PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
"For the mouth speaks of what the heart is full.”
(Luke 6:45)
A good tree produces good fruit. A bad tree produces bad fruit!
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/4OV7PIgzvVgfJbdD52js?ru=Paul-Evangelion
PASTOR’S POST - Fr Bradley
We call the season we are in now, “Ordinary Time.” Have you ever wondered what that means? Firstly, “ordinary” means exactly what you may think - that this is a time with no speciality or festiveness. We do acknowledge though that ordinary doesn’t mean unimportant. A high percentage of our lives are ordinary, and what makes the festive occasions special is that we do not have the special occasions all the time. The Church year does well to acknowledge this as a part of our spirituality. We need the special occasions, and we have two of them during the year – Christmas and Easter, with Easter being the most important within the Church’s yearly cycle. What Ordinary time does is not so much differentiate the festive from the ordinary, but helps us understand that God works mostly within the ordinariness of our lives.
We can sometimes feel like waiting for the big “God moment” before we acknowledge God’s presence or action in our lives, or before making a big decision. God can certainly speak to us through big moments or through special times. But we should do well to not miss what God says to us and does through the ordinary, in between parts of our lives.
This leads to the second meaning for Ordinary Time – that it is ordered. We count the weeks as they go by (this Sunday being the eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time). This is more than mere counting. We count the weeks as a way of acknowledging that we are on a journey, and as each week goes by, we are a little further along the way, hopefully realising God’s action as we go. Before we begin Lent this Wednesday, let us consider how God is moving in our everyday lives, and not miss how ordinariness can lead to the limitless extraordinariness that God is doing.
Fr Bradley -
Ready for Prep 2026 at St Kevin’s School, Benowa
St Kevin’s enrolments for Prep 2026 are filling up very fast and we now extend an invitation to all families considering where to send their child to begin their schooling journey in 2026, to make application for an interview in order to secure a place for their child. During the interview you will get to hear more about the excellent learning and teaching that happens at St Kevin’s as well as get to experience the sense of warmth and welcome that St Kevin’s offers all students and families.
We also warmly invite you St Kevin’s Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Visit our website www.sk.qld.edu.au or call us on 055539 4522 for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you to St Kevin’s, a school with a big heart in the heart of the Gold
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THIS LENT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF PROJECT COMPASSION - A PRACTICAL WAY OF GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED - IN THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC-RUN APPEAL ORGANISED BY CARITAS AUSTRALIA
Project Compassion Sunday
1st and 2nd of March 2025
PROJECT COMPASSION - LENTEN PRAYER
God of our journey
we are all pilgrims of hope
brought together by your love
and your wish that we may all be one.
We pray that in this Year of Jubilee
when we are called to greater justice
and care for our common home
that we may Unite Against Poverty.
May we work in unity for the freedom
of the oppressed and the renewal of creation.
may our compassionate minds
and generous hearts help bring about a
world where all can live in peace.
May our Lenten pilgrimage of
fasting, almsgiving and prayer
bring us closer to your loving heart.
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen
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There have been some advertisements on TV lately for a well-known optometrist. They show people getting into all sorts of funny mishaps because they went to the wrong place to get their glasses and can’t see where they are going. They fall out of boats, fail to recognise their boss, wear the wrong clothes and so on.
Jesus wasn’t joking when he speaks in today’s Gospel about the blind leading the blind. Nor when he speaks about taking the plank out of your own eye before we worry about the splinter in someone else’s. Clear sightedness means being able to see both yourself and the world for what we honestly are.
This Jubilee year calls us to a sharper vision. The theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is Pilgrims of Hope, a theme which asks us to see where we are going. You may have noticed the Jubilee emblem of people in a boat, facing the same direction, united in the face of whatever the sea throws at them.
During Lent, which starts with Ash Wednesday this week, we undertake our annual pilgrimage of hope towards Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Along the way, we will hear many reminders that we are called to a faith that does justice. Jesus did not shy away from the painful and difficult path the father asked of him to walk towards Calvary and ultimately Easter. He walked hand in hand with God. We too may be called to a challenging journey.
Many of us carry burdens with our families, our relationships, our jobs, our accommodation and so on. We are also called to help carry the cross of the most marginal members of God’s family throughout the world.
For generations, Project Compassion, organised by Caritas Australia, has helped us to do this. Let us Unite Against Poverty as people of crystalclear vision.
Let us take to heart the words of St Paul, part of whose letter to the Corinthians we hear today: ‘Never give in then, dear brothers and sisters, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord’s work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be labouring in vain.’
You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation envelopes.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
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TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF STELLA MARIS CATHOLIC CHURCH -BROADBEACH/ MERMAID BEACH
On Thursday the 27th of February, ten years to the day, we gathered in the Stella Maris Mass to celebrate a Mass of commemoration for the Anniversary of the Dedication of the church.
Due to the recent re-opening of the church after urgent work on the inner ceiling, the gathering was low-key but beautiful.
It is truly a blessing to gather here today as we celebrate a significant milestone in our community—the 10th anniversary of the dedication of Stella Maris Church. Through God's gracious kindness and the cooperation of many dedicated individuals, we are grateful to have this beautiful church open to us during this special week. Blessed be the Lord and the Protection and Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea.
We also remember with gratitude everyone who contributed by prayer, teamwork, finance and encouragement and support.. the planning and building and ongoing work of this church and community. We also see around us, the names of those – on the glass panels and the pews and statues and so on… whom we keep in grateful prayer… and all – (everyone) - even those whose names are known only to God, whose support for Christ’s mission here is priceless….thanks be to God for all of it and for all of them.
We recall the message of Archbishop Mark at the Dedication Mass ten years ago:
Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s words resonated deeply as he referred to our church as "Hallowed Turf," a sacred space that would guide us through darkness, much like the Star of the Sea.
