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“Jesus himself stood among them and said to them,
‘Peace be with you.’ ” (Luke 24:36)
Image Credit- Rodney Antony. Gold Coast. 10/04/24
If anyone is planning to drive to the Corpus Christie Commemoration at the Cathedral 2pm 2nd of June, 2024. Could you let us know if you are driving to the event, are you able to take passengers and how many? Let us know at the parish office or email us with details surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. If you are looking for a lift please also let us know.
PASTOR’S POST
Easter is too big and too good to just celebrate on one weekend. Easter is a season that flows right through to Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
This is some of what we pick up from the scripture readings we have for this weekend as we continue to journey through this joyful Easter season.
Saint Peter in the first reading tells the Jewish authorities, (his own people), “I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” So, Jesus’ death and resurrection was to atone for all sins, including the sins of those who hurt Jesus. All people need to do to appropriate the saving love of God, is to acknowledge our sinfulness and trust in Jesus’ gospel message and live new lives in accordance with this message. Knowing and loving God and his message is our salvation, but the true test of knowing God is KEEPING God’s commandments and acting according to Jesus’ teachings of discipleship. Then, the promises of Jesus will be ours, as John’s letter says in the second reading.
The readings this weekend reinforce the wonderful message we celebrate this season. ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’
We sin. That is what humans do. But that is never where we leave things. We can never concede to weakness and wallow in the lowest common denominator of our frailty.
We can often do the wrong thing, and sometimes it is knowingly, sometimes it is out of ignorance, and sometimes it is out of negligent failure to know what we ought. We humans are flawed but infinitely loved by the God who created us.
God knows what we are like, and loves us unconditionally as a parent loves their child. Like a parent’s love for a child, it does not condone or encourage lousy behaviour or wilful refusal to change one’s ways because “after all, we are all human, and we all make mistakes.” As someone once said, “we might all (at times) live in the gutter, but some of us have our eyes on the stars.” Just because we are human and prone to sin is no excuse for staying in our bad habits and remaining ignorant. As beloved children of God, we are called to grow and change constantly. We are called to spend our whole lives on a journey of learning, openness, repentance, conversion and transformation with God’s grace.
· “Obedience calls for a listening and discerning heart.” —Sister Charlene Diorka, S.S.J.
· “It’s hard work to let God forgive me. I have to . . . strip away all the cynicism and anger I’ve built up . . . defy my disappointments, and find what is real again.” –Donna Schaper, From “Stripping Down: The Art of Spiritual Restoration.”
Fr Paul
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.
Fr Marty Larsen
Rest in Peace, Former Parish Priest of Runaway Bay, Fr Martin “Marty” Larsen, (Born July 10th 1975, - 48 years of age), who passed away unexpectedly early last week.
Fr Marty was one of Triplets (his brothers Andrew and Simon), originally from Bundaberg. He is from the class of 1992 at Nudgee College, Brisbane.
Fr Marty served as a deacon in the parish of Caloundra and, after his priestly ordination on June 27th, 2014, as an Associate Pastor at the parishes of Maroochydore and Jubilee. He also administered Hervey Bay for a time before moving to the Parish of Runaway Bay as Parish Priest. He is affectionately remembered in these communities and was much loved by his family and many friends.
A Vigil Liturgy will be celebrated at St Brigid’s, Red Hill, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, 18 April 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at The Cathedral of St Stephen. Then, the funeral will proceed to the Nudgee Cemetery for the Rite of Christian Burial.
May he rest in peace and experience the eternal presence of Christ he has both loved and served.
We all pray for him, his family, friends, fellow priests and deacons, and his former parishioners at this time. Amen.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
Thank you and Welcome to the Elect and Candidates who completed the journey of enquiry and faith this Easter 2024.
Kelly Friend, Cory Schumacher, Willem Peters, Satoshi Tetsuo, were Baptised, Confirmed and received First Holy Communion.
Wendy Tetsuo was received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and
Diana Vargas and Julian Rivers were Confirmed.
We invite all Parishioners to pray for them this Easter as they come to know Jesus more deeply and join us each week to celebrate the Mass in full Communion.
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.
Some photos to enjoy while remembering our Easter Celebrations and those who are now full members of our church - may we continue to keep you in our prayers and make you welcome when we encounter you.
Someone had to do it!
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 in the table below.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Christian Religious Instruction -
INSTRUCTORS and ASSISTANTS NEEDED.
