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“Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2323472679. Hand drawn - widows mite - Illustration Contributor: ArtMari. Adapted with colours and effects.
PASTOR’S POST -
In this month of Holy Souls, my mind keeps returning to a theme that I feel is so very important. Fostering a grateful, remembering heart. At times of loss, we do acknowledge the reality of sadness and loss. At the same time, never denying our many feelings at times like this, we also cannot help but feel a deep and rising sense of gratitude. Even in the face of loss, and in fact because of a sense of loss, we realise the priceless gift that our loved ones and friends are to us, and us to them.
As an anonymous poet once wrote: “As long as hearts remember. As long as hearts still care. We do not part with those we love. They're with us everywhere.”
And, from a Christian perspective, all God’s creation ultimately is loved, remembered and cherished by God who lovingly created all things, and all people within creation. Therefore, in every way, we are with God and God is with us, and our departed loved ones are with God. And one day we shall all be with God and what a blessed and joyful reunion that will be. But we do not rush toward that day, for God lovingly walks with us and bids us to fill our hearts and minds with gratefulness, reverence, wonder and awe as we savour, appreciate and respect all the priceless moments and excellent encounters we have with those around us.
I believe our loved ones do not wish us to hasten to be reunited with them, for, they are now in union with God and in the blessed union of all souls. Since they are now outside of time as we understand it, perhaps we are already reunited with them in Heaven. It is just that we, who are subject to linear time, have not yet gotten there. So we savour this time, and always and everywhere, as the Eucharistic prayers say, give God thanks and praise, for it is right and just.
"Sanctum" (by Beulah B. Malkin).
“I built a tiny garden,
In a corner of my heart.
I kept it just for lovely things
And bade all else depart.
And ever was there music,
And flowers blossomed fair;
And never was it perfect
Until you entered there.”
“May Time Soften Your Pain” (author Unknown).
“In times of darkness, love sees…
In times of silence, love hears...
In times of doubt, love hopes…
In times of sorrow, love heals...
And at all times, love remembers.
May time soften the pain,
Until all that remains
Is the warmth of the memories,
And the love.”
Fr Paul
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church Coolangatta. A special mass and morning tea:
NOVEMBER MASS ENVELOPES AND THE BOOK OF LIFE REMEMBRANCES
When you place a request in a November Mass Envelope for a Mass to be offered for your deceased loved ones, the priests will take these Special Intentions to the Masses they preside over. Names from November Mass Envelopes are not read out individually in the Prayer of the Faithful or mentioned individually at Mass by the Presider. The names that are listed in the Book of Life Remembrances are remembered as a group in the Prayer of the Faithful. All Masses in all Churches for November will be offered with the Souls of the Departed as their Special Intentions.
November Mass Envelopes, along with the Book of Life Remembrances, can be found at the back of all the Churches. These envelopes enable you to add the names of your deceased loved ones and friends.
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Creative Christmas Market - (Hospitality Centre - 7/12/24)
Saturday, December 7th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Art, craft, jewellery, plants, candles,
So much more from local artisans.
All works are done with meticulous art and love.
“Everything must be new.”
Place: Hospitality Centre, Sacred Heart, near the Sacred Heart—Sacred Grounds coffee shop, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Applicants interested in selling their creativity are welcome to apply.
Contact: Grace Greenhouse
0475 134 414 or 0410 006 484. Plants Boutique and Gifts
FANS and DOORS in OUR CHURCHES
It's that time of year again. Please note that the church has a policy regarding fans, windows, and doors.
