PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” [Luke 23:35]
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/2OqZvd1GcjFNDzjBwFTb?ru=Paul-Evangelion
SVDP Christmas Appeal - Surfers Paradise Conference
This weekend - 22nd & 23rd November our local Vincentians will hand out scrolls with specific items you can contribute as a gift towards our Christmas hampers.
Each year, this appeal allows for the distribution of hampers to companions and families in our community who are struggling due to financial difficulties. Please drop off donations no later than Wednesday 10th December as our Christmas hampers will be available for pick up or distribution on Sunday 14th December 2025.
On the weekend of 29th & 30th November, the SVDP Surfers Paradise conference annual Christmas appeal will take place with collections at the end of every Mass.
This financial appeal is critical for our conference to urgently assist those in need. The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community.
In the last 12 months local Vincentians have done 609 visits and assisted 1,597 people directly and indirectly. We have provided financial assistance of $87,610, in-kind assistance (Christmas hampers, food and Vinnie's gift cards for clothing etc.) of $19,222. We are seeing an increase in those facing homelessness, due to the high cost of living and housing crisis.
With your ongoing support, we can continue to provide comfort and tangible assistance to help people get back on their feet. Your generous donation will help us continue this good work.
Should you wish for more details on the activities of our conference, or would like to become a member please contact Conference President Wendy Webb via email: wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
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PASTORS POST: Christ the King: A Kingdom Redefined in Everyday Light
This Sunday marks the Church’s liturgical finale, a celebration not of conquest, but of a king who endured the cross. Christ reigns from the cross, love in motion, not from a gold throne but from two rough wooden planks. It’s a startling, beautiful reversal: power isn’t about control or prestige; it’s about self-giving, mercy, and presence.
God’s Kingdom is here now—imminent, intimate, and already at work in our choices. It’s not fully revealed yet; the fullness awaits the end of time. Yet as disciples, we participate by acts small and large: a listening ear, a healing touch, a patient apology, a steadfast faith in the face of fear. These are the seeds that grow into a garden of peace and justice.
Let’s rethink “kingdom” and “victory.” In Jesus, strength isn’t domination but compassion. Authority isn’t loudness but fidelity. Victory isn’t triumph over others but triumph over selfishness—over pride that divides and destroys. The truly powerful person draws near the vulnerable, shares burdens, and forgives without counting the cost. So today we ask: How can we mirror the unkingly king this week? By choosing presence over performance, generosity over gain, mercy over revenge. By turning our calendars and debit cards toward what truly builds up the vulnerable and our brothers and sisters around us. As we celebrate Christ, the King, let our lives proclaim a different triumph—that love, mercy, and truth endure forever. And may our small acts become signs that the Kingdom of God is among us, within us, and ready to bloom in the world.
Fr Paul Kelly
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD - term 4 Party
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PILGRIMAGE - Ireland in June 2026
Fr. Dan Ryan will lead a Pilgrimage to all the wonderful places of Ireland
from 21st June to 7th July 2026. Some of the highlights will be Dublin, Glendalough, Tipperary, Kerry,
Galway, Knock and Belfast. Witness along the way the unsurpassed beauty of Ireland’s monasteries,
rugged coastline, historic cities and legendary friendship. This journey is the perfect mix of fun, faith and friendship. For more details download the flyer on Harvest Journeys pv2653.
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Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Youth Group
Ignis Dei (Fire of God)
Meeting after 6pm Mass
Every Sunday Night 7pm at the Parish Hospitality Centre
EVERYONE IS WELCOME - INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN YOU - A WONDERFUL WAY TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP
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On behalf of the Melody Majors Choir, Sr Lis Keane would like to invite all parishioners to a free:
Festival of Carols and Readings
Sunday December 14 at 3pm, at De Paul Manor, 1 Edmund Rice Drive, Ashmore.
Sr Lis, a member of our Sacred Heart Vigil Crew, also wishes to let you know that this joyful and faith-filled afternoon will include afternoon tea.
The Ballad of Bethlehem - A Christmas Cantata - Presented by The Gold Coast City Choir
—A minimal $15 entry fee on Saturday 6th December - 2pm Sacred Heart Church Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
The community singing of traditional carols are led by singers from our own Parish and the Southport Parish under Christeen Harth’s direction.
another performance (not with our choir included) will be Saturday 13th December - 2pm Elanora Uniting Church Applecross Way, Elanora. More updates on facebook or for more details, please phone 0493 043 644
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THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
Next gathering 26th October 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Last Sunday of the month 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/
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ROMERO CENTRE
In July 2024 the Romero Centre became part of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as a Public Benevolent Institution sitting in Archdiocesan Ministries. Inspired by the charism of St Oscar Romero, the Centre exists to bring vital support and care to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, namely, refugees and those seeking asylum, supporting them with food and household items, English lessons, and preparation and readiness for work amongst other things, ensuring that those who come to the Centre experience love without borders.
Last year, thanks to generous supporters, Romero Centre: Supported over 500 adults and 300 children seeking asylum Delivered 2,687 food parcels and critical housing assistance Provided safe emergency and transitional accommodation for 53 people Helped 51 people secure employment through training and job readiness programs
Enabled 2,320 hours of volunteer support across education, mentoring, and
inclusion activities
Whilst the Centre sits within the Archdiocesan structures, it remains entirely financed through fundraising. To this end, I write to share with you the One in a Thousand campaign which seeks to find one thousand people who are willing to donate regularly to the Centre. Enclosed with this letter is a letter from Romero Centre Manager, Mengistu Hailu, as well as promotional materials for the One in a Thousand campaign. I ask that you promote the One in a Thousand regular giving campaign in your parish or community and invite your community to get involved. Every gift counts, and all donations are tax deductible.
Additionally, there are many other ways to support the ministry of the Romero Centre and I encourage you to reach out to Mengistu and his team to find out more.
'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me' (Matt 25:40).
Dear Friend,
My name is Mengistu Hailu, I am the Manager at the Romero Centre. I began here nine years ago as a Case Coordinator, and as a former asylum seeker, this work means a great deal to me. Supporting people from diverse backgrounds isn't just my job, it's a way to give back and honour my own journey.
Across Australia, people seeking asylum are rebuilding their lives in the face of immense challenges. They arrive with extraordinary courage, but too often without the safety nets the rest of us take for granted.
At the Romero Centre, we believe true belonging is not built on charity alone, it is built on dignity, opportunity and community which is why our work goes beyond crisis relief. We provide wraparound support that meets immediate needs while creating pathways into employment, education, and inclusion.
