PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“On this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18)
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/Z70LPoJqQzHOmg593fbh?ru=Paul-Evangelion
Thank you! From Saint Vincent de Paul local Appeal
A big "Thank You" to our parishioner's for supporting our annual Winter Appeal for Surfers Paradise Saint Vincent de Paul conference. Your generosity allows our local Conference to continue to do the good works in our local community.
Thank you and God Bless.
Wendy Webb. Conference President - Surfers Paradise. St Vincent de Paul Society Qld
email: wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
Photo taken at SV 10am Mass. Fr Bernie cutting the SVDP 50th anniversary cake.
PETERS PENCE ANNUAL APPEAL - This weekend
Each year parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane take up the Peter's Pence collection as a collection. The collection is to be taken at the Masses the weekend around the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. - 28/29 June, 2025.
The Peter's Pence Collection gives Catholics in Australia an opportunity to join in communion with the Catholic faithful throughout the world in support of the charitable works of the Holy See.
• The Peter's Pence Collection is an annual collection of the Catholic Church around the world.
• The collection allows the Holy Father to respond to the most needy throughout the world, to offer timely, effective emergency assistance to our suffering brothers and sisters.
• In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we take this collection up as a retiring collection.
Once collected, parishes are asked to deposit total proceeds from the collection via electronic transfer.
PASTOR’S POST -
Saints Peter and Paul died as martyrs in Rome under the persecution of Emperor Nero, between 64 and 67 AD. This prominent, outstanding feast day of the city of Rome has been observed on this date since the mid-third century. It commemorates the martyrdom of Peter the "chief of the apostles" and of Paul the "apostle to the Gentiles". They are remembered for their faith, their courage, and their leadership during the difficult days of the birth of our lord's spirit-led church.
Today, we celebrate a special day in the church, honouring the incredible apostles, Peter and Paul. It’s a moment that reminds us of the profound unity and mission that define our faith. As St. Ambrose once said, “Where Peter is, there is the Church. Where the Church is, there is Jesus Christ. Where Jesus Christ is, there is eternal salvation.” These words underscore the significance of these two apostles in our spiritual journey.
St. Augustine beautifully reflected on their shared mission, noting that “these two also were as one,” even if they suffered on different days. Their faith, lives, and labours are a testament to what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Their example encourages us to love their sacrifices and to remember that they are “like twin lights of eyes” in the body of Christ, guiding us with their unwavering witness.
The late Pope Francis, in a homily, echoes this call to follow Jesus with focus and courage. He reminds priests and believers alike that following Christ is about prioritising what’s essential—proclaiming the Gospel, living a life shaped by grace, and sharing God’s love with everyone, especially the least. He urged us to look beyond secondary concerns and to emulate the dedication of Peter and Paul in our daily lives.
It’s inspiring to see how the church honours these two saints—one a rock of faith, the other a voice of mission and inclusion. Their combined celebration symbolises unity amid diversity, showing that together, their different talents serve the one and the same Spirit.
Today, let’s pray for the unity and peace of the church and the world. This date is also special as on (or around) this Solemnity, many priests celebrate their ordination anniversary. And let’s also celebrate and give thanks to God for all priests, especially those marking anniversaries, like my uncle Fr. Clem Hodge’s 64 years of priesthood this year. May Saint Peter and Saint Paul continue to intercede for us, guiding us to live with charity, courage, and a shared vision.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE RE ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE WEEKEND OF THE GOLD COAST MARATHON:
We ask Stella Maris and St Vincent’s church parishioners to familiarise themselves with the road closures happening next Sunday 6th July due to the running of the Gold Coast Marathon.
All Masses will be celebrated at the usual times.
Stella Maris –
Hedges Avenue road access will not be available to vehicles between 3:30am and 11am Sunday morning, pedestrian traffic allowed.
St Vincent’s –
Surfers Paradise Blvd will be closed blocking entry to the church from the East, near Q1, between 3:30am and 11am Sunday morning.