DURING CHURCH SERVICES - FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING the HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON PLEASE AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN PLEASE FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES! Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. And no one has permission to touch or switch the fan settings except our coordinators. Also, please do not close the doors (or windows) of the church,m as we need fresh air for the well-being of others. The same applies if it starts raining outside. Please do not shut doors and windows, as almost all of these are protected by balconies and verandahs, and there is virtually no chance of rain getting in. Even when it is raining, it can still be hot and humid, and closing things up and turning off fans worsens the situation. Coordinators are following Church Health and Safety directions. It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that suits your needs better or bring something warm to put on. As you can imagine, we cannot adjust these large spaces to meet everyone’s personal needs, so we need to set them for general conditions, and individuals can then bring whatever they require for their individual needs. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
An INVITATION FROM TOM BLACKHURST AND FAMILY
We have booked our youngest, Hannah, in to be baptised on Sunday, 17 November 2024. at 10.30 am Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
Since the Parish and its members have become like family to us over the last 5 years, and there are so many, we'd like to invite them. We are very excited about Hannah's special day and can't wait to celebrate. Kind regards, Tom Blackhurst.
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café outside the Sacred Heart Church has been a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and the wider public. The feedback has been that the café is a great idea, but its location in the front of the church is not ideal. The café has now re-opened in the old Atrium building. This will allow community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision. Chris and his staff are delighted to welcome you.
Holy Water- A Means of Spiritual Wealth!
Traditional Catholic view on the power of holy water:
Holy Water is one of the sacramentals given to us by the Church that many of us partake in at least weekly.
Holy Water - A means of spiritual wealth!
Imprimatur: Albert B Meyer, Archbishop of Milwaukee, Jan. 13, 1958
Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy. The church strongly urges its use upon her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness and other calamities. Every Catholic home should always have in it a supply of holy water.
Let Us Cultivate Its Use: Untold spiritual wealth is concentrated in a tiny drop of blessed water. And we give it so little thought! Did we realise now, as we shall realise after death, the many benefits which may be derived from holy water? We would use it far more frequently and with greater faith and reverence. Holy Water has great power and efficacy from the prayers of the Church, which its Divine Founder always accepts with complacency.
Following are Some of the Petitions the Priest Makes to God When He Blesses Water: “O God, grant that this creature of Thine (water) may be endowed with divine grace to drive away devils and to cast out diseases, that whatever in the houses or possessions of the faithful may be sprinkled by this water may be freed from everything unclean, and delivered from what is hurtful…Let the sprinkling of this water banish everything that threatens the safety or peace of the dwellers therein so that the health they seek by calling upon Thy Holy Name may be guarded against all assault.”
Prayers Effective: These prayers ascend to heaven each time you take holy water and sprinkle a drop for yourself or another, whether present or absent, and God’s blessings descend for soul and body.
Dispel the Devil: The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place near a person often sprinkled with this blessed water.
Do Your Dear Ones Live at a Distance?: Holy water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones and protect them from all harm to soul and body when worry and fear take possession of your heart, hasten to your holy water font, and give your dear ones the benefit of the Church’s prayers.
The Holy Souls Long for It: Only in Purgatory can one understand how ardently a poor soul longs for holy water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us realise some of their yearnings now, and never forget them at the holy water font. The holy souls nearest to Heaven may need the sprinkling of only one drop to relieve their pining souls.
Remits Venial Sins: Because Holy Water is one of the Church’s sacramentals, it remits venial sin. Keep your soul beautifully pure in God’s sight by carefully making the Sign of the Cross, saying, “By this holy water and by thy Precious Blood wash away all my sins, O Lord.”
Use Holy Water as follows: Dip your fingers in Holy Water and say, “By this holy water and by thy Precious Blood, wash away all my sins, O Lord.” Sprinkle Holy Water on Holy Souls in Purgatory, then make the sign of the cross.
Fr Dan Ryan’s PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY IN THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR
2025 - Holy Year Pilgrimage In Italyould you like to go to Italy with Fr Dan Ryan next May for the Holy Year?
Fr Dan Ryan has organised a Pilgrimage to Italy from May 9th to May 24th.
We will spend 4 nights in Assisi and 4 nights in Rome.
The Pilgrimage will go from Venice to Rome via Florence, Padua, Siena, and San Giovanni Rotonda (Padre Pio).
There will be brochures at the front of the church next week, or you can go to
https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2569 - for more information. Or you can contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156
Fr Dan Ryan.
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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. The next Session No. 3 will be held on 27 October.
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, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
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.
