PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Mark 6:34.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 268256381 -CHIANGMAI, THAILAND - MARCH 14,2015. Printed image of a large crowd following Jesus in Grace Church Chiangmai, Thailand. Printed from mid of 19 cent.
Originally by an unknown artist.Photo Contributor. Freedom Studio.
PASTOR’S POST -
Congratulations to Fr Bradley Davies, recently ordained, who celebrated Thanksgiving Masses here in the parish last weekend. Fr Bradley sends his thanks for the weekend and also thanks the parish for the gift of a Mass Kit. He reports that he has already made use of it at at Nursing home mass in Cleveland. May God bless your ministry of service.
This weekend's readings remind us that God's message is about reconciliation and fostering peace, compassion and justice. Jesus went to great lengths to ensure that his disciples were aware of the mindset of the world around them, especially concerning leadership. For Christ, a good leader is a servant who has the interests and welfare of the people at heart. Jesus wants his followers to be compassionate and concerned for those in need. According to Christ, leaders act generously and put others first.
Quotes:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” —John 10:11
“Peace is not the product of terror or fear. . . . peace is generosity. It is a right and duty.” – Saint Oscar Romero
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
From One Holy Couple (Creation) to
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (Today)
WHEN: On the last Sunday of the Month – commencing on 28th July 2024.
WHERE: in the Parish Staff Room (Parish Office) on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation, Study Set ($35.95 plus postage), which can be obtained from Ascension Press – The Faith Formation Leader. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - ascensionpress.com.
NOTE: If you want us to purchase for you (we may save a little postage in bulk), we will need your details by Tuesday next week (23rd July) at the latest to ensure that you have the material on time for 28th July.
Around seven years ago, we looked at Unlocking the Mysteries of the Bible. This study program is the full study version, an In-depth Exploration of Salvation History, which will require considerable pre-reading monthly of various sections of the Bible, and that is why we will do it monthly to ensure we allow ourselves sufficient time to give this Study our full participation. This way, we will get the most from the sessions, and once we see the big picture of the Bible, we will be able to understand Scripture in a whole new way. The Mass readings will make more sense. You will see how our beliefs as Catholics are rooted in Scripture, your prayers will come to life, and you will know how you are part of this remarkable story.
The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven through Scripture. Using a unique colour-coded chart, you will learn the major people, places, and events of the Bible and discover how they all come together to reveal the remarkable story of our Faith.
Bookings can be made by ringing the Parish Office (new): (07) 5671 7388 (9 am – 2 pm Mon-Fri). We’re excited to be able to present this resource, so join 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 it is an email message of concern, please forward it to: report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
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
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.
Further Celebration Photo from the 50th Jubilee for
Fr. Dan Ryan and Fr. John Maher
Fr Bradley Davies, Our Newly Ordained Priest
Celebrating His Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart
PALMS AUSTRALIA
Several overseas communities in Asia, the Pacific, and Africa are seeking Australian Catholics for their Global Mission. For those faithful who hear the call, we offer an opportunity to live and use their professional expertise to mentor others in an overseas community.
Following our recent In-person Discovery Sessions, Palms is holding an online webinar on Thursday, 15 August, for all interested in learning more about mission life. As an online session, we expect parishioners will find this easier to fit into their busy schedules.
Please find attached a bulletin notice to advertise this event among your parishioners. I appreciate that bulletin space is tight, but it would be great if you could please include it, especially in your bulletins on weekends leading up to the session.
Additionally, for those who would like a short taste and tour of Palms placements, our last Palms Encounter for 2024 will travel to Timor Leste from 20 October to All Saints Day. I have also attached a poster for your noticeboards, please. Again, thank you for your continued support and prayers during our shared mission. God bless. Kevin Wilson | Finance and Networks - Palms -
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
ST VINCENT’S TEACHERS JOIN THE CELEBRATIONS
St Vincent’s Teachers and prep students got into the dress-up spirit last week to celebrate 100 Days of Prep.
Well Done!
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, Helen Cooper, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, 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, Maureen Scott, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Christine Watkins, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Ken Vincent, Robert De Souza, Chris Kopacz, Panfilo Bantugan, Elaine Smyth, Marie Hunt, 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, Joan Edwards, Bill McDermott, Santiago Canada, Marina Innocenti, Adoracion Lapitan, Joseph Torbey, Jacqueline Rillo, Helena Nycz, Frank Cassidy, John Worner (WA).
