PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way Jesus breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!.’ (Mark 15:39)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1074985160 -PARMA, ITALY - APRIL 16, 2018: The fresco of Entry of Jesus in Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) in Duomo by Lattanzio Gambara (1567 - 1573). Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PLEASE BRING ALONG PALM FRONDS (BIG OR SMALL) TO MASSES THIS WEEKEND - TO SHARE - THIS WILL ENSURE WE HAVE SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES.
PASTOR’S POST
Jesus came to forgive, include and welcome; yet he is repaid by rejection, dishonesty, and hatred. He showed the absolute depth of his love by sacrificing everything for us, which has saved us. We give thanks for Jesus' life and saving death, and we keep vigil this week as we enter the holiest week of the Church's year. This journey is through suffering love, self-forgetting service, and sacrificing compassion. This is true and inspiring leadership. Any other kind of leadership is a pale imitation or a sham. This leadership of love takes us through a sacred journey, from suffering, death and desolation to absolute and eternal newness of life! Let us enter the journey with hope, reverence and humility.
Fr Paul
GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION - HOLY PLACES APPEAL
HOLY LAND COLLECTION - GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 29th 2024.
The annual collection for the church's support in the Holy Land will occur on Good Friday, March 29th. This collection promotes the missionary work of the Church in the Holy Land by providing welfare assistance to local Christians in areas such as health, education, employment, housing, parishes and orphanages. It is also used to maintain over 70 churches and shrines associated with the life of Jesus.
Due to the ongoing war, the Church and people of the Holy Land still struggle with reduced income due to fewer pilgrims and lower church attendance worldwide.
In 2023, Australian Catholics were once again extremely generous, and we were able to send nearly $1.4 million to the Holy Land [$1.4 million (2022), $1,126,098 (2021), $406,023 (2020), and $1.3 million (2019)].
The Holy Land mission will continue to face challenges financially and spiritually. So, we again ask Catholics worldwide to be as generous as possible with their financial and spiritual support.
Please remember the Christians of the Holy Land on Good Friday. Thank you.
The Commissariat transfers the Collection to the Holy Land in the latter half of the year (or earlier if requested). The annual statement is closed in mid-December, and late receipts from dioceses or parishes are credited to the collection for the following year.
Papal Decrees direct that the entire Holy Land (Good Friday) Collection is to be used for the Holy Land and divided between the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and the Latin Patriarchate (35%) and the Custody of the Holy Land (65%). The Responsibilities of the Custody of the Holy Land are: Biblical Shrines, Schools, Parishes, 'Casa Nova' Guest Houses, Other religious centres, Orphanages and refuges, and Charitable programmes. Donate today to the Commissariat of the Holy Land in Australia and make a difference in the Holy Land. Donations to the Commissariat are received at 47 Victoria Street, Waverley NSW 2024 and acknowledged.
However, donations are not tax deductible. CALL TEL: +61 2 9369 9300
PROJECT COMPASSION FOR LENT -
Palm Sunday
We pray that the mystery of the death of Jesus will deepen within our hearts. That we be ready to take up the cross in our time, especially as we support those who experience injustice worldwide.
Isaiah 50:4–7 I Philippians 2:6–11 I Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1–39
Written by Michael McGirr.
We see images of The Cross everywhere, from school uniforms to hospital buildings. Perhaps it is so commonplace that it doesn’t stop us in our tracks as it should. The cross of Jesus is the best key for understanding the mystery of God’s love. God’s compassion for the human family took Jesus to a lonely and brutal execution. Jesus was the victim of appalling injustice and degradation. His experience asks us to try to make the world more just and to revere the dignity of every person. ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, you do to me.’ This is part of why Project Compassion has, for 60 years, been synonymous with our Lenten observance.
This year, Holy Week begins with reading the passion story from Mark’s Gospel. Even in busy lives, we should try to set time aside to spend with this extraordinary story, not to rush it. Take a little at a time and ask for the grace to be close to Jesus. In the Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius asks us ‘to consider how the divinity hides itself.’
One way to spend time with the passion story is to take a different character each week and quietly ponder what it looked like to them and what they may have felt. Here is a suggestion:
Sunday – Judas Iscariot
Monday – Simon Peter
Tuesday – The High Priest
Wednesday – Pontius Pilate
Thursday – Simon of Cyrene
Friday – The Centurion
Saturday – Mary of Magdala
Let us remember a beautiful prayer of just seven words that was taught to Pope Francis by his grandmother: Jesus, make my heart more like yours.