Vehicles will be permitted to enter Hamilton Ave off the Gold Coast Highway, doing a U-turn at Clifford Street if coming from the South, under Police direction.
All trams will be running with the addition of extra trams running more frequently.
Fr Paul
Please pray for our newly appointed archbishop Shane McKinlay, who will assume his position on September 11th this year. Also, our prayers of gratitude and for health and blessings for the next chapter of our emeritus archbishop, Mark Coleridge, who is administering the archdiocese until bishop Shane begins his ministry here.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY -WINTER APPEAL
If you missed out on the opportunity to donate to our local Winter appeal, you can still donate.
The annual winter appeal to help support those locals in need of extra help.
The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community. In the last 12 months local Vincentians have done 658 conference visits and provided financial assistance of $82,700 and in-kind assistance (food and Vinnies gift cards for clothing etc) of $20,200 a total of $102,900 in assistance.
The shortage of affordable rental accommodation and high cost of living on the Gold Coast is affecting many families who have previously not had to ask for assistance. Some of our companions are paying more than 80% of their income on rent.
This year Surfers Paradise SVdP conference is celebrating 50+ years helping our community.
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
Rest In Peace - June O'DONNELL
In Loving Memory of June O'Donnell
(20 August 1944 - 16 June 2025)
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law and cherished grandmother, June O'Donnell. After a courageous battle with MND, June passed away peacefully on Monday, 16 June 2025, with the same grace and dignity that defined her life.
June was the dearly loved wife of Patrick O'Donnell for 59 wonderful years, devoted mother to Angela O'Brien, Rebecca O'Donnell and Cathleen O'Donnell (Dec.), treasured mother-in-law to Shaun O'Brien, adored grandmother to Brigitte O' Brien and sister to Jim (Dec.) and Alan Cunliffe. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments, enveloped in the love they all shared.
June faced her illness with extraordinary strength, humility and quiet resilience, never seeking the spotlight but always shining brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.
The family wishes to sincerely thank their devoted nieces, nephews, dear neighbours and lifelong friends for the incredible love, kindness and support they have shown to June throughout her life and especially during her most difficult days.
In keeping with June's character - humble and gracious - she has requested a private funeral. It is just as she lived: with quiet dignity and deep thought for those around her.
Forever loved and forever in our hearts.
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CONCERT -
Michael Haydn - REQUIEM IN C MINOR With motets by Moz Ottley, Bruck4er, Go
Presented by - a concert for peace - Tickets: $34/$29 visit Stickytickets.com.au or pay cash/card at the door
MARCO BELLASI MUSIC DIRECTOR
AYESHA GOUGH PIANIST
GUEST SOLOISTS GAYNOR MORGAN Soprano, MORGAN ROSATI Alto, GREG MASSINGHAM Tenor, PATRICK DONNELLY Bass.
2025 JULY CONCERTS
Sat 2:30 JULY 5 Burleigh Village Church 2 Burleigh Street
Sat 2:30 JULY 12 Southport St Peter's Anglican Church 85 Nerang Street coolamonsingers.org •
Sun 2:30 JULY 27 Tweed Civic Centre Coolamon Singers perform REQUIEM in C with Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: nrso.com.au $60/$50 - Transformative classical music -
Help Christians in the Holy Land
Aid to the Church in Need is providing urgent support to the Church in Israel and Gaza in the ongoing conflict. Without your help, many desperate Christian families will be forced to leave. To make an emergency donation visit www.aidtochurch.org/holyland or scan the QR code.
About Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
Aid to the Church in Need is the only international Catholic charity dedicated to the service of suffering Christians wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. Founded in 1947, ACN is a pontifical foundation and provides vital aid for pastoral projects, religious education, and emergency relief in areas affected by conflict and poverty. ACN operates solely on benefactor donations, with no funding from Church or State. Learn more on our website: www.aidtochurch.org - Thank you for your support!