As we commemorate this anniversary, we acknowledge the significant role Stella Maris Church has played in our lives over the past ten years. It has become a beloved venue for prayers, baptisms, weddings, and many other sacraments. Our church continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for our community, reflecting the vision of Archbishop Duhig and the hard work of the whole lay community… and its priests and religious.
As we look forward to the future, let us give thanks for all who contributed to the building of Stella Maris Church and for the community that gathers within its walls. We remember the prayers, blessings, and countless moments that have graced this sacred space. May we continue to experience what is really and truly here and present for us and all who enter here seeking and receiving God’s grace, mercy, and healing.
“Lord, we thank You for all who have helped build this church and for the blessings received in this community. Bless us as we continue to gather and grow in Your presence. For ever and ever - Amen.”
Thank you for being here today, and may we continue to cherish and nurture the spirit of Stella Maris Church for countless years to come.
Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross will be conducted at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters from 6 pm each Friday of Lent, starting Friday the 7th March 2025
Ash Wednesday MASS - March 5th 2025. Weekday Solemnity-
Readings for Ash Wednesday Mass -
First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Psalm: Ps 50:3-6. 12-14. 17. "Be Merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Gospel Acclamation: cf Ps 94:8 "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!"
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18
Homily
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
Distribution of Ashes
Prayer of the Faithful
To listen to the audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for Ash Wednesday, please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-ash-wednesday-2025-weekday-solemnity/s-YuLarEjLeuF
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HAPPY FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY TO SAINT MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE, MERRIMAC. It was wonderful to attend the liturgy of celebration and commisssioning at the Home of the Arts Centre (HOTA) last monday 24/2/25. Many happy returns.
This is a homily be Fr Paul for the occasion:
It is a honour and a joy to be here with you today for the fortieth anniversary of Saint Michael’s College. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to, participated in, and supported this beautiful institution, which provides a holistic education grounded in life and faith.
Your Patron Saint, Michael the Archangel, offers a refreshing and unique name for a school. I truly love it. Saint Michael symbolizes loyalty to God and serves as a defender of all that is good and worthwhile, especially in times of trial. He upholds the values of Christ’s gospel and is the patron of the armed forces, police, (whom i was fortunate to serve as a police chaplain when i first came to Gold Coast and Logan region in 2016), and also Saint Michael is patron of bankers, grocers, and more—highlighting the interconnectedness of community, family, faith, education, economy, and social justice.
Saint Michael embodies a strong sense of justice, advocating for dignity and support for the most vulnerable. He leaves no one behind, after the example of Christ.
We also honour wonderful patrons like Saint Mary MacKillop, our first officially recognized Australian saint. We give thanks for the support and development of this school by past families, parishioners, and priests. Additionally, we are grateful for the priceless gift of education and faith provided by the dedicated teachers, staff, and students of the past, present, and future.
Thank you, Lord, for the last forty years, and bless us for the next forty and beyond! Saint Michael's unapologetically strives for excellence in everything you do. If something is worth doing, it must be done right—with skill, kindness, encouragement, and direction.
As reflected in today’s gospel, you are a light of inspiration and care to everyone you encounter. You are the salt of the earth—down-to-earth, practical, relatable, and friendly. Your aim is to inspire and encourage one another and the wider community through your dedication.
You truly embody “A Friendly Learning Community,” and you live up to that beautifully. I have been fortunate to be involved with Saint Michael’s for the last nine years, and I can attest to the strong sense of community here. In recent years, the love of learning and respect for everyone has grown significantly. You possess something beautiful and special, and you celebrate and engage in it wholeheartedly.
You also have a wonderful motto: The latin words translate as "Knowledge and Love." or even better - “Knowedge with love.”
Love without knowledge can lack direction and clarity; good intentions can lead to unintended harm without a solid foundation. If one hears of someone being described as a person who “meant well” it often raises eyebrows. It suggests that a person was goodhearted and well-intentioned but that something went wrong and did not achieve what they were intending. I often say of myself “I mean well but I don’t want ‘he meant well’ written on my grave.” We aim to mean well and also do well. Love with knowledge helps us to ensure our loving intentions are based on strong foundations and achieve the good we desire.
Conversely, knowledge without love can be heartless, ignoring ethical considerations and the human and environmental implications of our actions. If we use knowledge without love and wisdom, it can lead to people doing whatever they are can do, without asking whether they should do it. Just because we have the power to do something, or the capability to achieve almost anything, does not mean it is right or good to do so. Your balanced motto serves as a vital, guiding principle in your studies and throughout your lives.
Mottos are essential when they reflect our beliefs and actions. For example, Pope Francis, whom we keep in our prayers at this time as he is seriously ill in hospital in Rome, that God will be close to him and give him peace and strength, had a powerful motto: “By having mercy and choosing him,” referring to Jesus’s call of the sinful tax collector, St. Matthew. Jesus KNEW Matthew’s heart. He knew that he was a sinful man but also had great love in his heart and great gifts to offer as a disciple. Jesus, knowing the fullness of his heart chose him as a disciple and had mercy on his weaknesses - inviting him to follow him in new and life-giving pathed. The pope’s motto (essentially meaning ‘Knowledge, wisdom and merciful love leading to decisions’), is quite similar to your motto of “Knowledge with Love.”
May God, who began this good work among you 40 years ago, continue to bless you and bring it to perfection on the day of the Lord.
Fr Paul.
ICONS AND IMAGES OF PATRON SAINTS OF OUR SCHOOLS
Just in time for Saint Michael’s College celebrating its Fortieth Anniversary, we have put images into niches in Sacred Heart Church of the four Patronal Saints of the Catholic Schools in our Parish.
From right to left:
Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Kevin of Glendalough (Ireland), and The Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea.
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
9 am Saturday the 1st March 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
{This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ANOINTING MASS – MASS of HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive) 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 4th of March- 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, 7th March 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.
