PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16b)
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/1PAeSE1bbWi4UICpMSbc?ru=Paul-Evangelion
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
St Vincent's Surfers Paradise conference would like to thank all our parishioners for their very generous donations to our Christmas Appeal. With your continued support we help make a difference to the lives of many. We wish you all a happy, safe, peaceful Christmas.
The Surfers Paradise St Vincent de Paul conference calls on all parishioners to help give hope to struggling local families.
The SVDP Surfers Paradise conference annual Christmas appeal was last weekend, but if you would like to donate it is never too late. This financial appeal is critical for our conference to urgently assist those in need.
Your generous donation helps us continue these good works. Should you wish for more detail on the activities of the conference, or would like to become a member please contact Conference President Wendy Webb via email: wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
Distribution of hampers to the families, who the SVdP works with, is scheduled for today - Sunday 15th December 2024.
God bless everyone involved.
CHRISTMAS MASSES IN THIS PARISH -
CHRISTMAS EVE TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER 2024
STELLA MARIS CHURCH, BROADBEACH
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS. Fr Warren
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE
Christmas Eve: 5.00 PM VIGIL MASS. (SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MASS TIME ONLY) - Fr Paul
SACRED HEART CHURCH, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS
Christmas Eve (vigil): 5.00 PM=FAMILY MASS with Children’s Nativity Play- Fr Anthony .
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8:00 PM SPECIAL MASS (Christmas Eve only).- Fr Paul
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CHRISTMAS DAY - WEDNESDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2024.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS
Christmas Day:
9.00 AM - Fr Anthony
(No evening mass at SH)
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE
Christmas Day: 8.00 AM & 10.00 AM - Fr Paul
Hispanic Mass 5:30 PM
STELLA MARIS CHURCH, BROADBEACH
{Stella Maris. 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, 4218
Christmas Day: 7.00 AM - Fr Bernie Gallagher
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We are currently contacting coordinators for each of the Christmas masses. If you would like to volunteer to assist at a particular Christmas (or Christmas Eve) time slot at Sacred Heart Church, please ring the parish office 56717388 between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Once the Coordinators and Parish Sacramental Team have worked out the roles appropriate to considerations such as the expected attendance, the roster will be emailed to those required for ministries on the day. We will require: altar servers, collectors, sacristans, communion ministers, ministers of the word, audio visual operators...The music ministry will be organised through the Parish Music Team. St Vincent’s Church volunteers are asked to speak directly to Pat Kelly. Stella Maris Church volunteers for the Christmas Vigil are asked to speak to Lorelle Rawlings.
Thank you in anticipation of your generous responses and your understanding that the roles will be shared with much care and consideration of the whole faith community.
PASTOR’S POST -
Last year, I remembered reading with enormous dismay a case of a young lady overseas, who was asking for and was permitted by a court to end her own life by assisted dying, despite her being in perfect physical health and with no terminal illness. The laws for voluntary dying are often initially “sold” to people on the argument that this was only for people who were at the very end of their lives. Opponents to this, including the Catholic Church, proposed strengthening palliative care systems to allow for dignified and natural death. This new development became an alarming situation, which confirmed our fears that passing these laws for terminal illness was just the tip of the iceberg.
The church does not condone voluntary euthanasia, even for terminal patients. It offers effective alternatives such as palliative care, which respects the dignity of every person and gives them a natural, dignified and pain-managed death. The lady in question suffered from severe depression and doubted the worth of herself and her life, and yet pro-life experts warned that allowing her to access voluntary euthanasia was affirming her misperception, caused by depression and low esteem, that she had no other choice than to die. This was agreeing with someone mistakenly viewing their dignity and struggling to see their self-worth and value. Whatever the good intentions of those who encouraged and enabled this choice, it virtually told patients the shocking and incorrect statement: “You are right; your life is not worth living, and the only way of maintaining the dignity of your life is to end it.” It is seen as giving up on them and agreeing and colluding with their misconception that their life was not worthwhile. The church utterly and strongly rejects this mentality based on Our Lord’s teaching on the human person's absolute dignity and life, even when facing illness, pain, and significant obstacles and challenges.
It was a significant cause of relief and thanksgiving to me and people worldwide to learn that a miraculous development has occurred in this case. That same lady, who was proceeding with voluntary euthanasia, was right at the very end of the process when she was asked one final question. She stopped the process late when asked the final question before the lethal dose was administered: “Are you sure you want to do this?” She hesitated and said, “no!” - The process was immediately abandoned. It is telling that despite her having gone through what was said to be an extensive prior psychological evaluation, she nevertheless terminated the procedure and chose life. Thanks be to God for this miracle. Here is more on this good news story and what happened for her after this inspired choice.
Averted euthanasia case a “beacon of hope” says Sydney researcher
[By Marilyn Rodrigues November 15, 2024] (Catholic Weekly Newspaper - Sydney)
The story of a young Dutch woman who changed her decision to be euthanised moments before a lethal injection is a “beacon of hope” affirming the proper treatment of factors which can lead to suicidal thoughts, says Sydney psychiatrist and palliative care researcher Dr David Kissane.
Several media outlets reported on 13 November that the 22-year-old woman identified as Romy had begun advocating for her right to die upon turning 18, having suffered clinical depression and eating disorders as a result of childhood abuse.