SPECIAL RECONCILIATION TIMES -
Saturday 23rd March
Stella Maris (Broadbeach) 4-4.30 pm
Sacred Heart (Clear Island Waters) 4-4.30 pm
Sunday 24th March
Stella Maris (Broadbeach) after the 7 am Mass.
Monday to Wednesday - 25th to 27th March (inclusive)
After the Sacred Heart (Clear Island Waters) 9 am Mass.
Holy Thursday - 28th March.
Reconciliation will be held from 9 am -
(as there is no morning mass that day)
(No reconciliations scheduled on Holy Saturday or Easter Weekend.)
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) 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
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, seek Baptism.
Candidates – Wendy Tetsuo is seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and
- Selina Moncrieff will be Confirmed and receive First Holy Communion
- Diana Vargas and Julian Rivers will be Confirmed.
We invite all Parishioners to pray for our Elect and Candidates during this journey to Easter as they come to know Jesus more deeply and join us each week to celebrate 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.
On Monday, 26th February, the Sacramental Team emailed all families with children enrolled in Preparation for First Holy Communion 2024. If you have not received your email, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
To begin or continue the faith journey 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, Braganza Family, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Camara Family, Diana Castro, Cecily Cellinan, King Charles III, Nadia Che, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Geraldine Daniels, Nia Falekakala, Eileen Farrell, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Rachel Gooden, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Brian Johnson, 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, Denis Mullins, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, 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, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
John O’Hanlon, John Anthony Osbourne, Frank Alaba, Nola and John McDermott, Lionel Murphy, Rose Mary Booth-Crane, Noel Payne OAM, Graham William Gibbons, Teresa Teo, Laura (“Lara”) Aprile, Michael Francis Dooley, Louise Antoinette Levi, Erzsebet Rigo, Minnie Ware.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Vizma Mudite Barrett, Patricia Mary Bartlett, Peter Wayne Borg, Fr Patrick Brady, Pamela Barry (Pam) Braithwaite, John Lawrence (Brewy) Brew, Carmelo Camilleri, Helma Martina Anna van Camp, Desmond Robert Castle, Mary Cooper, Linley Gordon Dean, Josephine Desira, Connie Devlin, Jessie Veronica (Veronica) Dolan, Barry Edwards, Brian Anthony Fawell, Patricia Brigid Flanagan, Ben Thomas Hamlett, Marie Therese Haney, Gerald Peter Henderson, Ricardo Joseph Herft, Joyce Hunt, Fr William Kenny, Franciska Knap, Rufina Lim, Giuseppa Mauceri, Glen Anthony (Tony) McLeod, Catherine Mitchell, Murray Mortaruolo, Fr John Nee, Peter John O’Neill, Eileen Sarah Rainsbury, Angela Raiti, Alexander Redler, Iris Scharenguivel, Byron Schreiber, Hans Schroeder, Beverley Anne “Kate” Sheehy, John Donelly Shiels, Malcolm Thompson, Pietro Ulliana, Ted Wales, Peter Winks, Alfred John Serafim Zerafa.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Sheila Irene Asher, Bernadette Mary Bartley, Stephen Robert Bray, Earl Francis Alexander Brierty, Rev Dr John Clarke, Bp James Cuskelly, James Vincent (Jim) Daly, Fr Gerry Dore, Fr Gerald Fitzgerald, Maria Gafa, John Gardner, Mary Ann Groenewaldt, Angelita Javillonar, Francesco Lacopo, Vincent Letizia, Mr John Lawrence Maher, Annunziata (Tina) Morabito, Fr Timothy Norris, John Anthony O'Leary, Anthony Onofaro, Jack Phythian, Vera Ryan, John William Sattler, Noeline Patricia Sisam, Elsden John Oliver Smith, Claudette Bernadette Strode, Anna Szemeta, Martin Tadj, Vilma Mary Vaughan, Silvio De Vito.
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
ADVANCE NOTICE OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES IN OUR PARISH (2024)
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS AND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Our Easter timetable is as follows:
HOLY THURSDAY: (March 28th 2024)
6 pm Mass is only at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5:30 pm Hispanic Mass at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
GOOD FRIDAY: (March 29th 2024) - Morning Stations -
10 am Stations of the Cross in all three Churches:
10 am Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
10 am Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
10 am St Vincents Church. 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
+ GOOD FRIDAY - (March 29th 2024)- Afternoon Solemnities.