Behind every statistic is a story. One person who joined our programs shared this reflection:
"At one of the lowest points in my life, I was given an unexpected opportunity - to lead bicultural support classes for others navigating the same challenges I had faced.
For three months, I shared what I knew: how to use a phone, write a résumé, find directions, and access public transport. I helped people gain confidence with computers, email, and programs like Xero. Skills that might seem small to some but were life-changing for us.
It wasn't just about teaching. It gave me purpose when I was struggling to survive. It helped me put food on the table while I searched for work. Most importantly, it reminded me that I still had something valuable to give.
In a time when I felt invisible, that role helped me feel seen again." Ahmad, Bicultural Worker.
email: romerocentre@bne.catholic.net.au romerocentre.org.au
8 Dutton Street, Dutton Park QLD 4102
PO Box 6188, Fairfield Gardens QLD 4103 ABN: 88 630 274 434
A ministry of the Archdiocese of Brisbane
MARIAN VALLEY 30th ANNIVERSARY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Fatima's Feast and 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Blessing of the Pauline Father's Monastery and The Shrine of Our Lady help of Christians Marian Valley. Solemn Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Krzysztof Nikiel, Bishop Regent of The Apostolic Penitentiary Rome & Most Reverend Columba Macbeth-Green, Bishop of Wilcannia -Forbes on Saturday 13th December 2025. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church, No 50 Fairway Drive 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 5529 1573.
FANS and DOORS in OUR CHURCHES
It's that time of year again. Please note that we have a policy regarding fans, windows, and doors in the church.
DURING CHURCH SERVICES - FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING the HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON PLEASE AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN PLEASE FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES! Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off.
CLOW – Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Sacred Heart - Clear Island Waters
CLOW – Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is held during the 9:00 am Sunday Mass in term time.
All volunteers are trained and hold Blue Cards.
Follow the signs to the Parish Hospitality Centre to drop off your children, or you’re welcome to stay and join in.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME, from crawling babies to “tweenagers” (and parents too!).
Each week we focus on understanding the Gospel through fun activities, discussions, and building friendships.
At the end of each term, we hold a Party after 9am Mass for all children and their families to enjoy together.
All Welcome
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Anointing Mass – This is the final for this year - Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH - Last Anointing Mass for the year - December
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday, the 2nd December 2025- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to attend.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday,
5th December 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
We will be celebrating on the first Saturday December 6th, 9am at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters only. 9 am Saturday, 6th December 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. Please come along.
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C.
- Sunday, 23 November 2025
THIS WEEK...
To love another person is to see the face of God. Victor Hugo
PRAYER
Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom, Amen.
THE INVISIBLE GOD
2 Sam 5:1-3
Col 1:12-20
Lk 23:35-43
Our mission statement of the Society talks about serving Christ in the poor. How often do we stop and reflect on that one sentence alone? Or even what we mean by the word Christ?
Today’s Gospel invites us into a very intimate understanding of what we possibly mean by this. “Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
Our second reading points us to understanding this mystery – Christ is the image of the invisible God. I have often heard Bishop Terry Brady talk to us about Jesus in disguise – that God will visit us in the faces of those we encounter. I strongly believe that this is a tangible way that heaven and earth meet. In these moments of encounter – where we connect to the sacred. In fact, there is a beautiful line in the musical Les Miserable that explores this same notion “to love another person is to see the face of God”.
So, when Jesus, on the Cross, is confronted by this taunting and jeering from the leaders and soldiers and even one of the criminals beside him doing the same, it was what happened next when we see Christ – the invisible God made visible, the sacred encounter. After rebuking
his fellow criminal and pointing out they are all receiving the same sentence, he asked Jesus to remember him and Jesus replied with “truly, today you will join me in paradise”.
Could we think at this moment, that God wasn’t just present for that criminal through Jesus, but that God was visiting Jesus through this criminal? Where Jesus felt an outpouring of love, where we had a moment, in all His humanness, an encounter of the sacred, where He also saw the face of God?
(Reflection by Corinne Lindsell)
How do you encounter the sacred in your Vincentian works?
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations now available on the new devices.
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
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. We all look forward to supporting you in this sacred work.
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)
Liz Marie Alcaza, Lindsay Allan, Robert Andreas, Joseph Antony, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Phil Bawden, Gregory Bechly, Nellie Bellinger, Donna Bowman, Mary and Leon Brosnan, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Danielle Cavielli, Nadia Ceh, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Glen Dolan, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fletcher, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Dallas Laine, Gary Lanigar, Dannielle Therese Larney, Thi Le, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Maureen Lloyd, Veronica Lubomski, Sharyn Lucas, Victoria MacDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Carmel Mooney, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Tommy Osborne, Kevin Owen, Jamie and Colin Paterson, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Melba Rentoul, Fabian Restaino, Sally Rickard, Alan Robinson, Bob Rogers, Joan Cecilia Rudd, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Catherine Sawyer, Alf Schembri, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonie and Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Eric “Ross” Keys, Josephine Barletta, Raulaana Llana, Paul Trad, Dianne Carmel St Ledger, Monica Doyle, Charlie (Carmel) Restall, Fr Van Huong Nguyen (from Mitchelton), Armado Dikitanan Cano, Jose Manuel Antao (from Portugal - father of Jo Anteo), Joseph Haynes, Kevin Bryant Maguire, Martin McEnery, Claire Henry, John Louey (Fiji), Fritzi Jordan, Rita Coppola, Gloria Evered (sister of Tony Menezes), Beryl Gloria Burnett, Kerry Duncan, Julie Anne Baille, Steve Geonzon Arquilos, Christian Taylor, Shirley Batt, Harry Stapleton, Denise Kuhne.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Julio Astorga, Fr Stanislaus Barry, Vincent Comito, Herbert Dawson, Ryan Evalds Erglis, Jan Falk, Fr Joseph Flannery, Neville James Fullerton, Angela Mary Hawes, Joseph Horvatt, David Isbel, Arnold Jones, Mons Grantly Lake, Anthony John Makin, Joy Margaret McNaught, Dalal Moussa, Fr Gerard Mulholland, Mervyn Kenneth Nelson, Maria Hue Thi Nygen, Fr Owen Oxenham, Catherine Phythian, Fr Dennis Riley, Shirley Ryan, Fr John Shannon, Fr Neal Shannon, Joan Valmae Stewart.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Eve Barry, John Bastable, Arthur Bocking, Fr Harold Buckley, Guiseppe (Joe) Canavo, Maurice Cook, Dora Crisante, Fr Patrick Flanagan, John David Foulds, Jill Margaret Gill, Brendan James Hill, Lindsay Horne, Ian Richard Garrick Kentley, Marko Mazic, Irene Bridget McPhie, Paul Louis France Melanie, Wayne Allan Pearce, Garry Edward Pearse, Mary Catherine Reeves, Grahame Roberts, Elizabeth Mary Pauli Rose, Angela Mercia D’ Rozario, Sidney James Slater, Sandra Smart, Remedios Solatan, Kelly Marie Sutherland, Jameal Tooma, Elizabeth Anne Topalov, Dr Rodney Michael Tracey, Giacomo (Jack) Ulliana, Sylvia West, Bridget Weston, Anne Weston.
