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“Take nothing for the journey” (Mark 6:8b)
{Shutterstock licensed image ID: 2322131895 - ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28, 2013: Jesus Commissions His Disciples, Way of Light by Giovanni Dragoni, San Callisto Catacombs in Rome, Italy on February 28, 2013 - Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor Zvonimir Atletic } Augmented background by pwkelly.
PASTOR’S POST -
JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION -Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan
Thanks to everyone who joined us in prayer and thanksgiving for the Fiftieth (Golden) Anniversary of Priestly Ordination for Fr Dan Ryan and Fr John Maher. We give thanks for the blessings God has given us through their ministries. God bless them always. Also, thanks for the assistance and compassion of everyone present when a car collided with some cars right outside the front door of the church. The response was swift, efficient and kind. We give thanks for this beautiful community.
Here are some photos of Fr Dan and Fr John on their special day last Sunday:
This weekend, the readings remind us of the Church's missionary goal. The disciples were sent out to proclaim the message of Jesus without enormous resources. Still, they were instructed to immerse themselves in the community, rely on its hospitality, and not focus on gathering possessions and wealth.
The disciples are sent out to live the message of Jesus and to be good examples of simplicity and integrity and instruments of God's healing, forgiveness, love, practical compassion, and inclusion.
It is the goal of all Christian disciples to be in and amongst the community but also “salting”/ “seasoning” or “preserving” the community with the values and teachings of Jesus. Jesus cared deeply for the poor, the marginalised, and the mistreated and stood with them in love and compassion whilst still holding on to the values of the gospel.
We are always called to be faithful to Jesus's message and values, not just a convenient, watered-down version. Jesus ate and mixed with sinners in compassion and love, healed them, and gave them strength while calling them to be everything God expected of them. This is a difficult path and one that people who are used to the cliché of Christianity, as opposed to the true message of Christianity, will only partially understand.
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Extra Notes on the text
He chose us in him before the foundation of the world. If this week's readings have a theme, it might be: "Everything starts with God." Despite the opposition of the priests who had gotten cozy with rulers—and despite his reluctance—Amos answered the call of God's "taking" of him to renew the prophetic office of Israel. The Letter to the Ephesians said God's plan of salvation for each person is so encompassing that it was made even before creation. In the gospel, Jesus told the apostles to depend on nothing and no one but God and what God put in their paths. —Joel Schorn
Missionary activity renews the church . . . Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! —Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio
The whole church is missionary, and evangelisation is an essential duty of the People of God. –Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church
Additional Photos of the 50th JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
If you have your own photos of the celebrations please send them in and we will put in next week
A BIG SURPRISE AND WHAT A BLESSING
On Wednesday morning we were very privileged to have Fr Anthony Odionyenfe’s Bishop from Nigeria, Bishop Michael Ukpong, visit and concelebrate our morning Mass with Fr Anthony. Fr Paul Kelly joined us a little later to welcome Bishop Michael. What a very lovely man he was, so down to earth and gracious. He challenged us in his homily to look at ourselves and our world and see if we too are caught up in the corruption, wars, hatred, and greed that seems to be taking over every part of our lives today.
Turn back to Christ, he said and “Seek always the face of the Lord”.
Bishop Michael has been their Bishop for only two years so came to Australia to meet up with his priests, including Fr Anthony Odionyenfe, Fr John Echewodo, Fr Enoch (Fr Anthony Ekpo and Fr Nicholas Cage) who are/had been generously ministering to various parishes throughout Queensland and the other States,. After Mass he joined some of the congregation for a ‘cuppa’, which had to be explained to him what that meant, and breakfast. Bishop hung around and chatted for an hour or so with those who had stayed.
Welcome Bishop Michael Ukpong to the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, and thank you for sharing your time with us.
SCAM ALERT!
Scam messages are doing the rounds again.If you receive a suspicious or confusing SMS message (and any other illegitimate SMS), or a suspicious email, we recommend forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the Australian Government spam reporting line). Or if its an email message of concern, please forward to report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
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
LITURGY NEWS WINTER EDITION (FREE) AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE
Please find attached the Winter 2024 edition of Liturgy News.
News and background articles that are invaluable for parishes and schools.
