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“Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son?” (Mark 6:3)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Vector Description - Stock Vector ID: 2240086413 - Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus reading the scroll of the prophet Isaiah - Vector Contributor: rudall30
PASTOR’S POST -
JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION -Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan
Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan are celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Priesthood this Weekend. To give thanks for the blessings God has given us through their ministries, you are invited to a Golden Jubilee Mass for Fr Dan and Fr John at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sunday, July 7th, at 9 am. Refreshments will follow.
All are welcome. God bless.
Important announcement re Gold Coast Marathon.
Please note that Sunday, July 7th, is Gold Coast Marathon weekend.
There will be no Sunday morning Mass at Stella Maris Broadbeach on that day. However, please come along this Sunday to the Golden Anniversary of Fr Dan Ryan and Fr John Maher that day at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, at 9 a.m.
This weekend, the readings point to the all-too-human trait of obstinacy and defiance toward God and God's messengers.
Throughout history, God's messengers, the prophets, have faithfully passed on God's challenging and other-worldly wisdom. They have often been rejected and persecuted by those who did not want to change their ways because they had set up a cosy interpretation of God's message to suit themselves.
Jesus, who fulfils all prophets, stands in this long line of persecuted and rejected messengers. Of course, Jesus is THE word of God and the ultimate encounter with God, and even he is rejected by people, even his own townsfolk, who cannot get past his familiarity to them to be open to the message he carries.
The Church, which follows Jesus's message, should never be afraid of the rejection, ridicule, and antagonism that some will throw at us when we proclaim God's message. God's ways are different from human ways, and all who are faithful to Jesus will allow themselves to be moulded into God's image and resist the temptation to try and shape God into our image for our own selfish purposes.
THE NEW TESTAMENT refers to the brothers and sisters of Jesus 11 times. Some are named James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. James, "the brother of the Lord," will play a significant role in the Jerusalem church and is mentioned with some deference by Saint Paul. The precise number of such siblings or what became of the rest of them after Jesus' Crucifixion is unknown. Curiosity alone would lead us to seek more information about potential relatives of Jesus (and their descendants!). The trouble lies in that Hebrews don't make fine distinctions about degrees of consanguinity: Members of the same clan were regarded broadly as brothers. James and Joses, listed above as brothers of Jesus, are called sons of another Mary later at the cross. It's also hard to understand why Jesus would commend his own mother to one of his disciples at the cross if she had other living children who might care for her. –Alice L. Camille
Notes on the text. A thorn in the flesh was given to me. Much speculation has centred on the nature of Paul's "mystery" affliction. Was it a chronic illness? The scars and injuries from the beatings he had suffered? One theory suggests that Paul may not have been talking about a physical problem at all but in a figurative, not a literal thorn, as in a "pain the neck"— his opponents. This interpretation fits well with the other readings, where God sends the prophet Ezekiel against the people who are in rebellion against God and where Jesus, the "prophet, is not without honour except in his native place." —Joel Schorn
Fr Paul
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this first Friday, 5th of July, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen. For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au - "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am Saturday - 6th of July. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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
SYNOD24: I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW.
Brisbane Archdiocese is just over three months out from Synod 2024
SYNOD24 is about discerning action plans to help the Archdiocese implement the areas of focus (Decrees) from the Plenary Council. A brief explanation of each area of focus (Decree) can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 will be held on two days in September and two days in October, where approximately 150 people representing the diversity of the Archdiocese will discuss, debate and vote on the proposed practical and measurable action plans. Synod Members must attend all four days. More information on SYNOD24 can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
Plenary Council Decree 7 requires all dioceses and eparchies to have a synod by the end of 2025. SYNOD24 is our response to this requirement. You can download all Plenary Council Decrees here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 honours the significant level of broad consultation, listening and discerning that has taken place throughout the Plenary Council journey (since 2018) and is the next step of this process. Over March, April and May, consultations have focused on voices that had yet to be heard previously: those on the margins, experts and experienced practitioners. This is to ensure the action plans are practical and measurable, reflect the needs of our Archdiocese, and truly reflect the responses submitted throughout the Plenary Council process. To remind yourself of the Plenary Council journey since 2018, head here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
For all other information regarding SYNOD24, head to www.aobsynod2024.com
For SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New,.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ. Lord, hear us.
