PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:33)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1879164823 - candle light vigil - Important information
Editorial Use Only. - Photo Contributor: SANJEEV SYAL
Pastor’s Post: Keep Watch! Keep Awake!
Our Church year begins on this weekend with the first Sunday of Advent. A time of preparation, expectation and waiting. But it's not an idle wait. We are called to be awake and prepared. Particularly using this time before the Feast of Christ's birth at Christmas, to be aware of our need to be busy and active in cooperating with God in the building up of God's kingdom in the places we live and work and socialise. We make room for Christ so that his coming will open our hearts to respond to his values and leadership. May this be a wonderful preparation time for the feast of God who lives with us.
Advent has two particular qualities: It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered. Secondly, Advent is a season where our mind and heart is directed to awaiting Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. (Roman Calendar, 1969)
ADVENT is a time of waiting and new beginnings. Advent translates as "Arrival" or "coming." We are preparing for the commemoration of when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. God has entered human history at a specific and unique time and place. Jesus comes to us in so many ways in our daily lives, and we are invited to be open to receive him and respond to his actions and we also await his coming on the last day. You will have noticed a couple of things are a little different in this Advent season we are now in. Every season of the church year takes on a distinct tone and feeling. Firstly, the colour of the season of Advent is Purple (or "Violet").
Naturally, in the lead-up to Christmas (in this time of waiting and preparing), The Gloria is not sung (or recited) again until Christmas night. (Except if there is a Solemnity such as the Immaculate Conception).
With the start of Advent, a new Church year has begun and with it comes a new reading cycle. We are now beginning YEAR B, systematically reading through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel was written about 65-67 AD, most likely in Rome. Mark wrote to strengthen his community during impending persecution by the Roman Empire. The Gospel covers Our Lord's ministry in Galilee and beyond, his journey to Jerusalem, his symbolic actions and teachings, his rejection, passion, death and resurrection. The secret that is slowly revealed in the journey of this Gospel is that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, who has the authority and power of God. He offered his life to save us all.
Today we are reminded to stay awake and stay alert; there is no time like the present to be about God's work. Since we do not know the day of the Lord's coming, God expects us to be like faithful members of the master's household who have the Lord's interest at heart and not just our own self- interest. So, whilst we do not know the day or the hour we can ensure that our priorities and choices, values and actions are at all times consistent with the values of Christ in the gospel. To deepen our fundamental core values to be based on love, compassion, generosity, empathy, justice, mercy and practical assistance to those who are in need. We should not be waiting like people who are afraid of their employer since God invites us to share in his vision and way of seeing the world.
If the master comes unexpectedly, even in the events and circumstances of our daily lives, we hope our reaction will be joyous and welcoming. Look, Lord, we have been working away at the things you love. We hope you are pleased with our priorities and actions.
Fr Paul Kelly.
“How To Hear From God" Talk.
Thanks to all who were able to attend the talk last Sunday. We heard about the importance and beauty of the prayer of Lection Divina, a regular meditation on the Holy Word of God. From Western Christianity, Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word.] In the view of one commentator, it does not treat Scripture as texts to be merely studied, but as the living word.
Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; and contemplate. First, a passage of Scripture is read, and then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God.
SAINT VINCENT de Paul - Christmas Appeal - Local 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 all look towards the Advent season and prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, the Surfers Paradise Vinnies conference calls on all parishioners to help give hope to struggling local families.
On the weekend of the 9th and 10th of December, the Vinnies' annual Christmas appeal will occur with collections at the end of every Mass. This financial appeal is critical for our parish Vinnies conference to assist those most in need urgently.
The ongoing generosity of this parish has ensured that local Vincentians have supported over 550 local families in need this year.
Many families we visit need urgent support with basic necessities, including food, fuel and clothing. We increasingly see companions at risk of homelessness, and we aim to do all that we can to help them retain their homes or obtain temporary respite from living on the streets. Due to your support, we have provided hope to an increasing number of families. Your generosity in the past year has helped local Vincentians to provide over $35k of urgent food and fuel assistance and more than $30k in rental, utility, furniture and medical assistance - collectively helping to provide locals with hope and a hand up where the current cost of living crisis is not ending.
