You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
Sunday, 20 April 2025 | Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. Year C | 
|
Readings for Sunday, 20 April 2025 - Easter Sunday of the Resurrection.Year C FIRST READING- Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” SECOND READING- Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (1 Corinthians 5:7b-8a). Alleluia, alleluia! Christ has become our Paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord. GOSPEL- (MORNING Mass): John 20:1-9 or (Afternoon or evening Mass): Luke 24:13-35 |
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1211082181- PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 17, 2018: The fresco of Resurrection in church kostel Svateho Cyrila Metoděje probably by František Sequens (sc. half of 19. cent.). Contributor. Renata Sedmakova
We congratulate the SALADAGA and MARZELLA families whose children, KIANNA, REMI & HARRY will be baptised in our Parish this weekend. Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers as they begin their faith journey. |
We congratulate and keep in your prayers the RCIA Catechumen and Candidates and their families as they join our church in this wonderful journey of faith. Ingram (Baptism). Renee, Coby, Jasha, Maverick, Hudson, Tayla (Reception & Sacraments). And Diony, Adam, Melissa, David, Constancio (Completing their Catholic Sacraments) |
PASTOR’S POST -
We can easily think that the Gospel stories we hear this weekend are about “seeing is believing.” When Simon Peter and the other disciple reach the empty tomb, they see only the linen cloths that Jesus’ body had been wrapped in. It was this moment where we hear that the disciple “saw and believed” that Jesus had risen from the dead (John 20:8). The testimony of Mary of Magdala, who had told them this truth already, was not enough for them. Next weekend we will hear the story of Thomas, who likewise, would only believe that Jesus had risen from the dead after he placed his finger in Jesus’ pieced hands and side (John 20:25).
In our time today, we even more so, live in a world where people want concrete evidence or proof. There can often be two problems with this. Firstly, concrete proof is not always available. This is where the resurrected Lord invites us to greater faith. Secondly, concrete proof itself is not always enough. The disciples had Jesus with them the whole time, and Jesus even told them that he must rise from the dead. But they failed to understand or believe this (John 20:9).
Friends, let us believe that Jesus has truly risen from the dead – not just over two thousand years ago, but risen in our lives now. Now that our Lenten journey is over for this year, pray and consider how Jesus, through faith, is wanting to transform you with the abundance of new life that he offers. Let’s not seek concrete proof, so much as we seek the subtle changes that the risen Lord has made in our lives, calling us to newness throughout this most festive time.
Fr Bradley
EASTER SERVICES IN OUR PARISH (2025)
HOLY SATURDAY: (April 19th 2025)
5 pm Full Vigil Mass with Baptism of Adults (longer ceremony). Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Ave, Broadbeach,
5 pm Vigil Mass, St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
2 pm Polish Easter food blessing- Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
8:30pm Hispanic Mass at St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
EASTER SUNDAY: (April 20th 2025)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
12.30 pm Polish Mass Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
4 pm Italian Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5:30 pm Hispanic Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. 4217
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASSES AND LITURGIES - AUDIO-PODCASTS - ALL HERE IN ONE EASY-TO LOCATE LOCATION:
++++
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION - BRISBANE CATHEDRAL
AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS - FEDERAL ELECTION STATEMENT
Australia’s Catholic bishops say the federal election is an opportunity to bring hope where hope has been lost, especially for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Pope Francis has approved the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” for the 2025 Holy Year of Jubilee.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement has drawn on this theme for the federal election statement, Called to Bring Hope in the Year of Jubilee, released today.
“Pope Francis reminds us that ‘all of us have received the gift and task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost, lives broken, promises unkept, dreams shattered, and hearts overwhelmed by adversity’,” the statement reads.
The statement sets out broad issues to reflect on before voting.
https://www.catholic.au/s/article/Election-Statement-2025
+++
++++++
(community service ad)
CLEAR ISLAND WATERS HEALTH PRECINCT (Santa Cruz Blvd)
Introducing our two new GPs Dr Maria and Dr Cian. Bulk Billing applies for patients under 16yrs old & patients with a valid concession or pension card. Appointments are available Monday-Friday (from 9am until 5pm).
Address: 1/56 Santa Cruz Boulevard Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226 Email: reception@ciwhp.com.au Web: www.ciwhp.com.au Ph: 07 5575 1822 Fax: 07 5575 3114
Dr Maria Guirguis
Dr Cian Morrison
Ignite Launch 2025 which is to be held at Dreamworld on 17th May – run by the Archdiocese – Ignite Launch is a whole day riding the roller coasters and saying hi to the tigers at Dream World, followed up with a massive dance party and live concert – right in the middle of the theme park, after it closes!
We are hoping to encourage young people to participate in this from the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish.
PASSION SUNDAY IN PICTURES
Holy Thursday Mass:
++++
MARIAN VALLEY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Divine Mercy Sunday Feast on 27.04.20225. The bus will be picking up Sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost of the bus fare per person $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine 0405 252 367.
Please see the latest edition of Liturgy News from liturgyBrisbane. Great information about the liturgy locally and universally -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d5LPrucFHmtCi_vOGFqGDgRGiEASRZHj/view?usp=drivesdk
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF PROJECT COMPASSION - A PRACTICAL WAY OF GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED - IN THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC-RUN APPEAL ORGANISED BY CARITAS AUSTRALIA
Thanks to the support of your parish community, your generosity will create waves of change around the world. But the work isn’t done yet. There is still time to donate! Together, we can Unite Against Poverty and help transform lives this Lent.
Please donate today.
