PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“They said, “Rabbi”, “where are you staying?” - “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” (John 1:38-29)
Shutterstock licensed Image. Stock Photo ID: 2075040958. FORLĂ, ITALY - NOVEMBER 11, 2021: The modern fresco Jesus call the apostles to your house ("Come and see.") in the church Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista di Coriano by Franco Vignazia (1995 - 1997). Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
Pastor’s Post: Mentors and Listeners
The first reading is that beautiful and really famous scene of Samuel hearing a voice in the night….. and not knowing the meaning of it or how to answer……. It is delightful It makes sense that if you heard a voice in the night, you might go and check to see if the other person in the house had called out to you. Eli initially thinks it is a dream and tells him a few times to go back to bed…… but then realises …… it is, in fact, God calling Samuel !!………
Sometimes, it takes a mentor or guide, a holy and wise person, like the prophet Eli, who realises that this experience was an encounter with God and tells Samuel to invite God to speak… and then to listen to what God has to say…..
It is a reminder of how important it is to have a listening heart……. To listen to the presence of God in our midst…….. and to listen to each other…
Fr Paul.
To tune in to The Weekend Mass - sound podcast, please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the next feast - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Chalking the Doors - update from last weekend
Last weekend in Surfers Paradise Parish, we featured the ancient Catholic Epiphany practice of “chalking the doors” also known as Marking Homes with Blessed Chalk for the New Year.
Pieces of chalk were blessed, and one blessed piece each was taken by participants to mark each of our church doors at the end of mass; each family was offered a piece of chalk to take home to mark the doors of their homes. Along with the chalk, each family was provided instructions on marking their door and a prayer ritual for their family to pray at this time of marking.
HELP NEEDED AT SACRED HEART CHURCH 6 PM SUNDAY NIGHT
We urgently need helpers in specific ministries at the 6 pm Sacred Heart Church.
Welcomers - friendly faces who greet people at the entrance of the church
Remote Control operator - also known as the person who operates the “clicker” that moves the slides for the mass for people to follow hymns and prayers.
Altar Servers
Collectors
Please join the roster for these specific ministries that have a shortage.
Please see Megan or Robyn after Mass at Sunday 6 pm or email Megan at meganjhamilton@bigpond.com - You will be offered training and support. Many thanks for your assistance.
Catechists in State Schools Needed-
We need Assistants for our local state primary schools to your congregations?
If you respond by around the 21st or 28th January, applicants would be in time to receive Mary-Rose's Story:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UaNsTUSTbNlvssxPjvA4oDDbK6erDTHY/view?ts=659cee4d&pli=1
Those interested are invited to contact
Helene McCowan - helene.mccowan@gmail.com
NEW VOLUNTEERS No previous experience is required, as new volunteers receive training and are mentored by experienced instructors, until confident to instruct.
WHAT WE DO - The key themes of the Bible and the Christian Faith are clearly explained using "Christian Education Publications" (CEP) curricula for this purpose. The children's lessons are age related and non-denominational. Students are encouraged to make connections with and apply the learning to their lives. Children engage with the truths of the Bible week by week through music, drama, reading and writing, puzzle solving, drawing, asking questions and primarily through enthusiastic story telling.
TRAINING
Information and "Start-up Training sessions commence from Wednesday 24th January and on various dates until Thursday 1st February.
Registration
for attendance can be sent to Helene McCowan as above.Thank you once again and may God richly bless you and the Surfers Paradise Catholic parish.
Helene McCowan, Area CRI Coordinator.
PILGRIMAGE WITH FR DAN RYAN -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
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2024
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 re-set) for another $10, and so on.