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
A Columbarium Question -
Due to many enquiries and consequent reservations of columbarium niches, we will soon be considering adding several new walls to accommodate future needs. In preparation for these new walls, we want to know how many parishioners or others are considering reserving a niche for themselves or their family members. If you wish to express an interest or inquire about what is involved, then we ask you to call the parish office in the next few weeks so that we can plan for a sufficient number of places. (A columbarium is an area used to store the ashes of the deceased who have been cremated. Those ashes are kept in special containers and placed inside "niches", or compartments, within the columbarium. The columbarium itself can be either a wall or a significant structure that will be open to loved ones to visit the deceased person at any time. Our parish columbarium is located at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, overlooking the lake., between the Church and the Hospitality Centre)
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 😃
Saint Michael’s Cross -
Last week, we were honored to have Fr Bradley, bless our new cross, a symbol of faith and unity for our college. The cross is representative of our location and our community. The driftwood was collected from around our area and some of our Art teachers, with the assistance of their families, put the cross together.
The driftwood cross symbolises our community and faith in Jesus. Collected from our local beaches, each piece represents our shared journey. The cross is also a sign of hope, faith, and God's eternal love. As a Catholic community, we remember Jesus' sacrifice for human salvation through His death and resurrection. This cross reminds us of our belonging to a faith community and of God's unconditional and eternal love.
MISSING SOMETHING? IT MAY BE IN OUR LOST AND FOUND COLLECTION
To tune in to The 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.
LENTEN OBLIGATIONS - A Handy Summary
The Season of Lent is almost upon us. Lent is referred to in the various Prefaces of Lent as a "Sacred Time," when our hearts are "filled with joy" as we prepare. Lent's true purpose is: "Our self-denial should give you thanks, humble our sinful pride, contribute to the feeding of the poor, and so help us imitate you in your kindness."
Lenten prayer and penance is, therefore not really about punishing ourselves for our sins, nor is it a time to "try harder" or exert more human willpower over sin. Rather, it is a time when we clear the barriers to allow God's grace to work deeply within our hearts and minds. Giving up things helps us focus more on the lasting values of Christ. It also frees up energy and resources that we can put into helping those in need and focusing on God's priorities. The prayer, penance, and acts of charity all open us up to God's ways and not merely our own ways.
Here is a handy guide to the pattern of our Lenten observances:
Days of Penance
Abstinence from meat and fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting is the equivalent of eating only one meal in that day (although a few smaller meals that add up to the equivalent of one meal are also fine). All who have completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast. All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain. The definition of Abstinence has been widened so that it need not be meat. It can be something else significant to the person. Abstaining can be foregoing anything to clear any barriers to us living and breathing Christ's Gospel.
On all other Fridays of the year, the law of the common practice of penance is fulfilled by performing any one of the following:
(a) prayer – as for example, mass attendance; family prayer; a visit to a church or chapel; reading the Bible; making the stations of the cross; praying the rosary; or in other ways;
(b) self-denial – e.g. not eating meat; not eating sweets or dessert; giving up entertainment to spend time with the family; limiting food and drink to give to the poor of one's own country and elsewhere; or in other ways;
(c) Helping others – e.g., giving special attention to someone poor, sick, elderly, lonely, overburdened, or in other ways.
Holy Days of Obligation:
The holy days of obligation in Australia are:
All Sundays of the year
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
These last two holy days of obligation are to be observed annually, regardless of the day of the week on which they fall.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Jubilee 2025
The 2025 Jubilee Year, also known as the Year of the Pilgrim of Hope, is a time to celebrate faith, hope, and charity.
Here are some ways to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee:
Pray: Perform works of mercy: Give to charity, or reach out to people you've hurt.
Or
Make a pilgrimage: Visit a local holy site (eg Marian Valley), another parish, or our local Mother Church - The Cathedral. You can also make a pilgrimage to Rome. Fr Dan Ryan is soon to take a pilgrimage to rome. See details in this newsletter. https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/pv2569
LENTEN BOOKLETS FOR PERSONAL OR GROUP REFLECTION
AVAILABLE NOW AT THE PIETY SHOPS. $5.
FROM THE ARCHIVES -
HOW THREE YEARS HAVE FLOWN.
Three years ago, the then Seminarian Bradley Davies shared a reflection at the weekday Mass - now, he is Associate Pastor here in the parish. These are wonderful memories. Having Fr Bradley back with us again as a priest is even more wonderful. God bless.
(2022) THEN SEMINARIAN BRADLEY DAVIES - GIVES A GOSPEL REFLECTION AT A FRIDAY MASS CELEBRATED BY FR PETER.
We heard from many who attended that it was an excellent reflection. God bless.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations now available on the new devices.
