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“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Illustration Description. Stock Illustration ID: 2290758291 - art sketch - Illustration Contributor: ArtMari
PASTOR’S POST -
Important announcement re Gold Coast Marathon.
Please note that Sunday, July 7th, is Gold Coast Marathon weekend.
There will be no Sunday morning Mass at Stella Maris Broadbeach on that day. However, please come along to the Golden Anniversary of Fr Dan Ryan and Fr John Maher that day at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, at 9 a.m.
This will boggle your mind! I know it did for me when I first learnt it!
Correct Priority of Sung Mass elements.
A few years ago, we had a competition to see who could answer correctly a question about the priority order of sung music at Mass.
That is, “If you were to sing nothing else, what would be the first thing one should always sing when there is a soloist or choir and musicians at Mass?
What would be the very last item of sung music one should drop? The liturgical principle behind these questions is that the music and singing that relates directly to the texts of the Mass naturally have a higher priority over music or hymn options added to the set texts of the Mass of the day.
The key is that if a sung part of the mass directly uses the set words of the day's texts, they are “proper” to the celebration and should be sung where singing is being done at that mass. Simply put, it is a complete reversal and misunderstanding to sing hymns but only speak the Psalm, Alleluia, Holy Holy, Mystery of Faith, Lamb of God, and great Amen. I understand this is surprising and new to many because it is often the other way around in many churches.
Hymns that touch on or refer to words or concepts in the reading and prayers are beautiful, but they do not take precedence over those texts set for the day’s celebration.
People are often surprised when they discover that entrance hymns, preparation of the gifts hymns, communion hymns, Thanksgiving Reflections, and Recessionals can be based on something other than the day's readings. These ought to be suitable for the season we are in. When we speak of a Gathering Hymn, it is not because said hymn uses words such as “gather” or “enter” but because a suitable hymn at this time functions to gather/unite the people as one body in Christ at that moment. It needs to bring us together and is less about “telling us/saying something.” Most hymns of praise or worship can function as a “gathering hymn.” Similarly, any hymn that unites us and has us exiting the church ready to serve the Lord in our daily lives is suitable for a Recessional Hymn. It need not use words like “go” or “sent” - to insist on this would limit our choices and is taking the title too literally.
Another frequent error is to speak of “the theme of the Mass” regarding the day's readings. The “Theme of the Mass” is always the same each week: “The Life, ministry, death, and Resurrection of Christ.” The music of the particular Mass does not have to be chosen based on the topic of the readings. The readings are one element, but there are many other specific and subtle elements within the liturgy than can profitably be noted.
The tone and character of masses change according to the season of the church year, but this is often reflected in the mood and style of the music rather than the words, eg Easter and Christmas=Joyful, Lent and Advent =quieter, reflective and penitential, etc. This mistake is undeniable on the so-called “Good Shepherd” Sunday during the year when the first reading, psalm, second reading, and gospel all mention shepherds. This does not mean the entrance, offertory, communion, thanksgiving, and recessional hymns must mention shepherds. Sometimes, there are so many shepherds that one can hardly see or hear the sheep! When this happens, there is an over-reliance on the readings and a literal approach that emphasises one element to the point of extreme repetition and prioritises one feature of a mass over many other elements.
When this is brought up, some say, “Well, Father ‘Such and such’ said otherwise,” or “Since the seventies, our old music group/liturgy group always did it the other way”,... etc. The thing is, I cannot speak for other priests or other practices, but rather, I am sharing what the liturgy instructs us about these matters. I certainly didn’t dream this up myself. The fact that this is misunderstood quite widely does not change the liturgical principles. It goes even further, the entrance chant texts and communion chant texts are set in official books such as “Graduale Romanum” (1908 & 1974 typical edition), the Roman Gradual (of which there are also unofficial English translations). These official texts set specific psalms for entrance chants, psalms, and communion chants for each of the different Sundays and feasts of the year, and they are taken from the biblical psalms. The liturgical texts consider these the first option, which “can” be replaced by a suitable hymn, but for years, the exception has become so common that people hardly know of the other. A glance will show that the psalms for the entrance chant and communion chant essentially do not follow themes such as “entering” or “receiving communion” (particularly given that the psalms pre-date Christian Eucharist) but set the proper scene for the gathering and communion procession. Even more astounding, the original liturgy (and this is still true today) did not envisage any exit hymn. It used to end with the dismissal and people departing in silence or with instrumental music. Where this has been attempted in different places, it often is met with surprise and confusion. This points to the fact that many of the liturgy's principles are not commonly known or are forgotten or misunderstood.