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, 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), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Mirko Papak, Marcella Wockner, Beryl Dorfield, Allan Cupitt, Sharon Cass-Edwards, Peter Lowe, June Carnovale, James Goodwin, Annie Scicluna, Michael Plant, Arthur “John” Robinson, Helen Bohringer, Josip Burda, Pascual Tantengco Jr., Carmel Wilkinson, Dr Frank Miau.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Wally Bereth, Brendan David Fitzhardinge Berkeley, William Rankin Birmingham, Alfredo Boluso, Joseph Borg, Margaret (Peg) Byrnes, Thomas Stephen Carney, Joseph Conti, Rita Conway, Donna Maria Cross, Joan Cumner, Rebecca Duazo, Antonio Falcone, Luciano Freda, Joseph Nicholas (Joe) Friedman, Ronald John Grigaliu, Joe Habib, Christine Lucy Harding, Joan Denise Hegerty, Bernadette Hennessey, Raymond Cezeráş˝ (Ray) Hoareau, Deris Eunice Howell, Leonie Jackson, Stanley James Jackson, Martin James (Jim) Kerlin, Josephine Lenaghan, Ted Llewellen, Nell Mcleod, Brian Miller, Thomas Lloyd Muggleton, David John Newlands, Patrick John O’Connell, Dell O’Neill, Grazyna Palac, Grazyna Palac, Margaret Paterson, Garth Stanley Rippin, Fr Sylvester Ryan, Michael Samuel, Michael Samuel, Gwendoline (Gwen) Stevens, Maurice Stout, Rafael Toda.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Russell Albury, Daphne Iris Ardilley, Fr Norman Ronald Birch, Remo Bos, Fr Ray Brain CP, Christine Carberry, Mons Leo Carlton, Terry Conway, Geraldine Coyne, Melinda Craig, Lionel Ernest Cunynghame, Carmen Callus, Walter Leslie Davis, Veronica Frances (Frances) Dawson, Elvira Fantinelli, Rosalia Archetto Feo, Luciano Freda, John Gordon, Margaret Mary Kelly, Charmaine Jannette Leafe, Brian Mayhew, Rex Joseph McShane, Colin Meneely, Carol Ann Newman, Violet Mary Nickson, Edmund O’Brien, Doris Angela Pace-Balzan, Sergio Di Pietro, Sylvia Sciberras, Shirley Mary Selby, Trevor David Simes, Nicole Simmons, Veronica Junette Smith, Anna Snelleksz, Joseph Johannes Emile van Deurse, Jeanette Louise Vial, James Woodhouse.
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 go 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.
The shops are open before and after Mass at the Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches.
This week the shops have been restocked with all the popular items you love.
LIVING FAITH subscriptions available by contacting Peter Stewart (Marist Brother) at Living Faith Brisbane. Mobile 0438373683. P O Box 382 Ashgrove West Qld 4060
Annual subscription $25 for 4 issues. The January - March issue available now
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- RESUMED
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.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE - RESUMED
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.
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
08/01/2024 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
15/01/2024 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
22/01/2024 Nardine & Ayling Merrimac
29/01/2024 Nardine & Ayling Merrimac
05/02/2024 Rose & Joseph Pindo Ashmore
12/02/2024 Rose & Joseph Pindo Ashmore
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH - Resumes 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.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
Resumes 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 6 pm—For further enquiries, Ashley at 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 - ON HOLIDAY RECESS - RESUMES 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.
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.
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:
A good Vocation prayer to say every day, from when we are ten years old till we are ninety years old, is found in today’s first Scripture Reading: ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ Just try it with sincerity starting today. “We have found the Messiah!” After his encounter with Jesus, St. Andrew goes first to find his brother Peter and bring him to Christ. Do not be afraid to bring others to Christ as well! (John 1:41)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’” - John 1:38
When we recognise who we are, it’s easier to find what we seek. Once we see ourselves and others as children of God, we spend less time looking for the material comforts of the world. Instead, our hearts long for something more profound that can only be filled by God. Ask God daily how He wants you to live the life He intended for you.
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 - What is meant by "just war"?
Just war theory is the body of moral reasoning developed to discern when the primary bias against war may shift toward an obligation to protect and defend. . .
. In the Early Church, pacifism preceded just war tradition. The alliance of the church with the state under Constantine ensured that church policy leaned toward supporting the interests of the empire. Fourth-century theologians Ambrose and Augustine developed arguments that could, under limited conditions, make war not only permissible but obligatory in the service of a victimised neighbour.
