PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:31-32).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 55153114. The Transfiguration of the Lord. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova.
Alert - Fire Ants - Sacred Heart Grounds - Clear Island Waters
Fire Ant Alert!
We have had a report - and have reported this to the Queensland Government Fire Ant Program- that possible fire ants have been spotted on the grass around the church car park and possibly other areas.
It has yet to be confirmed, but the ants will likely be so. This will be confirmed by experts ASAP. Meanwhile, given that fire ants are a major problem in the state and can cause very painful bites and, in some circumstances, severe medical emergencies to people who have reactions/allergies to such bites, we are warning everyone to take special care around the grounds until the situation can be thoroughly investigated and treated.
Please avoid grassed areas and a special warning that children be kept from playing in these areas until the situation is clarified. On the grass in and around the car parks at Sacred Heart often children are seen running around and even rolling in the grass. So we are concerned that they may be bitten. Please let others know about this.
God bless, and thanks for your vigilance. Sincerely, Fr Paul W. Kelly.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, 1st March 2024, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm 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 Saturday - 2nd March, 2024. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am 5th March 2024. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
LENTEN GIVING - WITH PROJECT COMPASSION
(Transfiguration - painting by Rodney Anthony)-
Surfers Paradise)
Genesis 22:1–2, 9–13, 15–18 I Romans 8:31–34 I Mark 9:2–10
Written by Michael McGirr
When Jesus took his closest friends to the top of a high mountain, they experienced something quite extraordinary. The transfiguration gave them a glimpse of what it meant for Jesus to be the son of God. It is hardly surprising that Peter said, ‘It is wonderful for us to be here.’ The Gospel also tells us that Jesus’ friends were frightened, which is also easy to understand. They were overwhelmed. Nevertheless, it’s not long before Jesus reminds them that he is destined to die. His friends must come down from the mountain and walk with Jesus through all the ordinary and arduous days and weeks that lie ahead.
We can all say, ‘It is wonderful for us to be here,’ no matter where that happens to be. Life is full of wonder. That doesn’t mean it is always accessible. We live in the arms of a very deep mystery. God’s love enfolds us.
Throughout Lent, we are called to support Project Compassion, an initiative of Caritas Australia. This year, Project Compassion celebrates 60 years of partnership with some of the most marginal communities in the world. With your help, we have walked alongside literally millions of people in dozens of countries.
This week, we encounter the story of Ronita, who lives in Quezon City, part of metro Manila in the Philippines. Becoming a mother at a young age meant her schooling was cut short. Her husband, Lean, leaves for work at 3 am and returns at 9 pm, earning less than $US10 per day in a demanding job in waste disposal. On such a small income, Ronita, Lean, and two young children can rent a room of about 10 square metres.
With your help through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia has been able to support the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) to run the Alternative Learning System program. This program has meant that Ronita has been able to continue her education. The FCJ sisters provide a safe space for young people like Ronita to finish school and find better jobs. Ronita has had the opportunity to change her life.
Caritas Australia believes that the world can be transfigured to become more like the kingdom of God of which Jesus spoke. We can encounter people whom others choose to ignore. When we do so, we discover that here, too are children of God. We are asked to listen to them.
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
Representatives of the RCIA journey were at the Rite of Election in the Cathedral of Saint Stephen (18th February 2024)
We welcome those Catechumens and Candidates who have commenced a journey of enquiry and faith towards Easter in 2024.
Catechumens – Kelly Friend, Cory Schumacher, Jacinta Andrews and her daughter Evie, Satoshi Tetsuo are seeking Baptism.
Candidates – Wendy Tetsuo is seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Holy Communion and
- Axel Friend and Oliver Friend, Diana Vargas and Julian Rivers will be Confirmed and receive First Holy Communion.
We invite all Parishioners to pray for our Catechumens and Candidates during this journey to Easter as they come to know Jesus more deeply in their lives and to join us each week in celebrating the Mass.
We ask for many blessings on all who journey in faith and offer our support and prayers for you and your families during this time.