SYNOD 2024 - BRISBANE ARCHDIOCESE
A short video has been created in preparation for SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New. The video includes a pastoral message from the Archbishop on his vision for the Synod and a short FAQ discussion with myself as Synod Chair and Steph Unger, the Synod Executive Officer. The video can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/957389678
1: SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New will be held in September and October.
2: Fr Paul, Fr Morgan Batt and parishioner Robyn Hunt are among the representatives who will attend the Synod.
3: Our Archdiocesan synod is the next step on the Plenary Council journey and will discern practical and measurable actions that we will take as an Archdiocese to implement the focus areas (Decrees) that came out of the Plenary Council.
4: We are all asked to pray for those participating in the synod.
5: At the end of June, resources for parishes and communities to engage in synodal and spiritual conversations will be available. These resources will include simple versions of the Plenary Council Decrees and guided questions so the community can discern actions it would like to take to be a more co-responsible church on mission.
6: In July and August, a series of presentations will be given around the Archdiocese on synodality and its meaning for the global church and our own community. Information on these presentations will be available in the next two weeks.
7: To find out more about SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New and the focus areas that came out of the Plenary Council, head to http://aobsynod2024.com
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ.
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
Ecumenical Interfaith Presentation
by Evangelisation Brisbane - Date and time- Saturday, 13 July 2024. 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane
Description
“The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions… We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another.”(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #244, 2013)
“Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #250, 2013)
How do these words of Pope Francis relate to you as a Catholic in 2024?
Do you provide religious instruction in State Schools? Do you work or visit aged care facilities or hospitals where residents come from various faith backgrounds?
Do you teach the Study of Religion in Years 11 and 12? Are you a teacher or educational leader in a Catholic or other faith-based school?
Do you have a family member, friend or work colleague from another Christian Church or Faith community?
Are you just interested in learning more about the Catholic Church’s position on relations with other Christians and people of other faiths? Do you want to know what is happening in Queensland?
You are invited to a free presentation on Saturday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. This presentation will be live-streamed for people across Queensland who cannot attend in person.
You may like to organise a group of friends or parishioners to do this together.
Certificates of attendance can be provided for anyone who may need them as proof of professional development participation.
For further information, please contact Margaret Naylon (Brisbane Archdiocese) at naylonm@bne.catholic.net.au
Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
Please use the information in the table below to begin or continue the faith journey with your child.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Pamela Caralis, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Ellanie Conzalez, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Barbara Gilbert, Jenny Haines, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Luis Hernan Restrepo, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, 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):
Eufemia Calip, Carlos Alberto Da Silva, Maurice Goss, Diana Cattanach, Ailsa Stack, Penny Ackerman, Vince Shanahan, Natalia Di Pietro, Grant Davenport, Nino Mianto, June Mye, Sally Gage, Maura Bagtas, Celia Carvell (WA), Juliaa Eloreo, Lisbeth Pereira, Patricia Richardson, Amparo Pieters, Diane Land, Des Walsh, Lois Wood, Joanna Martha (Joan) Edwards, 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)
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.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Jack And Daphne Banks, Mons Edward Barry, Marjorie Bates, Rocco Bellantoni, Peter Briggs, Albert Lewis Bush, Fr Gerard Casey, Julie Dwyer, Anna Felisiak, Domizio Aureliano Gandini, Rodney Clarence Godden, Giuseppe Grasso, Francisca Hanoszek, Matthew Hoare, Stefania Jakim, Kwang Hua Lim, Julia Mckay, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Fr John O'Halloran, Kathleen Perkins, Josephine Sanders, John Schreiber, Vona Winifred Sellars, Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Carole May Stratigos, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, John Callistus Tobin.
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, 5/7/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am Saturday - 6/7/24 Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
The next gathering is August - 6/8/24, at 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone 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:
8/07/2024 Maxine & Pat Sela - Main Beach
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.