A few people fell for the understandable trap of choosing the order that most people are familiar with—the “three-hymn sandwich” - the Entrance, the Communion, and the Recessional hymns. Still, surprisingly, to many, these three are NOT the priority. They are the opposite—they are the last in the priority order. Other texts should be sung even when no other elements are being sung.
And if, for some reason, one needed to drop any element of sung music, the items on the top of the list (below) should be the absolute last to be dropped. If you sang nothing else in the whole mass, the following priority order would advise which should be sung…..(the first three on this are the most important, and where possible, if you are singing anything -these should be sung. If you delete any element of sung music, these first three would be the last resort to drop. Here is the actual priority, and it may shock some people:
1. Psalm. (Psalms were designed as hymns and, since ancient times, were intended to be sung or chanted).
2. Gospel Acclamation. It is a hymn of praise; welcoming the Gospel.
3. Mass Parts: (that is all of the following: “Holy, Holy” (the Sanctus), Memorial Acclamation eg: “When we eat this Bread…”, The Great Amen, Lamb of God). These are central texts of the mass and intended to be sung whenever a singer is available to lead, particularly on all Sundays and solemnities, as well as at funeral and wedding masses.
4. Entrance Hymn (also, within this option, priority is to the “set entrance chant of the day” or perhaps a suitable hymn or spoken chant if no music - but if music is featured elsewhere - the chant should be sung).
5 Communion Hymn. (Also, within this option, priority is to the “set communion chant of the day” or perhaps a suitable hymn or spoken chant if no music is provided, but if music is featured elsewhere in the mass, the chant should be sung).
6. Preparation of the Gifts hymn.
7. Recessional. (Astounding, no set chants or hymns are envisaged in the official texts of the Mass).
Notice how people often name the ones as priority is the last.
As you can see, many parishes leave out the central bits while singing the optional extras. This would be the equivalent of going to a birthday party where the guests sang ‘Welcome, welcome’ as you arrived, then sang “Come sit down and eat the meal,” and then when it came to blow out the candles and cut the cake everyone spoke (not sang) the words “Happy Birthday to You!” and then returned to singing “goodbye, goodbye,” as people departed. We would think something was very odd if that were to happen. This is how it feels if we miss the main mass parts when a musician and singer(s) are available and sing everything else but these.
When we had this competition in 2018, the winners for correctly ordering the songs were Shell Coyle, Catherine Palin-Brinkworth, Emma Tantengco, and Vicky Seedsman. (We had four winners as they came in so closely.)
Fr Paul
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this first Friday, 5th of July, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen. For more information please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au - "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 of July. 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)
2nd of July at 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION -Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan
Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan are celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Priesthood this year. To give thanks for the blessings God has given us through their ministries, you are invited to a Golden Jubilee Mass for Fr Dan and Fr John at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sunday, July 7th, at 9 am. Refreshments will follow.
All are welcome. God bless.
67 Years of Marriage
Congratulations to Mary and Des Connelly who celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary on Friday the 21st June 2024 commencing with morning Mass, a special blessing by Fr Paul on their marriage, followed by a celebratory morning tea with Parishioners and Frs Paul and Anthony. What a wonderful example Mary and Des are of a sacramental marriage. Our prayers and blessings are with you both with many more to come!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Fr Paul Kelly also celebrated his birthday on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024. Congratulations, Fr Paul, and may you have many more to come. May God bestow on you every blessing. If you look closely, you will be able to see how old he is. We celebrated at Sacred Heart on Tuesday without Fr Paul! Fr Bernie stepped in for you, Fr Paul, and Pat Clancy blew out your candles.
DATE CLAIMER - MEN’S BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Friday, 26 July 2024, 12:30 pm, at the Parish Hospitality Centre—a low-key, friendly opportunity to gather and receive input from a facilitator. Further gatherings for support and fellowship are possible. For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or phone the parish office during business hours: (07) 5671 7388.
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DATE CLAIMER - OFFICIAL INSTALLATION MASS FOR FR PAUL AS PARISH PRIEST - BY HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE
Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Saturday 31st August 2024
Start: 9.30 am
Mass for the Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226
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SYNOD 2024 - BRISBANE ARCHDIOCESE
A short video has been created in preparation for SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New. The video includes a pastoral message from the Archbishop on his vision for the Synod and a short FAQ discussion with myself as Synod Chair and Steph Unger, the Synod Executive Officer. The video can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/957389678
1: SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New will be held in September and October.
