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“These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
(Mark 7:1-8)
Saint Joseph watches, with fatherly care, over the child JesusImage Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2448238589. Valencia, Spain. April 11, 2024. Sculpture of Saint Joseph and little Jesus by Octavio Vicent in 1951 located on the Saint Joseph bridge over the Turia River park. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor -SerFF79
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
PASTOR’S POST -
Happy Father’s Day to all Dads. We pray that it is a blessed day for all Fathers and all father figures to others. We also remember in gratitude and love all Fathers who have gone to their eternal rest. May they be rewarded for their love and care.
Here are some beautiful prayers for this lovely occasion.
God our Father,
You have created and called us your own in your wisdom and love.
Bless our fathers so that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Rejoice with them in moments of joy. Give them your courage and perseverance in times of struggle. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may always honour and appreciate them with a spirit of profound respect. May the example and prayer of St. Joseph inspire them to live their vocation with courage. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day to always guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles, striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Amen.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
This weekend's readings take a practical angle on the meaning of discipleship. We are called to take special care to be just, honest, and charitable toward everyone. What a different tone the world would take if everyone took that angle.
As Christians, properly applying our religious beliefs leads to significant practical consequences for our lives and actions. The readings this weekend send a powerful message: What is the point of calling ourselves "Disciples of Christ and servants of God" (in other words, "Christians") unless our practical actions REFLECT justice, SHOW charity, really put forgiveness into action, and SHOW loving/practical acts of kindness (that God asks us to show to one another)?
'True and untarnished religion is this: acting justly, helping the poor, the widow and the orphan.' - In fact, helping all those who are most in need. Jesus warns his critics that if their religion goes no further than blind observation of symbolic rituals while not living the message of practical love, kindness, and fairness, it will do no good whatsoever. The sacraments show, and point to, and strengthen God's compassion and love abiding within us – This is the nature and purpose of Christ's sacraments - They convey to us, in a real, touchable way, Christ, who is love, mercy, justice and compassion.
"The value of a person's good works is not based on their number and excellence," says Saint John of the Cross, "but on the love of God within them, which prompts the person to do these things in the first place." [Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)]
"Love, justice, and charity are the more key indicators of authentic discipleship than mere outward observances of one's rituals. Ideally, the two go together and reinforce and nurture each other."
Fr Paul Kelly
Thanks everyone!
OFFICIAL INSTALLATION MASS FOR FR PAUL AS PARISH PRIEST -
BY HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE DD
Thank you to everyone attending, and for all sending their prayers and best wishes. God bless always.
Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Saturday 31st August 2024
9.30 am -Mass for the installation of the parish priest, Fr. Paul. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226
The Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Brisbane
Its annual Wedding Anniversary Mass is coming up on Saturday the 28th of September at 11:30am.
THIS WEEK THE ARCHDIOCESE HOLDS ITS FIRST SESSION OF ITS LOCAL SYNOD - ON 6-7TH SEPTEMBER IN BRISBANE. PLEASE KEEP THE SYNOD IN YOUR PRAYERS, ESPECIALLY THIS WEEK AND ON THOSE TWO DAYS.
The Very Reverend Morgan Batt (the Dean of South Coast Deanery here), Fr Paul Kelly, and Robyn Hunt will represent our deanery at the synod.
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 Hospitality Room - (next to Sacred Heart Church - 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
Queensland 4226, 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 - https://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) 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 complete 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 Bible's significant people, places, and events 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 please join us.
CATHOLIC MENTAL WELL-BEING
Catholic Mental Wellbeing Morning is held weekly on a Wednesday morning at 58 Morgan Street, The Valley. Participants who enjoy a morning of companionship, reflection, and prayer and celebrate Mass followed by a light lunch are most welcome to attend. For more details, please contact Judy Norris Ph 3324 3193 or email judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au
HOLLYWOOD STAR MAKES TWO PRAYERFUL APPEARANCES AT SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH - 24.9 million and 17.5 million views!