HOMILY: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Licensed Image. Stock AI-generated image ID: 2462373915 - Jesus in the synagogue --Important information - This image was generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system. AI-generated image Contributor: Shutterstock AI Generator.
When Jesus visited his hometown, he had a very poor reaction. People could not cope with him. Like all the prophets before him, he spoke the Message of the Kingdom, irrespective of popularity and even in the face of rejection.
Also, the people did not believe he was the messiah or anyone special, for that matter. In some ways….. Our Lord was too much for them...... But in another sense, "he was not enough for them".
“Jesus, the carpenter? How could he be a prophet, let alone MORE than a prophet??? How could he be the long-promised Messiah? It cannot be!... We KNOW him too well! We have seen him growing up...... We know his family! There isn't anything special about him!..........” ! ; (THEY WOULD HAVE OBJECTED).
They couldn't see anything in him. He seemed too ordinary, too normal, and " not special enough."
So, in one of the most bizarre incidents in the gospel, we hear that “Our Lord could work no miracles there…. (and then as an afterthought, it says)… // He could only heal sick people! “ ONLY heal a few people?
You sure have a tough crowd when even the beautiful things he WAS achieving were not impressive enough.
And THAT is the beauty of this gospel message today......
Even today, we still can fall for the trap of thinking that the 'divine,' the 'special', and the exciting can ONLY be found in the 'different,' in the unusual, the dramatic and the new. SO we fail to see the wonders right under our noses… We don’t see the blessings and graces that are ‘hiding in plain sight’ (as the saying goes)
And yet, here comes Jesus—one who was ordinary like them, who grew up in their hometown and performed the same daily chores as everyone else. He ate with people, worked, laughed, and cried just like everyone else. What is so special about that?
How can this 'ordinary' person be extraordinary...?.
Essentially, they said: "How can the Promised Messiah be quite THAT --- HUMAN ??!"
“But, here is the true miracle...(the miracle of the incarnation… God made flesh - in Christ)… 'It is precisely in the exercise of all the virtues of ordinary human relationships; in trust, acceptance, patience, faithfulness, that we too will experience the building of the kingdom, the power of Christ. ..... If we live our lives with faith, hope, and love, then Christ (God at work in our lives) remakes and refashions us in the image of God’s kingdom through the ordinariness of our daily virtues and actions….
Our Lord spent much of his ministry trying to calm people down. They put far too much store in miracles, signs, and dramatic shows of power.
Our Lord even said in frustration: 'It is a wicked generation that asks for a sign...none will be given to it!" Jesus did not want people to believe in him only because he provided them with miraculous supplies of bread and fish... or even because he could calm storms, heal sick people and do exceptional actions that stunned them. Instead, he wanted them to learn about his message, the ways of God, and the principles of the Kingdom of God. He wanted them to live the gospel message in all its beauty truly and in its inclusiveness, mercy, justice, practical charity and compassion. ......
The gospel was not about 'smoke and mirrors' but about the divine that could be found in the ‘everyday’ of life. His message was not about lightning and earthquakes but about the gentle breeze of God's presence in and through the ordinary events, people, and actions of our lives.
This gospel reminds us to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary—to seek the wisdom of God wherever it is found, especially in unlikely and unexceptional situations (and people).
"These two readings challenge us today to perceive the presence of God in one another, to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking in one another, and to have hearts that are open to one another. Although Our Lord was unique and his divinity derives from his very nature as the Son who is eternally one in being with the Father, Our Lord also tells us that God's Spirit dwells within us and allows us to share in the divine life of God...So, whilst we do not expect to find divinity in one another precisely the same way divinity was fully present in our Lord Our Lord, we know that God is truly present in every human being. Too often, we can ignore that presence or even deny by our actions and attitudes that God makes his home in us.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, has a very different problem. He is SO aware of the divine presence within himself that he must concentrate on his weaknesses to keep being attentive to his utter reliance on God’s grace and mercy and the real needs and struggles of others. He realises that his incredible spiritual gifts can tempt him to go astray if he gets too proud or self-absorbed in the graces God has given to him. So, Paul focuses on his weakness and brokenness. St. Paul has learned a very important lesson and wants to share it with us all… …. We tend to assume that the way to achieve important things in life is naturally under our own steam… By our talent… and by our strengths and virtues… But God says to St Paul and us: “My grace is sufficient. My power is revealed in weakness.”