PILGRIMAGE WITH FR DAN RYAN
**Bookings for Fr Dan’s trip to France are closing** at the end of February.
For more information, please contact Harvest Journeys at harvestjourneys.com or phone 1800 819 156
-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 this year with me, Fr Dan Ryan, on a French Saints Pilgrimage, with a possible extension to Rome? It sounds like something beautiful and spiritual.
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).
For more information, contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156 or https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2445. If you contact Harvest Journeys, mention Fr Dan Ryan’s name; the pilgrimage is the “French Saints Pilgrimage.” A copy of the brochure is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EuOjctr5PMLmUrxxhut9-IoMAI3OMQXQ/view?usp=sharing
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, King Charles III, 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, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Krystal, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Amy Elizabeth Morgan, Michael & Lesley Murtagh, Joanna Muthu, Lynn Nunan, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, John & Pat O’Hanlon, 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, Teresa Teo (Hhih Ting), John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Elizabeth Rigo, Minnie Ware, Beatriz Dos Santos, June Mitchell, Kevin Bathis, Robert Reed, George Beljak, Pavo Dronjic, Dudley Plunkett, Laurel Goddard, Chris Girvan, Franco Innocenti, Mirko Papak, Sybil Vos, Allan Endicott, John Grimley, Marcella Wockner, Beryl Dorfield.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Wilhelmina Elizabeth Carter, William Chard, Barbara Joan Degiovanni, Fr Patrick Finnerty, Fr Peter Gillam, Doreen Hewitt, William John (Bill) Kelly, Kenneth Mason, Patricia (Pat) Moore, Leisa Holman (née Mullins), Peggy Doreen Norris, John Norris Rohrs, Fr Francis Scanlan, George Schreiber, Kaylene Ellen Swan, Richard Michael Trad, John Anthony Woodruff, Ivy Gladys Yow.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Jeanette (Jenny) Avery, Jordan Baker, Andre Bellony, Neil Bloxsidge, Veronica Bond, Carmel Elizabeth Bright, Fr James Cahill, Bobby Joseph Casperz, Theodore Cocks, Marjorie Adeline Doyle, Maria Eidejus, Valerie Mary Elshaw, Thomas James Michael (Mike) Farrell, Raymond Gardiner, Jabour Haddad, Fr Thomas Higgins, Bill Hignett, Barclay Hodge, Joan Frances Hurley, Fr Thomas Keating, Mary Ng Siew Kuen, Dorothy de Launey, Gregory London, Percy and Clair Monteiro, Mershed Moussa, Norm Mullins, Giuseppe Nardi, Bernardo Cas Nopre, Patricia Maxine O’Donoghue, Milan Piglich, Brian Peter Pinard, Michael Patrick Robertson, Fr Vincent Rowan, Fr Gary Russell, Mary Schreiber, George Ferguson Shaw, Bernie Tathem, Allan Thomas Vaughan, Hans Wagner, Joy Whitbread, Jerzy Wieczorek, Stanislaw Zbigniew Zielinski.
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
MARKETS ON FAIRWAY
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.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES.
Baptism bibles for both boys and girls, children’s bibles with stories from the Old and New Testaments to help the children know the Word of God, set in large easy to read type.
SAINTS MEDALS - Agnes, Ann, Anthony, Benedict, Bernadette, Catherine, Charbel, Christopher, Divine Mercy, Fatima, Francis, Gabriel, Gerard, Guardian Angel, Holy Family, Infant of Prague, John Bosco, Joseph, Jude, Martin, Miraculous, Mary Mackillop, Matrix, Michael, Mother Teresa, Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Padre Pio, Patrick, Peregrine, Peter & Paul, Our Lady Chestowa, Our Lady of Sorrows, Peter, Philomena, Rita, Scapular, Serenity, Sacred Heart of Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St Therese, Mater Dolorosa, Holy Spirit & Holy Communion.
This weekend only available in the Parish Religious Goods Shops
ALL MEDALS $1 EACH OR 3 FOR $2
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at the Sacred Heart Church before the 9 am Mass, at 8:15 am, Monday to Friday, including First Saturdays.
Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 6 pm at Sacred Heart Church,
50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. From 16th February 2024.
INFORMATION MORNING: PASTORAL CARE TO THE SICK IN HOSPITALS (VOLUNTEER ROLE).