You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code below
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.   |
e c
You can still support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation envelopes.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Sacred Heart 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters, 4226 | Saturday Night - 5 pm (Note: Reconciliations from 4-4.30 pm at Sacred Heart) *Note: First Saturday of the month, morning Mass, Adoration and Benediction: 9 am 3rd May 2025 And also the usual 9 am and 6 pm (at Sacred Heart - Clear Island Waters) Weekday Masses - Monday - Friday weekday Mass - 9 a.m. (all at Sacred Heart) [Stations of the Cross prior to weekday masses - Stations: 8 am - Sacred Heart Church] (Healing mass - the First Tuesday Tuesday 6th May 2025) {First Friday Night of the Month - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart Church - First Fridays of the Month, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch with Me for one hour?" Mt 26:40}. |
St Vincent’s 36 Hamilton Avenue. Surfers Paradise 4217 | Sunday - 8 am & 10 am (Hispanic Mass – 5.30 pm every Sunday)
Extra parking is available only metres from St Vincent’s Church, King’s Car Park, entry via Beach Road. Also Remembrance Drive opposite the church, next to the new Essentia Building. |
Stella Maris 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, 4218 | Saturday - 5 pm
Sunday - 7 am
|
Hispanic (Latino American) Mass: Fr. Syrilus Madin. 5:30 pm Mass - Every Sunday - St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Surfers Paradise. Gold Coast Contact: Juan Arrieta. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Polish Mass: Fr Jerzy Prucnal (Bowen Hills 3252 2200). 12:30 pm Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. Gold Coast Contact: George Syrek 0411 302 802 -
Italian Mass: Sunday, Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. For further information about the Italian Mass on the Gold Coast, please contact Fr Luis Antonio Diaz Lamus (Scalabrinian Missionary) at ladl71@hotmail.com or Giovanna at gianna52@hotmail.com -
Maronite Mass: Fr Fadi Salame 0421 790 996. The 6.30 pm Maronite Saturday Vigil is at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. |
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.
CHILDHOOD SACRAMENTS 2025 Please use the tables on the following pages to guide you, as you plan your child/ren’s Sacramental Journey in Surfers Paradise Parish. Please remember that your child and your family are often included in our prayers at mass and in the personal prayers of many parishioners. We all look forward to supporting you in this sacred work. The Sacramental Team 😃
Sacrament Name & Important Dates | Eligibility and Admin Costs | How to enrol; check a child’s enrolment or request information for Sacramental Preparation Groups in SPP |
Baptism Celebrations of the Sacrament of Baptism occur most Sundays of the Year at 10:30am in Sacred Heart Church. Bookings are linked to online enrolment form (see info far right). **Baptism spaces are booked out a couple of months in advance. |
*From birth
*Administration Cost for Sacrament of Baptism $130 | Birth to 7 years old: Go to parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Use the top menu bar and hover over Sacraments. Click on Baptism. Please read the baptism information and then scroll down to the blue-filled box with the link to the enrolment form that you need. Click on the link in the box; complete the form and then click on Submit. You should receive an automated response letting you know that the form has been received. To request information for Birth to 7 year old Baptisms: Email the Parish Secretary, Merla Nario, at surfers@bne.catholic.net.au For Children 8 years and older: Prior to Baptism, we provide a program of preparation over a few meetings. In order to coordinate a mutually suitable date and time to begin these meetings, please email your interest to our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au |
Confirmation Enrolments Close: 18.07.25 Parent Meeting 5:30pm, in Sacred Heart Church Either 22.07.25 Or 23.07.25. Final Meeting & Practice 5:30pm, in Sacred Heart Church Either 26.08.25 Or 27.08.25 Celebration of Confirmation: Evening of Friday 12.09.25 (TBA) | *For Baptised Children in Year 3 or greater *Total Administration Cost for Confirmation and Eucharist Preparation, one payment of $150
| Go to parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Use the top menu bar and hover over Sacraments. Click on Confirmation. Please read the information about Confirmation and then scroll down to the blue-filled box with the link to the form that you need. Click on the link in the box; complete the enrolment application form and click on Submit. You should receive an automated response letting you know that the form has been received. In Term 2, our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, will email the families of all enrolled children to remind families of important dates and preparation requirements. To request information: Email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au Please note: Dates for completed activities that relate to preparation for a particular Sacrament will be explained at the Parent Meeting. Due dates etc will also be provided to parents in an email. |
Eucharist (First Holy Communion) Enrolments Close: 21.03.25 Parent Meeting 5:30pm, in Sacred Heart Church Either 25.03.25 Or 26.03.25 Final Meeting & Practice 5:30pm, in Sacred Heart Church Either 27.05.25 Or 28.05.25 Celebration of First Holy Communion: 11am in Sacred Heart Church Either Sunday 01.06.25 Or Sunday 08.06.25 | * For children in Year 4 or greater who have been Baptised and Confirmed * Administration Cost (Excludes Sacrament of Confirmation) Preparation $120 | A. If your child received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Surfers Paradise Parish in 2024, they will automatically be included in the group to be contacted for Preparation for First Communion in 2025. There will be no further Administration Fee, if the fee was paid in 2024. Contact will be made via email, by the Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson. The email will be sent in Term 1. B. If your child was confirmed in Surfers Paradise Parish prior to 2024, please express your interest in joining the 2025 First Communion Group by emailing Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au Once you have made contact, you will be included in all emails etc. C. If your child was confirmed in another parish, please follow the information in the cell above that explains enrolling for Confirmation. The process is very similar except that you should choose First Holy Communion under Sacraments and then complete an online enrolment application to include your child in the 2025 First Communion Group. Please note: Dates for completed activities that relate to preparation for a particular Sacrament will be explained at the Parent Meeting and these due dates will also be provided to parents in an email. |
Penance (Also known as Reconciliation or Confession) | * For children in Year 4 or greater who have been Baptised and Confirmed, and have made their First Holy Communion.
