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“Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27)
Shutterstock licensed image - Item ID: 616652993. TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 13, 2017: The painting The Doubt of St. Thomas in Church Chiesa di Santo Tomaso by an unknown artist of 18. Cent. Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
Pope Francis - Rest in Peace - We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who has passed away in the Vatican on Easter Monday 21st April 2025.
Rest In Peace – Pope Francis (2013-2025)
Pope Francis had only just recently returned to the Vatican after a month’s long battle with a critical lung infection and lung failure. He was recovering back in his residence and he had appointed key Cardinals to celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies which concluded just last night.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, who was a tireless worker for the Gospel of Our Lord. We also pray for the church as it enters into this time of prayer and reflection.
(Image – Licensed by Shutterstock – circa 2019. Photo ID: 1524254318 - Vatican City, Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor -Riccardo De Luca – Update.
Image directly above: Sede Vacante – "the Seat is Vacant"
[Sede Vacante – "the Seat is Vacant" – The official coat of arms of the Catholic Church in the period of time between the death or resignation of a Pope and the election of a new Pope]
Pope Francis I
[born Jorge Mario Bergoglio]
17 December 1936 - 21 April 2025
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from severe illness. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969; from 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his public life, Francis has been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He is known for having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors by, for instance, choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guest house rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by previous popes.
(above: Pope Francis' Coat of Arms with the Latin words meaning "by having mercy, by choosing him."
Pope Francis' pontificate, which began in March 2013, has been marked by several significant themes and actions:
Emphasis on Mercy: Pope Francis declared the Year of Mercy (2015-2016), focusing on compassion and forgiveness within the Church and beyond.
Environmental Advocacy: His encyclical Laudato Si' (2015) calls for urgent action on climate change and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the moral imperative to care for the planet.
Outreach to the Marginalized: Francis has made efforts to reach out to the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities, advocating for social justice and human dignity.
Interfaith Dialogue: He has prioritized dialogue with other religions, fostering relationships with Muslims, Jews, and other faiths to promote peace and understanding.
Reform of the Curia: Francis has initiated reforms within the Vatican's administrative structures to enhance transparency and accountability.
Focus on Synodality: He has emphasized the importance of listening to the laity and engaging them in the Church's decision-making processes, promoting a more inclusive Church.
Addressing Clerical Abuse: Francis has taken steps to address the sexual abuse crisis within the Church, implementing measures for accountability and support for victims.
Promotion of Family Values: His apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (2016) addresses contemporary family issues, advocating for pastoral care that is more accommodating and understanding of diverse family situations.
These marks reflect his broader vision of a Church that is more compassionate, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the modern world.
On 14 February 2025, he was hospitalized due to bronchitis. His hospital stay was later extended to address clinical issues rising from a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract. A follow-up CT scan showed the "onset of bilateral pneumonia". On 21 February 2025, his health was slightly improving, before worsening again on the following day due to a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis. Vatican News, in accordance with Francis's wish to make information on his condition public, described his condition as critical and reported that he was given blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen. He remained at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. He eventually recovered sufficiently to be released back to his residence, but was ordered by doctors to rest for the next two months. His health, was still quite fragile.
(source above: Various)
Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord.
May perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in Peace.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Statement by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane
By Archbishop Mark Coleridge
The surprises kept coming till the end. We held our breath when he was in hospital, but then he rallied and returned to the Vatican. He appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s on Easter Sunday and then died early on Easter Monday when none of us was expecting it. Perhaps he saw it coming.
In his final days Jorge Bergoglio must have looked back amazed at how his life had turned out: the boy from Buenos Aires becoming the Bishop of Rome who broke the mould of the papal ministry, though only to recast it in new and liberating ways.
When the cardinals entered the conclave to elect a new pope in 2012, I was asked to help with media commentary. To prepare, I looked through the list of cardinal electors, eliminating those I thought couldn’t be elected. One of those I crossed out was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. At 76 he was too old, I thought, and they wouldn’t elect a Jesuit. The election was quick, and I thought it had to be the Archbishop of Milan who had been much mentioned. So I prepared to comment on him as pope. Then the announcement came that it was Cardinal Bergoglio who would be known as Pope Francis. Both he and the name were surprises.