Just war theory offers eight criteria for engagement. Seven determine whether a conflict is justified, including just cause, competent authority, last resort, comparative justice, proportionality, right intention, and probability of success. The eighth consideration is reserved for an inevitable engagement and involves the right conduct in wartime. In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis argued that “it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a ‘just war.’ Never again war!” Clearly, it's never enough simply to declare a cause righteous in one's own mind and issue a call to arms.
—Alice Camille
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2305332479 - Jesus teaching disciples watercolour vector illustration. Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: Evoke City.
We do believe that God’s voice, God’s will, can be heard and discerned from with the gentle silence of a listening and open heart, where God makes his home. The way Samuel heard God’s voice, clear and distinct like a voice speaking to him in the room, is exceptional. God usually chooses a more subtle and gentle approach to speaking to us. In all circumstances, the Church and its magisterium is the competent authority to discern the truth of any claimed experiences of messages from God. Anything we believe we hear from God pertains to private revelation and is quite different from revealed truths of the Scriptures and content from the Church’s official teaching role.
It is so vital that we make space for listening to God in the silence and the stillness of our hearts, giving space to listen to God amidst the noise and clamouring of contrary and competing values. It is equally important that we test the messages we discern through discussion with a spiritual mentor and ensure that it is entirely consistent with the Church’s official teachings.
More than ever, it is so important, in a world of rushing and noise, (where silence seems alien to so many)….. this is actually a call to find space for silence and stillness, to listen to the wordless voice of God, and to discern what God might be about in our lives.
This can be at times unfamiliar and unsettling, but it is still so important… for it is from within the silence and stillness that God’s word can be heard.
Jesus was so busy in his life and ministry, but he did not ever let the incredible demands of people, teaching, healing and proclaiming, stop him from the prayer and silence that he needed….. so he would go off at night, to a lonely place to pray and be still……and we are told more than once that he often spent the whole night in prayer……. it was THAT essential to Jesus and who he was and his ministry……..
God is most certainly present and at work in the bustle and busyness and noise of everyday life too ……… nevertheless…….I truly believe that God’s will and God’s word are very hard to discern in the noise, hype and clamour of our non-stop culture………, There is an excess of action, entertainment and ever-shifting trends….This can confuse and distract us and drown out the subtle words of the Lord. The Lord’s word continues to be found in stillness, silence and listening.……
And, built upon this, as Saint Paul reminds us…….. God wants us to give our lives completely to and for Him! ….. This is a refreshing and challenging concept…… What is the meaning of my life?…. Why am I here?… what am I to do?…… The details and specifics of that are not at all easy to discern…
However, the general direction of our life IS easier to discern…. For, … whatever we do… whatever we are called to be or do in life…..… whatever our vocation and direction…… we are called to put our lives and our bodies at the service of Christ…. and allow our lives to be temples and places where the Holy Spirit is present and at work…..
In the gospel, we see that his would-be disciples rather wonderfully approach Jesus and ask him about himself……….Jesus says…. ‘come and see’ … and they go with him and stay with him all day….. What they see, hear and feel is so profound, having spent the whole day with him… that they become his followers………..….One of these first two followers, Andrew, tells his own brother, Peter, about Jesus and then Peter becomes a follower too (now THERE is the Christian witness … having experienced THE PERSON OF Christ we go and share this news with others and they too come to see and meet Jesus… )… …… It is also a reminder…. That once we encounter the beauty and meaning of Christ’s life and mission in our own lives….. we can share that with others and gently invite, at the right opportunity, and with the right words or context…..others we know and love to come and see what it is about too……
We ought never forget that great saying attributed to Saint Francis…. “it is the duty of each and every Christian to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone we meet.. and occasionally when necessary, to even use words” Wonderful,. (and how true!.....For who we are and what we do and what we value and how we act and our attitudes and priorities and dispositions.. These often preach louder to others than any words we find to utter… )
I wonder if Jesus said much to them as they spent the day with him… ??? …. Maybe but perhaps not……. …. I wonder if he did a lot….perhaps….. but maybe not…… What if just being with him, sitting with him, and the occasional word, the occasional question… the silence… the ‘centred-ness’ ……… was the beginning of the passion of discipleship coming alive in them…and sending them out to others.. and to all the world….