| A. If your child made their First Holy Communion in SPP in 2025, they will automatically be invited (via email) to be part of the group to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance later in 2025. Contact will be made in Term 3, by the Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson. B. If your child made their First Holy Communion in SPP prior to 2025, please express your interest in joining the 2025 Sacrament of Penance Group by emailing Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au Once you have made contact, you will be included in all emails etc. C. If your child made their First Holy Communion in another parish, please follow the information provided above (2 cells above) that explains enrolling for Confirmation. The process is very similar except that you should choose Reconciliation under Sacraments and then complete an online enrolment application to include your child in the 2025 Reconciliation (Penance Preparation) Group. Please note: Dates for completed activities will be provided to parents in an email. |
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 2nd May 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 the 3rd May 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 6th of May- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
IN OUR PRAYERS (Please let us know when to remove a name from the list). |
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, Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Nadia Ceh, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Stan Hickey, Andrew Janiec, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Victoria MacDonald,
l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Angela Micallef, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard Murphy, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Melba Rentoul, Sharon Richardson, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Maria Lidia Lo Passo, Helene Mary Mitchell (Tugun), Paquita Soriano, François Maingot, Salvatore (Sam) Coco, Maria Zielonka, Lucy Markovic, Moira McKane, Denis Lyons, Gwen O’Brien, Larry Klinge, Argyna Marie Santiago, Yvonne Maria McGuffie, Vittorio Capone, Roger Blanksby, Denis John McCabe, Nathan Kinett, Angelina Elsey, Rita Maria-Angela Derek, Ena Hehir, Scott Nunan, Rosie Maitland, Mark Johnstone, Ron McConnell, Charlie Schriha, Joseph Schriha, Dot Corbett, Helen Dowling, Pietro Paolo Sergi, Phillip Brady, Jim Ramsay, Susanne Hewitt, Ellanie Gonzalez, Patricia Stone, Milka Baric, Dulcie Villotet, Naomi Ryan.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Bernadette Mary Bennett, Merrick James Bent, Margaret Elizabeth Boulton, Nicholas Braid, Paul John Brennan, Alan John (Mick) Burcham, Christine Cardoza, Fr Pat Cassidy, Charles Gerad Debnam, Ernest Foy, Michael Joseph Foy, Kathleen Gabriel, Shane Vincent Hall, Fr William Henry, Vincent Robert Hodge, Yvonne Holt, Karl Ernest Horner, Fr Ian Howells, Brendan Ian Howes, Peter Hunniford, Gregory Jackson, Salma El Jouni, Gregory John Henshaw Lemon, Arthur Lloyd, Joan Maher, Kevin Thomas Malone, Giovanni Pascquale Marmina, Fr Patrick McCormick, Fr Des McQuaid, Balthazar (“Balt) van der Meer, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Joyce Rosa Parisi, Leo Barry Pearman, John Henry Purcell, Joseph Frank Robinson, Stan Ryan, Joan Street, Mary Thompson, Rosslyn Jessie Wallis.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, Fr Francis Arthurs, Cornelis “Casey” Bayens, Ramsis Nessim Boctor, Rosanne Cruz Bridge, Fr David Brimson, Gino Cappellazzo, Wilhelm Ciszewski, Patricia Dooley, Mons John English, Daniel Xavier Farrugia, Cecily Josepha Fury, Raymond Alexander (Ray) Gardiner, Antony Di Giorgio, Leslie Hewitt, Fr John Isaac, Mons Martin Jordan, Gregory Kelly, John Kinne, Fr Henry Laing, Fr Kieran Luby, Olive Yvonne Matthews, Fr John McCann, Shane Mcloughlan, Kath McMonagle, Dorothy and Ray Mullen, Betty O’Connell, Francesco Posa, John Purcell, Barbara Robertson, Walter Schaer, Josephine Shaw, Catherine Smyth, Matthew Stoyakovich, Leonard Gregory Toner, Ronald Turner, Barbara Claire (Barbie) White, Judith Wisemantel.
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. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
NOTICES AND MESSAGES - Our new parish number is 5671 7388 |
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Inexpensive small gifts available for Easter giving, including rosaries, statues, holy cards, plaques, crucifixes, necklace chains bibles & Mass books.
A small range of greeting cards available, as well as gift suggestions for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room, at 10 am to 11 am. This is followed by a Scripture Study of the following Sunday’s Mass readings from 11 am to 12 pm. You are welcome to attend both or either one. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. The meditation group invites you to prepare for Easter by attending a Lenten program to be held in the Morris Prayer room as well. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00a.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, 2nd May 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 the 3rd May 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 6th of May- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
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:
21/4/25 Luciana Lang & Family - Varsity Lakes
28/4/25 Susanne Joseph & Family- Varsity Lakes
05/5/25 Susanne Joseph & Family - Varsity Lakes
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 or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5pm-6pm 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
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 -
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
How do we recognise Jesus?
THIS WEEK...
While he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing… Their eyes were opened and they recognised him. (Lk 24: 30-31)
PRAYER
Lord, breathe on our minds and open our eyes, that we too may know you in the breaking of bread. AMEN
What a complete turn of events of this week. We began with an entry into the city of Jerusalem of shouts of blessings and the waving of palms but on a donkey. Celebrated Passover but there was something remarkably different. Then Jesus’ arrest, charged, tortured and then crucified but everyone betrayed, denied and abandoned him, including those closest to him. Then came the dawning, still in the dark, of Easter morn and a tomb empty but this was very different to the raising of Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter.