Happy Sunday - Stay Prayed Up. For those interested in statistics, it’s fascinating to notice that the two posts by Hollywood Actor Mark Wahlberg, featuring him at the Sacred Heart Church here in Clear Island Waters, Gold Coast, Australia, led to a huge 17.5 million plays. - Also, 908,221 likes were registered for that post by very early Thursday. The previous weekend had a staggering 24.9 million views, and 1,538,418 likes on his post from Sacred Heart Clear Island Waters. When you compare these with his usual posts, which still get an extremely high figure of 300 thousand to 600 thousand views and often around 60,000 likes, it puts the achievement even more into mind-blowing and astounding territory. Thanks be to God for all who encourage prayer and reflection. God bless. And indeed, let’s take
this good advice and stay prayed up. #hallowapp
#markwahlberg. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_FbQw4yi_E/?igsh=cmhqNHcwYnh0eXV3
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
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
” 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)
Robert Andreas, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Ellanie Gonzalez, Jenny Haines, Tommy Harris, Kevin Junee, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Sharyn Lucas, l McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Bob Rogers, Maureen Scott, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
John Brown, Terry Bourke, Jay Ahrt.Garcia, Sr Anna Ventura, Michael Patrick Kennedy, Sophie Wang, Chieko Kajiwara, Veda Hope, Michael “Tiger” McCormick, John Thomas, Sheila Nelly Brick, Iluminada Concepcion, Peter Casserly, Diane Van Der Valk, Enrico Di Moia, Norma McLennan, Bernard Colahan, Paula Beric, Joanne Parkes, Ken Vincent, Robert De Souza, Chris Kopacz, Panfilo Bantugan.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Frederick Jerome (Fred) Anderson, Del Enid Anderson, Colin Francis Bingham, Molly Brennan, Max Butler, Fr Denis Byrne, Joe Dominiak, Wladyslawa Dominiak, Bp Edward Doody, Clement Durkin, Fr Vincent Dwyer, Luciano Fioravanti, Joan Margaret Gibbon, Josephin di Giorgio, Gordon Peter Gillespie, Fr Thomas Guy, Edna Hamilton, Robert George Hanley, Gerardus Hendriksen, Patricia Mary “Tricia” Keevers, Fr Christopher Lynch, Mario Paul Mazza, Dr Des McGarry, Bernard William McKay, Helen McMeniman, Linda G. Mirasol, Sr Mary Josephine O’Brien, Topie Paagalua, Carmela Parente, Michael Perta, Antonia Johanna Maria “Tony” de Ruyter, Gina Fortini Sanguigno, Jenifer Margaret Slattery, Timothy Sullivan, Dean Tamer, Fr Brian Taylor, Joseph Francis Wherby, Carol Rose Williamson, Fr Albert Wright.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Joan Patricia Baker, John Bottos, Veronica Mary Bourke, Fr Michael Carey, Antonio Cecco, Bruno Chiera, Danny Connelly, John Cummins, Joseph Donato, Raymond Falzon, Frank Gardner, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Grippo, Narda Hallam, Mr Denis Hart, Colin Vincent Jenkinson, Jadvyga Ladyga, Santina (Tina) Mantello, Fr Francis Masterson, Kichizo Matsumoto, Maureen Mary Moore, Lisa Maree Moore, Ronald Neilsen, Fr Thomas O'Brien, Dorothy Pierce, Lisa Margaret Quartermaine, Carmel Regan, Mercedes Romanin, Algernon (Algie) Scharenguivel, Joan Simmons, Fr Kevin Skehan, Garry Robert Sullivan, Soledad Viva, and Inocencia Taleon, Nicole Jane Tierney, Edmund Scotter White.
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
Place your order now – AT THE PARISH OFFICE OR RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS.
Despatch will commence as soon as stock arrives, usually from October to November.
BREAK OPEN THE WORD YEAR C contains readings and psalms for each Sunday, with NEW commentary providing fresh and insightful background to the text and assistance on how to read it. There is also a section entitled “The Ministry of Reader.” The popular pronunciation guide is also included. Break Open the Word is a vital publication for readers.
DAILY MASS BOOK 2025 contains all the texts for Sunday and weekday Mass, including the chants for parts of the Mass. Published in a compact format, the Daily Mass Book is convenient and economical. Printed in two colours throughout, its layout is easy to follow. It runs from Advent to Advent.
