way to enter into human history… and bring us the fullness of life….. by being born as a poor baby in a stable…. Lying in a food trough….(a manger), and Attended to by his devoted mother and step-father, and only some poor shepherds……
This was deliberate,,,,
The great saint, John Vianney (Cure de Ars) says that the people of Israel had spent - 4000 years praying for God to come.. But, when he eventually came, there weren’t sufficient people alert enough to give the son of God and his mother and step-father even a place to rest for the night he was born… So many people missed his arrival completely ……because Their idea of what this king.. and son of God would be like had gotten so caught up with earthly concepts that they missed him when he actually finally arrived….. humble, poor and approachable.
Throughout history, people have still questioned….. why God chose to be born in a stable in Bethlehem. Surely, it was too poor and unseemly a place for “The Christ” and the “King of the universe” to be born.
But, St Thomas Aquinas responded, [The Lord] put to silence the vain boasting of people who take pride in being born in great cities, where they also desire to receive great honours. On the contrary, Christ willed to be born in a poor city and a humble stable….and willed that, at the end of his life, to suffer reproach in a great city. [St Thomas added}/…., [And] so ……, He chose a poor mother and a birthplace poorer still. .. because - as said so well in the Scriptures: “God chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong”
There is a beautiful uniqueness to the God we believe in …… Very much different from other images of (lower-case) false “gods” throughout history….
One can sum up the Christmas message compared with different images of God in an example featuring three different characters – I am sure we can recognise which description represents our God… the one and only and true God….
Imagine a person has fallen into a deep and muddy well and is now hopelessly stuck there…….
Imagine three different versions of a god walking past and seeing that person stuck down there……
The first image of god is one who tells us humans….
1. If you had listened to me, you wouldn’t have fallen in the hole…. And walks on…….
2. Come up here, and I can help you with your decisions here…that will prevent you from falling into a hole again….…..
….. And walks away….
And thirdly and most beautifully
3. This God…. … ties a rope to himself… and Jumps straight down into the muddy hole…and trudges towards the poor person mired in the mud, then - clambering around in the mess….. drags and lifts him out….…. even ready to lose his own life, to save the person who is stuck.
This last one is, of course, Jesus… “God with us,…” ..
Why Was Jesus Born When and Where He Was? --- because in the whole history of time… this was the moment most able to spring forth the fullness of God’s unfolding plan of love……
Why a poor and utterly vulnerable baby?????
"We are used to loving others in return for what they can do for us, for their capacity to entertain, charm, or soothe us. Yet babies …..teach us to give without expecting anything in return, simply because (they completely need our help, care and love to survive) - and we are in a position to provide that love and care.
This is what Our Lord did! - on that first Christmas eve… { and every day after that……he reaches out generously, giving love… inviting us to do the same……..}.
And it has changed the world forever… and by this, he has brought salvation to the world! - He has saved us!
We remember today, the birthday of a person whose whole life (from birth, ministry, death to resurrection) speaks of complete self-giving and love.
Jesus shows us how to act and respond with purpose - filled with kindness and generosity, come what may. (Jesus, even in the face of the absolute worst things that an ungrateful world threw back at him, steadfastly refused to return hatred for hatred… He refused to return lack of love with a similar lack of love……. He would not ever stop giving freely of his compassion, his mercy, his generosity, and his healing. In short, he loved unreservedly... He IS love !! (because God is love). He shows us God’s nature as love… in human form…… and invites us to join him in living his love and giving this to others too...
Amidst all this joy and hope, and also the worry and messiness of life….. (today/tonight) is indeed news of extraordinary joy and amazing wonder and significance. Joy to be shared by all people of every time and place!.
May Christ grant us peace, and joy this season, and all year round…. … And plant peace in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
The world needs the peace of the Christ-child more than ever. May the Lord grant the world his deep and abiding peace.
Happy Christmas
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
A MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE ABOUT THE VATICAN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT BLESSINGS OF PEOPLE
RESPONDING TO FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24, 26). The new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fiducia Supplicans (Trusting Supplication), bearsthe sub-title On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings, which is the key to understanding what it says. Before all else, it is a clear and penetrating reflection on the meaning of blessings of any kind. They are not all of a piece. Some blessings, like the Nuptial Blessing, are strictly liturgical and find their proper setting in the liturgical rites of the Church. Others – like the many and varied blessings a priest or deacon gives after Mass – are less formal and public. They tend to be spontaneous rather than scripted, private rather than public, responding to a need in a particular moment of a person’s life. These blessings are sacramentals rather than sacraments; and their proper setting is popular piety rather than the liturgy.
Requests for such blessings rise from a person’s sense of need and a recognition that the all-loving God will respond to that need. Need and faith converge to produce the request, and the ordained minister responds to the need by mediating the blessing of God. The faith of the whole Church is gathered up in the blessing, faith in a God who never ceases to bless and who is closest to those most in need.
When people request a blessing after Mass, the priest or deacon does not enquire about their worthiness. The blessing is given unconditionally. The same is true of those who at Communion time come for a blessing: a simple blessing is given, whatever their situation in life might be. This is a recognition that God’s blessing is not for the perfect but for those who, often in the face of great difficulty, are making their way step by step to the fulness of life in God. The blessing is God’s word of encouragement to them to keep moving, not to give up, and to know that God is with them on their way, whatever their imperfections, even their sins or sinful situation.
Against this background, the Holy See has said that it is possible to bless people in irregular unions, such as those remarried after divorce or those in same-sex relationships. To say that it is possible is not to say that it is mandatory; to say that you may is not to say that you must. No ordained minister is obliged to offer such a blessing, though those who prefer not to should reflect on why and consider referring the supplicants to someone who will.
Those who choose to offer a blessing will have to exercise pastoral wisdom and sensitivity to judge when, where and how the blessing is offered. It should not be done in a liturgical setting; and given its essentially private character, it would be best done without a large gathering or the glare of cameras. No texts or ritual will be provided by the Bishops Conference or the Archdiocese; the ordained minister himself will have to decide the words best suited to the situation. Such words could include a prayer that these two people will always strive to know more of the will of God in their life, that they will keep moving on the path of faith towards the God who loves them, that they will know his peace on the way and always be open to the joy of his forgiveness.
There should be no linkage of the blessing with a civil union, and none of the rituals or symbols associated with marriage should accompany the blessing. This is because the Holy See’s Declaration makes clear that the Church’s teaching on marriage remains intact: marriage is a free and life-long covenant between a man and a woman which is open to new life. The Declaration distinguishes between the doctrinal and the pastoral. The Church’s doctrine is not changed, but new pastoral possibilities are opened up in response to the reality of human experience and significant shifts at least in Western cultures. With couples in irregular unions, this means that the union itself is not blessed but the two people who seek the blessing. In that sense, the blessing is not a validation of the union but of two people who, in the midst of life’s uncertainties and compromises, are seeking the peace and happiness which God wills for all his children.
One implication of this is that the blessing would not allow those blessed to receive Holy Communion, though it does mean that they remain children of the Church and will be accompanied by the Church in every way possible. A mother never ceases to be mother to her children: that is at the heart of the blessing and of what the Holy See has offered in Fiducia Supplicans. “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come’. Let whoever hears say, ‘Come’. Let those who thirst come; let those who desire take the water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17).
+ Mark Coleridge
Archbishop of Brisbane
22 December 2023
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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