Any support helps; however, a $75 donation helps provide a family with enough food for a week, ensuring that kids do not go to bed hungry. $250 helps Vincentians provide emergency electricity or utility bill relief, keeping the lights on and helping kids complete schooling. Increasingly, Vincentians visit local families at risk of eviction amid a rental crisis - where we can help; on average, it costs us $600 to bring rent up to date and keep a family in their home.
Should you wish to understand more about our conference's good works or have any questions, you can email our conference at sv4217@svdpqld.org.au ; the President Craig.McMahon@svdpqld.org.au or the Treasurer Adrian.Biermann@svdpqld.org.au
Best regards,
SVDP Surfers Paradise Conference
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, Helen Bohringer, Julie & Paul Bowden, Coralie Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Elizabeth Capoluco, Diana Castro, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), Cecily Cellinan, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Margaret Cusack, Geraldine Daniels, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Laurel Goddard, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Peter Harford, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Mary Hirst, Paul Hodges, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, 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, Thor Skjaerbaek, Kathy Stevens, Brenda Stewart, Jim Stewart, Rose Stewart, Betty Taylor, Liza Teo, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Anne Van Deurse, Karen Vestergard, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
John Foulds, Mick Sherrard, Keith Weissel, 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)
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.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Julio Astorga, Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, Anna Guila Diepold, Jan Falk, Barbara Anne Farrell, Fr Joseph Flannery, Jan Hart, Joseph Horvatt, Arnold Jones, Howard John (John) Jones, Mons Grantly Lake, Peter John Llewellyn, Anthony John Makin, Doris Mathews, Catherine Phythian (Mitchell), Fr Gerard Mulholland SVD, “Kaiden (Joseph) Ng”, Rev Dr Owen Oxenham, Michelina Pernazza, Marie Peters, Angela Radin, Fr Dennis Riley, Shirley Ryan, Fr John Shannon, Fr Neal Shannon, Joan Valmae Stewart, Fr Keith Turner CSSR.
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
Christmas cards,
December Catholic Leader, (last printed edition)
Daily Mass Books,
2024 Columban Calendars,
Church Art Calendars,
Wood Scroll Calendars,
2024 God’s Word,
Children’s storybooks,
Adult and Children’s Bibles,
and many Christmas figurines and nativities still available until sold out.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday
The 1st of December at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30pm. All are welcome.
Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY ADORATION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am 2nd of December; Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Marian Valley
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.12.2023. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, All are welcome.
OUR LADY’S STATUE - Tenth Anniversary!
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next four weeks are
4/12/2023 June Nye Carrara
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
Communing with the God Who Comes to Us
This quiet weekend is an opportunity to reflect upon the God who constantly chooses to come to us in a loving relationship. Hosted and Facilitated by Grace Harwood of Dragonfly Ministries. When: Friday 15 December 2023 at 6 pm – Sunday 17 December 2023 at 3 pm OR Friday 12 January 2024 at 6 pm – Sunday 14 January 2024 at 3 pm Where: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston.
Cost: $400 ($380 for concessions) includes all accommodation, meals (an additional fee for complex special diets), resources, spiritual direction and facilitation. To register or enquire: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group continues on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave Surfers Paradise. Come along and read/study Break Open the Word once a week on a Thursday evening from 5 to 6 p.m.
Studying “Break Open the Word” helps you to remember the readings for the upcoming Sunday service and enjoy fellowship with other Catholics / Christians.
Our Parish at the weekend Masses proclaims the New Revised Standard Version.
In the end, prayerfully together, we will all leave the study session being like-minded, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about learning and understanding scripture-based faith based around our Lord Jesus Christ and the love He intended for His church and each one of us. Further enquires to Ashley 040984069.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0428090703.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - 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-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH - LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 12TH DECEMBER AND WILL RESUME ON 16TH JANUARY
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE - LAST DAY FOR THE YEAR 2023 ON 19TH DECEMBER AND WILL RESUME ON 9TH JANUARY
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
Marian Valley - The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - 8th December 2023
10AM Holy Hour, Rosary and Confession followed by an 11AM Mass with Archbishop Mark Coleridge as the main celebrant with the blessing and distribution of Miraculous Medals.