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MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations now available on the new devices.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of July- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 4th July 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are 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 5th July 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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 🙏😃🙏😇🙏
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, Mary and Leon Brosnan, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Nadia Ceh, Terry Collins, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Cathy Doyle, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Stan Hickey, Alan Robinson (Ireland), Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Steve Land, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Victoria MacDonald, Donald McDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Gene Monteiro-Ferdinand, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Kevin Owen, Colin Paterson, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Melba Rentoul, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Ellie Rosier, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Alf Schembri, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Iris Ware, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Margaret Crowe, Antonio Maruca, Russell Cleland, Nuala Ryan, June O’Donnell, David Bechly, Fr Ron Mollison, Fr John Anthony Kilinko, David James Conway, Ron Stewart, Joan Foley, Joan Grace, Maria Gallo, Lucyanna Markovic.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Jack And Daphne Banks, Jacinta and Rhyanna Barry, Mons Edward Barry, Rocco Bellantoni, John Bird, Peter Briggs, Fr Gerard Casey, Julie Dwyer, Anna Felisiak, Domizio Aureliano Gandini, Rodney Clarence Godden, Francisca Hanoszek, Matthew Hoare, Joseph Kania, Fr John Kitts, Kwang Hua Lim, Julia Mckay, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Fr John O'Halloran, Kathleen Perkins, Ralph Smith Pownall, Josephine Sanders, John Schreiber, Vona Winifred Sellars, Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Carole May Stratigos, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, John Callistus Tobin.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Linda Marilyn Arlington, Maura Bagtas, Mons Michael Baldwin, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A Joseph Butler, Polly Cummins, Mary Josephine Dillon, Beatriz Dos Santos, Ines Vittoria Fauretto, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Maureen Glenn, Maurice Goss, Jabour Haddad, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Anne Mary Hawes, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, Fr Alfred Hogan, Gannon John, Mons Edmund Keating, Lynette Lesley Larking, Fr William Livingston, Roza Masa, Maria Emilia Matulic, Antoninette (Toni) Moon, Charles Henry Nolan, Ljuban Pilic, Mary & Gus Reeves, John Gerard(Jr) Robinson, Marie Josette Roussety, Hans Schrader, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, Hedy Triffett, Fr Joseph Troy, Francis Weston, John Jeffrey Wilkinson, Edward (Ted) Woodhead.
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
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]
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Treat yourself today by visiting our shops at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches before or after the weekend Masses. Our friendly ladies are always willing to help with that special purchase. Eftpos available.
Archdiocesan Formation programs - Module Two: Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures
(brochure here… https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5lVaDv8fUqAb2Cht_1HAP9IyR12320F/view?usp=drivesdk)
An invitation is now extended for people to participate in the second module from the Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation. This second module, Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures, engages participants in the scriptures, exploring their inspiration, canonisation, unity and how to interpret scripture within the Catholic tradition. This module will also provide participants with introductions to various books within the canon as well as theological principals that inform the Catholic reading of scripture. Beyond the mechanics, this module provides an experience of listening to the voice of God in scripture, ensuring that scripture moves beyond mere text to being experienced as God's word to us. The content and discussion will address questions such as, can we trust the Scriptures? How can we interpret Scripture with the Church? What are the Gospels? What does the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles teach us about Jesus and the early Church? What is the role of scripture in the Mass and how does it lead us to the Eucharist? What does this mean and how can we engage this sacramental text in our prayer life at home? The module is not just intellectual, it is experiential, so be ready to understand God more deeply, and experience God personally.
More information can be found at www.catholicformation.au
This course formation will run across 10 Monday nights commencing on Monday 4 August, at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo (2 hours per session). For parishes beyond the Brisbane region, there is an option to register as a regional hub where you can gather a minimum of 5 participants locally and complete the course together via an online link. If you are interested in hosting a regional hub, please get in touch with the Archdiocesan Ministries team at accf@catholic.net.au.
i register - https://app.tickets.org.au/eb/module_2_2025
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Deacon Peter Pellicaan PhD Executive Director, Archdiocesan Ministries
www.archdiocese anministries.org.au
MARIAN VALLEY TRIPS
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Fatima devotions on 13.07. 2025. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters 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 0405 252 367.