At our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week, to help students. consented by their parent/carer.
learn about Jesus
New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.
Training is free, with full support.
An easy curriculum ensures Bible stories engage students and give an understanding of God’s Love.
Can you help?
For more information:
Helene McCowan - 0419 747 631
Christian RI - https://christianri.org.au/
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: (Alphabetical)
Phil Bawden, 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, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Rachel Gooden, Maurice Goss, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Brian Johnson, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Ross Keys, 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, Michael “Tiger” McCormick, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs, Joan Miau, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Michael & Lesley Murtagh, Joanna Muthu, Lynn Nunan, Denis Mullins, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, Natalie O’Reilly, Letty O’Sullivan, Joanne Parkes, Kay Pitman, David Plows, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Patricia Roberts, Rogelio Rodriguez, Bob Rogers, Cris Roselo, 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, John Zappa
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Fr Marty Larsen, Teresa Balague, Maureen Armstrong, Jolan Horvath, Gemma Lowe, Janet Holliday, Juliana Ooi, Alan Taylor, John O’Hanlon, Alicia Celayh Jaureui, Phyllis Byrne, John Anthony Osbourne, Frank Alaba, Thelma & Leo Lampago, Graham William Gibbons, Minnie Ware.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, Cornelis “Casey” Bayens, Victor Boctor, Ramsis Nessim Boctor, Margaret Elizabeth Boulton, Rosanne Cruz Bridge, Fr David Brimson, Alan John (Mick) Burcham, Gino Cappellazzo, Christine Cardoza, Wilhelm Ciszewski, Charles Gerad Debnam, Patricia Dooley, Mons John English, Daniel Xavier Farrugia, Cecily Josepha Fury, Kathleen Gabriel, Leslie Hewitt, Fr John Isaac, Mons Martin Jordan, John Kinne, Fr Henry Laing, Fr Kieran Luby, Olive Yvonne Matthews, Fr John McCann, Fr Patrick McCormick, Shane Mcloughlan, Kath McMonagle, Dorothy and Ray Mullen, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Joyce Rosa Parisi, Francesco Posa, John Purcell, Barbara Robertson, Dorotea Rosello, Walter Schaer, Josephine Shaw, Catherine Smyth, Matthew Stoyakovich, Leonard Gregory Toner, Ronald Turner, Barbara Claire (Barbie) White.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Fr Francis Arthurs, Earl Briertey, Kaye Diane Blake, Jaiden Glen Brooks, Fr Francis Costello, A/Bp James Duhig, Fr Graham Elliott, Tibor Endrody, Vera Endrody, Raymond Alexander (Ray) Gardiner, Antony Di Giorgio, Douglas Anthony Glenn, Ray Hutchinson, Claire Irene Keefe, Gregory Kelly, Brian Raymond Lloyd, Errol John Maguire, John Richard Morgan, Fr James Murphy, Betty O’Connell, Susan Ruth O'Gorman, Annunziata Posa, Thomas (Tommy) Raudonikis, John (Jakes) Rennie, Mendoza, Nympha Reponia, Noelene Sisam, Norma Weise, Judith Wisemantel, Helen Wood.
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 (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 GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
A selection of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion gifts available now.
SURFERS PARADISE St VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - Invitation
Our conference meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm 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, the 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 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 3rd of May 2024, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are 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 4th May 2024. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
MARIAN VALLEY - DIVINE MERCY
Please join us at the Marian Valley Church on 13.04.2024, Our Lady of Fatima's Feast. The bus will pick up Sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare is $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with a contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine at 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
15/04/2024 Helen & Theo Skjaerback Merrimac
22/04/2024 Helen & Theo Skjaerback Merrimac
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 meets every Thursday 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church,
40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. Come along and read/study Break Open the Word
weekly 5pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries contact 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 invites 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 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 invite people to register. Enclosed are several 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. Deacon Peter Pellicaan will be the chief presenter.
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
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
What is Lectio Divina?
Latin translation: “Divine Reading”
Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin. It’s a meditative way of reading the Bible in which we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to what God is trying to say to us.
When I was first introduced to Lectio Divina, I chose the passage from the Gospel where Jesus teaches the Our Father. What stuck out to me during this first attempt at Lectio Divina became the name of our app – the word “hallow,” which means “to make holy.”