1215PM Lunch break (food available at the cafeteria for minimal cost)
1.15PM Eucharistic procession to the Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima, Novena, Benediction and Blessing of each person/family. Please come and join us - 2541 Beechmont Road, Canungra.
MARIAN VALLEY ADVENT RETREAT - FROM 8-10 DECEMBER
Topics that will be covered:
Advent with BVM
What is Advent? Misconception addressed
Freedom from slavery and the compassion of God
How and Why did man need redemption? A crash course in salvation history
Hope! Jesus Christ: The Promises of God fulfilled
The Great ‘O Antiphons’: E.R.O.C.R.A.S.
Preparing a way for the Lord!
We have very limited paid accommodation but is open to, and encourage day visits for those who are living 30-45 minutes away from Marian Valley, Canungra. Food can be purchased and drinks also. All tea, coffee and water is free; nevertheless, donations are welcome.
Detailed program and relevant sign-up sheets can be requested from your local parish within the Gold Coast deanery.
Contact person and details: Fr Zachary Lewis, O.S.P.P.E. (07) 5533 3617 / marianvalley@bigpond.com
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
A VOCATION VIEW:
It’s Advent, almost Christmas! A Season of dreams comes true. Be on guard. The Lord may call you to follow Him. ‘Be watchful! Be alert!’ The call towards a vocation can come at an unexpected day and hour; prepare your heart to always say ‘yes’ to God. (Mark 13:33)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” - Mark 13:33
We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. We make our lives too busy. We plan our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, every day, and listen to how God is calling you right now to help build His kingdom on earth.
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 season of welcome
“We are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” (Isaiah 64:8).
The colour violet reminds us that a new season has begun: a time to prepare to welcome Christ in our midst for all days and in all persons. Coincidentally, Advent starts this year on World Day for Persons with Disabilities. How welcoming is our church to the people with physical and mental challenges? Not just improving accessibility with an entrance ramp or elevator but providing accommodations for those with hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments, including for liturgies and sacramental preparation? Take a look around your own parish. Is it true that "all are welcome"?
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2324788325 - DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY - AUGUST 28, 2019: Nachtwachter (Night Watchman) leading a walking tour in Dinkelsbuhl, Bavaria state, Germany. Important information: Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor - Matyas Rehak.
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Prologue:
Keep watch… stay awake… be prepared…..These instructions remind us that surely, countless Christ-filled moments and Kingdom-building moments come our way every day – and in so many moments through the hours of each day……. and who knows how many are missed. Perhaps sometimes we are aware of how we missed these Christ-filled moments …..or feel that we responded poorly to them because we were on the back foot and not ready, and so, as this Advent time begins, we remain alert and awake. .
During the season of Advent, we will be featuring here, a Hymn for Advent that I composed. Entitled: "O Come, Lord. " - This hymn is dedicated to the Memory of (my friend since early school days… Paolo Mario - (Paul) -Giacomantonio (1968-2020). May he rest forever in the arms of Our Lord.
- And in this Advent time… we pray: ” Oh Come, Lord Jesus. Come and Save us!” –
Homily: “Readiness” - (Fr Paul)
Saint Augustine once wrote: "It is by design that Our Lord hid the time and date of the last day from us. It is so that we would be on the lookout for Christ every day of our lives. "
If we were somehow to know when the day of the Lord will come, we would focus on the deadline. The endpoint. Instead of being busy with our work along the way. The Kingdom is not a conclusion point. The Kingdom is a way to live and act in each moment of life here and now.
No wonder many completely missed the first coming of the Messiah, some two thousand years ago. they were looking into the past or the distant future and completely missed what was happening in the present! They were also looking for the wrong signs. They expected a warrior king. but the one who arrived was a suffering servant. He came and went and many were not awake to his presence among them. The pattern of watchfulness is the same as Christ's passion and death. On that night before, the disciples fell asleep; they were unprepared when Our Lord was arrested under cover of darkness, and were unprepared and shocked, despite Our Lord's constant teachings to them and his equally strident warnings to prepare themselves for the shocks and ordeals ahead, - and – unprepared - they became frightened and confused and ran away; abandoning our Lord. Peter was also not as ready as he needed to be - when he was accused of knowing Christ and, in the pressure of the moment, desperately and unthinkingly denied Christ three times before the cockcrow.