The surprises continued when he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s. First, he was wearing just the simple white soutane, not the more elaborate dress a new pope normally wears. Secondly, he stood in silence for some moments as if struck dumb, with me thinking, “For goodness sake, say something”. Thirdly, when he did speak he said only Buona sera, Good evening: from a new pope you expected something more stirring and resonant. Fourthly, before he gave the blessing he asked the people to pray for him as he bowed low, the crowd in the Square falling silent in a way I’ll never forget.
This papacy, it seemed, wouldn’t be business as usual; and from then on it wasn’t. He decided not to live in the Apostolic Palace and chose to be driven around in a small sedan. Audiences with him had a very different feel than they did with his predecessors, much less formal and more relaxed. As one who had worked for a time in the papal court, I was amazed at how he could break free of its age-old protocols. He was very much his own man.
When Pope Francis was elected, the Brazilian cardinal next to him in the Sistine Chapel said to him, “Don’t forget the poor”; and he didn’t – offering them lunch and even tickets to the circus, visiting prisons to wash feet, taking the part of migrants and refugees. For him, those on the margin were at the centre and any society, he insisted, would be judged on how it treats the poorest and most vulnerable. That sounds like Jesus; and it gave Francis a voice that was heard around the world.
At synods in Rome, he would walk to the synod hall like the rest of us, bag in hand, chatting to other bishops. Then he would enter the lobby of the Paul VI Hall, chat to a few others before taking the lift to the synod hall where he greeted bishops as they entered. This was very different from past protocols; it said that he was not some kind of monarch but one of us, a bishop among bishops. That was a surprise; and it led me to address him in correspondence as both Holy Father and dear brother.
The overarching vision which drove the pontificate was the unity of all things in God. All creation was one; all humanity was one; all in the Church were one. That sounds rather lofty, but he could communicate the vision in ways both simple and profound, with the gifts and instincts not of a professor but of a pastor and poet. Ordinary people understood him, more so outside the Church at times than inside.
Though he took the name Francis, he was a Jesuit through and through. In true Ignatian style, he set the art of discernment at the heart of the Church; and he struck a typically Jesuit balance between centralisation and decentralisation. St Ignatius Loyola gave his Order the motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam, To the greater glory of God; and you felt with Pope Francis that it was all for God’s glory, not his. He certainly didn’t cultivate personal popularity; he was free enough not to worry too much about what others thought or said of him. He knew he was a sinner chosen and loved by a merciful God: that was enough.
At World Youth Day in Rio di Janeiro in 2013, I was chatting to an Argentinian bishop who said that in Argentina they surprised at how Cardinal Bergoglio was turning out as Pope Francis. He said that back home he never smiled and never gave interviews; but as pope he couldn’t stop smiling and giving interviews. Something had happened to him, the bishop said.
When a former Archbishop of Canterbury was interviewed for the role, he was asked whether he would find it an imprisonment or a liberation if he were appointed. The same question could be put to a prospective pope. For some, the papacy has been an imprisonment, for others a liberation. For Pope Francis, it seems mysteriously to have been a liberation; and what a gift that has been to the Church and the world.
We pray for him now as he so often asked us to do. With the burdens of office now behind him, may he find ultimate liberation as he comes face to face with the Risen Christ and that when he wakens into eternity he will be not just surprised but deeply astonished by the vision of God in which the joy of the Gospel comes to its fulness. Eternal rest give to Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
PASTOR’S POST - Truly - Thank Goodness God is loving, merciful and astoundingly patient with us.
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, a special day to remember the incredible mercy and love Jesus has for all of us. God's mercy is truly beyond anything we can imagine—more profound than any human compassion. When Jesus rose from the dead and reunited with His disciples, it was a moment full of grace, especially considering how many of them had abandoned or betrayed Him. Only a few loyal women stayed with Him, while the disciples scattered in fear. Peter, who Jesus had chosen to lead His church, even denied Him three times.