In conjunction with the Institute of Faith Education, Centacare will conduct a registered training course in spiritual and pastoral care for the sick in 2024. Date of the information session:
Wednesday 6 March, 10 am – 1 pm, Level 1, Cathedral House 229 Elizabeth St, Bne City. Please note: If there is sufficient interest from Gold Coast parishes, an information session will be arranged in your area. For further information or to attend the information morning, please email judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au or phone 3324 3193.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP -
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 to 12. Activities include
art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
various kinds of 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.
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima's Feast 13.03.2024. The bus will be picking up Sharp 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. If You need further information, please contact Xavier on 0404 843 260.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
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 several weeks are
26/02/2024 Maree Anderson Broadbeach
04/03/2024 Eilleen & Julio Camera Nerang
11/03/2024 Eilleen & Julio Camera Nerang
18/03/2024 Maria Filo Paradise Waters
25/03/2024 Maria Filo Paradise Waters
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
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.
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 0409840693.
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 0493742670.
LENTEN PROGRAM starts from the 13th of February after meditation - from 10.45 am to 11.45 am with the Living In Harmony Program from Garratt Publishing as the resource material.
Everyone is welcome to attend both or just the Lenten program.
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.
LENT 2024 WITH THE CATHOLIC GUY, BRUCE DOWNES
Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Be inspired, be refreshed, and be renewed!
For 40 days, you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE, and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent
Go to BruceDownes.org for more information.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD - (CLOW) AT SACRED HEART CHURCH
Helpers are needed also to assist with our Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(also known as CLOW) on a Sunday morning during the 9 am Mass at Sacred Heart.
The children leave the congregation at the start of Mass and go to the Atrium to celebrate and reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading in an age-appropriate way. The children are led through prayers, songs, and readings adapted to their understanding level.
Attending Mass together is a part of being a Catholic Family, while Children’s Liturgy of the Word allows children to enter the celebration more fully by catering to their needs.
Interested volunteers are invited to contact the Parish Office.
One of the requirements will be to have or apply for a Blue Card. Staff will be able to help you apply if necessary.
LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION
During Gold Coast Marathon week for 7 days -
Bernadette O’Donnell 0427 922 804
TWENTY-ONE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE TO RECALL DURING LENT
I came across a rather interesting article online. It seems fitting to reflect upon this during our Lenten Season. “21 Forgotten Bible Teachings Modern Christians Ignore.” Published - February 17th, 2024 by Jane Andrews. “Some ancient biblical teachings haave lost their shine with modern Christians. We’re name-checking 21 forgotten lessons on simplicity, generosity, and integrity that would benefit from more air time in our hectic world.” (Link to an offsite resource).
https://www.criticalfinancial.com/21-forgotten-bible-teachings-modern-christians-ignore/
LENTEN IDEAS FOR CHILDREN:
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.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Daniel 3:52-56
(Translation: Jerusalem Bible)
You are blest, Lord God of our fathers!
R. Glory and praise forever!
Blest your glorious holy name!
R. Glory and praise forever!
You are blest in the temple of your glory!
R. Glory and praise forever!
You are blest on the throne of your kingdom!
R. Glory and praise forever!
You are blest who gaze into the depths!
R. Glory and praise forever!
You are blest in the firmament of the heaven.
R. Glory and praise forever!
A VOCATION VIEW:
If you need an example of a person responding to a vocational call, look at Abraham – called in old age to leave his country, father a child, and then asked to sacrifice everything. What faith! Vocation is a risky response to a unique call from God.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“’ Here I am!’ he answered.”- Genesis 22:11
It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we kneel in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbour needs our help, when we are invited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Oftentimes, we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not easy; most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable. 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 -
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (FEBRUARY 25)
For the love of God
One of the deepest spiritual longings is to know ourselves as the beloved of God. Maya Angelou, in her memoir, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now,” recalls being asked by her teacher to read a section from a book that ended with the words, “God loves me.” He instructed her to say the passage again and again. Eventually it dawned on her there might be truth in those words. “I suddenly began to cry at the grandness of it all,” she writes. “I knew that if God loved me, then I could do wonderful things.”
Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10 (26: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm). "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
FAITH IN ACTION
Make a Lenten practice of repeating “God loves me,” and share the Good News of God’s love with others.
WORD OF THE WEEK - “Agnus Dei” pronounced: “ähn-yoos-ˈdāy-ee”
The Latin term for "Lamb of God." A title given to Jesus by John the Baptist (John 1:29); the litany sung or said by the assembly at Mass before Communion ("Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world . . .”) introduced into the Roman Rite in the seventh century by Pope Sixtus; an image of a lamb often with a halo and a banner and cross used as a symbol of Christ.
The address to the Lamb of God does not only refer to Christ but also to Christ present in the Eucharist as a sacrificial offering.
—Joseph A. Jungmann, S.J., The Mass of the Roman Rite
WHY IT MATTERS
The Passover lamb symbolises God's people passing over from slavery and death to freedom and life (Exodus 12). A “lamb led to the slaughter” is Isaiah’s prophesy of God's faithful servant (Isaiah 53:70). The victorious Lamb in Revelation is the light of God's holy city (Revelation 21:9‑22:5). With all of salvation history as its backdrop, the Agnus Dei epitomises the sacrifice of Jesus who achieves our freedom from sin and death. “It is love to the end,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “that confers on Christ's sacrifice its value as redemption and reparation, atonement and satisfaction (616).
RELATED WORDS
Sacrifice | Paschal Lamb | Expiation | Fraction
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What is the meaning of the Transfiguration?
Gospel Greek deliberately avoids the term metamorphosis in this account, an attempt to sever any "pagan" comparison. The brilliance of Jesus' face, the enveloping cloud, and Peter's suggestion of pitching tents evoke significant encounters Moses had with the Holy Presence. The simultaneous appearance of Moses and Elijah, representatives of Law and Prophecy, reinforce these anchors to the Hebrew story. Saint Paul declares that we will all be transfigured if we keep our sights trained on Christ.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1344423617. Tiberias, Israel - 4/7/2015: Mount Tabor in the Lower Galilee region of Northern Israel, Jezreel Valley, Afula, Tiberias, Israel. The Church of the Transfiguration and the Franciscan Monastery - By Tomanovic Violeta
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
* (Fr Paul Kelly) -ABRAHAM AND HIS FAITH JOURNEY
The story of Abraham being asked to deliberately sacrifice someone he loved, (more than his own life) is horrifying. It is vital to keep in mind that it is, after all, God who is the one stopping the hand of Abraham. This incident is a foretaste of what God alone proposes to do to save humanity - For out of astounding love and faithfulness to us who were not worthy, God the Father did not even spare his only son (Jesus) –to save everyone… Because God’s love is so profound that he is willing to sacrifice himself in love to save us all. (And the Father and the Son united willingly to sacrifice so much for us. God spares nothing and goes to the ultimate length to share complete solidarity with us.
In life and death, in joy and devastation, God gives us everything he has. God holds nothing back. It is impossible to truly understand the depths of this unmerited love and commitment that God has given to us.
This Sunday, we hear of Abraham and also the Transfiguration story. Despite its vividness, the drama and even the horror of Isaac’s near-sacrifice - the main point of this passage… shown in such stark, unavoidable clarity…… - is that Abraham’s faith in God is complete. In his faith journey, Abraham has learnt utter trust in God’s promises. Abraham and Isaac’s unswerving obedience to God and trust in God’s faithfulness… (and particularly trust that God will provide) foreshadow the absolute generosity, faithfulness, sacrifice and love that God the Father and the Son show for the world…
Abraham and his sacrifice is a proto-type for Christ’s death for us on the cross.. the comparisons are deep. Abraham's beloved son even carries the wood for his own sacrifice. Jesus carries the wood of his own cross for his sacrifice. A Ram is found caught in thorns and replaced Isaac as the sacrifice… Jesus is crowned with thorns. Abraham goes to Mount Moriah for the sacrifice…… this place would later be known as the city of Jerusalem… Our Lord offers his life in Jerusalem. and so on.. Only God would give up so much out of love to save us.
Peter, James, and John also find deeper faith on the mountain: They see Jesus as he truly is, in his full glory. These scenes give us a taste of Easter glory to come and challenge us to believe that Jesus is truly and completely everything he says he is.