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.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of July- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 4th July 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are 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 5th July 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
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
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
30/6/25 Eileen & Julio Camera Nerang
7/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
14/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
21/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
28/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au 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
Saint Peter and Saint Paul - THE NEED FOR COMPLEMENTS
Acts 12:1-11
2Tim 4:6-8, 17-18
Matt 16:13-19
THIS WEEK...
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” John Steinbeck
PRAYER
Lord, we know we are not perfect. Grant us forgiving hearts and teach us to not give up. Amen.
The church recognises each of these Saints separately with their own feast day (The Chair of St Peter in February, and the Conversion of Paul in January). Today’s solemnity, it would seem is for us to focus on the connection between the two of them.
They did not live in one another’s world. Peter was a disciple of Jesus, originally from Galilee. Paul, from Tarsus, would never have met Jesus. Peter was a simple man, a fisherman, eager and passionate, but something of a loose cannon at times. Paul was a theologian, also deeply committed to his work, but prior to his conversion was an apostle to the gentiles.
Both however, were flawed, they both made errors. Both were weak and frail in character but were called by God to follow and serve him. Just like us.
God doesn’t ask for perfect men and women. In today’s Gospel, and elsewhere, he does ask us to be forgiving human beings.
Peter and Paul were different, but complementary. Peter, the “rock”, represents order and structure. Paul represents speculation, theology and evangelisation. John Henry Newman says together they give the church its energy, impetus and life. Each needs the other. Without the Pauline elements, Newman says, the Petrine would become stony and lifeless. Without the Petrine element, the Pauline way would devolve into a debating society and potential chaos. When the complementary elements embrace, the church is dynamically aligned.
I see a parallel with the Society. On the back of a strong history, our vast network of members contribute unique qualities and talents and a remarkable willingness to give. Employees in the organisation bring necessary experience and knowledge of current best practice and a desire to make a difference in the world.
All of us bring compassion and a belief in the dignity of the human person. Together we are a dynamic force, dedicated to bettering the lives of those we assist
(Reflection by Leonie Duck)
How can we best embrace the complementarity of the Society?
[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.
OUT NOW!
Click link here for free copy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UmOepml2_KeWqYNvrJLUB2taLPKECZod/view?usp=sharing
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
YEAR OF JUBILEE - JUBILEE OF YOUTH
The Jubilee of Youth celebrates the life and contribution of young people in our Church and the world.
“Young people are no longer children. They are at a time of life when they begin to assume a number of responsibilities, sharing alongside adults in the growth of the family, society and the Church” (Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, n.64).
PRAYER
Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland Inspire our entire faith community, As we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God.
Come Holy Spirit of Youth Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus
Christ. Enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth. Guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast.
Come Holy Spirit of Faith Empower our community to be courageous. Unite your people as witnesses of love. Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship, Accompanying young people as we renew the Church together.
Come Holy Spirit of Vocation Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call. Reveal to us the graces of young people. Guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices To build a civilisation of love. Amen.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.
(Year of Youth 2018 Prayer, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
TEACHING
From Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, to Young People and to the Entire People of God (2019):
“67. Anyone called to be a parent, pastor or guide to young people must have the farsightedness to appreciate the little flame that continues to burn, the fragile reed that is shaken but not broken (cf. Is 42:3). The ability to discern pathways where others only see walls, to recognize potential where others see only peril. That is how God the Father see things; he knows how to cherish and nurture the seeds of goodness sown in the hearts of the young. Each young person’s heart should thus be considered “holy ground”, a bearer of seeds of divine life, before which we must “take off our shoes” in order to draw near and enter more deeply into the Mystery.
“112. The very first truth I would tell each of you is this: “God loves you”. It makes no difference whether you have already heard it or not. I want to remind you of it. God loves you. Never doubt this, whatever may happen to you in life. At every moment, you are infinitely loved.
“118. The second great truth is that Christ, out of love, sacrificed himself completely in order to save you. His outstretched arms on the cross are the most telling sign that he is a friend who is willing to stop at nothing: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1).