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - is 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.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Daily Mass Books available. Liturgical year A starts next weekend the First Sunday of Advent.
2026 God’s Word with Daily readings, reflection and prayers
2026 Columban Calendars
2026 Church Art Calendars
2026 Scroll Calendars
Christmas Cards
Nativity items available for your Christmas stocking giving, plus interesting gift lines available for all ages.
You are welcome to have a look in our Religious Goods Shops today, as they are well stocked with so many religious items, or visit the Parish Office during office hours.
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room located at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters at 10am to 11am. 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.
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-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club - Join Our Bridge Club! - Meet, Play, and Enjoy the Game of Bridge. Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a Beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere ✔ Lessons for Beginners ✔ Weekly Games ✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company! Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you want her in your home and say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
24/11/25 Maxine and Pat Sela Main Beach
01/12/25 Gary and Rudi Camera Southport
08/12/25 Gary and Rudi Camera Southport
15/12/25 Merla and Rodney Nario
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
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 -
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.
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
CEREMONY OF CAROLS - Coolamon Singers
Ceremony of Carols
with the Coolamon-Singers
MD Marco Bellasi - Ayesha Gough - Piano
Featuring music by BENJAMIN BRITTEN and a celebration of Yuletide Songs
Tickets: $29/$25
visit Stickytickets.com.au or pay cash/card at the door coolamonsingers.org.
CONCERTS
Sat Nov 22 Coolangatta at St Augustine's cnr McLean & Tweed St.
Sat Nov 29 Burleigh at Village Church- 2 Burleigh St.
Sat Dec 6 Mudgeeraba, Good Shepherd. 4 Tarrant Dr.
All at 2:30pm Qld standard time. Transformative classical music -
Coolamon Singers.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
JUBILEE OF CHOIRS
The Jubilee of Choirs is a time to recognise choir members as a gift of God’s grace in our churches and cathedrals. Choirs, be they large or small, give praise to God in song and lead others to do the same.
“[Choirs] are able to enrich the celebration by adding musical elements beyond the capabilities of the congregation alone,” (Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, USCCB, 2007, #28).
PRAYER
Gracious God,
You gift us with music and the song of choirs to sing of your glory, offering you rich praise. Bless us as we gather here today and fill our hearts with love for you so that our lives may reflect this love to all those we meet. May the ministry of our sacred song inspire others to know and follow you more closely, love you more deeply and sing joyfully of their faith.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.
TEACHING
From Vatican Council II, Musicam Sacram, Instruction on Music in the Liturgy (1967):
“19. Because of the liturgical ministry it performs, the choir—or the Capella musica, or schola cantorum—deserves particular mention. Its role has become something of yet greater importance and weight by reason of the norms of the Council concerning the liturgical renewal. Its duty is, in effect, to ensure the proper performance of the parts which belong to it, according to the different kinds of music sung, and to encourage the active participation of the faithful in the singing. Therefore:
(a) There should be choirs, or Capellae, or scholae cantorum, especially in cathedrals and other major churches, in seminaries and religious houses of studies, and they should be carefully encouraged.
(b) It would also be desirable for similar choirs to be set up in smaller churches.
“24. Besides musical formation, suitable liturgical and spiritual formation must also be given to the members of the choir, in such a way that the proper performance of their liturgical role will not only enhance the beauty of the celebration and be an excellent example for the faithful, but will bring spiritual benefit to the choir-members themselves.”
From Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, USCCB (2007):
“31. When the choir is not exercising its particular role, it joins the congregation in song. The choir’s role in this case is not to lead congregational singing, but to sing with the congregation, which sings on its own or under the leadership of the organ or other instruments.”
The Sistine Chapel Choir Concert in Westminster Cathedral. Image: Flickr: Catholic Church England and Wales, © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.
TESTIMONY
“As a member of the choir of St Peter's Parish, I look forward to singing and getting to know all the wonderful people that come from a range of different backgrounds and ages, all with the willingness to join together with our voices to sing out praises to God.
“We are able to sing together at weekly Mass and also for special events, such as the recent 50th Anniversary of our Church building, our Jubilee celebration. To join with parishioners and hear them respond in song and their wonderful voices, is one of the reasons I enjoy singing in the choir. We have also sung at community events, such as Carols by Candlelight where we get to share our gifts with the wider community.
“As a choir member, it has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Liturgy and the hymns that are chosen to suit the readings of the day and the different parts of the mass. I have learned new hymns and heard the parish community become confident with singing these, thanks to our leadership.
“Singing in the choir is a ministry that has made me feel like I contribute to the Parish in a special way with the people I interact with and our wonderful connection to God.”
- Rosina Bertolacci, St Peter’s Parish, Archdiocese of Brisbane
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For all choirs, that they may continue to inspire and uplift the faithful through their music. We pray to the Lord.
For choir members, that they may find joy and fulfilment in their ministry to our parish. We pray to the Lord.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Pope Francis’ Messages – World Day of the Poor -Creative Commons Licence -The text of this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial - Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence. Please attribute this publication to the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, November 2024.
This resource may be reproduced or photocopied in its entirety or in part. No copyright fee is payable.
A VOCATION VIEW:
The Church needs shepherds. Pray that the bishops will lead us well and rely on the power of God. (2 Samuel 5:1-3). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“….giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.”Colossians 1:12. God wants us to be happy! Instead of looking at the Ten Commandments as being restrictive and telling us what we can’t do, look at them as guides for living a joy-filled and peaceful life. Most of our problems arise when we put our own needs first, or we spend most of our time trying to acquire more stuff. Instead, try putting God first in all things. We were made for God. Open your heart and let Him in!