And at dawn. The Lord was sent to be tried. By contrast. Jesus was ready at all times.
We must be, too! —Alert and always ready to live the gospel.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to "stay awake ", and to pay attention. But pay attention to what? TO the things of the Kingdom around us. Being attentive to our lives. Looking at our family member or friend in the eye when they're telling us something. Notice the look of worry or frustration on our friend's brow. Taking time to savour the things around us that we see, hear, and taste, and staying alert for news of hardships suffered by people in our own community or even further afield.
Advent is a time to be watchful and see if we are ready; Ready to welcome Christ in so many ways.
Meanwhile, as Saint Paul says in the second reading: "You will not be without any of the gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. (1 Corinthians 1:7)
Am I willing to let God be the potter and myself be the clay in his hands, shaping my life? We believe in God, but do we trust in God sufficiently to allow God to mould us and shape us in different directions than our own wilfulness– to step back from the control seat and let God steer us a bit more? To open ourselves to being transformed by God's hand.
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (1999). Preaching the new lectionary. Year B. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press; Birmingham, M. (2000). Word & worship workbook for year B. New York, N. Y.: Paulist Press. P 55-56; Link, M. (2000). Mission. Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year B. Allen, Tex. : Resources for Christian Living
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2324788325 - DINKELSBUHL, GERMANY - AUGUST 28, 2019: Nachtwachter (Night Watchman). Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Matyas Rehak.
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
December 4: Saint JOHN DAMASCENE, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Iconic inspiration
Think of how much the sacred images of Jesus, Mary, angels, and the saints—in painting, stained glass, and sculpture—have filled your life and your devotional prayer, and also stimulated your spirit. You might have many sacred images throughout your home. Perhaps you can find them in different public places in your city. Our Catholic churches are certainly full of them. Think of how much they inspire and prompt you to momentary prayer, a fleeting lifting of your heart and mind to God as you pass by them, or long stretches on your knees, deep in conversation. You can partly thank John Damascene, who defended holy images against iconoclasm, a movement in the eighth century that was opposed to the veneration of icons. Treasure the rich imagery of our tradition.
The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God.
In former times, God, who is without form or body, could never be depicted. But now when God is seen in the flesh conversing with men, I make an image of the God whom I see. I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake.
All who ask receive, those who seek find, and to those who knock it shall be opened. Therefore, let us knock at the beautiful garden of Scripture. It is fragrant, sweet, and blooming with various sounds of spiritual and divinely inspired birds. They sing all around our ears, capture our hearts, comfort the mourners, pacify the angry, and fill us with everlasting joy.
I do not worship matter, I worship the God of matter, who became matter for my sake and deigned to inhabit matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. I will not cease from honoring that matter which works for my salvation. I venerate it, though not as God.
If a pagan asks you to show him your faith, take him into church and place him before the icons.
The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God. Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics, and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death so that we may also share their crowns of glory.
The Eucharist is a fire which inflames us
Think of the Father as a spring of life begetting the Son like a river and the Holy Ghost like a sea, for the spring and the river and sea are all one nature. Think of the Father as a root, and of the Son as a branch, and the Spirit as a fruit, for the substance in these three is one. The Father is a sun with the Son as rays and the Holy Ghost as heat.
The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God. ... I do not worship matter. I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter, who worked out my salvation through matter. Never will I cease honoring the matter which wrought my salvation! I honor it, but not as God. Because of this I salute all remaining matter with reverence, because God has filled it with his grace and power. Through it my salvation has come to me.
Gluttony should be destroyed by self-control; unchastity by desire for God and longing for the blessings held in store; avarice by compassion for the poor; anger by goodwill and love for all men; worldly dejection by spiritual joy; listlessness by patience, perseverance and offering thanks to God; self-esteem by doing good in secret and by praying constantly with a contrite heart; and pride by not judging or despising anyone in the manner of the boastful Pharisee (cf. Lk. 18:11-12), and by considering oneself the least of all men.