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am Saturday the 1st March 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 4th of March- 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, 7th March 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
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Lindsay Allan, Robert Andreas, Joseph Antony, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Nadia Ceh, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Helen Dowling, Christopher Eid, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Andrew Janiec, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Ron McConnell, l McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Angela Micallef, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard G Murphy (USA), Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Scott Nunan, Margaret Orme, Eileen O’Mara, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Gus Risotto, Bob Rogers, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Fr Leo Burke, Sr Christa Murphy SSpS, Pietro Paolo Sergi, Phillip Brady, James Ezra (Jim) Ramsay, Susanne Theresa Hewitt, Ellanie Gonzalez, Patricia Stone, Milka Baric, Dulcie Villotet, Naomi Ryan, Karsten Rickert, Lee Pascuale Caprie, Kenneth Montgomery, Phillip Conquest, Romana Carlin, Noel Patrick Cook, John Rowles, Bruce O’Brien, Martha Wagner, Peter Noble, Carmela Parente, Maureen Williams, Christine Lennon, Erin Stein, Lubomir Stas, Joy L’Huillier, Francis Xavier.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Teresa / Lisa (Hhih Ting) Teo, Jolan Horvath, Fr Peter Gillam, Wilhelmina Elizabeth Carter, Leisa Holman, Rose Mary Booth-Crane, Romano Del Bianco, Fr Brian Horton, Paul Bleakley, Margaret Mary Miller, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Michael Maloney, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Hagan, Raymond Fredricks, Joseph Caruana, Stella Mavis Sammut, Brenda Scantlebury, Fr John McMonagle, Romano Del Bianco, Pamela Margaret Rawlings, Monique Mary Felsman, Malcolm Leslie (Mal) Flannery, Noel Andrew Brodel Payne, Austin Smith, Fr James Concannon, Francis Vernon Maunder, Benjamin Anthony Kyle, Kathleen Jackson, Kathryn Matthews, Gloria Hart, Kazimierz Tadeusz Ważny, June Hilda Curtis.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Jordan Joseph Baker, Fr James Cahill, William Chard, Barbara Joan Degiovanni, Valerie Mary Elshaw, Fr Patrick Finnerty, Paul Vivian Gilliland, Doreen Hewitt, Bill Hignett, William John (Bill) Kelly, Dorothy de Launey, Kenneth Mason, Percy and Clair Monteiro, Patricia (Pat) Moore, Giuseppe Nardi, Peggy Doreen Norris, Patricia Maxine O’Donoghue, Erzsebet Rigo, John Norris Rohrs, Fr Gary Russell, Fr Francis Scanlan, George Schreiber, Kaylene Ellen Swan, Richard Michael Trad, Joy Whitbread, John Anthony Woodruff, Ivy Gladys Yow, Stanislaw Zbigniew Zielinski.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Ash Wednesday is 5th March. Have you purchased your daily reflection book for Lent. This year it is titled ‘Start Anew in Christ’ available now until sold out $5
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 7th February 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
9 am Saturday the 1st March 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
{This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 4th of March- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church on 13.03.20225. The bus will be picking up Sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost of the bus fare per person $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine 0405 252 367 and
Chris Raynald 0451 302 674.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please emailsurfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you want her in your home and say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
3/3/2025 Michelle Burda Merrimac
10/3/2025 Michelle Burda Merrimac
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
WCCM - The WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
PRAYER GROUP
This Meditation Group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room at 10am to 11am.
This is followed by a Scripture Study of the following Sundays Mass Readings from 11am to 12 midday. 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.
For more information, please contact Pam Egtberts 0493 742 670.
The Meditation Group invites you to prepare for Easter by attending a Lenten programme to be held in the Morris Prayer room commencing on Tuesday 4th March at 10.30am to 12 midday.
A period of meditation will be held from 10am to 10.20am if you are interested in joining us.
It would very much like to welcome new members. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call Pam Egtberts 0493 742 670.
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
ST PATRICK’S DAY
SOCIAL - BUS TRIP - LET US ALL BE IRISH on the 17th March.
PLUS A CHANCE TO WIN $150 WESTFIELD VOUCHER
Limited Seating Still Available
Come and join us on St. Patrick’s Day starting with a bus journey to participate in Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral at 10am.
Father Gerard will be the celebrant and the Mass includes Irish bagpipes. Morning tea next to the Cathedral is included after our spiritual celebration.
Then we head off to Western Districts Rugby Football Club Toowong for a 12 noon lunch followed by Irish dancing and entertainment. On the way home, test your wits by joining in some Irish Trivia with prizes including the best Irish outfit and lucky seat.
Please invite your family and friends as all are welcome.
Date: Monday 17 March (RSVP: Tuesday 11th March)
Location: The bus will depart and return to St. Joseph the Worker Church, Labrador (44 Imperial Parade)
Times: 8.15am for prompt departure at 8.30am and returning at about 4.30pm
Cost: $30 for bus hire (dependent on numbers) Lunch and drinks are at your expense
As with all SCP events, bookings are essential. To register, email Christine Wintour at winlock2@hotmail.com or to get further details, please contact her by mobile on 0431 630 446.
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY, 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:
Since each person speaks from their heart's abundance, let Jesus form your heart and your life. Follow Him willingly.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP - "Not easy to love our enemies."
"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit." (Luke 6:43)
Are you using your gifts in the way God intended? Have you asked God how He would like you to use them? Do you compare yourself to others and complain about what you don't have instead of being thankful for what you do have? God gives each of us unique gifts and a unique plan. Listen to how God calls you to use your gifts, to bear good fruit, for the glory of His name.
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 - An investment worth making
It's not uncommon to identify individuals or groups of people as unworthy of our time and attention. Sometimes, these folks just plain bore us to tears. But more often, we view them as freeloaders, untrustworthy, or even bad to the bone. Jesus was criticised for dining with the wrong people: prostitutes (immoral), tax collectors (unpatriotic), and sinners (generally unsavoury types). Jesus tells a story of a feast thrown for a "worthless" son to explain why he himself chooses to "waste" time on the undeserving. The lost need-finding and the dead need life restored. "Hospitality opens the gates of paradise," wrote Orthodox Elder Amphilochius of Patmos. Set another place at your table.
"Your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found" - (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - 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.
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time Year C. Sunday, 2 March 2025
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL -
A Seventeenth-Century French writer with quite an unpronounceable name has some very interesting quotes that fit with this weekend's readings........
Prologue:
Speaking the words of Christ could very well have limited effect if our everyday actions and attitudes contradict them and drown them out. The loudest, most effective message we send is most often by the unspoken eloquence of our actions and priorities.
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"If we had no faults, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others."
"(most) faults (are) more pardonable than how one tries to hide them."
"We gain more by letting our real selves be seen than by pretending to be what we are not." François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680)
Also,
Inspired by the gospel today, I have long felt that "unless one can say something out of love, (motivated by compassion and goodwill), any intended correction that we might be tempted to offer to another will miss the mark." That is to say, "if one cannot say something with love and compassion, don't say it at all." And so, we have no right to criticise unless we ourselves are free of faults. Which simply means that we have no right to criticise at all. If we happen to be intent on fixing up faults and weaknesses, we would be much more productive by inviting Christ to pour his healing and challenging grace upon our own sins and omissions rather than focusing first upon others.
