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“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”
(Philippians 2:10)
Shutterstock Licensed Item ID: Set for Christianity holy week before easter, Lent and Palm or Passion Sunday, Good Friday crucifixion of Jesus and his death, Stations of Cross, God Last Supper Crown of thorns vector illustration. Contributor: AnutaBerg
EXTRA RECONCILIATIONS WILL BE OFFERED AFTER WEEKDAY MASS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES - ALL AT SACRED HEART
Monday to Wednesday inclusive (14th-16th April 2025 at 9.30 am)
Holy Thursday Morning (no morning mass- but instead 9 am to 10 am Reconciliations
Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross will be conducted at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters
from 6 pm each Friday of Lent.
[NOT including Good Friday evening, when the stations will be at 10 am at each of our three local churches - Sacred Heart, Stella Maris and St Vincents]
PASTOR’S POST -
I've been reflecting on that powerful line we heard: “I come among you as one who serves!” It really got me thinking about humility and selfless service versus pride and self-interest. Jesus showed us what true leadership looks like—it's about joining in, not standing above others.
As we dive into Luke's Passion account this week, I encourage you to read through the long version of his Gospel account of the passion prayerfully. There’s so much depth in this text!
What strikes me about Luke’s account is how the enemies of Jesus were relentless. They despised his message of love and forgiveness and tried to trap him with lies. Even when they couldn't find anything wrong with him, they made up accusations. They twisted his words, claiming he was inciting revolt or opposing Caesar. But even Pilate, representing the flawed earthly law, declared him not guilty!
Then there's King Herod, who was so self-absorbed that he didn’t even listen to Jesus—just wanted a miracle. It's a stark reminder of leadership gone awry. Jesus, in his humility, chose silence over engaging with Herod’s self-serving curiosity.
In the face of rejection and hatred, Jesus gave everything for us. His sacrifice is a testament to the depth of his love and has saved us. As we enter this holiest week, let’s keep vigil and reflect on the journey of love, service, and true leadership that goes through suffering to bring us new life.
Take care, and let’s support each other in this journey!
Fr Paul
ADVANCE NOTICE OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES IN OUR PARISH (2025)
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS AND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Our Easter timetable is as follows:
HOLY THURSDAY: (April 17th 2025)
6 pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
8:00 pm Hispanic Mass at St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
GOOD FRIDAY: (April 18th 2025) - Morning Stations -
10 am Stations of the Cross in all three Churches:
10 am Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
10 am Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
10 am St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
+ GOOD FRIDAY - (April 18th 2025)- Afternoon Solemnities.
3 pm Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion in all three Churches:
3 pm Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
3 pm Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
3 pm St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
HOLY SATURDAY: (April 19th 2025)
5 pm Full Vigil Mass with Baptism of Adults (longer ceremony). Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Ave, Broadbeach,
5 pm Vigil Mass, St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
2 pm Polish Easter food blessing- Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
8:30pm Hispanic Mass at St Vincent’s Church. 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
EASTER SUNDAY: (April 20th 2025)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218.
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise 4217.
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
12.30 pm Polish Mass Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
4 pm Italian Mass, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226.
5:30 pm Hispanic Mass, St Vincent’s Church, 40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. 4217
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASSES AND LITURGIES - AUDIO-PODCASTS - ALL HERE IN ONE EASY-TO LOCATE LOCATION:
https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com/2025/04/podcasts-audio-of-masses-and-liturgies.html
(PLEASE CHECK BACK TO THIS LINK ABOVE AS MORE LITURGIES ARE ADDED - IN ADVANCE OF THE CEREMONIES)
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AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS - FEDERAL ELECTION STATEMENT
Australia’s Catholic bishops say the federal election is an opportunity to bring hope where hope has been lost, especially for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Pope Francis has approved the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” for the 2025 Holy Year of Jubilee.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement has drawn on this theme for the federal election statement, Called to Bring Hope in the Year of Jubilee, released today.
“Pope Francis reminds us that ‘all of us have received the gift and task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost, lives broken, promises unkept, dreams shattered, and hearts overwhelmed by adversity’,” the statement reads.
The statement sets out broad issues to reflect on before voting.
https://www.catholic.au/s/article/Election-Statement-2025
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(community service ad)
CLEAR ISLAND WATERS HEALTH PRECINCT (Santa Cruz Blvd)
Introducing our two new GPs Dr Maria and Dr Cian. Bulk Billing applies for patients under 16yrs old & patients with a valid concession or pension card. Appointments are available Monday-Friday (from 9am until 5pm).