But what does it mean??….
“When I am weak, I am strong???” … How can this be??……
When we rely solely on our talent, strength, and competence… (as good as that may be), it is easy to reinforce that ‘it is all about me. It is all about us!’ …. It is unclear how this relates to God’s way of thinking and acting… If God’s ways are about love, freedom, mercy, choice, inclusion, and persuasion… …… Force or overwhelming strength and control have no place in God’s ways.
The opposite of force is what looks like weakness to the world…. Compassion, charity, vulnerability and grace.
When we experience weakness or realise what we lack… there is the opposite situation.
Our weakness creates an ample space for God to work in us…. God can work wonders in the space that is not ‘about us’… but about ‘THE OTHER’…. Our “lack” creates a space for freedom… which is one of God’s values…. People are free to listen or not. People in Our Lord’s time (and even in our time) want God to reveal himself in dramatic, powerful, and obvious ways, but that stops us from looking for God’s presence in the ordinary… in the people on the margins… // in those who are weak……
We might be tempted to think that spreading God’s word and proclaiming the gospel of Christ must require the best, the strongest, the most charismatic, and the most perfect people. And yet, this is not the way God thinks……
A quick look through the Bible indicates that God has called people to serve him—people who were often notably flawed, confused, and even downright self-interested and sinful sometimes. And many, many people who are now official Saints of God’s Church served God despite some astounding barriers…. Many had physical, spiritual, or emotional obstacles that would have seemed impossible without relying on and cooperating with God’s grace. It cannot be a coincidence.
We can be so clearly aware of the teaching of our Lord in all of today's readings.
Practically, these teachings invite us to look for the divine in others and be aware of our weaknesses and brokenness. (Isn't it true that we so often can fall into the trap of doing things the other way around? ..... We can see the brokenness and sinfulness of others whilst failing to deal with our weaknesses, brokenness and sinfulness. And there is a danger that we can spend too much time searching for the “Divine” within our own lives and not spend enough time exploring and finding it alive in those around us..........When we learn to see the divine in others and our brokenness, we are ready to form communion with others, which is the Church, the body of Christ.
Let us ask our Lord today to send His Holy Spirit on us so that we may never fear to speak the truth (and speak this truth always with love, compassion and consistently to build up the body of Christ), and let us ask the Lord to let us always delight in the goodness and divinity of others and may we continue to ask the Lord for the healing of our sinfulness and brokenness."
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REFERENCES:
FR. PAUL W. KELLY
O'Flynn, S. (2002). Sunday seeds. Dublin: Columba Press.
Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed.
Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
Sandell, J. (2004). Seasons in the Word. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
Abbot's Homilies - Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. (2012). [online] Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Available at: https://christdesert.org/updates/abbots-homilies/
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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
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Catholic Sunday, we pray for ever-increasing harmony and respect between everyone in this beautiful land of the Holy Spirit.
Artwork (above) Pentecost painting by Magda Lee, Gracie Mosquito and Imelda Gugamen (Balgo Community)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to this special Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday celebration. On this day, we gather as one community to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of our First Nations Peoples to our Australian Catholic Church.
This liturgy resource has been thoughtfully compiled to enrich your worship experience on this significant day.
The Gospel Reading for 7 July, from Mark 6:1-6, tells the story of Jesus returning to His hometown, only to be met with scepticism and disbelief. Despite His teachings and miracles, those who knew Him best failed to recognise His divine wisdom and power.
This passage resonates deeply with our experiences as First Australians, as we often find that our voices go unheard and our contributions are not embraced.