MARIAN VALLEY BUS TRIP
Please join us at the Marian Valley Church for The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 07.09.2024 and 13.09.2024, Our Lady of Fatima's Feast. 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 a contact name and phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine at 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573; All are welcome.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
The next Healing Mass is on 3/9/24, at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 6/9/24, 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. 7/9/24 at 9 am - Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
02/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arundel
09/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arundel
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. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
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
Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities in the Australia-Pacific Region - The Cagliero Project, Salesians of Don Bosco
We are seeking long-term (6-12 month) volunteers to depart in January 2025 to work with young people in our Salesian communities in Samoa, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands, and Mongolia. Applications close October 31st, 2024. Send us an enquiry - www.cagliero.org.au orlhichaaba@salesians.org.au
Volunteer Opportunities - English Teachers, Youth Workers & Youth Ministers
The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, providing overseas volunteer experiences for Australians and New Zealanders who wish to work with young people in the Asia-Pacific region.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers for January 2025 departure. Our volunteer placements run for 6-12 months and are centered around working with young people in educational settings. We are currently recruiting for volunteers for Cambodia, Samoa, Timor Leste, Mongolia and the Solomon Islands.
We aim to utilise the skills and talents of our volunteers to provide the best possible contribution to the host community. Our aim is not to ‘help’ but to walk in solidarity with young people and for volunteer and host to have a mutual learning experience. We are also present in host communities to be role models - people that young people can aspire to be.
Cagliero volunteers commit themselves to working in the ‘Salesian way’. This means that young people are the central focus in all work. The Salesian way also means approaching life in a joyful way with a loving heart. The experience as a Cagliero volunteer is not about the volunteer but is focused on the people we go to serve. However, serving as a Cagliero volunteer will probably be the most rewarding thing you ever do!
For more information, or to send us an enquiry, follow this link: http://cagliero.org.au/
Applications close October 31st, 2024.
Contact: Lauren Hichaaba, Director of the Cagliero Project
Email: lhichaaba@salesians.org.au
HOMILY: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2246270587 - Saint Joseph is working as a carpenter with the boy Jesus helping. Vector Contributor -rudall30
Homily: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 1 September 2024
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
This weekend, the first Sunday of September, we give thanks to all Fathers for their love, care and generosity. We pray that God grants them joy in their family and friends, health, and strength. Also, for all fathers who have passed into eternal life, may God give them a permanent place at the heavenly feast, the reward for all their goodness and kindness.
Happy Father's Day to all our Dads in the community. May God bless you and grant you peace and joy.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
This weekend's readings take a very practical angle on the meaning of discipleship. We are called to take special care to be just, honest, and charitable toward everyone. What a different tone the world would take if everyone took that angle.
As Christians, properly applying our religious beliefs leads to significant practical consequences for our lives and actions. The readings this weekend send a powerful message: What is the point of calling ourselves "Disciples of Christ and servants of God" (in other words, "Christians") unless our practical actions REFLECT justice, SHOW charity, really put forgiveness into action, and REVEAL loving/practical acts of kindness (that God asks us to show to one another)?
'True and untarnished religion is this: acting justly, helping the poor, the widow and the orphan.' - In fact, helping all those who are most in need. Jesus warns his critics that if their religion goes no further than blind observation of symbolic rituals while not living the message of practical love, kindness, and fairness, it will do no good whatsoever. The sacraments SHOW, AND POINT TO, AND STRENGTHEN God's compassion and love abiding within us – This is the nature and purpose of Christ's sacraments - They convey to us, in a real, touchable way, Christ, who is love, mercy, justice and compassion.
"The value of a person's good works is not based on their number and excellence," says Saint John of the Cross, "but on the love of God within them, which prompts the person to do these things in the first place." [Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)]
"Love, justice, and charity are the more key indicators of authentic discipleship than mere outward observances of one's rituals. Ideally, the two go together and reinforce and nurture each other."
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It's clear from the Gospel that by Jesus's time, people had indeed started adding to God's law and loading people down with unnecessary burdens and difficult observances that were impossible for most people to achieve. So, living in God's favour became something most people couldn't do, and it was only reserved for the lucky minority. Most people were too busy keeping alive and dealing with the everyday practicalities of living and surviving to observe all these rules and rituals.
Holiness and peace had become rare commodities well beyond the reach of most people. That was never God's plan. The whole point of God's law was that it was given to people for their welfare and growth so that people could deeply live and reflect God's love, values, and priorities in their actions and attitudes.
I particularly like scripture passages that expressly name the virtues and qualities of Christian life. Naming them stirs up the desire to deepen those virtues in our hearts. Those values and virtues start to take a deeper hold in our souls as we think about them and reflect on them.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord through this, walking in the ways of blamelessness, acting with justice, speaking honestly, avoiding wrongdoing, not gossiping or slandering others, honouring the Lord, keeping our promises, not ripping off people, not allowing oneself to be bought off from their principles, not selling out.