Address: 1/56 Santa Cruz Boulevard Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226 Email: reception@ciwhp.com.au Web: www.ciwhp.com.au Ph: 07 5575 1822 Fax: 07 5575 3114
Dr Maria Guirguis
Dr Cian Morrison
Ignite Launch 2025 which is to be held at Dreamworld on 17th May – run by the Archdiocese – Ignite Launch is a whole day riding the roller coasters and saying hi to the tigers at Dream World, followed up with a massive dance party and live concert – right in the middle of the theme park, after it closes!
We are hoping to encourage young people to participate in this from the Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish.
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MARIAN VALLEY DIR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Divine Mercy Sunday Feast on 27.04.20225. The bus will be picking up Sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost of the bus fare per person $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine 0405 252 367.
Ready for Prep 2026 at St Kevin’s School, Benowa
St Kevin’s enrolments for Prep 2026 are filling up very fast and we now extend an invitation to all families considering where to send their child to begin their schooling journey in 2026, to make application for an interview in order to secure a place for their child.
We also warmly invite you St Kevin’s Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025. Hear more about the excellent learning and teaching that happens at St Kevin’s and experience the sense of warmth and welcome that St Kevin’s offers all students and families.
Visit our website www.sk.qld.edu.au or call us on 055539 4522 for more information.
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Please see the latest edition of Liturgy News from liturgyBrisbane. Great information about the liturgy locally and universally -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d5LPrucFHmtCi_vOGFqGDgRGiEASRZHj/view?usp=drivesdk
THIS LENT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF PROJECT COMPASSION - A PRACTICAL WAY OF GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED - IN THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC-RUN APPEAL ORGANISED BY CARITAS AUSTRALIA
PROJECT COMPASSION - LENTEN PRAYER
God of our journey
we are all pilgrims of hope
brought together by your love
and your wish that we may all be one.
We pray that in this Year of Jubilee
when we are called to greater justice
and care for our common home
that we may Unite Against Poverty.
May we work in unity for the freedom
of the oppressed and the renewal of creation.
may our compassionate minds
and generous hearts help bring about a
world where all can live in peace.
May our Lenten pilgrimage of
fasting, almsgiving and prayer
bring us closer to your loving heart.
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen
You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation envelopes.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
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PROJECT COMPASSION REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES TODAY:
As we approach the holy season of Easter, Project Compassion invites all of us to come together in a powerful expression of faith, solidarity, kindness and generosity.
As it is showcased in our yearly publication Together: Partnership in Action, the transformative impact of your support helps lift communities out of poverty, restore dignity and help families build resilience in the face of hardship.
The stories you have heard over the last few weeks – Toefuata’iga’s, Lam’s and Irene’s – are just a glimpse of the profound impact of your support. Throughout the 2023-2024 financial year alone, the power of your generosity helped reach more than 1 million participants across 36 countries.
In Africa, 553,995 people were supported through 15 development initiatives, such as the A+ Program in Malawi. Memory, a young woman who graduated with an advanced certificate in carpentry, is one of many beneficiaries.
In the Pacific, 107,193 people benefited from projects like roof replacements at Papua New Guinea's Lemakot Health Centre, ensuring safe and hygienic healthcare delivery.
In Asia, Caritas reached over 1 million people through 28 programs, including sustainable agricultural training for Chiquito in Timor-Leste, whose thriving farm now sustains his family.
In Australia, we focused on programs like Grassroots Youth Engagement, which provided mentorship and support to Indigenous youth, helping them heal intergenerational trauma and build better futures. In total, 401,530 Australians were impacted by these initiatives.
In addition to our development initiatives, your support helped our partners respond to 30 global emergencies, directly assisting 542,181 people facing crises, addressing the most urgent needs of those affected in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon.
Together with our partners, your support has helped many vulnerable communities gain access to vital education, clean water and sanitation. It also helped provide many families with food security, reliable sources of income and healthcare services, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods and brighter futures.
The power of your generosity is particularly relevant during Lent, and your support of Project Compassion is a testament to our shared faith in action. Through almsgiving, fundraising and prayer, we walk together, following Christ’s example of love and mercy. By serving people experiencing poverty and vulnerability, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45).
Let us walk together on this journey of compassion and transformation together, reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
REFLECTION for SIXTH SUNDAY of LENT Isaiah 50: 4–7 | Ps 22: 8–9, 17–18, 19–20, 23–24 | Philippians 2: 8–9 | Luke 22:14 – 23:56 or Luke 23:1–49
Today we read The Passion narrative from the Gospel of St Luke. It is not by any means for the fainthearted. Even if it is familiar to us, we should try to remember how extraordinary it is.