The recent Voice referendum highlighted the ongoing journey toward recognition and reconciliation. While the outcome was not what many hoped for, it has strengthened our resolve and commitment to working together for a better Australia for everyone. Like Jesus, who persevered in His mission despite the obstacles, we remain committed to our Culture, Land, Church, and communities with unwavering hope and determination.
As we gather on this sacred land, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and honour our Elders, past and present, and our young people. Our connection to the land, waters, and skies is deeply rooted in our identity and spirituality. We invite you to join us in respecting and cherishing this connection, vital to our shared faith journey.
Our prayer is that this resource will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. May the prayers, reflections, and hymns included in this liturgy inspire us to walk together in reconciliation, respect, and unity.
As Pope Francis reminds us, we are called to be a Church that goes forth, embracing all cultures and peoples. Let us open our hearts to the wisdom and spirituality of our First Nations Peoples, recognising the presence of Christ in our stories and traditions. May this celebration be a moment of grace, healing, and transformation for all of us.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration. May the Holy Spirit guide and bless each of us as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
The four circles in the corners of the painting represent the four communities: Wirrimanu, Mulan, Kurrurungku, and Ringer Soak. The horseshoes located around the circle represent the leaders. The different colours represent different people.
The stars represent the different flowers in our area. The dots represent people worldwide and the people coming together for the Church. People are also represented by the horseshoes on the right side of the painting.
Wirrimanu is located in the top left-hand corner, Mulan in the top right-hand corner, Ringer Soak in
the bottom right-hand corner and Kurrurungku in the bottom left-hand corner.
The Holy Spirit is located in the centre of the painting. It is the Spirit working in all of our communities.
Creating this painting helped to make us strong in the Spirit
The Following is a message from Bishop Danny Meagher (Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Sydney, member of the Bishops Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples)
You would think that God being all-powerful and eternal, those on the side of God would have things go their way. However, this has not been the experience of God’s prophets and saints here on Earth. The readings today deal with this painful reality.
St. Paul had a profound conversion experience on the road to Damascus and gave his life to preaching the Risen Christ after that. However, as St. Paul recounts in the second reading, this only led to insult, hardships, persecution and agony. In every way, Paul says he feels weak. Yet Paul realised that God wanted him to know his weakness because this allowed Paul, in his humility, to be filled with the power of Christ. So Paul carried on, in his weakness, powerfully witnessing to Christ right up to his martyrdom in Rome.
In the first reading, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Ezekiel, and Ezekiel receives his commission as prophet. But it was not anything humanly glorious, but rather the same insult and persecution that Paul experienced as he was called on to prophesy to a defiant and obstinate people – a set of rebels.
These readings set the scene for the Gospel. Jesus returned to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and preached in the synagogue. Despite the brilliance of his teaching, Jesus’ people did not accept him. They thought they knew him and could not seem to accept that Jesus might be so much more than the carpenter’s son. On his part, Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith and could work no miracles there. Jesus could raise the dead. He could walk on water. He could feed thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread. But, if people had no faith, He could do nothing for them.
And, of course, we know that Jesus would continue to be rejected by his people despite all the good that he did. After three years of public ministry, Jesus would be handed over by his own people to be crucified.
Many felt crushed by the loss of the Referendum last year. It seemed a just cause in the process of Reconciliation, yet the Australian people rejected it. We need to acknowledge the feelings of rejection and disappointment—much like the insults and agony St Paul spoke about—that many First Nations people experience.
However, the time will come when all Australians must continue the journey of Reconciliation. Our deepest identity is that we are sisters and brothers in Christ. We are created, loved and redeemed by God. Our homeland is together with our Father in Heaven. Even now, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Reconciliation is right. It is what God wants. This is our faith, and it keeps us strong. It gives us direction. And it gives us the knowledge that, one day, God’s Kingdom will come.
We are called to be strong in faith, as Ezekiel, St Paul and Jesus were. Each suffered terrible rejection, yet their faith gave them the strength and confidence to keep going. Faith attaches us to God, and God’s power can manifest in people of faith.