A consistent feature of the resurrection stories is that the risen Jesus was different and initially unrecognisable. Resurrection is not simply a resuscitation of the old body. Lazarus was immediately recognised and would have still had that sore knee and aged aches or that tooth
broken. All knew that Lazurus because they experienced and lived with that Lazarus, but resurrection is profoundly different
Jesus is in a “new” space and the disciples and others were not, they were still in the turmoil of grief and change. In their fear they returned to the safety of the “old” space as in some way returning to become fishers of fish and not of humanity. Resuscitation and resurrection are not the same. Resuscitation just restores to the same life; resurrection changes, glorifies and transforms.
Change is a difficult process, but it is only the sum of the greater part.
It is the hanging on the cross part where we too, like Jesus, may feel abandoned, disempowered, disconnected. But to stay there is to be like the apostles who perceived only that part and not the possibilities of the resurrection. It is to this time of the Easter morn that I look forward to and share these words….
Easter needs to be celebrated, reflected, prayed and discerned not just our Easter Sunday but throughout the whole of our lives. Easter morning changed history.
May this time of Easter Season find hope for our journey, purpose in our faith and depth in our love for all in your life. Amen
Which account speaks most to you of the joy of the Resurrection?
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society are produced by Leo Tucker]
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
ALTAR SERVING in SURFERS PARADISE PARISH
Would you like to become an Altar Server in Surfers Paradise Parish?
Our church family has many ministries or roles available for people who wish to help the celebration of the mass to be as reverent and joyful as possible. For children, one of the best ways to contribute to the mass is to train to be an altar server. 
There are lots of things to learn about the job of altar serving so if you are interested in finding out about this special ministry please read on.
Who can become an altar server: Any person who is a fully initiated Catholic can be an altar server. That is, someone who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and has celebrated their First Holy Communion.
Children who wish to become altar servers will be taught by Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team. When you feel confident, you will be asked to serve on the altar with other experienced servers.
How to find out more about Altar Serving Ministry: Ask one of your parents to ring the Parish Office (5671 7388) and leave your full name and contact details. Please direct all enquiries and volunteering through the Parish Office. Then Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team will contact your family and invite you to a training workshop. Fr Bradley meeting some future altar servers at St Vincent’s 
To tune in to Our parish Podcast of the Mass for Sundays and Solemnities, please visit regularly the following link: 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
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is 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 old location in the front of the church was not ideal. The café has now reopened in the old Atrium building. This allows 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.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Jubilee 2025 - The 2025 Jubilee Year, also known as the Year of the Pilgrim of Hope, is a time to celebrate faith, hope, and charity.
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
Ready for Prep 2026 at St Kevin’s School, Benowa
St Kevin’s enrolments for Prep 2026 are filling up very fast and we now extend an invitation to all families considering where to send their child to begin their schooling journey in 2026, to make application for an interview in order to secure a place for their child.
We also warmly invite you St Kevin’s Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025. Hear more about the excellent learning and teaching that happens at St Kevin’s and experience the sense of warmth and welcome that St Kevin’s offers all students and families.
Visit our website www.sk.qld.edu.au or call us on 055539 4522 for more information.
+++++
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (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/
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
A VOCATION VIEW:
Jesus rose from the dead. He promises to take us to heaven too. Our Ultimate Vocation: Union with God!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“…He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38). We can’t give what we don’t have. Open your heart to receive God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. Then, show the same to others. As God’s adopted sons and daughters, we are made in His image and likeness. As Pope Benedict XVI says, “we are made for greatness.” Let our lives reflect His light to others. Pray to live a grateful and generous life. Strive for greatness! We are made for more! We are made for God!
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 tree of life blossoms again
A teaching from the Law of Moses says it all: "Cursed be the one who hangs from a tree" (Deut. 21:23). The body of such a person was to be buried the same day, or the land would be defiled. Religious leaders sought a verdict of the crucifixion from the Romans for precisely this reason: to quell talk that Jesus was God's chosen. It's also why Jesus' disciples rushed to gain permission to take him down from the cross that same day. Like every kingdom paradox, of course, the "cursed tree" becomes a tree of life for those who believe. Celebrate this hope today! "They put [Jesus] to death by hanging him on a tree." Luke 24:13-35
Holy Saturday, prior to the evening Vigil, is observed without ceremony of any kind. Before the kindling of the Easter fire, Holy Saturday remains a blank spot in the church’s calendar signifying the real death of Jesus. Perhaps it is a good time to visit your church and experience our lifeless Lord. If you get there before the hubbub of Easter preparation begins, you can keep vigil in the quietude of a church reflecting on its beloved Christ, crucified.
“Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3-11. SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
Australia’s refugee justice crisis
‘Justice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees’ rallies will be held on Palm Sunday, 13 April 2025 in various locations across Australia.
On Palm Sunday, the day on which attention is drawn to the difficult situation for many refugees and people seeking asylum, the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) calls for urgent intervention from the Federal Government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all people seeking refuge and asylum in Australia.
‘‘Policies of past and present Federal Governments have undermined the rights, safety and wellbeing of people seeking asylum in this country,” says Bishop Vincent Long, representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, one of 10 national peak organisations of CAPSA.
‘The wellbeing of thousands of people continues to be affected. Seeking refuge for fear of one’s safety is a tragedy, not a crime. Legally and morally, Australia has an obligation to welcome asylum seekers, to humanely assess their circumstances and to provide the necessary support.’
CAPSA convenor Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services, says, “since Pope Francis was elected in 2013, he has urged host countries to welcome refugees trying to escape difficult situations to find some serenity and peace.”
“In this year’s Lenten message on the theme ‘Let us journey together in hope’, the Pope asks us to ‘compare our daily life with that of migrants or foreigners, to learn how to sympathise with their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us.”