3 pm Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion in all three Churches:
3 pm Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
3 pm Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
3 pm St Vincents Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
HOLY SATURDAY: (March 30th 2024)
5 pm Full Vigil Mass with Baptism of Adults (longer ceremony). Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Ave, Broadbeach,
5 pm Vigil Mass, St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
7:30pm Hispanic Mass at St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
EASTER SUNDAY: (March 31st 2024)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
5:30 pm Hispanic Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. 4217
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
MARKETS ON FAIRWAY (THE MARKETS ON FAIRWAY ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS DUE TO WORK ON THE ATRIUM SITE)
From Grace R. grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com
RELIGIOUS MUSIC - LOCAL ARTIST- MARGARET HATZIS
Music album - “A Girl of Love” was written for children and I am proud to announce its release on all streaming platforms. It features students from Star of the Sea singing the school song Margaret, retired Assistant Principal for Religious Education at St Vincents, wrote for them along with a few others. We thought you might like to hear the finished product. They were amazing! https://music.youtube.com/channel/UClFTmjA4_Bmf44XCj8a7oQw
Here are two of Margaret’s Lyric videos of songs on the album found on her YouTube channel @WMGMusic24. - One for St Patrick's Day - Trinity Song
And another for Holy Week- Mary's journey to the Cross - I Will Walk With You
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Easter greeting cards and 50th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination cards are available
Surfers Paradise St Vincent de Paul Conference - Invitation
Our conference meets on 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the hospitality centre at Sacred Heart Church.
Our members/vincentians assist companions who have rung our call centre for assistance with food, clothing, rent etc. We are currently experiencing an increase in calls due to rent increases, cost of food, risk of homelessness. If you are interested in becoming a member please call Wendy Webb on 0412 237 832 or email: wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at the Sacred Heart Church before the Nine a.m. Mass, at 8:15 a.m., Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
ANOINTING MASS – MASS OF HEALING
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am the Second of April 2024. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 5th April 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 6th April 2024. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
MARIAN VALLEY - DIVINE MERCY
Can you please put the following notice in your Parish Bulletins on the weekends of 24.03.2024, 31.03.2024 and 07.04.2024.
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for the Divine Mercy Sunday on the 07.04.2024 and on the 13.04.2024 Our Lady of Fatima's Feast. 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.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP -
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. 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.
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
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 postponed this Holy Thursday (28th March). Resumes the following Thursday (4th April) 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
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0493742670.
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.
Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation - Module Three: Being Sacramental
The Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation is now inviting people to participate in the third unit offering.
This module, Being Sacramental, will explore with participants what living in a sacramental world means. It will address the broader notion of sacramentality, the importance of signs and symbols in the liturgy and the character of each of the Church's seven sacraments. The module will also focus on the participant's approach to the sacraments, recognising that our relationship with God fundamentally influences how we experience the sacraments. Participants will develop their ability to listen to the voice of God in and through the sacraments, seeing more clearly the grace received in each rite and moving closer to full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy.
I am asking Parish Priests and Chaplains to promote this formation opportunity in their parish or community and personally to invite people to register. Enclosed are a number of brochures you might provide to those you invite to attend. More information can be found at www.catholicformation.au.
(Brochure can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQ21axAypwcmomoZJuGlSX9wAPtkm12l/view?usp=sharing).
The module will run for ten consecutive Mondays, commencing on Monday, 15 April, at Holy Spirit Seminary, and the chief presenter will be Deacon Peter Pellicaan.
For those who live beyond the Brisbane region, there is an option to register as a regional hub where you can gather locally and participate via an online link. If you are interested in hosting a regional hub, contact Evangelisation Brisbane.
May this offering lead to a more profound knowledge and love of the sacraments in the minds and hearts of our people.
As always in the Lord,
+ The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
Archbishop of Brisbane
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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
THE ANGELUS
Call: The angel spoke God’s message to Mary,
Response: and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary…
Call: “I am the lowly servant of the Lord.
Response: let it be done to me according to your word.”
Hail Mary…
Call: And the Word became flesh.
Response: and lived among us.