“124. Finally, there is a third truth, inseparable from the second: Christ is alive! We need to keep reminding ourselves of this, because we can risk seeing Jesus Christ simply as a fine model from the distant past, as a memory, as someone who saved us two thousand years ago. But that would be of no use to us: it would leave us unchanged, it would not set us free. The one who fills us with his grace, the one who liberates us, transforms us, heals and consoles us is someone fully alive. He is the Christ, risen from the dead, filled with supernatural life and energy, and robed in boundless light. That is why Saint Paul could say: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Cor 15:7).
“130. In these three truths – God loves you; Christ is your Saviour; he is alive – we see God the Father and Jesus. Wherever the Father and the Son are, there too is the Holy Spirit. He is the one who quietly opens hearts to receive that message. He keeps alive our hope of salvation, and he will help you grow in joy if you are open to his working. The Holy Spirit fills the heart of the risen Christ and then flows over into your lives. When you receive the Spirit, he draws you ever more deeply into the heart of Christ, so that you can grow in his love, his life and his power.”
Christ our Joy - Amunda Gory. Year of Youth artwork. Owned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
TESTIMONY
“In 2019, Pope Francis wrote Christus Vivit (‘Christ is Alive’) to address not only young people but the “entire people of God”, following the 2018 Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. Christus Vivit emphasises the important role of youth in the Church and encourages them to embrace their faith and actively participate in their communities.
“As a youth leader and musician in the Church it was an eye-opening experience to learn about this important document and how it can be used in youth ministry across Australia. I hope to utilise and implement within the community through discernment and dialogue with young people.
“My aim is to reach out to youth and young adults by hosting events across Australia, such as worship nights, where I will speak on evangelisation and using your gifts. Someday, I aspire to share this message globally through my ministry.”
- Kyle Correya, Australian Delegate to International Congress on Youth Ministry 2024.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For the young people in our community, that they may come to know God's love and salvation, and be led to be missionary disciples in our world.
We pray to the Lord.
That we all may play our part in accompanying young people and embracing their youthful spirit in our community.
We pray to the Lord.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, to Young People and to the Entire People of God (2019)
Anointed and Sent: An Australian Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry (2009, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
Called to Fullness of Life and Love: National Report on the Australian Catholic Bishops Youth Survey 2017 (2018, National Centre for Pastoral Research)
Addressing the ageing demographic as well as the needs of young people (Qwayne Guevara and Samantha Hill, Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network)
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 part. No copyright fee is payable.
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For September 28th - pilgrimage advertorial
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/
A VOCATION VIEW:
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved, for they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus said, “The harvest is ready, but the labourers are few”. Ask the Lord to send out labourers for the harvest. O Lord, we pray that young men will answer the call to become priests in your harvest and shepherds for your people. Amen.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 timothy 4:7)
How many of us can say this? St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “God doesn’t call us to be successful, he calls us to be faithful.” How many times have we been blinded by the success of the world at the expense of our faith? Matthew Kelly says, “Take one minute each day to remind yourself that you are just passing through this life and will die one day; you will live more intentionally with a passion and purpose.”
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:
This weekend, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. According to ancient tradition, these two apostles were put to death by Emperor Nero (64). Peter died by crucifixion in the public circus on the Vatican Hill, and Paul was beheaded outside the city of Rome.
It has often been said that St Peter represents the Faith of our Church and St Paul represents the Mission of the Church. When we see them in this light, we can understand more clearly why our Church holds Peter and Paul in such high esteem.
For example, Jesus was with St Peter for three years. Very early in his public life, he could have made St Peter the “Head of the Church”, but he did not. Why? Jesus knew that St Peter was weak. Therefore, Jesus waited and waited for this weak man to grow stronger in the faith. When Jesus asked: “Who do you say that I am?” and St Peter answered, “You are the Son of the living God”, Jesus knew that his faith had grown and entrusted him with a special leadership.