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Suffer the little children to enter paradise
Jesus promises Paradise to a man dying in disgrace next to him on the cross. Today, on World Children's Day, we can bring Paradise a little closer by contemplating 10 principles the United Nations calls the "Rights of the Child," including Every child without exception should have a name and nationality; access to physical, mental, moral, spiritual, and social development; food, housing, and medical care; love and understanding; education and moral guidance; protection from exploitation and discrimination. Our Catholic preferential option for the poor and respect for a life fully embraces the welfare of children. "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:35-4.
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
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.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - -To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
Homily: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C - Sunday, 23 November 2025.
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/a3yhf6TNfcFfHP2Tm1RH/christ-the-king-of-the-universe?ru=Paul-Evangelion
The Church's liturgical year is slightly different to the calendar year, by about a month. The last Sunday of the Church liturgical year, that's this Sunday, ends rightly with a celebration of Christ, who is the King of Heaven and Earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death, and now he is rightfully King of the Universe.
God's Kingdom is established and present among us, now and within us, but it's not yet been fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be under Christ's feet. Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God by our everyday actions and choices.
God's Kingdom is one of peace and justice, compassion and love. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against the Kingdom of God.
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What a perfect gospel to represent the kingship of our Lord, even if it's surprising and thought-provoking. It reveals a stark contrast. A king is ordinarily portrayed sitting in glory on a magnificent golden throne, dressed in fine clothes, with attendants at his side and surrounded by the trappings of his power.
But here is Jesus, the king of the universe, ruling from the cross, with no trappings of power, except the power of love and self-giving. As a wonderful reflection says,** what should the worldly wise do with an unkingly king, who flatly refuses to take authority over armies, who will not grant cabinet posts to cronies, who will not even for one day live in a palace, who refuses to hate enemies or plot their downfall, who mixes in common crowds without any sense of royal dignity, who won't have a bodyguard or wear a safety vest, who refuses to play political games or engage in betrayals or backstabbing in order to increase his power, who will not dress in gilded robes or wear a jewelled crown. Oh indeed, what on earth would the worldly-wise do with such an unkingly king? **(Poet: Bruce Prewer)
Today is the day when we are asked to turn an idea upside down, to firmly take words such as king and power, strength and victory, and turn the meaning of these things inside out.
Christ is our king, the monarch of all things, but he is humble, compassionate. He is a person who never went to university, never wrote a book, never held any public office, had few if any friends in high places on earth. His adult life, he never travelled too far from his tiny home country, never met anyone much more important than a provincial governor or some foreign wise men.
His only crown was a terrible, painful wreath of thorns, his only throne was two planks of wood forming a cross. No earthly court for this king, rather at his right hand and at his left, two dying thieves. It's fitting that the end of the church year declares that Jesus is the king of heaven and earth, king of the universe.
At the end of all things, Christ's universal kingship will be fully revealed. The Lord is rightly the king of our world, he is also the king of our lives, our priorities, our plans, our hopes and our dreams. If only the Lord Jesus would establish his kingdom values in our lives fully now.
We long to have our lives transformed by the peace, justice, love and forgiveness that mark his gospel. On this feast of Christ the King, I am thinking particularly of the complete transformation God has wrought in our concepts of kingship, power, authority, and even the usual definition of victory or success. Our previous human concepts of these words and meanings are, to put it bluntly, shabby.
Not far from the surface, many people have the ingrained belief that power is about domination, having the upper hand over others. It often goes hand in hand with the use or the threat of force. In rather limited human terms, many think that authority is about who can push their point of view the loudest, longest, or strongest.
Kingship is often considered to be about separation, distance, privilege, prestige, and aloofness. Power is often seen to be about winners and losers. It's also considered to be about survival of the fittest, all is fair in love and war and eat or be eaten.
So in comes God and through the life and example of Jesus, God made flesh, totally transforms the meaning and definition of these things. It's such a surprising transformation that one can hardly recognize it as the same thing and many in this world will never accept or recognize that God's definition of these things is the right one. God with us came down very close to us.
He was not at all distant in his authority but one who lived in our flesh and knew our experiences. He was being there for others and that's such an important gift and skill for all of us. Time is the most important gift we can give and it can be given generously, but sometimes work, illness or circumstances hampers our availability to be there for others but we keep searching for different ways of being present to others in need, whether it's by letters, cards, phone calls or making a special effort to be around for special events.
Jesus sets clear principles for behaviour. We all know the golden rule: be compassionate, forgiving, and so on. We need to love the way Jesus loves, setting clear principles in our lives so that we and those around us can be the best selves with our behaviour that makes us fully human and fully alive as God wants.
Jesus loves us and wants what is best for us but that's very different from telling us to do what we like. Jesus sets the example. The behaviour our Lord wants us to do he himself did first.
Our Lord did in actions what he said with words. Christ loves us as a parent loves us, not for what we can give back but simply because we're created in God's image as are all people, and God loves us. The world cries out for this newly renovated definition of authority, power, victory and kingship, which is more about family and relationships, care, protection and love.
Out goes survival of the fittest and in comes a kingdom of people who ensure that the frail and the weakest members are not left behind and indeed who are carried along with us if needed on our tough journey as we all walk towards God's house. The kingdom shows us that a truly Christ-like community is discerned by how much the most vulnerable are protected by the strongest. Today we celebrate that we desire more than anything to participate in and hold the true values of Christ, the King and his kingdom, which we joyfully and humbly admit is the true way in all things.
“To you, Christ our King, we bring before you our lust for power and set it down before your rejection of power. We bring our love of money and place it before your will in poverty. We bring our stubborn pride and set it before your utter humility.
We bring our payback mentality and lay it before your mercy. We bring our desire for self-glory and place it before your passion for the Father's glory, not yours. We bring our inveterate self-interest and rest it before your self-giving.
We bring our vain wisdom and lay it before the folly of your cross.” ## (Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun).
To Jesus, Lord of all heaven and earth, to you be honour, glory and true power and authority forever and ever. Amen.
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References:
Homily Fr Paul W. Kelly
**Brief Prayers for Busy People. Author: Bruce D Prewer. ISBN 978- 1- 62880- 090- 6). Web site www.acresources.com.au
## Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun from Tanby near Rockhampton. On "Celebrating Jesus' authority."
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/a3yhf6TNfcFfHP2Tm1RH/christ-the-king-of-the-universe?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
St Andrew Dung-lac & Companions
Prayer from the Mass of the Saint - O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions faithful to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant, through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
St Catherine of Alexandria
Text about St Catherine: - From this martyr’s uncommon knowledge, wisdom and learning, and the extraordinary spirit of piety by which she sanctified her learning, and the use she made of it, she is chosen in the schools the patroness and model of Christian philosophers.