Hail Mary…
Call: Pray for us, holy Mother of God,
Response: that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Lord, fill our hearts with your grace;
once, through the message of an angel,
you revealed to us the incarnation of your Son; now,
through his suffering and death
lead us to the glory of his resurrection.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is she who gives her life in the name of the Lord. Blessed are they who live their united lives in the name of the Lord. In today's Mass, we are presented with two options: do we welcome Christ into Jerusalem or scream out to crucify Him? Our willingness to give testimony to Christ helps determine where we are.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Pilate again said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?’And they cried out again, ‘Crucify him.’” – (Mark 15:12-13).
Jesus told us, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” Every day, we are presented with opportunities to help someone. Every day, we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others. Every day, we pass by someone in need.
Pray for the strength and courage to BE the one through whom God answers someone’s prayer.
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 -
WORD OF THE WEEK
Prostration (Pronounced: “Pross-stray-shun”)
Lying face down in a ritual expressing humility, reverence, and submission. Used in the ordination liturgy, it is also the posture assumed during the entrance ritual on Good Friday when priests and ministers proceed in silence and then reverence the altar before all assembled with a complete prostration.
CONTEXT
Prostration can symbolise death—the death to self before the candidate's rebirth into priestly service. —Beafriar.org website
[The Magi] saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts.
—Matthew 2:11
In Hebrew, the root of the word for “dismayed” can also mean “prostrate.” That’s what dismay and fear do—they take the legs from under us.
—Saint Mary’s College of Oscott Seminary
WHY IT MATTERS
Postures are powerful. We say much without saying a word. Genuflection and kneeling demonstrate respect. The Asian kowtow—kneeling while touching the forehead to the ground—is a more profound display of reverence. The rare full (or complete) prostration symbolises total submission to God alone. The ultimate prostration of Jesus on the cross brings about our salvation.
From the Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts: This act of prostration [on Good Friday], signifies both the abasement of “earthly man” and the grief and sorrow of the Church.
RELATED WORDS
Reverence | Humility | Kneel | Bow | Genuflect
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What is humility?
Humility is just about the exact opposite of everything you see in the world nowadays! To discover the essentials of humility, you have to experiment with self-emptying. Humility recognises that everything comes from God and belongs to God. Therefore, to God alone go all praise, honour, and glory. When you begin with God and not with yourself, your perspective on reality dramatically shifts. God's will comes first. "Not my will, but yours be done," as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
When you choose the perspective of a humble heart, you become aware that your proper orientation as a creature should be one of obedience—that is, attentive listening—to God's call. The attitude of obedience led to the world's salvation, as Saint Paul tells us: "[Jesus] humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." Paul explains that humility means putting others ahead of yourself, and thinking of their needs rather than yours. That is so countercultural jaws will drop whenever you attempt it.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
FRIDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION (GOOD FRIDAY) (MARCH 29)
The path of redemption
It is easy to conclude that one of human beings' best actions is inflicting suffering on one another. In ways big and small, people look to their interests at the expense of others. Yet Christ, in obedient love, gathers up all suffering in his Passion and death and offers us redemption through his ultimate sacrifice and Resurrection.
Readings: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032924.cfm) . "Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
FAITH IN ACTION
You can participate in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice by abandoning yourself to God.
A LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE - (For you at home)
In preparation for Holy Week and Easter, we have been doing acts of penance, prayer and good works to celebrate the joy of Christ's victory at Easter, with minds and hearts made pure. The following is a link to our online celebration of a special penitential service, which is an act of perfect contrition for all our sins. Christ hears the voice of the repentant sinner, so we trust in his abundant mercy.
Please visit this link: https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-lenten-penitential-service-for-you-at.html
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1312668722 - Cross and palm on (adapted red) background - easter sign symbol concept. Photo Contributor: udra11
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
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.Year B- Sunday, 24 March 2024
Holy Week has begun. And the passion narrative is such a powerful text in itself.
In the coming days, when you get some quiet prayer time, it would be excellent to read through the whole passion reading of Mark's gospel, from the woman anointing Jesus with oil to the Last Supper and through his trial and Peter's denial of him and then on to Jesus' crucifixion and the laying of his body in the tomb.
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Mark, in his brief but powerful and striking account of Jesus' passion, presents an amazing array of people representing contrasting personalities, behaviours, and values. Mark invites us to enter the text and see where we stand in this astounding.
