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“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10b)
PASTOR’S POST -
In the first reading for this weekend’s Mass, we witness the moment when the Prophet Isaiah receives a divine calling from God. However, feeling unworthy, he reflects on his limitations and exclaims, "I am not worthy." In response to his self-doubt, God intervenes by sending an angel to purify him; the angel touches Isaiah's lips with a glowing ember, signifying that God has declared him worthy. This act emphasises that it is ultimately God’s decision to assign worthiness for the mission at hand, and Isaiah should not question his capacity to serve God’s purpose.
Even a revered figure like the great prophet Isaiah is not in a position to determine his worthiness in the eyes of God.
This narrative conveys a significant lesson: our efforts and willpower are secondary to the profound grace God bestows upon us. God builds upon the gifts and qualities he himself created in each one of us. God also sees and enables all that he desires and envisions for all of us. Let us generously put ourselves into the hands and guidance of God and see what astounding and great things God will do with us and through us.
Isaiah grasps this vital truth in the first reading, mirroring the experience of Saint Peter in today's Gospel, where the theme of divine grace and initiative unfolds.
Fr Paul -
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The Stella Maris Church is closed until further notice - for repairs and safety assessment of the whole ceiling.
There will be no masses this weekend at the Broadbeach church, or in the future, until the problem is resolved.
(Update as at 9/2/25)We are told by the builders that they aim to have the church fixed by the end of February/ start of March.
The construction assessment proposes an effective and relatively time-efficient repair schedule. All Stella Maris, Broadbeach, Masses are cancelled. However, **We are putting on 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.
Naomi Ryan passed peacefully into eternal life at 6.38am on Sunday 26th January, 2025, with her family by her side.
The Celebration of Life for Naomi will be held on Tuesday 11th February, 10am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Corinda. The service will be live streamed and available for a period of time following, for family and friends.
Kind regards,
Madeleine Ryan. On behalf of the Naomi Ryan family (Kateena, Adam, Madeleine, Dominic and Justin).
Grace Risotto’s granddaughter Ellani
We have been praying for Ellani, Grace Risotto’s granddaughter, for quite some time and we have been advised by Grace that Ellani died on Thursday morning 6 February.
Grace sent this little message from Melbourne
‘I want to thank everyone for their prayers, Ellani passed today very peacefully to a wonderful place of life. Please pass this message to everyone at the Church. Ask Fr Paul if he would pray of her, please. Grace’.
Sunday of the Word of God.
1600 years after the death of the great Scripture scholar and biblical translator, St Jerome, Pope Francis announced a new Sunday celebration - (around the world it is to be celebrated on the Third Sunday of Ordinary time – but the local conference of bishops moved it here in Australia to the first Sunday in February – due to our national Holiday celebration overlapping it earlier),- This celebration IS known and commemorated as the "THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD".
The Risen Jesus, instructing two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Lk 24:45). Christ continues to do this in our day too.
Also, in this week focusing on the word of God, has everyone discovered that wonderful gift to the whole church that is the Prayer of the Church, or the Liturgy of the Hours.. also known as the Divine Office? This is an official series of prayers, psalms and readings for the different parts of each day. This is of course not just for priests or religious, but for all people…
Liturgy of the Hours (online service called Universalis). Please see https://universalis.com/index.htm
{The prayer of the universal Church, seven times a day.
Office of Readings - Morning Prayer (Lauds) - Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce) - - Midday Prayer (Sext) - Afternoon Prayer (None) - Evening Prayer (Vespers) - Night Prayer (Compline)}
There are also official books available with the whole set of four weekly cycle prayers. To truly savour God's living word, day and night!
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.
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.
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:
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.
Or https://shop.archdiocesanministries.org.au/products/lent-2025-start-anew-in-christ-pre-order
FANS and DOORS in OUR CHURCHES
It's that time of year again. Please note that the church has a policy regarding fans, windows, and doors.