But in June 2023 she called off the procedure at the last moment, when asked by the administrating doctor, “Are you sure?”
The reports, based on an article published by Dutch news outlet NRC, said she subsequently applied once again for euthanasia, but with trauma therapy and “consistent work” she has found purpose in life.
Now living in communal assisted living in Rotterdam, Romy is studying for a diploma in adult education and said, “Because I’ve been so close to death, I see life as something valuable. It won’t always go well, but I now know there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Dr Kissane, the chair of Palliative Care Research at the University of Notre Dame Australia, said euthanasia for people with mental illness is administered in the Netherlands and Belgium through pro-euthanasia clinics that employ activists promoting liberalisation of euthanasia laws.
Ingrid Kuebler and Prof David Kissane, Chair of Palliative Medicine Research at UNDA, look at photos of Ingrid’s mother, Elizabeth, below and at right. Ingrid said that psychological counselling and pastoral support for herself helped her to care for her mother. PHOTO: Peter Casamento
“Sadly, the number of young patients with autism, anorexia nervosa, depression, loneliness, schizophrenia and personality disorder has grown year by year,” he said.
“Against this pattern, the story of Romy is a beacon of hope that seldom reaches publicity, yet poignantly displays the alternative outcome that affirms life when the right model of care is provided.
“When patients campaign for euthanasia, they can develop a sense of courage about what they are doing, which can buoy them along for a time.
“Yet there is a fundamental ambivalence about losing your life, and the good news for Romy is that she listened to this and stopped in time.”
Dr Kissane will explain his ground-breaking research on demoralisation, which he discovered is a major contributor leading to a desire to die, when he delivered the 2024 annual Plunkett Lecture in Sydney on Wednesday 20 November.
Associated with feelings of hopelessness, pointlessness, and isolation, demoralisation affects between one quarter to a third of patients with serious illness and can lead to a wish to want to give up prematurely on life.
“We did studies showing that demoralisation was a more powerful mediator of suicide than depression, in fact about three times more powerful, and in 2022, a systematic review confirmed this reality across 18 studies,” Dr Kissane said.
In the free lecture Dr Kissane demonstrated how demoralisation can be clinically diagnosed and treated.
Plunkett Centre for Ethics director, Associate Professor Xavier Symons, said Dr Kissane’s research provides “much-needed” and rigorous scientific context to address end-of-life care as voluntary assisted dying becomes more widely accessible across Australia.
“His data not only shows a correlation between people who believe there is no point to continue living and the desire to die, but presents enormous opportunities for improving patient care in palliative care settings,” he said.
The annual lecture invited world leaders to address the state of Australian healthcare ethics. It was hosted by the Plunkett Centre for Ethics—a joint initiative of Australian Catholic University, St Vincent’s Public Hospital Sydney, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Sydney, the Mater Hospital Sydney, Calvary Healthcare Limited, Mercy Hospital in Melbourne and Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne.
(Catholic Weekly Newspaper - Sydne - see https://catholicweekly.com.au/averted-euthanasia-case-a-beacon-of-hope-says-sydney-researcher/)
Fr Paul Kelly
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Children’s Nativity Play 2024
All parish children, and children visiting from parishes elsewhere, are invited to be part of our Children’s Nativity Play.
Our Children’s Nativity Play for 2024 will be part of our 5pm Christmas Vigil, Family Mass celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, on Tuesday December 24.
We ask that children who are interested in being involved on the evening of the Christmas Vigil Mass attend three practices at Sacred Heart Church:
Practice 1 - Wednesday, December 18 beginning at 10:30am until midday
Practice 2 - Friday, December 20 beginning at 10:30am until midday
Practice 3 - Monday, December 23 beginning 10:30am until midday.
The practices will be led by our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson and assisted by Marylou Ayres who is a member of our Parish Sacramental Team. Throughout each practice, children attending must be accompanied by a parent or an adult designated by the parents of the child/ren.
You are most welcome to email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au to indicate your child’s interest or you can simply turn up at the church on the day of the first practice.
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Lay volunteers providing pastoral care to the sick in hospitals
are invaluable as part of holistic patient care. The foundation for this ministry lies in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Centacare provides accredited training for compassionate men and women who would like to explore if this ministry is where God is calling them to practical Christian action in their lives. The next training course will start in February 2025. To express your interest or to find out more about the course and the volunteer role please email judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au or phone 3324 3193
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Christmas Gifts from Palms!
Are you looking to give something really special this year?
Something that makes a tangible difference?
Palms has the shop for you!
Whether it be a GIFT directly supporting our overseas development program, or some unique Timorese GIFTS for your loved one’s home, you’ll find that perfect GIFT here!
Just scan the QR or go to palms.org.au/donate/palms-gift-shop
Happy shopping! And yes, your purchase assists the amazing communities overseas
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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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.
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.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Jubilee 2025
Vatican issues clarification on Holy Doors during 2025 Jubilee:
The Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization issues a clarifying note regarding the 2025 Jubilee, specifying that Holy Doors will only be open at the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and in one prison.
The opening dates for the Holy Doors during the 2025 Jubilee are:
St. Peter's Basilica: Opens on December 24, 2024 at 7 PM
Pope Francis will open a special Holy Door in Rome's Rebibbia prison on Dec. 26, the feast day of St. Stephen.