Mark presents the flawed leader, Governor Pontius Pilate, who wants to appease his people rather than do what is right. Mark also presents the disciple, Peter, who takes fright and denies his master when the pressure is on. A disciple who had misunderstood or not attended to Our Lord's warning to pray and fast and prepare to survive the imminent time of trial.
Mark shows us the crowd, who are swayed by the ever-changing moods of fashion. One day, they welcomed Jesus in as the King and the Messiah, and now this same crowd quickly gets whipped up into an emotional frenzy by irrational sentiment and “egged on” by peer pressure. They now, as a group, turn against Our Lord and scream out for the blood of the man they so recently praised as their King.
It is a sober warning to us all to be wary of being swayed by populist sentiments…(and a "mob mentality"). We also hear in Mark's Gospel of the appalling trade-off between a guilty criminal (a murderer), Barabbas, who is released in favour of an utterly good and innocent man, Jesus.
We see people dressing Jesus up as a King and bowing to him. And people would be right to bow and worship him as the King of all heaven and earth. But disgustingly, these people are not worshipping him in truth but acting only in appalling mockery. The irony is unbearable. They are pretending to worship the one who truly should be worshipped. What they mock him about, they should have been seriously recognising him. Their ignorance and lack of respect and reverence are breathtaking. Lord, save us from ignorance and gross offence to you if ever we mock another - and in so doing, mock the very truth that you give us, in your grace and love.
How can we still truly bow down to Christ, not just in outward action but profoundly in heart, mind, and soul? To what extent is our commitment to Jesus only as deep as the baptismal robe we were clothed in?
Let us be immersed in the drama of Holy Week so that Jesus, who gave everything for us out of divine and overflowing love and self-giving, will bring us through this and all trials and sins, injustices and tragedies, into the new life of Christ and a renewed faith and commitment to his good news. His good news, so wonderfully and perfectly lived out in his life and death, gives us life… and life to the full.
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References:
Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly
“The Cross is the way of Paradise, but only when it’s borne willingly.” – St. Paul of the Cross. 1694–1775. Founder of the Passionists.
“While the world changes, the Cross stands firm.” – St. Bruno
“The Divine Heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs; it is an ocean full of joy to drown all our sorrows, an ocean of humility to drown our folly, an ocean of mercy to those in distress, an ocean of love in which to submerge our poverty.” – St. Margaret Mary
“He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself. Lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.” – St. Catherine of Siena
“What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? God, as our saviour, offers himself each day for us to his Father’s justice. He will comfort and relieve you if you are in difficulties and sorrows. If you are sick, he will either cure you or give you strength to suffer to merit Heaven. If the devil, the world, and the flesh are making war on you, he will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory. If you are poor, he will enrich you with all sorts of riches for time and eternity. Let us open the door to his sacred and adorable Heart and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of his love, and we shall see what a God who loves us can do. O my God, who shall be able to comprehend?” – St. John Vianney
“Even on the Cross, He did not hide himself from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its maker. Then, having once left it be seen that is was truly dead, He did not allow that temple of his body to linger long, but forthwith on third day raised it up, impassible and incorrupt, the pledge and token of his victory.” – St. Athanasius of Alexandria
“Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; The tears of sinners move his mercy, and he never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humbled heart.” – St. Charles Borromeo
“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen
“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him. If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints. And your name, written in the Book of Life, will be glorious among men.” – St. Clare of Assisi
“When we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus, He grants us, according to the measure of our faith, the grace to practice the virtues He revealed during those sacred hours.” – St. Angela Merici
“Let us love the Cross and let us remember that we are not alone in carrying it. God is helping us. And in God Who is comforting us, as St. Paul says, we can do anything.” – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
“He who seeks not the Cross of Christ seeks not the glory of Christ.” – St. John of the Cross
“The patient and humble endurance of the Cross – whatever nature it may be – is the highest work we have to do.” – St. Katherine Drexel
“Crosses release us from this world and by doing so bind us to God.” – Bl. Charles de Foucauld
“Humility, obedience, meekness, and love are the virtues that shine through the Cross and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O my Jesus, help me imitate you!” – St. Anthony Mary Claret
(source: https://epicpew.com/15-powerful-saint-quotes-to-meditate-on-during-holy-week/ )
POPE FRANCIS: Continuing the summary on Session One of the Synod on Synodality. +
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16. Towards a Listening and Accompanying Church
Convergences
1. During the first two years of the synodal journey, including during our Assembly, listening is the word that best expresses our experience. This is listening given and receiving. Listening is a deeply human reality, a dynamic of reciprocity in which each makes a contribution to the other's journey while receiving a contribution to one's own.