Priests, religion teachers, pastoral associates, liturgy committees… this magazine is for you!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oBKG5mIb7ZxMLYoXNekyaAuBtXesv87c/view?usp=sharing
ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN -
17-18th August in all parishes in Brisbane Archdiocese
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.
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
What's in your heart? Jesus' empowering and "sending" of the apostles (in Greek: Apostolos, "one who is sent") to extend his mission of healing reflects the missionary strategy of the Early Church: travel light and keep moving, do what is good, and put your trust entirely in God. That's a good approach for Christians of any time and place. Life is a journey, a pilgrimage to holiness. "To take nothing for your journey" brings home the truth that, in the end, the only thing you really have is God. To have "nothing" then means to have everything. The less you have, the more you gain. The deepest security lies in not worrying about security. What can you unload from your life to bring you closer to God?
"What have we to do to become saints? Nothing more than we do every day. Only do it for the love of God." (Anne Th̩r̬se Gu̩rin SP (2 October 1798 Р14 May 1856), designated by the Vatican as Saint Theodora)
“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, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Barbara Gilbert, Jenny Haines, Tommy Harris, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Luis Hernan Restrepo, Bob Rogers, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Christine Watkins, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Ma.Cristina.C.Dagg Dagg, Eufemia Calip, Carlos Alberto Da Silva, Maurice Goss, Diana Cattanach, Ailsa Stack, Penny Ackerman, Vince Shanahan, Natalia Di Pietro, Grant Davenport, Nino Miano, 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, 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)
Gemma Carmel Bingham, Carlo Boladian, Mal Condon, Joseph Patrick Condon, Billy Edmonds, Terrence Gavin (Terry) Faloon, Margaret Mary Gordon, Fr John Healy, Thomas Hirst, Patrick Vincent Hoolahan, Fr Greg Jordan, Margaret Ann (Ann) Mason, Fr William McCarthy, Ermis Moro, Carmen Nicholas, Fr Robert O'Donoghue, Rebecca O’Reilly, Victor O'Reilly, Eftim Orloff, Shirley Roche, William Sammut, Patrick Sexton, Fr Cyril Shand, Joseph Shen (Jiasheng Shen), Noel Smith, Alan Smith, Rita Steptoe.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Frank Alarba, John Ennis Ashby, Patrick (Pat) Boyle, Peter Butler, Irene Cappellazzo, Christopher Cassels, Elaine Hannah Cotter, Mary Dean, Alfred Desira, Stanislaw Dominiak, Anna and Nicholas Dranginis, Alan Herbert Driscoll, Elizabeth Anne Fredericks, Elizabeth Anne Fredricks, Emily Hasdell, Fr Thomas Hegerty, George Arthur Higgs, Natalie Kan, Fay Theresa Kassulke, Fr Vincent Kiley, Ante Kolak, Alan Clark Krushka, Leo Lampago, Thelma Lampago, Smith Rita Mary, Rev Fr J Coley McKenzie, Rodney Joseph Aubrey McLennan, Fr Archibald Mills, Rev Fr Nicholas F Moynihan, Leo Francis Nugent, Jill Cecelia O’Brien, Maureen Patricia O’Connor, Fr Denis O'Rourke, Fr Bernard O'Shea, Fr Bernard O'Shea, Sharon Patricia Pak, Salvatore Di Pietro, Fr James Quirk, Gregory Joseph Shara, Maureen Elaine Tracey, Robert Noel Watson, Tom And Lucy Yule.
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. 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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 2/8/24, 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 - 3/8/24 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)
The next gathering is August 6/8/24, at 10 a.m., at 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 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: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
15/07/2024 Maxine & Pat Sela - Main Beach
22/07/2024 Eileen & Julio Camera - Nerang
29/07/2024 Eileen & Julio Camera - Nerang
05/08/2024 Nardine & Ayline - Merrimac
12/08/2024. Nardine & Ayline - Merrimac
19/08/2024 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
26/08/2024 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
2/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arundel
9/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arudel
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:grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please 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 is $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number of 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.