San Giovanni in Laterano: Opens on December 29, 2024
Santa Maria Maggiore: Opens on January 1, 2025
St Paul Outside the Walls: Opens on January 5, 2025
The Jubilee Prayer:
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise forever and ever
Amen
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What is the Jubilee?
“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year; the name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram's horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an “extra” year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn’t easy to organise, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, and involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.
Quoting the prophet Isaiah, the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus’ mission in this way: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord,” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus lives out these words in his daily life, in his encounters with others and in his relationships, all of which bring about liberation and conversion.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a “Holy Year,” since it is a time in which God's holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been “extraordinary” Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. The way in which Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.
Fr Dan Ryan’s PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY IN THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR
2025 - Holy Year Pilgrimage In Italy
Would 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 2025. 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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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, 3/1/2025, 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 4/1/2025. 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, Jenny Johnson, Sr Elisabeth Keane, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Ron McConnell,
l McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Angela Micallef, 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, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Joy L’Huillier, Eileen Edmonds, Waltraud Barbara Nagy, Barry Collins, Pauline Gates, Paul Douglas, Clare D'Arcy (from Albury-Wodonga), Simon Cruickshank, Antonio Risotto, Angela D’Rozario, Brendan James Hill, Jill Margaret Gill, Vincent Comito, Baby Mila Annie Long, Isobel Mary Corvesor, Fred Downham, Patricia Sulzberger, Marie Dodsworth, Christine Jones, Peter Norris.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Fr James Bolton, Margaret Borg, Ada Teresa Bradshaw, Joe Bugeja, Melita Bugeja, Fr William Cashman, Noel (Max) Patrick Christmas, Maria Consiglio, Tessie Craig, Barry Charles Day, Fr John Dobson, Josephine Elizabeth (Josie) Dowd, Konrad Zbigniew Dziurdziak, Elda Ferluga, William Fouad Gazal, Pat Foster, Denis Graham, Most Rev Joseph Angelo Grech, Fr Peter Grice, Murray James Hill, Fr Ron Illidge, Maureen Jobling, Stanley (Stan) Kassulke, Walter de Launey, Patricia Lazaro, Mary Jean Lenthall, ITaufau Ah Lo, Frankie Anne Mackedie, Anthony Malouf, John Peter Bartolomeo Mandile, Vera McCormick, Emidia Micallef, Gary John Moore, William Patrick, Henry Martin Prince, Henry Restall, Arthur 'John' Robinson, Abina Jean (Jean) Saalmann, Alfred Ernest (Alf) Symonds, Sybil Vos, Maria Vos, Fr Vincent Wheeler, Charlie Restall White, Grazyna Zyner.
And Also: (Alphabetical):. Mary Anderson, Fr Kevin Aspinall, Maria Magdalena Bizzotto, Brian Leslie Boehme, James William Boland, Maria Cassar, Desmond Robert Castle, John Baptist Covan, Wadad Doumani, Bishop John Gerry, Jeno (Jim) Goboly, Patricia Gray, Felix Michael Grech, Peter Harford, Disa Fleurette Hunt, Warwick Gerard Jones, Judy Jones, Warwick Gerard (Rick) Jones, Gail Patricia Little, Charly Macky, Kenneth Raymond (Ken) Martin, Zdenek (Sid) Martinek, Fr William McKeown, Jarmila Julie Muller, Joseph Nazari, Fr Peter (Fintan) O'Beirne, Jack O’Brien, Con Ante Pizzol, Dulcie Ricks, Mello Scharenguivel, Maureen Smith, Jim Stewart, Darryl Patrick Sulzberger, Luigi Tassone, Dawn Turner, Albina Kristina Vah, William Raymond (Billy) Willbrandt.
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
A variety of Christmas gifts still available.
2025 “God’s Word” includes readings for every day of the year along with a reflection for the day. Excellent value at only $20 per copy.
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, 3/01/25, 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, 4/01/25. This will be Followed by adoration and Benediction.
{This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP (Last session will be on 18th December - Resumes 29th
January 2025)
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- (Last session will be on 9th December - Resumes on 13th January)
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 - (Last session will be on 10th December - Resumes 14th January 2025)
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:
16/12/24 Julio & Eileen Camera Nerang
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH - (Last session 17th December 2024 - Resumes 21st January 2025)
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. - (Last meeting will be on 18 December 2024 - Resumes 8th January 2025)
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 (Last meeting will be on 10th December - Resumes 21st January 2025)
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
Vatican International Photography Contest
In the context of the Jubilee of Sport for the year 2025, the Dicastery for Culture and Education (Vatican) is promoting an international photography contest under the title:
'Sport in Motion'.
The contest includes five categories of photography:
- Sport and Hope (sport as a message of hope to society)
- Sport and Family (sport as a moment of family life)
- Sport and Disability (sport as a platform for inclusion
- Sport and Politics (sport as a resources accessible to all
- Sport and Ecology (the relationship of sport with the elements of nature)
The deadline for entries is 30 April 2025, and the winners will be announced at the
Jubilee of Sport (14-15 June, 2025).
The winners will be awarded a meeting with the Holy Father, a visit to the Vatican
Museums, a workshop in the Osservatore Romany newspaper and the international dissemination of the photos in the Holy See's media.