Many of those who participated in the synodal process at the local level, and especially those who have suffered forms of marginalization in the Church or in society were greatly surprised by the invitation to speak and be heard in the Church and by the Church. Being deeply listened to is an experience of affirmation and recognition of dignity, and is a powerful way of engaging people and communities.
Placing Jesus at the centre of our lives requires some degree of self-emptying. In this perspective, providing a listening ear means being willing to ‘decentre’ oneself in order to leave space for the other. We have experienced this in the dynamic of conversations in the Spirit. It is a demanding ascetical exercise that obliges each person to recognise his or her own limitations and the partiality of his or her point of view. Because of this, it opens the possibility of listening to the voice of the Spirit of God that speaks to those beyond the borders of the ecclesial community and can initiate a journey of change and conversion.
Listening has a Christological significance; it means adopting Jesus' attitude toward the people he encountered (cf. Phil. 2:6-11). It also has an ecclesial value, since it is the Church that is listening through the actions of the baptised who act not simply in their own name but in the name of the community.
The Church encountered many people and groups along the synodal process, asking to be listened to and accompanied. We mention, first and foremost, young people whose requests for listening and accompaniment resonated strongly in the Synod dedicated to them (2018) and in this Assembly, confirming the need for a preferential option for young people.
The Church needs to listen with special attention and sensitivity to the voices of victims and survivors of sexual, spiritual, economic, institutional, power and conscience abuse by clergy members or persons with Church appointments. Authentic listening is a fundamental element of the path to healing, repentance, justice and reconciliation.
The Assembly expresses its closeness to and support for all those who accept being alone as a choice made in fidelity to the Church’s Tradition and Magisterium on marriage and sexual ethics, which they recognise as the source of life. Christian communities are invited to be close to them, listen to them and accompany them in their commitment.
In different ways, people who feel marginalised or excluded from the Church because of their marriage status, identity or sexuality also ask to be heard and accompanied. There was a deep sense of love, mercy and compassion felt in the Assembly for those who are or feel hurt or neglected by the Church, who want a place to call "home" where they can feel safe, be heard and respected, without fear of feeling judged. Listening is a prerequisite for walking together in search of God's will. The Assembly reiterates that Christians must always show respect for the dignity of every person.
People who suffer the many different forms of poverty, exclusion and marginalisation within our unequal societies also turn to the Church in search of love, listening and accompaniment. This listening allows the Church to understand the realities of poverty and marginalisation and to draw close in friendship to those who suffer. Crucially it also enables the Church to be evangelised by those who suffer. Listening to them allows the Church to understand their point of view and to place itself concretely at their side, and to be evangelised by them. We thank and encourage all those who are engaged in the service of listening to and accompanying those who are in prison. They, in particular, need to experience the merciful love of the Lord and to not feel isolated from the community. On behalf of the Church, they realise the Lord’s words “I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:36).
Many people experience a condition of loneliness that is often close to abandonment. The elderly and the sick are often invisible in society. We encourage parishes and Christian communities to be close to them and listen to them. Works of mercy inspired by the Gospel words “I was sick, and you visited me” (Mt 25:39) have a profound significance for the people involved and for fostering the wider bonds of the community.
2. Finally, the Church wants to listen to everyone, not just those who can most easily make their voices heard. In some regions, for cultural and social reasons, members of certain groups, such as young people, women, and minorities, may find it more challenging to express themselves freely in public or ecclesial spaces. Living under oppressive and dictatorial regimes also erodes this freedom. The same can happen when the exercise of authority within the Christian community becomes oppressive rather than liberating.
Matters for Consideration
1. Listening requires unconditional acceptance. It does not mean compromising the proclamation of the Gospel or endorsing any opinion or position proposed. Jesus opened up new horizons and pathways for the people to whom he listened unconditionally, and in order to share the Good News of salvation with those we encounter, we are called to do likewise.
2. Widespread in many parts of the world, small Christian communities foster listening practices of, and amongst, the baptised. We are called to enhance their potential, in particular, by exploring how they can be adapted to urban contexts.