2: Fr Paul, Fr Morgan Batt and parishioner Robyn Hunt are among the representatives who will attend the Synod.
3: Our Archdiocesan synod is the next step on the Plenary Council journey and will discern practical and measurable actions that we will take as an Archdiocese to implement the focus areas (Decrees) that came out of the Plenary Council.
4: We are all asked to pray for those participating in the synod.
5: At the end of June, resources for parishes and communities to engage in synodal and spiritual conversations will be available. These resources will include simple versions of the Plenary Council Decrees and guided questions so the community can discern actions it would like to take to be a more co-responsible church on mission.
6: In July and August, a series of presentations will be given around the Archdiocese on synodality and its meaning for the global church and our own community. Information on these presentations will be available in the next two weeks.
7: To find out more about SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New and the focus areas that came out of the Plenary Council, head to http://aobsynod2024.com
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.
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.
Ecumenical Interfaith Presentation
by Evangelisation Brisbane - Date and time- Saturday, 13 July 2024. 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane
Description
“The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions… We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another.”(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #244, 2013)
“Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #250, 2013)
How do these words of Pope Francis relate to you as a Catholic in 2024?
Do you provide religious instruction in State Schools? Do you work or visit aged care facilities or hospitals where residents come from various faith backgrounds?
Do you teach the Study of Religion in Years 11 and 12? Are you a teacher or educational leader in a Catholic or other faith-based school?
Do you have a family member, friend or work colleague from another Christian Church or Faith community?
Are you just interested in learning more about the Catholic Church’s position on relations with other Christians and people of other faiths? Do you want to know what is happening in Queensland?
You are invited to a free presentation on Saturday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. This presentation will be live-streamed for people across Queensland who cannot attend in person.
You may like to organise a group of friends or parishioners to do this together.
Certificates of attendance can be provided for anyone who may need them as proof of professional development participation.
For further information, please contact Margaret Naylon (Brisbane Archdiocese) at naylonm@bne.catholic.net.au
SYNOD24: I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW.
Brisbane Archdiocese is just over three months out from Synod 2024
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 throughout the Plenary Council journey (since 2018) and is the next step of this process. Over March, April and May, consultations have focused on voices that had yet to be heard previously: 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.
Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
Please use the information in the table below to begin or continue the faith journey with your child.
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)
Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Pamela Caralis, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Ellanie Conzalez, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Lorraine Gallagher, Barbara Gilbert, Jenny Haines, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Nathan Lepp, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Rachel Raines, Bob Rogers, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Christine Watkins, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Maurice Goss, Diana Cattanach, Ailsa Stack, Penny Ackerman, Vince Shanahan, Natalia Di Pietro, Grant Talbot Davenport, Nino Mianto, June Mye, Sally Gage, Maura Bagtas, Celia Carvell (WA), Juliaa Eloreo, Lisbeth Pereira, Patricia Richardson, Amparo Pieters, Diane Land, Des Walsh, Lois Wood, Joanna Martha (Joan) Edwards, Rosemarie Cocks, Bill McDermott, Santiago Canada, Marina Innocenti, Adoracion Santos Lapitan, Joseph Torbey, Jacqueline Rillo, Helena Nycz, Frank Cassidy, John William Worner (WA).
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Jack And Daphne Banks, Mons Edward Barry, Marjorie Bates, Rocco Bellantoni, Peter Briggs, Albert Lewis Bush, Fr Gerard Casey, Julie Dwyer, Anna Felisiak, Domizio Aureliano Gandini, Rodney Clarence Godden, Giuseppe Grasso, Francisca Hanoszek, Matthew Hoare, Stefania Jakim, Kwang Hua Lim, Julia Mckay, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Fr John O'Halloran, Kathleen Perkins, Josephine Sanders, John Schreiber, Vona Winifred Sellars, Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Carole May Stratigos, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, John Callistus Tobin.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Linda Marilyn Arlington, Mons Michael Baldwin, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A. Joseph Butler, Polly Cummins, Mary Josephine Dillon, Ines Vittoria Fauretto, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Maureen Glenn, Jabour Haddad, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, Fr Alfred Hogan, Gannon, John, Joseph Kania, Mons Edmund Keating, Fr John Kitts, Lynette Lesley Larking, Fr William Livingston, Antoninette (Toni) Moon, Charles Henry Nolan, Ralph Smith Pownall, John Gerard (jnr) Robinson, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, Fr Joseph Troy, Francis Weston, Edward (Ted) Woodhead.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Our shops open before and after Mass each weekend at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s Churches. For other times, contact the Parish Office during office hours.