Even the disciples didn’t always or fully see Jesus clearly, and this is so, even though they had the singular benefit of being with him all the time. (Did they become so familiar with them, that they occasionally stopped seeing him… stopped learning from him…., took him for granted, or projected onto him their expectations (or even lack of expectations at times), instead of being open to what he truly was offering.
Abraham, too, misunderstood the God he followed for such a long time.
Let us take some time to try and see Jesus more clearly in lent. Let us not allow familiarity to obscure his glory and his challenging message.
We all need a transfiguration of our image of God once in a while to ensure we see God more clearly. May this season of Lent ensure that we are not fashioning God according to our convenience or according to our own image and likeness…..but rather encountering God in Jesus in the fullness of his radical message.
Can we, like Abraham, put our complete and utter trust in God? Trust God even when we don’t understand the meaning of what might be happening to us at any different moment of our lives. We will trust Christ utterly and be humble and completely obedient to his vision.
Lent is about removing obstacles to our faith and choosing to let Jesus be the meaning of our lives. Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
And (Just as Jesus is transfigured), may we be transformed in our thoughts and actions.
++++++++++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Pitre, Brant/ Bergsma, John. (2018). A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament: Vol 1. San Francisco, California. Ignatius Press.
Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.
also, Abbot’s Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert;
Prepare the Word resources.
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1344423617. Tiberias, Israel - 4/7/2015: Mount Tabor in the Lower Galilee region of Northern Israel, Jezreel Valley, Afula, Tiberias, Israel. The Church of the Transfiguration and the Franciscan Monastery
By Tomanovic Violeta
FEBRUARY 27: St Gregory of Narek, priest & Doctor of the Church.
Armenia, in the third century, was the first country in the world to declare itself Christian. During the lifetime of the saint we honour today, Gregory of Narek, the Armenian Church was not in communion with the See of Rome. And yet he found his way into the official Martyrology, the official list of the Church’s saints; and in 2015, Pope Francis named Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church, only the 37th person to be so-named. Francis followed this up by extending his feast to the whole Church. In the homes of Christian Armenians, you will find next to the Bible The Book of Lamentations, a collection of 95 lengthy prayers written by Gregory. He has been called the teacher of God’s mercy.
“In the face of my darkness, You are light. In the face of my mortality, You are life.”
“The soul’s every movement is a reminder of God, the taking of a step, the extension of the right hand, the raising of the arm, with thanks for good works, with shame for bad, for familiar conversation and public addresses, in rational discourse, in works of success, in the fervour of virtue, day and night, we are guided by You in the useful movements for our spirit, asleep or awake … ”
Assist me by the wings of your prayers, O you who are called the Mother of the living, so that on my exit from this valley of tears I may be able to advance without torment to the dwelling of life that has been prepared for us to lighten the end of a life burdened by my iniquity.
Healer of the sorrows of Eve, change my day of anguish into a feast of gladness.
Be my Advocate, ask and supplicate. As I believe in your inexpressible purity, so do I also believe in the good reception given to your word. O you, blessed among women, help me with your tears for I am in danger. Bend the knee to obtain my reconciliation, O Mother of God. Be solicitous for me for I am miserable, O Tabernacle of the Most High. Hold out your hand to me as I fall, O heavenly Temple. Glorify your Son in you,
may He be pleased to operate Divinely in me the miracle of forgiveness and mercy. Handmaid and Mother of God, may your honour be exalted by me and may my salvation be manifested, through you. Amen.
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session One of the Synod on Synodality. +
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2422383847 - Pope Francis -Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Pavel Mikheyev
11. Deacons and Priests in a Synodal Church
Convergences
Priests are the principal collaborators of the bishop, forming with him one presbyterate (cf LG 28). Deacons are ordained to serve the People of God in the diakonia of the Word, in the liturgy, and above all in the exercise of charity (cf LG 29). The Synodal Assembly wishes, first and foremost, to express to priests and deacons a deep sense of gratitude. Aware that they may experience loneliness and isolation, it encourages Christian communities to support them with prayer, friendship, and collaboration.