To enter, send your submissions to sportinmotion@dce.va . Further information about the contest can be found on the Dicastery's website via this link:
https://www.dce.va/it/news/2024/concorso-di-fotografia.html
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 19 January 2025.
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.
A VOCATION VIEW:
“What ought we to do?” Let joy and gladness show forth in you. You are called to be the presence of Jesus. (Luke 3:10-18)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
St. Paul reminds us that God is an abundant God – He is the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. Remember, that we are created in God’s image and likeness. We, too, are made to be generous with all of our gifts as well. Placing our trust in God frees us from being a slave to possessions. It allows us to gratefully and generously share ourselves and our goods with others.
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 - The forgotten wrong
In an affluent society, the sin rarely referred to is avarice. We redefine it as ambition, upward mobility, or simply “doing well.” But the clutch of personal possessions is still the spiritual stranglehold it always was. The needle’s eye isn’t getting any bigger, and our modern camels still won’t pass through. John the Baptist offers several key remedies. First, share what you have with those who don’t have. Second, don’t cheat, ever. Third, don’t keep striving for more. Finally, be humble. These remedies for avarice are countercultural. They also prepare the way of the One who is coming.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Today's readings:
"The crowds asked John the Baptist: ‘What should we do?’ ” [Luke 3:10-18].
HOMILY: GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/rJPira9rQSynlXriMSQp?ru=Paul-Evangelion
There's something really reassuring and pleasant about today's Gospel. In the readings this weekend, the tone of Advent lightens, particularly. There's a theme of gladness in the air.
The readings speak of rejoicing. The approaching birth of the Lord brings joy. Even the name for this Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as “Rejoice Sunday.”
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In this time of Advent reflection, there's building excitement for the imminent celebration of the birth of our Lord. When we look at the readings, it's interesting to note that the reason why we should rejoice and be glad is not that everything is going well, although good fortune and success are even further causes for joy and thanksgiving, but in the Scripture, we rejoice and are glad because God is near. No matter what is happening, success or failure, sickness or health, freedom or oppression, God is near to us.
God is always with us, very, very near to us. In our hearts and minds, our God comes to us to sustain us, save us and grant us forgiveness and hope. Also, God gives us peace in answer to our prayers.
Saint Paul refers to this when he writes, don't worry, but if you need anything at all, ask for it and God will grant you his peace. That's really important. The first response God offers us, no matter what our prayers or requests is, God gives us peace.
And by implication, God's peace is everything we need to cope with whatever is happening. The mark of a civilised nation is surely to be found in how it cares for and protects its most vulnerable members. I'm thinking of children, the young and all vulnerable adults, the elderly, the frail.
Let's continue to build a safer and non-violent society that particularly and absolutely values life and protects all its members, especially the young and vulnerable. So let's continue to pray for people suffering the effects of hatred, violence, destruction and war. May those who die from senseless acts of violence be taken to the place of peace and rest in the compassionate arms of our Lord.
Let's pray and work together, inspired by these prayers, that the world will find new and better ways to put an end to this kind of violence and devastation and bring peace and safety to all people's lives. It's their right. It's what they need.
It's what God desires for them. The world has been blessed by God's gift of inspiration and genius to so many people of goodwill, to so many people of love who are working constantly to create a better world, who are reaching out to those especially in need. God has lovingly inspired people who desire to fill in the valleys of prejudice and hatred, to level the mountains of ignorance, selfishness and pride, and to straighten the paths of hatred and violence.
So, let us pray that these minds and hearts of love and peace will prevail. John the Baptist today is getting everyone prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He tells everyone, repent of your sins, turn around, change your ways, because the Lord is near.
And the people of all different vocations and stations in life all ask some natural questions in response to this. Okay, if we are to change, what must we do? This is a question we all ask. Lord, show us what we have to do to make the changes you desire in our lives.
John shows us those changes. He says, share your food and material goods with those who have nothing. Act fairly, justly and honestly with others.
Never act with intimidation or threat. Avoid disgruntlement, envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy and criticism or negativity. And we could add so many other wonderful practical actions and attitudes that show the reverence we have to our God of justice and mercy, of love and kindness and practical charity.
And all of these beautiful things flow through to how we treat one another. God our Father knows that we're not perfect and that only with his grace can we respond daily to his love. Every new day our Father raises us up and invites us to again trust in him, to seek his help, so that we can grow deeper in practical ways in faithfulness and love.
I think of Mary, the mother of God, who although she doesn't feature expressly in today's gospel, she does feature in the readings over the coming week. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Mary treasured or pondered the things that were happening to her, even when some of those events that were occurring were not exactly happy times.
Mary treasured things in her heart that were confusing and alarming, disorientating, all sorts of things. She treasured everything because she utterly trusted in God's love and care and treasured and pondered on everything that was happening in her life. Mary constantly pondered the fact that God was near to her and was faithful to her.
Let's rejoice and take heart that the nearness of the Lord always, particularly at his coming at Christmastime, will sustain and strengthen us in good times and in bad. We're promised peace from God. We're promised that God is near to us as we stay attentive to God's ways and active in justice and compassion.
