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“Whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 19244473 Rome - mosaic from st. Peters basilica. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
PASTOR’S POST - From Faith to Works!
This weekend, the readings remind us that our faith must show itself in action and flow into good works. In the gospel, Our Lord reminds us that following him is not about self-interest but denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following him in HIS ways of service, sacrifice and compassion. No wonder the three theological virtues are so important and go together... Faith leads to hope, and hope leads to love that shows itself in practical action.
A Dramatic series of events in today's Gospel. Jesus firmly says: "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." (Mark 8:33)
We are reminded that if we genuinely want to know Jesus and who he is, we must understand what he does. Truly believing in Jesus will always lead to practical actions, particular behaviours, and attitudes, just as the truth of Jesus' identity led to incredible (often surprising and challenging) actions and attitudes from Our Lord himself.
REMEMBERING A BLESSING FROM THREE SHORT YEARS AGO:
How time flies! Just three years ago, I recall the beautiful and low-key blessing of the grounds of the new Star Of The Sea Catholic School at Carrara, which opened at the start of the following year.
God has always had funny ways of getting us involved in beautiful events. Usually, the blessing of a school grounds before the opening of the school is rightly done by the Archbishop or, in his absence, the parish priest of the parish within the school's locale. But, due to a series of unexpected events, I was asked to conduct the blessing. It is these small, unexpected moments that we treasure as unforeseen opportunities. At the time, a COVID lockdown had cancelled the official Blessing of the school site, which was initially scheduled with Archbishop Mark Coleridge. At the same time, Parish Priest Fr Peter Dillon could not attend as he was unwell.
Although I was sad that the Archbishop and Fr. Peter were unable to attend, I was still delighted to be able to accept an invitation to visit the school at the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I joyfully blessed the school site at Merrimac. Below, you can see me with Principal Tony Barron and Maree Wright, the Assistant Principal of Religious Education. At the time, the parish priest, Fr Peter Dillon, sent his best wishes and prayers, as he could not attend due to his recovery from illness.
I was very excited to see the progress of the building of our newest parish school. This growth has continued to surge in the last three years. The site's Blessing was before major construction work was due to begin. This blessing occurred on a sunny Wednesday morning, around 11 a.m. on September 8th, 2021, the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was a fitting date and a perfect birthday present to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, the school's Patron Saint.
Three years later, the school has grown in numbers and facilities. Star of the Sea has 181 students from Prep to Year 5. We will have our first Year 6 cohort next year. We are full in every year level, with a waiting list only for enrolments. The current Year 4/5 class will be separated into a single Year 5 and Year 6 class, so we are taking enrolments for those year levels for 2025.
The building is progressing along with the new Prep building. Star of the Sea will begin the third stream beginning with Prep in 2026.
Here is a photo of the current build.
The current building project as of August 2024:
(see overleaf)
Archive photo of the blessing at Star of the Sea (2021)
Fr Paul Kelly
The Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Brisbane
Its annual Wedding Anniversary Mass is coming up on Saturday, the 28th of September at 11:30 am.
LAST WEEK, THE ARCHDIOCESE HELD THE FIRST SESSION OF ITS 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.
Please see the next page for the Synod Prayer …..
FROM THE CATHOLIC LEADER:
After the first Conversation in the Spirit, the Synod members broke for lunch and returned to listen to Fr Orm Rush discuss his expert take on synodality.
Shortly after, the synod unpacked their first Plenary Council decree – “Decree Two – choosing repentance, seeking healing”.
The decree addressed the sexual abuse crisis and the synod discussed three actions on the decree.
The first action was about addressing the crisis, in dialogue with survivors, through truth-telling and story-telling sessions in safe spaces and supporting research and programs related to trauma.
The second action was about Safeguarding Sunday and how to properly recognise safeguarding within faith communities.
The second action was challenged and did not proceed to a formal vote.
As per the synod process, the second action would be rewritten and represented to the synod.
Coming out of the first voting session, Synod member Fr Michael Grace said he felt positive about the experience even though it was a challenging and multifaceted topic.
“There was a sense that we all need to do something; there’s some difference around what that should be exactly, but there was a lot more agreement than there was disagreement,” he said. “To have two action items pass was wonderful and I hope with a bit of (rewriting) the second one will pass as well.”