DURING CHURCH SERVICES - FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING the HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON PLEASE AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN PLEASE FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES! Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. And no one has permission to touch or switch the fan settings except our coordinators. Also, please do not close the doors (or windows) of the church, as we need fresh air for the well-being of others. The same applies if it starts raining outside. Please do not shut doors and windows, as almost all of these are protected by balconies and verandahs, and there is virtually no chance of rain getting in. Even when it is raining, it can still be hot and humid, and closing things up and turning off fans worsens the situation. Coordinators are following Church Health and Safety directions. It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that suits your needs better or bring something warm to put on. As you can imagine, we cannot adjust these large spaces to meet everyone’s personal needs, so we need to set them for general conditions, and individuals can then bring whatever they require for their individual needs. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
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 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.
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):
Ellanie Gonzalez, Patricia Coral Stone, Milka Baric, Dulcie Villotet (Cheryl Green’s mother), Naomi Ryan, Karsten Rickert, Lee Pascuale Caprie, Kenneth Montgomery, Phillip Ronald Conquest, Romana Carlin, Brant Michael Campbell, Noel Patrick Cook, Ann Letitia Owens, Michael (Mick) McKew, 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)
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.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Leslie (Les) Gloster Alford, Nicholas Eamon Ashworth, Dolores Mary Barakat, Paul Barry, Mark Christopher Behan, George Beljak, Judith Boggan, Naurelle Cahill, Antoun Christophi, Mark Connell, Peter Cotton, Mons David Dee, Michael Francis Dooley, Bette Edwards, Peter James Evert, James John (Jim) Gardiner, Jan Grammer, Alan Hague, Fr William Hogan, Bob Jackson, Judith Anne Jones, John David (Jack) Kelly, Peter Francis Kennedy, Wendy (Wen) Maclachlan, Vern William Mannix, Nora Winifred (Freda) McGrath, Gloria McLeod, Brian Moon, Veronica Mary Moore, Anthony Osbourne, Fr Robert O'Shea, Patricia Powell, Mercedes Rosario, Terese Salama, Gary Patrick Walsh, Geoffrey Williams.
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 (RESUMES ON 29TH JANUARY)
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.
MARIAN VALLEY PILGRIMAGE
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Lourdes Feast on 11.02.2025 and on the 13.02.2025 Our Lady of Fatima's Feast. The bus will be picking up Sharp at 8.15 am on both days 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 5529 1573 and
Chris Raynald 0451 302 674.
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:
10/2/2025 Helen & Thor Merrimac
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. The next Session will be held on 23rd Feb January 2025.
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:
Holiness is a gift of God. Open yourself to the gift. When God calls, be ready to respond: “Here I am, send me!” (Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said, ‘send me!’” - {Isaiah 6:8}
Every day, in little ways and in big ways, God asks, “Whom shall I send?” Whether it is someone to take on a new ministry, to give a friendly smile to a stranger or to say a word of encouragement to a friend, God constantly provides opportunities to help someone in need. God is always talking to us; we just need to pay more attention. When you hear God calling have the courage to walk through the door and say, “Here I am, Lord.”
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 - Unburden yourself
In a 2011 address Pope Benedict extolled the virtue of detachment: “History has shown that, when the church becomes less worldly, her missionary witness shines more brightly. Once liberated from material and political burdens and privileges, the church can reach out more effectively and in a truly Christian way to the whole world, she can be truly open to the world. She can live more freely her vocation to the ministry of divine worship and service of neighbor.” Take time today to inventory those things that keep you from giving of yourself to others and work toward loosening their hold over you. “They left everything and followed him.” [Luke 5:1-11]
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/4OL8PI8XV9k1M8CqMnIt/jesus-calls-his-disciples-the-fishermen-james-john-and-simon-peter?ru=Paul-Evangelion
In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah is called by God, but he looks at himself and says, "I am not worthy"…….and so, in response "God sends an angel to touch Isaiah's lips with a smoking-hot ember and tells him that God has now MADE him worthy… // It is God's judgement to deem him worthy of the task he is being assigned, and it is not for Isaiah second-guess his own usefulness to God.
So, it is not the place of (even) the great prophet Isaiah to tell God what he feels he might be worthy of or not worthy of.
And in any case, there is a lesson here. It is not all about our efforts and will-power, but rather it is primarily about God's grace.