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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 6/12/24, 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 7/12/24. 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, Joseph Antony, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Nellie Bellinger, Graham Bousen, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Nadia Ceh, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Ellanie Gonzalez, Jenny Haines, Mary Hirst, Andrew Janiec, Sr Elisabeth Keane, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, l McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Carmela Parente, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Karsten Rickert, Bob Rogers, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Marie Dodsworth, Patricia Sulzberger, Christine Jones, Peter Norris, Geraldine Clissold, Des Stuckey, Giuseppe (Joe) Currenti, Alfonso Covino, John Carey, Tommy Harris, Rosa Maria Tassone, Antonius Bennik, Alexis McCoy, Brenda Stewart, Peter Kane, Helen Nugent, Olympia Georgiou, Caroline Moulden, Frank Anthony Armanasco, Ma. Cristina Cruzada Lenihan, Colleen Williams, Merle Maiden, Bill Brewer, Damian Mullins.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
All Holy Souls, including those in the Books of Remembrance. &
James Kenneth Ackroyd, Dorothy Briffa, Pauline Margaret Brooks, Bruce Barry Basil Buckley, Ronald George (Ron) Burnell, Fr Cornelius Cahalane, Ivan Victor Clark, Effie Elizabeth Clark, Elizabeth Margaret Coffey, June Marea Cogan, Pat Conway, Bridget Frances Dalton, Pauline Mary Dolan, Benjamin Gage, Fr Michael Gallagher, Fr Stan Griffith, Sim Bee Hiang, Giuseppe (Joe) Iulianetti, Halam & Amelia Japour, Phillip Aldur Kaljo, Mary Kirsch, John Bernard Landrigan, Agnes Kean Main McDermott, Stanley McQuee, Vere Menefy, Fr Stephan Miklos, Samir Moussa, Shirley Elizabeth O'Brien, Bob And Rose O’Sullivan, Mario Pase, Mary Catherine Reeves, Dulcie May Ricks, Elizabeth Mary Pauli Rose, Anne Ryan, John Reginald Slattery, Fr Edmond (Ted) Stapleton, Bob Sutcliffe, Westgate, Bruck, Woodgate & Wheeler families, Alan Whitbread, Phyllis (Phyl) Woodhead
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Robert Aouad, Ronald George Blacker, Zelimir Bresic, June Butler, Mariana Camilleri, Fr Thomas Carroll, Miguel Charvet, Michael James Conlon, Michael Connaghan, Beryl Margaret Davidson, Fr Martin Doyle, Fr David Edwards, Joan Mary Enright, Bridget Finn, Graham Irwin, Marianne Lila Kyle-Little, Fr Vincent Landener, Dean Parker Leigh-Smith, Joannes Maas, Margaret MacLennan, Fr Terry Madden, Gertrud Marschner, Moira Winnifred McLellan, Paul Mott, Reggie Naidoo.
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
Beautiful Christmas nativities and ornaments have arrived.
ADVENT REFLECTION RESOURCE -
Arrived available in the shops now
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 6/12/24, 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 a.m. Saturday, 7/12/24. 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 emailsurfers@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:
11/11/24 Luciana Lang & Family Robina
18/11/24 Luciana Lang & Family Robina
25/11/24 Suzanne Joseph Robina
2/12/24 Suzanne Joseph Robina
9/12/24 Julio & Eileen Camera Nerang
16/12/24 Julio & Eileen Camera Nerang
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 Wednesday 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
MARIAN PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church 13.11.2024 Our Lady of Fatima's Feast. The bus will be picking up Sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus fare $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573, Chris Raynal 0451 302 674, all are welcome.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Prayer inspired by the life of Saint Martin of Tours.