God's inner peace does not necessarily promise that everything's going to go well in our environment or our world, but God's inner peace will sustain us and guide us in times of both tranquility and also, just as importantly, this peace will guide us and sustain us in times of outer turmoil. God's peace will be given to us in our constant combination of prayer and thanksgiving. God's grace will lift us up in times of joy and celebration and also God's grace will sustain us and help us and carry us through in times of trouble.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
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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 Peter Canisius
"(St Peter Canisius had) an extraordinary devotion to the Holy Eucharist – his devotion to the Holy Sacrifice was such that people would come from great distances to watch him offer Mass, so devoutly did he celebrate. He was one of the people who urged frequent Communion at the Council of Trent and was one of those who got the Council of Trent to pass a little-known decree, little known because it took almost three hundred years for that decree to really come to life. The Council of Trent, mind you, in the sixteenth century, encouraged daily Communion – you would never guess it, would you? Peter Canisius was one of those who, under instructions from Ignatius,
made sure that the Council passed that decree and he spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament." Ven Servant of God Fr John A Hardon S.J. (1914-2000)
If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all.
"Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary, for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to his disciples: “You are the light of the world”; but also added these words: 'A city seated on a mountain cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house.' Those churchmen err, who imagine, that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of all-embracing love, they fulfil their office."
"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.
These ceremonies which are used in the administration of the Sacraments, each of which we receive as delivered and entrusted to us through the hands of the fathers, must especially be retained and observed with great devotion.
It behoves us unanimously and inviolably to observe the ecclesiastical traditions, whether codified or simply retained by the customary practice of the Church.
THE POPE - Continuing serialisation of Pope Francis’ new Encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
[https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html]
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2187513921 - St Peter statue on Saint Peter's Basilica background in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. Baroque monument, fine sculpture of Apostle Peter with key close-up. Concept of Rome landmark, Catholicism and faith. Photo Contributor- Viacheslav Lopatin
Pope article:
JESUS’ GAZE
39. The Gospel tells us that a rich man came up to Jesus, full of idealism yet lacking in the strength needed to change his life.Jesus then “looked at him” (Mk10:21).Can you imagine that moment, that encounter between his eyes and those of Jesus?If Jesus calls you and summons you for a mission, he first looks at you, plumbs the depths of your heart and, knowing everything about you, fixes his gaze upon you.So it was when, “as he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers... and as he went from there, he saw two other brothers” (Mt4:18, 21).
40. Many a page of the Gospel illustrates how attentive Jesus was to individuals and above all to their problems and needs.We are told that, “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless” (Mt9:36).Whenever we feel that everyone ignores us, that no one cares what becomes of us, that we are of no importance to anyone, he remains concerned for us.To Nathanael, standing apart and busy about his own affairs, he could say, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you” (Jn1:48).
41. Precisely out of concern for us, Jesus knows every one of our good intentions and small acts of charity.The Gospel tells us that once he “saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins” in the Temple treasury (Lk21:2) and immediately brought it to the attention of his disciples.Jesus thus appreciates the good that he sees in us. When the centurion approached him with complete confidence, “Jesus listened to him and was amazed” (Mt8:10).How reassuring it is to know that, even if others are not aware of our good intentions or actions, Jesus sees them and regards them highly.
42. In his humanity, Jesus learned this from Mary, his mother.Our Lady carefully pondered the things she had experienced; she “treasured them… in her heart” (Lk2:19, 51) and, with Saint Joseph, she taught Jesus from his earliest years to be attentive in this same way.
JESUS’ WORDS
43. Although the Scriptures preserve Jesus’ words, ever alive and timely, there are moments when he speaks to us inwardly, calls us and leads us to a better place.That better place is his heart.There he invites us to find fresh strength and peace: “Come to me, all who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Mt11:28).In this sense, he could say to his disciples, “Abide in me” (Jn15:4).
44. Jesus’ words show that his holiness did not exclude deep emotions.On various occasions, he demonstrated a love that was both passionate and compassionate.He could be deeply moved and grieved, even to the point of shedding tears.It is clear that Jesus was not indifferent to the daily cares and concerns of people, such as their weariness or hunger: “I have compassion for this crowd... they have nothing to eat... they will faint on the way, and some of them have come from a great distance” (Mk8:2-3).
45. The Gospel makes no secret of Jesus’ love for Jerusalem: “As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it” (Lk19:41).He then voiced the deepest desire of his heart: “If you had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Lk19:42).The evangelists, while at times showing him in his power and glory, also portray his profound emotions in the face of death and the grief felt by his friends.Before recounting how Jesus, standing before the tomb of Lazarus, “began to weep” (Jn11:35), the Gospel observes that, “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (Jn11:5) and that, seeing Mary and those who were with her weeping, “he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved” (Jn11:33).The Gospel account leaves no doubt that his tears were genuine, the sign of inner turmoil.Nor do the Gospels attempt to conceal Jesus’ anguish over his impending violent death at the hands of those whom he had loved so greatly: he “began to be distressed and agitated” (Mk14:33), even to the point of crying out, “I am deeply grieved, even to death” (Mk14:34).This inner turmoil finds its most powerful expression in his cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk15:34).