After so many centuries of cruelty, crucifixion still ranks as one of the most appalling things people have ever thought to do to their fellow humans. Yet this was how God chose to show the depth of his love. God was prepared to go to any lengths for us. The letter to the Philippians says that Jesus did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave. Why? The only possible explanation is love. Anyone who has loved another knows that it will inevitably bring a share of suffering. Jesus walks alongside all who suffer. He shares their cross as they share his.
The fact that crucifixion was so common in the Roman world should also make us pause for a moment. Jesus lived and died in a world in which people were routinely degraded. He met plenty of them in his travels, people cast by the wayside, and helped many. For those without power, life was fragile, even cheap. Has much changed? Throughout Lent, Caritas Australia has invited us to share the work of Project Compassion. The stories we have encountered remind us that the world is still an uneven field. Project Compassion invites us to respond in love to free people in captivity to very challenging circumstances. It invites us in a small way to carry the cross, to live in hope of the Resurrection.
Perhaps this week, as well as joining in the services of Holy Week, we can take some time to sit quietly with The Passion narrative from Luke’s Gospel on our own. Think about all the characters we meet: Peter, Judas, Pilate, Herod, the women of Jerusalem, Simon of Cyrene, the soldiers, the two criminals, the women from Galilee, the centurion, Joseph of Arimathea. Try to see the events from each of their perspectives. Then quietly see them from your own perspective, from your world in 2025. Pray in humble gratitude.
Please donate today. You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above. Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross will be conducted at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters from 6 pm each Friday of Lent.
PASSION SUNDAY (PALM SUNDAY) - ST Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
Is 50: 4-7
Phil 2; 6-11
Lk 22: 14 - 23: 56
Today we begin the journey with Jesus into Jerusalem. Today the people are excited to see Jesus. He enters the city similar to royalty but not in fine garments and beautiful steeds but as a rabbi and on the humblest of animals, the donkey.
Jesus knew his time was “at hand” and he knew that this jubilation will turn very sour in a few moments. How does Jesus lovingly wave to a crowd who will deny and discard him so lightly and call for his death before the palms which they wave have dried up.
He “emptied himself”; “He humbled himself by being obedient unto death”. He empties himself of all claims to divine glory and honour to become a human being — not a human of high status and honour, but a lowly slave serving other human beings. He humbles himself even to the point of dying a slave’s death, for the shameful and tortuous form of execution by crucifixion was reserved for slaves and rebels against Roman rule.
Jesus is not a passive victim rather he enters fully and willingly into his mission. On this Sunday marking Jesus’ passion, we might ask ourselves does our life together reflect “the same mind that was in
Christ Jesus”? Are we looking to the interests of others rather than our own interests?
Jesus emptied himself and took on a human; incarnate, he was not just wearing a human mask but entering into our humanity in all its fullness and sometimes bitterness.
Fr Ronald Rolheiser puts it beautifully; “To “self-empty” in the way Jesus is described as doing means being present without demanding that your presence be recognized and its importance acknowledged; it means giving without demanding that your generosity be reciprocated; it means being invitational rather than threatening, healthily solicitous rather than nagging or coercive; it means being vulnerable and helpless,
unable to protect yourself against the pain of being taken for granted or rejected; it means living in a great patience that doesn’t demand intervention, divine or human, when things don’t unfold according to your will; it means letting God be God and others be themselves without either having to submit to your wishes or your timetable….that’s the invitation”.
Can you think of a time you were able to be present in the way described above?
THIS WEEK...
“We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves”.
Thomas Merton
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us: to be present without demanding our presence be recognised; to give without demanding; to be invitational rather than threatening, to be vulnerable; living in a great patience that doesn’t demand intervention, divine or human, when things don’t unfold according to my will. Amen.
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION - BRISBANE CATHEDRAL
ALTAR SERVING in SURFERS PARADISE PARISH
Would you like to become an Altar Server in Surfers Paradise Parish?
Our church family has many ministries or roles available for people who wish to help the celebration of the mass to be as reverent and joyful as possible. For children, one of the best ways to contribute to the mass is to train to be an altar server.
There are lots of things to learn about the job of altar serving so if you are interested in finding out about this special ministry please read on.
Who can become an altar server: Any person who is a fully initiated Catholic can be an altar server. That is, someone who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and has celebrated their First Holy Communion.
Children who wish to become altar servers will be taught by Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team. When you feel confident, you will be asked to serve on the altar with other experienced servers.
