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MOTHER’S DAY
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” Mark16:15.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 47775655 - Religious icon- Ascension - Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic
PASTOR’S POST -
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
Happy Mother's Day to all mums as we celebrate Mother's Day here in Australia. Different parts of the world celebrate Mother's Day on different dates in the year, but whatever date it is celebrated; it is no coincidence that Christ used the image of an unconditionally loving parent to describe an essential characteristic of God's nature. What better example of unconditional love can be witnessed than the love of a Mother or a Father for their cherished child? Christ wants us to know and experience God's deep and abiding love for us by calling us God's daughters and sons. This weekend, we pray for all Mothers that they may be blessed for their goodness, kindness and self-forgetting love.
A Prayer in Gratitude and Blessing for Our Mothers.
Good and Gentle God, Lord of creation, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life and nurturing young lives with love. Jesus, you became human through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant to all mothers the grace and strength they need to face the uncertain moments that life often brings us all. Give them the ongoing strength to love and to be loved in return. Give them the faithful support of family and friends and the wider community. May they receive peace and joy through their family and friends. Give them joy and delight in their families and friends to sustain them through joys and sorrows. Most importantly, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help. Bless all our mothers and reward them for their unconditional love and kindness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr Paul
Shutterstock licensed Stock Photo ID: 267632387- Silhouette of a young mother walking and lovingly holding hands with her children. Photo Contributor: Christin Lola
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.
ORDINATION OF DEACON BRADLEY DAVIES AND MICHAEL
Deacon Bradley Davies, a pastoral year student here in 2021, will be ordained a priest at St Stephen's Cathedral in just a few weeks.
Deacon Bradley Graeme Davies & Deacon Michael My Van Tran (Michael also had an Advent pastoral placement here in the parish a few years back), will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Mark Coleridge at Saint Stephen's Cathedral on Friday, 7th June 2024, at 7 pm. The parish is booking a bus so that twenty people can attend. If you would like to book the bus, please contact us at the office as soon as possible—only limited numbers. Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au (attention Fr Paul).
PILGRIMAGE MESSAGE FROM FR. DAN
From Fr Dan Ryan
I am looking forward to the mid-May pilgrimage to France. I have 20 people for the pilgrimage, with a few coming from the Parish.
I would like to thank Fr. Paul for advertising the pilgrimage.
If you missed out this year, you might like to consider a pilgrimage to Italy mid-next year.
More details in the near future. Many thanks for your interest.
Fr Dan
Brisbane Archdiocese is just over three months out from
SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New.
SYNOD24 is about discerning action plans to help the Archdiocese implement the areas of focus (Decrees) from the Plenary Council. A brief explanation of each area of focus (Decree) can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 will be held on two days in September and two days in October, where approximately 150 people representing the diversity of the Archdiocese will discuss, debate and vote on the proposed practical and measurable action plans. Synod Members must attend all four days. More information on SYNOD24 can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
Plenary Council Decree 7 requires all dioceses and eparchies to have a synod by the end of 2025. SYNOD24 is our response to this requirement. You can download all Plenary Council Decrees here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 honours the significant level of broad consultation, listening and discerning that has taken place over the course of the Plenary Council journey (since 2018) and is the next step of this process. Consultations over March, April and May have been focused on voices that had not been heard previously, voices of those on the margins, experts and experienced practitioners. This is to ensure the action plans are practical and measurable, reflect the needs of our Archdiocese, and truly reflect the responses submitted throughout the Plenary Council process. To remind yourself of the Plenary Council journey since 2018, head here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
For all other information regarding SYNOD24, head to www.aobsynod2024.com
For SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New,.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church; and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ. Lord, hear us.
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.