Proposals
1. What would need to change for those who feel excluded to experience the Church as more welcoming? Listening and accompaniment are a form of ecclesial action, not just the actions of individuals. They must, therefore, find a place within the ordinary pastoral planning and operational structuring of Christian communities at different levels, making full use of spiritual accompaniment. A synodal Church needs to be a listening Church, and this commitment has to be translated into practice.
We do not start this work from scratch. Numerous institutions and structures carry out the aluable task of listening, including the accompaniment work of Caritas amongst the poorest, among migrants and refugees, and the many other contexts of accompaniment linked to consecrated life or lay associations. Connecting their work in a more integral way with the local Church community enables this work to be seen as part of the life of the whole community, not a delegated task.
Those performing the service of listening and accompaniment, in its various forms, need adequate formation, taking into account the experiences of those they come into contact with. They also need to feel supported by the community. For their part, communities should become fully aware of the meaning of this service exercised on their behalf and receive the fruits of this listening. We propose the establishment of a ministry of listening and accompaniment to give greater prominence to this service. It should be grounded in baptism and adapted to different contexts. The way this ministry is conferred should promote the involvement of the community.
2. SECAM (Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar) is encouraged to promote theological and pastoral discernment on the question of polygamy and the accompaniment of people in polygamous unions who are coming to faith.
3. Digital culture represents a fundamental change in how we conceive of reality and consequently relate to ourselves, one another, our surroundings, and even God. The digital environment changes our learning processes and perception of time, space, our bodies, interpersonal relationships and, indeed, much of our way of thinking. The dualism between real and virtual does not adequately describe the reality and experience of people, especially the youngest, the so-called "digital natives."
4. Digital culture, then, is not so much a distinct area of mission as a crucial dimension of the Church's witness in contemporary culture. This is why it holds special significance in a synodal Church.
5. Missionaries have always gone with Christ to new frontiers while the Holy Spirit pushed and preceded them. We must reach today's culture in all spaces where people seek meaning and love, including the spaces they enter through their cell phones and tablets.
6. We cannot evangelise digital culture without first understanding it. Young people, and among them, seminarians, young priests, and young consecrated men and women, who often have profound and direct experience of it, are best suited to carry out the Church's mission in the digital environment, as well as to accompany the rest of the community, including pastors, in becoming more familiar with its dynamics.
7. Within the synodal process, the initiatives of the “Digital Synod” (“The Church Listens to You” Project) show the potential of the digital environment approached in a missionary key, the creativity and generosity of those who engage in it, and the importance of providing them with training, accompaniment and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussion and collaboration.
8. The Internet is increasingly present in the lives of children and families. While it has great potential to improve people's lives, it can also cause harm and injury, such as through intimidation, disinformation, sexual exploitation, and addiction. There is an urgent need to consider how the Christian community can support families in ensuring that the online space is not only safe but also spiritually life-giving.
9. There are many valuable and useful Church-related online initiatives that provide excellent catechesis and faith formation. Many valuable and useful Church-related online initiatives are provided in a polarised and even hate-filled manner. As a Church and as individual digital missionaries, we must ask ourselves how we can ensure that our online presence constitutes an experience of growth for those with whom we communicate.
10. Online apostolic initiatives have a reach and scope that extends beyond traditionally understood territorial boundaries. This raises important questions about how they can be regulated and which ecclesiastical authority should be responsible for supervision.
11. We must also consider the implications of the new digital missionary frontier for the renewal of existing parish and diocesan structures. In an increasingly digital world, how do we avoid being trapped within a mindset that seeks only to conserve what we are already doing and instead unleash new energies for new forms of mission?
12. The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a range of creative online pastoral initiatives that reduced the effects of the experience of isolation and loneliness experienced particularly by elderly and vulnerable community members. Catholic educational institutions also used online platforms effectively to continue offering formation and catechesis during lockdowns. We need to assess what this experience has taught us and what the lasting benefits might be for the Church's mission in the digital environment.
13. While young people do seek beauty, many young people have abandoned the physical spaces of the Church into which we continue to try to invite them, favouring online spaces instead. This has implications for how we try to engage them and seek to offer them formation and catechesis. This is something to consider from a pastoral perspective.
14. We need to provide opportunities for recognising, forming, and accompanying those already working as digital missionaries while facilitating networking.
15. It is important to create collaborative networks of influencers that include people of other religions or, indeed who may profess no faith but who wish to collaborate on common causes to promote human dignity, justice, and care for our common home.
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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