Yet, when Jesus appears again, there's no anger or punishment. Instead, He shows mercy—meeting Thomas where he was, showing him His wounds so he could believe. That’s the beauty of God's mercy: it’s compassionate, patient, and caring. Jesus doesn’t judge; He offers love and reassurance.
Throughout the Easter stories, we see different ways Jesus encounters His followers—recognizing Him in the garden, in the breaking of bread, or in touching His wounds. Sometimes, we don’t recognize Jesus right away, but if we open our hearts, we’ll see Him in the wounded and hurting around us.
Thomas’s story reminds us that doubt isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey. Even if we struggle, we’re not alone. The community of believers supports us, and through faith, we trust in the testimony of those who saw and touched the risen Jesus. Today, we believe because of their witness—and that’s enough to fill us with hope and confidence.
Lord Jesus, we trust in you!
Fr Paul
ARCHBISHOP MARK’S 2025 EASTER MESSAGE - HOPE THAT CANNOT BE DESTROYED
This is not the best of times in the life of the planet or in the life of the human family. Wherever we look there seems to be trouble. To the point where it’s tempting to say, “Let’s cancel Easter this year.” Because hope in such a hopeless situation seems to be no more than an empty word. But in such a troubled moment, it becomes more important than ever for us to look to the truth of Easter. But no matter how troubled our life may be or how troubled the planet may be, that there is a hope that is grounded in the fact the Jesus, who dies on the cross on Calvary, which gathers up all the hopelessness of the world. The Jesus who dies is laid in the tomb and is raised from the dead. And therefore there is a hope that nothing and no one can destroy, it cannot be killed. And that’s why Easter in a moment like this which seems hopeless, in fact proclaims the hope which is our life.
+ Archbishop Mark Coleridge DD
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION - BRISBANE CATHEDRAL
"He who follows me walks not in darkness" - John 8:12
2pm SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2025. Cathedral of St Stephen, BRISBANE CITY.
Starting and ending at the Cathedral of St Stephen and featuring prayers, rosary, hymns and Benediction with proceedings led by Archbishop Mark Coleridge. https://www.corpuschristibrisbane.com/
Also includes Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition (Sat 21st - Sun 22nd June, 9am-5pm, Hanly Room) and vigil night Adoration (Sat 21st June 7pm -Sun 22nd June 8am, St Stephen's Chapel)
Donations to the organising committee would appreciate any donations to meet expenses. Payable to Westpac Bank account: NAME: Corpus Christi Procession Brisbarc BSB: 034087 ACCOUNT: 019649
To watch the livestream of the procession and for additional information, please visit the website, contact inclusion@bne.catholic.net.au or call us on 0475 408 508. https://www.corpuschristibrisbane.com/
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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MEMORIES OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Above: Saint Vincent’s Church Sanctuary - bare for Good Friday
Above: Statues covered at St Vincent’s for Good Friday
Above: Sacred Heart Good Friday - led by Fr Bradley
Above: Procession of the Cross Sacred heart - Good Friday - led by Fr Bradley
Above: Stella Maris - Good Friday - Adoration of the Cross - led by Fr Warren
Sacred heart - above and below - Holy Saturday Vigil
Below: Sacred Heart - Procession of Paschal Candle - “The Light of Christ!”
Below: Adult Baptism - Sacred Heart Easter Vigil - Fr Paul
Sacred Heart - Baptism, also Receptions and Confirmations, First Communions - RCIA -
Below: St Vincent’s Surfers - Easter Vigil - led by Fr Bradley
Below: Stella Maris - Easter Vigil - led by Fr Bernie
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.
HAPPY 1700th ANNIVERSARY -
Shutterstock licensed image id: 156967358 - Detail of an ancient byzantine fresco of the council of Nicaea. From the church of St Nicholas, Demre, Southern Turkey - Image by mountainpix.
The 1,700th anniversary of The Council of Nicaea is coming up next month.
This is a good podcast about that. Enjoyable listening. And an extremely part of the Catholic Church’s early history.