Origin
Many historians and theologians credit St. Benedict of Nursia as the first teacher of Lectio Divina. St. Benedict spoke to the importance of divine reading in his Rule of St. Benedict, encouraging readers to live a life devoted to work and prayer (especially through reading). However, this method of prayer likely originated even earlier than the time of St. Benedict, who passed away during the 6th century.
It wasn’t until a few centuries ago that you could find a Bible in homes, hotels, and churches worldwide with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. It also wasn’t the norm that entire communities could read or write. Unlike today, with most Christians having Bibles in their homes or access to a digital Bible, communities shared physical Bibles and even relied on certain individuals to read scripture aloud. This practice of listening to Scripture read aloud was very popular in monastic communities — prompting them to “listen with their hearts.”
The modern resurgence of this ancient technique
While Lectio Divina has long been a technique prayed with, there was a resurgence in its popularity following the publishing of Dei Verbum, Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI, Dei Verbum encourages us to continue renewing the Church through the Word of God. Similarly, Lectio Divina calls on us to see prayer as a renewal of our relationship with God through the Word.
God, who through the Word creates all things (see John 1:3) and keeps them in existence, gives men an enduring witness to Himself in created realities (see Rom. 1:19-20).
Dei Verbum, Ch. I, 3.
It’s not the same as Bible study
While Lectio Divina is a great way to study the Bible, it isn’t the same thing as a Bible study. Lectio Divina offers something more specific, more personal to you, in the moment you are praying. Bible studies lead us to interpret the Bible by asking questions and at times, doing research, and looking at the Bible as a whole. Lectio Divina, on the other hand, asks us to intentionally focus on a short section of Scripture. This prayerful focus could be one passage, one verse, or even just one word.
Why do we pray with Lectio Divina?
To become better listeners
There are countless ways to sit with God and grow closer to Him. From the Examen to the Rosary and everything in between, Christians might feel like their prayer toolbox is already full. However, Lectio Divina might become your favorite way to pray. Lectio Divina becomes more about divine listening than divine reading when we take the time to do it.
This is why we pray Lectio Divina — to become better listeners of the Lord. When it feels like we can’t say the right thing in prayer, turn to Lectio Divina. Simply open the Bible to a passage, or select a meditation in Hallow, and try to listen well. In doing this, we might hear more clearly what God is asking of us — opening ourselves to peace, gratitude, and living rooted in Christ.
To remember the vitality of the Word
In September of 2005, the Vatican celebrated the 40th anniversary of Dei Verbum. Reminding us of the wisdom of the Word, Pope Benedict XVI explained that it is because of the Gospel that the Church lives. Therefore, it is through the Word that we, too, live.
It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Pope Benedict XVI
When do we pray with Lectio Divina?
This prayer method is one of the most accessible types available to all. You can pray with the Word with “Hallow,” (an app on line), or with a physical Bible, or even with a passage of Scripture you have memorised. God is with you and in Scripture at all times — whether it’s before you go to sleep or on your commute to work.
Download Hallow to Pray Lectio Divina: https://hallow.app.link/LectioDivina
How to pray Lectio Divina
The time you spend praying the Lectio Divina is entirely up to you and varies by person. 20 minutes
Read, Or when using Hallow, listen. Take a short passage from the Bible and listen to it carefully. Let it soak in.
If you’re unsure which verse or meditation to pray with first, we recommend starting with Hallow’s Introduction to Prayer Challenge.
If you’re praying with a Bible, maybe start with a passage you’ve heard before. For example, you could pray with an excerpt from any of the Psalms, Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4), or the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).Prayers for Strength
Meditate
Then, after reading or listening for a second time, consider: What sticks out to you? Perhaps it’s a particular image, phrase, or single word. Let that be your focus, meditating on what might God be trying to show you through what stands out. Taize Prayer
Pray
Respond to the text and to God. Ask God to show you what He wants you to take from it. This could lead you to offer thanks, ask forgiveness, or simply talk with God about what the passage brought to your heart. Hands Praying
Contemplate
Rest with God. Be aware of God’s presence with you. Listen for His voice.
At the end of the Lectio Divina sessions in “Hallow,” we close with the Our Father and the Sign of the Cross. Contemplation
In the app, we have Scripture passages that have different themes and questions for reflection in praylists (such as ones related to love, humility, or sleep), and you can always pray Lectio Divina with the daily Gospel.
We hope to pray with you soon!