Father, by his life and death Martin of Tours offered you worship and praise. Renew in your hearts the power of your love, so that neither death nor life may separate us from you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Source: https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=555
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW: Vocation Awareness Week
Jesus upholds the example of the widow who puts two small coins into the Temple treasury as the greatest treasure given. We are to give not out of our surplus, but from our very selves. (Mark 12:38-44)
We are called to be apostles of unity, ourselves living in, and calling others to, communion with Christ in His Body, the Church. May we seek out opportunities to proclaim this message. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP - November 3, 2024 -31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
“I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.” (Mark 12:43-44). Jesus gets right to the point – we are all called to give money to support the mission of the Church, regardless of our circumstance. No gift is too small or insignificant! Giving money to support the mission of our local parish is a matter of our faith, just like praying and participating in parish ministries. When you make a financial offering, is it from your “first fruits” or from what is “left over”?
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 -
Is it possible that an Old Testament prophet founded a Catholic religious order? It may not have been his intention to, but yes. The Carmelites consider Elijah to be their spiritual founder. For all of his fieriness, Elijah was, like the Carmelites, contemplative. On Mount Carmel, where the order had its origins, Elijah won a showdown with prophets of Baal, a deity worshipped in ancient Canaan and Phoenicia. In fact, according to Carmelite tradition, a community of hermits lived there from the time of Elijah until the order was formed. You never know what wondrous shape your spiritual heritage might take.
“. . . the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.” [1 Kings 17:10-16]
HOMILY: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/pIw0HUJrFwQg8DSbMHB2?ru=Paul-Evangelion
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
A little statistical example to show what Our Lord saw behind all the 'smoke and mirrors' show going on with many of the donors at the Temple - Imagine four people wanting to donate to the treasury. Also, imagine that before they publicly put their coins into the treasury, they first had to go to a private room and convert their donation to “special coins, " representing how much they were giving as a proportion of their total wealth. So these “special coins” would be worth 1 per cent of the person's wealth, irrespective of how much or little they were giving...
The results are very revealing:
Relatively wealthy person 1 - intending to give 1000 denarius out of his 10,000 denarius savings = is given ten coins to put into the treasury.
Very wealthy person 2 - three thousand out of his 50,000 savings = six coins
Extremely wealthy person 3 - 10,000 out of his 200,000 savings = five coins
Poor widow - for her intended donation of 3 small pennies out of her 3 penny savings - 100 coins
Notice, in this process, the wealthiest donor is not giving as much as some less well-off but still wealthy donors proportionately. And, of course, the widow is the most generous and committed by a vast margin.
No wonder our lord praises her generosity, faith and commitment -
This lady doesn’t just "pip" the others by a small amount - she smashes them out of the ballpark.
If the above system were used in donations, publicly flaunting one's total would quickly be dispensed with, as it would not be as flattering to many.
This weekend in the Scriptures we come across two different types of behaviour. The scribes in the Gospel openly seek power and honour that goes with that power, and the exploitation that gains the power, whilst in comparison the humble widow in the first reading and the widow in the Gospel are generous, and they're not doing it to be taken notice of, they're giving out of their poverty. One group takes while the other group gives without counting the cost.
Are we takers or givers?
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Generosity is a very tricky thing in a culture defined by independence. We're tempted to focus on our responsibility of taking care of our own needs and the needs of those closest to us. Whilst we might not match the confidence and complete selflessness of the two widows and their trust in God, we can certainly keep growing in our desire to give much, much more than we take.
There are a couple of lines that really pinpoint the issue in the gospel. Jesus says, Beware of the scribes, they devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext, lengthy prayers. And then, This poor widow from her poverty has contributed all she had.
Things are clearly not always what they appear. The scribes were offering long and complex prayers, but according to our Lord, the motive behind these people’s prayers was not (as it was meant to be) - praise of God, or to exercise God's values of justice, charity and mercy, but they were using it as a disguise, in order to allow them to more readily gobble up others' wealth or what little they had. That's really tragic and shocking.
And then in the gospel, Jesus points out the poor widow's offerings. He commends her because her very, very small offering was an act of extraordinarily profound generosity. She gave from her livelihood rather than her surplus, and she gave what was to others virtually nothing, but to her was everything.
So people wouldn't have even noticed how profound this act was. It was for God alone, and God saw it in Jesus. To give from our livelihood is not only an act of generosity, but it's an extraordinary act of trust in God.