The first action was endorsed by the synod with 108 endorsements and 13 challenges.
The third action was about implementing creative processes, in dialogue with survivors, that seek forgiveness for the failings. The third action was endorsed by the synod with 102 endorsements and 19 challenges.Synod member Ursuline Sister Mel Williams said the conversations in the Spirit looked simple on paper, but in practice, they involved lots of people sharing from different backgrounds and points of view.
“The sharing is terrific,” she said, “people are really listening to each other.”
“We did have some contrary views, but… they were views that were very genuine and they came from such diverse experiences that they were really valuable.”
Synod member and table facilitator Kym Keady said she could tell her table members were discerning the actions deeply.
“My hope is we come up with actions that we actually action,” she said.
She said her experience in the Plenary Council felt different because there were people coming from all over the country.
“It’s good to be with the people in our archdiocese… it feels like family,” she said.
“Even though we are diverse, we are very accepting of each other and we are very open to what each other are saying; I think the synod team has worked hard to include a lot of people and make it a warm, welcoming, family environment.”
The SECOND DAY next week.
A special announcement from St Michael’s Catholic College Principal, Mr Anthony Elmore.
Dear St Michael’s Community,
I write to advise that the Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education, Dr Sally Towns, has appointed me as Foundation Principal at St Bonaventure’s College, Flagstone, to commence in 2025. I share this news with the community with mixed emotions; excitement, joy and humility at the adventure and challenge that awaits my family and me in our next step, and a sense of sadness in leaving the St Michael’s community.
St Bonaventure’s College is Brisbane Catholic Education’s newest planned Prep to Year 12 College in Flagstone in the City of Logan. The College is a co-educational school, guided by the inspiring Franciscan charism, master-planned for 1,836 students when all stages of development are completed.
I will commence the new role in January 2025, with the first students commencing at the College in 2026.
I am extremely proud of the achievements of the St Michael’s College community in the 6.5 years I have been College Principal, and I look forward to spending time reflecting with you on the outstanding work of our staff and students prior to concluding at the College in December. Recruitment for the next Principal of St Michael’s College will commence this week.
Regards,
Anthony Elmore.
A MESSAGE FROM FR PAUL.
We join in giving thanks for the leadership and ministry of Mr Elmore. We are sad to see him leave the school but we are delighted for him in his new mission. We are heartened that Anthony and his family will continue to be valued parishioners here at Surfers Paradise Parish. God bless.
Fr Paul.
AUGUSTINIAN FATHERS
At the nine am Sunday mass we had a visit from several Augustinian Fathers - From left to right
Fr Michael Belonio from North Harbour Parish, Broken Bay Diocese, Fr. Paul Kelly our Parish Priest, Fr Anthony, Fr Francis Belciña, parish priest of St James, Coorparo,
Fr Jumbim Torres, also from North Harbour Parish, Broken Bay Diocese… Last is Fr Saldie Resulado, Villanueva College chaplain Coorparo
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.
HOLLYWOOD STAR VISITS CATHOLIC CHURCH - Latest video view was 4.8 million (as of Wednesday 11th), and with previous posts at 25.5 million, and 18.2 million.
Mark Wahlberg attending Fr Paul’s installation Mass, in a “selfie” with parishioners.
A familiar face joins in for the Installation Mass at Sacred Heart.
Happy Sunday - Stay Prayed Up. Catholic and Actor Mark Wahlberg attended and participated in the Installation Mass at the parish and also sent his wonderful weekly prayer greeting from Sacred heart the other week on his Instagram. God bless him for his inspiring witness to the Catholic/ Christian faith. The next weekend, he and his wife appeared at the church to send a video message to “Stay prayed up!” #hallowapp #markwahlberg.