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Peter, who once denied even knowing Jesus, now boldly preaches in His Name. Do not let past weaknesses hold you back from being willing to share the power of His Message. (Acts 3:13-15,17-19)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’But they were startled and frightened…” - Luke 24:36-37
Throughout the day we have many opportunities to “see the face of Jesus” in others and to “be the face of Jesus” to others. Do we take that opportunity to provide “peace” to those we encounter or are we afraid of what others will think of us and do nothing? Pray for the strength and courage to live a “God-centered” life and not a “self-centred” life.
The vision of Stewardship applies to every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what they have been given.
Take Five For Faith -
WORD OF THE WEEK
Liturgy of the Eucharist \‘yü-kə-rəst\
Eucharist, Greek for “thanksgiving,” is the formal name for the Mass. Also part three of the four-part movement of the Mass: the Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rite. The Liturgy of the Eucharist includes the people's offering, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion rite.
CONTEXT
Liturgy is, therefore, both word and action . . . the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the action that flows from the word.
—Sister Julia Upton, R.S.M.
The Liturgy of the Word centres its action at the ambo, the Liturgy of the Eucharist at the altar. The first is fundamentally verbal, and the second is primarily visual. The first is a story, and the second tangible sacrament. —Alice Camille
WHY IT MATTERS
We celebrate our faith in two main units of liturgy that serve as the spiritual lungs of the church: Word and Eucharist. The first tells the story of how we came to be the People of God. The second gives thanks for this astonishing reality. In addition, the church teaches in Lumen Gentium that the faithful, “as true witnesses of Christ,” are “obliged to spread the faith by word and deed,” which includes taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, “the source and summit of the Christian life.”
From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: The Church has arranged the entire celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in parts corresponding to precisely [the] words and actions of Christ (no. 72).
RELATED WORDS
Ritual | Mass | Eucharistic Prayer | thanksgiving
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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Why are Catholics focused on the Eucharist?
Eucharistic spirituality is ground-level for Catholic life. It's built on three gospel accounts of the Last Supper, in which Jesus employs well-known forms of Jewish prayers of praise and thanksgiving and urges his friends to "do this in memory of me." While John's gospel doesn't recount this narrative, he does have an extended teaching of Jesus as the bread of life. Early Church teachers like Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Cyril, Ambrose, and Augustine agreed that the Eucharist had several meanings. One is the impact of the Passion of Christ on human history. Another is the unity Christians share as the Body of Christ. Engaging in this sacrament has profound moral implications for those who do.
In the medieval church why Jesus makes this self-offering was obscured in debates about how it's accomplished ritually and theologically. Most believers adored the Host but fewer embraced a life of thanksgiving. The Second Vatican Council sought to restore "full, conscious, and active" participation so that the People of God might remember that the why of Eucharist is more vital than the how. —Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
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REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (APRIL 14)
Grace-filled beginnings
The disciples on the road to Emmaus and those in the Upper Room experienced Jesus in bodily form and also in his role as rabbi. He helped them “connect the dots” of their Jewish tradition so they could see that the Resurrection was the fulfilment of the hopes of their ancestors. Readings: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48 (47: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
FAITH IN ACTION.
Allow Easter to help you locate yourself in the vast sweep of history and see that you are the intended beneficiary of God’s grace since the beginning of time.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Homily: Third Sunday of Easter.Year B - Sunday, 14 April 2024
– Fr Paul –
In the gospel, this weekend, the absolute truth of the PHYSICAL resurrection of Christ is again reinforced.
Jesus even shares a meal with his disciples; and makes a point of eating what sounds like a delightful piece of grilled fish to show his disciples he is indeed flesh and blood.
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There's a story told after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, that some people who would still not believe the evidence of their own eyes, seeing Lazarus walking around alive and well again, stubbornly continued to try and score some points against our Lord. So they said to him, why do you have to call out Lazarus' name to make him rise again? Surely if you truly are the Son of God, your authority should be absolute. Surely he could just say, come out, and he would have.
But our Lord replied very wisely, if I didn't specifically name Lazarus, then everyone in the cemetery would have risen up at the command!
That's a wonderful story and it really expresses something fundamental and powerful and promising to each and every one of us. Our Lord's resurrection was a foretaste of the resurrection that he promises to everyone who trusts in his word.
Jesus' command to rise up and come out of the tomb is absolutely authoritative and will be utterly irresistible. This is the command we will all hear at the resurrection on the last day. This is what all who have gone before us will hear.