“This sublime and timely message contrasts with the actions of Australian Governments that have a lamentable record when it comes to handling people coming here seeking refuge, particularly those who came by boat,” says Bishop Long.
CAPSA brings together Catholic peak organisations in health and education, as well as the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and organisations such as Jesuit Social Services, St Vincent de Paul Society Australia and Jesuit Refugee Service (Australia) who work directly with refugees and people seeking asylum.
CAPSA is urging the Federal Government to end the uncertainty for people seeking asylum by providing fair and timely pathways to permanent residence in Australia.
“We know more than 7,000 people seeking asylum, who’ve been living in our community for 13 years, are still suffering because of a ‘fast track process’ declared unfair by the Human Rights Commission. These people, who Australia should be protecting, are now at risk of deportation to the dangerous countries they have fled, despite making valuable contributions to Australian society and in many cases having deep roots in our community and children born here.
“With a Federal Election around the corner, we urge both major parties to commit to humane policies that uphold the rights of people seeking asylum,” says Ms Edwards.
CAPSA also calls on the Federal Government to ensure people seeking asylum have work rights and, if unable to work, access to housing, food and appropriate medical care. Additionally, it urges an end to offshore processing and detention and the timely resettlement of the more than 1,000 people still suffering under the country’s offshore detention regime.
“Palm Sunday is a day for truth telling about refugees, a time to get them back in the news and into the minds and hearts of all Australians, including our political representatives,” Bishop Long said.
“Rallies in centres across Australia will help focus attention on the lengthy mishandling of this crisis by successive governments, much to the detriment of innocent people from a wide variety of countries.”
JOBS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE |
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.
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORTYour support is needed to help our Parish continue valuable pastoral activities and ensure ongoing sustainability. You can give here to assist you in supporting the Parish. 
If you can continue to support us, we would be most grateful. We thank all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly to the parish account. The pay-wave or tap-and-go machines on the timber stands in our Churches are also a safe and handy way to donate to the Parish. God bless you for your support. If you want confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed, please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. To join planned giving, please contact the Parish Office: (07) 56717388 (9 am–2 pm Mon-Fri). PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE PARISH OFFICE |
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Our Lord's resurrection sends a message to all the world that anyone who suffers matters greatly to the Lord and God will not forget them and will not fail to give them and to restore to them the dignity that the world so often denied them. Hatred, violence, failure to give people the dignity and care they need, these things God does not countenance and they will not last. Our God of faithfulness and justice, our Lord Jesus has definitively and permanently thrown in his lot with us and promises to bring us through to where he has gone ahead of us.
Meanwhile, we're made bold in our determination to stand up for those who suffer. We join with Christ in calling out for respect for those who have not been given it and we are emboldened by Christ's life, death and resurrection to do everything and anything in our power to give practical help and care to those in need. Christ shows us that all people are worth every effort and that this effort will ultimately not be in vain.
Even if we don't see justice done in this life, Christ will make sure that justice is done in the end. But he calls on justice to be done now, not later. No matter what the obstacles, God is with us.
God will never abandon us. God is at work renewing us, restoring us, vindicating those who've been mistreated and giving us new hope, new life and indescribable mercy.
Jesus is the unequivocal yes. The enormous and seemingly thankless and much derided cost of self-sacrifice and self-forgetting service, the cost of love and compassion, of mercy and gentleness, the cost of a generous spirit, of thinking more of others and less of ourselves is all worth it, no matter what the world says to deride it. May God bless us and renew us in this astounding love, this ever abiding faithfulness, this eternal care for each one of us. And may our lives be more and more marked by these wonderful qualities in the life, death and resurrection of Christ, with each and every new day.
Happy Easter. +
To listen to the whole 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.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly))
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
INSPIRING QUOTES OF (or about) THE SAINTS: |
What the Saints Say About Easter
Poignant quotes celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord.
[Joseph Pronechen - April 4, 2021]
Easter is the feast of all feasts, as the saints have proclaimed throughout the ages. Easter is the great cause for rejoicing because it is the promise of eternal life fulfilled. Jesus our Lord and Savior has broken the bonds of death and restored us to life. Saints have broadcast the message unceasingly, from past to present centuries.