As for St Paul, what gave him the strength and courage to “pour away his life as a libation” in the service of the Good News? What is it that gave him the zeal and fire to “fight the good fight to the end and to run the race to the finish”? (2 Tim 4: 6-8) The real reason was his belief that God had created him in his mother’s womb to preach the Gospel: “Then God, who had specially chosen me while I was still in my mother’s womb, called me through his Grace so that I might preach the Good News.” (Gal 1:15-16).
Together, Peter and Paul bring balance to the Church. Jesus gives St Peter “the keys of the kingdom” and the power “to bind and loose on earth” (Mt 16:19), which offers the apostle a special authority. The Church acknowledges this but at the same time, the Church prefers to also place St Paul fairly and squarely in the “mix”.
With St. Paul, the Church upholds the challenge of the Mission entrusted by Christ to His Church. Thus, this weekend’s Feast is a reminder to all of us that the authority of the Church (symbolised by St Peter) will only be effective if its authority is directed towards preaching the Gospel and living it in the world. Authority and Mission must go hand in hand.
Sts Peter and Paul pray for us.
(Article by Bishop Tim Harris)
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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.
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, 29th June. (episode: 536)
And happy 64th Ordination of Priesthood to my uncle, Fr Clem Hodge.
God bless your ministry. (PK)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 41136337. Icon of saint Apostles Paul and Peter on mahogany and gold. By Dmitry Kalinovsky
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Prologue:
Saints Peter and Paul died as martyrs in Rome under the persecution of Emperor Nero, between 64 and 67 AD. This prominent, outstanding feast day of the city of Rome has been observed on this date since the mid-third century. It commemorates the martyrdom of Peter the "chief of the apostles" and of Paul the "apostle to the Gentiles". They are remembered for their faith, their courage, and their leadership during the difficult days of the birth of our lord's spirit-led church.
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HOMILY:
On this wonderful feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, here are some quotes from some of the Fathers of the Church. St. Ambrose, who lived from 340 to 397, was one of the original four doctors of the Church, and he says,
“Where Peter is, there is the Church. Where the Church is, there is Jesus Christ.
Where Jesus Christ is, there is eternal salvation.”
St. Augustine, Father and Doctor of the Church, writes, “There is one feast day for the Passion of two Apostles. But these two also were as one. Although they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. We are celebrating a feast day consecrated for us by the blood of the Apostles. Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours, their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching.”
St. Leo the Great writes, “There must be general rejoicing, dearly beloved, over this holy company whom God has appointed to give us example in patience and strengthen our faith. But we glory even more in the excellence of Peter and Paul, whom the grace of God has raised to such a height among all the members of the Church that he has set them like twin lights of eyes in that body whose head is Christ.”
And happy anniversary to all those who are celebrating special occasions at this time.
The late Pope Francis, in a June 2014 homily on Peter and Paul, and particularly addressing priests whose anniversaries are around that time of this feast, he says, “In today's feast the Lord repeats to me, to you, what he first said to the Apostles, and especially to Sts. Peter and Paul, follow me.”
“Waste no time in questioning or useless chattering. Do not dwell on secondary things, but look to what is essential and follow me. Follow me without regard for the difficulties.”
“Follow me in preaching the gospel. Follow me by the witness of a life shaped by the grace you received in baptism and holy orders. Follow me by speaking of me to those with whom you live day after day, in your work, your conversations, and among your friends.”
“Follow me by proclaiming the gospel to all, especially to the least among us, so that no one will fail to hear the word of life, which sets us free from every fear and enables us to trust in the faithfulness of God. Follow me. So this is a wonderful feast day.”
It's a wonderful genius, too, from God, to inspire a two-fold celebration of these two Apostles on the same day. It shows both unity and cooperation, a single vision, one serving the communion and care of the universal church, the other a wonderful voice of mission and inclusion, a perfect balance. Let's pray for the unity and peace of the church and the world.
Let's unite in a common vision and united action. Let's be inspired by the diverse talents and areas of focus of the mission, but guided by the same spirit that leads and guides us to bear much fruit. We also pray in thanksgiving and blessing for all priests, many of whom have their anniversary of priesthood at this time.