Legendary educator Sr Elvera Sesta says farewell to St Rita’s College after 60 years of teaching. byJOE HIGGINS 10 July 2024 - Catholic Leader - Brisbane
Farewell: A guard of honour was formed for Sr Elvera Sesta's final day. Photos: Joe Higgins
PRESENTATION Sister Elvera Sesta walked arm-in-arm with student leaders through a sea of cheering students after 60 years of teaching and “not a day worked” at St Rita’s College, Clayfield, on July 9.
“I love teaching,” she said. “It was never a job to me.”
The renowned leader in Catholic girl’s education and former columnist for The Catholic Leader said St Rita’s took the Presentation Sister’s charism of hospitality seriously.
“What I love about (St Rita’s) now and what I loved about it then was the friendliness,” she said. “I think it’s a very down-to-earth, very homely (college).”
It was her last day at St Rita’s – officially at least.
Full of stories: Sr Sesta has taught the young women at St Rita’s for 60 years.
HOMILY: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
(Shutterstock licensed stock photo - 315725582 SEBECHLEBY, SLOVAKIA - JULY 27, 2015: The Jesus Sends Out His Disciples lithography by artist Scheuchl 1907 in the book "Zivot Jezisa Krista bozskeho Spasitela naseho" printed in Trnava. Photo Contributor - Renata Sedmakova- augmented background )
As Saint Paul Says in the Second reading today: “God has showered us with EVERY spiritual gift,” – so it is good for us to pause and ask ourselves…. How are we using all these gifts to live in harmony with God's loving vision for the world.?
The spiritual gifts include wisdom, understanding, knowledge, discernment, courage, reverence, and wonder.
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Our Lord must have known the effect and the radical originality of what he was proposing in his message. The gospel this weekend highlights the differences, particularly in the first reading. There were people in the time of the people of Israel and in Jesus' time as well, who were professional prophets.
They were born into a family of prophets. This was the family business. Just like others might be carpenters, some were prophets.
And they made their money and earned their bread and shelter by plying their trade as a prophet, which was often a rather financially rewarding occupation, particularly if you told people what they wanted to hear and avoided offending anyone with the truth. But in the first reading, we hear of Amos, and it's made quite clear that Amos is no professional prophet, but rather Amos is simply a poor shepherd who was called by God to speak God's word to the people. He's not there to reinforce people's self-serving worldviews.
He's there to build up the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of me. Our Lord calls his followers to that same authenticity and simplicity, to be open and faithful to God's word and God's vision, no matter how challenging, no matter how difficult it is to hear or how difficult it is to speak. However, at the same time, Jesus is calling us to an attitude and a practice of simplicity in our lifestyles and in our desires, to live more simply and to travel lightly with less baggage, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional baggage.
It's such an attractive and reassuring message in a world where we seem to be being called to the opposite kind of thing, that is possessiveness, to indulgence, to self-realization, usually at the expense of others, to materialism and to an unapologetic participation in unwholesome words, practices and thoughts. Our Lord commissioned the disciples go out two by two. Again, in our modern culture, the desire to go it alone on projects and challenges is a fairly familiar approach.
But this being an island unto oneself would have been a very rare attitude back in the days when belonging to a community meant everything. A person's very survival often depended upon being a member of that community and accepted by it. Nowadays, it seems a popular goal to be a self-made, self-sustaining person, as if they're a law unto themselves even.
Our Lord teaches the wisdom of not going it alone on our spiritual journey, especially when we're trying to share our faith or live in its very public dimensions. In the process of taking our faith out into the world and living it, we don't need a lot of baggage. In fact, we shouldn't have it, but we do need other people of faith to support us, to inspire us, guide and help us, and even at times challenge us.
There's really no such thing as a solo Christian. Christianity is not something that we can do best all by ourselves all of the time. We know it's so much easier to tear down plans and arguments, much easier than it is to build them up or help make a plan or a vision work.
There seems to be all too many examples of people throughout the world acting before proper sober evaluation, or acting by actually seeking messages that reinforce our own predetermined interests. Christ calls us to act after due consideration, for the kind of world God is asking us to create by our decisions. Jesus' gospel is certainly not about self-serving choices.