How to find out more about Altar Serving Ministry: Ask one of your parents to ring the Parish Office (5671 7388) and leave your full name and contact details. Please direct all enquiries and volunteering through the Parish Office. Then Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team will contact your family and invite you to a training workshop. Fr Bradley meeting some future altar servers at St Vincent’s
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
CHILDHOOD SACRAMENTS 2025 Please use the tables on the following pages to guide you, as you plan your child/ren’s Sacramental Journey in Surfers Paradise Parish. Please remember that your child and your family are often included in our prayers at mass and in the personal prayers of many parishioners. We all look forward to supporting you in this sacred work. The Sacramental Team 😃
To tune in to Our parish Podcast of the Mass for Sundays and Solemnities, please visit regularly the following link: To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and the wider public. The feedback has been that the café is a great idea, but its old location in the front of the church was not ideal. The café has now reopened in the old Atrium building. This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision. Chris and his staff are delighted to welcome you.
{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:
The Catholic Jubilee year of 2025 will focus on several key areas, reflecting the themes traditionally associated with Jubilee years, such as reconciliation, renewal, and social justice. Here are some potential areas of focus and reflection:
1. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Emphasizing the importance of healing relationships within the Church and broader society, encouraging acts of forgiveness and reconciliation.
2. Social Justice: Addressing issues of poverty, inequality, and human rights, with a call to action for the faithful to engage in service and advocacy.
3. Ecumenism: Promoting unity among Christian denominations, fostering dialogue and collaboration in the spirit of Jesus' teachings.
4. Environmental Stewardship: Reflecting on the Church’s role in caring for creation, in line with Pope Francis’ encyclical "Laudato Si'," and encouraging sustainable practices.
5. Youth Engagement: Focusing on the involvement of young people in the life of the Church, encouraging their participation and leadership.
6. Evangelization: Renewing the commitment to spreading the Gospel message, with a focus on new methods of evangelization in a changing world.
7. Spiritual Renewal: Encouraging personal and communal spiritual growth through prayer, sacraments, and reflection on the faith.
8. Family and Community: Highlighting the importance of families and communities in nurturing faith and love, promoting initiatives that strengthen these bonds.
These areas will likely guide the Church's activities and teachings throughout the Jubilee year, fostering a spirit of renewal and commitment to core Christian values.
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, 2nd May 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 3rd May 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 6th of May- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
Pope Francis.;
Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Lindsay Allan, Robert Andreas, Joseph Antony, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Nadia Ceh, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Stan Hickey, Andrew Janiec, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Victoria MacDonald, l McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Angela Micallef, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Melba Rentoul, Bob Rogers, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Sharon Richardson, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Richard G Murphy, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Lucy Anna Markovic, Marie “Gwen” O”Brien - Aged 99 (daughter of parishioner Annie Leighton), Larry Klinge, Argyna Marie Santiago, Yvonne Maria McGuffie, Vittorio Capone, Roger Graeme Blanksby, Robert Kennedy (Lismore), Denis John McCabe, Nathan Kinett, Angelina Elsey, Rita Maria-Angela Derek, Ena Hehir, Scott Nunan, Rosie Maitland, Mark Johnstone, Ron McConnell, Charlie Schriha, Joseph Schriha, Dot Corbett, Helen Dowling, Pietro Paolo Sergi, Phillip Brady, Jim Ramsay, Susanne Hewitt, Ellanie Gonzalez, Patricia Stone, Milka Baric, Dulcie Villotet, Naomi Ryan, Karsten Rickert, Lee Pascuale Caprie, Kenneth Montgomery, Phillip Conquest, Romana Carlin, Noel Cook, John Rowles, Bruce O’Brien, Martha Wagner.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, Fr Francis Arthurs, Cornelis “Casey” Bayens, Victor Boctor, Ramsis Nessim Boctor, Rosanne Cruz Bridge, Fr David Brimson, Gino Cappellazzo, Wilhelm Ciszewski, Patricia Dooley, Mons John English, Daniel Xavier Farrugia, Cecily Josepha Fury, Raymond Alexander (Ray) Gardiner, Antony Di Giorgio, Leslie Hewitt, Fr John Isaac, Mons Martin Jordan, Gregory Kelly, John Kinne, Fr Henry Laing, Fr Kieran Luby, Olive Yvonne Matthews, Fr John McCann, Shane Mcloughlan, Kath McMonagle, Dorothy and Ray Mullen, Betty O’Connell, Francesco Posa, John Purcell, Barbara Robertson, Walter Schaer, Josephine Shaw, Catherine Smyth, Matthew Stoyakovich, Leonard Gregory Toner, Ronald Turner, Barbara Claire (Barbie) White, Judith Wisemantel
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Maureen Margaret Armstrong, Earl Breirty, Kaye Diane Blake, Cynthia Maud Brennan, Jaiden Glen Brooks, Fr Francis Costello, Archbishop of Brisbane Sir James Duhig, Fr Graham Elliott, Tibor Endrody Vera Endrody, Justin Paul Fitzgerald, Douglas Anthony Glenn, Kevin Francis Harrison, Janet Holliday, Ray Hutchinson, Claire Irene Keefe, Brian Raymond Lloyd, Errol John Maguire, John Richard Morgan, Fr James Murphy, Fr Gerard Nichol, Susan Ruth O'Gorman, Annunziata Posa, Thomas (Tommy) Raudonikis, John (Jakes) Rennie, Mendoza Nympha Reponia, Peter James Scott, Noelene Sisam, Robyn Skein, Fr Romo Servatius Subhaga, Norma Weise.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
New stock has arrived this week, including Easter greeting cards, crucifixes and rosaries. Shops are open before and after Mass each weekend.