We can only give from our need if we trust that God will provide for us everything that is really lasting. Or if we identify with others' needs as interconnected with our own destiny, for they too are our brothers and sisters, then we will reach out to help others in their need, even from our poverty. Jesus himself demonstrates the ultimate example of this complete generosity and commitment, as he gives us everything.
He sacrifices all to save us. He holds nothing back. Even his life is given for us on the cross.
God giving his life for us. God who did not need to suffer, who could have avoided it, but did not to save us. Jesus recognises the absolute fate and commitment shown by the poor widow, both of them, in the first and the gospel, as compared with the others who seem to be giving enormous amounts.
It's a real eye-opener. The people who are most consistent with the values and actions of Jesus' good news are not always the ones most noticeable. It has been observed in the past, and I believe it, that the greatest contributors to worthy charities, to people in need, to the missions, all these wonderful projects that help other people, are the mum and dad givers.
The ordinary people who are giving what they can to people who are less fortunate than ourselves. We know we're comparatively better off, but we're not certainly the most wealthy. The ones who are giving the most in terms of total dedication to Jesus' values are often not the ones who are most visible.
And today's gospel reminds us it's possible to be appearing to be doing enough and giving enough, but only God sees straight into the human heart and truly knows what we are capable of. God knows. Jesus knows the circumstances of each of our lives and values and rejoices in all that is done with what we have, irrespective of how much it amounts to in quantity or by comparison with others.
Jesus sits watching as many people come by and donate in the temple. It's extraordinary in this beautiful gospel. We're told Jesus sits and watches as people come by and donate to the temple treasury.
To the people of Israel, donating to the temple treasury was considered to be giving donations to God. Jesus is seeing what anyone else could see, or more precisely, anyone else could notice what Jesus saw if they were really looking. But only our Lord seems to see what's really happening.
There's a surprising contrast in this incident. There are those whose lives are publicly dedicated to serving God, but in actual fact they're not entirely committed to God. In essence, despite their grand show, they're holding a lot of things back.
They have a lot of money and worldly possessions and they're giving generously, but our Lord perceives that they're only giving from their excess, from what they can well spare to give whilst still having plenty left. They keep a lot more for themselves. They're not completely dedicated to the cause.
They're saving most of their possessions for themselves or for a rainy day. But how much does one need for a rainy day? That's like asking how long is a piece of string. So they keep most of what they have for themselves.
They find many excuses, good and bad, to refuse to use it for the good of others. They trust only in their own resources and not God's providence and they put their potential future needs before the real and actual needs of those right in front of them, if they bothered to notice. It's all very well for me saying I'm going to save something for a rainy day, but meanwhile I'm looking at someone who's absolutely being poured on.
Their rainy day is now and there's no time to be lost. And then there's this poor widow who's in actual need and has very little to live on, but she's utterly committed to God's vision. She has invested and trusted in God's kingdom completely and is willing to invest her trust and her time and treasure, in fact her last penny, to God's kingdom.
If everyone did that, throughout the whole world there would be no poverty, no one going without the basics of life, while others hoard more and more than their fair share for a rainy day that may never arrive. Jesus is not teaching us to be reckless or irresponsible, but he is asking us, inviting us with love to commit ourselves totally to the vision of the kingdom here and now. We're again invited to look well beyond appearances, not to judge by outward appearances, but to trust in God's providence, to not hold back our gifts, talents and generosity.
And we need to eliminate measuring the value of things in terms of quantity or by comparing ourselves to others and focusing more on quality and intention. We again realise from this gospel not to judge by earthly standards, to give from the heart and realise that everyone may be giving as much as they can, even if it doesn't seem like a lot in comparison to others, we cannot see into others hearts and minds. All of us are called to respond in trust, generosity, non-judgmental ways, and above all, love, to give 100% to the values and person of Christ.
The other beautiful thing is that Jesus really cares. He invites us to have that same attitude always. Our Lord notices the people around him and the meaning of their actions, no matter how small they seem.
