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“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)
PASTOR’S POST -
Holiness is something we are all called to in our lives. If we are truly growing closer to God and God’s Church, holiness is something we gain through this reality. I used to think of holiness in the same way many others do – that to be holy is to say my daily prayers, go to Mass, keep the commandments, and try to avoid doing wrong. Of course, holiness doesn’t exclude these things, but I have learned over many years that to be holy is to be always growing in my relationship with God, and to be honest and realistic about who I truly am, and where I am at.
As St Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” Holiness, I have learnt, is just as much about facing our weakness as it is about pursuing our strengths, and doing all the things that make up a Christian life. As our relationship with God grows, so does our sense of sin and imperfection. However, this helps us grow in holiness. When we hide from our weaknesses, we tend to go nowhere, and our relationship with God stagnates, and everything becomes simply routine.
God calls all of us to holiness, not just a few. Allow this holiness to grow in you, and do not be afraid of what you might find out about yourself when you do. Allow God to show you everything, piece by piece, not so that you get down on yourself, but so that you can truly grow in holiness, by growing closer to God each day.
Fr Bradley -
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The Stella Maris Church is closed until further notice - for repairs and safety assessment of the whole ceiling.
(Update as at 16/2/25) Builders have begun work to fix the Stella Maris Church in Broadbeach. Hopefully this work will be completed by the end of February/ or early March at the latest.
There will be no masses this weekend at the Broadbeach church, or in the future, until the problem is resolved.
All Stella Maris, Broadbeach, Masses are cancelled. However, **We have a special 7am Mass at Sacred Heart Clear island waters on Sunday mornings for the duration of the closure**
Also, subscribing to this email list also ensures that when urgent matters occur we can swiftly send out a message to keep parishioners informed. We encourage parishioners to stay subscribed to this service. Sincerely, Fr Paul.
WORKER FIXING THE STELLA MARIS ROOF - HOPEFULLY IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO IT WILL BE COMPLETED.
Fr Dan Ryan’s PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY IN THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR
Applications closing
2025 - Holy Year Pilgrimage In Italy
Bookings Closing
Would you like to go to Italy with Fr Dan Ryan in May for the Holy Year.
I have organised a Pilgrimage to Italy from May 9thto May24th and bookings close in the next week.
We will spend 4 nights in Assisi and 4 nights in Rome.
The Pilgrimage will go from Venice to Rome via Florence, Padua, Sienna, and San Giovanni Rotonda (Padre Pio).
You can go to harvestjourneys.com/pv2569 for more information.
Or you can contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156
Fr Dan Ryan.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
From Religious leaders in Queensland
(INCLUDING ARCHBISHOP MARK)
Dear sisters and brothers,
We write as leaders of Christian communities in Queensland wanting to express our solidarity with you in the wake of recent antisemitic attacks, which have left the Jewish community generally feeling vulnerable and threatened.
Queensland has not felt the force of these attacks as other parts of Australia have; but there is no cause for complacency here. We had thought that antisemitism was deeply alien to this country, not part of our DNA as it is elsewhere in the world. But recent events have shown that this ancient and irrational hatred lurks deep in the national psyche, awaiting a trigger like the current conflict in the Middle East to unleash its venom.
The recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz recalled the Shoah and highlighted the danger of forgetting. We remember that the Shoah came as the climax of an entire history of exclusion and persecution. We remember that demonic forces in the human psyche made of the Jewish people an innocent scapegoat on to whom were projected the sins of others. We remember that antisemitism, at least in the West, is a form of self-hatred, since we are all spiritually semites.
Yet as Albert Camus writes at the end of his novel The Plague: “The plague bacillus never dies or disappears for good; it can lie dormant for years and years”. Transported from another world, the antisemitism bacillus has, it seems, lain dormant for many years in this country, only to strike in a way and at a time we did not see coming.