From the 18th May 2025, until June 15th inclusive we will be using the longer Creed - the Nicene Creed in Masses here in the three churches of our parish - in honour of the 1700th anniversary of the Council which formed it.
Here is a link to a short history of the Council of Nicaea: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/first-council-of-nicea#:~:text=The%20Council%20of%20Nicea%20was,had%20just%20united%20through%20force.
Many thanks to Fr Warren for sharing this news. Bless.
++++++
(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
MARIAN VALLEY 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.
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
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
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You can still 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.
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.
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 😃
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:
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, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Melba Rentoul, Sharon Richardson, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Martin O’Donnell, Genevieve Kirit, Maria Lidia Lo Passo, Helene Mary Mitchell (Tugun), Paquita Soriano, François Maingot, Salvatore (Sam) Coco, Maria Zielonka, Lucy Markovic, Moira McKane, Denis Lyons, Gwen O’Brien, Larry Klinge, Argyna Marie Santiago, Yvonne Maria McGuffie, Vittorio Capone, Roger Blanksby, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Salvatore Aprile, Fr Bernard Bree, Andrew Brown, Steven Chew, Fr Brian Cooper, Fr Louis Durrell,Clarice Edith East, Lyndon Fitzgibbon, Beverly Ann Gooding, Leonard Gravener, Adam James Hewitt, Michelle Renee Kay, Mons James Kelly, Roxanne Kempen, Andrija Kudus, Lucena Gabriel (Lucy) Liwag, Maria Del Carmen Olsen, Una Mary Parkinson, Greg Perkins, Graziella Randazzo, Kevin Robert Ryan, Kevin Joseph, William Ryan, Alberto Simonetti, Carole Anne Stapleton, Bryan James Telfer, Frances Verge, Clement Kam Yan Tong.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Bernadette Mary Bennett, Merrick James Bent, Margaret Elizabeth Boulton, Nicholas Braid, Paul John Brennan, Alan John (Mick) Burcham, Christine Cardoza, Fr Pat Cassidy, Charles Gerad Debnam, Ernest Foy, Michael Joseph Foy, Kathleen Gabriel, Shane Vincent Hall, Fr William Henry, Vincent Robert Hodge, Yvonne Holt, Karl Ernest Horner, Fr Ian Howells, Brendan Ian Howes, Peter Hunniford, Gregory Jackson, Salma El Jouni, Gregory John Henshaw Lemon, Arthur Lloyd, Joan Maher, Kevin Thomas Malone, Giovanni Pascquale Marmina, Fr Patrick McCormick, Fr Des McQuaid, Balthazar (“Balt) van der Meer, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Joyce Rosa Parisi, Leo Barry Pearman, John Henry Purcell, Joseph Frank Robinson, Stan Ryan, Joan Street, Mary Thompson, Rosslyn Jessie Wallis.
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
Inexpensive small gifts available for Easter giving, including rosaries, statues, holy cards, plaques, crucifixes, necklace chains bibles & Mass books.
A small range of greeting cards available, as well as gift suggestions for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.
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:
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 -
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
Where is the proof?
THIS WEEK...
If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. (John Henry Newman)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I pray for all the people who have taken advantage of
me. Help them to encounter love, integrity, and acceptance.
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society are produced by Leo Tucker]
We live in a world where facts and figures hold a stronger argument to faith, spirituality or awe. We struggle with things that cannot be explained or even that there is more to life beyond ourselves.
If we reflect on the narrative in this week’s gospel around Thomas, we hear Jesus saying, “Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they that have not seen and have believed.” We do not see Jesus physically walking the land as the disciples did, and sometimes our fear gets in the way of seeing, feeling, and noticing what is around us. How often are we told something and then check it out to see if it is correct?
Many years ago, when I was working in the funeral industry, a young woman with her carer/friend came to arrange her Mum’s funeral.