Devotion to you, O Blessed Virgin, is a means of salvation which God gives to those whom he wishes to save.
Because of the Incarnation, I salute all remaining matter with reverence.
Christ the Lord is risen. Our joy that hath no end.
How can this come about?" Mary asked. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you," the angel answered, "and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow." And now you are the one who puts the question: "How can bread become Christ and wine His Blood?" I answer: "The power of the Holy Spirit will be at work to give us a marvel which surpasses understanding.
Angels are intelligent reflections of light, that original light which has no beginning. They can illuminate. They do not need tongues or ears, for they can communicate without speech, in thought.
O Mother of God! If I place my confidence in thee, I shall be saved; if I am under thy protection, I have nothing to fear; for the fact of being thy client is a possession of a certainty of salvation which God grants only to those whom He intends to save.
If the Word of God is living and powerful, and if the Lord does all things whatsoever he wills; if he said, "Let there be light", and it happened; if he said, "let there be a firmament", and it happened; ...if finally the Word of God himself willingly became man and made flesh for himself out of the most pure and undefiled blood of the holy and ever Virgin, why should he not be capable of making bread his Body and wine and water his Blood?... God said, "This is my Body", and "This is my Blood."
The day of the Nativity of the Mother of God is a day of universal joy, because through the Mother of God, the entire human race was renewed, and the sorrow of the first mother, Eve, was transformed into joy.
He who does not believe according to the tradition of the Catholic Church is an unbeliever.
An angel is an intelligent essence, always in motion. It has free will, is incorporeal, serves God, and has been bestowed with immortality. Only the Creator understands its true nature.
To serve Mary and to be her courtier is the greatest honor we can possibly possess; for to serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there; and to live under her command is more than to govern.
Both angels and demons are ignorant of the future, yet they make predictions. The angels do so when God reveals the future to them and commands them to prophesy, and what they prophesy comes to pass. Demons also make predictions, but these are only guesses based on what they see from afar.
Because the one who by excellency of nature transcends all quantity and size and magnitude...has now...contracted himself into a quantity and size and has acquired a physical identity, do not hesitate any longer to draw pictures and to set forth, for all to see, him who has chosen to let himself be seen.
St Nicholas
"The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to imitate God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves." - St. Nicholas of Myra
"Children, I beseech you to correct your hearts and thoughts, so that you may be pleasing to God. Consider that although we may reckon ourselves to be righteous and frequently succeed in deceiving men, we can conceal nothing from God. Let us therefore strive to preserve the holiness of our souls and to guard the purity of our bodies with all fervor. Ye are the temple of God, says the divine Apostle Paul; If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy." - St. Nicholas of Myra.
On many other occasions after his death as well as during his lifetime, Saint Nicholas has miraculously assisted ships in distress and people making voyages, and so is venerated as the protector of all who sail the seas. Thus, one day during a gale, he appeared at the helm of a ship in distress and brought it safely to port; and on another occasion, he rescued a passenger who fell overboard crying, “Saint Nicholas, help me!” and at once found himself at home surrounded by his astounded family.
St Ambrose
“No one heals himself by wounding another.”
“If you have two shirts in your closet, one belongs to you and the other to the man with no shirt.”
“Father, if possible, take away this cup from me." Many cling to this text to use the sadness of the Savior as proof that he had weakness from the beginning rather than taking it on for a time. In this way, they distort the natural meaning of the sentence. I, however, consider it not only as something that does not need to be excused but nowhere else do I admire his tender love and majesty. He would have given me less had he not taken on my emotions. Thus he suffered affliction for me, who did not have to suffer anything for himself. Setting aside the enjoyment of his divinity, he is afflicted with the annoyance of my weakness. He took on my sadness to bestow on me his joy. He descended into the anguish of death by following in our footsteps so that he might call us back to life by following in his footsteps. I do not hesitate to speak of sadness since I am preaching the cross; he took on not the appearance but the reality of the Incarnation. Thus, instead of avoiding it, he had to take on the pain to overcome sadness.”
“modesty, for that is the friend and ally of calmness of mind.”