He sees beyond appearances and directs his vision to what is real, and he loves it, and thanks the Father for it. Jesus not only notices the unobtrusive and humble lady, he also notices that this lady has actually handed in everything she had. Therefore, the most generous person to have donated that day, and most people would not have realised it, and even when he pointed it out, they would have said, how can that be? She's hardly given anything. Meanwhile, almost everyone else didn't realise this humble lady's profound generosity. Still, they didn't notice the injustice of the system that doesn't care about the needs of people like this, nor do anything to help them.
If this system had worked according to God's desire, the money people contributed to the temple would have been given to God's beloved people, who were in need, precisely like her. Meanwhile, people probably didn't even notice her at all, but our Lord did.
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References:
Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly
((1)http://www.loyolapress.com/32nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-b-sunday-connection.htm)
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/pIw0HUJrFwQg8DSbMHB2?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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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.
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Martin of Tours, Bishop - 11-Nov - Memorial
Born in Pannonia (Hungary) about 316. Died in 397 and was buried on this day in Tours (France). A catechumen who was in conscience unable to continue with military service. Baptised at the age of eighteen, for a time became a hermit, and then worked to establish monasticism in the West. Bishop of Tours for twenty-five years. One of the first non-martyrs to be venerated as a saint. Widely remembered for his legendary generosity to the poor, for arguing against the persecution of heretics, and especially for his active evangelisation and pastoral care of rural areas.
"Now let me fight for God. As for your bonus, let someone who is going to join the battle receive it. I am a soldier of Christ-combat is not permitted me."
In the name of the Lord Jesus and protected only by the sign of the cross, without shield or helmet, I shall penetrate the enemy's ranks and not be afraid."
"With the sign of the Cross, I shall more certainly break through the ranks of the enemy than if armed with shield and sword."
"Lord, if your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done."
"Allow me, brothers, to look toward heaven rather than at the earth, so that my spirit may set on the right course when the time comes for me to go on my journey to the Lord."
NOVEMBER 12 - M - Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
St Josaphat (1584-1623):
St Josaphat’s favourite devotional exercise was to make prostrations in which the head touches the ground, saying, the Jesus prayer: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
- ‘I am here among you as a shepherd and you ought to know that, please God, I will give my life for the holy union, for the supremacy of Peter and of the Holy Father, his successor.’
NOVEMBER 15 - m - Saint Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church
SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT- (c. 1200 – 15 November 1280) - (A Saint Who Loved Both Faith and Science).
The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive all
that you ask.
It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where
charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If then, we possess charity, we possess God, for "God is Charity" (1John 4:8)
Natural science does not consist in ratifying what others have said, but in seeking the causes of phenomena.
I have never gone out to mingle with the world without losing something of myself.
Banish, therefore, from thy heart the distractions of earth and turn thine eyes to spiritual joys, that thou mayest learn at last to repose in the light of the contemplation of God.
Do there exist many worlds, or is there but a single world? This is one of the noblest and exalted questions in the study of Nature.
In this way, if you continue all the time in the way we have described from the beginning, it will become as easy and clear for you to remain in contemplation in your inward and recollected state, as to live in the natural state.
Now it must be asked if we can comprehend why comets signify the death of magnates and coming wars, for writers of philosophy say so. The reason is not apparent, since vapour no more rises in a land where a pauper lives than where a rich man resides, whether he be king or someone else.
Furthermore, it is evident that a comet has a natural cause not dependent on anything else; so it seems that it has no relation to someone's death or to war. For if it be said that it does relate to war or someone's death, either it does so as a cause or effect or sign.
ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND (c. 1045 – 16 November 1093) -
“Cease your tendency to neglect the due observance of the Lord’s day.”
“I thank You, Almighty God, for sending me so great a sorrow to purify me from my sins.”
“After receiving Holy Viaticum, she was repeating the prayer from the Missal, ‘O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy death didst give life to the world, deliver me.’ At the words ‘deliver me,’ says her biographer, she took her departure to Christ, the Author of true liberty.”
