PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2300961219 - Biblical vector illustration series, the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. Vector Contributor: KindheartedStock
Please note, due to the whole school Feastday mass for Saint Vincent’s School on the 4th of October at 9 am Friday (4/10/24), we will be celebrating St Francis Assisi Feastday here in this parish on 3/10/24 at 9 am Sacred Heart.
PASTOR’S POST -
The Australian Bishops Conference's social justice statement for 2024-2025,
"Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World" addresses the urgent need for peace from a Gospel perspective. This document highlights the alarming levels of global and local violence, noting that the 20th century was the most violent in history, and the early 21st century continues to see numerous conflicts. In 2022, 55 state-based conflicts and 82 non-state conflicts were affecting two billion people worldwide. Specific disputes in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Myanmar's military coup, the persecution of Rohingya people, the crackdown on pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong, and ongoing violence in West Papua and Papua New Guinea, underscore the pervasive nature of violence and its devastating impacts.
The document discusses the erosion of truth in public life, emphasising the rise of a post-truth culture where facts are frequently contested and falsified. This phenomenon has been exacerbated by new technologies and social media platforms that rapidly disseminate fake news and conspiracy theories, leading to widespread misinformation.
In a post-truth world, the distinction between truth and lies blurs, leading to a crisis of truth and trust. Civil society and the rule of law are undermined without a shared understanding of basic facts, making informed democratic debate and accountability difficult.
This environment allows for the rise of populism and extremism, where grievances are inflamed, and followers are mobilised through disinformation. Authoritarian regimes exploit democratic processes to subvert democracy, further destabilising societies.
Catholics are called to be active peacemakers by embracing a culture of encounter and dialogue inspired by Jesus Christ, who is presented as the ultimate source of peace and truth. The document underscores the responsibility of Catholics to collaborate with all people of goodwill to build genuine peace based on truth and trust.
Practical suggestions for promoting peace include building relationships with those affected by violence, supporting local peace initiatives, and engaging in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue. Community involvement and collective action are stressed as crucial in the pursuit of peace.
Theologically, the document positions Jesus as the embodiment of God's truth and peace, emphasising that the fullness of peace is a divine gift requiring human cooperation. Believers are encouraged to trust in the power of the crucified and risen Christ, viewing peace as both a divine gift and a human task. It suggests that peace can be achieved through the proactive efforts of individuals and communities guided by the principles of the Gospel.
"Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World" is a comprehensive call to action for Catholics and all people of goodwill to engage in peacebuilding through truth-telling, dialogue, and practical initiatives. It frames peace as a realistic and attainable goal grounded in the teachings of the Gospel and the example of Jesus Christ. By addressing both global and local conflicts, the statement encourages a collective effort towards a peaceful world rooted in the values espoused by the Catholic faith.
For the full statement, please visit this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gpmTG-I2XDI8soIyyF7UuFsYZ5K0MzRu/view
Fr Paul Kelly
REST IN PEACE CAROLINE MOULDEN
Last Sunday afternoon, beloved parishioner, Sacred Heart former sacristan, and communion minister Caroline Moulden passed away. Caroline was earlier at mass last Sunday, as was her regular practice, at the 9am Mass and even received a special blessing from Fr Paul after Mass. Caroline was an angel and a very kind and prayerful and always helpful person. She will be greatly missed. May she now be smiling upon us, reunited with her two late sisters, who were nuns; Sr Christine Chia (Singapore), Sr Mary Teresa ocd (Christchurch, NZ), from the Heavenly Father’s Mansion; where Our Lord promises that there are many rooms. May Caroline rest in the peace of Christ forever. Amen. Caroline’s Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, on Monday 30th September at 1.30pm. All are welcome.
PLANTING YOUR SPRING GARDEN
THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ARCHDIOCESAN LOCAL SYNOD - IN BRISBANE.
The Very Reverend Morgan Batt (the Dean of South Coast Deanery here) and Robyn Hunt represent our deanery at the synod. The next session will be the second week of October. Please keep the Synod and its processes, led by the Holy Spirit, in your prayers.
You will be aware that the numbers who are voting do not always add up to the number of Synod participants in the room. Participants have the ability to refrain from declaring their vote if they want to. Each participant has the ability to ENDORSE or CHALLENGE the action. A Challenge doesn’t always mean that you are against the action, just that you want to have further discussion around the wording, or the actions that are flowing from the Plenary Council decrees. Even after further discussion you can see that there are still participants who are Challenging the outcome.