Christ wants his disciples to travel lightly, so as to be free to live his good news. Our Lord commands us to be detached from things, because things and ever-increasing possessions easily can clutter up our lives and weigh us down. These things can block us from achieving our goal of proclaiming his gospel in action and in word.
Someone once wrote that half the confusion in the world comes from being unable to realize just how little we really need. So if it's harder than ever for us to know how little we need, and how little some others actually have, perhaps the problem in our modern culture at the moment is that there's an alarming and increasing gap, a blurring between the concepts of want and need. Our Lord clarifies this action with his teaching and his example.
As you travel through life, travel lightly.
Fr. Paul Kelly. {References: FR. PAUL W. KELLY.}
{Shutterstock licensed image ID:ID: 409997863- PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 2, 2016: Stained Glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague.- By jorisvo }
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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
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY - SEEING WHAT HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT!
Three years ago we had a review of our Health and Safety policies and procedures. And the results were an absolute shocker. We got a massively bad result.
It was a real wake up call. It is a reminder that Safety is the responsibility of everyone. It also means that we have to refocus our eyes and minds to look for things that are actually right in front of us.
We thought we were keeping things safe and compliant, but we were shocked at what we didn’t see. Some of these things have occurred when many different people utilise the facilities and people pack things or assemble new things without seeing the bigger safety picture.
Below are the photos of the failed safety assessment from three years ago. It is interesting to see if we have kept up the improved awareness or whether three years has led to some returns to old bad habits -
Here are some pictures that highlighted the risks and potential disasters that our eyes and minds did not see and which should have set off alarm bells in our minds. These areas have now been tasked for correction.
But let’s have a look at these photos. What is wrong with the following? Lots !
(a list of problems is featured at the end of these photos)
Safety Risks:
Casey Hall. Chairs stacked so high that they are dangerous and unstable - risk of injury by the chairs falling, and also risk of injury for people attempting to move the chairs.
Although the white-board can be wheeled away, it was left blocking an emergency/ fire exit. These need to be clear at all times. In an emergency, if people are disoriented, they can be injured or obstructed when trying to get to marked exits. (Hospitality Centre)
Chairs and a table and other items stored in an emergency exit. Exit would be blocked.
Chairs left out which block immediate access to the fire reel in Sacred heart and the fire extinguisher. These need to be completely clear of obstruction at all times.
Fire hose reel door blocked by three tables. Access in an emergency would be impeded.
More stacked chairs completely blocking easy access to the fire hose reel. Both hose reels would have been inaccessible in an emergency!
In the atrium, wires and electronic items were left in the centre of the room, with cords being a trip hazard and electronic equipment inadequately kept.
The second emergency exit has a trolley obstructing part of the exit and a cordon rope has been tied to the door preventing access.
Emergency exit plan placed so high that it is not accessible and easy to see and follow.
Supplies from work left stored in the hose reel access. These areas must be kept entirely clear and accessible at all times.
Pew positioned across half of a door marked as an official emergency exit.
Chair blocking a fire extinguisher.
Chairs left obstructing an officially marked exit.
Furniture placed too close to the fire extinguisher. One metre clear in all directions is needed at all times.
Let us all make a conscious decision to sharpen our eyes and our perceptions to safety requirements and risks within our community.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Contemplate the inspiring and holy lives of the saints and their wisdom in prayer, borne of prayerfulness and charity.
E.g., Saint Theodora Guerin.
1. “I have already exceeded the amount of work my head can bear.”
2. “Really, I am humiliated in seeing her run in the way of perfection while I just drag along.”
3. “We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest.”
4. “Love all in God and for God, and all will be well.”
5. “Profit by the experience of the past for the future.”
6. “Let us hope that the few seeds sown may not remain unproductive of fruit.”
7. “After all, our only support, our only strength is God.”
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
In today’s First Reading, Amos says he did not choose to be a prophet. God selected him. Maybe God is asking you to reconsider your actions and do His work instead. Even before we were formed in the womb, God has chosen and called each of us to be a disciple. To find true happiness, find that pathway that God has uniquely created you to fulfil. (Eph 1:3-14)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” Mark 6:8
Imagine taking nothing but a stick when you go on a trip. The Apostles must have really trusted in God’s providential care. Think of all the material things “we can’t live without” in today’s world. We make our life’s journey more difficult because of all the material baggage we drag along. Putting God first in everything and putting our money and possessions second gives us freedom because we don’t become “slaves” to wanting to acquire more things.