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT’S HOMILY.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2305332479 - Jesus teaching disciples watercolour vector illustration. Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: Evoke City.
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 Anthony of Egypt - Anthony the Great
A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, "You are mad; you are not like us."
To say that God turns away from the sinful is like saying that the sun hides from the blind.
The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.
The person who abides in solitude and quiet is delivered from fighting three battles: hearing, speech, and sight. Then there remains one battle to fight the battle of the heart.
I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world, and I said, groaning, "What can get through from such snares?" Then I heard a voice saying to me, "Humility.
When you lie down on your bed to sleep, remember with thanksgiving the blessings and the providence of God.
Whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts, and you will be saved.
Regard as free not those whose status makes them outwardly free but those who are free in their character and conduct. We should not call men truly free when wicked and dissolute since they are slaves to worldly passions. Freedom and happiness of the soul consist in genuine purity and detachment from transitory things.
When Abba Anthony thought about the depths of the judgments of God, he asked, 'Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age? Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich? Why do wicked men prosper, and why are the just in need?' He heard a voice answering him, 'Antony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgment of God, and it is not to your advantage to know anything about them.'
Our life and our death are with our neighbour. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalise our brother, we have sinned against Christ.
. . . you should know that there is present with you the angel whom God has appointed for each man. This angel, who is sleepless and cannot be deceived, is always present with you; he sees all things and is not hindered by darkness. You should know, too, that with him is God.
This is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God and to expect temptation to his last breath.
Intelligent people do not need to listen to much talk but should attend only to the profitable and be guided by God's will.
One should not say that it is impossible to reach a virtuous life, but one should say that it is not easy. Nor do those who have reached it find it easy to maintain.
God's Providence controls the universe. It is present everywhere. Providence is the sovereign WORD of God, imprinting form on the unformed materiality of the world, making and fashioning all things. The matter could not have acquired an articulated structure were it not for the directing power of the Logos who is the Image, Intellect, Wisdom, and Providence of God.
St Fabian
“It is said that Fabian, after the death of Anteros, came from the country along with others and stayed at Rome, where he came to the office most miraculously, thanks to the divine and heavenly grace. When the brethren were all assembled to appoint him who should succeed to the episcopate, and many notable and distinguished persons were in the thoughts of many, Fabian, who was there, came into nobody’s mind. But all of a sudden, they relate, a dove flew down from above and settled on his head as a clear imitation of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove upon the Saviour; whereupon the whole people, as if moved by one divine inspiration, with all eagerness and with one soul cried out “worthy,” and without more ado took him and placed him on the episcopal throne.” (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, VI: xxix)
St Sebastian,
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288) (Last words addressed to his executioners)
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session One of the Synod on Synodality.
+
Matters for Consideration
We need to cultivate a greater sensitivity towards the riches of our diverse expressions of being Church. This requires a search for a dynamic balance between the dimension of the Church as a whole and its local rootedness, between respect for the bond of Church unity and the risk of homogenization that stifles variety. Meanings and priorities vary among different contexts, and this requires identifying and fostering forms of decentralization.
The Church too is affected by polarization and distrust in vital matters such as liturgical life and moral, social and theological reflection. We need to recognize the causes of each through dialogue and undertake courageous processes of revitalizing communion and processes of reconciliation to overcome them.
In our local churches, we sometimes experience tensions between different ways of understanding evangelisation: emphasis on a witness of life, commitment to human advancement, dialogue with faiths and cultures, and explicit proclamation of the Gospel. Equally, a tension emerges between the explicit proclamation of Jesus Christ and valuing the characteristics of each culture in search of the Gospel traits (semina Verbi) it already contains.
Possible confusion between the Gospel's message and the culture of those engaged in evangelisation was mentioned as one of the issues to be explored.