“If you are ruled by the mind you are king, if by the body you are a slave.”
Catherine was known for her beauty. One night, Catherine dreamed that she accompanied the hermit to a sanctuary, whence Angels came to meet her. She fell on her face before them, but one of the Angelic band bade her, "Rise, dear sister, Catherine, for the King of glory delighteth to honour thee." She rose and followed the Angels to the presence of the Queen of Heaven, who was surrounded by Angels and Saints and was beautiful beyond description. The Queen welcomed her and led her to her Divine Son, Our Lord. But He turned from her, saying: "She is not fair and beautiful enough for Me." Catherine awoke at these words and wept bitterly until morning. She then sent for the hermit and inquired what would make her worthy of the Heavenly Bridegroom. The saintly recluse instructed her in the true Faith and, with her mother, she was Baptized. That night, in a dream, the Blessed Virgin and her Divine Son again appeared to her. Mary presented her to Jesus, saying: "Behold, she has been regenerated in the water of Baptism." Then Christ smiled at her and plighted His troth to her by putting a ring on her finger. When she awoke, the ring was still there, and thenceforth, Catherine despised all earthly things and longed only for the hour when she should go to her Heavenly Bridegroom.
PAPAL REFLECTION -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.
(continued) -
APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION - DILEXI TE ("I have Loved You") - OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV TO ALL CHRISTIANS ON LOVE FOR THE POOR
CHAPTER ONE A FEW ESSENTIAL WORDS
Jesus’ disciples criticized the woman who poured costly perfumed oil on his head. They said: “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.” However, the Lord said to them in response: “You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me” (Mt 26:8-9,11). That woman saw in Jesus the lowly and suffering Messiah on whom she could pour out all her love. What comfort that anointing must have brought to the very head that within a few days would be pierced by thorns! It was a small gesture, of course, but those who suffer know how great even a small gesture of affection can be, and how much relief it can bring. Jesus understood this and told the disciples that the memory of her gesture would endure: “Wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her” (Mt 26:13). The simplicity of that woman’s gesture speaks volumes. No sign of affection, even the smallest, will ever be forgotten, especially if it is shown to those who are suffering, lonely or in need, as was the Lord at that time.
Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the poor. The same Jesus who tells us, “The poor you will always have with you” (Mt 26:11), also promises the disciples: “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20). We likewise think of his saying: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, he continues to speak to us.
Saint Francis
Pope Francis, explaining his choice of that name, related how, after his election, a Cardinal friend of his embraced him, kissed him and told him: “Do not forget the poor!” [4] It is the same appeal that the leaders of the Church made to Saint Paul when he went up to Jerusalem to confirm his mission (cf. Gal 2:1-10). Years later, the Apostle could still reaffirm that this was “actually what I was eager to do” ( Gal 2:10). Care for the poor was also a great concern of Saint Francis of Assisi: in the person of a leper, Christ himself embraced Francis and changed his life. Even today, Saint Francis, as the Poor Man of Assisi, continues to inspire us by his outstanding example.
Eight centuries ago, Saint Francis prompted an evangelical renewal in the Christians and society of his time. Wealthy and self-confident, the young Francis was taken aback and converted by his direct contact with the poor and outcast of society. The story of his life continues to appeal to the minds and hearts of believers, and many non-believers as well. It “changed history.” [5] A further step on the same path was taken by the Second Vatican Council, as Saint Paul VI pointed out when he said that “the ancient parable of the Samaritan served as the model for the Council’s spirituality.” [6] I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society, if we can only set ourselves free of our self-centeredness and open our ears to their cry.
The cry of the poor
The passage of Sacred Scripture in which God reveals himself to Moses in the burning bush can serve as a constant starting-point for this effort. There he says: “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them... So come, I will send you” ( Ex 3:7-8,10). [7] God thus shows his concern for the needs of the poor: “When the Israelites cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer” ( Judg 3:15). In hearing the cry of the poor, we are asked to enter into the heart of God, who is always concerned for the needs of his children, especially those in greatest need. If we remain unresponsive to that cry, the poor might well cry out to the Lord against us, and we would incur guilt (cf. Deut 15:9) and turn away from the very heart of God.
The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church. On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ himself. At the same time, we should perhaps speak more correctly of the many faces of the poor and of poverty, since it is a multifaceted phenomenon. In fact, there are many forms of poverty: the poverty of those who lack material means of subsistence, the poverty of those who are socially marginalized and lack the means to give voice to their dignity and abilities, moral and spiritual poverty, cultural poverty, the poverty of those who find themselves in a condition of personal or social weakness or fragility, the poverty of those who have no rights, no space, no freedom.
In this sense, it can be said that the commitment to the poor and to removing the social and structural causes of poverty has gained importance in recent decades, but it remains insufficient. This is also the case because our societies often favor criteria for orienting life and politics that are marked by numerous inequalities. As a result, the old forms of poverty that we have become aware of and are trying to combat are being joined by new ones, sometimes more subtle and dangerous. From this point of view, it is to be welcomed that the United Nations has made the eradication of poverty one of its Millennium Goals.
A concrete commitment to the poor must also be accompanied by a change in mentality that can have an impact at the cultural level. In fact, the illusion of happiness derived from a comfortable life pushes many people towards a vision of life centered on the accumulation of wealth and social success at all costs, even at the expense of others and by taking advantage of unjust social ideals and political-economic systems that favor the strongest. Thus, in a world where the poor are increasingly numerous, we paradoxically see the growth of a wealthy elite, living in a bubble of comfort and luxury, almost in another world compared to ordinary people. This means that a culture still persists — sometimes well disguised — that discards others without even realizing it and tolerates with indifference that millions of people die of hunger or survive in conditions unfit for human beings. A few years ago, the photo of a lifeless child lying on a Mediterranean beach caused an uproar; unfortunately, apart from some momentary outcry, similar events are becoming increasingly irrelevant and seen as marginal news items.