“Death was not part of nature; it became part of nature. God did not decree death from the beginning; he prescribed it as a remedy. Human life was condemned because of sin to unremitting labour and unbearable sorrow, and so began to experience the burden of wretchedness. There had to be a limit to its evils; death had to restore what life had forfeited. Without the assistance of grace, immortality is more of a burden than a blessing.”
“Woman, the child of so many tears shall never perish.” ― St. Ambrose, spoken in response to Saint Monica, who begged for Ambrose’ help in the conversion of her son Augustine.
“The practice of perfect virtue does not require teaching, but instructs others.”
“If force is used, I cannot meet it. I shall be able to grieve, to weep, to groan; against weapons, soldiers, my tears are my weapons, for these are a priest's defence.”
The Blessed Virgin Mary - Immaculate Conception.
Today is all about grace. It was God’s grace that provided Mary with the privilege of being born without original sin; it was Mary’s grace that said yes to God’s plan; and it is our grace to honor Mary’s witness and protection. As Pope John Paul II explains, “Grace means love and the gift of God himself, the completely free gift in which God entrusts to [us] his Mystery.” In honor of this day, pray the mysteries of the Rosary.
(About Mary): Luke 2:19 - “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
“How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”
“See, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word.”
"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (Luke 1:46-55)
"Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." (Lk 2:48)
"They have no wine." (Jn 2:3)
"Do whatever he tells you." (Jn 2:5)
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
“I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf.”
Mary mirrors her people
Can you imagine what today’s saint, Juan Diego, was going through when he encountered Our Lady of Guadalupe? First of all, she looked nothing like the pictures of the Blessed Virgin he was used to. She wasn’t a blue-eyed, white European. She was brown-skinned with dark hair and dark eyes. She wasn’t wearing a blue veil either. And she didn’t even speak to him in Spanish, but in Nahuatl, the ancient language of his ancestral Aztec. Was she for real? When the image of the Virgin appeared on his cloak, he knew she was. Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, who acts as a reflection for all the faithful.
After his baptism, Juan Diego began the practice of walking from his home to the Franciscan mission in Tlatelolco to receive ongoing religious instruction and attend daily Mass. On December 9, 1531, Juan was making one such journey. When he passed by Tepeyac Hill, much to his surprise, he encountered a heavenly woman who appeared as a mestiza (a mixture of Spanish and Indigenous features) and spoke in the local Nahuatl language. She announced herself as the Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and instructed Juan to go to the bishop and tell him to build a chapel on Tepeyac Hill. Juan fulfilled her request, but the bishop was hesitant. Later that evening, as Juan was returning home, the Mother of God appeared to him again, and he informed her that he had failed to convince the bishop. He suggested that she pick someone of more importance for her mission. The Mother of God assured him that he was her choice and asked him to return to the bishop. He went the following morning and repeated the request. This time, the bishop appeared to be open but asked for a sign to prove the apparition was truly from Heaven. Juan returned to the Mother of God, and she agreed to provide a sign the following day.
The next day, December 11, Juan Diego’s uncle, Juan Bernardino, became ill. Juan Diego tended to him, so he was unable to meet his heavenly visitor at Tepeyac Hill. During the night, Juan Bernardino took a turn for the worse and was on the verge of dying. Early on the morning of December 12, Juan Diego set off for Tlatelolco to get a priest to administer the last sacraments to his uncle. Since he was in a hurry and because he had failed to return to the Mother of God on Tepeyac Hill on December 11, Juan took a different route around the hill to try to avoid her.
As he journeyed, the Mother of God appeared to him on the alternate route and asked where he was going. Juan shared the news about his uncle, explaining that his illness was the reason he had failed to show up the previous day for the promised sign. The Mother of God lovingly scolded Juan for his lack of faith, saying to him, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” She informed him that his uncle had already recovered from his illness and then instructed Juan to climb the hill where he would find flowers not usually in bloom at that time of year. Sure enough, on the rocky peak where normally only weeds and cacti grew, there were beautiful roses. Juan picked them and placed them in his cloak, called a tilma. When he climbed down, the Mother of God rearranged the flowers and told him to bring them to the bishop as his sign. When Juan was brought into the presence of the bishop, he opened his tilma, and the flowers fell to the ground. At the same time, an image of the Mother of God appeared on the tilma, just as she had appeared to Juan. The bishop immediately fell to his knees and believed.