It strikes us all, but the Jewish community most particularly. Therefore, we come to you with the antidote of solidarity and the balm of fraternity. That is why we wanted to speak to you in a letter rather than about you in a statement. You are our flesh and blood, and we will do whatever we can to accompany, support and defend you. Our prayers surround you: may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Father of Jesus, grant you protection and peace.
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves
Anglican Archdiocese of Southern Queensland
Mr Richard Giesken
District Superintendent
Church of the Nazarene Australia North and West
Reverend Dr Mark Vainikka
Bishop Lutheran Church in Australia. Queensland District
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
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Childhood Sacraments in 2025 The table on the next two pages contains the information that should help to ensure that your child/ren’s Sacramental Journey continues. 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 look forward to supporting you in this sacred work. See next page of newsletter for info The Sacramental Team 😃
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
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Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal
Vanuatu has experienced two earthquakes within 24 hours impacting over 116,000 people and causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The main hospital in Port Vila has sustained extensive damage and is overwhelmed by the mass casualties.
Hundreds of people have been injured or trapped under rubble and at least 14 people deceased with the death toll expected to continue to rise. People remain fearful of further disaster, as Vanuatu is one of the most susceptible countries to natural disasters such as earthquakes, storm damage, flooding, and tsunamis.
This appeal will provide support to our on the ground partners who are ready to respond to the humanitarian requirements by providing emergency shelter, food and other essentials, psychosocial support, and recovery efforts.
Please Donate today: http://www.caritas.org.au/vanuatu
Lay volunteers providing pastoral care to the sick in hospitals
are invaluable as part of holistic patient care. The foundation for this ministry lies in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Centacare provides accredited training for compassionate men and women who would like to explore if this ministry is where God is calling them to practical Christian action in their lives. The next training course will start in February 2025. To express your interest or to find out more about the course and the volunteer role please email judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au or phone 3324 3193
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The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and the wider public. The feedback has been that the café is a great idea, but its old location in the front of the church was not ideal. The café has now reopened in the old Atrium building. This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision. Chris and his staff are delighted to welcome you.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Jubilee 2025
The 2025 Jubilee Year, also known as the Year of the Pilgrim of Hope, is a time to celebrate faith, hope, and charity.
Here are some ways to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee:
Pray: Pray the Jubilee prayer, or commit to additional prayer or fasting.
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
THIS WEEKEND IN THE SCRIPTURES -
You know, sometimes it seems like modern listeners might overlook some of the deeper nuances in Christ’s message, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, which we are journeying with this year.
For instance, it can appear that wealthier individuals are really the focus, but we have to remember that Luke’s Gospel was primarily aimed at influential and powerful folks in the Gentile community. Luke wasn’t just trying to criticise the wealthy; instead, he was extending an invitation to everyone—rich or poor—to join the Kingdom, where values are transformed and relationships are redefined. He’s encouraging those with influence to cultivate a new mindset and heart, reminding them to consider their less fortunate brothers and sisters whom Christ cared for deeply.
I also came across a beautiful quote that really resonated with me: “The one who loses wealth loses much. But the one who loses the spirit loses everything.” It’s a gentle reminder to reassess our priorities and values, ensuring they’re rooted in the lasting meaning that comes from God and His promise of eternal life.
Ultimately, God is the source of all life, meaning, and lasting value. What truly matters—love, compassion, and connection with God and each other as one family in Christ—forms the life-giving stream that supports us through both the good times and the tough ones.
Fr Paul Kelly
LENTEN BOOKLETS FOR PERSONAL OR GROUP REFLECTION
AVAILABLE NOW AT THE PIETY SHOPS. $5.