The second reading from James confirms this practical advice: We should always aim to do what the word tells us, not just listen to it and deceive ourselves. That's a very powerful reminder that we can easily deceive ourselves about our true motives and intentions, but we should guard against such self-justifications.
Not merely us saying, I'm doing this for the good of others, I have no self-serving motives in my actions, but rather the test of pure, unspoiled religion is coming to the help of people who are in need, distancing oneself from the values of the world that are not consistent with the Gospel. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus warns us about people who honour God with only lip service and all the while, their hearts are very far from God. Our Lord asks us to look deep inside our hearts and see what distorts our faithfulness.
These are the inner movements of the heart, and they can be and need to be, crowded out by the positive values, graces and virtues that God gives us to counteract them, namely faithfulness, purity, reverence, respect, detachment from material things, love, honesty, appreciation, affirmation, self-sacrifice, and so on. The virtues of the Gospel build us up, and they crowd out anything that is inconsistent with the Gospel. There's simply no room for those negative qualities because God has filled us with all the good values.
Christianity is not primarily a set of doctrines and laws. First and foremost, it is a person, Jesus, and a relationship with that person, Christ, who is the revelation of God and the perfection of the law. Christianity is a relationship, not a concept or philosophy, and certainly not just a set of rules.
Whenever Christianity is turned into mere concepts or a set of rules and philosophies alone, it gets disconnected from the person and values of Jesus, which should be at the very core, a living core, a living heart of love. Naturally, there are rules and doctrines and dogmas in Christianity. There certainly are, but all of them serve to point us to Christ, who is the one rule, the one Word.
In today's Gospel, Jesus struggles valiantly against legalism. The lawmakers and lawkeepers seem more interested in what people cannot do rather than focusing on what they can and should do in response to life's real issues and problems. Our Christian faith is about positive acts as well as refraining from negative ones.
The lawmakers in Jesus' time focused too much on appearances and outward actions, ignoring the inner realities of their terrible attitudes, lack of love, and hypocrisy. They focused more on what one should refrain from doing rather than encouraging and promoting the inner growth of the heart, nurturing those attitudes and loving responses towards others. There's a certain safety in refraining from doing things and avoiding things.
If one does not do anything, one hardly risks getting hurt. But when one loves, we open ourselves to being hurt. Not that we want to be hurt, but it's what happens. It is the risk of love. We reach out, and that can make us vulnerable.
Jesus corrected the errors of these legal people. Jesus is shown positively living his message by his actions.
I love the saying, “Christianity is a verb, not a noun.” It is about doing as well as being. We see our Lord going through life, loving, sharing, forgiving, and healing, including uplifting, unburdening, feeding, encouraging, and risking everything and giving everything out of love, giving absolutely everything in his desire to address every genuine human need.
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References:
Homily - Fr Paul W. Kelly
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed.
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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
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 adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Tantum Ergo, (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
With heads bowed, let us now worship a sacrament so great;
And let the old teaching give way to the new;
Let faith reinforce our belief where the senses cannot.
To the Father and the Son, let there be praise and jubilation,
Salvation, honour, virtue, and also blessing;
To the Holy Spirit, let there be equal praise.
(The Tantum Ergo is the last part of the Pange Lingua, written by Saint Thomas Aquinas. Tantum Ergo is traditionally sung as part of a Eucharistic devotion called Benediction. Eucharistic devotions encourage us to pray in adoration, acknowledging the Lord's greatness and helping us deepen our desire to celebrate the Eucharist liturgy, the heart and the summit of the Church’s life).
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” The reception of the Word of God demands a living response, for the Word is active and alive, spurring us on to action. (James 1:22).
Thank God our struggles of faith can be ultimately overcome through prayer, perseverance, and love. ‘Do what the word tells you’. Be doers of the word. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” (James 1:22).
It’s easy to understand the definition of stewardship – living a grateful and generous life. The hard part is doing it! How do your words and actions reflect God’s word? Do you share your time in prayer with God daily? Do you use your talent to help those in need without expecting anything in return? Are you generous with your financial resources? If not, what are you waiting for?
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Purity is not an abstinence test.