The themes for today – “Keep the fires burning” and “Strong in faith” are very much related and necessary for those working for Reconciliation. Being strong in faith keeps the fire deep within our hearts burning. For it is to retain hope that God’s ways, whatever the rejections and insults and agonies, will, in the end, win out. And faith attaches us to God so we can continue to know God’s love deep within our hearts, which gives us the capacity to love and to forgive even in the darkest of times.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, St. Paul writes that we must endure many difficulties before we enter the Kingdom of God. So it was for Ezekiel, St Paul and Jesus Himself. So, it is for us. But God is greater than everything. For those who stay close to God, all things turn out for the good.
{Bishop Danny Meagher (Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Sydney, member of the Bishops Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples)}
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
You speak, Lord God, even in silence,
and we listen with ears of the heart.
We listen, and our eyes are opened
to see everything as they are.
We see with the eyes of Jesus
and our mouths are opened
to speak of our joy and our sorrow,
to sing your praise and seek your help.
This is the grace of prayer you give,
that opens heaven to earth,
heart speaking to the heart.
Give us that grace in this Year of Prayer,
teach us to pray anew,
lead us deep into the heart of Jesus
who is our prayer forever and ever.
Amen
(+Mark Coleridge - Archbishop of Brisbane).
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Like the people of Nazareth, we may face challenges and resistance on our faith journeys. With unwavering faith, we can overcome obstacles and persevere. God works through the prophets to make known His message of salvation. Has He called you to be a prophet in our day and age? (Ez. 2:2-5)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“As the Lord spoke to me, the spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me, ‘Son of man, I am sending you…’”Ezekiel 2:2-3
God has a plan for each of us. He calls us to do something for Him. But He doesn’t leave us on our own to figure it out. He gives us the resources we need to do His work. Are you listening to God’s call? When you hear it, do you get on your feet and do the work He asks of you?
Do not be afraid. God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. Answer His call.
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 -
No Excuses!
If only I had more money, time, assistance, and talent. We all have a pretty impressive laundry list of why we can’t be of more service to God and others. Even Saint Paul had his “thorn in the flesh,” some private difficulty that seemed to hold him back from being the apostle he sought to be. Paul kept praying for its removal so he could be free of this impediment. Finally, he reinterpreted the thorn: not an impediment but an opportunity to let God be God. Maybe it’s time to stop protesting and start serving!
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
Also, For Benedict’s Feast this week, Be moderately holy. The main elements of Saint Benedict’s famous monastic rule are sleep, prayer, and manual labour. Chapter 48 of the Rule states: “Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the brothers should have specified periods for manual labour as well as for prayerful reading. . . . They must not become distressed if local conditions or their poverty should force them to do the harvesting themselves. When they live by the labour of their hands, as our fathers and the apostles did, then they are really monks. Yet, all things are to be done with moderation on account of the fainthearted.” Remember Benedict’s concern for moderation. It is the key to all aspects of Christian piety. MEMORIAL OF BENEDICT, ABBOT
"Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety.”
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Augustine Zhao Rong & companions, martyrs
Pope John Paul II canonised 120 martyrs of the Church in China on October 1 of the year 2000 AD. He chose that date because it was the Feast of the Little Flower, one of the patrons of the Missions. The ones he had canonised were martyrs, according to their lights, and most were Chinese. But the fact that Fr Augustine Zhao Rong is named first tells its own story. Though the martyrs included many priests and four bishops, Fr Augustine was the only Chinese priest.
Jul 11, 2022 - St Benedict.
Worth pondering, as a rule: Saint Benedict, the “Father of Western Monasticism,” established Christian monasticism as we know it with the founding of the Benedictine order in the sixth century, making it the oldest religious order in the Western Church. For 1,500 years, Benedictine women and men have been living communally in monasteries all over the world according to the Rule of St. Benedict, a succinct guide that emphasizes prayer, work, simplicity, and hospitality. They take unique vows of stability and ongoing conversion. Draw from the ancient wisdom of the Benedictines by reading the Rule yourself and see how this way of life might enrich your own.