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
Disciple = “One who learns.” In ancient times, disciples followed and imitated a teacher, sharing in the master's way of life. In the New Testament, the term implies a broader definition than those described as "apostles" or "the Twelve."
CONTEXT
Disciples have to expect to suffer the same fate as their masters. —Pheme Perkins, Reading the New Testament
Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of wonder. —Pope Benedict XVI
God did not tell us to follow Him because He needed our help but because he knew that loving him would make us whole. —Saint Irenaeus
WHY IT MATTERS
To be a disciple of Jesus today involves the same investment his original followers made. Imitating Jesus means embracing his way of healing, liberating, and forgiving. Disciples are called to be witnesses of Christ to the world and to live out the gospel daily. As Dorothy Day put it: “Everything a baptised person does every day should be directly or indirectly related to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.”
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “From the beginning, the first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Christ: ‘We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.’ And they invite people of every era to enter into the joy of their communion with Christ” (423).
RELATED WORDS
Apostle | The Twelve | Evangelization | The Way
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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What does the Bible say about discipleship?
A disciple is a student, from the Latin discipulus. In ancient times disciples lived with their teachers, listening to their words and imitating their actions. The intention was for a progression between the roles of student and instructor with disciples eventually becoming rabbis or prophets themselves. It was irregular for Jesus to make permanent disciples of his followers. "You have only one teacher and father in heaven," he told them. Another distinguishing feature of Jesus' school is that he chose his disciples, not the other way around.
The most intriguing part of Jesus' call to discipleship is that it took place in ordinary contexts, such as a fisherman's workday, not in a religious setting like a synagogue. Discipleship then deepened "along the way" with Jesus.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask: http://tinyurl.com/QCA-discipleship
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REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
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MEMORIAL OF SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (JULY 15)
Discipleship explained
Like Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of his order, 13th-century Franciscan Saint Bonaventure saw in all creation vestiges of God and believed that through created things God speaks: “Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God.” In the search for knowledge, he encouraged humility: “If you desire to know, ask for grace, not instruction.” And “in your deeds and words look upon Jesus as your model.”
Readings: Isaiah 1:10-17; Matthew 10:34-11:1 (389: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071524.cfm). "When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns."
FAITH IN ACTION
Remember that you are a unique reflection of Christ, Bonaventure advises: "A ray of light entering through a stained-glass window is colored in different ways according to the different colors of the various parts, so the divine rays shine forth in every creature in different ways and in different properties."
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
Saint Bonaventure
“In things of beauty, he contemplated the One who is supremely beautiful, and, led by the footprints he found in creatures, he followed the Beloved everywhere” (St. Bonaventure).
“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. x, 15) so humility is the foundation of all virtue. Learn to be really humble and not, as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.” ( Saint Bonaventure).
“We must beg the Holy Spirit, with ardent longing, to give us these fruits. The Holy Ghost alone knows how to bring to light the sweetness hidden away under the rugged exterior of the words of the Law. We must go to the Holy Ghost for interior guidance.” (Saint Bonaventure, Holiness of Life).
“Know your net worth” “If you do not know your own dignity and condition, you cannot value anything at its proper worth,” says the wise Saint Bonaventure, noted 13th-century Franciscan theologian and doctor of the church. Take time to think about that admonishment today. Tally your credits and debits—the good and bad you’ve wrought, your accomplishments and failures. Then remember that nothing goes unnoticed by God: “Even the hairs of your head are all counted” (Matt. 10:30). Why? Because you are God’s alone. Let that knowledge shape your understanding of everything. Bonaventure says: “Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God.” (St Bonaventure).
Jul 16, 2022- Our Lady of Saint Carmel.
Choose a path of devotion. The Third Order of Carmel is an association of lay persons who live according to the spirit of the Carmelite Order and share in its mission. Their charisms are prayer, community, and ministry. Lay Carmelites attend a monthly meeting in which they wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign of their dedication to the Virgin Mary. They participate in daily Mass and try to spend a half-hour in meditation each day, reflecting on scripture. Lay Carmelites also pray the Morning and Evening Prayer of the Divine Office. Though they are not professed religious, they practice the virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience. Pray to Our Lady of Mount Carmel to inspire your own spiritual practice.