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Giuseppe Joe Alba, Dr Rogerson Bullen, Raphael Desira, Marie Doreen Emslie, Fr Owen Hayes, Fr Owen Hayes, Thomas Hirst, Ruby Agnes Johnson, Thushara Joseph, Fila Jones, Tadeusz Antoni Karawczyk, Fr John Kelly, Judith Kloser, Kenneth Ledster, Valda Martin, Marie Martinek, Corbett Benedict (Corby) McKay, Patrick McKenzie, Vivienne Marie Miau, Ronald (Ron) Mooney, Fr Dominic Fogarty osa, Norman Pearce, Tera Phillip, Daniel Charles (Dan) Quinn, John Peter Reid, John Peter Reid, Fr Gerald Ronayne, Archbishop Frank Rush, Eileen Scharenguivel, Danny Schembri, Emilia Smarzewska, Fr Michael Stapleton, Bryan Suter, Stefan Iosif Szemes, Vittoria Ulliana, William (Bill) Walker, William Cecil (Bill) Wall.
And Also: (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.
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 Church.. Other times, contact the Parish Office during office hours.
Plentiful selection of religious items and gift available.
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.
Dragonfly Ministries Retreat for Women
A quiet weekend of silence in community reflecting upon what is it to Flourish in Hope and Mercy. At Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston.
Friday 9 August 6pm to Sunday 11 August at 3pm.
Cost $420 ($400 for students/pensioners/unemployed) all inclusive
Facilitated by Grace Harwood. For information contact grace@dragonflyministries.net.au
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:
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
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.
HOMILY: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 1210022278 -PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 13, 2018: The mosiac of miralce The Feeding the multitude in church kostel Svatého Václava by artwork of S. G. Rudl in workroom of Albert Neuhauser (1928.) Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Renata Sedmakova
"He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd."
There is a beautiful line in the second reading that one could spend the whole week, an entire lifetime, contemplating the meaning of:
"Jesus is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall ........, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace."
This is fascinating… So, peace is not just a state of mind or body...,
Reconciliation and forgiveness are not just things we do or do not do......
"Peace" is actually a person,
"Forgiveness" is a person,
...and that person is Jesus, who is the Lord of Peace, the Prince of forgiveness...
The writer and poet Alice Camille, tells of an incident in her life that brought this personal dimension of peace, home to her. She writes:
"There was no way I was going to speak to that guy who offended me again. NO WAY!!! I repeated this mantra several times to fortify my resolve. I was outraged. I was hurting. As I rehearsed for the twentieth time the righteousness of my position against my enemy who had offended me. Then I remembered, peace wasn't something that was mine to give or deny. Jesus is our peace. Jesus is the WAY of peace... unity with him is unity with peace and reconciliation. To withhold reconciliation is to withhold Christ and what Christ can do..."
The balance between reflection and action, prayer and good works, work and rest, comes into focus in this weekend's Gospel. It is often hard to get this balance right in our lives. So many demands on our time, many good projects that can be called on us, and so the balance of work/rest, prayer/action is quite challenging. Jesus knew this balance and he responded and was flexible and even changed his plans when situations unexpectedly arose, but at the same time, there is a deep sense about Jesus that he kept that balance within his heart and was able to be peaceful and loving in his response, despite the many demands.
Jesus knew the benefit of taking some time to get away from it all and revive, rest, pray and have time to nourish ourselves, in body, spirit and mind.
He showed that care for himself and his disciples, (even in the midst of the heavy demands of his ministry), and whilst facing the crushing needs of countless people who came to see him, hear him and touch him.
Among the natural benefits of taking some time out: namely renewal and physical and spiritual recuperation, there is also a valuable chance to 'stop, take a breath and look at where we are, where we are heading and what we are trying to achieve."
If we constantly respond to the urgent… we may miss getting a chance to weigh up whether it is also 'important.' Something can be urgent, but not necessarily important. And some of the most important things in life may never present themselves to us as "urgent" but (if neglected) these needs could cause major difficulties and even cause us to lose sight of the things that really matter.
Also, we believe that our God can be encountered in silence and stillness. And so we MUST make time for that silence and stillness.
I am impressed by a quote from Saint Teresa which says "Settle yourself in solitude… and you will come upon him in yourself."
Another really striking thing about today's gospel passage is that, although Jesus knew he needed to get away from it all and give himself and his disciples time to rest and pray and gain renewal and focus. With this in mind, his attitude towards the needy crowds when he saw them is really inspiring. He gets to the place he was heading for a well-deserved rest; only to find the crowds have found their way here too!!!
We could be forgiven in some way if in exasperation we reacted in similar situations by saying… "Oh please, give me a break! Go away. I am too tired. Leave me alone!" But, of course, Jesus' reaction is that of so many parents and carers who are faced with the all too real needs of their beloved. It is a response of love and deep compassion and inclusion. He understood them. He knew their needs and could see into their hearts.