While Jesus was not initially recognised by his followers when they first met him, they quickly knew that it was him when he did the things that he had always done. His actions quickly reminded them of all that he was and still is. His actions represented all he valued and acted on in his life and they recognised his presence with certainty then.
Jesus in his earthly ministry was constantly at work bringing peace, healing, inclusion, forgiveness, and joy into people's lives and hearts. When the disciples met the risen Jesus, they experienced these things again and when the Holy Spirit fell on them at Pentecost and sent them out into the world, they continued Jesus' actions in their own lives and ministries too. When they did what Jesus did and spread the message of good news, as their master had done, people experienced Jesus really working through them.
When they carried the joy of friendship with God in their hearts, it radiates out to everyone else and people feel it too. Sometimes we meet people who just radiate the joy and peace of the good news and it's good for us to think, who are the people we know who always make us feel joy and happiness, or who can convey a sense of joy and peace whenever we meet them? We have many such people quietly and lovingly working away in our community, in our families, our schools, our parishes, our workplaces, and so many other places. Jesus commissions us all to be carriers of his light and joy into the world.
The true source of that joy and energy and peace is of course Jesus, who had that amazing ability to radiate his message, not only in words, but in actions and attitudes, and in deeply impressive, life-changing encounters with people. In the scripture passages of Easter, we hear that Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to many different disciples in different incidences. We're told a few times in the scriptures that they did not always recognise him initially, something about him looked or seemed different, or as the scriptures put mysteriously, their eyes were kept from recognising him.
Plus it's understandable that if someone was not expecting to meet a person in this life again, because that person was known to have died, that person would literally be the last person we would expect to see again in this earth. But they did recognise Jesus instantly when he again spoke and acted as he had always done in the past, actions so associated with who he really is that it immediately caused realisation and recognition. Other times, such as this weekend's gospel, they know immediately it's Jesus, they recognise him as soon as he enters the room with them, but they find it really difficult to comprehend that Jesus was not merely a ghost or a spiritual vision, but alive in the flesh.
There's this charming moment today when Jesus tries to show them that he is indeed fully alive in his flesh and blood by asking for a delicious morsel of broiled fish and eating it in front of them. So, for Jesus, it was of course doing what he had done throughout his ministry, sharing a meal with his apostles and with all who will sit down with him, with an ever-increasing group of people who are now part of God's family. He broke bread with them, he opened up the scriptures to his people, he gave people peace, inclusion, joy, hope, healing, mercy.
It was the same Jesus, they knew it, they experienced it, he had risen, and he was not a ghost, he was real, just like before, and they could experience his presence and action amongst them again, they could touch him. What a profound gift that Jesus gives us, a gift Jesus continues to give us all these centuries later. In the breaking of the bread, at his word broken, open for us.
In Jesus' body and blood, broken and poured out for us. In the Eucharist, when we do this, we still encounter the risen Lord. The thing Jesus came to remind his followers in this encounter today in the Gospel is, yes, says Jesus, I am indeed the Messiah, but I never said the Messiah was going to come and make you all earthly princes, and make you rulers on earth and rich and powerful.
Look through the scriptures, he says, the Messiah is not the powerful rich king, he is a suffering servant. Do you not see, he teaches his listeners, that it was always necessary that I suffer, and it was by this foolishness of human weakness and apparent defeat that I need to show the world what really matters, what real power is, and that power, that real power is love, non-violence, inclusion, mercy, and justice, and practical sharing. Jesus says he has come to give life to us, and he asks us to give life to others in return.
There are so many ways we can give life to others, not the least of which is feeding those in need, who are hungry, physically, but also spiritually giving people things to bring life, nourishment, hope, and strength to them. All that Jesus asks us, in all the ways he appears to us in our daily lives, in and through the people and events of our life, is that we at least give him something, even a small morsel, like that morsel of fish, some practical action, some concrete response, something akin to a small loaf of bread offered, or a piece of fish. And with this, Christ has shown that when we entrust ourselves to him and give him something that we have to offer, he will take our humble actions and transform the world, and our lives, and the lives of others too, especially those most struggling.
He will transform us in his love and inclusion. He will lovingly reach out to anyone by making use of us as willing instruments of his grace, compassion, and justice. And everything he does will always be for the better.