St. Apollinaris
“We, therefore, grossly deceive ourselves in not allotting more time to study divine truths. It is not enough to barely believe them and let our thoughts now and then glance upon them: that knowledge which shows us heaven will not bring us to the possession of it and will deserve punishment, not rewards if it remains slight, weak, and superficial. By serious and frequent meditation, it must be concocted, digested, and turned into the nourishment of our affections before it can be powerful and operative enough to change them and produce the necessary fruit in our lives. For this, all the saints affected solitude and retreat from the noise and hurry of the world, as much as their circumstances allowed them.” – St. Apollinaris.
Courageous Saint Apollinaris, suffered endless beatings during the Roman persecutions of the early church yet refused to back down or abandon his ministry or his flock. Though his steadfastness eventually led to martyrdom, he lives on in the church’s collective memory and admiration. Next time life knocks you down, recall Apollinaris and get back into the ring!
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. stock photo ID: 411313090 - Stock Photo ID: 411313090 - VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JUN 28, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI holds a cross as he celebrates the Vespers mass in St.Paul's Basilica, at the Vatican. Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor- Frippitaun
Pope article:
Below is a very helpful letter written by the late Pope Benedict XVI to the head of the German bishops conference, giving the Pope's detailed explanation of why he expressly insisted on the words "for many" in the Eucharistic prayer. It is well worth reading. It explains the detailed and complex thinking behind the change in the translation of the new Roman Missal to more precisely reflect the wording used in the Latin master copy, (the “typical edition”) and also features in two of the Gospels.
LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
“PRO MULTIS”
TO H.E. MSGR. ROBERT ZOLLITSCH
ARCHBISHOP OF FREIBURG
PRESIDENT OF THE EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE OF GERMANY
From the Vatican, 14 April 2012
Your Excellency, Dear Archbishop,
During your visit on 15 March 2012, you informed me that there is still no unanimity among the bishops of the German-speaking world with regard to the translation of the words “pro multis” in the Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass. There seems to be a risk that in the new edition of Gotteslob that is due to be published shortly, some parts of the German-speaking world wish to retain the translation “for all”, even if the German Bishops’ Conference should agree to use “for many”, as requested by the Holy See. I promised that I would write to you on this important matter, in order to circumvent a division of this kind at the very heart of our prayer. This letter that I am addressing through you to the members of the German Bishops’ Conference will also be sent to the other bishops of the German-speaking world.
Let me begin with a brief word about how the problem arose. In the 1960s, when the Roman Missal had to be translated into German, under the responsibility of the bishops, there was a consensus among exegetes to the effect that the word “many” in Is 53:11f. is a Hebrew expression referring to the totality, “all”. It would follow that the use of the word “many” in the institution narratives of Matthew and Mark is a Semitism and should be translated “all”. This argument was also applied to the Latin text that was being translated directly, and it was claimed that “pro multis” points beyond the Gospel narratives to Is 53 and should therefore be translated “for all”. This exegetical consensus has collapsed in the meantime: it no longer exists. In the official German translation of the Scriptures, the account of the Last Supper includes the words: “This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many” (Mk 14:24; cf. Mt 26:28). This highlights something very important: the rendering of “pro multis” as “for all” was not merely a translation but an interpretation, a well-founded interpretation then as now, but an interpretation nevertheless, something more than a translation.
In a certain sense, this combination of translation and interpretation was one of the principles that governed the translation of liturgical books into modern languages immediately after the Council. It was realized how remote the Bible and liturgical texts were from the linguistic and conceptual world of people today, so that even in translation they were bound to remain largely unintelligible to worshippers. It was a new development that the sacred texts were now being made accessible to worshippers in translation, and yet they would remain remote from their world, indeed that remoteness was made manifest for the first time. So it seemed not only justifiable but even necessary to build interpretation into the translation and in this way to speak more directly to the listeners, whose hearts and minds these words were intended to reach.