Generally, this meeting may take about 90 mins, but this was a different and challenging person. Sadly, the young woman suffered a psychological illness where she needed to check, double check and treble check all her past movements. For example, she chose flowers for her Mum, but we had to go over and over the choice till she was okay to move to the next part of the arrangement. The 90 mins became 4 hours with many apologies in-between, which wasn’t needed. Her illness had robbed her of the capability to understand and trust anything beyond the physicality of searching, finding and repeating the search.
She constantly need proof of everything. The front door was not able to close till everything was accounted.
Taking nothing away from this young woman’s very challenging life,
I see a lot of myself in this space of unable to fully trust especially in terms of the things beyond me. “Are my prayers really heard?”, “Is the Eucharist truly the real presence?”; “Is there really life after this life?”
We all have a little “doubting Thomas” in us and I believe we have two choices. To listen to the doubts and walk away thinking that is the final answer or will listen to that other voice which draws us close and tell us that “Peace be with you”. “Doubt no longer but believe”
How and where did I encounter God this week?
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society are produced by Leo Tucker]
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
ALTAR SERVING in SURFERS PARADISE PARISH
Would you like to become an Altar Server in Surfers Paradise Parish?
Our church family has many ministries or roles available for people who wish to help the celebration of the mass to be as reverent and joyful as possible. For children, one of the best ways to contribute to the mass is to train to be an altar server.
There are lots of things to learn about the job of altar serving so if you are interested in finding out about this special ministry please read on.
Who can become an altar server: Any person who is a fully initiated Catholic can be an altar server. That is, someone who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and has celebrated their First Holy Communion.
Children who wish to become altar servers will be taught by Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team. When you feel confident, you will be asked to serve on the altar with other experienced servers.
How to find out more about Altar Serving Ministry: Ask one of your parents to ring the Parish Office (5671 7388) and leave your full name and contact details. Please direct all enquiries and volunteering through the Parish Office. Then Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team will contact your family and invite you to a training workshop. Fr Bradley meeting some future altar servers at St Vincent’s
To tune in to Our parish Podcast of the Mass for Sundays and Solemnities, please visit regularly the following link: To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and the wider public. The feedback has been that the café is a great idea, but its old location in the front of the church was not ideal. The café has now reopened in the old Atrium building. This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision. Chris and his staff are delighted to welcome you.
{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.
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise forever and ever
Amen
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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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:
You've got an incredible message to make credible. It is not like selling used cars! It is proclaiming eternal life, forgiveness and Great Love!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - Sunday of Divine Mercy
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’” (JOHN 20:21)
Peace – the first gift of the risen Lord. Just as Jesus sent the apostles out into the world, so too, He sends us. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be compassionate and merciful; and not with just those who are our friends, but also with our “enemies.” Think of someone in your life who you need to reconcile with. Call them right now or better yet, go visit them.
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: Mercy seasons justice
Mercy is described as a double blessing in Shakespeare's famous "quality of mercy" speech delivered in The Merchant of Venice. Mercy blesses the giver as well as the receiver. We're blessed by being merciful since God promises to be generous to us in the same measure we use with others. Withholding compassion punishes both the denier and the denied. Saint Gertrude the Great expresses gratitude to God for how divine mercy "has led me through the many obstacles I have placed in the way of your love." Love better by loving with compassion. “Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ” John 20:19-31.
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 Divine Mercy Sunday
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.
God's mercy is better and more profound than any human mercy or compassion could even imagine. We cannot downplay how different is Jesus' reunion with his disciples after he rose from the dead from how the expectations of the world might be. After all, Jesus had been betrayed and abandoned by most of his followers and almost all of his disciples.
Only a handful of loyal women stayed with him and the disciple called the one Jesus loved. His chosen disciples mostly scattered in fear. The one Jesus chose to be the rock on whom he would build his church denied him not once but three times.
Now Christ has risen and he returns to meet them. If it was only a human way of thinking, one would naturally expect, if this was a earthly drama only, that there'd be revenge and retribution or at least an extended session of guilt trips and finger pointing. But no, not at all.
And that's the miracle and the message of Christ. No recriminations, no punishments. There's not a hint of judgment in our Lord's return.