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room, at 10 am to 11 am. This is followed by a Scripture Study of the following Sunday’s Mass readings from 11 am to 12 pm. You are welcome to attend both or either one. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. The meditation group invites you to prepare for Easter by attending a Lenten program to be held in the Morris Prayer room as well. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 2nd May 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 3rd May 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 6th of May- 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:
14/4/25 Luciana Lang & Family - Varsity Lakes
21/4/25 Luciana Lang & Family - Varsity Lakes
28/4/25 Susanne Joseph & Family- Varsity Lakes
05/5/25 Susanne Joseph & Family - Varsity Lakes
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5pm-6pm at St Vincent’s Church
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Come along and read/study Break Open the Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email:grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
A VOCATION VIEW:
Fifth Sunday of Lent - C - A VOCATION VIEW: Lent is six weeks of being serious about forgiveness and knowing we are loved.
Who will step forward to tell of God's great love for us?
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
A VOCATION VIEW:
Palm Sunday - C. Jesus comes into your life, grab something and wave it. Show your joy, your happiness; your dream is fulfilled. Tell others: Jesus is here!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“…I tell you, Peter before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.” - (Luke 22:34)
How many times have you heard someone make a disparaging comment about God or our Catholic faith? How did you react? Do you remain quiet not to cause a disturbance? Or, because you don’t want people to think negatively about you? Or, because you don’t think you know enough about the Catholic faith? Pray for the courage to speak up and enter into a respectful dialogue when the opportunity arises. Joyfully share your faith with others. 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: Revealing companions
Today the church follows Luke's narrative of the Passion, where participants are revealed by the company they keep—or avoid. Most of Jesus' followers flee his side, fearing to share their teacher's fate. Meanwhile, the Roman governor Pilate makes a strange alliance with local puppet-king Herod, a man he despises. Both agree on one thing: Holding onto power is their highest priority. Then Simon, a Jew from the African dispersion, finds himself forced to carry Jesus' cross: something the disciples were terrified of doing. Tradition holds this Cyrenian and his family later joined the early church. Whose company are we keeping?
“As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian . . . laying the cross on him.” (Luke 22:14—23:56).
Holy Saturday, prior to the evening Vigil, is observed without ceremony of any kind. The Easter Vigil does not start until the sun goes down. Before the kindling of the Easter fire, Holy Saturday remains a blank spot in the church’s calendar signifying the real death of Jesus. Perhaps it is a good time to visit your church and experience our lifeless Lord. If you get there before the hubbub of Easter preparation begins, you can keep vigil in the quietude of a church reflecting on its beloved Christ, crucified.
“Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3-11. 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
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - “I come among you as one who serves!”
* humility, self-emptying service, and sacrifice vs pride and self-serving-self-interest
* service and leadership by becoming one with, joining in, not being above or beyond.
* Luke's passion account - Jesus healed and forgave, he submitted himself humbly, and suffered for this, and we carry on his name and his work of healing and forgiving.
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Now that we've entered Holy Week, the holiest week in the Church's calendar, during this coming week it's really wonderful if we can take some time out to again read the long version of Luke's Gospel. Read it through prayerfully and reflectively. There's so much richness in it.
It's such an important text. It's so uplifting and beautiful. Something really strikes me about Luke's Passion account that we've just listened to.
The enemies of Jesus are liars. They hated his message of love. They rejected his forgiveness and inclusion and spent all of their time trying to trap Jesus, not to learn from him.
Their hearts and minds were closed. When they were listening to Jesus' words, it wasn't to understand him or to understand God. It was simply listening very carefully to find anything they could that would be used against him to trap him.
In the end, they couldn't find anything wrong. So, did they give up? No, they made up accusations. The things they eventually accused Jesus of in Luke's Gospel are bare-faced lies.
They say Jesus was inciting revolt. No, he wasn't. Quite the opposite.