For your information a link to the Plenary Council Decrees that are being discussed and voted on is below:
The last of the listening sessions are to be held on October 11th and 12th. Please keep all Participants in your prayers especially Fr Morgan and Robyn
Day two of SYNOD24 endorses decrees on reconciliation, mission and governance
THE trepidation and uncertainty on day one of Brisbane’s SYNOD24 had disappeared as table conversations on day two opened with momentum, which carried through to see actions endorsed on four Plenary Council decrees by day’s end.
Synod member Sam Hodge said today felt different. “With more time, getting to know each other and the process, conversations are flowing, people feel freer to give their ideas and opinions,” he said.
More challenges and differing opinions came with the territory, he said.“Really I think that’s a positive thing, because we embrace their opinions and become more tolerant,” he said.
Mr Hodge said he felt the Holy Spirit moving through the process.
“There was a moment this morning, when I said what I said, I felt like the Spirit had moved through me,” he said.
Because it wasn’t something I’d thought about in my head, but as I was saying it, it came out in a very spiritual, articulate way.”
He said it was an amazing moment.
Synod guide Immaculate Vuciri said she did not know what to expect from day two.
“Yesterday everyone was a bit more reserved, and then today, obviously we’re getting used to the process, we’re getting used to the people in the room, the energy is different,” she said.
“Because those connections have been built (between table members), people feel like they can speak more confidently and freely.”
Synod member and table facilitator Teresa McGrath heard more differing opinions today.
“I would have been disappointed if we had complete agreement every step of the way,” she said.
“I was a little bit nervous that there might be significant conflict, but I found everyone was really respectful and… the ability to listen and acknowledge during the listening phase was quite profound.
“The Church is a very big Church and moving forward together takes time – I think we’ve given some time to that through this process.”
Synod member and table facilitator Fr David Pascoe said he was encouraged by the voices at his table, “these are good people with good hearts, wanting to contribute to the Church”.
Power of governance
The first decree up for discussion on day two was Plenary Council decree seven – “At the Service of Communion, Participation and Mission: Governance”.
This decree had four actions and all of them were endorsed by the synod.
The first action was about establishing a council to advise the archbishop on continuing the synodal vision of the Church in Brisbane.
This action was endorsed by the synod, with 116 endorsements and four challenges.
The second action was about establishing a council on the level of parishes and communities to continue the synodal vision in the Church in Brisbane.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 107 to 12.
The third action was about a project at the deanery level to identify candidates from underrepresented groups who could serve as experts on councils at archdiocesan and parish levels.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 109 to four.
The fourth action was developing a parish handover process to help parishes discern with, engage and support incoming and existing clergy in the power of governance.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 103 to 20.
Church on mission
The second decree of the day was Plenary Council decree three – “Called by Christ, Sent Forth as Missionary Disciples”.
This decree had six actions.
The first action was about forming a family and intergenerational ministry to develop and implement family faith formation across educational and archdiocesan agencies.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 108 to nine.
The second action was about self-nominated Mass centres intentionally offering Mass and liturgical celebrations for diverse needs in the community.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 88 to 31.
This was the closest vote of the day, but still cleared the two-thirds majority required for endorsement at 74 per cent.
The third action was about the archdiocese providing facilitated learning sessions, workshops and forums for safe and supportive story-telling, truth-telling and dialogue.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 101 to 12.
The fourth action was about supporting formation and mission in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, driven at the deanery level.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 101 to 12.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 109 to 10.
The fifth action was about developing and implementing a strategy for mission in digital spaces for Catholic creators.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 101 to six.
The sixth action was about engaging and developing pastoral mission through sport.
This action was endorsed by the synod, 98 to 20.
An action brought forward again
Before synod members broke for lunch, they were presented with a revision to Plenary Council decree two, action two, on Safeguarding Sunday that did not proceed to a formal vote yesterday.
The language of the action was broadened and it was ultimately endorsed by the synod today, 106 to 10.
Synod member Sang Duc Bui had considered his conversations in both sessions carefully, saying he had never been part of anything like the synod before.
“I think this (the synod) will be good for our archdiocese in the future,” he said.