He did not see the crowds as if they were nothing to do with him. They were never just people he spoke to and taught but had no connection with. These needy people - these crowds were not disconnected from him. He identified himself with the people who were there, like a parent to a child; as a spouse to their beloved. This was not a case of "them and us" when it came to relating to the crowd.
Jesus' compassionate reaction to the crowd was because, although he was not denying his needs and his disciple's needs for rest and prayer and reflection; when he came across the crowds he recognized their needs as also important. This is such an important key. All of these needs are important. No doubt.
So … for Jesus, it was always a case of "not them and us" but "us and us." His needs and the needs of the disciples were as important as the needs of the crowds and the crowd's needs and were as real and important to him as his own. He kept that in his mind and heart. And his response reflected that. He solved the slightly conflicting needs by responding in compassion to the lost and desperate needs of those he encountered…
I am sure he then went off and gave himself and his disciples the space they needed……. afterwards.
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References:
Homily –Prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly
Quote from Alice L. Camille. Reflection in PrepareTheWord.com. - PrepareTheWord.com, ©2012, TrueQuest Communications, LLC.}
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 1210022278 -PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 13, 2018: The mosiac of miralce The Feeding the multitude in church kostel Svatého Václava by artwork of S. G. Rudl in workroom of Albert Neuhauser (1928.) Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Renata Sedmakova.
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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
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
I have frequently noticed that Jesus doesn’t want me to lay up provisions: He nourishes me at each moment with a totally new food; I find it within me without knowing how it is there. I believe it is Jesus Himself hidden in the depths of my poor little heart: He is giving me the grace of acting within me, making me think of all He desires me to do at the present moment.
What does it matter, Lord, if the future is bleak! I cannot pray for tomorrow’s needs…keep my heart pure, keep me in your shade, just for today.
(St. Therese of Lisieux).
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
When the apostles were trying to reflect on their ministry, Jesus asked them to “come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place”. Listening to God in quiet prayer is very important in vocational discernment. Listen to God’s voice in an out-of-the-way place.
“I will appoint shepherds for my people.” The call to priestly and religious life is to be a shepherd after the heart of Christ, to give of yourself so that others may live. (Jeremiah 23 and Mark 6)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31
Do you spend time, every day, alone and in silence listening to how God is calling you? If not, you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to develop a more personal relationship with Him. Unless we talk and more importantly, listen to God every day, how else will we know how He is calling us? Consider making a retreat this year, spend some “alone” time with God.
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 -
Ease up!
Are you living at one speed all the time: busy, busy, busy? Some of us are overextended, many of us have never learned to say no, and more than a few of us hang our self-worth on the precarious hooks of what we can accomplish. Even Jesus took time out for retreat and recollection. When was the last time you went on retreat? Do you take the occasional night off, observe a real Sabbath rest, sit for five minutes in a quiet, empty church? Block out time on your calendar not to do, but to be with God. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” [Mark 6:30-34].
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Mary Magdalene - 22 July -Feast
A faithful disciple of Christ, Mary ministered to his needs after having seven devils cast out from her. Witnessed his crucifixion, was present at his burial, and was the first to see the risen Lord. Commissioned by Christ to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to the apostles (John 20:17-18). Remembered in the East as the "Apostle to the Apostles."
John 20:1-2, 11-18 (603). “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher.”
St Bridget, Religious - 23 July -Optional Memorial
She was born in Sweden in about 1303 and died in Rome on this day in 1373. She was a devoted wife and the mother of eight children, one of whom was Saint Catherine of Sweden. After being widowed, she founded a religious order (Bridgettines). She was remembered for her asceticism, her dedication to reform within the Church, and her lifelong mystical experience of Christ's passion.
“The world would have peace if only people of politics would follow the Gospels.” (Bridget of Sweden).
“To write well and speak well is mere vanity if one does not live well.” (Bridget of Sweden).
“The source of justice is not vengeance but charity.” (Bridget of Sweden).
St Sharbel Makhluf, Priest - 24 July -Optional Memorial
Born on 8 May 1828 at Beka’Kafra (Lebanon). Died on Christmas Eve 1898 at Annaya. Maronite monk, whose religious name is Sarbel or Charbel, received a good education and was ordained priest—spent his last 23 years as a hermit—remembered for his ascetic poverty, solitary contemplation and great devotion to the Eucharist.
St James, Apostle - 25 July - Feast
Born at Bethsaida in Galilee, a son of Zebedee. Died about 44, the first apostle to die, beheaded by Herod. A fisherman summoned by Jesus together with his brother Saint John (27 December). They were called the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). He is Remembered as a favoured apostle: with Saint Peter (29 June) and Saint John, he was present at the transfiguration, the raising of the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in the garden.