Or https://shop.archdiocesanministries.org.au/products/lent-2025-start-anew-in-christ-pre-order
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, Phillip Brady, 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, Mary Hirst, 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):
James Ezra Ramsay, Susanne Theresa Hewitt, Ellanie Gonzalez, Patricia Coral 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, Anthony Box, Lubomir Stas, Julie Chamberlain, Joy L’Huillier, Francis Xavier.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Patricia Anderson, Laura Therese Aprile, Jeanette (Jenny) Avery, Andre Bellony, Neil Bloxsidge, Veronica Bond, Carmel Elizabeth Bright, Bobby Joseph Casperz, Theodore Cocks, Sue Crossdale, Marjorie Adeline Doyle, Maria Eidejus, Thomas James Michael (Mike) Farrell, Raymond Gardiner, Jabour Haddad, Len Heffernan, Fr Thomas Higgins, Barclay Hodge, Joan Frances Hurley, Fr Reginald Keating, Fr Thomas Keating, Lara Michelle Kennedy, Mary Ng Siew Kuen, Fr Bryan Lee, Gregory London, Alan Morgan, Norm Mullins, Mollie O'Byrne, Jim O’Hagan, Peg Perkins, Milan Piglich, Brian Peter Pinard, Rose Refalo, Fr Vincent Rowan, Ivan Sabol, Mary Schreiber, George Ferguson Shaw, Bernie Tathem, Norman James Thomson, Allan Thomas Vaughan, Hans Wagner, Jerzy Wieczorek.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Marija Ac, Victoria Alexander, Pat Anderson, Valma Brew, Helen Bruce, Sue Chard, Sarah Clancy, Fr Pat Dowd, Leila Floyd, Mary Agnes Joan Geard, James Douglas Hendrie, Fr John Hennessy, Louise Antoinette Levi, Terry Maher, Angelina Mandarino, Colleen Eileen McCarthy, George McLeod, Dalton Michael, Joyce Lilian Mitchell, Myra Edna Moffatt, Colman O'Byrne, Fr Gervase Pender, Charles Robinson, Peter James Ryan, James Ryan, Antonija Saceric, Marie Patricia Sullivan, Hipolito Trochon.
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
Open before and after all weekend Masses, other times contact the Parish Office.
Daily reflections for Lent Year C ‘Start Anew in Christ’ available 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.
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:
17/2/2025 Maria Alexanderson
24/2/2025 Maria Alexanderson
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
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email:grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
SOCIAL - BUS TRIP - LET US ALL BE IRISH on the 17th March.
Come and join us on St. Patrick’s Day starting with a bus journey to participate in Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedrall at 10am. Fr 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 Toowoong 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
From One Holy Couple (Creation) to One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (Today)
WHEN: On the last Sunday of the Month.
WHERE: in the Parish Hospitality Room - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
This study program is the complete study version, an In-depth Exploration of Salvation History, which will require considerable pre-reading monthly of various sections of the Bible, and that is why we will do it monthly to ensure we allow ourselves sufficient time to give this Study our full participation. This way, we will get the most from the sessions, and once we see the big picture of the Bible, we will be able to understand Scripture in a whole new way. The Mass readings will make more sense. You will see how our beliefs as Catholics are rooted in Scripture, your prayers will come to life, and you will know how you are part of this remarkable story.
The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven through Scripture. Using a unique colour-coded chart, you will learn the Bible's significant people, places, and events and discover how they all come together to reveal the remarkable story of our Faith. Bookings can be made by ringing the Parish Office (new): (07) 5671 7388 (9 am – 1 pm Mon-Fri). We’re excited to be able to present this resource, so please join us.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Christ’s resurrection makes our faith fruitful and our lives worthwhile. Be open to Jesus’ great gift. (1 Cor 15:12, 16-20)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Blessed are you when people hate you…exclude and insult you, and denounce your name…on account of the Son of Man.” - Luke 6:22
All of us have been in situations when someone has made a negative comment or joke about God or our Catholic faith. How did you respond? Did you stay silent or pretend to go along with the crowd because you didn’t want to cause waves and then, later, you felt bad? Know that God is with you all the time; the Holy Spirit will put the right words in your mouth. Pray for the strength and courage to proclaim our faith to others, especially during uncomfortable situations.