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
“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:
Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Braganza Family, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Camara Family, Diana Castro, Princess Catherine of Wales, 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, Andrew Janiec, 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, Tim O’Connor, Natalie O’Reilly, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, 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.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Richard Michael Chester, Val Adami, Carole Stapleton, Leonila Tuason, May Go Moore, Merrick Bent, Susan Buenaventura, Fr Marty Larsen, Teresa Balague, Maureen Armstrong, Juliana Ooi, Alan Taylor, John O’Hanlon, Phyllis Byrne, Graham William Gibbons, and Minnie Ware.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Benjamin Gary Bayes, Robert Brian Butler, John Joseph Chappell, Lilian Elizabeth Cheetham, Patricia Connaghan, Nancy Denaro, John Egan, Desmond Douglas Fox, Hans Gerhard Gringel, Ross Patrick Hickey, Thomas Hirst, Anthony George Howard, Deris Howell, Janina Kraus, Lucena Gabriel Liwag, John McGrath, Fr Carmello Micallef, Fr Michael Murphy, Angel Dee Nipperess, Fr John O'Connell, Daphne Gabriel Paice, Jean Georges Rabbath, John Rawlings, Karen Ann Tansey
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Alma Anderson, Gerard Francis Anderson, Trevor Bourneville, Patricia Bridge, Michael Carroll, Alfred Lawrence (Laurie) Cooper, Kathleen Fay Cooper, Brian Day, Patricia Mary Dussek, Bruce George Ellery, Brian James Ellsmore, Robert Chadwick Evans, Dorothy Mary Fox, Anthony (Tony) Ghusn, Frank Glynn, Daryl Walter Hyland, Nola Rita Lawrence, Gordon Lepp, Brian Reuben Maher, John Joseph Marchmont, Milka Marusic, Imre (Henry) Masa, Kevin McCormack, Gloria Venera McMaster, Calogero Misuraca, Bastiaantje “Jeanne” Monisse, Juan Rivero, Veronica Scarcella, Michael Schons, Beverley Jean Stout, Josephine Tansey, Sr Mary Teresa, Denise “Denny” Welsh, Mario & Josephine Wirth.
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
The shops are open before and after the weekend Masses for all your religious requisites.
A selection of gifts available for First Holy Communion
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 this First Friday, 7/6/24, 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 (tomorrow) Saturday - 1/6/24. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
4/6/24 at 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
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
13/05/2024 Glarry & Rudi Camera Southport
20/05/2024 Glarry & Rudi Camera Southport
27/05/2024 Lilly Leongue & Family Varsity Lakes
03/06/2024 Lilly Leongue & Family Varsity Lakes
10/06/2024 Michelle Burda - Merrimac
17/06/2024 Michelle Burda - Merrimac
26/06/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - Robina
01/07/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - Robina
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.
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for the Lady of Fatima Feast on the 13.05.2024 and on the 25.05.2024 Our Lady Help of Christian, Patroness of Australia and Shrine of Marian Valley. 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.
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.
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/
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
A Prayer in Gratitude and Blessing for Our Mothers.
Good and Gentle God, Lord of creation, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life and nurturing with love, young lives. Jesus, you became human through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant to all mothers the grace and strength they need to face the uncertain moments that life often brings us all. Give them the ongoing strength to love and to be loved in return. Give them the faithful support of family and friends and the wider community. May they receive peace and joy through their family and friends. Give them joy and delight in their families and friends, to sustain them through joys and sorrows. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Bless all our mothers and grant them reward for their unconditional love and kindness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Jesus said to his disciples ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation’.
There are still dark aspects to our world and neighbourhood that need the Good News. Answer the call to ‘Go and teach all people my Gospel”, “I am with you”.
We are called to live according to the calling we have received, whether as priest, religious, married or single; encouraging one another by the example of our lives. (Eph. 4:1)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” – 1 John 4:15
How strong is your faith? When you have an opportunity to either defend or clarify a question about our Catholic faith, do you do it? Or do you remain silent so that others don’t think you are weird? Pray for the courage to be strong in all circumstances and to share your witness with others joyfully.
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
Ascension
The act of ascending, or rising upward. The final earthly manifestation of the Risen Lord after the Resurrection. Jesus is lifted up and taken from view, transferred to the realm of the divine.
CONTEXT
In the Scriptures, many ancient holy figures were said to be taken up to heaven, especially Enoch and Elijah.... Thus, ascension to the heavens came to be expected of holy and great persons; it indicated divine approval of them as well as their accession to heavenly power. —Father Jerome Neyrey, S.J.
The ascended Christ, far from being absent, fills the whole cosmos in a new way. —Sister Brid Long, S.S.L.
His ascension is our glory and our hope. —Saint Augustine
WHY IT MATTERS
The Ascension establishes the Christ’s universal rule and the church as the visible Body of Christ, equipped with the power and courage for mission. It assures us of our destiny to be with Christ now and on the last day. As Saint Augustine says, “While in heaven, he is also with us; and while on earth, we are with him.”