Jesus warned that no teacher can lead their students beyond the stage that they have reached. Our Lord is teaching us that he deeply desires that anyone who follows him needs to become a true teacher by example first; that is, by being a very attentive and open-hearted student of Him and His ways. He makes it clear that we cannot be true disciples unless our closeness to his teachings leads to us becoming more and more like him in thought, word, and action. This is because Christ desires us to be teachers by example, modelling our lives and priorities on his. This requires us to be alert, attentive and self-aware - open enough and humble to notice and address the areas of spiritual blindness that we all can suffer from. Lest we foolishly try to lead people; only for both leader and follower to fall into a hole.
Speaking the words of Christ could very well have limited effect if our everyday actions and attitudes contradict them and drown them out. The loudest, most effective message we send is most often by the unspoken eloquence of our actions and priorities.
Surely, the best way to show the truth and primacy of Christianity is to show in our lives that actively following in the footsteps of Jesus produces outstanding men and women. - compassionate, reverent, generous, loving, gentle, just, inclusive and merciful.
The fruits and results of our lives and what we say and where we spend most of our time and energy is a powerful revelation of where our heart truly lies... Our Lord so wisely pointed out that nothing speaks louder about the truth of a person than what they do and say in unguarded moments. " Few things show the state of a person's heart better than the words SPOKEN, when talking freely, unguardedly, and saying the first things that come into one's head."
When our hearts are very close to Our Lord's, the unguarded and surprising moments in life will still lead to a pouring forth of the fruits of the spirit, lying so close to the surface….love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
-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.
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly;
Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press; Link,
Mark J. 1994. Action 2000 Praying Scripture In A Contemporary Way. Year C. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub; and
François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_de_La_Rochefoucauld_(write) ).
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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.
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
St Casimir - 04 March. Optional Memorial
Born at Cracow (Poland) in 1458. Died in Lithuania on this day in 1484. Though a young prince of Poland, he preferred peace to being a soldier. He chose celibacy over marriage and favoured prayer and penance rather than royal privilege. Remembered for his generous life of austerity and devotion.
Sts Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs. 07 March. Memorial.
Died at Carthage (Tunisia) on this day about 203. Perpetua, a young woman with a newborn son, and Felicity, a pregnant slave girl, were arrested with their catechist and several other African catechumens. Baptised while in prison. Perpetua resisted her father's appeals to renounce her faith. Felicity gave birth to a daughter. Thrown to wild beasts and then put to the sword, they died in the embrace of the sign of peace. Remembered for the joyful courage of their final witness to Christ. Mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon)
St John of God, Religious. 08 March. Optional Memorial.
Born in Portugal in 1495. Died in Granada (Spain) on this day in 1550. At the age of about forty, he directed the energies of his spiritual conversion toward hospitality for the destitute and care of the sick. Remembered for this ministry, which was continued by his followers, who became the Order of Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.
POPE FRANCIS: Love the Church first before criticising it!
Concluding the cycle of catechesis on St Joseph, in today's general audience Francis dwelt on the title of patron of the universal Church attributed to him 150 years ago. "When I have a problem with someone, do I try to guard them or do I condemn them immediately?". February 2, after celebrating Mass.
"We live in a time when it is common to criticise the Church", but only by loving her as she is are we capable "of saying what is wrong" and "recognising all the good," observed Pope Francis during a Wednesday general audience, addressing the faithful present in the Paul VI Hall.
Concluding the cycle of catechesis dedicated to the figure of St Joseph, Pope Francis dwelt on the meaning of the title "patron of the Catholic Church" attributed to him by Blessed Pius IX 150 years ago. "Joseph - he explained - has the task of protecting Jesus and Mary" and together they form "the primordial nucleus of the Church".
"The Son of the Most High came into the world in a condition of great weakness," the Pontiff continued, "He wanted to be defended, protected and cared for. God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him the bridegroom who loved and respected her and always took care of her and the Child".
"Every person who is hungry and thirsty, every stranger, every person without clothes, every sick person, every prisoner is the "Child" that Joseph looks after. And we too must learn from Joseph to "guard" these goods: to love the Child and his mother; to love the Sacraments and the people of God; to love the poor and our parish. Each of these realities is always the Child and his mother".
This also implies a precise way of looking at the Church: "We live in a time," Francis observed, "in which it is common to criticise her, to point out her inconsistencies, her sins, which in reality are our inconsistencies, our sins because the Church has always been a people of sinners who encounter God's mercy. Let us ask ourselves if, in our hearts, we love the Church. In fact, only love makes us capable of fully telling the truth, in a non-partisan way; of saying what is wrong, but also of recognising all the good and holiness that are present in the Church".
"The Church," said the Pontiff, "is not that little group that is close to the priest and commands everyone. The Church is everyone. On a journey. Guarding one another, guarding each other. This is a good question: when I have a problem with someone, do I try to look after them, or do I immediately condemn them, spit on them, destroy them?
Hence the invitation to "ask for the intercession of St Joseph precisely at the most difficult times in your life and in the life of your communities. There where our errors become a scandal," the Pope concluded, "let us ask Saint Joseph to give us the courage to speak the truth, ask for forgiveness, and humbly begin again.
Where persecution prevents the Gospel from being proclaimed, let us ask St Joseph for the strength and patience to endure abuse and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Where material and human resources are scarce and make us experience poverty, especially when we are called to serve the last, the defenceless, the orphans, the sick, the rejected of society, let us pray to Saint Joseph to be Providence for us".
Addressing the pilgrims present in different languages, in his greeting to a group of religious of the Order of Clerics Regular Minor, the Pope recalled his young confrere Fr Richard Masivi Kasereka, killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 2 February after celebrating Mass on the Day of Consecrated Life.