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.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
2/7/24 at 10 am 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 this First Friday, 5/7/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. "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 - 6/7/24 Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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 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.
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, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
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. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are
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 more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Thursday from 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church,
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise). Come along and read/study Break Open the Word
weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office.
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. For more information please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
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 contact Grace. .For more information please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for the Lady of Fatima Feast and Feast of our Lady of Mt Carmel on 13.07.2024. The bus will pick 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 5529 1573. All are welcome.
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
Thomas a Kempis - Humility - and the elevation of the soul to God.
A prayer for attaining love of virtue and abhorrence of vice O God, you are the Lord of all virtues and their perfection and consummation. Place into my heart that virtue which is best of all—namely, the fervent love of your most sweet name. Plant in me the roots of true virtue and the seeds of holy meditation. Make this spring up and grow with the abundant greenness of good works. Let me not be a barren tree, which stands in your garden without producing anything of value. Rather, cultivate me so that I become like the fruitful olive tree. Whatever you find in me of vice, pull out by its very roots and leave not the slightest trace of it behind. Give to me, O Lord, abhorrence of all my vices, great and small. Grant victory over my restless passions and mortification of my lustful desires. Grant control over every movement of pride, extinction of envy, mitigation of anger, expulsion of harmful melancholy, contempt for vainglory, flight from visible honors, and complete detachment from all earthly consolations. Let me not be swayed, seduced, or captured by anything earthly, or vain, or ephemeral, or false, or deceptive, or empty, or futile. Render my heart impervious to the temptations of deceptive pleasures which appear sweet, and make it resilient in the face of all that seems hard or daunting. Grant that I not be deceived or ensnared by any passing reality—which are, after all, but fleeting shadows. Fill my heart with desire for that which is eternal and love of that which is genuinely good. May I seek to attain every virtue and to grasp the highest truth of the Divinity so that I may at last arrive at everlasting beatitude. Grant to me a blessed and happy hour for my mortal death, and until then, grant that I walk constantly in fear and love of you, O Lord. Cleanse my heart from every inordinate attachment to created things and from all that is able to impede or darken the way of my life’s pilgrimage. May I be simple, pure, and sincerely and completely intent upon you, my God. Share with me something of the grace of your perfect, divine peace so that I may hold within my heart and mind blessed and faithful tranquility, free from all needless and futile disturbance. Let me be free from the infection of vices. Free me in particular from the vain desire to be recognized, known, loved, and honored by other people. For all those who seek for anything apart from you, my God, are both deceived themselves and deceive others. Direct me to yourself alone, Lord! Release me from the vain desire for the esteem and honor of my fellow human beings. Indeed, let me love or desire no created thing except for your sake alone and in accordance with your divine will and plan.
Thomas a Kempis - Humility - and the elevation of the soul to God.
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
“Little girl, I say to you, arise!” Jesus reaches out to those in need and gives life to those who seek Him. Turn to Him in times of difficulty that you might have that same spark of divine life. (Mark 5:41). Jesus said, "Do not fear, only believe." Do we believe that God will answer our prayers for more priests and consecrated religious for our Church? Pray, believing that your prayers will be answered.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“…as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. ”2 CORINTHIANS 8:14
One of the tenants of living a grateful and generous lifestyle is giving without expecting anything in return. It is important that we not only grow,
One of the tenants of living a grateful and generous lifestyle is giving without expecting anything in return. It is important that we not only grow, nurture, and share our gifts; but that we also teach our children and encourage others to do the same. This is the communal aspect of our Catholic faith. We are the “Body of Christ. ”We are called to be dependent on each other and not live in isolation.
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 -
God is the champion of life
We’re made for immortality. Christianity celebrates that death has no sting and life has no end. Our tenacious possession of the lives we’re given is a sign of our refusal to accept death as the last word on the subject of our lives. We’re impatient with limitations, reject gloom-and-doom projections, and insist on second opinions when the news is grim. We relentlessly cling to hope despite the odds of our predicament. God is on our side in this stubborn grip we have on life. God intends for death itself to pass away. Put your resources at the service of life.
“God did not make death, nor does [God] rejoice in the destruction of the living.”
WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
(as at 13th May 2024)
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 can pass the virus to others.
While isolation is no longer a legal requirement, staying at home protects the people in your community if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive, you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and aged and disability care settings:
for at least 7 days or until symptoms have gone
unless seeking immediate medical care.
To help protect those around you, we recommend:
avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk of severe disease
wearing a mask outside the home
working from home where possible
avoiding going to school, public areas, or travelling on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
practising good hygiene
following your local health department’s advice when leaving home.
If you have any appointments you cannot miss (e.g., a doctor's visit, family violence service, or police), let them know in advance that you have COVID-19.
If you feel unwell or need COVID-19 advice for someone in your care, call the Health Direct helpline at 1800 022 222 to speak with your health provider or a nurse.
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
Manage your symptoms:
Most people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter medication.
HOMILY: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Homily: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 30 June 2024
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
Again this weekend, the Scriptures are beautiful and give us a deep insight into God's love and his utter commitment to us, his cherished sons and daughters.
Sadly, death is an all too clear reality in the world and in the lives of all of us.
But the Lord is at pains to point out that death was not God's original plan. God's continuing plan assures us that we will forever be his beloved children and that God will be faithful to us in this eternal life. God wants us to be genuinely, always in his care.
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God's reaction to death is the same as ours .. Sorrow…. . A deep feeling of loss and overwhelming compassion for those affected - A depth of love and feeling for us, so deep and so great that one cannot adequately express it in words.
During Loss, our beloved God is always reaching out to help and being with us, right in the middle.
God has the last word in everything - which is deeply reassuring during a world of hurt, suffering and tragedy. Especially when not everything makes sense in our world. We all have relatively limited lifespans, and we don't get to see the whole picture. So it is deeply reassuring to know that God, who sees all of it, promises that what cannot be set right in this life - will most certainly be set right in the next. But this God of justice is also quick to point out that there is no excuse for not doing everything possible to make things better and right in this life and not to overlook injustices and wrongs with the excuse that "it will be all right in heaven." Our Lord was constantly at work alleviating injustice, suffering, and desolation in this life (right in there with people), and he also set about including the excluded, calling out double standards, forgiving those stuck in past wrongs, and all the time showing true compassion, love and generosity to everyone he met. He calls us to follow in his loving footsteps.
Jesus wants to bring life into every situation and the promise of hope and life into even the direst of situations. /. He is the resurrection and the life.
In contrast, many of the treasures of this life are in limited supply… the amount of money and other earthly goods are limited, and unjustly, they are not distributed evenly amongst all who are in need. But, God's storehouse of true and lasting treasures, love, self-giving, compassion, mercy, sharing…. And so on… there is no limit to this… God's supplies are excessive and more than sufficient. He invites us to join him in this different way of thinking, which leads to a different way of acting.
For example… Jesus could have said, now that I have healed the lady who touched me. my powers have been drained, and that's all for today… but no ./. He didn't even know she would be inspired by faith to take this chance to touch him and be healed. He congratulated her, though for doing this in faith. Then he continued on his way .. he was heading to the official's house to heal this man's daughter and would do this even after this surprise healing. God's storehouses are overflowing… we do not need to compete with each other for God's love, God's mercy or God's grace and faithfulness. It is there in abundance for all. There is enough for all; even in times of the unexpected occurring.
We sometimes find unexpected requests and interruptions to be a trial and a peripheral annoyance, but Jesus included and responded as if this is rightly all part of life's expectations. The unexpected was to be expected. And, of course, it is. The unplanned and the unscheduled is a regular vast horizon of God's gracious possibilities and are to be eagerly responded to. This requires us to change our thinking as well as our expectations.
Our Lord says to give her something to eat after raising the girl from the dead. She is not just revived from the dead; she is entirely alive and needs nourishment like anyone else.
These actions show us that God wants us to fully engage in life and reach out to others in their needs. The God of the resurrection is constantly at work, turning disaster into life-giving possibilities and will finally call each of us to get up and walk.
God never acts in half measure.
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References:
Homily - Fr Paul W. Kelly
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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
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Elizabeth of Portugal
St Thomas, Apostle - 03 July -Feast
Thomas, called the "Twin," was one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. Remembered for his initial disbelief in the resurrection and his subsequent proclamation of faith upon seeing the resurrected Christ: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). An early tradition venerates him as the Apostle of India.