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 - Good news in bad times
Forget the headlines for a blessed minute. Stop attending to pop-up dramas of breaking stories, and avert your eyes from news flashes that dazzle with the world’s misery and villainy. We know human nature like the back of our hands, because we know the contents of our own hearts: how petty we can be, how self-serving and critical. The difference between the evil geniuses of the globe and us is often a matter of reach and opportunity, or one too many grievances that finally topple our humanity and make the descent to darkness all the more compelling. Resist self-righteousness!
“Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:17, 20-26 -
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
Image Credit-
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/cjeGDg5RRUMARSQ8MDf9/the-crowd-faces-jesus-jesus-preaches-in-a-level-place-near-the-sea-of-tyre-and-sidon-in-ancient-isra?ru=Paul-Evangelion
God's beautiful and nourishing word is truly such a blessing and a joy to proclaim and to reflect upon each week. We are truly blessed to be (as the reading says beautifully this weekend) "like trees planted beside the flowing waters").
The poor tree planted beside the running stream is rich indeed!
that wonderful line in the readings for this weekend. "like a tree planted near flowing waters…. that thrusts its roots into the stream". 'when the heat comes. It feels no alarm. Its foliage stays green.'
is a truly beautiful and restful image.
It is what we all are called to become. People who are focused on God—. Brought into union with the Lord. Finding our centre, our balance, and focus in God. And drawing our life and meaning from The river of Life—. God is the source of all nourishment and refreshment. And staying focused. Knowing what is life-giving and what is a dead-end!!! And living in that knowledge. [fhl]
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This weekend, as we listen to God's word, ( as we plant ourselves too, beside the flowing and renewing water of God's word), The Gospel today says 'happy are those who are spiritually poor. And oppressed' and woe to those who are comfy and cozy. This version of the gospel spells out that God intends to turn earthly standards and values on their head. The poor, the oppressed, the needy; these are the first in God's values and concerns. So God is preparing us for a different way of thinking, in order to engage us in a different way of acting and living.
Sometimes modern listeners can miss some of the subtlety of Christ's message. For example, it does at first glance look like anyone who is well off or wealthy is coming in an enormous serve. But we have to remember that Luke's Gospel, (especially), was addressed to influential, wealthy and powerful people in the Gentile community. Luke is not collecting an orderly account of Christ's life and teaching, in order to bash powerful and influential people from here to kingdom come. The whole gospel is an invitation to people, rich or poor, influential or powerless, to become willing members in the Kingdom, where values are reshaped and a new way of relating is formed. Luke is inviting the influential and powerful to have a new mind and heart. Luke encourages his readers and listeners to use their influence, their position, and their good fortune to keep in mind their brothers and sisters, whom Christ loved so much, and spent his life and ministry helping.
There is another beautiful quote I stumbled across. "The one who loses wealth loses much. But the one who loses the spirit loses everything." It is good to adjust and re-calibrate our priorities, resources, and values; - Keeping them connected to the source of lasting meanin; God. And God's offer of eternal life.
The source of all life, all meaning and all lasting value, Is God.
All that is lasting: love, compassion, and connection with God and union with one another, as one family in Christ, these elements of that life-giving stream that sustains us and directs us, in good times and in bad.
I was reading a quote from a person who wrote down thoughts about their life, as they faced their final illness. This writer, by the name of Lee Atwater. Died at a very early age from a brain tumour. He was a man who had amassed enormous wealth and power and prestige in his short life. But admitted himself that he felt a deep inner restlessness. And a "poverty of spirit." He writes: "In my illness, I discovered insight into what was missing in society. And it was indeed missing in me too: A little heart; and a lot of brotherhood. We must speak to this 'spiritual vacuum' that lies at the heart of our society."
What are some of the dead-end roads we are tempted to drive down in our lives? What 'things' do we put our energy and time into that are not life-giving or lasting, in comparison with the eternal waters offered by Jesus?
Let us be aware, and prayerful, about the things that give us lasting life and satisfaction. And the things that sap our energy and leave us empty.
Jesus can show us how to put ourselves near the flowing waters. To renew and reconnect us to the true source of life. Christ himself!