46. At first glance, all this may smack of pious sentimentalism.Yet it is supremely serious and of decisive importance, and finds its most sublime expression in Christ crucified.The cross is Jesus’ most eloquent word of love.A word that is not shallow, sentimental or merely edifying.It is love, sheer love.That is why Saint Paul, struggling to find the right words to describe his relationship with Christ, could speak of “the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal2:20).This was Paul’s deepest conviction: the knowledge that he was loved.Christ’s self-offering on the cross became the driving force in Paul’s life, yet it only made sense to him because he knew that something even greater lay behind it: the fact that “he loved me”.At a time when many were seeking salvation, prosperity or security elsewhere, Paul, moved by the Spirit, was able to see farther and to marvel at the greatest and most essential thing of all: “Christ loved me”.
47. Now, after considering Christ and seeing how his actions and words grant us insight into his heart, let us turn to the Church’s reflection on the holy mystery of the Lord’s Sacred Heart.
Full document found at [https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html]
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
SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
BASED ON THE PLENARY COUNCIL DECREES
The Action Plans for the 8 Decrees that came out of the National Catholic Plenary Council initially, which we as a Parish participated in very enthusiastically, have now been through the process of SYNOD 24 for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and can be found by clicking on the link below or for those of us who are challenged in this area, we have also repeated below. We look forward to your respectful comments and meaningful discussion as to how we as a Parish go forward. Remembering we cannot do everything but can take one small step at a time. Once again we will call on the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making.
Synod24-Decrees-Document-web.pdf
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 1 - HEALING WOUNDS, RECEIVING GIFTS
The focus here is on the need for a new engagement of the Church with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, beginning with a new kind of listening in the belief that we all can and must learn from the first inhabitants of the land
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That, building on the Archdiocesan Reconciliation Action Plan, the Archdiocese develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander truth-telling, professional learning and formation plan that provides opportunities for all those within parishes, communities and agencies to come to a deeper recognition, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities
** That the Archdiocese develop and distribute culturally appropriate resources to assist parishes, communities and agencies to include aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, spiritualities, ritual and symbol in prayers and liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop culturally specific learning and formation opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 2 - CHOOSING REPENTANCE, SEEKING HEALING The focus here is on addressing sexual abuse in the Church, making amends for failures in the past and working to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, but especially for the young and the vulnerable
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That in dialogue with survivors, the consequences of physical, sexual and spiritual abuse by Church personnel be addressed within the Archdiocese through truth-telling and story-telling sessions in safe spaces that may give survivors and their family members a voice to be heard and honoured, and support for research and programs related to trauma-informed spiritual care and the long-term impact of spiritual harm
** That a Sunday of the liturgical year be set aside within the Archdiocese to focus upon safeguarding and healing, with a reassessment of Safeguarding Sunday looking to rename, refocus and resituate it, with the preparation of appropriate ritual and resources, including an annual commissioning of local safeguarding people
** That the Archdiocese, in dialogue with survivors, implement processes that seek forgiveness for historical failings, recognising and addressing their needs. This could include a formal apology to survivors and their families, symbolic plaques and/or artwork in significant locations, theological reflection on sexual abuse within the Church which ought to be a place of refuge and safety, retreats and days of prayer that can foster healing, and the training of appropriately gifted people to undertake a ministry to survivors and their families.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 3 - CALLED BY CHRIST, SENT FORTH AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES
The focus here is on the Church as a community of welcome for all, but especially for those who have been marginalised or excluded, listening to their stories and creating safe and hospitable spaces for them within the Church
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an Archdiocesan family and intergenerational ministry working group be formed to develop and implement a holistic, intergenerational and inclusive approach to family faith-formation across educational and other Archdiocesan agencies in order to foster lifelong missionary discipleship
** That this working group explore ways of strengthening partnerships between parishes, schools, communities and agencies, develop and implement sacramental resources for children with diverse learning needs and disabilities, including training for sacramental coordinators and volunteers to use the resources, develop a safe and supportive network for parents and carers of children and young people who may need additional support to feel welcome, offer advice upon request at decision-making tables at all levels of Archdiocesan governance.