“I have hope that all things are in the hands of God – and also the archbishop, who will lead the Church going forward in faith and charity.”
Careful listening: Synod member Fr Francis Belcina.
Synod member and table facilitator Fr Francis Belcina said the work done yesterday to establish the synod process had made day two run smoothly.
“I really do feel the Holy Spirit working,” he said.
Synod member Sr Theresa Maria Dao said she saw a lot of dreams being planted in the archdiocese, but that she had also grappled with many challenges in the conversations on day two.
She had a lot of hope for the synod overall and saw a Christ-centred vision at the heart of the Church in Brisbane.
“As a religious person, synodality is not new to us,” she said.
“But it is exciting to be in this space with so much variety and diversity.”
Reconciliation and healing
The last decree of the day was Plenary Council decree one – “Reconciliation: Healing Wounds, Receiving Gifts”.
This decree had three actions, which were all endorsed by clear majorities, with exact vote counts to come.
The first action was about an archdiocesan plan to provide opportunities for those in parishes, communities and agencies to deepen their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities.
The second action was about the archdiocese creating and distributing resources for parishes, communities and agencies to meaningfully include aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, spiritualities, ritual and symbol in prayers and liturgies.
The third action was about developing culturally specific learning and formation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples by the archdiocese.
Synod members and married couple Kevin and Lisa Eastment had met while working in Indigenous education.
“This is stuff we live and breathe,” Mrs Eastment said.
They said their table members were quick to acknowledge the shortcomings of their personal knowledge on the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and were ready to listen.
Mrs Eastment said the two people on her table who had challenged some actions were still broadly supportive of the sentiment, but wanted a nuance or two in the wording tweaked.
She said those same people offered personal reflections, which “created the opportunity for the rest of us to learn” from their experiences.
Mr Eastment said his table members were looking forward to seeing this decree carry forward and what it might look like implemented across the Church.
“As a nation, until we own our true history, we won’t move forward,” he said.
“The promising thing in the Catholic Church and our community is they’re open to discussion.”
Sharing: Synod member Fr Joe McKay.
Synod member Henry Martin said he prayed the synod was heading in a good direction.
“Whether it is, I’m not sure, I guess we will wait and see,” he said.
He said it was good to hear from people on topics that were not ordinarily discussed, but he was also surprised other topics he felt were “huge needs” for the Church had not been discussed.
Synod member Pat Keady said “walking together” was the right image for synodality.
“Walking together reminds me of the two on the road to Emmaus,” he said.
“They were discouraged.”
He said a lot of people inside and outside the Church were discouraged about the Church too.
But he said there was a lot of good happening in the Church, a lot was working and happening.
“I think that’s something we need to remember as we walk together … the Risen Jesus is alive and He is walking with us as well.”
The end of day two brings to a close the September sessions of the synod, it will pick up again in October with four more Plenary Council decrees to discuss.
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 – 1 pm Mon-Fri). We’re excited to be able to present this resource, so please join us.
SCAM ALERT!
Scam messages are doing the rounds again.If you receive a suspicious or confusing SMS message (and any other illegitimate SMS), or a suspicious email, we recommend forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the Australian Government spam reporting line). Or if it is an email message of concern, please forward it to: report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
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.
We always look forward to his latest video each Sunday
-Saying “Stay Prayed up!”
(1.7 million views as at Thursday 12.31pm 19/9/24)
At Sacred Heart. Happy Sunday - Stay Prayed Up. Catholic and Actor Mark Wahlberg - God bless him for his inspiring witness to the Catholic/ Christian faith. “Stay prayed up!” #hallowapp #markwahlberg.