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 667): Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
RELATED WORDS
Assumption | Resurrection | Pentecost | Epiphany
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What is Christ’s Ascension?
Ascension seems like a feast designed to resolve a mystery: after Easter, where did Jesus go? Answer: back to his Father. Yet Ascension stories don't exactly provide a snapshot of Jesus leaving town. Luke says Jesus was removed to heaven from Bethany on the day of his Resurrection. Acts of the Apostles reports this event 40 days later, from the Mount of Olives. Mark agrees that it happened on Easter—but while Jesus was at table with his disciples. Houston, we have a problem.
Or maybe not. Saint John Chrysostom insisted Ascension simply conveys the final exaltation of Christ after the humiliation of the cross. Saint Augustine viewed the Ascension as glorifying us all: where Jesus went, we too might go. Theologians distinguish between “passive” assumptions and the active Ascension of Jesus. Another unique element of the Ascension is that while Jesus is physically gone, he remains present in a new way. The church becomes the visible Body of Christ on Earth, bearing his Spirit and sharing his Eucharist. In short, Jesus lifts up the church to where he is.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
Unlimited energy supply
All is not lost when Jesus leaves the disciples. In fact, nothing is lost because his Spirit remains—his essence, his energy, the fullness of his love for God and for us. Jesus is with us always through the power of the Holy Spirit. Each day, in every moment no matter what the circumstance, that power is yours to draw on. You are never alone. Nothing can separate you from the love—or the power—of God.
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
FAITH IN ACTION
Don’t waste energy trying to go it alone. Draw on God’s power—it’s free and totally renewable.
Our Lady of Fatima
“My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge, and the way that will lead you to God.”
“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.”
Our lady of Fatima Hail, Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima! Blessed among all women, you are the image of the Church dressed in the Paschal light, you are the honour of our people, and you are the triumph over the mark of evil. Prophecy of the merciful Love of the Father, Teacher of the Annunciation of the Good News of the Son, Sign of the burning Fire of the Holy Spirit, teach us, in this vale of joys and sorrows, the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones. Show us the strength of your mantle of protection. In your Immaculate Heart, be the refuge of sinners and the way that leads to God. In Faith, Hope and Love, I surrender myself to you. Through you, I consecrate myself to God, O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima. And thus surrounded by the Light that comes from your hands, I will give Glory to the Lord, forever and ever. Amen
St Matthias
FEAST OF MATTHIAS, APOSTLE (MAY 14). Apostle of the “bench warmers.” Matthias followed Jesus from his Baptism to his death, yet he wasn’t originally one of the Twelve. Then, he won the lottery to replace Judas, and he spread the gospel for years before he suffered a martyr’s death. Clement of Alexandria said Matthias, like all the other apostles, was not chosen for what he already was but for what he could become. Isn’t that true for all of us? Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; John 15:9-17
He was a companion of Jesus and a witness to the resurrection. He was chosen by lot to take the place of Judas and share the apostolic ministry of the twelve (Acts 1:15-26). He is named in Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon).
“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts (1:24) They drew lots and chose Mathias to replace Judas.
Mathias preached in Judea, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stories of his martyrdom vary. It is believed he was stoned and beheaded.
St. Mathias is the patron saint against alcoholism and smallpox. He is also the patron of carpenters.
Saint Matthias was an early disciple of Jesus who was there “from the baptism of John until the day” of the Ascension. It is traditionally believed he was one of the 70 disciples commissioned by Jesus and so the apostles knew him well. However, the rest of the New Testament is silent in regards to the apostolic endeavours of Saint Matthias.
Where did he go after becoming the “replacement” apostle? A reliable tradition states that Matthias founded a church in Cappadocia and ministered to Christians on the coasts of the Caspian Sea. It is said a particular feature of his preaching was an appeal to personal mortification to purify oneself from the desires of the flesh.
Saint Clement of Alexandria ascribes the following quote to Saint Matthias, “It behooves us to combat the flesh, and make use of it, without pampering it by unlawful gratifications. As to the soul, we must develop her power by faith and knowledge.”
It is believed that he died a martyr’s death, and was beheaded with an axe in Colchis at the hands of the many pagans there.