“The Church is alive, as her Divine Founder is alive! The Church advances with the very virtue of life, as Jesus, after having submitted to the debt of mortal nature, proceeds victoriously beyond the stone barrier, which his enemies have placed to guard the tomb! Over the centuries, too, there have been other enemies for the Church, who have tried to close it as if in a sepulcher, celebrating its agony and death from time to time. But she, who has within her the invincible strength of her Founder, is always reborn with him, forgiving everyone and assuring serenity and peace to the humble, the poor, the suffering, to men of goodwill.” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“This is the meaning of the upcoming Easter feast, which we love to propose to you first of all, dear children, so that your fidelity to the Church never waver, but rather, rooted and founded in charity, you know how to participate with joy and generosity in the life of your Mother, certain of his victorious security; ready to fight to defend it, to spend yourselves to spread it, united in bearing witness to it …” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“Easter is for everyone a mystery of death and life: For this reason, according to the express precept of the Church, which we paternally remind you, every faithful is invited at this time to purify their conscience with the sacrament of penance, immersing it in the Blood of Jesus; and he is called to approach the Eucharistic Banquet with greater faith, to feed on the life-giving flesh of the immaculate Lamb. The mystery of Easter is therefore of death and resurrection for each believer.” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“‘Do you not know that those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death?’ We were in fact buried together with him by baptism into death: so that, as Christ rose from the dead for the glory of the Father, so we may live a new life. ... Therefore, sin may not reign in your mortal body” (Romans 6: 3-4, 12). — St. John XXIII, 1959
“Our Easter is therefore for everyone a dying to sin, to passions, to hatred, to enmities, to all that is a source of imbalance, bitterness and torment in the spiritual and material order. This death is in fact only the first step towards a higher goal: since our Easter is also a mystery of life.” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“Christianity is not that complex of oppressive factors … but it is peace, it is joy, it is love, it is life that is always renewed, like the secret pulsing of nature at the beginning of spring. The source of this joy is in the Risen Christ, who frees men from the slavery of sin, and invites them to be with him a new creature, waiting for blessed eternity.” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“Throughout the Easter season the Church will make the joyful announcement resound: Surrexit Dominus vere! The Lord is truly risen! … Our prayer rises fervently to the Divine Savior for all and for each of you: for priests and for the souls consecrated to God; for the bold and thoughtful youth, the future hope of the Church; for Christian families, especially for those who in their wombs keep the precious deposit of a numerous sonship with greater fidelity and sacrifice; for those whose advanced age makes the heavenly homeland look with firm hope; for those who study, who teach, who work; especially for workers who do heavy work during the day and night; for the sick, who are so dear to us. We want to assure everyone that not only our particular predilection constantly follows them, but also that their life, even if hidden and humble, is so precious before God.” — St. John XXIII, 1959
“The Gospels do not speak to us of an apparition of the Risen Jesus to the Mother: This ineffable mystery of joy remains under the veil of a mystical silence. It is certain, however, that she, the first redeemed, as she was in a special way close to the cross of her Son (John 19:25 ), so she had a privileged experience of the Risen One, such as to cause in her a very intense joy, unique among those of all other creatures saved by the Blood of Christ.” — St. John Paul II, 1983
“But the greatest of all [feast days] is Easter Day, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection, because today assurance was given to us to obtain eternal and immortal life in soul and body. Christ gave it to us through his resurrection, which is the cause and the assurance of our resurrection.”— St. Vincent Ferrer
“It is the conclusion of many theologians saying that Christ in his resurrection first appeared to the Virgin Mary, his mother. The first apparition he [Jesus] did was to the Blessed Virgin Mary, although the Gospel does not tell us about this.” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“Since, Scripture says, ‘Honor your father, and forget not the groaning of your mother’ (Sirach 7:29), Christ most perfectly kept the law of honoring parents. It follows that he appeared to his mother first, who was stressed [tribulata] more than all the others.” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“The Virgin Mary was most certain that her son would rise on the third day, as he had predicted, but perhaps she did not know the hour of his resurrection, because it is not written that Christ had revealed the hour of his resurrection, whether at prime or terce [first or third hour of daylight], etc. … And she prepared the room, and found a chair for her son, saying, ‘Here my son shall sit and here I will speak with him.’ And she looked out of the window, and she saw the dawn breaking, and she rejoiced, saying, ‘Now my son is rising.’ And on her knees she prayed, saying: ‘Rise up Lord to meet me, and behold: even you, O Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel’ (Psalm 58:6).” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“Christ greeted his mother, saying: ‘Peace be with you.’ The Virgin fell to her knees and weeping abundantly for joy adored him, kissing his hands and feet saying: ‘O blessed wounds, which have given me such pain on Good Friday.’ Christ, kissing his mother, said: ‘My mother, rejoice, because from now on, you will have nothing but joy and celebration.’ Drying her tears, he sat down on the chair, and they spoke with each other very sweetly. Oh, if only someone could have been present to this exchange! The Virgin said to her son, ‘Son, I am used to celebrating a feast on the Sabbath [Saturday], signifying [God's] rest from the creation of the world, but from now on I celebrate a feast on Sunday, in memory of your resurrection, and rest and glory.’ It pleased Christ.” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“Why should we today sing Alleluia, Praise the Lord? Because this day we are fed, freed, assured of the truth, and given promises of being endowed, in our resurrection, with the gifts of clarity, agility, brightness and impassibility, which Christ showed in his resurrection.” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“There is, however, a multiple reason why today we ought spiritually to rejoice and praise God. First, because God feeds us with his Body and Blood in the sacrament of the altar, for families celebrate much by eating together. So the Body which today he gives us sacramentally is the same body which he assumed from the Virgin, in which he lived for 33 years, and in which he wished to suffer, be buried and rise. With his body, he gives his soul and divinity, because of natural concomitance.” — St. Vincent Ferrer
“All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection!” — St. Francis of Assisi
“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” — St. John Paul II, 1986
“The glory of God is that man lives. Behold, man lives in Christ. Here is the moment in which what he, Christ, said is accomplished: ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live’ (John 11:25).” — St. John Paul II, 1990
“Yes, Christ is truly risen, and we are witnesses of this. We proclaim this witness to the world, so that the joy which is ours will reach countless other hearts, kindling in them the light of the hope which does not disappoint.” — St. John Paul II, 2000
“If this mission may sometimes seem difficult, call to mind the words of the Risen Lord: ‘I am with you always, to the close of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). Certain of his presence, you shall fear no difficulty and no obstacle. His word will enlighten you; his Body and his Blood will nourish you and sustain you on your daily journey to eternity.” — St. John Paul II, 2004
“He has risen. This is the heart of our faith. Mary was a silent witness of all these events. Let us ask her to help us also to receive the fullness of this Easter message.” — St. John Paul II, 2000
“At the side of each of you there will always be Mary, as she was present among the apostles, frightened and confused at the time of trial. And with her faith she will show you, beyond the night of the world, the glorious dawn of the Resurrection.” — St. John Paul II, 2004
“Here is the good news! Risen Jesus is the authentic ‘Gospel of life.’ He communicates divine life to man, the dignity of a child of God. From the apostles we have received this good news, which we must bring ‘to the heart of every man and woman’ by placing it ‘in the innermost folds of the whole society."’— St. John Paul II (Evangelium Vitae)
“Christ's resurrection is the strength, the secret of Christianity. It is not a question of mythology or of mere symbolism, but of a concrete event. It is confirmed by sure and convincing proofs. The acceptance of this truth, although the fruit of the Holy Spirit's grace, rests at the same time on a solid historical base. On the threshold of the third millennium, the new effort of evangelization can begin only from a renewed experience of this Mystery, accepted in faith and witnessed to in life.” — St. John Paul II, 1996
“May she [Mary], who at the announcement of the angel welcomed Jesus, the ‘Gospel of life,’ into her womb and was filled with exultation at the moment of his resurrection, obtain for us to be witnesses of the Risen Christ in the world, messengers of his joy, communicators of his love.” — St. John Paul II, Regina Caeli, Easter Monday 1995
“Mary guides us in knowing the mysteries of the Lord: and as in her and with her we understand the meaning of the cross, so in her and with her we come to grasp the meaning of the Resurrection, enjoying the joy that emanates from this experience.” — St. John Paul II, 1983
“May Mary's journey also be ours. May his joy also be ours. And as she, joyful for the resurrection of her Son, is the source of our joy, causa nostrae laetitiae, so let us commit ourselves to be Mary's joy, letting Christ the Redeemer mold supernatural life in us, until the eternal joy of [the] Blessed homeland. With her, Queen of Heaven.” — St. John Paul II, 1983
POPE FRANCIS: Easter Message (2024)
Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!