https://www.instagram.com/markwahlberg/reels/
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 and other higher denominations now available on the new devices.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of October (1/10/24) - Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 4/10/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "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 the 5/10/24. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Lindsay Allan, Robert Andreas, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Nellie Bellinger, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Ellanie Gonzalez, Jenny Haines, Tommy Harris, Sr Elisabeth Keane, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Sharyn Lucas, l McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, 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):
Caroline Moulden, Frank Anthony Armanasco, Ma. Cristina Cruzada Lenihan, Maureen Murphy (97 years of age), Colleen Williams, Merle Maiden, Bill Brewer, Caroline Moulden, Damian Mullins, John Brown, Terry Bourke, Jay Ahrt. Garcia, Sr Anna Ventura, Sophie Wang, Chieko Kajiwara, Veda Hope, John Thomas, Sheila Nelly Brick, Paula Beric, Joanne Parkes, Chris Kopacz, Panfilo Bantugan.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Gwenyth Aiken, Frank Alcock, Shirley Alford, Catherine Alford, Fr Basil Bergin, Craig Antoine Blanch, Fr Clive Britten, Nea Mary Butler, Mary Ellen Carniel, Kelly John Chen, Fr William Cuneo, Edward Lawrence(Ned) Darcy, Imelda Petronella (Millie) Duijn, Gordon Farquhar, Giacomo Gallo, Reginald Ronald Glover, Ricardo Joseph Herft, Cecilia Mary Kelly, Brian Kenway, James Kiernan, Margaret Mary Kubler, Mary Jean Lenthall, Yvonne Henrietta Lofthouse, Charles Henry Lynch, Fr Guilford Lyons, Fanny Macky, Veronica Ella Mantle, Mario Paul Mazza, Yvonne Mary McMahon, Muriel Doris Miller, Rhonda Milne, Franz Mrak, Fr George Nugent, Fr John O'Callaghan, Fr Michael O'Connell, Fr Denis O'Keeffe, Christine Antoinette O'Leary, Muriel Rasey, Dulcie May Ricks, Elio Romanin, Vera Rose, Paul Owen Sweeney, Diana Angela Tam-Barrett, Helen Watter, John Roy Wotherspoon.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Sylvia Attard, Peter Avery, Peter Robert Noble Beasley, Wilma Claire Burcham, Shane Burgess, Fr Walter Cain, Joseph Felix Camilleri, Fr James Conneely, Anita Cruz, John Maxwell Dixon, David Gerald Fioravanti, John Hanna, Fr Samuel Hunter, Andrea Kujawa, Leandro (Leo) De Marco, Rita McCarthy, Fr Bernard McLaughlin, Margaret Miller, Maureen Murphy, Maria Nazari, Rev Dr Geoffrey O'Donoghue, Beverley O’Shea, Mons James Prout, Geoffrey Rose, Fr Joseph Sardie, Fr Eugene Sheeran, Doreen Norma Slater, Allan Taranto, Derrick James Thompson, Fr Richard Thompson, Fr Pat Tynan.
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
2025 God’s Word available now, at $20 per book.
ADVENT REFLECTION RESOURCE - COMING SOON
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)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of October (1/10/24) - Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 4/10/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "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 5/10/24. This will be 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:
30/9/2024 Maria Anderson -Broadbeach
7/10/2024 Maria Anderson - Broadbeach
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. 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 joyfully approaching life with a loving heart. The experience as a Cagliero volunteer is not about the volunteer but is focused on the people we 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: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2302953631. Biblical vector illustration series, Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. Vector Contributor: KindheartedStock
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND - Homily: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B -
Homily: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 29 September 2024
WORK WITH GOD WHEREVER HE IS WORKING, WHENEVER HE IS WORKING, AND WHOMEVER WITH HE CHOOSES TO WORK.
This weekend, the core of Christ’s message of unselfish service and love strikes us. I love these readings for their practicality and clarity. God reminds us that God’s Spirit blows wherever it will. God acts in and through whom God wants. We cannot limit God or demand that God works only through official channels. We are God’s servants and do not direct God; we serve and follow God’s ways.
The readings speak of God’s Spirit blowing where it wills, and we cannot try to limit God’s action. God works in and through anyone God chooses. Eldad and Medad are two people in the First reading who receive the spirit of God even though they were not in the tent with the others. There was some consternation about that… should we stop them because they did not receive the Holy Spirit in the same way we did and the way WE think they should have received it? God says I will give the Spirit to whomsoever I choose and how and when I choose.
Our job is not to limit God but to respond and cooperate with God wherever God’s action is found. The names Eldad and Medad are rather interesting… Eldad means ‘the one whom God has loved,” and Medad means “love” or “waters of love.” It could also remind everyone that God’s love and action flow freely and generously, without boundaries or limitations. The waters of God's love flow whichever course God chooses, and the Spirit of God blows wherever it wills.