https://www.instagram.com/markwahlberg/reels/
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 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)
Robert Andreas, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Nellie Bellinger, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Yvonne Casey, 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, Laila Mikael, 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):
Ma. Cristina Cruzada Lenihan, Maureen Murphy (97 years of age), Colleen Williams, Merle Maiden, Bill Brewer, Damian Mullins, John Brown, Terry Bourke, Jay Ahrt. Garcia, Sr Anna Ventura, Sophie Wang, Chieko Kajiwara, Veda Hope, 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)
Jane Bird, Olive May Cam, Neville John Coorey, Lee Cross, Ella Maria Cross, Noeline Davies, Fr Francis Douglas, Natalie Dundon, Edward Joseph "Eddie" Dunne, Liudmyla Ganshyna, Fr L Graham, Barry Harth, Leo Isidore Josephson, Antoinette Maree Kalanj, Phillipa Kennedy, Tom Killin, Peter Daniel Lawlor, Andre Joerg Lenz, Liberata Mario (Lib) Meo, Barbara Murray, Margaret Netting, John Stephen O’Brien, John Maurice Quilligan, Keith Smith, Tadeusz Wieslaw (Ted) Szczesny, Margaret Louise Thompson, John Vizzard, Anthony Joseph Wienand, Paul Damian Wyatt, Doris Zarb, Kazimierz Zolerowski.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Frank Alaba, Vincent Attard, Balanza Family, Carina Faith Barrington, Fr Dudley Boland, Franciska Bukowski, Camillo Ciabattoni, Stanton Geoffrey Curtis, Edna Foy, Fr Terence Ganzer, Josephine Di Giorgio, Fay Marie Giovine, Gerada Hendriksen, Thomas Edward Holt, Briggita Kelleris, Harry Kelleris, Thelma and Leo Lampago, Fanny Macky, Maria di Martino, Janina Momont, Patrick Mulcahy, Fr Sean Nugent, Mario Pase, Fr Joseph Pender, Fr James Power, Bożenna Rayson, Kaye Maria Sheppard, Daniel Simpson, Iole Svir, World Trade Centre (11/9/2001) Attack Anniversary WTC, Louise Marie Young.
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.
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:
16/9/2024 Glary and Rudi Camara Southport
23/9/2024 Glary and Rudi Camara Southport
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.
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 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: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image - Shutterstock licensed - ID:47848003 - Saint Peter - By Zvonimir Atletic
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND - Homily: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 8 September 2024.
"You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." (Mark 8:33)
This weekend, the readings remind us that our faith must show itself in ACTION and flow into good works. In the gospel, Our Lord reminds us that following him is not about self-interest but denying ourselves the need to take up our cross and follow him in HIS ways of service, sacrifice, and compassion. No wonder the three theological virtues are so important and go together... Faith leads to hope, and hope leads to love that shows itself in practical action.
A dramatic series of events in today's gospel has Jesus firmly saying to Peter, you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. Jesus wants to make it clear to all who are following him, his disciples back then and us today, I am not the one who's making false promises of success. It's the liars and the false prophets who are promising worldly success and trophies like that of wealth, money, gold, earthly kingship, success, health and happiness in this life.
I'm not offering this to you. I'm offering you the way of the cross, the path of suffering, the path of self-forgetting love and service, even to the point of giving one's own life. He's saying to us, be under no misapprehension about what following Christ means.
But it's also about trust that this path will lead to victory and the stamp of approval from God the Father, and it's truly the way of everlasting life. Peter had rightly worked out who Jesus is. When Jesus asks, it's Peter, inspired by God, who says, you are the Christ, the Messiah, God's chosen King.
But the reason Jesus then silences him as soon as he says this truth, and then shortly goes further when Jesus even rebukes Peter, when he misunderstands what the next steps in Christ's mission need to be. Jesus now has set about carefully teaching them, actually even un-teaching them, re-educating them into the right understanding of what God's Messiah actually means. It's not an earthly king, as they expected.
It's not a revolutionary who will bring war and retribution upon the Romans. It's not one who's offering earthly success, in the eyes of this world anyway. And this goes against the common expectations and understandings of the time, and even of the apostles.
It's going to be a hard road to get those mistaken concepts out of their heads. And our Lord is wise and understanding. He knows that many will ask, well who would want to follow someone who only promises the cross, suffering, failure, death? But it is only those who believe and trust in him, who can trust that this path is the path of truth.
This is the path of fullness of life. Only those people who trust and have faith in him are capable of making that giant but necessary leap of faith. Jesus calls all of us to follow him, and not to try and lead him as Saint Peter tried to.
Jesus quickly sets him straight when Peter tries to tell Jesus what the Messiah should be doing. He very quickly says, get behind me, not in front of me, follow me, don't try to lead me. And just as importantly, Jesus shows us the priorities and values of God's anointed one.