Up to a point, the principle of translating the content rather than the literal meaning of key texts is still justified. Since I constantly have to say liturgical prayers in a variety of languages, though, it strikes me that the different translations sometimes have little in common and that often the common text underlying them can scarcely be detected. Some banal elements have also crept in, which are real impoverishments. So over the years it has become increasingly clear to me personally that as an approach to translation, the principle of structural as opposed to literal equivalence has its limits. In accordance with insights of this kind, the instruction for translators Liturgiam Authenticam, issued on 28 March 2001 by the Congregation for Divine Worship, shifted the focus back onto the principle of literal equivalence, without of course requiring a one-sided verbalism. The important insight underpinning this instruction is the above-mentioned distinction between translation and interpretation. It is necessary both for Scripture and for liturgical texts. On the one hand, the sacred text must appear as itself as far as possible, even if it seems alien and raises questions; on the other hand the Church has the task of explaining it, so that within the limits of our understanding, the message that the Lord intends for us actually reaches us. Not even the most sensitive translation can take away the need for explanation: it is part of the structure of revelation that the word of God is read within the exegetical community of the Church – faithfulness and drawing out the contemporary relevance go together. The word must be presented as it is, with its own shape, however strange it may appear to us; the interpretation must be measured by the criterion of faithfulness to the word itself, while at the same time rendering it accessible to today’s listeners.
In this context, the Holy See has decided that in the new translation of the Missal, the words “pro multis” should be translated as they stand, and not presented in the form of an interpretation. In the place of the interpretative explanation “for all”, the simple rendering “for many” must appear. Let me take the opportunity to point out that neither Matthew nor Mark uses the definite article, so it is not “for the many”, but “for many”. If this decision makes a great deal of sense, as I hope it does, in terms of the fundamental relationship between translation and exegesis, I am also aware that it poses an enormous challenge to those with the task of explaining the word of God in the Church, since to the ordinary church-goer it will almost inevitably seem like a rupture at the heart of the sacred. They will ask: did Christ not die for all? Has the Church changed her teaching? Can she do so? May she do so? Are there reactionary forces at work here to destroy the heritage of the Council? We all know from experience of the last fifty years how deeply the alteration of liturgical forms and texts touches people’s souls. How greatly perturbed people will be, then, by a change in the text at such a key moment. This being so, when the decision was made to opt for the translation “many”, in view of the difference between translation and explanation, it was established at the same time that a thorough catechesis would be needed to prepare the way for this translation in the various language regions: the bishops would have to help the priests, and through them the lay faithful, to understand exactly what this is about. Prior catechesis is the essential condition for adoption of the new translation. As far as I am aware, no such catechesis has yet taken place in the German-speaking world. The purpose of my letter is urgently to ask all of you, my dear Brother Bishops, to develop a catechesis of this kind, to discuss it with the priests and to make it available to the lay faithful.
The first element in such catechesis would have to be a brief explanation as to why the word “many” was rendered as “all” in the translation of the Missal prepared after the Council: in order to express unequivocally, in the sense willed by Jesus, the universality of the salvation that he brought. The question immediately arises: if Jesus died for all, then why did he say “for many” at the Last Supper? And why do we retain these words of Jesus for the institution? Here it must be added straight away that according to Matthew and Mark, Jesus said “for many”, while according to Luke and Paul he said “for you”, which seems to narrow the focus even further. Yet it is precisely this that points towards the solution. The disciples know that Jesus’ mission extends beyond them and their circle, they know that he came to gather together the scattered children of God from all over the world (Jn 11:52). Yet this “for you” makes Jesus’ mission quite concrete for those present. They are not simply anonymous elements within some vast whole: each one of them knows that the Lord died precisely for me, for us. “For you” covers the past and the future, it means me, personally; we, who are assembled here, are known and loved by Jesus for ourselves. So this “for you” is not a narrowing down, but a making concrete, and it applies to every eucharistic community, concretely uniting it to the love of Jesus. In the words of consecration, the Roman Canon combined the two biblical formulae, and so it says “for you and for many”. This formula was then adopted for all the Eucharistic Prayers at the time of the liturgical reform.