We must not let our guard down when it comes to poverty. We should be particularly concerned about the serious conditions in which many people find themselves due to lack of food and water. In wealthy countries too, the growing numbers of the poor are equally a source of concern. In Europe, more and more families find themselves unable to make it to the end of the month. In general, we are witnessing an increase in different kinds of poverty, which is no longer a single, uniform reality but now involves multiple forms of economic and social impoverishment, reflecting the spread of inequality even in largely affluent contexts. Let us not forget that “doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence, since they are frequently less able to defend their rights. Even so, we constantly witness among them impressive examples of daily heroism in defending and protecting their vulnerable families.” [8] While significant changes are under way in some countries, “the organization of societies worldwide is still far from reflecting clearly that women possess the same dignity and identical rights as men. We say one thing with our words, but our decisions and reality tell another story,” [9] especially if we consider the numbers of women who are in fact destitute.
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Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 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.”
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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Never Known to Fail)
O Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel,
Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and Earth,
I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in this necessity
(make your request here).
There are none that can withstand your power.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)
Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)
Amen.
SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
BASED ON THE PLENARY COUNCIL DECREES
Here is a brief summary of the declarations, (with the full document then following it)
Decree 1 (Healing Wounds):
Archdiocese to develop Indigenous truth-telling, learning, and resource programs.
Distribute culturally appropriate liturgical resources.
Develop Indigenous learning opportunities.
Decree 2 (Seeking Healing):
Engage with survivors via truth-telling and support programs.
Reassess and focus Safeguarding Sunday with resources and rituals.
Implement processes for forgiveness, apologies, and healing activities.
Decree 3 (Missionary Disciples):
Form a family and intergenerational ministry group.
Strengthen partnerships, develop inclusive sacramental resources, and support marginalized groups.
Hold listening sessions and ecumenical/interfaith programs.
Develop digital mission strategies and sports ministry.
Decree 4 (Dignity of Women and Men):
Explore women’s ordination implementation, if laws change.
Establish a role for lay participation.
Form a group on inclusive language and theological understanding of women.
Support postgraduate education for women and men.
Decree 5 (Charisms and Ministries):
Create a hospitality ministry for parish staff.
Explore and develop ministries like catechist, lector, acolyte, and others.
Form a Ministries Discernment Committee.
Support lay-led liturgies and authorize lay presiding at funerals, baptisms, and weddings.
Decree 6 (Formation and Leadership):
Develop leadership and formation resources (podcasts, modules, retreats) for emerging leaders.
Facilitate ongoing spiritual growth opportunities for laypeople and clergy.
Organize formation events on key topics (prayer, scripture, mission, inclusivity).
Create pathways for lay involvement in clergy and seminarians’ formation.
Implement a mission-focused, synodal, co-responsible Church roadmap with local conversations.
Teach discernment and Spirit-led listening, produce related media, and organize intercultural forums.
Develop a comprehensive formation plan covering all eight Action Plans and provide implementation workshops.
Decree 7 (Governance):
Regularly celebrate synods as part of Church life.
Establish a Synod Council with diverse representation, including lay women, Indigenous persons, and people with disabilities.
Develop statutes for the Synod Council.
Run deanery-level projects to identify and mentor suitable laypeople for councils and committees, especially from underrepresented groups.
Create a parish handover process with parish consultation and expectations for pastors.
Conduct regular performance reviews and professional supervision for pastors.
Decree 8 (Ecology and Conversion):
Develop and implement an integral ecology formation strategy for clergy, leaders, staff, and parishioners, revised every three years, incorporating Indigenous wisdom and eco-spirituality resources.
Ensure all Laudato Si Action Plans include frameworks for measuring emission reductions and achieving net-zero targets with clear commitments and timelines.
Develop and implement an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan, recruiting deanery representatives to support ecological ministers, overseen by an Archdiocesan coordinator.
Promote intergenerational and family initiatives to foster ecological awareness and action.
Facilitate sharing of ecological activities and foster cross-agency collaboration across the Archdiocese.
Produce liturgical guidelines and resources to embed ecological commitments into worship.
Closing Remarks:
Prioritize and accelerate existing initiatives, setting a goal to implement all action plans within five years.
Establish oversight groups, including the Synod Council and Archdiocesan Synods, to monitor progress and coordinate efforts.
Engage parishes, communities, and individuals in reading, reflecting, and creatively implementing action plans.
Recognize additional future needs such as parish and school restructuring, youth engagement, prayer education, and contemplative practices, to be addressed alongside these plans.
Read in conjunction with the Archbishop’s document “With Lamps Ablaze” for broader priorities.
Publish the synodal declarations and action plans to the entire community and forward a copy to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Overall Responsibility:
Archdiocesan leadership, parishes, communities, agencies, and individuals are called to active participation.
Oversight and progress monitoring will be managed by designated groups, ensuring timely and effective implementation.
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Here are the full decrees:
The Action Plans for the 8 Decrees that came out of the National Catholic Plenary Council initially, which we as a Parish participated in very enthusiastically, have now been through the process of SYNOD 24 for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and can be found by clicking on the link below or for those of us who are challenged in this area, we have also repeated below. We look forward to your respectful comments and meaningful discussion as to how we as a Parish go forward. Remembering we cannot do everything but can take one small step at a time. Once again we will call on the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making.
Synod24-Decrees-Document-web.pdf
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 1 - HEALING WOUNDS, RECEIVING GIFTS
The focus here is on the need for a new engagement of the Church with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, beginning with a new kind of listening in the belief that we all can and must learn from the first inhabitants of the land
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That, building on the Archdiocesan Reconciliation Action Plan, the Archdiocese develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander truth-telling, professional learning and formation plan that provides opportunities for all those within parishes, communities and agencies to come to a deeper recognition, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities
** That the Archdiocese develop and distribute culturally appropriate resources to assist parishes, communities and agencies to include aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, spiritualities, ritual and symbol in prayers and liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop culturally specific learning and formation opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 2 - CHOOSING REPENTANCE, SEEKING HEALING The focus here is on addressing sexual abuse in the Church, making amends for failures in the past and working to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, but especially for the young and the vulnerable
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That in dialogue with survivors, the consequences of physical, sexual and spiritual abuse by Church personnel be addressed within the Archdiocese through truth-telling and story-telling sessions in safe spaces that may give survivors and their family members a voice to be heard and honoured, and support for research and programs related to trauma-informed spiritual care and the long-term impact of spiritual harm
** That a Sunday of the liturgical year be set aside within the Archdiocese to focus upon safeguarding and healing, with a reassessment of Safeguarding Sunday looking to rename, refocus and resituate it, with the preparation of appropriate ritual and resources, including an annual commissioning of local safeguarding people
** That the Archdiocese, in dialogue with survivors, implement processes that seek forgiveness for historical failings, recognising and addressing their needs. This could include a formal apology to survivors and their families, symbolic plaques and/or artwork in significant locations, theological reflection on sexual abuse within the Church which ought to be a place of refuge and safety, retreats and days of prayer that can foster healing, and the training of appropriately gifted people to undertake a ministry to survivors and their families.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 3 - CALLED BY CHRIST, SENT FORTH AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES
The focus here is on the Church as a community of welcome for all, but especially for those who have been marginalised or excluded, listening to their stories and creating safe and hospitable spaces for them within the Church
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an Archdiocesan family and intergenerational ministry working group be formed to develop and implement a holistic, intergenerational and inclusive approach to family faith-formation across educational and other Archdiocesan agencies in order to foster lifelong missionary discipleship
** That this working group explore ways of strengthening partnerships between parishes, schools, communities and agencies, develop and implement sacramental resources for children with diverse learning needs and disabilities, including training for sacramental coordinators and volunteers to use the resources, develop a safe and supportive network for parents and carers of children and young people who may need additional support to feel welcome, offer advice upon request at decision-making tables at all levels of Archdiocesan governance.