Deacons and priests engage in ministry in a wide variety of pastoral settings: in parishes, in evangelisation, among those living in poverty and who are marginalised, in the world of culture and education, as well as in the mission ad gentes, in theological research, at retreat centres and places of spiritual renewal, and many others. In a synodal Church, ordained ministers are called to live their service to the People of God in a disposition of proximity to people, welcoming and listening to all while cultivating a deep personal spirituality and prayer life. Above all, they are required to reconsider the exercise of authority, modelling it upon Jesus, who, "though he was in the form of God, [...] emptied himself, taking the form of a slave" (Phil. 2:6-7). The Assembly acknowledges that through their dedication, many priests and deacons make Christ, the Good Shepherd and the Servant, present.
One obstacle to ministry and mission is clericalism. Clericalism stems from a misunderstanding of the divine call, viewing it more as a privilege than a service and manifesting itself in the exercise of power in a worldly manner that refuses to allow itself to be accountable. This distortion of the priestly vocation must be challenged from the earliest stages of formation by ensuring close contact with the People of God and through concrete service-learning experiences among those most in need. Today's exercise of priestly ministry cannot be conceived of except in harmony with the bishop and the presbyterate and in profound communion with other ministries and charisms. Unfortunately, clericalism is a disposition that can manifest itself among ministers and the laity.
To exercise ordained ministry in a context of co-responsibility, one must be aware of one’s capacities and limitations. For this reason, it is important to ensure that a realistic approach to human formation is integrated with the cultural and spiritual dimensions of formation and formation for discipleship. In this regard, the contribution of families of origin and the Christian community, within which a young man’s vocation is fostered, as well as that of other families accompanying his growth, cannot be underestimated.
Matters for Consideration
Within the context of the formation of all the baptised for service in a synodal Church, the formation of deacons and priests requires special attention. The request has been widely expressed at this Assembly that seminaries and other priestly formation programmes remain connected to the community's daily life. We must avoid the risks of formalism and ideology that lead to authoritarian attitudes, and impede genuine vocational growth. Revision to programmes of formation requires extensive discussion and consideration.
Different opinions have been expressed about priestly celibacy. Its value is appreciated by all as richly prophetic and a profound witness to Christ; some ask, however, whether its appropriateness, theologically, for priestly ministry should necessarily translate into a disciplinary obligation in the Latin Church, above all in ecclesial and cultural contexts that make it more difficult. This discussion is not new but requires further consideration.
Proposals
In the Latin Churches the permanent diaconate has been implemented in differing ways in different ecclesial contexts. Some local churches have not introduced it at all; in others, there is concern that deacons are perceived as a substitute for the shortage of priests. Sometimes, their ministry finds expression in the liturgy rather than in service to those living in poverty and needy in the community. Therefore, we recommend assessing how the diaconal ministry has been implemented since Vatican II.
From the theological point of view, there is a need to understand the diaconate first and foremost in itself and not only as a stage of access to the presbyterate. Qualifying the primary form of the diaconate as "permanent" to distinguish it from the “transitional” form is itself an indication of a change of perspective that has not yet been adequately realised.
The uncertainties surrounding the theology of the diaconate are related to the fact that it has only been restored to a distinct and permanent hierarchical ministry in the Latin Church since the Second Vatican Council. Deeper study will shed light on the question of the access of women to the diaconate.
A thorough review of formation for ordained ministry given the missionary and synodal dimensions of the Church is called for. This means also reviewing the Ratio fundamentalis that determines how formation is structured. We also recommend at the same time ensuring the adoption of a synodal style when it comes to the ongoing formation of priests and deacons.
Transparency and a culture of accountability are crucial for us to move forward in building a synodal Church. We ask local churches to identify processes and structures that allow for a regular audit of how priests and deacons carry out roles of responsibility in their ministry. Existing institutions, such as participatory bodies or pastoral visits, can be the starting point for this work, taking care to involve the community. Such forms must be adapted to local contexts and diverse cultures so as not to be a hindrance or a bureaucratic burden. The discernment of the required process could be considered at the regional or continental level.
On a case-by-case basis, and following the context, the possibility should be considered of re-inserting priests who have left the ministry in pastoral services that recognise their formation and experience.
Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.htm
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
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 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.”
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