The following day, Juan Diego went to check on his uncle and found him fully recovered. His uncle informed him that the Mother of God had appeared to him also and healed him. She instructed him to present himself to the bishop and tell the bishop about the apparition and his miraculous healing.
After keeping Juan Diego’s tilma in his private chapel at first, the bishop had a small chapel erected on the Tepeyac Hill. On December 26, 1531, he led a procession with the tilma to the chapel. On the way, a man in the procession was accidentally struck in the neck with an arrow that was intended to be part of a display in honor of the Mother of God. The wound was serious and his death was imminent. He was placed before the holy image, the arrow was removed, those gathered beseeched the Mother of God to heal him, and he instantaneously recovered.
This entire experience profoundly affected Juan Diego. Prior to the apparition he already had a strong faith, but afterwards it became even stronger. According to some early sources, Juan Diego’s wife had passed away in 1529, two years prior to the apparition. After the apparition, Juan received permission from the bishop to erect a small hut near the chapel where he lived for the next sixteen years as a hermit, caring for the chapel and image, and welcoming visitors who came to venerate it. According to the official biography from the Vatican that was prepared on the occasion of Saint Juan Diego’s canonization, “Juan Diego received the grace of interior enlightenment and from that moment, he began a life dedicated to prayer and the practice of virtue and boundless love of God and neighbour.”
Today, Saint Juan Diego’s tilma is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
POPE FRANCIS:
XVI ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS. First Session. (4-29 October 2023). Synthesis Report - (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)
1. Synodality: Experience and Understanding
Convergences
We welcomed the invitation to recognise the synodal dimension of the Church with a new awareness. Synodal practice is attested to in the New Testament and the Early Church, taking particular historical forms in different Churches and traditions. The Second Vatican Council "updated" this practice, and Pope Francis has once again encouraged the Church to renew it. The Synod 2021-2024 is part of this renewal. Through it, the Holy People of God have discovered that a synodal way of being silent, praying, listening, and speaking, rooted in the Word of God and in joyful, if also sometimes painful encounters, leads to a deeper awareness that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. An invaluable fruit of this process is the heightened awareness of our identity as the faithful People of God, within which each is the bearer of a dignity derived from Baptism, and each is called to differentiated co-responsibility for the common mission of evangelisation.
This process has renewed our experience of and desire for the Church as God's home and family, a Church that is closer to the lives of Her people, less bureaucratic and more relational. The terms “synodal” and “synodality” have been associated with this experience and desire, offering an understanding that now requires further clarification. This is the Church that young people first declared they desired in 2018 on the occasion of the Synod of Youth.
The manner in which the Assembly proceeded in the Paul VI Hall, including the seating of people in small groups at round tables, was likened for some cultures to the biblical image of the wedding banquet (Rev 19:9). This was understood as emblematic of a synodal way of being Church and an image of the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of synodality, with the Word of God at the centre. In a Church that is living synodally, different cultures, languages, rites, ways of thinking, and realities can engage together and fruitfully in a sincere search for the Spirit's guidance.
In our midst there have been sisters and brothers coming from peoples afflicted by war, martyrdom, persecution, and famine. The plight of their people, unable often to participate in the synodal process, has nevertheless entered into the cycle of our discussions and prayers, deepening our sense of communion with them and our determination to be peacemakers.
The Assembly frequently spoke of hope, healing, reconciliation, and restoration of trust among the many gifts the Spirit has poured out on the Church during this synodal process. Openness to listening and accompanying all, including those who have suffered abuse and hurt in the Church, has made visible many who have long felt invisible. The long journey towards reconciliation and justice, including addressing the structural conditions that abetted such abuse, remains before us, and requires concrete gestures of penitence.
We know that "synodality" is a term unfamiliar to many members of the People of God, causing some people confusion and concern. Among the fears expressed is that the teaching of the Church will be changed, causing us to depart from the Apostolic faith of our forebears and, in so doing, will fail to respond to needs of those who hunger and thirst for God today. However, we are confident that synodality is an expression of the dynamic and living Tradition.