Today throughout the world there resounds the message proclaimed two thousand years ago from Jerusalem: “Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has been raised!” (Mk 16:6).
The Church relives the amazement of the women who went to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. The tomb of Jesus had been sealed with a great stone. Today too, great stones, heavy stones, block the hopes of humanity: the stone of war, the stone of humanitarian crises, the stone of human rights violations, the stone of human trafficking, and other stones as well. Like the women disciples of Jesus, we ask one another: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” (cf. Mk 16:3).
This is the amazing discovery of that Easter morning: the stone, the immense stone, was rolled away. The astonishment of the women is our astonishment as well: the tomb of Jesus is open and it is empty! From this, everything begins anew! A new path leads through that empty tomb: the path that none of us, but God alone, could open: the path of life in the midst of death, the path of peace in the midst of war, the path of reconciliation in the midst of hatred, the path of fraternity in the midst of hostility.
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen! He alone has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life. He, the living One, is himself that path. He is the Way: the way that leads to life, the way of peace, reconciliation and fraternity. He opens that path, humanly impossible, because he alone takes away the sin of the world and forgives us our sins. For without God’s forgiveness, that stone cannot be removed. Without the forgiveness of sins, there is no overcoming the barriers of prejudice, mutual recrimination, the presumption that we are always right and others wrong. Only the risen Christ, by granting us the forgiveness of our sins, opens the way for a renewed world.
Jesus alone opens up before us the doors of life, those doors that continually we shut with the wars spreading throughout the world. Today we want, first and foremost, to turn our eyes to the Holy City of Jerusalem, that witnessed the mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and to all the Christian communities of the Holy Land.
My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all!
I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on 7 October last and for an immediate cease-fire in the Strip.
Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile! With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity, war is always a defeat! Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.
Brothers and sisters, let us not forget Syria, which for thirteen years has suffered from the effects of a long and devastating war. So many deaths and disappearances, so much poverty and destruction, call for a response on the part of everyone, and of the international community.
My thoughts turn today in a special way to Lebanon, which has for some time experienced institutional impasse and a deepening economic and social crisis, now aggravated by the hostilities on its border with Israel. May the Risen Lord console the beloved Lebanese people and sustain the entire country in its vocation to be a land of encounter, coexistence and pluralism.
I also think in particular of the region of the Western Balkans, where significant steps are being taken towards integration in the European project. May ethnic, cultural and confessional differences not be a cause of division, but rather a source of enrichment for all of Europe and for the world as a whole.
I likewise encourage the discussions taking place between Armenia and Azerbaijan, so that, with the support of the international community, they can pursue dialogue, assist the displaced, respect the places of worship of the various religious confessions, and arrive as soon as possible at a definitive peace agreement.
May the risen Christ open a path of hope to all those who in other parts of the world are suffering from violence, conflict, food insecurity and the effects of climate change. May the Lord grant consolation to the victims of terrorism in all its forms. Let us pray for all those who have lost their lives and implore the repentance and conversion of the perpetrators of those crimes.
May the risen Lord assist the Haitian people, so that there can soon be an end to the acts of violence, devastation and bloodshed in that country, and that it can advance on the path to democracy and fraternity.
May Christ grant consolation and strength to the Rohingya, beset by a grave humanitarian crisis, and open a path to reconciliation in Myanmar, torn for years now by internal conflicts, so that every logic of violence may be definitively abandoned.
May the Lord open paths of peace on the African continent, especially for the suffering peoples in Sudan and in the entire region of the Sahel, in the Horn of Africa, in the region of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the province of Capo Delgado in Mozambique, and bring an end to the prolonged situation of drought which affects vast areas and provokes famine and hunger.
May the Risen One make the light of his face shine upon migrants and on all those who are passing through a period of economic difficulty, and offer them consolation and hope in their moment of need. May Christ guide all persons of good will to unite themselves in solidarity, in order to address together the many challenges which loom over the poorest families in their search for a better life and happiness.
On this day when we celebrate the life given us in the resurrection of the Son, let us remember the infinite love of God for each of us: a love that overcomes every limit and every weakness. And yet how much the precious gift of life is despised! How many children cannot even be born? How many die of hunger and are deprived of essential care or are victims of abuse and violence? How many lives are made objects of trafficking for the increasing commerce in human beings?