The Prophet Isaiah learns this lesson in the first reading and similarly with Saint Peter in today's Gospel. [FHL]
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Thank goodness for the early disciples. We look up to these wonderful people. But, they are also revealed to be people with weaknesses, foibles, sinfulness, failure, and, (at times), a shocking lack of trust; and hesitancy of faith. And at other times they show fear, and sometimes even cowardice. Because of this list of flawed leaders, it reveals how good and wise God is; and how utterly dependent we ALL are, on God's grace. It is not so much about us, but about God!
Without God's grace, we can do nothing.
God makes use of the humble things we have to offer and transforms them according to God's good purposes.
Jesus is not ever saying to us that we should wallow in our sin, or use it as an excuse to stay stuck in our old ways. We know we should never say: 'this is as good as I can be….' // However, God also wants to remind us that our worthiness is not the issue, because actually- (as many great saints throughout history remind us by their own life-stories); none of us is worthy of ourselves. It is God who makes us worthy. We never earn God's love, it is freely given as a generous act of graciousness. None of us is worthy without God; except that we are all lovingly created by God and are made worthy of God's love by God's action. It is God who calls us. And it is God alone who knows what we are capable of. God calls us to fulfill our capabilities.
The difference between the saint and the sinner is not their worthiness before God, but their determination NOT to stay stuck in their weakness or their own wilfulness or limitations, but to put their trust and all their cooperation and openness into God's hands. We are then transformed into instruments of God's love and grace. Living, cooperating instruments in the hand of God, the perfect artist.
St Peter, Saint Paul, Isaiah, Jeremiah…… King David… Saul…. Moses……. the list goes on and on: Great people. People who did God's will. But, ALSO, these same people were at times, terribly weak and sinful. Who sinned. Sometimes they even betrayed their calling or resented or doubted it. But, nevertheless, it was God who called them. God knew them and what they truly could do, and held them to that. They trusted in God's wisdom, mercy and guidance, and of course, relied on God's grace.
Again we can reflect on our own experiences of weakness and forgiveness, both by the Lord and by others. Being forgiven is a humbling experience, but one that allows us, like Isaiah, to step forward and volunteer for the Lord's work.
All of us are invited to reflect on our own refusals, (big and small), where we at times declined to accept God and His power and His presence. God is not there to frighten us, nor to condemn us to be frozen into inaction by our limitations; but, rather, God loves us into being everything God wants for us.
Whenever we accept forgiveness for our weaknesses and failings and put our reliance and our cooperation into God's grace, then we are able to be given over to the work of the Lord.
As with Saint Peter, we can doubt many times and we can deny but eventually when we believe and trust, our lives can be transformed into a reflection of God's mercy, God's compassion and graciousness.
It would be ridiculous for a pencil to refuse to be taken into the hand of a great artist, claiming that it is not talented enough to draw a masterpiece. And it would also be crazy for a pencil to claim credit for the work that was wrought through its important use. Naturally, we know that we are not inanimate objects, and we are not merely passive objects in God's action. God has lovingly and graciously willed that we will always be conscious, helpers, co-workers, and cooperators… heirs and family, participating in God's work. But we always keep in mind whose work it is we are doing and guard against relying too much on our own efforts or our own virtues and going down dead-end paths, and we also avoid the other extreme, inaction when faced with our limitations. Both extremes (which we are called to avoid carefully), are based on putting ourselves in the centre of things instead of God.
But there is more. Did Jesus learn something from his previous rejection in his hometown? He preached alone and this met with utter rejection. The crowd almost killed him. He narrowly escaped being thrown off a cliff. Now, he goes and calls followers to join him, support him and be companions on the journey; AND, what a hard journey it is. He (as always) calls a community around him.
Simon Peter experiences a great miracle. In the least expected situation, not on a mountain top somewhere, but in the ordinariness of his workplace; he experiences this amazing event because he was humble enough to listen to someone telling him how to do the job he knew so well. Our Lord shows him a new and dramatic and different way… and the results are huge……..
This is a timely reminder to us:
We must connect the gospel to our daily words, actions, and priorities, or it will not make sense.
Secondly…. We …. (Just like the disciples), need to work together… in unity… and in community. Like the disciples who were ALL needed to help haul in the enormous catch of fish…
We must always take our cues, as best we can discern them, from Christ… If it is only about our own individual efforts and priorities, our toil may be heavy and it may be misdirected. We never want to work like slaves on something and find that our struggle was mysteriously fruitless; like the fisherman who laboured all night (and applied all the experience and wisdom of their trade and still caught nothing), but, then Jesus asks them to trust him and follow his ways and do the same activity but under his direction, and they catch more than they can hold.