He does not even punish Thomas for his doubt. And the doubting apostles demand that he would not believe until he had actually seen proof of the risen Lord. Christ meets Thomas right where he's at and shows Thomas what he needed to be assured of.
He shows him his hands and his side. That is true mercy. That is compassion.
It's also service and love, which Christ showed his whole life ministry. These are God's ways, which are so very different from many of the ways of the world. In the Eastern narratives, the risen Jesus is encountered by different disciples in different situations and in different ways.
Mary Magdalene recognises the risen Jesus only when he calls her by name, Mary. Then she realises and sees who he is. The two disciples travelling along the road towards Emmaus did not realise who this stranger was, who was walking along them, until they saw him break the bread and then their eyes were opened.
They then realised that their hearts had already been burning with fervour as they walked along the road, but they had not recognised the signs of Christ's presence. But the disciples would get better and better at recognising Christ in the Eucharist and in the word of God and in the and in the burning energy of God's good news. And then again today, some people do not recognise Jesus until they touch the wounds of the suffering one.
May we continue to recognise Christ's presence whenever we touch the woundedness of those around us and offer support and strength. It could be argued that in fact it's not Jesus whom Thomas is doubting, but rather Thomas is expressing doubt in the word of his fellow disciples. So this passage can also be saying, please trust in the proclamation of the disciples that has been handed down throughout the centuries, your fellow believers.
This is the constant message of the church throughout its 2,000 years, that Jesus has truly risen, he is risen indeed. That is foundational. Even if we didn't see it ourselves 2,000 years ago, or touch the very wounds of the risen Christ, we trust and believe in the firm and consistent testimony of the apostles who did see him, who did touch his hand and his side, and took bread from his hands and ate with him, who watched the Lord eat bread and fish himself, not as a spirit, but as true flesh and blood, as a human.
And we believe in the words of the apostles which are written in the scriptures, so that we now share in their message and belief, and also share fully in the life of the risen Lord that Jesus offers to everyone. We need the community. It is not an added extra.
There's no such thing as a solo Christian. Even when we work at times individually, if possible, it's always great to be together as one community, not merely walking to the beat of our own individual drum, nor making up our own faith and practices as we go, and according to our convenience. Those people who cannot gather at the church because of ill health, or frailty, or inability to get to the church despite their best desires, these people are still with us in spirit.
We pray for them, we keep them in our prayers, we think of them, and are very much united to them wherever they are, and we have communion ministers as best we can to go out and visit them. We're still connected. There's still that importance of community, even when people aren't able, due to their circumstances, to come to church.
But they're very much welcome and they desire to be there. Thomas in the Gospel inspires us. He doubted, but he didn't give up.
He didn't leave. He was still with the disciples the next week. He struggled, but the others did not reject him.
Jesus strengthened him in his struggle and doubts. Thomas is a gift to us in another way. He shows us the apostles were not gullible or foolish.
What they experienced in the risen Jesus was the experience of sensible people, just like you and me, thinking people who don't easily swallow everything they're told, but nevertheless they did truly experience Jesus risen, body and soul, and this is what they've steadfastly passed on to all future generations. This is the testimony of sensible, deep-thinking people who know what they mean and mean what they say, and were willing to live that truth from then on, and even die for that truth. That's how powerful it is.
Today we know that our Lord is certainly worth trusting, and all his promises are true, and we can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations, including us here and now. Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; Richard J. Leonard; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.)
[Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 1055941625 Venezia (Venice), Italy. 2 February 2018. The painting of Resurrected Jesus Christ with Thomas the apostle and other apostles by Sebastiano Santi in 'Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli' church. Contributor: Adam Jan Figel]
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.
St Peter Chanel
St. Peter Chanel, known as the “Apostle of the South Seas” because of his missionary efforts on the island of Futuna.
The day before his death, he knew that the King, Nuiliki, had ordered him to be killed. He explained: “It does not matter whether or not I am killed; the religion has taken root on the island; it will not be destroyed by my death, since it comes not from men but from God.” Fortunately, isn’t it, that everything doesn’t rest on our weak shoulders. We are instruments of God, yes, but all that we need to do is witness to the faith we know is true.