Once again, though, we ask: why “for many”? Did the Lord not die for all? The fact that Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, is the man for all men, the new Adam, is one of the fundamental convictions of our faith. Let me recall just three Scriptural texts on the subject: God “did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all”, as Paul says in the Letter to the Romans (8:32). “One has died for all,” as he says in the Second Letter to the Corinthians concerning Jesus’ death (5:14). Jesus “gave himself as a ransom for all,” as we read in the First Letter to Timothy (2:6). So the question arises once more: if this is so clear, why do we say “for many” in the Eucharistic Prayer? Well, the Church has taken this formula from the institution narratives of the New Testament. She says these words out of deference for Jesus’ own words, in order to remain literally faithful to him. Respect for the words of Jesus himself is the reason for the formulation of the Eucharistic Prayer. But then we ask: why did Jesus say this? The reason is that in this way Jesus enables people to recognize him as the Suffering Servant of Is 53, he reveals himself as the figure to whom the prophecy refers. The Church’s respect for the words of Jesus, Jesus’ fidelity to the words of “Scripture”: this double fidelity is the concrete reason for the formulation “for many”. In this chain of respectful fidelity, we too take our place with a literal translation of the words of Scripture.
Just as we saw earlier that the “for you” of the Luke-Paul tradition does not restrict but rather makes concrete, so now we recognize that the dialectic “many” – “all” has a meaning of its own. “All” concerns the ontological plane – the life and ministry of Jesus embraces the whole of humanity: past, present and future. But specifically, historically, in the concrete community of those who celebrate the Eucharist, he comes only to “many”. So here we see a threefold meaning of the relationship between “many” and “all”. Firstly, for us who are invited to sit at his table, it means surprise, joy and thankfulness that he has called me, that I can be with him and come to know him. “Thank the Lord that in his grace he has called me into his Church.” Secondly, this brings with it a certain responsibility. How the Lord in his own way reaches the others – “all” – ultimately remains his mystery. But without doubt it is a responsibility to be directly called to his table, so that I hear the words “for you” – he suffered for me. The many bear responsibility for all. The community of the many must be the lamp on the lamp-stand, a city on the hilltop, yeast for all. This is a vocation that affects each one of us individually, quite personally. The many, that is to say, we ourselves, must be conscious of our mission of responsibility towards the whole. Finally, a third aspect comes into play. In today’s society we often feel that we are not “many”, but rather few – a small remnant becoming smaller all the time. But no – we are “many”: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues,”, as we read in the Revelation of Saint John (7:9). We are many and we stand for all. So the words “many” and “all” go together and are intertwined with responsibility and promise.
Your Excellency, dear Brother Bishops, with these thoughts I have tried to set out the basic content of the catechesis with which priests and laity are to be prepared as soon as possible for the new translation. I hope that all of this can at the same time nourish a deeper participation in the Holy Eucharist and thus take its place within the great task that lies ahead of us in the “Year of Faith”. I hope too that the catechesis will be presented soon and will thus become part of the renewal of worship that the Council strove to achieve from its very first session.
With paschal blessings, I remain
Yours in the Lord,
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
EXPLORING OUR FAITH-LITURGICAL
SACRISTANS AND SERVERS
Many people arriving for Mass would be unaware of the effort to prepare the worship environment and the items needed for the celebration. The ‘behind the scenes’ ministry of sacristans is essential to the worshipping assembly. Sacristans take responsibility for opening up the church, turning on lights and microphones, and putting out the Roman Missal (prayer book) and Lectionary (book of scripture readings) - both marked at the right place! - and setting out chalices, plates, cruets, bread and wine so that Mass can be celebrated.
The fundamental contribution of servers is to facilitate a smooth liturgy by anticipating the needs of the presider and other assembly members, leading the way where necessary, yet rarely being noticed themselves. This requires self-discipline and forethought so that unnecessary movement can be avoided. The servers must be neatly attired and move with confidence and grace to contribute to the prayerful atmosphere of the liturgy. Sacristans and servers need to understand the order of the liturgy and the sacred vestments and vessels used in the liturgy.
They put themselves at the service of the community and its worship, helping the liturgy become truly an act of worship and thanksgiving for all.
(From Elizabeth Harrington)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
(please see next page…)
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 seven 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.
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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