We are warned: Jealousy is not a virtue in the Kingdom of God. Do not be jealous of anyone who is doing God’s work. Do not compare yourself and your work of the Kingdom and someone else. There is enough work for the labourers of the Kingdom to occupy us all. Do not look at others and who they are or what they are not doing. Do your work diligently…. Everyone has a different part of the work of the Kingdom (as we heard last week, making comparisons and being jealous and trying to monopolise God’s work… none of that is really the qualities to be found in the real Kingdom of God…)
Saint James encourages a healthy aversion to possessions and wealth, particularly if wealth and comfort are gained at the expense of others who are going without the necessities of life and are in dire need. And especially if the wealth is gained from dishonesty and unjustly ripping off others… this will all come back to bite them, Saint James warns…
The gospel.. rather than talking about literally “cutting off” parts of the body, is speaking metaphorically using a surgical idea that sometimes the integrity and health of the whole body need to be preserved by amputating or removing a diseased part of the body.
So, this is really talking about the Community, the church, as the Body of Christ. This image refers to the members of the community… For all who are doing the work of the gospel, let them do it unobstructed, and cooperate with them in their work where possible… Do not interfere with others’ work or dismay or overload them….. But, if anyone is doing things opposite to the gospel's values or disrupting the Gospel's work, cut them off quickly… Remove them so they do not poison the community in its good work and rightly-ordered values… This is quite challenging and sobering stuff…
The readings today are a great encouragement for ecumenical cooperation among people of other Christian church denominations and even broader cooperation with people of a non-Christian faith, or even those who do not believe in God at all but who practise human values that do not contradict Jesus’ values and message in essence or effect.
Anyone who (even though they do not personally know of Jesus), anyone who still holds Jesus’ values and lives the gospel's principles and values, is a friend of God and will be welcomed into God’s family.
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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
A prayer by St. Jerome, to invoke God’s mercy
Show me, O Lord, your mercy, and delight my heart with it. Let me find you whom I so longingly seek. Behold, here is the man whom the robbers seized, manhandled, and left half dead on the road to Jericho. Kindhearted Samaritan, come to my aid! I am the sheep who wandered into the wilderness. Seek after me and bring me home again to your fold. Do with me according to your Will, that I may abide with you all the days of my life, and praise you with all those with you in heaven for all eternity. Amen.
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
The Law of the Lord exists to guide and direct our steps here on earth so that we might arrive safely at the palaces of heaven. Embrace the Law with your whole heart, mind and soul so that you might also grow in love with the Law-giver. (Psalm 19).
Some people do not respond to God’s call because they feel they are not worthy to do God’s work. And they are not – nobody is! But still, God calls. There is enough ministry for many more. Answer God’s Call. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41
We are made in God’s image and likeness. We tend to forget this. When you look at others, do you see the face of Jesus in them? When others look at you, do they see the face of Jesus in you? When we realise that all lives matter to God, gratitude and generously become easier. Why? Because that’s the way we are made! We are one Body of Christ; when one of us is hurting, we all feel the pain.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - She’s With Him
Being a strong companion or having great compassion is essential for discipleship. The Blessed Virgin Mary had both. Notice the “com-” prefix of those qualities, which means “with.” Under the title Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary is the first witness of the church and stood with Jesus through his pain and glory—his life, death, and Resurrection. The church uses “sorrows” here not so that we would be sad and weighed down but to lift up what it means to really be “with” another person and to share their joy and sorrow deeply. Mary continues to stand alongside us. How do you experience Mary’s companionship and compassion in your own life? (John 19:25-27 - “Woman, behold, your son”).
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
Saint Jerome: (SEPTEMBER 30 - Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church)
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better, and your better is best.
The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes, without speaking, confess the secrets of the heart.
Catch, then, O catch the transient hour; Improve each moment as it flies!
The line, often adopted by strong men in controversy, justifies the means by the end.
The friendship that can cease has never been real.
True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.
Early impressions are challenging to eradicate from the mind. When wool has been dyed purple, who can restore it to its previous whiteness?
Why do you not practice what you preach?
Beauty, when unadorned, is adorned the most.
OCTOBER 1 - Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy.”
“Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.”
“The world's thy ship and not thy home.”
“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realised, so despite my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.”
“Holiness consists simply in doing God's will and being just what God wants us to be.”
“I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that nature would no longer be enamelled with lovely hues if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden.”
“When one loves, one does not calculate.”