He healed the sick, he forgave sinners, he welcomed outcasts, he looked for the lost, he invited all people to be part of God's kingdom. This was truly a reordering of values and priorities according to God's ways. And it was bound to cause a lot of anger and hatred and opposition from those who were very comfortable with the way things were, because those people were benefiting from the present status quo, at the expense of a lot of others who were trapped in terrible situations and unable to get out of them.
And the ones who were doing just fine, thanks, didn't really care if others weren't doing very well at all. Jesus knew that those who were benefiting from the present way things were would oppose him and would try to kill him and would succeed. And then only then would God's victory over the whole world and all evil be revealed in its fullness.
Because you can't bury God's plans and priorities, you cannot silence God's anointed one. No matter what one does, it will not work. Jesus had to crucify all the opposing powers by taking the poisonous fruits of their values and actions and defeating them on the cross, showing them to be hollow.
The messiahship of Jesus is one of service, of suffering love, of self-giving love. There will be no triumph apart from the cross. To be a disciple is to walk the same path of service, suffering and self-giving love.
Jesus wasn't desiring to suffer. He wasn't demanding the cross for its own sake. There's nothing in itself good about suffering.
He wasn't welcoming difficulty in this life any more than he would wish us to suffer. And in fact, he went about healing people, assisting them. But he was always faithful to the truth of the gospel's values.
And that meant burdens and suffering. Jesus knew that each person has their own cross to bear. For each of us, there are some things that cannot be avoided.
And if we tried to avoid them, we'd lose the things that mattered most. So we're invited to live with these crosses in ways that are loving, giving, hope-filled, and which show grace and gentleness throughout. Allowing God to transform the crosses into means of life and love.
To try and evade every cross in our life is to live dishonestly. I know that's a hard concept to pin down, and we're constantly reflecting on the meaning of it. But naturally, we're meant to do everything we can to heal, to help reduce others' suffering and burdens.
That truth continues to be absolutely true. But there are some burdens that if we tried to avoid them completely, it would mean selling out on the very values that matter most. Or it would mean not really living fully.
Not being prepared to pay a price for standing up for justice. For being determined to forgive, no matter what the cost. By being able to support people with practical care.
Even in the face of opposition from people who didn't want that practical care because it was taking away from their benefits. And for all of us, eventually, there'll be one or two definitive crosses that each of us cannot escape, no matter how hard we try. At different times and in different ways, not of our choosing.
Christ wants to be there with us and show us the way through them to lasting victory and eternal life. Ultimately, the teaching of Jesus about the cross is actually a lesson in hope. Jesus gives us the best message we could hope to know, no matter what happens in this life.
Whether it's good things or whether terrible things happen. And there can be both at times. Even if everything goes pear-shaped and doesn't seem to be ending well, our Lord is asking us to put our trust in him.
That the difficult journeys that we're called to take through life will eventually be greeted with resurrection and eternal life in Christ. Who is faithful to us through everything and will be there with us right through to the end and beyond. And that gives us all the strength we need to endure whatever comes.
Following the example of Jesus, who goes ahead of us through it all.
(References: FR. PAUL W. KELLY; 2009 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF MARK. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; St Paul Sunday Missal. 2009. Paper edition; Celebrating the Gospels. Gaynell Cronin; The Summit. Archdiocese of Melbourne. Vol 39. Number 3, Aug 2012).
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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
Holy Spirit Comforting Fire – Hildegard of Bingen
Holy Spirit,
Comforting fire,
Life of all creation.
Anointing the sick, cleansing body and soul,
Fill this body!
Holy Spirit,
Sacred breath, Fire of love,
Sweetest taste, Beautiful aroma,
Fill this heart!
Holy Spirit,
Filling the world,
from the heights to the deep,
Raining from clouds, filling rivers and sea,
Fill this mind!
Holy Spirit,
Forgiving and giving,
uniting strangers, reconciling enemies,
Seeking the lost, and enfolding us together,
Fill these gathered here!
Holy Spirit,
Bringing light into dark places, igniting praise,
Greatest gift, our Hope and Encourager,
Holy Spirit of Christ,
I praise you!