While little is known about his life, the appointment of Matthias as an apostle is the earliest evidence the Catholic Church has of Apostolic Succession, explaining why even today popes and bishops are chosen to replace those who went before them.
His life also reminds us that the twelve apostles were not the only ones who followed Jesus throughout his public ministry. Many others, including a “Joseph” who almost became Judas’ replacement instead of Matthias. Jesus attracted a crowd wherever he went; some continued to follow him, while others left when his teachings were difficult. Matthias gladly accepted Jesus’ teaching and was willing to be a “witness to his resurrection,” even if it cost him his life.
St John 1
(c. 470 – May 18, 526) is believed to have been born in Siena.
Saint John I’s Story: Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.
When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West.
On his way home, John was imprisoned at Ravenna because the emperor had begun to suspect that John’s friendship with his eastern rival might lead to a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he received in prison.
John’s body was transported to Rome, and he was buried in the Basilica of St. Peter.
We cannot choose the issues for which we have to suffer and perhaps die.
Pope Saint John the First suffered because of a power-conscious emperor. Jesus suffered because of the suspicions of those who were threatened by his freedom, openness, and powerlessness. “If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you” (John 15:18).
POPE FRANCIS:
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2157172349 - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor:
godongphoto
Pope article:
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals continued their discussions about the role of women in the church, listening to women experts, including a professor who spoke about how culture impacts women's roles and status.
The pope and the nine-member Council of Cardinals invited women, including an Anglican bishop, to make presentations at their meetings in December and in February as well.
The council met April 15-16 in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the pope's residence, the Vatican press office said.
On the first day, Sister Regina da Costa Pedro, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate and director of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Brazil, shared "concrete stories and the thoughts of some Brazilian women," the press office said.
Stella Morra, a professor of theology at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, "examined the role cultures have in the recognition of the role of women in different parts of the world," the press office said.
A priest and two women made presentations at the council's December meeting and published their papers in Italian in a book with a foreword by Pope Francis, "Smaschilizzare La Chiesa?" ("De-masculinize the Church?).
During preparations for the synod on synodality and its first assembly in October, the pope wrote in the foreword, "We realized that we have not listened enough to the voice of women in the church and that the church still has a lot to learn."
"It is necessary to listen to each other to 'de-masculinize' the church because the church is a communion of men and women who share the same faith and the same baptismal dignity," he wrote.
February meeting of Pope Francis and Council of Cardinals
Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals continue their discussion of women's role in the church at the Vatican in this file photo from Feb. 5, 2024. Bishop Jo Bailey Wells, deputy secretary-general of the Anglican Communion, left, Salesian Sister Linda Pocher and Giuliva Di Berardino, a consecrated virgin from the Diocese of Verona, Italy, are the women who addressed the group. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
At the February meeting, the pope and cardinals heard from: Bishop Jo Bailey Wells, deputy secretary-general of the Anglican Communion; Salesian Sister Linda Pocher, a professor of Christology and Mariology at Rome's Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences "Auxilium"; and Giuliva Di Berardino, a consecrated virgin and liturgist from the Diocese of Verona, Italy.
Bishop Bailey Wells said she was invited to "describe the Anglican journey in regard to the ordination of women, both in the Church of England and across the (Anglican) Communion."
The Vatican said the second day of the April meeting began with a report about the ongoing Synod of Bishops on synodality by Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, and Msgr. Piero Coda, secretary general of the International Theological Commission.
The press office said the meeting concluded "with reports from each cardinal on the social, political and ecclesial situation in his home region."
"Throughout the session there were references -- and on several occasions prayer -- dedicated to the scenarios of war and conflict being experienced in so many places around the world, particularly in the Middle East and in Ukraine," the statement said.
"The cardinals -- and with them the pope -- expressed concern about what is taking place and their hope for an increase in efforts to identify paths of negotiation and peace," it said.
The council will meet again in June.
The council's members are Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state; Seán P. O'Malley of Boston; Sérgio da Rocha of São Salvador da Bahia, Brazil; Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India; Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the commission governing Vatican City State; Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg; Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec; Juan José Omella Omella of Barcelona; and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, Congo. Bishop Marco Mellino serves as the council's secretary.
Source: https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/pope-council-cardinals-continue-discussion-women-church
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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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