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References:
HOMILY – Fr Paul Kelly
Abbot's Homily. Monastery of Christ in the Desert.
{Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed stock vector ID: 254006194 Jesus after his resurrection; in triangles style M By mashabr}
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
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2313846087 -Jesus Reunites With His Apostles After His Resurrection, Bringing Hope, Joy, And Reaffirming His Divine Mission - Vector Formats - Vector Contributor: ivector
The following Feast days are not celebrated on these dates as the Easter Octave overrides them. Nevertheless, their words inspire us)
On Humility. Considered the foundation virtue upon which all other virtues are built.
“One day of humble self-knowledge is a greater grace from the Lord, although it may have cost us many afflictions and trials, than many days of prayer.” - St . Teresa.
“Our Lord says that whoever wishes to become greatest of all, must make himself least of all. This is a truth that all Christians believe; how happens it, then, that so few practise it?” - St . V. de Paul.
“Vain self-complacency and the desire of making a show of being spoken of, of having our conduct praised, and of hearing it said that we succeed well and are doing wonders, —this is an evil which makes us forget God, which infects our holiest actions, and is, of all vices, the most injurious to progress in the spiritual life. I do not understand how anyone can believe and hold it as a truth of faith, that he who exalts himself shall be abased if he desires to pass for a person of worth, a person of prudence, foresight, and ability.” — St.V. de Paul.
“What is it, O my God, that we expect to gain by seeming well before creatures, and by pleasing them? What does it matter to us if we are blamed by them, and considered poorly, provided we are great and faultless before Thee Oh lord, and if we never come fully to an understanding of this truth, and so we never succeed in standing upon the summit of perfection! The Saints had no pleasure than to live unknown and abject in the hearts of all. St Bernard.
“When you see any one who desires esteem and honours and avoids contempt, and who, when contradicted or neglected, shows resentment and takes it ill, —you may be sure that such a one, though he were to perform miracles, is very far from perfection, for all his virtue is without foundation.” - St . Thomas Aquinas .
POPE FRANCIS: Continuation of the Synod Summary -
- Rome Italy March 24, 2024: Pope Francis at Easter Palm Sunday mass. Catholic Christian religion in St. Peter's Vatican. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Fabrizio Maffei
18. Structures for Participation
Convergences
As members of the faithful People of God, all the baptised are co-responsible for mission, each according to his or her vocation, competence and experience. Therefore, all contribute to imagining and discerning steps to reform Christian communities and the Church as a whole. In this way, the Church experiences "the sweet and comforting joy of evangelising." The purpose of synodality, in the composition and functioning of the bodies in which it takes shape, is mission. Co-responsibility is for mission: this attests that we are truly gathered in the name of Jesus, this frees the bodies of participation from bureaucratic limitations and worldly logics of power, and makes gathering fruitful.
In the light of the recent teaching of the Church (in particular, Lumen gentium and Evangelii gaudium), this co-responsibility of all in mission must be the criterion underlying the structuring of Christian communities and the entire local church with all its services, in all its institutions, in each of its pastoral bodies (cf 1 Cor 12:4-31). The proper recognition of the laity for mission in the world cannot become a pretext for assigning the care of the Christian community to bishops and priests alone.
The authority par excellence is that of the Word of God, which must inspire every meeting of participatory bodies, every consultation and every decision-making process. For this to happen, it is necessary that, at every level, the gathering draws meaning and strength from the Eucharist and takes place in the light of the Word heard and shared in prayer.The composition of the various councils for the discernment and decision-making of a synodal missionary community must provide for the presence of men and women who have an apostolic disposition, distinguished not by their frequent presence in church, but by a genuine evangelical witness in ordinary life. The People of God are all the more missionary when they can make the voices of those already living the mission by inhabiting the world and its peripheries resonate within themselves, including in participatory bodies.
Matters for Consideration
In light of what we have shared, it is important to ask how we can promote participation in the various councils when many feel they are not up to the task. Synodality grows when each member is involved in processes and decision-making for the mission of the Church. In this sense, we are encouraged by many small Christian communities in the emerging Churches, who live the closeness of the day-to-day, around the Word of God and the Eucharist.
In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis entrusted the Church to make changes to the composition of participatory bodies, this task cannot be further delayed. The participation of baptised men and women living in complex situations of loving relationship "can be expressed in different ecclesial services, which necessarily requires discerning which of the various forms of exclusion currently practised in the liturgical, pastoral, educational and institutional framework, can be surmounted” (299). This discernment also concerns their exclusion from parish and diocesan community participation bodies as experienced in some local churches.