* That there be in self-nominated Mass centres the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations catering for diverse needs within the community, provided with resourcing around mentorship, formation, training and succession-planning for self nominated clergy, religious and laity
*** That the Archdiocese provide facilitated listening sessions, workshops and forums for safe and supportive story-telling, truth-telling and dialogue, in order to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and disenfranchised
** That with the support and mentorship of the Archdiocesan Council for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations, Queensland Churches Together and the Queensland Faith Communities Council, a co-responsible deanery approach to ecumenism and interreligious relations be developed and implemented, including short courses on ecumenism and interreligious relations, formation of individuals for work in ecumenical and interreligious relations, ecumenical retreats and pilgrimages, ecumenical and interreligious youth summits
*** That a strategic approach to mission in the digital environment be developed and implemented, focusing on the creation of digital media within a Catholic context, formation and training of people to work in the field, and including research into the possibilities and challenges of engaging the sacramental life of the Church through digital platforms such as live-streamed liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop a pastoral ministry in sport, including formation and support programs and research into best practice and recommended qualifications, training and study pathways for sports chaplains.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 4 - WITNESSING TO THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The focus here is on ensuring that the Church is a place where the equal dignity of women and men is respected and where the gifts of both women and men are identified and allowed to flourish for the sake of leadership within the Body of Christ
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
* That, if the universal law of the Church were modified to admit women to diaconal ordination, the Archdiocese examine how best to implement it in the context of the Church in Brisbane *** That a fulltime role of Executive Officer for Participation be established to design, implement and resource a plan for the full co-responsible participation of lay women and men in the life and mission of the Church ** That a reference group be established to explore options for the use of inclusive language in prayer, liturgy, scripture and all Archdiocesan communications * That a research project be established to explore the theological foundations of diverse understandings of women in the Church, leading to an assembly on co-responsibility of all the baptised in the life and mission of the Church *** That a pilot program be established to financially support the postgraduate education and formation of lay women and men in various areas of interest and importance to the Church, with the Archdiocese providing the initial funds with a view to establishing a foundation. A transparent application process would be overseen by the Archdiocesan Synod Council (see Action Plan 7) and approved finally by the Archbishop.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 5 - COMMUNION IN GRACE, SACRAMENT TO THE WORLD
The focus here is on the need to identify and foster the charisms given by God and to encourage new forms of ministry to supply the needs of the Church not only internally, for the sake of worship, but also externally, for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
** That a ministry of front-of-house hospitality be developed and implemented for secretaries and other administrative staff in parishes and communities, recognising and formalising what is often happening, offering training and networking opportunities to those engaged in the ministry, devising processes of recruitment and care of those called to the ministry, and developing resources to help those engaged in the ministry
*** That the Archdiocese explore fully the possibilities of the ministries of catechist, lector and acolyte and consider what other ministries, open to all, instituted or not, might be needed to meet new needs
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Ministries Discernment Committee to oversee the recruitment, formation, commissioning, institution and continuing education of those preparing for or carrying out such ministries
** That the Archdiocese support and provide resources for lay-led liturgies where appropriate, particularly for parishes and communities without regular access to clergy
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic funerals and baptisms, indicating the circumstances in which this would be permitted and providing both discernment process and training programs for those involved in this ministry
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic weddings (in line with Chapter III of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony), indicating the circumstances in which this might occur and the process of delegation ** That the Archdiocese promote the participation of lay people in the ministry of preaching within the Sunday Mass and elsewhere, identifying the situations in which a lay person might offer a reflection during Mass, providing adequate training and support which would include sessions on how to run a Scripture study group, how to write and deliver a Lectionary-based reflection on the readings, how to make best use of the Directory for Masses with Children, drawing upon the resources of Archdiocesan agencies and organisations
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project supporting the integration of families into parishes and communities in order to promote their sense of belonging and engagement in the life of the Church, providing resources to facilitate the incorporation of families into the community both before and after the sacraments of initiation and resources to support family catechesis when preparing children for the sacraments
** That the Archdiocese establish a network of groups working in marriage education and enrichment, including marriage preparation for engaged couples and ongoing accompaniment for married couples
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a formation strategy on the sacrament of penance and the many ways in which God’s mercy is experienced in Christian life and liturgy, providing resources and examples, such as ritual outlines for the celebration of the sacrament of penance, including the second rite, offering retreat opportunities for different age groups to enable them to experience the sacrament of penance, and revising the current sacramental policy on the provision of first penance for children.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 6 - FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
The focus here is on providing in a variety of ways the formation needed for ordained and non-ordained leadership in the Church, so that leaders will be properly equipped for the ministry to which they are called
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese develop a plan for ministry and leadership formation, including a working group representing key people in formation and developing resources and programs on missional and synodal leadership such as podcasts, online modules and retreats, particularly for emerging leaders who have skills and qualifications equipping them for governance, leadership and other decision-making roles
* That the Archdiocese develop and implement opportunities for lay people to be engaged in ongoing spiritual growth beyond the liturgical context, including in small groups that meet regularly for prayer, bible study, reflection on Church documents, and spiritual accompaniment
* That parishes and deaneries offer formation events drawing upon experts to reflect on key topics such as prayer, scripture, sacraments, marriage and family, mission, care for our common home and inclusivity. SYNOD24
** That pathways for greater lay involvement in the ongoing formation of clergy and the formation of seminarians be identified, providing avenues for accompaniment of clergy by lay people and assisting pastors to work with a small group of lay people to provide regular feedback on homilies, based on an agreed criteria matrix
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a road-map for a mission focused Church that is synodal and co-responsible, including localised and ongoing conversations in the Spirit as a regular part of planning, decision-making, pastoral care and community-building
** That the Archdiocese teach simply and systematically the discipline and method of conversation in the Spirit as a way of discernment, attempting to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in listening to each other.
* That the Archdiocese produce podcasts and digital media resources exploring what it means to read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel
*** That the Archdiocese, at a time when the ethnic profile of the Catholic Church is changing both locally and globally, organise forums on interculturality in a missional, synodal and co-responsible Church.
*** That a SYNOD24 Formation and Implementation Plan be developed and implemented, providing opportunities for formation in all eight Action Plans and including resources and workshops in areas such as how to share faith with friends, how to engage with scripture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island spirituality, integral ecology, sacraments and sacramentality, inclusive theology, the role of women in the Church, ecumenism and interreligious relations.