St Henry
“We are taught and advised to abandon temporal riches, to lay aside earthly goods, and to strive to reach the eternal and everlasting dwelling-places in heaven. For present glory is fleeting and meaningless, while it is possessed unless in it we can glimpse something of heaven’s eternity. But God’s mercy towards the human race provided a useful remedy when he made the reward for earthly existence a share in our heavenly country.” (Saint Henry, 973–1024 ). “We are taught and advised to abandon temporal riches, to lay aside earthly goods, and to strive to reach the eternal and everlasting dwelling-places in heaven. For present glory is fleeting and meaningless, while it is possessed unless in it we can glimpse something of heaven’s eternity. But God’s mercy towards the human race provided a useful remedy when he made the reward for earthly existence a share in our heavenly country.” (Saint Henry, 973–1024 ).
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1864294921 - Photo Description Stock Photo ID: 1864294921 - Editorial Use Only.- Photo Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update
Pope Francis said that faith and science can go hand in hand as long as science is used for the service of humanity and not to hurt or extinguish human life.
He said science and faith are two distinct and parallel paths that can be complementary, and for people of faith, "science and faith are grounded alike in the absolute truth of God."
"Faith and science can be united in charity, provided that science is put at the service of the men and women of our time and not misused to harm or even destroy them," he said.
The pope's remarks came during an audience at the Vatican on June 20 with cosmologists, theoretical physicists, astronomers, and other experts attending a conference organised by the Vatican Observatory. Nobel Laureates Adam Riess and Roger Penrose were among the invited participants.
The June 16–21 conference was dedicated to the latest questions, theories, and research regarding black holes, gravitational waves, and space-time singularities. While about 40 people attended the talks at the observatory headquarters in Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, dozens of others participated online from all over the world.
Following one held in 2017, the conference was the observatory's second gathering. It celebrated the scientific legacy of Msgr. Georges Lemaître, the first to theorise that the universe is expanding, went against Albert Einstein's theory of a stationary universe. The monsignor also proposed that the expanding universe could be traced to an origin point, which became known as the "Big Bang theory."
"His scientific legacy is vast, including many fundamental contributions to our understanding of the universe," Jesuit Fr. Gabriele Gionti, a cosmologist and the conference organiser, told reporters at a Vatican news conference on June 11.
The pope told conference participants attending the Vatican audience that "Georges Lemaître was an exemplary priest and scientist. His human and spiritual journey offers a model of life from which all of us can learn."
Born in Belgium in 1894, the priest was also a theoretical physicist, a mathematician, an astronomer and a professor of physics at the Catholic University of Louvain.
"At first, he tended towards 'concordism,' namely the belief that veiled references to scientific truths are present in Sacred Scripture," the pope said.
"Greater experience and spiritual maturity led him to realise that science and faith are two distinct and parallel paths, which are not in conflict. Indeed, the two paths prove complementary since, for the believer, science and faith are grounded alike in the absolute truth of God," he said.
"Lemaître's journey of faith led him to the awareness that 'creation' and 'the Big Bang' are two different realities, and that the God, in whom he believed, can never be reduced to an object neatly catalogued by human reason," he said.
The pope encouraged the scientists "to continue to investigate, with sincerity and humility, the important topics that you are presently discussing," adding that he hoped they may continue to "advance in your various fields toward that truth which is surely a reflection of God's eternal love."
Jesuit Br. Guy Consolmagno, a planetary scientist and director of the Vatican Observatory, told reporters at the June 11 news conference that he was a scientist for 20 years before he joined the Jesuits.
"The most common reaction I had from my fellow scientists was not horror that I had become part of the church, but rather a freedom that they now felt they could tell me about the churches they belonged to," he said.
He said scientists, especially in the field of cosmology, are very aware "of how much we do not know that there is a great openness to the need to accept a way of addressing the fundamental question from Leibniz, why is there something instead of nothing."
St. John Paul II provided an image "that faith and reason are the two wings that bring us to the truth," Consolmagno said. "And that image reminds us that faith is not the goal, reason is not the goal, the church is not the goal, science is not the goal, truth is the goal," he said.
https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/science/science-serves-humanity-harmony-faith-pope-says
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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