He was seeking to avoid it. Opposing payment to Caesar? No, he didn't. He was rightfully claiming to be the Christ.
But to say he was setting himself up against the earthly king to overthrow an earthly leader of this region was a distortion. Jesus rejected that image and it was simply trying to make Jesus appear like a criminal or a rebel. They were desperate.
They were lying through their teeth to just get a conviction against Jesus. And Pilate, the governor, by no means the nicest person around, he is the arbiter of earthly law. And even he says he's not guilty.
Even Roman law, secular, the law of the land, with all the limitations of human law. But even this imperfect legal system found him not guilty. Three times, as we heard in the Gospel.
When people bring Jesus to the Jewish King Herod, he's completely self-absorbed. He doesn't even listen to what they're saying. He just wants to meet Jesus and get him to do a miracle.
It's again a shocking sign of poor leadership, out of touch, self-serving, doesn't even know what the issues are. King Herod deserves the rebuff he receives when to his utter amazement our Lord replies to his questions not one word. He says absolutely nothing in reply to Herod's questions and Herod is astounded, dumbstruck.
Our Lord came to forgive, include and welcome and he's repaid by rejection, dishonesty and hatred. He showed the absolute depth of his love by sacrificing absolutely everything for us and this has saved us. We give thanks for Jesus' life and saving death and we keep vigil this week as we enter the holiest week of the Church's year.
A journey through suffering love, self-forgetting service of others, true and inspiring leadership, a leadership of love that goes through death to newness of life.
((Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly))
[Image Credit:License https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/rPkbpC3NdmtDi1ZedTYV/red-background-with-a-vivid-green-palm-frond-in-front-of-it?ru=Paul-Evangelion]
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 Cross is the way of Paradise, but only when it’s borne willingly.” – St. Paul of the Cross. 1694–1775. Founder of the Passionists.
“While the world changes, the Cross stands firm.” – St. Bruno
“The Divine Heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs; it is an ocean full of joy to drown all our sorrows, an ocean of humility to drown our folly, an ocean of mercy to those in distress, an ocean of love in which to submerge our poverty.” – St. Margaret Mary
“He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself. Lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.” – St. Catherine of Siena
“What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? It is God, who, as our savior, offers himself each day for us to his Father’s justice. If you are in difficulties and sorrows, he will comfort and relieve you. If you are sick, he will either cure you or give you strength to suffer so as to merit Heaven. If the devil, the world, and the flesh are making war on you, he will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory. If you are poor, he will enrich you with all sorts of riches for time and eternity. Let us open the door to his sacred and adorable Heart and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of his love, and we shall see what a God who loves us can do. O my God, who shall be able to comprehend?” – St. John Vianney
“Even on the Cross, He did not hide himself from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its maker. Then, having once left it be seen that is was truly dead, He did not allow that temple of his body to linger long, but forthwith on third day raised it up, impassible and incorrupt, the pledge and token of his victory.” – St. Athanasius of Alexandria
“Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and he never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humbled heart.” – St. Charles Borromeo
“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen
“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him. If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints. And your name, written in the Book of Life, will be glorious among men.” – St. Clare of Assisi
“When we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus, He grants us, according to the measure of our faith, the grace to practice the virtues He revealed during those sacred hours.” – St. Angela Merici
“Let us love the Cross and let us remember that we are not alone in carrying it. God is helping us. And in God Who is comforting us, as St. Paul says, we can do anything.” – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
“He who seeks not the Cross of Christ seeks not the glory of Christ.” – St. John of the Cross
“The patient and humble endurance of the Cross – whatever nature it may be – is the highest work we have to do.” – St. Katherine Drexel
“Crosses release us from this world and by doing so bind us to God.” – Bl. Charles de Foucauld
“Humility, obedience, meekness, and love are the virtues that shine through the Cross and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O my Jesus, help me imitate you!” – St. Anthony Mary Claret
(source: https://epicpew.com/15-powerful-saint-quotes-to-meditate-on-during-holy-week/ )
POPE FRANCIS:
(image from America Magazine - https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/03/28/pope-francis-palm-sunday-homily-240339
Pope article:
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS - St Peter's Square -Sunday, 2 April 2023
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46). This is the cry that today’s liturgy has us repeat in the responsorial psalm (cf. Ps 22:2), the only cry that Jesus makes from the cross in the Gospel we have heard. Those words bring us to the very heart of Christ’s passion, the culmination of the sufferings he endured for our salvation. “Why have you forsaken me?”.