May God continue to strengthen and guide and bless their ministry with much fruitfulness and clarity. These wonderful Apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, continue to intercede for the church and the world for continuing unity, charity, courage, and vision.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us.
(REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY
Quotes: https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-june-the-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul /
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 41136337. Icon of saint Apostles Paul and Peter on mahogany and gold. By Dmitry Kalinovsky)
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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.
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
You might think that the two foundational giants of the Christian tradition who share a feast day would have been best buddies, but in fact, Peter and Paul had their differences, especially around the question of whether people who weren’t Jews needed to observe Jewish Law in order to become followers of Jesus. It is not entirely clear whether they fully reconciled their differences before they were both martyred in Rome (on the same day, tradition says), though it is clear that Paul’s position carried the day over time. Perhaps there’s a message for today’s divided church—we can disagree with one another, even on matters of great importance, and still rest together in the same great tradition.
First Martyrs of the Church in Rome
Keep their memory alive
It is a deeply human act to remember the dead, especially those who died as a result of acts of violence. Today’s memorial for the First Martyrs of the Church in Rome places the church squarely within this tradition of remembrance. We recall innumerable Christians who were put to death in gruesome ways by the emperor Nero, who blamed Christians for a devastating fire in Rome in the year 64. Nero did not crush the church, and neither has the memory of those early martyrs been erased. Your reading these words keeps alive their memory and their sacrifice. (source: take five for faith)
St Thomas, Apostle - 03 July.
Thomas, called the "Twin," was one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. Remembered for his initial disbelief in the resurrection and his subsequent proclamation of faith upon seeing the resurrected Christ: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). An early tradition venerates him as the Apostle of India.
St Elizabeth of Portugal
If only a few kings have been found worthy of being numbered among the Church’s saints, some of their wives have made up for it. We honour one of these today, St Elizabeth, queen of Portugal. She was actually a Spaniard, of the Royal House of Aragon; but she married King Denis of Portugal.
She is known as the peacemaker, for many times in her life, she intervened to prevent wars between her husband’s clan and her own clan. She had to intervene even to prevent vendettas between her son and the king’s illegitimate children, and for her pains, she was once banished for a time from the court. Denis, while a wise ruler of his people, was a very unfaithful and neglectful husband. But Elizabeth never wavered in her fidelity to him and even brought up, alongside her own two children, Denis’ illegitimate children as if they were her own.
She devoted herself to helping the poor tenderly all of her life. Death came to her at the age of 65, when she was on an errand of reconciliation.
St Anthony Zaccaria
Anthony Mary's letters do not belong to any literary genre nor can they be styled “spiritual letters” per se. They were occasional writings dashed off without any concern for style, in plain, totally unadorned language. However, they do contain a wealth of extraordinary spirituality, a fact easily recognized by his earliest biographers.
Anthony Mary himself, in his last letter, pointedly remarked: “I have not written one word without some special meaning in it. If you discover it, it will be, I think, most useful and gainful for you.”
POPE LEO REFLECTIONS -
Image - coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV - “In the One, we are one.”
Jubilee Of The Holy See - Homily Of The Holy Father Leo XIV
Saint Peter's Basilica - Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church - Monday, 9 June 2025 -
Dear sisters and brothers,
Today we have the joy and grace of celebrating the Jubilee of the Holy See on the liturgical feast day of Mary, Mother of the Church. This happy coincidence is a source of light and inner inspiration in the Holy Spirit, who yesterday, on Pentecost, poured himself out abundantly upon the people of God. It is in this spiritual setting that we are experiencing a special day; first with the meditation we have heard and now, at the table of the Word and the Eucharist.
The Word of God in this celebration helps us to understand the mystery of the Church and, within it, of the Holy See, in the light of the two biblical images inspired by the Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles (1:12-14) and in the Gospel of John (19:25-34).