* That there be in self-nominated Mass centres the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations catering for diverse needs within the community, provided with resourcing around mentorship, formation, training and succession-planning for self nominated clergy, religious and laity
*** That the Archdiocese provide facilitated listening sessions, workshops and forums for safe and supportive story-telling, truth-telling and dialogue, in order to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and disenfranchised
** That with the support and mentorship of the Archdiocesan Council for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations, Queensland Churches Together and the Queensland Faith Communities Council, a co-responsible deanery approach to ecumenism and interreligious relations be developed and implemented, including short courses on ecumenism and interreligious relations, formation of individuals for work in ecumenical and interreligious relations, ecumenical retreats and pilgrimages, ecumenical and interreligious youth summits
*** That a strategic approach to mission in the digital environment be developed and implemented, focusing on the creation of digital media within a Catholic context, formation and training of people to work in the field, and including research into the possibilities and challenges of engaging the sacramental life of the Church through digital platforms such as live-streamed liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop a pastoral ministry in sport, including formation and support programs and research into best practice and recommended qualifications, training and study pathways for sports chaplains.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 4 - WITNESSING TO THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The focus here is on ensuring that the Church is a place where the equal dignity of women and men is respected and where the gifts of both women and men are identified and allowed to flourish for the sake of leadership within the Body of Christ
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
* That, if the universal law of the Church were modified to admit women to diaconal ordination, the Archdiocese examine how best to implement it in the context of the Church in Brisbane *** That a fulltime role of Executive Officer for Participation be established to design, implement and resource a plan for the full co-responsible participation of lay women and men in the life and mission of the Church ** That a reference group be established to explore options for the use of inclusive language in prayer, liturgy, scripture and all Archdiocesan communications * That a research project be established to explore the theological foundations of diverse understandings of women in the Church, leading to an assembly on co-responsibility of all the baptised in the life and mission of the Church *** That a pilot program be established to financially support the postgraduate education and formation of lay women and men in various areas of interest and importance to the Church, with the Archdiocese providing the initial funds with a view to establishing a foundation. A transparent application process would be overseen by the Archdiocesan Synod Council (see Action Plan 7) and approved finally by the Archbishop.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 5 - COMMUNION IN GRACE, SACRAMENT TO THE WORLD
The focus here is on the need to identify and foster the charisms given by God and to encourage new forms of ministry to supply the needs of the Church not only internally, for the sake of worship, but also externally, for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
** That a ministry of front-of-house hospitality be developed and implemented for secretaries and other administrative staff in parishes and communities, recognising and formalising what is often happening, offering training and networking opportunities to those engaged in the ministry, devising processes of recruitment and care of those called to the ministry, and developing resources to help those engaged in the ministry
*** That the Archdiocese explore fully the possibilities of the ministries of catechist, lector and acolyte and consider what other ministries, open to all, instituted or not, might be needed to meet new needs
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Ministries Discernment Committee to oversee the recruitment, formation, commissioning, institution and continuing education of those preparing for or carrying out such ministries
** That the Archdiocese support and provide resources for lay-led liturgies where appropriate, particularly for parishes and communities without regular access to clergy
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic funerals and baptisms, indicating the circumstances in which this would be permitted and providing both discernment process and training programs for those involved in this ministry
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic weddings (in line with Chapter III of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony), indicating the circumstances in which this might occur and the process of delegation ** That the Archdiocese promote the participation of lay people in the ministry of preaching within the Sunday Mass and elsewhere, identifying the situations in which a lay person might offer a reflection during Mass, providing adequate training and support which would include sessions on how to run a Scripture study group, how to write and deliver a Lectionary-based reflection on the readings, how to make best use of the Directory for Masses with Children, drawing upon the resources of Archdiocesan agencies and organisations
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project supporting the integration of families into parishes and communities in order to promote their sense of belonging and engagement in the life of the Church, providing resources to facilitate the incorporation of families into the community both before and after the sacraments of initiation and resources to support family catechesis when preparing children for the sacraments
** That the Archdiocese establish a network of groups working in marriage education and enrichment, including marriage preparation for engaged couples and ongoing accompaniment for married couples
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a formation strategy on the sacrament of penance and the many ways in which God’s mercy is experienced in Christian life and liturgy, providing resources and examples, such as ritual outlines for the celebration of the sacrament of penance, including the second rite, offering retreat opportunities for different age groups to enable them to experience the sacrament of penance, and revising the current sacramental policy on the provision of first penance for children.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 6 - FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
The focus here is on providing in a variety of ways the formation needed for ordained and non-ordained leadership in the Church, so that leaders will be properly equipped for the ministry to which they are called
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese develop a plan for ministry and leadership formation, including a working group representing key people in formation and developing resources and programs on missional and synodal leadership such as podcasts, online modules and retreats, particularly for emerging leaders who have skills and qualifications equipping them for governance, leadership and other decision-making roles
* That the Archdiocese develop and implement opportunities for lay people to be engaged in ongoing spiritual growth beyond the liturgical context, including in small groups that meet regularly for prayer, bible study, reflection on Church documents, and spiritual accompaniment
* That parishes and deaneries offer formation events drawing upon experts to reflect on key topics such as prayer, scripture, sacraments, marriage and family, mission, care for our common home and inclusivity. SYNOD24
** That pathways for greater lay involvement in the ongoing formation of clergy and the formation of seminarians be identified, providing avenues for accompaniment of clergy by lay people and assisting pastors to work with a small group of lay people to provide regular feedback on homilies, based on an agreed criteria matrix
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a road-map for a mission focused Church that is synodal and co-responsible, including localised and ongoing conversations in the Spirit as a regular part of planning, decision-making, pastoral care and community-building
** That the Archdiocese teach simply and systematically the discipline and method of conversation in the Spirit as a way of discernment, attempting to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in listening to each other.