Sts Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 26 July -Memorial
In a late second-century tradition, Joachim and Anne are named Mary's parents. Churches dedicated to Saint Anne are found in Jerusalem and Constantinople from the middle of the sixth century. The feast of Saint Anne was kept in Rome by the eighth century, and that of Saint Joachim from the fifteenth century. The feast honours the Virgin Mary's parents and the Lord's grandparents.
A grand mission for grandparents:
At a time when grandparents shoulder an ever-greater role in the nurturing of children—helping young families navigate the many complex realities of modern life—it’s fortunate we have an international Catholic Grandparents Association, founded in 2009, to help fulfil a dual mission: “passing on the faith and keeping prayer at the heart of family life.” With Saints Joachim and Anne as patrons, the association hosts a podcast and encourages parishes to develop a thriving ministry for and by grandparents, recognising their unique evangelising presence. Remembering grandparents, pray today the official prayer of the World Meeting of Families (C2022).
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Royalty-free stock photo ID: 2450378115 - Photo Description Stock Photo ID: 2450378115 Rome Italy 03 24 2024: Pope Francis Bergoglio celebrates mass and greets the faithful who arrived in their thousands in St. Peter's. -Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Fabrizio Maffei
Pope Francis - Letter to Priests
On the occasion of an international meeting of priests in Rome in May 2024,
Pope Francis wrote a letter to priests. Among his recommendations on synodality, he said: “I ask you first to live out your specific ministerial charism in ever greater service to the varied gifts that the Spirit sows in the People of God. It is urgent to ‘discover with faith, the many and varied charismatic gifts of the laity, be they of a humble or more exalted form’ which are indispensable for evangelising any number of human situations and contexts. I am convinced that in this way you will bring to light many hidden treasures and feel less alone in the demanding task of evangelisation. You will experience the joy of being true
fathers, who do not dominate others but rather bring out in them, men and women alike, great and precious possibilities. With all my heart, I suggest that you. learn to practise the art of communal discernment, employing for this purpose the method of ‘conversation in the Spirit’, which has proved so helpful in
the synodal journey and in the proceedings of the synodal Assembly itself. I am certain that you will reap from it many good fruits, not only in structures of communion such as parish councils, but in many other fields as well.”
EXPLORING OUR FAITH-LITURGICAL
The Numbering of the Psalms:
The psalm for 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time is listed as “Psalm 22 R. The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want”. This is one of the best-known of all the psalms but most people know it as the 23rdPsalm and it is listed under Psalm 23 in many bibles.
Those who look up words for psalms for hymn sheets, etc will have noticed that the numbering of the psalms in the Catholic Lectionary and in Catholic missals is not always the same as used by other Churches. Why are these numbers sometimes different?
The problem comes about because, since the promulgation of the Latin Bible (Vulgate) in the 6th century, the Roman Catholic Church has followed the numbering of the psalms used by the Greek translation of the Scriptures (the Septuagint) whereas the scriptures used by other Christian traditions follow the numbering in the Hebrew text.
Psalms 9 and 10 in the Hebrew text were combined into one psalm in the Greek Bible, so from Psalm 9 onwards, the Roman Catholic psalm numbers are one less than those in other versions. Because Psalm 147 of the Jewish psalms is split into two separate psalms in the Septuagint, the total number of psalms in both finishes up being the same - 150. However, only the first 8 and the last 3 psalms agree in numbering.
LAY COMMUNION MINISTERS
Lay people who help distribute Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick are called Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. The word ‘extraordinary’ indicates that they are not the ordinary or usual ministers of communion - the ordained clergy.
The ministry was first established by Pope Paul VI in 1973. Because more people were now coming to Communion at Mass and it was being offered under both kinds, the distribution of Communion had become difficult for the clergy to manage alone. Also, when priests and deacons are unable to take Communion frequently to the sick and aged, lay ministers are needed to take on this ministry.
The role of special ministers is to serve the assembly by distributing the elements during the Communion Rite, so they are Ministers of Communion not ‘ministers of the Eucharist’ or ‘eucharistic ministers’.
Communion ministers are carefully selected and commissioned by the parish. They are required to undertake liturgical and spiritual formation as well as practical training.
Qualities required of lay Communion Ministers include respect for the Mass and for all people, and ease in making contact with people with eyes, words and hands. Above all they need the capacity to be truly present to the other in that special moment of communion together as members of “The Body of Christ”.
(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
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and Adults-at-risk
Promoting safe practices including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All card holders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they must cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck. Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal http://archbne.org/welcome which will inform you whether you need a Police Check for your service.
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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