The sufferings of Jesus were many, and whenever we listen to the account of the Passion, they pierce our hearts. There were sufferings of the body: let us think of the slaps and beatings, the flogging and the crowning with thorns, and in the end, the cruelty of the crucifixion. There were also sufferings of the soul: the betrayal of Judas, the denials of Peter, the condemnation of the religious and civil authorities, the mockery of the guards, the jeering at the foot of the cross, the rejection of the crowd, utter failure and the flight of the disciples. Yet, amid all these sorrows, Jesus remained certain of one thing: the closeness of the Father. Now, however, the unthinkable has taken place. Before dying, he cries out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The forsakenness of Jesus.
This is the most searing of all sufferings, the suffering of the spirit. At his most tragic hour, Jesus experiences abandonment by God. Prior to that moment, he had never called the Father by his generic name, “God”. To convey the impact of this, the Gospel also reports his words in Aramaic. These are the only words of Jesus from the cross that have come down to us in the original language. The real event is the extreme abasement, being forsaken by the Father, forsaken by God. We find it hard even to grasp what great suffering he embraced out of love for us. He sees the gates of heaven close, he finds himself at the bitter edge, the shipwreck of life, the collapse of certainty. And he cries out: “Why?” A “why” that embraces every other “why” ever spoken. “Why, God?”.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In the Bible, the word “forsake” is powerful. We hear it at moments of extreme pain: love that fails, or is rejected or betrayed; children who are rejected and aborted; situations of repudiation, the lot of widows and orphans; broken marriages, forms of social exclusion, injustice and oppression; the solitude of sickness. In a word, in the drastic severing of the bonds that unite us to others. There, this word is spoken: “abandonment”. Christ brought all of this to the cross; upon his shoulders, he bore the sins of the world. And at the supreme moment, Jesus, the only-begotten, beloved Son of the Father, experienced a situation utterly alien to his very being: abandonment, the distance of God.
Why did it have to come to this? He did it for us. There is no other answer. For us. Brothers and sisters, today this is not merely a show. Every one of us, hearing of Jesus’ abandonment, can say: for me. This abandonment is the price he paid for me. He became one with each of us in order to be completely and definitively one with us to the very end. He experienced abandonment in order not to leave us prey to despair, in order to stay at our side forever. He did this for me, for you, because whenever you or I or anyone else seems pinned to the wall, lost in a blind alley, plunged into the abyss of abandonment, sucked into a whirlwind of so many “whys” without an answer, there can still be a hope: Jesus himself, for you, for me. It is not the end, because Jesus was there and even now, he is at your side. He endured the distance of abandonment in order to take up into his love every possible distance that we can feel. So that each of us might say: in my failings, and each of us has failed many times, in my desolation, whenever I feel betrayed or betrayed others, whenever I feel cast aside or have cast aside others, whenever I feel forsaken or have abandoned others, let us think of Jesus, who was abandoned, betrayed and cast aside. There, we find him. When I feel lost and confused, when I feel that I can’t go on, he is beside me. Amid all my unanswered questions “why...?”, he is there.
That is how the Lord saves us, from within our questioning “why?” From within that questioning, he opens the horizon of hope that does not disappoint. On the cross, even as he felt utter abandonment – this is the ultimate end – Jesus refused to yield to despair; instead, he prayed and trusted. He cried out his “why?” in the words of the Psalm (22:2), and commended himself into the hands of the Father, despite how distant he felt him to be (cf. Lk 23:46) or rather, whom he did not feel, for instead he felt himself abandoned. In the hour of his abandonment, Jesus continued to trust. At the hour of abandonment, he continued to love his disciples who had fled, leaving him alone. In his abandonment he forgave those who crucified him (v. 34). Here we see the abyss of our many evils immersed in a greater love, with the result that our isolation becomes fellowship.
Brothers and sisters, a love like this, embracing us totally and to the very end, the love of Jesus, can turn our stony hearts into hearts of flesh. His is a love of mercy, tenderness and compassion. This is God’s style: closeness, compassion and tenderness. God is like this. Christ, in his abandonment, stirs us to seek him and to love him and those who are themselves abandoned. For in them we see not only people in need, but Jesus himself, abandoned: Jesus, who saved us by descending to the depths of our human condition. He is with each of them, abandoned even to death… I think of the German so-called “street person”, who died under the colonnade, alone and abandoned. He is Jesus for each of us. So many need our closeness, so many are abandoned. I too need Jesus to caress me and draw close to me, and for this reason I go to find him in the abandoned, in the lonely. He wants us to care for our brothers and sisters who resemble him most, those experiencing extreme suffering and solitude. Today, dear brothers and sisters, their numbers are legion. Entire peoples are exploited and abandoned; the poor live on our streets and we look the other way; there are migrants who are no longer faces but numbers; there are prisoners who are disowned; people written off as problems. Countless other abandoned persons are in our midst, invisible, hidden, discarded with white gloves: unborn children, the elderly who live alone: they could perhaps be your father or mother, your grandfather or grandmother, left alone in retirement homes, the sick whom no one visits, the disabled who are ignored, and the young burdened by great interior emptiness, with no one prepared to listen to their cry of pain. And they find no path other than suicide. The abandoned of our day. The “Christs” of our day.