Amen. [– Hildebard of Bingen (1098-1179AD)]
– Edited and language modernised by Matt. Source: https://www.justprayer.gracespace.info/2285/
A VOCATION VIEW:
“The Lord GOD is my help.” When Christ calls one to follow as a priest or religious, He also gives the strength to overcome the obstacles that are sometimes in the way, but we must ask to receive this strength! (Isaiah 50:5-9). We do not promote an easy life, but then, no life worth living is easy. Jesus said, “If you wish to come after me, you must deny your very self, take up your cross, and follow me.” Pray for the gift of being able to accept our vocation. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”Mark 8:34
Living a stewardship lifestyle means not only being responsible for my own life, but for the lives of others as well.We realize that our gifts are not intended for ourselves, rather they are meant to be shared with others.“Taking up my cross” means doing things when someone else needs me and not when it’s convenient for me.
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 - Catechesis \'ka-tə-'kē-səs\
From the Greek "to instruct orally," originally "to resound" or “echo." More than simply teaching religious concepts, catechesis involves instruction, ritual, and formation of conscience. At its heart, catechesis awakens and develops faith.
CONTEXT
The goal of catechesis goes beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge to a living, conscious, and active faith.
—Sharing the Light of Faith: The National Catechetical Directory
The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit.
—Pope John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae
WHY IT MATTERS
Far too often, catechesis is reduced to methods of memorisation and recitation. This results in adult Catholics who know how to operate in church contexts but often lack a sense of Christian values to enrich and guide their lives. As Pope Francis explains: For catechists, “the first proclamation must ring out over and over: ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’”
From Evangelization and Catechesis: Are We Really Proclaiming the Gospel? by Johannes Hofinger, S.J.: Our objective is not to make theologians of children, but to make them loving children of God who know what God has done for them and what they are expected to do in return."
RELATED WORDS
Catechist | Catechism | Evangelization
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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Catechesis, catechism: What's the difference?
Catechesis is the process of awakening a person to faith. While it involves teaching, textbooks aren't central to the process. It is reading God's word and entering into dialogue with it. Our lives literally become an echo of what we hear.
Catechetics is the theory behind catechesis. It uses age-appropriate and culturally sensitive methods of instruction so that faith formation is the result. Catechists must know church teaching but also grasp the context of their times and how the church is called to respond to them.
Catechism is formerly the way catechesis, or religious instruction, is accomplished. A catechism is a manual of instruction with a question-and-answer format. Catholic catechisms are structured on the Creed, Ten Commandments, and Seven Sacraments. The current Catechism of the Catholic Church wasn't created as a manual for classroom instruction but to guide bishops in the formation of diocesan programming.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask: http://tinyurl.com/QCA-catechesis
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REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
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CATECHETICAL SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 15)
Major in God’s love
There was a time when young people were encouraged to stay in school and learn so that they could make valuable contributions to society. Today the push for higher education is for the purpose of getting good jobs and making a lot of money. These shifting cultural values do not change the teachings of the gospel. The celebration of Catechetical Sunday reminds us that, for people of faith, our advance in learning is not for our own benefit but for God’s sake.
"You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."
FAITH IN ACTION
Imagine all the good we can accomplish with advanced degrees in divine mercy and justice.
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Cyprian
“You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother…. God is one, and Christ is one, and His Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body…. If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace.”…St Cyprian from The Unity of the Catholic Church.
“You who are envious, let me tell you that however often you may seek for the opportunity of injuring him whom you hate, you will never be able to do him so much harm as you do harm to yourselves. He whom you would punish through the malice of your envy may probably escape, but you will never be able to fly from yourselves.”
Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy. (St. Cyprian to St. Cornelius).
Saint Robert Bellarmine
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.”
“On the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be wrong.” “When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.”
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”
“When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.”
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.”
“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...”
“Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have got heaven and earth, and all of creation.
“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.”
“All of creation is a song of praise to God.”
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
“Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness.”
“Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
“The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured. It must not be destroyed!”
“A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.”
“God has arranged everything in the universe in consideration of everything else.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.”
“I, God, am in your midst. Whoever knows me can never fall. Not in the heights, nor in the depths, nor in the breadths. For I am love, which the vast expanses of evil can never still.”
“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
“Our souls should be like a transparent crystal through which God can be perceived.”
St Januarius (Sep 19).