*** That the Archdiocese offers workshops and practical resources on how to implement the SYNOD24 Action Plans in parishes, communities and agencies across the Archdiocese.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 7 - AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION: GOVERNANCE
The focus here is on the governance of the Church in a synodal key, looking to synods as a regular feature of Church life and to synodality as the characteristic of all aspects of Church governance for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese commit to celebrating Synods on a regular basis, so that this key element of synodality become a normal part of Archdiocesan life
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Synod Council which will meet regularly through the year between the Synods, members committing to formation in and practice of conversation in the Spirit as a key element of meetings and to formation in the nature and purpose of the Council
** That the Council commit to diverse representation including a mix of lay women and men, religious and the ordained.
** That the Archdiocese prepare Statutes for the Council ARCHDIOCESAN SUMMIT 2023 2 4 / ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE SYNOD24 Action Plans
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project to operate at deanery level to identify lay people who are women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, persons with a disability or from a cultural community, and who seem suitable to serve on councils and committees in the parish or the Archdiocese with the right kind of mentorship, accompaniment and formation, especially in the areas of synodality, co-responsibility and mission
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a parish handover process that includes consultation with members of the parish, especially the Parish Pastoral Council, and the preparation of a statement of what the parish expects of a pastor.
* That there be in the Archdiocese regular performance reviews of pastors to identify areas of strength and areas for growth, with ongoing professional supervision to foster growth.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 8 - INTEGRAL ECOLOGY AND CONVERSION FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COMMON HOME
The focus here is on the need for ecological conversion in the life and mission of the Church, understanding that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the one thing, and that ecological conversion must lead to action
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an integral ecology formation strategy be developed and implemented for clergy, community leaders, agency staff and parishioners, to be revised every three years, helping them to grow in understanding of integral ecology and its impact on our behaviour and drawing where appropriate on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom, and engaging with already existing eco-spirituality resources
* That all organisations, parishes and schools writing a Laudato Si Action Plan include a framework for measuring and reporting emission reduction that leads to a considered net zero pathway that includes commitment and timeframes.
* That, in addition to the emission reduction strategies, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities be developed in the Archdiocese with a view to assisting all agencies, parishes and communities to embed measurable ESG outcomes into their future Laudato Si Action Plans. SANTA TERESA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE.
*** That an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan be developed and implemented to support ecological ministry throughout the Archdiocese, recruiting deanery representatives to create hubs that support ecological ministers overseen by a coordinator employed by the Archdiocese to support action in parishes and communities
* That intergenerational and family initiatives be developed to promote the call to care for our common home
* That parishes, communities and agencies share their activities in the area of ecological engagement at events and through avenues of communication, and that cross-agency collaboration in this area be coordinated and encouraged throughout the Archdiocese.
*** That the Archdiocese produce guidelines and resources for parish clergy and liturgy coordinators indicating ways in which a commitment to integral ecology can be integrated into liturgical celebrations.
CLOSING REMARKS
Some of these action plans already have currency in one form or other in the Archdiocese, or at least in some parts of the Archdiocese. The task will be to give greater impetus and focus to those that already have currency, but also to set in motion the processes to which others look. Not all the action plans will be able to be implemented immediately, but none of them can be delayed indefinitely Therefore, priorities will have to be set in the hope that the action plans will have been implemented within five years. Budgeting will also need to be considered, as will the question of who has carriage of the various initiatives. There will need to be a group to oversee the implementation of the action plans, the Synod Council will also be charged with oversight of a broader kind, and the Archdiocesan Synods will monitor progress. Yet this is a document not just for some. It is for everyone; and I urge all parishes, communities, agencies and individuals to read and reflect upon the action plans and to be as creative as possible in implementing them. These action plans are comprehensive but not exhaustive. There are things not mentioned in this document which are important for the future of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. For instance, we will certainly need to consider restructuring our parishes and even our schools, looking not so much to amalgamation but more to building a “community of communities”. How to engage young people more energetically in the life of the Church is another question not prominent in these action plans but essential for the future of the Church. How to be more effective in teaching prayer as a way of life, the art of listening to God in prayer and the contemplative eye upon the world: this is another. The list could go on. This is another way of saying that these action plans should be read in conjunction with my own document “With Lamps Ablaze” which sets out a number of what I called apostolic priorities for the Archdiocese. These interweave with the action plans found here. I direct that these synodal declarations and decrees which I sign in accord with can. 466 be published to the entire community of the Archdiocese and that a copy be forwarded to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as required by can. 46 I thank all who have been part of the Synod journey, having heard the Lord’s promise to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). I commend these action plans to the grace of the Holy Spirit from whom this process has come forth and to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, St Stephen and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to fulfilment (cf Philippians 1:6)
Mark
Archbishop of Brisbane
November 2024
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.
Surfer's Paradise Parish Mission Statement.
We, the Catholic community of Surfers Paradise, guided by the Holy Spirit, strive to live the mission of Jesus through the spirituality of stewardship.
We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God, and we believe in the inherent dignity, reverence and sanctity of all humans as lovingly created children of God.
Centred in the Eucharist and nourished by word and sacrament, we proclaim by faith and action the love of God for all.
We seek in our daily lives and actions, and in our wider community participation, to live consistently and practically each day of the week, what we proclaim in worship of God on Sundays.
In the spirit of gratitude, we live out this mission by
· Committing to be prayerful disciples of Jesus Christ.
· Recognising and sharing our gifts and talents.
· Active involvement in the life of the parish, for the sole purpose of promoting the honour and glory of God, through our care and love of our neighbour
· Hospitality, charity, justice and compassion in practical ways.
· Nurturing our young people.