From the perspective of the uniqueness of ecclesial communion: how can we interweave the consultative and deliberative aspects of synodality? Given the variety of charismatic and ministerial gifts of the People of God, how do we integrate the tasks of advising, discerning, and deciding in the various participatory bodies.
Proposals
Based on the understanding of the People of God as the active subject of the mission of evangelisation, we suggest legislating for the obligatory nature of Pastoral Councils in Christian communities and local churches. It would also be desirable to strengthen the bodies of participation, with a proper presence of the laity, recognising the role they can play in discerning decisions by virtue of their baptism.Participatory bodies represent the first instance in which to experience the accountability of those who exercise responsibility. While we warmly welcome and support their commitment, in turn, they are invited to practice the culture of accountability to the community of which they are an expression.
The Holy Spirit abundantly distributes His gifts for the common good, and so we are convinced that each Church, in the communion of the entire Church, has much to offer. When we view the Church as the Body of Christ, we understand more easily that the various members are interdependent and share the same life: "if one member suffers, all the members suffer together with it; and if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Cor 12:26). We therefore want to develop the spiritual attitudes that arise from this outlook: humility and generosity, respect and sharing. Also important are the willingness to grow in mutual knowledge and to prepare the necessary structures so that the exchange of spiritual riches, missionary discipleship and material goods can become a concrete reality.
The question of groupings of local churches proved to be fundamental to the full exercise of synodality in the Church. In responding to the question of how to configure instances of synodality and collegiality involving groupings of local churches, the Assembly agreed on the importance of ecclesial discernment carried out by the Episcopal Conferences and Continental Assemblies for the proper conduct of the first phase of the synodal process.
The synodal process has shown how the bodies provided by the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches exercise their function more effectively when these bodies are understood from the local churches. The fact that the Church (Ecclesia tota) is a communion of Churches requires each bishop in a more direct and binding way to exercise his duty of care for all the Churches (sollicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum) as a constitutive aspect of his ministry as pastor of a Church.
Episcopal Conferences played a decisive role in the first phase of the synodal process. The process brought out the need for synodality and collegiality at the continental level. Bodies operating at these levels contribute to the exercise of synodality, respecting local realities and processes of inculturation. The Assembly expressed confidence that by these means, the risk of uniformity and centralization in the government of the Church will be overcome.
Before creating new ecclesial structures, we need to strengthen and revitalize those that exist. There is also a need for ecclesiological and canonical study of the implications of the reform related to groupings of Churches, so that they may assume a more fully synodal character.
Considering the synodal practices of the Church of the first millennium, we suggest a study exploring how ancient institutions can be recovered in the current canonical order, and harmonising them with newly created ones, such as Episcopal Conferences.
The doctrinal and juridical nature of Episcopal Conferences needs further study, recognising the possibility of collegial action, including questions of doctrine that arise locally, thus reopening reflection on the Motu Proprio Apostolos suos.
Could the canons referring to particular councils (plenary and provincial) be revised in order to increase the participation of the People of God, following the example of the dispensation obtained in the recent Plenary Council of Australia?
Among the structures already provided for in the Code, the ecclesiastical province or metropolitan see should be recovered and strengthened as a place of communion for the local churches within their territory.
Relevant authorities should implement synodality at regional, national, and continental levels in accordance with the insights that have emerged in regard to Church groupings.
Where necessary, we suggest creating international ecclesiastical provinces to benefit bishops who do not belong to any Episcopal Conference and to promote communion among Churches across national borders.
In Latin Rite countries in which there is also a hierarchy of Eastern Catholic Churches, we recommend including Eastern Bishops in national Episcopal Conferences, leaving intact their governmental autonomy established by their own Code.
A canonical configuration of the Continental Assemblies should be worked out that, while respecting the particularity of each continent, takes due account of the participation of the Episcopal Conferences and that of the Churches, with their own delegates who make present the variety of the People of God.
[Summary of the Synod Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.htm]
RELIGIOUS MUSIC - LOCAL ARTIST- MARGARET HATZIS
The 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 Vincent's, 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 Holy Week- Mary's Journey to the Cross - I Will Walk With You
And another for St Patrick's Day - Trinity Song
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 yearly epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
This means 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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