Brothers and sisters, on the day when Christ has set us free from the slavery of death, I appeal to all who have political responsibilities to spare no efforts in combatting the scourge of human trafficking, by working tirelessly to dismantle the networks of exploitation and to bring freedom to those who are their victims. May the Lord comfort their families, above all those who anxiously await news of their loved ones, and ensure them comfort and hope.
May the light of the resurrection illumine our minds and convert our hearts, and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected and loved.
A happy Easter to all!
Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/20240331-urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html#:~:text=%22Urbi%20et%20Orbi%22%20%2D%20Easter%202024%20%7C%20Francis&text=Dear%20brothers%20and%20sisters%2C%20Happy,(Mk%2016%3A6).
Quite a while ago now, I subscribed to an online website called “academia” where one can access articles from different academic fields. The idea was to bew able to read some papers on theology. A side effect of this, that has proved hilarious, is that I regularly receive emails from this site asking if I am the author or a particular paper or article. The site clearly wants to link articles to the names of the authors in a systematic way. Every time I get a request to, the articles bring a smile to my face…….
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Survey of badger Meles meles damage to agriculture in England and Wales”? - NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write “Carrier-carrier scattering rates within nonequilibrium optically injected semiconductor plasmas”? - NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Carbohydrate composition of central nervous system synapses"? - NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Relation between anterograde blood flow through a coronary artery..."?
The answer to all these is NO, but i cannot bring myself to stop the flow of these amusing requests. 🙂
+++++
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - ADULT FAITH -
SACRISTANS AND SERVERS
Many people arriving for Mass would be unaware of the effort that goes into preparing the worship environment and the items needed for the celebration. The ‘behind the scenes’ ministry of sacristans is an essential service to the worshipping assembly. Sacristans take responsibility for opening up the church, turning on lights and microphones, putting out the Roman Missal (prayer book) and Lectionary (book of scripture readings) - both marked at the right place of course! - and setting out chalices, plates, cruets, bread and wine, so that Mass can be celebrated.
The fundamental contribution of servers is to facilitate a smooth liturgy by anticipating the needs of the presider and other members of the assembly, leading the way where necessary, yet rarely being noticed themselves. This requires self-discipline and forethought so that unnecessary movement can be avoided. It is important that the servers be neatly attired and move with confidence and grace in order to contribute to the prayerful atmosphere of the liturgy. Sacristans and servers need to understand the order of the liturgy and about the sacred vestments and vessels used in liturgy.
They put themselves at the service of the community and its worship and so help the liturgy become truly an act of worship and thanksgiving for all.
(Elizabeth Harrington)
Readings for next weekend- Sunday, 27 April 2025 [Second Sunday of Easter. (Divine Mercy Sunday)] FIRST READING- Acts 5:12-16 Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 – “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.” SECOND READING- Revelations 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20:29) “Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.” GOSPEL- John 20:19-31 |
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/)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 25”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the yearly Solemnity of the Epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
20 + C + M + B + 25 *
*”Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar” (the traditional names of the Three Wise Men)
And also representing the prayer: *Christus Mansionem Benedicat
May Christ bless this home.
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, ‘25, of this century to the protection of the Lord.
May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin prayer “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place/ abode/ home.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ST VINCENTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - PROUD AND TRUE DIRECTORY
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)
Archbishop of Brisbane
November 2024
Safeguarding Framework “The Church loves all her children like a loving mother, but cares for all and protects with a special affection those who are smallest and defenceless. This is the duty that Christ himself entrusted to the entire Christian community.” – Apostolic Letter issued ‘motu proprio’ by the Supreme Pontiff Francis 4 June 2016
Purpose The purpose of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Framework is to promote a culture of safeguarding within the Archdiocese and reduce the risks of abuse and harm. Scope The Safeguarding Framework applies to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Brisbane.
The framework applies to all Archdiocesan workers. Framework National Catholic Safeguarding Standards The Archdiocese adopts and adheres to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. The Standards apply to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop. Commitment Statement The Archdiocese has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries, and services.
The safety and well-being of children and adults-at-risk is paramount. Safeguarding Principles The following principles guide safeguarding practice in the Archdiocese: Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Everyone who interacts with the Archdiocese is treated with dignity and respect. The protection and best interests of children and adults at risk are prioritised. Safe physical and online environments are provided. Safeguarding and abuse risks are actively identified and managed. Compliance with safeguarding standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines is monitored. Abuse concerns, suspicions, disclosures, allegations, reports and incidents are responded to promptly and effectively. All statutory obligations to report suspected abuse or harm are complied with. Safeguarding Governance -Monitoring and Compliance The Archdiocese of Brisbane is committed to continuous improvement of its safeguarding practice, and compliance with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards is monitored through a program of internal and external auditing. Non-compliance with this framework, which seriously jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of others, will be reported to the Vicar General and may be grounds for disciplinary action resulting in dismissal or termination of employment and reporting to church and/or statutory authorities. Download a copy of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Framework For more information about the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Framework, contact the Office for Safeguarding Services at safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or on 07 3324 3752. https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/ - Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility - See also this video on safeguarding - https://youtu.be/8AASkl-Sr1A?si=OF6XwqzagYt5fF9d Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility - https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/ Safeguarding Officer (relating to child safety and adults at risk) Robyn Hunt Safeguarding officer - contact lsr.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au Safeguarding (Children and adults-at-risk)- StopLine - The Archdiocese of Brisbane Whistleblower Hotline 1300 30 45 50 |
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:
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
Surfers 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.