Without being dismissive of the importance of representative democracy, Pope Francis responds to the concern expressed by some that the Synod may become a body of majority deliberation denuded of its ecclesial and spiritual character, so jeopardising the hierarchical nature of the Church. It is clear that some people are afraid that they will be forced to change; others fear that nothing at all will change or that there will be too little courage to move at the pace of the living Tradition. Also, perplexity and opposition can sometimes conceal a fear of losing power and the privileges that derive from it. In all cultural contexts, however, the terms "synodal" and “synodality" speak of a mode of being Church that integrates communion, mission, and participation. An example is the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), a fruit of the synodal missionary process in the region.
In its broadest sense, synodality can be understood as Christians walking in communion with Christ toward the Kingdom along with the whole of humanity. Its orientation is towards mission, and its practice involves gathering in assembly at each level of ecclesial life. It involves reciprocal listening, dialogue, community discernment, and creation of consensus as an expression that renders Christ present in the Holy Spirit, each taking decisions in accordance with their responsibilities.
Through experience and encounters, we have grown together in this awareness. In summary, from the very first days, the Assembly found itself shaped by two convictions: the first is that the experience we have shared over these years is authentically Christian and should be embraced in all its richness and depth; the second is that the terms "synodal" and "synodality" require a more accurate clarification of their levels of meaning in different cultures. The substantial agreement emerged that, with the necessary clarifications, synodality represents the future of the Church.
Matters for Consideration
Building on the reflective work already undertaken, there is a need to clarify the meaning of synodality at different levels, in pastoral, theological, and canonical terms. This helps to avert the risk that the concept sounds too vague or generic or appears as a fad or fashion. It enables us to offer a broad understanding of walking together with further theological deepening and clarification. Likewise, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between synodality and communion and between synodality and collegiality.
A desire emerged to enhance understanding and appreciation of the differences in the practice and understanding of synodality between the tradition of the Christian East and the Latin Tradition, including in this ongoing synodal process, by fostering encounters between them.
In particular, the many expressions of synodal life in cultural contexts where people are used to walking together as a community and where individualism has not taken root, should be considered for deeper reflection. In this way, synodal practice plays an important part in the Church's prophetic response to an individualism that causes people to turn in on themselves, a populism that divides, and a globalisation that homogenises and flattens. Although not solving these problems, it nonetheless provides an alternative way of being and acting for our times, integrating a diversity of perspectives. This is a hopeful alternative that needs further exploration and illumination.
Proposals
The richness and depth of the synodal process indicates the value of expanding participation, and overcoming the obstacles to participation that have emerged so far.
There is a need to find ways to involve the clergy (deacons, priests, bishops) more actively in the synodal process during the course of the next year. A synodal Church cannot do without their voices, experiences or contributions. We need to understanding better the reasons why some have felt resistant to the synodal process.
The synodal culture needs to become more intergenerational, with spaces for young people to speak freely for themselves, within their families, and with their peers and pastors, including through digital channels.
The Assembly proposes to promote theological deepening of the terminological and conceptual understanding of the notion and practice of synodality before the Second Session of the Assembly, drawing on the rich heritage of theological research since the Second Vatican Council and in particular the documents of the International Theological Commission on Synodality in the life and mission of the Church (2018) and Sensus fidei in the life of the Church (2014).
The canonical implications of synodality require similar clarification. For these, too, we propose an intercontinental special commission of theological and canonical experts, ahead of the Second
Session of the Assembly.
Finally, a wider revision of the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canon Law of the Oriental Churches is called for at this time. A preliminary study is therefore advised.
(to be continued next week)
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.html
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1257114043 - Vatican City, Pope Francis has a selfie taken at the end of a weekly general audience. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: AM113
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
"The Liturgy of the Word is to be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation, and so any sort of haste that hinders recollection must clearly be avoided. During the Liturgy of the Word, it is also appropriate to include brief periods of silence, accommodated to the gathered assembly, in which, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the word of God may be grasped by the heart, and a response through prayer may be prepared. It may be appropriate to observe such periods of silence, for example, before the Liturgy of the Word itself begins, after the first and second reading, and lastly after the homily." (GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL, para. 56).
Fr Paul Kelly
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
No comments:
Post a Comment