“A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”
“I know now that true charity consists in bearing all our neighbours' defects– not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.”
“It's true, I suffer a great deal--but do I suffer well? That is the question.” ― Therese de Lisieux, St. Therese of Lisieux: Her Last Conversations.
“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens,I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.”
The Holy Guardian Angels -02 October -Memorial
This feast originated in Portugal early in the sixteenth century and has figured in the general calendar since the late seventeenth century. It is based on the belief that God assigns everyone an angel to guard the body and soul, expressing God's personal care for each individual. A similar belief is also found in Jewish and other religious thought. The feast associates the human race with heaven's eternal song of praise (Matthew 18:10).
OCTOBER 4 - Saint Francis of Assisi, religious
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light, and sadness, joy, O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” ― St. Francis of Assisi.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, head, and heart is an artist.”
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.”
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
“I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.”
“While proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
“True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.”
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.”
“No one is to be called an enemy; all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves.”
“Sanctify yourself, and you will sanctify society.”
“What we are looking for is what is looking.”
“Nor did demons crucify Him; it is you who have crucified Him and crucified Him still when you delight in your vices and sins. ”
OCTOBER 5 - Saint Faustina Kowalska, virgin
“Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth; it purifies the soul. In suffering, we learn who our true friend is.”
“Love endures everything; love is stronger than death; love fears nothing.”
“Jesus loves hidden souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus.”
“If the angels were capable of envy, they would envy us for two things: one is the receiving of Holy Communion, and the other is suffering.”
“The Holy Spirit does not speak to a distracted and garrulous soul. He speaks by His quiet inspirations to a recollected soul, to a soul that knows how to keep silent.”
“Some day, we will know the value of suffering, but then we will no longer be able to suffer.”
“The past does not belong to me; the future is not mine; with all my soul I try to use the present moment.”
“Pure love is capable of great deeds, not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong during great difficulties, so too does it persevere in the laborious and drab life of each day. It”
“Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else.”
“Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then, generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment.”
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 2425759961 - Pope Francis -Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Richard Juilliart
The ever-widening “We” of our Faith
In God’s creative plan: “God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’” (Gen 1:27-28). God created us male and female, different yet complementary, to form a “we” destined to become ever more numerous in the succession of generations. God created us in his image, in the image of his own triune being, a communion in diversity.
When, in disobedience, we turned away from God, he, in his mercy, wished to offer us a path of reconciliation, not as individuals but as a people, a “we,” meant to embrace the entire human family, without exception: “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them” (Rev 21:3).
Salvation history thus has a “we” in its beginning and a “we” at its end, and at its centre the mystery of Christ, who died and rose so “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). The present time, however, shows that this “we” willed by God is broken and fragmented, wounded and disfigured. This becomes evident in moments of great crisis. Our “we”, both in the wider world and within the Church, is crumbling and cracking due to myopic and aggressive forms of nationalism (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 11) and radical individualism (cf. ibid., 105). And the highest price is being paid by those who most easily become viewed as others: foreigners, migrants, the marginalised, those living on the existential peripheries.
The truth however is that we are all in the same boat and called to work together so that there will be no more walls that separate us, no longer others, but only a single “we”, encompassing all of humanity. Thus I would like to use this World Day to address a twofold appeal, first to the Catholic faithful and then all the men and women of our world, to advance together towards an ever wider “we”.
A Church that is more and more “catholic”
For the members of the Catholic Church, this appeal entails a commitment to becoming ever more faithful to our being “catholic”, as Saint Paul reminded the community in Ephesus: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph 4:4-5).
Indeed the Church’s catholicity, her universality, must be embraced and expressed in every age, according to the will and grace of the Lord who promised to be with us always, until the end of the age (cf. Mt 28:20). The Holy Spirit enables us to embrace everyone, to build communion in diversity, to unify differences without imposing a depersonalized uniformity. In encountering the diversity of foreigners, migrants and refugees, and in the intercultural dialogue that can emerge from this encounter, we have an opportunity to grow as Church and to enrich one another. All the baptized, wherever they find themselves, are by right members of both their local ecclesial community and the one Church, dwellers in one home and part of one family.
The Catholic faithful are called to work together, each in the midst of his or her own community, to make the Church become ever more inclusive as she carries out the mission entrusted to the Apostles by Jesus Christ: “As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment” (Mt 10:7-8).