Jesus' ways are not the most ordinary, and not the most logical. However, they are the way of the gospel, and only by following Our Lord, (which is almost always the road less travelled), can we hope to bear fruit for Jesus good news……
Today let us ask the Lord to deepen our faith and give us the courage to proclaim his marvellous deeds. Let us be able to say: Here I am, Lord. Send me!"
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References:
Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly
Gustavo Gutierrez, Sharing the Word through the liturgical year
The Abbot, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, http://www.christdesert.org/ ;
Reflection from Madonna Magazine, Jan-Feb 2007.
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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 Scholastica, Virgin
10 February
Memorial
Born at Norcia (Italy) about 480. Died near Monte Cassino in the 540s. Like Saint Benedict (11 July), her brother and by tradition her twin, she dedicated herself to God through the monastic life. Remembered for her part in establishing Benedictine monasticism.
Our Lady of Lourdes
11 February
Optional Memorial
Observed since 1907, this memorial celebrates the immaculate Virgin Mary as honoured in Lourdes (France). This site of apparitions to the young Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 has become a focus of devotion to Mary. It is a place of prayer and pilgrimage, of conversion and healing for Christians from every land.
Sts Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop
14 February
Memorial
Cyril: Born about 826 in Thessalonica (Greece). Died at Rome in 869.
His brother, Methodius: Born about 815. Died in Velehrad (Czech Republic) in 885.
With papal approval they preached the gospel in Moravia using their own translations of the Scriptures and the liturgy in the local language. These translations into Slavonic were based on an alphabet they invented, now called Cyrillic. The success of their preaching aroused jealous Frankish opposition. Honoured as apostles of the Slavic peoples. Remembered together for their contribution to Slavic culture, for their missionary inculturation of the faith, and for establishing links between East and West.
POPE FRANCIS:
Encyclical continued -ENCYCLICAL LETTER - “DILEXIT NOS” (“HE LOVED US”).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. 2444122625 - Vatican City, Italy image by Marco Iacobucci Epp
Pope article:
RECENT TEACHINGS OF THE MAGISTERIUM
78.In numerous ways, Christ’s heart has always been present in the history of Christian spirituality.In the Scriptures and in the early centuries of the Church’s life, it appeared under the image of the Lord’s wounded side, as a fountain of grace and a summons to a deep and loving encounter.In this same guise, it has reappeared in the writings of numerous saints, past and present.In recent centuries, this spirituality has gradually taken on the specific form of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
79. A number of my Predecessors have spoken in various ways about the heart of Christ and exhorted us to unite ourselves to it.At the end of the nineteenth century, Leo XIII encouraged us to consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart, thus uniting our call to union with Christ and our wonder before the magnificence of his infinite love.[69]Some thirty years later, Pius XI presented this devotion as a “summa” of the experience of Christian faith.[70]Pius XII went on to declare that adoration of the Sacred Heart expresses in an outstanding way, as a sublime synthesis, the worship we owe to Jesus Christ.[71]
80. More recently, Saint John Paul II presented the growth of this devotion in recent centuries as a response to the rise of rigorist and disembodied forms of spirituality that neglected the richness of the Lord’s mercy.At the same time, he saw it as a timely summons to resist attempts to create a world that leaves no room for God.“Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as it developed in Europe two centuries ago, under the impulse of the mystical experiences of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, was aresponse to Jansenist rigor, which ended up disregarding God’s infinite mercy...The men and women of the third millennium need the heart of Christin order to know God and to know themselves; they need it to build the civilization of love”.[72]
81. Benedict XVI asked us to recognize in the heart of Christ an intimate and daily presence in our lives: “Every person needs a ‘centre’ for his or her own life, a source of truth and goodness to draw upon in the events, situations and struggles of daily existence.All of us, when we pause in silence, need to feel not only the beating of our own heart, but deeper still, the beating of a trustworthy presence, perceptible with faith’s senses and yet much more real: the presence of Christ, the heart of the world”.[73]
(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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