Jesus, in his abandonment, asks us to open our eyes and hearts to all who find themselves abandoned. For us, as disciples of the “forsaken” Lord, no man, woman or child can be regarded as an outcast, no one left to himself or herself. Let us remember that the rejected and the excluded are living icons of Christ: they remind us of his reckless love, his forsakenness that delivers us from every form of loneliness and isolation. Brothers and sisters, today let us implore this grace: to love Jesus in his abandonment and to love Jesus in the abandoned all around us. Let us ask for the grace to see and acknowledge the Lord who continues to cry out in them. May we not allow his voice to go unheard amid the deafening silence of indifference. God has not left us alone; let us care, then, for those who feel alone and abandoned. Then, and only then, will we be of one mind and heart with the one who, for our sake, “emptied himself” (Phil 2:7). He emptied himself completely for us.
Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023/documents/20230402-omelia-palme.html
EXPLORING OUR FAITH -
ADULT FAITH - Prayers at Mass
One other thing to keep in mind if you are ever writing prayers of the faithful, is that the priest's prayer at the end, is addressed to God on behalf of the people… and it needs to end with a set format or else people won’t know when to come in with AMEN> for example., the prayer by the priest should end with… Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Or “who lives and reigns forever and ever” (when addressing Our Lord directly), or “forever and ever amen.” Other overly descriptive endings leave people hanging in the air not quite sure or ready for when the Amen comes in…
For example, the following ending is unhelpful: -
“We make these prayers through Jesus.” (Ah. Amen????). (See how it ends too suddenly and will cause people to hesitate and not know whether something is following or whether the words have concluded).
This one is also not helpful:
“We make these prayers through Jesus who is our shepherd and guide and shows us the way. …..” (ah… Amen????)
There is nothing wrong with it per se, but it is missing the familiar ending that usually leads people automatically into the Amen, (together)….
This is the general order of Prayers of Intercession. -
Invitation to pray silently for those who exercise leadership in the world and in the church.
Invitation to pray silently for a particular world or local need;
Invitation to pray silently in gratitude for gifts received, prayers answered, and blessings given. (I really don’t think we do enough of this, remembering past blessings and expressing explicit thanks for the gifts and blessings received already and prayers answered). Just as we often ask God for things, it is equally important that we also praise God, and also thank God for what we have received and cherish it always.
Invitation to pray silently for those who are sick and those who care for them.
Invitation to pray silently for those who have died.
The Prayer of the Faithful need not reinforce the readings or the homily of the day. The Prayer of the Faithful is a distinct part of the Mass like any other element and does not need to rely on the readings of the day for its content. (Actually, neither do the Hymns for the Mass. The Music chosen for Mass relates more to the nature of what is happening in that part of the mass, rather than what was said in the reading or the homily of that day. This concept is really hard to grasp, as many liturgy groups, in many parishes, over many years have been incorrectly given the impression that one starts with the readings of the day, before writing prayers of the faithful or choosing hymns. This is really not correct. One could write and select these options without opening up the lectionary at all. Instead one could write them by being aware of what church season we are in, what issues are happening in our world and community, and what section of the mass we are presently moving through whether it be gathering, offering prayers of special intentions, preparing the gifts, moving in procession to receive communion in Jesus who is the God of love, mercy, justice, service and grace, or quiet prayerful reflection after communion or joyful exiting of the church into the world for Mission, after the celebration.
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.
Surfers Paradise Parish Mission Statement.
We, the Catholic community of Surfers Paradise, guided by the Holy Spirit, strive to live the mission of Jesus through the spirituality of stewardship.
We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God, and we believe in the inherent dignity, reverence and sanctity of all humans as lovingly created children of God.
Centred in the Eucharist and nourished by word and sacrament, we proclaim by faith and action the love of God for all.
We seek in our daily lives and actions, and in our wider community participation, to live consistently and practically each day of the week, what we proclaim in worship of God on Sundays.
In the spirit of gratitude, we live out this mission by
· Committing to be prayerful disciples of Jesus Christ.
· Recognising and sharing our gifts and talents.
· Active involvement in the life of the parish, for the sole purpose of promoting the honour and glory of God, through our care and love of our neighbour
· Hospitality, charity, justice and compassion in practical ways.
· Nurturing our young people.
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