“Religion that is pure . . . is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction.” (James 1:27)
Many of us who grew up in a moralising culture were taught to imagine purity as having mainly to do with chastity. In which case, our aim was higher than the almost-but-not-quite perfection you might get from Ivory Soap, which years ago advertised itself as 99 and 44/100 percent pure. We may, therefore be astonished that, according to the apostle James, purity in religion has something to do with how we respond to the abandoned in this world. Think charity, not chastity, to bump up our purity percentile.
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
Pope Saint Gregory (I) the Great
"We make Idols of our concepts, but Wisdom is born of wonder"
"There are some so restless that when they are free from labour, they labour all the more, because the leisure they have for thought, the worse interior turmoil they have to bear."
"No one does more harm in the Church than he who has the title or rank of holiness and acts perversely."
"The sacred Scriptures grow with the one who reads them."
"For it is no doubt impossible to eradicate everything at once from their obstinate minds,
because he who endeavours to reach the highest place rises by degrees or steps and not by leaps."
"Those who do not speak the words of God with humility must be advised that when they apply medicine to the sick, they must first inspect the poison of their own infection, or else by attempting to heal others, they kill themselves."
"Moreover, because the slothful mind is typically brought to its downfall gradually when we fail to control our speech, we move on to more harsh words. Thus, at first, we are happy to speak of others kindly; afterwards, we begin to pick at the lives of those of whom we speak, and finally, our tongues break into open slander against them."
"From his younger years, he always had the mind of an old man; for his age was inferior to his virtue. All vain pleasure he despised, and though he was in the world, and might freely have enjoyed such commodities as it yields, yet he esteemed it and its vanities as nothing." ― Gregory the Great, Life And Miracles Of St. Benedict
"The spiritual director should not reduce his attention to the internal life because of external occupations, nor should he relinquish his care for external matters because of his anxiety for the internal life."
"Necessity demands that one should carefully examine who it is that comes to the position of spiritual authority; and coming solemnly to this point, how he should live; and living well, how he should teach; and teaching rightly, with what kind of self-examination he should learn of his own weakness."
"And so there are some, as we have said, enriched with great gifts, who, while they are ardent for the studies of contemplation only, shrink from serving to their neighbour's benefit by preaching; they love a secret place of quiet, they long for a retreat for speculation. With respect to which conduct, they are, if strictly judged, undoubtedly guilty in proportion to the greatness of the gifts whereby they might have been publicly useful. For with what disposition of mind does one who might be conspicuous in profiting his neighbours prefer his own privacy to the advantage of others, when the Only-begotten of the supreme Father Himself came forth from the bosom of the Father into the midst of us all, that He might profit many?"
Saint Teresa of Kolkata -
“To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it. (Saint Teresa of Kolkata).
There is a beautiful reflection attributed to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, (which was actually written by an American man named Kent M. Keith and published in a 1968 College Pamphlet. However, a framed copy of this reflection was kept on the wall in one of Mother Teresa's Orphanages). It goes like this: "People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you; be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others may destroy overnight; Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten; do good anyway. Give your best, which may never be enough; give your best anyway. (Kent M. Keith. "The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World." October 25, 2001." (ISBN-10: 1930722052).)
Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2380566929 - Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City -- Pope Francis presides over the General Audience at Saint Peter's Square. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor- Ricardo Perna
Pope article:
Pope: Christians called to share Gospel of peace, even amid persecution
Pope Francis thanks Catholics in the Italian city of Rimini for praying the Rosary in their city’s square every month, and urges Christians to spread the Gospel of peace, even when they face persecution. By Devin Watkins
For 10 years, Catholics have gathered in the northern Italian city of Rimini on the 20th day of every month in their city’s main square to pray the Rosary for peace.
To mark that anniversary, Pope Francis sent a message, released on Friday, to the Nazarat Committee for Persecuted Christians, which organizes the monthly Rosary that has spread to many cities across the globe.
In his message, the Pope thanked the Nazarat Committee for their attention toward “brothers and sisters living in lands affected by terrible conflicts.”
“Thank you for your witness of kind charity, solidarity, and especially for your union with the suffering of populations wounded by injustice, oppression, hatred, and greed,” he said.
Good News of peace for war-torn world
Pope Francis took the occasion to encourage Christians everywhere to bear witness to the Gospel message of peace.
“Today, more than ever,” he said, “humanity needs the Good News of peace, and every Christian is called to proclaim and share it.”