There are two ways to be charitable: the “clean way” and the “messy way.” The “clean way” is to give money or clothing to organizations that serve the poor. The “messy way” is dirtying your own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret’s outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the “messy way.” (article about St Margaret from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-of-scotland )
ST GERTRUDE the Great(January 6, 1256 – November 17, 1302)
“I understand that each time we contemplate with desire and devotion the Host in which is hidden Christ's Eucharistic Body, we increase our merits in heaven and secure special joys to be ours later in the beatific vision of God”
“Every time we look at the Blessed Sacrament our place in heaven is raised forever.”
“Soften my hard ‘self-opinionatedness’, which time has hardened so exceedingly!”
It is a fearful mistake to believe that because our wishes are not accomplished they can do no harm.
Property -- the more common it becomes the more holy it becomes.
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Photo Description. Stock Photo ID: 2536580213. Rome Italy 10 16 2024: Pope Francis greets the Christian faithful who have arrived in St. Peter's. The Pope speaks and gives gifts to the faithful who have arrived in the Vatican. Photo Contributor: Fabrizio Maffei
The Pope has just released a new encylical on The Sacred Heart of Jesus. We will serialise this document over the next weeks.
We all need to open ourselves to Christ’s infinite love: Pope
A world that has become “heartless” and indifferent to greed and war, and a Church in need of revitalising its missionary joy must open themselves up to Christ’s infinite love, Pope Francis says in his new encyclical. Source: CNS.
By contemplating Jesus’ Sacred Heart, the faithful can be filled with the “living water that can heal the hurt we have caused, strengthen our ability to love and serve others, and inspire us to journey together toward a just, solidary and fraternal world,” the Pope wrote in his encyclical, Dilexit nos (‘He loved us’): on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.
The Vatican released the 28,000-word text yesterday.
While it is the Pope’s fourth encyclical, he wrote that it is meant to be understood in tandem with his previous two encyclicals, Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Homeand Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.
“The present document can help us see that the teaching of the social encyclicals … is not unrelated to our encounter with the love of Jesus Christ,” he wrote.
“For it is by drinking of that same love that we become capable of forging bonds of fraternity, of recognising the dignity of each human being, and of working together to care for our common home.”
The encyclical includes numerous reflections from the Bible, previous magisterial texts and the writings of saints and his fellow Jesuits to re-propose the centuries-old devotion to the whole Church.
“In the deepest fibre of our being, we were made to love and to be loved,” the Pope wrote.
However, he wrote, “when we witness the outbreak of new wars, with the complicity, tolerance or indifference of other countries, or petty power struggles over partisan interests, we may be tempted to conclude that our world is losing its heart.”
“It is heartbreaking,” he wrote, to see elderly women, who should be enjoying their golden years, experiencing the anguish, fear and outrage of war.
“To see these elderly women weep, and not feel that this is something intolerable, is a sign of a world that has grown heartless.”
“The most decisive question we can ask is, ‘Do I have a heart?’“ the Pope wrote.
FULL STORY
Only love will save humanity, Pope says in encyclical on Sacred Heart(By Carol Glatz, CNS)
RELATED COVERAGE
‘He Loved Us’: Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus(Vatican News)
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 VINCENTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - PROUD AND TRUE DIRECTORY
Dear St Vincent’s Parents and Caregivers,
Get Onboard!
After fantastic responses over the last few years, we are preparing for the St Vincent's Primary Proud & True Business Directory 2025 Edition.
If you have a small business, work for a small business, are a tradie and thinking about your marketing plans for the 2024/2025 Financial Year, you may like to take up a special offer to advertise to our broader school community in our St Vincent’s business directory.
Whether it’s as a landscaper, accountant, solicitor, plumber, electrician, coffee shop owner… just to name a few – this could be for you.
In Australia 86% of people rely on word-of-mouth recommendations! This is all our community businesses packaged into a one stop word of mouth shop.
Our parents and members of our broader school community want to support each other and ensure we are spending our money locally and helping businesses continue to operate and grow. The Proud & True Business Directory will be distributed widely to all staff and families at St Vincent’s.
If you would like to advertise your business in this directory, please contact Ben Ryan on 0432545995 or email ben@advcollab.com.au
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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