See the miracles in everyday life
Little is known about the life of Januarius, a bishop and martyr who died in the year 305, but he’s famous for a miracle that continues to happen all these centuries later. Three times a year in the cathedral in Naples, Italy, the faithful gather to witness a sample of his blood, kept in sealed glass, liquify and even bubble. There is no definitive explanation, and the blood cannot be studied since the vial is not allowed to be opened out of fear of permanent damage. Sound incredible? Some say yes. But does it even compare to the extraordinary tenets of your faith? Now that’s something much more consequential to marvel—every day of the year.
{Januarius, bishop of Benevento, together with one of his deacons, Festus, and Desiderius, a Lector, were among the many Christians put to death on the orders of Diocletian - in their case in 305 AD. St Paulinus of Nola was granted, shortly before his death, a vision of Januarius and of Irenaeus, sent by God to strengthen him as he faced death.
The miracle of Januarius’ blood is well-known and quite unexplained. Those who deny all miracles say that this particular miracle has a perfectly natural explanation; but they are unable to give one. God’s every day miracles, the birth of a baby, the coming into flower of a plant, are more important reminders of God’s wonder, but miracles like that of Januarius’ blood, can give us cause to ponder, too.
Let us call to mind our sins.
While Januarius is known most because of the seemingly miraculous liquifying of his blood that occurs each year on his feast-day, he is not a saint because of that. He is a martyr, one of many martyrs during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian. He was bishop of Benevento, near Naples, in Italy. On his way to visit some Christians imprisoned in Nola, he was arrested. He was tortured and, heavily manacled, made to walk in front of the governor’s chariot from Nola to Pozzuoli. There, in the circus, he was thrown to the wild beasts. They would not approach him; so he was beheaded.} MEMORIAL OF JANUARIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
MEMORIAL OF ANDREW KIM TAE-GŎN, PRIEST, AND PAUL CHŎNG HA-SANG, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS. “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Companions on the journey
South Korea has one of the largest Catholic populations in all of Asia. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn—the first Korean priest—played a role. As did Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, a lay Catholic born of a martyr who was martyred himself. In fact, the birth of the Korean church is a laypeople’s triumph. Pope John Paul II stressed this fact during his 1984 canonization of Tae-gŏn, Ha-sang, and 101 other martyrs: "Even though the Christians in the first half century had only two priests from China to assist them for a time, they deepened their unity in Christ through prayer and fraternal love. . . . The splendid flowering of the Church in Korea today is indeed the fruit of the heroic witness of the Martyrs." We, too, are called to be companions to the martyrs in building up the Body of Christ.
Apostle Saint Matthew.
Even tax collectors need a patron
Though we don’t know much about the apostle Matthew— We do know that he was a tax collector. And because of this, he was persona non grata in the Jewish community. It was the occupying Romans who demanded those taxes, so Matthew and his fellow taxmen were seen as collaborators. From the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus laid out the invitation to break out of righteous categories and see beyond narrow prejudices. A reminder for us to do the same.
Regarding events in Jesus’ public life, the following are proper to Matthew alone:
the healing of the two blind men – Mt 9:27-31.
the promise of the primacy to Peter – Mt 16:17-19.
the tax paid by Jesus – Mt 17:24-28.
the story of Judas'suicide – Mt 27: 3-10.
the guard at Jesus'sepulchre – Mt 27:62-66.Matthew also provides reflections on Jesus infancy (Mt 1-2) and testimonies about the resurrection (Mt 28:9-20) not found in the other Gospels.
Moreover, Matthew has preserved for us many teachings of Jesus which we would otherwise not know:
PARABLES
the city on a hill – Mt 5:14
the pearls before the swine – Mt 7:6
the wolves in sheep’s clothing – Mt 7:15
the fruit of the fig tree – Mt 7: 16-20
the parable of the weeds sown among corn – Mt 13:24-30
the merchant who finds a hidden treasure – Mt 13:44
the merchant who finds the pearl – Mt 13:45-46
the net full of good and bad fish – Mt 13:47-48
the householder and his storeroom – Mt 13:52
the debtor who did not forgive his fellow – Mt 18:23-35
the labourers in the vineyard – Mt 20:1-16
the willing and unwilling son – Mt 21:28-32
the wise and the foolish virgins – Mt 25:1-13
the division of the sheep from goats – Mt 25:31-46
INSTRUCTIONS
on reconciliation before the sacrifice – Mt 5:23-24
on avoiding oaths – Mt 5:33-37
on practising virtue in secret – Mt 6:1-8, 16-18
on taking up his yoke – Mt 11.28-30
on authority in the Church – Mt 18:15-20
on the value of celibacy – Mt 19:10-12
THE POPE
Stock Photo ID: 2443325697 - Rome, Italy 29.03.2024: Pope Francis celebrates the ceremony of the Celebration at the Altare della Confessione, St. Peter's Basilica - Editorial Use Only. - Photo Contributor - Marco Iacobucci Epp
What does “True Greatness” really look like.