St Catherine of Siena
"There is no sin nor wrong that gives man such a foretaste of Hell in this life as anger and impatience."
"All the way to heaven is heaven."
"A full belly does not make for a chaste spirit."
"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the whole world on fire."
“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”
"Perfection does not consist in macerating or killing the body, but in killing our perverse self-will."
"Obedience shows whether you are grateful."
"I see the world is rotten because of being silent ... We shouldn't have fear in going to God in prayer, and to witness to the faith in public"
“Nothing great is ever achieved without much perseverance.”
"Every evil, harm and suffering in this life comes from the love of riches."
"Lose yourself wholly; and the more you lose, the more you will find."
"Lord, take me from me and give me to yourself."
"We dishonour Christ if we dishonour the pope."
“Remain with Him in thy chamber, for thou shalt not elsewhere find so great peace.”
"What father, other than our heavenly Father, ever gave up his son to death for the sake of his slave!"
“Father, I am hungry; for the love of God; give this soul her food, her Lord in the Eucharist”
St Pius V
He wore his hair shirt, rested practically nothing, strolled shoeless in parades to the diverse houses of worship and was dependably a model of earnest commitment soliciting nothing from anybody that he was reluctant to rehearse himself.
It is said that day by day he washed the feet of the poor who came to him looking for help. He visited medical clinics to comfort the diminishing and was dedicated to the necessities of the poor for an incredible duration.
You are the salt of the earth! You are the light of the world! See to it that the people are edified by your example, by the purity of your lives, by the moderation of your conduct, and the brilliance of your holiness! God does not ask of you mere ordinary virtue. He demands downright perfection!
In union with the perfect confidence and hope that the Holy and Blessed Virgin placed in Thee, do I hope O Lord.
I know very well that I am dealing with men, not with angels.
St Joseph the Worker. 01 May. Optional Memorial
This commemoration, instituted by Pius XII in 1955, proposes the example and intercession of Joseph as worker and provider. On this date many countries celebrate the dignity and cause of human labour.
St Athanasius:
St Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 02 May. Memorial
Born in 295. Buried on this day in 373 at Alexandria (Egypt). Attended the first ecumenical council of Nicaea as a deacon. Later, as bishop of Alexandria, he upheld that council's doctrine in the face of great opposition from Arians, including several emperors. Sent into exile a number of times. Venerated as the "Father of Orthodoxy" for championing the true and equal divinity of the incarnate Son of God.
“The Self-revealing of the Word is in every dimension - above, in creation; below, in the Incarnation; in the depth, in Hades; in the breadth, throughout the world. All things have been filled with the knowledge of God.”
“God became human so that humans might become divine.”
“Christians, instead of arming themselves with swords, extend their hands in prayer.”
“Even on the cross He did not hide from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker.”
“You cannot put straight in others what is warped in yourself.”
“Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God”
“For God is good - or rather, of all goodness, He is the Fountainhead.”
“In ancient times before the divine sojourn of the Saviour took place, even the saint’s death was terrible; all wept for the dead as though they perished. But now that the Saviour has raised His body, death is no longer terrible; for all who believe in Christ trample on it as if it were nothing and choose rather die than deny their faith in Christ. And that devil that once maliciously exulted in death, now that its pains were loosened, remained the only one truly dead.”
“The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and teach suffering men. For one who wanted to make a display, the thing would have been just to appear and dazzle the beholders. But for Him Who came to heal and to teach the way was not merely to dwell here, but to put Himself at the disposal of those who needed Him, and to be manifested according to as they could bear it, not vitiating the value of the Divine appearing by exceeding their capacity to receive it.”
“For the Lord touched all parts of creation, and freed and undeceived them all from every deceit.”
“For no part of Creation is left void of him: he has filled all things everywhere...”
“Let us remember the poor, and not forget kindness to strangers; above all, let us love God with all our soul, and might, and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves.”