He expressed his hopes that those who take part in the monthly Rosary prayer might “continue to be promoters of a culture of respect for all, of welcome, and of an inclusive fraternity where everyone can enjoy the bread of communion and the joy of solidarity.”
Pope Francis wrapped up his message with an encouragement for the 10th anniversary of Rimini’s public Rosary.
“I urge you to invoke the help of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, so that she may welcome us under her mantle and support us in times of trial,” he said. “May she kindle in our hearts the light of hope to dare for a future of serenity and harmony.”
‘Appeal to Humanity’
The Rimini Rosary initiative began in August 2014 following the expulsion of Christians from the Nineveh Plain in Iraq at the hands of the so-called Islamic State.
Entitled “Appeal to Humanity,” the prayer is offered for all persecuted people, both Christians and non-Christians.
“This prayer is the affirmation of the Lordship of Christ—who can do all things—over each of us,” reads a communiqué from the Nazarat Committee. “It is the beginning of our transformation. Prayer is the most powerful instrument for changing history.”
Over the past 10 years, the Nazarat initiative has collected tens of thousands of euros, which it has sent to assist hundreds of vulnerable families, particularly in Syria and Iraq.
On August 20, Bishop Nicolò Anselmi of Rimini will lead the 10th anniversary Rosary prayer in his city’s main square.
ADULT LEARNING
Liturgy
A well-known word that is similar in meaning to 'liturgy' is 'worship.' But while worship can be done privately, 'liturgy' is always a public group activity.
Like many other ‘churchy’ words, ‘liturgy’ comes from the language used by the early church in its worship and writings – Greek. The word liturgy is derived from leitourgia, which refers to any public work or function exercised by the people as a whole. The people who do the work of liturgy are the people of God, all baptised.
A well-known word that is similar in meaning to ‘liturgy’ is ‘worship.’ But while worship can be done privately, ‘liturgy’ is always a public group activity.
A working definition of ‘liturgy’ that is helpful is ‘The official, public worship of the Church’.
Some of the best-known forms of liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church are:
In the Catholic Church, we worship using forms and patterns that have developed during the Church’s 2000-year history. Every day of the year falls into a particular place on the church’s liturgical calendar, and certain scripture readings and prayers are assigned for use at Mass each day. The celebration of the rites of Baptism, Marriage, Funerals, and so on is set out in the Church’s ritual of books.
Liturgy is always an action, something we do. It is a public action, a ritual action, and a symbolic action. God speaks to us through the proclamation of the word; we recognise Christ in the breaking of the bread. We participate in the action of the liturgy by responding, singing, listening, and joining the gestures.
Liturgical seasons
The worship of the Catholic Church follows a calendar that is based on a cycle of liturgical seasons plus saints’ days celebrated throughout the year.
Just as we mark our lives by anniversaries, the Church celebrates the mysteries of Christ’s life in a recurrent pattern. Within the cycle of a year the Church remembers and celebrates Christ’s conception, birth, death, resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
During the course of the year we bring to mind past events and people to keep the mystery of faith alive today and we look forward to Christ’s return in glory at the end of time. As pilgrim people, we are constantly nourished by the story of Jesus and guided by the saints, our ancestors in the faith, living witness of God’s unchanging love.
In some respects the church’s way of keeping time conflicts with the secular calendar. The new liturgical year begins on the first Sunday of Advent at the end of November, just as many other things, like the academic year, are coming to an end.
The seasons of the liturgical year are:
Advent – a period covering the 4 Sundays before Christmas during which we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate his coming again at the end of time. The liturgical colour for Advent is violet.
Christmas—The season of Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth and early manifestations. It runs from 25 December until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday after 6 January. The liturgical colour for the Christmas season is white.
Lent – the 6-week time of preparation for the celebration of Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and finishes on the evening of Holy Thursday. The liturgical colour for Lent is violet.
Easter—the heart of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum (three days), celebrated from the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday evening. The Easter Vigil is the high point of the celebration. The joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection continues for the 50-day Easter season from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. The liturgical colour for Easter is white.
Apart from these seasons, 33 or 34 weeks of the year do not celebrate a particular aspect of the mystery of Christ but are devoted to it in all its aspects. This period of the Church calendar is called Ordinary Time because the weeks are numbered in order. The liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green.
Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk (please see pages further below…). We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the following pages for more information.
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 cardholders 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.”
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
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