The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him but after three days he will rise. Jesus, was speaking to his disciples of this reality, of what he had to do, of his service, of the passion. Nevertheless, they did not understand his words; they were in another world, they were debating among themselves - and the Lord knew it. It was such that when they arrived in Capernaum, “he asked them: what were you discussing on the way?” They, however, “were silent” out of shame. For on the way they had discussed who was the greatest with one another.
“You think that the fight for power in the Church is something of these days, eh? It started there, right beside Jesus”. Yet in the Church it should not be so, (Mt 20:25-26), Jesus explains the true meaning of power. "But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant."
When someone is given a higher position - in the world's eyes - we say, 'ah, that person has been promoted to.... Yes, that's a lovely phrase and we in the Church should use it, yes: this person was promoted to the cross; that person was promoted to humiliation. That is true promotion. It is what makes us more similar to Jesus.
In Mark 9:30-37 Jesus tells the twelve disciples “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all". If we make compromises while trying to live out the Gospel we will end up by imbibing the spirit of the world, which leads to dominating others and is the enemy of God. On the contrary, Jesus calls us to the path of service.
Jesus knew that along the way, the disciples, because of ambition, had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest. This quarrel by saying "I must go on, I must go up", is the spirit of the world. But today's First Reading of the Liturgy (James 4:1-10) also follows this aspect, when the Apostle James remembers that love for the world is the enemy of God.
This anxiety of worldliness, this concern to be more important than others, saying, “No! I deserve this, that person doesn’t deserve it”: this is worldliness, this is the spirit of the world, and those who breathe in this spirit, breathe in the enmity of God. Jesus, in another passage, says to the disciples, “Either you are with me or you are against me”. There are no compromises in the Gospel. And when someone wants to live the Gospel while making compromises, they ultimately find themselves with the worldly spirit, which always tries to make compromises to climb higher, to dominate, to be greater.
So many wars and so many quarrels come precisely from worldly desires, from passions. It’s true that there are many wars in the world today. But “What about the wars among ourselves, like the one among the Apostles about who is the most important?” "Look at the career I've had: I can't go back now!" This is the spirit of the world, and this is not Christian. “No! It’s my turn! I have to earn more to get more money and more power”. This is the spirit of the world. And then, there's the wickedness of chatter: gossip. Where does it come from? From envy. The great envious one is the devil, we know that, it says so in the Bible. From envy. Through the devil’s envy evil enters into the world. Envy is a worm that drives you to destroy, to bad-mouth others, to annihilate others.
In the discussion among the disciples, there were all these passions and so Jesus rebuked the them, and called them to become servants to all, and to take the last place.
Who is the most important in the Church? The Pope, the bishops, the monsignors, the cardinals, the pastors of the most beautiful parishes, the presidents of lay associations? No! The greatest in the Church are those who make themselves servants of all and serve everyone, not those with titles. And to help us understand this, He took a child and placed him among them; and embracing him with tenderness – because Jesus spoke with tenderness, He had so much – He said to them: “Whoever receives a child, receives me”. That is, whoever welcomes the most humble, the one who serves the most. This is the way. There is only one road against the spirit of the world: humility. Serving others, choosing the last place, and not climbing the ladder.
Therefore, we must not negotiate with the spirit of the world. We must not say, "I am entitled to this place because, look at the career I have made." Worldliness, in fact, is God's enemy. On the contrary, we need to listen to these very wise words of encouragement that Jesus speaks in the Gospel: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Pope Francis
https://sites.google.com/view/popefrancishomilies/greatest
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.
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