St Elizabeth of Portugal
04 July Optional Memorial- Born in 1271. Died at Estremoz (Portugal) on this day in 1336. A princess of Aragon and a grand-niece of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (17 November). She gave away her wealth upon being widowed and joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. Remembered as a peacemaker and for assisting the poor and sick.
If only a few kings have been found worthy of being numbered among the Church’s saints, some of their wives have made up for it. We honour one of these today, St Elizabeth, queen of Portugal. She was a Spaniard of the Royal House of Aragon but married King Denis of Portugal.
She is known as the peacemaker, and many times in her life, she intervened to prevent wars between her husband and her clan. She had to intervene even to prevent vendettas between her son and the king’s illegitimate children, and for her pain, she was once banished from the court. Denis was a wise ruler of his people and a very unfaithful and neglectful husband. But Elizabeth never wavered in her fidelity to him and even brought up, alongside her own two children, Denis’ illegitimate children as if they were her own.
She devoted herself to helping the poor tenderly all of her life. Death came to her at the age of 65 when she was on an errand of reconciliation.
St Anthony Zaccaria
St Anthony Zaccaria, Priest - 05 July - Optional Memorial
Born at Cremona (Italy) in 1502. Died there on this day in 1539. Initially a medical doctor, he was ordained to the presbyterate and founded an order of priests (Barnabites) and an order of women religious (Angelicals). He was noted for his devotion to Saint Paul (29 June), to the Eucharist, and the crucifixion. He is remembered for his concern for renewal, austerity, and the apostolic zeal that led to his premature death.
Anthony Mary's letters do not belong to any literary genre, nor can they be styled as “spiritual letters” per se. They were occasional writings dashed off without concern for style in plain, unadorned language. However, they contain a wealth of extraordinary spirituality, easily recognised by his earliest biographers.
In his last letter, Anthony Mary pointedly remarked: “I have not written one word without some special meaning in it. If you discover it, it will be, I think, most useful and gainful for you.”
St Maria Goretti
St Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr - 06 July - Optional Memorial
Born at Corinaldo (Italy) in 1890. Died on this day in 1902. Her death at the age of eleven, a few weeks after her first communion, resulted from knife wounds sustained during an attempted sexual assault. She is remembered for her innocence and simplicity, for her devotion to God, and for forgiving her attacker on her deathbed.
“He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting for an instant.”
THE POPE
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Pope Francis called on national and international authorities to take action to stop the bloodshed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo following a week in which dozens were killed in the North Kivu province.
At the end of his weekly Sunday prayers on St Peter’s Square, he said the victims included many Christians.
“Painful news continues to arrive of battles and massacres that are happening in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the pontiff said.
“I appeal to the national authorities and the international community to do all that is possible to stop the violence and to protect civilian lives."
He said many Christians were among the victims of the recent attacks. Francis said they were “killed in hatred of their faith” and described them as “martyrs”.
The Pope also urged people to pray for peace in all areas afflicted by war, specifically mentioning Ukraine, the Holy Land, Sudan and Myanmar.
Congo's government said militants have killed at least 41 people in the latest incident in the province, but civil society groups put the death toll much higher.
The authorities blame the Allied Democratic Forces group for the latest spate of attacks in the Beni region.
Nearly 150 people have died in North Kivu since the beginning of the month in killings attributed to the Islamic State group-linked rebels.
The eastern DRC has struggled with armed violence for decades as more than 120 groups fight for power, land, etc.
EXPLORING OUR FAITH-LITURGICAL MINISTRY
All Christian ministry is about service, not power or prestige. All those who minister in the Church act in Christ’s name. Jesus offered the Church a model of true Christian service shortly before his death when he removed his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, got down on his hands and knees and washed his disciples’ dirty, smelly feet.
‘liturgical ministry’ refers to service within and to the worshipping community. Community members are called to perform particular liturgical ministries to facilitate the assembly’s liturgical prayer. These liturgical ministers include the priest celebrant or presider, ministers of communion, sacristans and servers, readers, ministers of music and hospitality ministers.
People are called to different ministries depending on their particular gifts and personalities. Someone should only perform a particular ministry if she or he has the skills and qualities needed to serve the community well in that role.
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states that all involved in liturgical ministry ‘must be trained to perform their functions correctly and orderly’ (CSL 29).
All liturgical ministers should ask themselves after carrying out their role, ‘Did I help the community to pray?’
(From Elizabeth Harrington)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
(please see next page…)
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 custodian 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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