* That the Archdiocese produce podcasts and digital media resources exploring what it means to read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel
*** That the Archdiocese, at a time when the ethnic profile of the Catholic Church is changing both locally and globally, organise forums on interculturality in a missional, synodal and co-responsible Church.
*** That a SYNOD24 Formation and Implementation Plan be developed and implemented, providing opportunities for formation in all eight Action Plans and including resources and workshops in areas such as how to share faith with friends, how to engage with scripture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island spirituality, integral ecology, sacraments and sacramentality, inclusive theology, the role of women in the Church, ecumenism and interreligious relations.
*** That the Archdiocese offers workshops and practical resources on how to implement the SYNOD24 Action Plans in parishes, communities and agencies across the Archdiocese.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 7 - AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION: GOVERNANCE
The focus here is on the governance of the Church in a synodal key, looking to synods as a regular feature of Church life and to synodality as the characteristic of all aspects of Church governance for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese commit to celebrating Synods on a regular basis, so that this key element of synodality become a normal part of Archdiocesan life
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Synod Council which will meet regularly through the year between the Synods, members committing to formation in and practice of conversation in the Spirit as a key element of meetings and to formation in the nature and purpose of the Council
** That the Council commit to diverse representation including a mix of lay women and men, religious and the ordained.
** That the Archdiocese prepare Statutes for the Council ARCHDIOCESAN SUMMIT 2023 2 4 / ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE SYNOD24 Action Plans
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project to operate at deanery level to identify lay people who are women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, persons with a disability or from a cultural community, and who seem suitable to serve on councils and committees in the parish or the Archdiocese with the right kind of mentorship, accompaniment and formation, especially in the areas of synodality, co-responsibility and mission
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a parish handover process that includes consultation with members of the parish, especially the Parish Pastoral Council, and the preparation of a statement of what the parish expects of a pastor.
* That there be in the Archdiocese regular performance reviews of pastors to identify areas of strength and areas for growth, with ongoing professional supervision to foster growth.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 8 - INTEGRAL ECOLOGY AND CONVERSION FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COMMON HOME
The focus here is on the need for ecological conversion in the life and mission of the Church, understanding that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the one thing, and that ecological conversion must lead to action
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an integral ecology formation strategy be developed and implemented for clergy, community leaders, agency staff and parishioners, to be revised every three years, helping them to grow in understanding of integral ecology and its impact on our behaviour and drawing where appropriate on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom, and engaging with already existing eco-spirituality resources
* That all organisations, parishes and schools writing a Laudato Si Action Plan include a framework for measuring and reporting emission reduction that leads to a considered net zero pathway that includes commitment and timeframes.
* That, in addition to the emission reduction strategies, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities be developed in the Archdiocese with a view to assisting all agencies, parishes and communities to embed measurable ESG outcomes into their future Laudato Si Action Plans. SANTA TERESA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE.
*** That an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan be developed and implemented to support ecological ministry throughout the Archdiocese, recruiting deanery representatives to create hubs that support ecological ministers overseen by a coordinator employed by the Archdiocese to support action in parishes and communities
* That intergenerational and family initiatives be developed to promote the call to care for our common home
* That parishes, communities and agencies share their activities in the area of ecological engagement at events and through avenues of communication, and that cross-agency collaboration in this area be coordinated and encouraged throughout the Archdiocese.
*** That the Archdiocese produce guidelines and resources for parish clergy and liturgy coordinators indicating ways in which a commitment to integral ecology can be integrated into liturgical celebrations.
CLOSING REMARKS
Some of these action plans already have currency in one form or other in the Archdiocese, or at least in some parts of the Archdiocese. The task will be to give greater impetus and focus to those that already have currency, but also to set in motion the processes to which others look. Not all the action plans will be able to be implemented immediately, but none of them can be delayed indefinitely Therefore, priorities will have to be set in the hope that the action plans will have been implemented within five years. Budgeting will also need to be considered, as will the question of who has carriage of the various initiatives. There will need to be a group to oversee the implementation of the action plans, the Synod Council will also be charged with oversight of a broader kind, and the Archdiocesan Synods will monitor progress. Yet this is a document not just for some. It is for everyone; and I urge all parishes, communities, agencies and individuals to read and reflect upon the action plans and to be as creative as possible in implementing them. These action plans are comprehensive but not exhaustive. There are things not mentioned in this document which are important for the future of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. For instance, we will certainly need to consider restructuring our parishes and even our schools, looking not so much to amalgamation but more to building a “community of communities”. How to engage young people more energetically in the life of the Church is another question not prominent in these action plans but essential for the future of the Church. How to be more effective in teaching prayer as a way of life, the art of listening to God in prayer and the contemplative eye upon the world: this is another. The list could go on. This is another way of saying that these action plans should be read in conjunction with my own document “With Lamps Ablaze” which sets out a number of what I called apostolic priorities for the Archdiocese. These interweave with the action plans found here. I direct that these synodal declarations and decrees which I sign in accord with can. 466 be published to the entire community of the Archdiocese and that a copy be forwarded to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as required by can. 46 I thank all who have been part of the Synod journey, having heard the Lord’s promise to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). I commend these action plans to the grace of the Holy Spirit from whom this process has come forth and to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, St Stephen and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to fulfilment (cf Philippians 1:6) - Mark - Archbishop of Brisbane - November 2024 -
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Promoting safe practices, including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All cardholders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they must cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck. Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal, http://archbne.org/welcome, which will inform them whether they need a Police Check for their ministry.
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.
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Sacred Heart Church and Parish office - (directions and location)
50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Queensland 4226
(The best entry is the southern entrance off Fairway Drive, nearest to Santa Cruz Boulevard).
map: -
Please see below for a photo of the Catholic Parish office ……(with the name “Glendalough - Parish Office” written on a sign over the door - Glendalough is pronounced “Glenda-lock” and is named after a famous Irish location where Catholic Saint Kevin lived- one of our schools in the parish is named St Kevin’s in honour that patron saint).
below is a picture of the Sacred Heart church which is located on the same grounds - (to the left of the parish office)