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References:
Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly
Vision – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR C. BY MARK LINK S.J;
A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE. 2010;
DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY
Image Credit:
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/cjeGDg5RRUMARSQ8MDf9/the-crowd-faces-jesus-jesus-preaches-in-a-level-place-near-the-sea-of-tyre-and-sidon-in-ancient-isra?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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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:
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
17 February
Optional Memorial
In 1233 these prominent businessmen from Florence (Italy) withdrew to a life of solitude, prayer, and penance. They developed into an order of mendicant friars (Servants of Mary). They are remembered for their radical response to the demands of the gospel.
Peter Damian:
In the short treatise Dominus vobiscum (The Book of "The Lord be with You") (PL 145:231-252), he questions whether a hermit praying in solitude should use the plural; Damian concludes that the hermit should use the plural since he is linked to the whole church by faith and fellowship.
In this letter, Peter defends his views, an undertaking that takes him into the discussion of the scope of divine power, the possibility of God's annulling the past, and the problems that arise from using the language of human temporality to describe divine possibilities in an eternal present. Damian had claimed that God could indeed restore lost virginity. The central question of the nature and scope of divine power is related to previous discussions of the question and to the more sophisticated debates of the later Middle Ages. Damian's apparent claims that the law of contradiction does not apply to God and that God is able to annul the past deserve recognition. In these discussions, Damian shows himself the equal of any of the dialecticians that he so severely criticises.
The best penance is to have patience with the sorrows God permits. A very good penance is to dedicate oneself to fulfil the duties of every day with exactitude and to study and work with all our strength.
Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth.
He pours light into our minds, arouses our desire and gives us strength... As the soul is the life of the body, the Holy Spirit is the life of our souls.
Nobody can fight properly and boldly for the faith if he clings to a fear of being stripped of earthly possessions.
We hold our tongues in check because if they are undisciplined they empty the soul of the strength of heavenly grace, and weaken its healthful vigour.
For the wisdom of the flesh brings death, but that of the spirit brings life and peace, since the wisdom of the flesh is the enemy of God; it is not subject to God's law, nor can it be. And since the wisdom of the flesh is unable to bear the yoke of God's law, it cannot look upon it either,for its eyes are clouded with the smoke of pride.
And what more should I say since sin expels the whole host of the virtues from the chamber of the human heart and introduces every barbarous vice as if the bolts of the doors were pulled out.
Feast of The Chair of St Peter
“He who deserts the Chair of Peter, upon whom the Church was founded, does he trust himself to be IN the Church?” (St Irenaeus)
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
“And so I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
POPE FRANCIS:
Encyclical continued -ENCYCLICAL LETTER - “DILEXIT NOS” (“HE LOVED US”).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Asset id: 2575693901 Pope Francis blesses a pregnant bride -
Riccardo De Luca - Update.
FURTHER REFLECTIONS AND RELEVANCE FOR OUR TIMES
82. The expressive and symbolic image of Christ’s heart is not the only means granted us by the Holy Spirit for encountering the love of Christ, yet it is, as we have seen, an especially privileged one.Even so, it constantly needs to be enriched, deepened and renewed through meditation, the reading of the Gospel and growth in spiritual maturity.Pius XII made it clear that the Church does not claim that, “we must contemplate and adore in the heart of Jesus a ‘formal’ image, that is, a perfect and absolute sign of his divine love, for the essence of this love can in no way be adequately expressed by any created image whatsoever”.[74]
83. Devotion to Christ’s heart is essential for our Christian life to the extent that it expresses our openness in faith and adoration to the mystery of the Lord’s divine and human love.In this sense, we can once more affirm that the Sacred Heart is a synthesis of the Gospel.[75]We need to remember that the visions or mystical showings related by certain saints who passionately encouraged devotion to Christ’s heart are not something that the faithful are obliged to believe as if they were the word of God.[76]Nonetheless, they are rich sources of encouragement and can prove greatly beneficial, even if no one need feel forced to follow them should they not prove helpful on his or her own spiritual journey.At the same time, however, we should be mindful that, as Pius XII pointed out, this devotion cannot be said “to owe its origin to private revelations”.[77]
84. The promotion of Eucharistic communion on the first Friday of each month, for example, sent a powerful message at a time when many people had stopped receiving communion because they were no longer confident of God’s mercy and forgiveness and regarded communion as a kind of reward for the perfect.In the context of Jansenism, the spread of this practice proved immensely beneficial, since it led to a clearer realization that in the Eucharist the merciful and ever-present love of the heart of Christ invites us to union with him.It can also be said that this practice can prove similarly beneficial in our own time, for a different reason.Amid the frenetic pace of today’s world and our obsession with free time, consumption and diversion, cell phones and social media, we forget to nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist.