Increasing conflicts, with the trade and use of increasingly powerful weapons, opens up the question, raised in several groups, of more reflection and formation in order that we can manage conflicts in a non-violent way. This is a valuable contribution that Christians can offer to today's world in dialogue and collaboration with other religions.
Proposals
Renewed attention is needed to the question of the languages we use to speak to people's minds and hearts in a wide diversity of contexts in a way that is both beautiful and accessible.
We need a shared framework for managing and evaluating experimentations with forms of decentralisation, identifying all the actors involved and their roles. For the sake of coherence, discernment processes regarding decentralisation must take place in a synodal style, envisaging the concurrence and contribution of all actors involved at different levels.
New paradigms are needed for pastoral engagement with indigenous peoples, taking the form of a common journey and not an action done to them or for them. Their participation in decision-making processes at all levels can contribute to a more vibrant and missionary Church.
From the work of the Assembly, there is a call for better knowledge of the teachings of Vatican II, post-conciliar teaching and the Church’s social doctrine. We need to know our different traditions better in order to be more clearly a Church of Churches in communion, effective in service and dialogue.
In a world where the number of migrants and refugees is increasing while the willingness to welcome them is decreasing and where the foreigner is viewed with increasing suspicion, it is appropriate for the Church to engage decisively in education, in the culture of dialogue and encounter, combating racism and xenophobia, especially through pastoral formation. Equally, it is necessary to engage in concrete projects for the integration of migrants.
We recommend continued engagement in dialogue and discernment regarding racial justice. Systems within the Church that create or maintain racial injustice need to be identified and addressed. Processes for healing and reconciliation should be created, with the help of those harmed, to eradicate the sin of racism.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 188488211 - VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica - Important information -Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor-giulio Napolitano
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
EXPLORING FAITH AND PRACTICE - Preparation of the Gifts
Preparation of the Gifts \pre-pÉ-'rÄ-shÉn | 'gifts\
The set of ceremonial actions at Mass preceding the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion. Includes dressing of the altar; bringing forward the bread and wine; and the community's personal sacrifices taken up in the collection. Formerly called the Offertory. The community offers a song of praise for all these gifts as the priest washes his hands in a purification rite.
Pronunciation: https://tinyurl.com/Take5-preparation-gifts
CONTEXT
The Preparation of the Gifts allows time for the preparation of our hearts. Like the Magi bearing gifts and doing homage to Majesty, we bring our gifts and our praise to the Table.
—Father Paul Boudreau
God has first blessed us with the gift of creation. Humans take those gifts given, wheat and grapes, and, using our creativity, make bread and wine. Then, we bring those gifts we have received and labored over to present them at the Altar/Table that they might be transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Finally, we receive them back in Communion. The procession of the Gifts says, in essence, “Behold the gifts God has given us!”
—Father Roc O'Connor, S.J.
WHY IT MATTERS
We take great care preparing other festive tables for our most cherished gatherings. Could we do less for the table where the Real Presence of Christ will be made tangible for us?
From the General Instructions of the Roman Missal: The altar or Lord’s table, which is the center of the whole Liturgy of the Eucharist, is made ready. . . . The offerings are then brought forward. It is a praiseworthy practice for the bread and wine to be presented by the faithful (73).
(source - PrepareTheWord resources)>
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/)
The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 24”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the epiphany each year. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
Meaning that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year of this century, ‘24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent the names Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling-place.”
RECONCILIATION
Sacred Heart Church Weekly
(50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters)
(SACRAMENT OF PENANCE)
SATURDAYS FROM 4 PM TO 4.30 PM
(PLEASE DO NOT JOIN THE QUEUE AFTER 4.20 PM).
ON CONCLUSION OF RECONCILIATIONS AT 4.30 PM, WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PRIEST WILL THEN BE DOING THEIR FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MASS.
CONFESSIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT AT OTHER TIMES
[IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK WITH A PRIEST FOR A LONGER TIME THAN A BRIEF CONFESSION, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE OFFICE FOR A TIME WHEN YOU CAN DISCUSS ISSUES WITH A PRIEST AT A LONGER APPOINTMENT]
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
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