In our day, the Church is called to go out into the streets of every existential periphery in order to heal wounds and to seek out the straying, without prejudice or fear, without proselytising, but ready to widen her tent to embrace everyone. Among those dwelling in those existential peripheries, we find many migrants and refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking, to whom the Lord wants his love to be manifested and his salvation preached. “The current influx of migrants can be seen as a new “frontier” for Mission, a privileged opportunity to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel message at home, and to bear concrete witness to the Christian faith in a spirit of charity and profound esteem for other religious communities. The encounter with migrants and refugees of other denominations and religions represents a fertile ground for the growth of open and enriching ecumenical and interreligious dialogue” (Address to the National Directors of Pastoral Care for Migrants, 22 September 2017).
An ever more inclusive world
I also make this appeal to journey together towards an ever wider “we” to all men and women, for the sake of renewing the human family, building together a future of justice and peace, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Our societies will have a “colourful” future, enriched by diversity and by cultural exchanges. Consequently, we must even now learn to live together in harmony and peace. I am always touched by the scene in the Acts of the Apostles when, on the day of the Church’s “baptism” at Pentecost, immediately after the descent of the Holy Spirit, the people of Jerusalem hear the proclamation of salvation: “We… Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power” (2:9-11).
This is the ideal of the new Jerusalem (cf. Is 60; Rev 21:3), where all peoples are united in peace and harmony, celebrating the goodness of God and the wonders of creation. To achieve this ideal, however, we must make every effort to break down the walls that separate us and, in acknowledging our profound interconnection, build bridges that foster a culture of encounter. Today’s migration movements offer an opportunity for us to overcome our fears and let ourselves be enriched by the diversity of each person’s gifts. Then, if we so desire, we can transform borders into privileged places of encounter, where the miracle of an ever wider “we” can come about.
I invite all men and women in our world to make good use of the gifts that the Lord has entrusted to us to preserve and make his creation even more beautiful. “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back’” (Lk 19:12-13). The Lord will also demand of us an account of our work! In order to ensure the proper care of our common home, we must become a “we” that is ever wider and more co-responsible, in the profound conviction that whatever good is done in our world is done for present and future generations. Ours must be a personal and collective commitment that cares for all our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer, even as we work towards a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive development. A commitment that makes no distinction between natives and foreigners, between residents and guests, since it is a matter of a treasure we hold in common, from whose care and benefits no one should be excluded.
The dream begins
The prophet Joel predicted that the messianic future would be a time of dreams and visions inspired by the Spirit: “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). We are called to dream together, fearlessly, as a single human family, as companions on the same journey, as sons and daughters of the same earth that is our common home, sisters and brothers all (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 8).
Prayer
Holy, beloved Father,
your Son Jesus taught us
that there is great rejoicing in heaven
whenever someone lost is found,
whenever someone excluded, rejected or discarded
is gathered into our “we”,
which thus becomes ever wider.
We ask you to grant the followers of Jesus,
and all people of goodwill,
the grace to do your will on earth.
Bless each act of welcome and outreach
that draws those in exile
into the “we” of community and of the Church,
so that our earth may truly become
what you yourself created it to be:
the common home of all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
Franciscus.
OUR FAITH
Hospitality is Everyone’s Responsibility
When we welcome visitors to our home, we normally tidy the house, greet guests at the door, and make sure that all are comfortable and included. This hospitable behaviour applies also to the worshipping community.
Even in parishes with designated hospitality ministers, everyone at Mass has a ministry of welcome and warmth to others as fellow members of the Body of Christ.
This isn’t just a ‘feel-good’ fad or part of some trendy push to be inclusive. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal clearly calls on the faithful to share charity toward all who share with them in the celebration. They therefore are to shun any appearance of individualism or division, keeping before their mind that they are all brothers and sisters to each other. They should become one body …….. There is a beautiful expression of this unity when the faithful maintain uniformity in their actions and in standing, sitting or kneeling.
In other words, liturgy is not a time for ‘doing my own thing’ or ‘my time with God’. We’re all in this together! It is up to each one of us to ‘pay attention’ to those who are with us at Mass and to make everyone welcome.
(Elizabeth Harrington)
Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
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/)
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** 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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St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Promoting safe practices, including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All 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 them whether they need a Police Check for their ministry.