85. While no one should feel obliged to spend an hour in adoration each Thursday, the practice ought surely to be recommended.When we carry it out with devotion, in union with many of our brothers and sisters and discover in the Eucharist the immense love of the heart of Christ, we “adore, together with the Church, the sign and manifestation of the divine love that went so far as to love, through the heart of the incarnate Word, the human race”.[78]
86. Many Jansenists found this difficult to comprehend, for they looked askance on all that was human, affective and corporeal, and so viewed this devotion as distancing us from pure worship of the Most High God.Pius XII described as “false mysticism”[79]the elitist attitude of those groups that saw God as so sublime, separate and distant that they regarded affective expressions of popular piety as dangerous and in need of ecclesiastical oversight.
87. It could be argued that today, in place of Jansenism, we find ourselves before a powerful wave of secularization that seeks to build a world free of God.In our societies, we are also seeing a proliferation of varied forms of religiosity that have nothing to do with a personal relationship with the God of love, but are new manifestations of a disembodied spirituality.I must warn that within the Church too, a baneful Jansenist dualism has re-emerged in new forms.This has gained renewed strength in recent decades, but it is a recrudescence of that Gnosticism which proved so great a spiritual threat in the early centuries of Christianity because it refused to acknowledge the reality of “the salvation of the flesh”.For this reason, I turn my gaze to the heart of Christ and I invite all of us to renew our devotion to it.I hope this will also appeal to today’s sensitivities and thus help us to confront the dualisms, old and new, to which this devotion offers an effective response.
88. I would add that the heart of Christ also frees us from another kind of dualism found in communities and pastors excessively caught up in external activities, structural reforms that have little to do with the Gospel, obsessive reorganization plans, worldly projects, secular ways of thinking and mandatory programmes.The result is often a Christianity stripped of the tender consolations of faith, the joy of serving others, the fervour of personal commitment to mission, the beauty of knowing Christ and the profound gratitude born of the friendship he offers and the ultimate meaning he gives to our lives.This too is the expression of an illusory and disembodied otherworldliness.
89. Once we succumb to these attitudes, so widespread in our day, we tend to lose all desire to be cured of them.This leads me to propose to the whole Church renewed reflection on the love of Christ represented in his Sacred Heart.For there we find the whole Gospel, a synthesis of the truths of our faith, all that we adore and seek in faith, all that responds to our deepest needs.
90. As we contemplate the heart of Christ, the incarnate synthesis of the Gospel, we can, following the example of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, “place heartfelt trust not in ourselves but in the infinite mercy of a God who loves us unconditionally and has already given us everything in the cross of Jesus Christ”.[80]Therese was able to do this because she had discovered in the heart of Christ that God is love: “To me he has granted his infinite mercy, and through it I contemplate and adore the other divine perfections”.[81]That is why a popular prayer, directed like an arrow towards the heart of Christ, says simply: “Jesus, I trust in you”.[82]No other words are needed.
91. In the following chapters, we will emphasize two essential aspects that contemporary devotion to the Sacred Heart needs to combine, so that it can continue to nourish us and bring us closer to the Gospel: personal spiritual experience and communal missionary commitment.
(The Pope’s recent encyclical - “He Loved Us”)
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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