"His death - commented Francis - will not discourage his family, his religious family and the entire Christian community of that nation to be heralds and witnesses of goodness and fraternity, despite the difficulties, imitating the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd".
Finally, addressing the elderly, the sick, young people and newlyweds, as usual, he said to them: "In a world that continues to be torn apart by deep and apparently irreconcilable contrasts, may each one of you be, for your part, a sign of reconciliation rooted in the word of the Gospel".
(Source and image from https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope:-Love-the-Church-first-before-criticising-it-55158.html )
REJOICE - MORNING PRAISE - Two episodes
from Fr Paul FROM SHALOM MEDIA ONLINE TV.
SHALOM TV is an online catholic resource that has wonderful programs for praise, meditation and reflection. Also, some excellent programs on family and faith. There is a program called Rejoice, which comes on every morning and has prayer and song to God at the start of the day. Fr Paul was invited to share two editions of Rejoice, featuring two of the hymns he wrote. Here are the links:
And -
EXPLORING OUR FAITH -
Who is Jesus?
Catholics believe that the loving presence of God has been communicated to the world extraordinarily and definitively through the person of Jesus Christ. He lived more than 2,000 years ago in Palestine and taught about God’s love and plan for every person.
Jesus was a Jew who lived in Nazareth before he began preaching a bold message that the Kingdom of God had come upon the earth. People experienced him as a person of extraordinary love, bringing healing, hope and forgiveness of sins to those he encountered. So great was his impact on the Jewish people of his day that the religious and political leaders of his time felt threatened and had him put to death by crucifixion.
Jesus’ death devastated his small group of followers, but after three days, Jesus appeared to them, having been raised from the dead. They experienced his living presence in a whole new way. Their lives were transformed.
They recognised Jesus as the Son of God, the ‘Christ’, God-with-us. While Jesus had said many times that he and the Father were one, it was not until after they experienced him as their risen Lord that they finally understood that God had been revealed to them in the person of Jesus.
These followers of Jesus, came to be known as Christians, since they went about proclaiming that the Jesus whom they knew and loved, whom they had seen crucified and whom they met after he had risen from the dead was not only the one ‘anointed by God’ (Greek – Christos) to lead human beings to fullness of life, but was indeed the Son of God.
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church
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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ST VINCENTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - PROUD AND TRUE DIRECTORY
If you would like to advertise your business in this directory, please contact Ben Ryan on 0432545995 or email ben@advcollab.com.au
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
BASED ON THE PLENARY COUNCIL DECREES
The Action Plans for the 8 Decrees that came out of the National Catholic Plenary Council initially, which we as a Parish participated in very enthusiastically, have now been through the process of SYNOD 24 for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and can be found by clicking on the link below or for those of us who are challenged in this area, we have also repeated below. We look forward to your respectful comments and meaningful discussion as to how we as a Parish go forward. Remembering we cannot do everything but can take one small step at a time. Once again we will call on the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making.
Synod24-Decrees-Document-web.pdf
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 1 - HEALING WOUNDS, RECEIVING GIFTS
The focus here is on the need for a new engagement of the Church with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, beginning with a new kind of listening in the belief that we all can and must learn from the first inhabitants of the land
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That, building on the Archdiocesan Reconciliation Action Plan, the Archdiocese develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander truth-telling, professional learning and formation plan that provides opportunities for all those within parishes, communities and agencies to come to a deeper recognition, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities
** That the Archdiocese develop and distribute culturally appropriate resources to assist parishes, communities and agencies to include aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, spiritualities, ritual and symbol in prayers and liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop culturally specific learning and formation opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 2 - CHOOSING REPENTANCE, SEEKING HEALING The focus here is on addressing sexual abuse in the Church, making amends for failures in the past and working to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, but especially for the young and the vulnerable
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That in dialogue with survivors, the consequences of physical, sexual and spiritual abuse by Church personnel be addressed within the Archdiocese through truth-telling and story-telling sessions in safe spaces that may give survivors and their family members a voice to be heard and honoured, and support for research and programs related to trauma-informed spiritual care and the long-term impact of spiritual harm
** That a Sunday of the liturgical year be set aside within the Archdiocese to focus upon safeguarding and healing, with a reassessment of Safeguarding Sunday looking to rename, refocus and resituate it, with the preparation of appropriate ritual and resources, including an annual commissioning of local safeguarding people
** That the Archdiocese, in dialogue with survivors, implement processes that seek forgiveness for historical failings, recognising and addressing their needs. This could include a formal apology to survivors and their families, symbolic plaques and/or artwork in significant locations, theological reflection on sexual abuse within the Church which ought to be a place of refuge and safety, retreats and days of prayer that can foster healing, and the training of appropriately gifted people to undertake a ministry to survivors and their families.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 3 - CALLED BY CHRIST, SENT FORTH AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES
The focus here is on the Church as a community of welcome for all, but especially for those who have been marginalised or excluded, listening to their stories and creating safe and hospitable spaces for them within the Church
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an Archdiocesan family and intergenerational ministry working group be formed to develop and implement a holistic, intergenerational and inclusive approach to family faith-formation across educational and other Archdiocesan agencies in order to foster lifelong missionary discipleship
** That this working group explore ways of strengthening partnerships between parishes, schools, communities and agencies, develop and implement sacramental resources for children with diverse learning needs and disabilities, including training for sacramental coordinators and volunteers to use the resources, develop a safe and supportive network for parents and carers of children and young people who may need additional support to feel welcome, offer advice upon request at decision-making tables at all levels of Archdiocesan governance.