Let us begin with the fundamental account, which is the story of Jesus’ death. John, the only one of the Twelve present at Calvary, saw and testified that beneath the cross stood Jesus’ mother together with the other women (cf. Jn 19:25). And he heard with his own ears the last words of the Master, among which were these: “Woman, here is your son!” and then, turning to him, “Here is your mother!” (Jn 19:26-27).
Mary’s motherhood through the mystery of the Cross took an unimaginable leap: the mother of Jesus became the new Eve, the source of new and eternal life for every person who comes into the world, because her Son associated her with his redemptive death. The theme of fruitfulness is clearly present in this liturgy. The opening prayer immediately highlighted this by asking the Father that the Church, sustained by the love of Christ, “may be more fruitful day by day.” (Collect)
The fruitfulness of the Church is the same fruitfulness as Mary’s; it is realized in the lives of her members to the extent that they relive, “in miniature,” what the Mother lived, namely, they love according to the love of Jesus. All the fruitfulness of the Church and of the Holy See depends on the Cross of Christ. Otherwise, it is only appearance, if not worse. A great contemporary theologian wrote: “If the Church is the tree that grew from the tiny mustard seed of the cross, this tree is destined to produce mustard seeds in turn, and therefore fruits that repeat the shape of the cross, because it is precisely to the cross that they owe their existence” (H.U. von Balthasar, Cordula ovverosia il caso serio, Brescia 1969, 45-46).
In the Collect, we also prayed that the Church may exult “in the holiness of her children.” In fact, the fruitfulness of Mary and of the Church are inextricably linked to their holiness, which is their conformity to Christ. The Holy See is holy as the Church is holy, in her original core, in the very fabric of her being. The Apostolic See thus preserves the holiness of its roots while being preserved by them. But it is no less true that it also lives in the holiness of each of its members. Therefore, the best way to serve the Holy See is to strive for holiness, each according to his or her particular state of life and the work entrusted to him or her.
For example, a priest who personally carries a heavy cross because of his ministry, yet every day goes to the office and tries to do his job to the best of his ability with love and faith, this priest participates and contributes to the fruitfulness of the Church. Similarly, a father or mother of a family who lives in a difficult situation at home, with a child who is cause for concern or a sick parent, and continues his or her work with commitment, that man or woman are fruitful with the fruitfulness of Mary and of the Church.
Let us now turn to the second image, the one described by Saint Luke at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, which depicts the mother of Jesus together with the Apostles and disciples in the Upper Room (1:12-14). It presents Mary’s motherhood towards the nascent Church, an “archetypal” motherhood that remains relevant in every time and place. It is always and above all the fruit of the Paschal Mystery, of the gift of the Crucified and Risen Lord.
The Holy Spirit, who descends with power upon the first community, is the same Spirit that Jesus bestowed with his last breath (cf. Jn 19:30). This biblical image is inseparable from the first. The fruitfulness of the Church is always linked to the grace that flowed from the pierced heart of Jesus, together with blood and water, symbolizing the sacraments (cf. Jn 19:34).
In the Upper Room, thanks to the maternal mission she received at the foot of the cross, Mary is at the service of the nascent community: she is the living memory of Jesus and, as such, she is the center of attention that harmonizes differences and ensures the unity of the disciples’ prayer.
In this text too, the apostles are listed by name and, as always, Peter is the first (cf. v. 13). But he himself, in truth, is the first to be supported by Mary in his ministry. In the same way, Mother Church supports the ministry of Peter's successors with the Marian charism. The Holy See experiences in a very special way the coexistence of the two poles; the Marian and the Petrine. It is precisely the Marian pole, with its motherhood, gift of Christ and of the Spirit, that ensures the fruitfulness and holiness of the Petrine pole.
Dear friends, let us praise God for his Word, the lamp that guides our steps, even in our daily life at the service of the Holy See. Enlightened by his Word, let us renew our prayer: Grant, O Father, that your Church, sustained by the love of Christ, may be ever more fruitful in the Spirit, exult in the holiness of her children, and draw to her embrace all the whole human family (cf. Collect in Italian Missal). Amen.
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
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.
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)