* That there be in self-nominated Mass centres the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations catering for diverse needs within the community, provided with resourcing around mentorship, formation, training and succession-planning for self nominated clergy, religious and laity
*** That the Archdiocese provide facilitated listening sessions, workshops and forums for safe and supportive story-telling, truth-telling and dialogue, in order to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and disenfranchised
** That with the support and mentorship of the Archdiocesan Council for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations, Queensland Churches Together and the Queensland Faith Communities Council, a co-responsible deanery approach to ecumenism and interreligious relations be developed and implemented, including short courses on ecumenism and interreligious relations, formation of individuals for work in ecumenical and interreligious relations, ecumenical retreats and pilgrimages, ecumenical and interreligious youth summits
*** That a strategic approach to mission in the digital environment be developed and implemented, focusing on the creation of digital media within a Catholic context, formation and training of people to work in the field, and including research into the possibilities and challenges of engaging the sacramental life of the Church through digital platforms such as live-streamed liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop a pastoral ministry in sport, including formation and support programs and research into best practice and recommended qualifications, training and study pathways for sports chaplains.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 4 - WITNESSING TO THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The focus here is on ensuring that the Church is a place where the equal dignity of women and men is respected and where the gifts of both women and men are identified and allowed to flourish for the sake of leadership within the Body of Christ
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
* That, if the universal law of the Church were modified to admit women to diaconal ordination, the Archdiocese examine how best to implement it in the context of the Church in Brisbane *** That a fulltime role of Executive Officer for Participation be established to design, implement and resource a plan for the full co-responsible participation of lay women and men in the life and mission of the Church ** That a reference group be established to explore options for the use of inclusive language in prayer, liturgy, scripture and all Archdiocesan communications * That a research project be established to explore the theological foundations of diverse understandings of women in the Church, leading to an assembly on co-responsibility of all the baptised in the life and mission of the Church *** That a pilot program be established to financially support the postgraduate education and formation of lay women and men in various areas of interest and importance to the Church, with the Archdiocese providing the initial funds with a view to establishing a foundation. A transparent application process would be overseen by the Archdiocesan Synod Council (see Action Plan 7) and approved finally by the Archbishop.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 5 - COMMUNION IN GRACE, SACRAMENT TO THE WORLD
The focus here is on the need to identify and foster the charisms given by God and to encourage new forms of ministry to supply the needs of the Church not only internally, for the sake of worship, but also externally, for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
** That a ministry of front-of-house hospitality be developed and implemented for secretaries and other administrative staff in parishes and communities, recognising and formalising what is often happening, offering training and networking opportunities to those engaged in the ministry, devising processes of recruitment and care of those called to the ministry, and developing resources to help those engaged in the ministry
*** That the Archdiocese explore fully the possibilities of the ministries of catechist, lector and acolyte and consider what other ministries, open to all, instituted or not, might be needed to meet new needs
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Ministries Discernment Committee to oversee the recruitment, formation, commissioning, institution and continuing education of those preparing for or carrying out such ministries
** That the Archdiocese support and provide resources for lay-led liturgies where appropriate, particularly for parishes and communities without regular access to clergy
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic funerals and baptisms, indicating the circumstances in which this would be permitted and providing both discernment process and training programs for those involved in this ministry
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic weddings (in line with Chapter III of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony), indicating the circumstances in which this might occur and the process of delegation ** That the Archdiocese promote the participation of lay people in the ministry of preaching within the Sunday Mass and elsewhere, identifying the situations in which a lay person might offer a reflection during Mass, providing adequate training and support which would include sessions on how to run a Scripture study group, how to write and deliver a Lectionary-based reflection on the readings, how to make best use of the Directory for Masses with Children, drawing upon the resources of Archdiocesan agencies and organisations
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project supporting the integration of families into parishes and communities in order to promote their sense of belonging and engagement in the life of the Church, providing resources to facilitate the incorporation of families into the community both before and after the sacraments of initiation and resources to support family catechesis when preparing children for the sacraments
** That the Archdiocese establish a network of groups working in marriage education and enrichment, including marriage preparation for engaged couples and ongoing accompaniment for married couples
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a formation strategy on the sacrament of penance and the many ways in which God’s mercy is experienced in Christian life and liturgy, providing resources and examples, such as ritual outlines for the celebration of the sacrament of penance, including the second rite, offering retreat opportunities for different age groups to enable them to experience the sacrament of penance, and revising the current sacramental policy on the provision of first penance for children.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 6 - FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
The focus here is on providing in a variety of ways the formation needed for ordained and non-ordained leadership in the Church, so that leaders will be properly equipped for the ministry to which they are called
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese develop a plan for ministry and leadership formation, including a working group representing key people in formation and developing resources and programs on missional and synodal leadership such as podcasts, online modules and retreats, particularly for emerging leaders who have skills and qualifications equipping them for governance, leadership and other decision-making roles
* That the Archdiocese develop and implement opportunities for lay people to be engaged in ongoing spiritual growth beyond the liturgical context, including in small groups that meet regularly for prayer, bible study, reflection on Church documents, and spiritual accompaniment
* That parishes and deaneries offer formation events drawing upon experts to reflect on key topics such as prayer, scripture, sacraments, marriage and family, mission, care for our common home and inclusivity. SYNOD24
** That pathways for greater lay involvement in the ongoing formation of clergy and the formation of seminarians be identified, providing avenues for accompaniment of clergy by lay people and assisting pastors to work with a small group of lay people to provide regular feedback on homilies, based on an agreed criteria matrix
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a road-map for a mission focused Church that is synodal and co-responsible, including localised and ongoing conversations in the Spirit as a regular part of planning, decision-making, pastoral care and community-building
** That the Archdiocese teach simply and systematically the discipline and method of conversation in the Spirit as a way of discernment, attempting to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in listening to each other.
* That the Archdiocese produce podcasts and digital media resources exploring what it means to read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel
*** That the Archdiocese, at a time when the ethnic profile of the Catholic Church is changing both locally and globally, organise forums on interculturality in a missional, synodal and co-responsible Church.
*** That a SYNOD24 Formation and Implementation Plan be developed and implemented, providing opportunities for formation in all eight Action Plans and including resources and workshops in areas such as how to share faith with friends, how to engage with scripture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island spirituality, integral ecology, sacraments and sacramentality, inclusive theology, the role of women in the Church, ecumenism and interreligious relations.
*** That the Archdiocese offers workshops and practical resources on how to implement the SYNOD24 Action Plans in parishes, communities and agencies across the Archdiocese.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 7 - AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION: GOVERNANCE
The focus here is on the governance of the Church in a synodal key, looking to synods as a regular feature of Church life and to synodality as the characteristic of all aspects of Church governance for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese commit to celebrating Synods on a regular basis, so that this key element of synodality become a normal part of Archdiocesan life
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Synod Council which will meet regularly through the year between the Synods, members committing to formation in and practice of conversation in the Spirit as a key element of meetings and to formation in the nature and purpose of the Council
** That the Council commit to diverse representation including a mix of lay women and men, religious and the ordained.
** That the Archdiocese prepare Statutes for the Council ARCHDIOCESAN SUMMIT 2023 2 4 / ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE SYNOD24 Action Plans
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project to operate at deanery level to identify lay people who are women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, persons with a disability or from a cultural community, and who seem suitable to serve on councils and committees in the parish or the Archdiocese with the right kind of mentorship, accompaniment and formation, especially in the areas of synodality, co-responsibility and mission
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a parish handover process that includes consultation with members of the parish, especially the Parish Pastoral Council, and the preparation of a statement of what the parish expects of a pastor.
* That there be in the Archdiocese regular performance reviews of pastors to identify areas of strength and areas for growth, with ongoing professional supervision to foster growth.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 8 - INTEGRAL ECOLOGY AND CONVERSION FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COMMON HOME
The focus here is on the need for ecological conversion in the life and mission of the Church, understanding that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the one thing, and that ecological conversion must lead to action
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an integral ecology formation strategy be developed and implemented for clergy, community leaders, agency staff and parishioners, to be revised every three years, helping them to grow in understanding of integral ecology and its impact on our behaviour and drawing where appropriate on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom, and engaging with already existing eco-spirituality resources
* That all organisations, parishes and schools writing a Laudato Si Action Plan include a framework for measuring and reporting emission reduction that leads to a considered net zero pathway that includes commitment and timeframes.
* That, in addition to the emission reduction strategies, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities be developed in the Archdiocese with a view to assisting all agencies, parishes and communities to embed measurable ESG outcomes into their future Laudato Si Action Plans. SANTA TERESA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE.
*** That an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan be developed and implemented to support ecological ministry throughout the Archdiocese, recruiting deanery representatives to create hubs that support ecological ministers overseen by a coordinator employed by the Archdiocese to support action in parishes and communities
* That intergenerational and family initiatives be developed to promote the call to care for our common home
* That parishes, communities and agencies share their activities in the area of ecological engagement at events and through avenues of communication, and that cross-agency collaboration in this area be coordinated and encouraged throughout the Archdiocese.
*** That the Archdiocese produce guidelines and resources for parish clergy and liturgy coordinators indicating ways in which a commitment to integral ecology can be integrated into liturgical celebrations.
CLOSING REMARKS
Some of these action plans already have currency in one form or other in the Archdiocese, or at least in some parts of the Archdiocese. The task will be to give greater impetus and focus to those that already have currency, but also to set in motion the processes to which others look. Not all the action plans will be able to be implemented immediately, but none of them can be delayed indefinitely Therefore, priorities will have to be set in the hope that the action plans will have been implemented within five years. Budgeting will also need to be considered, as will the question of who has carriage of the various initiatives. There will need to be a group to oversee the implementation of the action plans, the Synod Council will also be charged with oversight of a broader kind, and the Archdiocesan Synods will monitor progress. Yet this is a document not just for some. It is for everyone; and I urge all parishes, communities, agencies and individuals to read and reflect upon the action plans and to be as creative as possible in implementing them. These action plans are comprehensive but not exhaustive. There are things not mentioned in this document which are important for the future of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. For instance, we will certainly need to consider restructuring our parishes and even our schools, looking not so much to amalgamation but more to building a “community of communities”. How to engage young people more energetically in the life of the Church is another question not prominent in these action plans but essential for the future of the Church. How to be more effective in teaching prayer as a way of life, the art of listening to God in prayer and the contemplative eye upon the world: this is another. The list could go on. This is another way of saying that these action plans should be read in conjunction with my own document “With Lamps Ablaze” which sets out a number of what I called apostolic priorities for the Archdiocese. These interweave with the action plans found here. I direct that these synodal declarations and decrees which I sign in accord with can. 466 be published to the entire community of the Archdiocese and that a copy be forwarded to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as required by can. 46 I thank all who have been part of the Synod journey, having heard the Lord’s promise to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). I commend these action plans to the grace of the Holy Spirit from whom this process has come forth and to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, St Stephen and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to fulfilment (cf Philippians 1:6)
Mark
Archbishop of Brisbane
November 2024
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Promoting safe practices, including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All cardholders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they must cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck. Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal, http://archbne.org/welcome, which will inform them whether they need a Police Check for their ministry.
Surfer's Paradise Parish Mission Statement.
We, the Catholic community of Surfers Paradise, guided by the Holy Spirit, strive to live the mission of Jesus through the spirituality of stewardship.
We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God, and we believe in the inherent dignity, reverence and sanctity of all humans as lovingly created children of God.
Centred in the Eucharist and nourished by word and sacrament, we proclaim by faith and action the love of God for all.
We seek in our daily lives and actions, and in our wider community participation, to live consistently and practically each day of the week, what we proclaim in worship of God on Sundays.
In the spirit of gratitude, we live out this mission by
· Committing to be prayerful disciples of Jesus Christ.
· Recognising and sharing our gifts and talents.
· Active involvement in the life of the parish, for the sole purpose of promoting the honour and glory of God, through our care and love of our neighbour
· Hospitality, charity, justice and compassion in practical ways.
· Nurturing our young people.
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