“While [the Arians], like men sprung from a dunghill, truly "spoke from the earth" [Jn. 3:31], the bishops [of Nicea], not having invented their phrases for themselves, but having testimony from their Fathers, wrote as they did. For ancient bishops, of the great Rome and our city [i.e., Alexandria, Egypt, where Athanasius was bishop], some 130 years ago, wrote and censured those who said that the Son was a creature and not consubstantial with the Father.”
St Philip and St James (Apostles)
Philip and James were both apostles, and both served Christ faithfully during the very early days of the Church.
Philip, (Pictured) from Bethsaida in Galilee, became a disciple of Jesus and one of the twelve. Recorded in the Fourth Gospel as recognising in Jesus the one foretold by Moses and the prophets (John 1:45) and as introducing Gentiles to the Lord (John 12:20-22). According to Acts 8:5, he was the first to preach the gospel to non-Jews.
James, son of Alphaeus, was also one of the twelve called by Jesus (Mark 3:18ff). Known as James the Less. Venerated traditionally as the author of the letter of James and as leader of the Church in Jerusalem, where he died in the year 62.
The joint feast of Philip and James has been celebrated in Rome since at least the sixth century.
Philip seems to have been an enthusiastic person. He was the one who brought his friend Nathanael to Jesus, insisting to Nathanael that he had found the person about whom Moses had written. Some years later it was Philip who made arrangements, with the help of Andrew, to have a group of Greek Gentiles brought to Jesus. Philip the apostle is not to be confused with the deacon Philip of Acts 8, who preached in Samaria and baptised the Ethiopian, although some writers say that they are the same person. Philip also had a practical, down-to-earth mind. He was the apostle who commented that it would take a considerable amount of money to feed a crowd of more than 5,000 hungry men, women, and children. It was Philip who asked to see the Father when Jesus spoke about him at the Last Supper.
James was the son of Alphaeus and seems to have been born in Caesarea. He is mentioned less frequently in the New Testament than Philip is. Sometimes James is called the Less, which might be a hint that he was a short person or else that he was younger than the other apostle named James.
After Jesus’ death, James continued to preach the Gospel and is believed to have become the first bishop of Jerusalem. Assuming that James and the first bishop of Jerusalem are one and the same person, then he met his death as a martyr in that city about the year a.d. 62. Tradition identifies James as the author of the epistle associated with his name.
POPE FRANCIS: Chrism Mass Homily 2025
(Archive Image Credit: CNS photo/Paul Haring)
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS - READ BY CARDINAL DOMENICO CALCAGNO
St Peter's Basilica - Holy Thursday, 17 April 2025
Dear bishops and priests, Dear brothers and sisters!
“The Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev 1:8), is Jesus himself. That same Jesus whom Luke presents to us in the synagogue of Nazareth, among those who have known him since he was a child, and are now amazed at him. Revelation — “apocalypse” — takes place within the limits of time and space: it has flesh as its fulcrum, which sustains our hope. The flesh of Jesus is our flesh. The final book of the Bible speaks of this hope. It does so in an extraordinary way, by dispelling all apocalyptic fears in the light of a crucified love. In Jesus, the book of history is opened, and can be read.
We priests have our own history. On Holy Thursday, when we renew the promises made at our ordination, we confess that we can read that history only in the light of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, “who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5) opens the scroll of our own lives and teaches us to find the passages that reveal its meaning and mission. If only we let him teach us, our ministry becomes one of hope, because in each of our stories God opens a jubilee: a time and an oasis of grace. Let us ask: Am I learning how to read the story of my life? Or am I afraid to do so?
An entire people finds refreshment when the jubilee begins in our lives: not only once every twenty-five years — we hope! — but in the daily closeness of priests to their people, where the prophecies of justice and peace are fulfilled. Jesus has “made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father” (Rev 1:6): such is the people of God. This kingdom of priests is not the same as a clergy. The “we” that Jesus shapes is a people whose boundaries we cannot see, where walls and barriers come tumbling down. The one who tells us, “See, I am making all things new” (Rev 21:5), has torn the veil of the Temple and has prepared for humanity a garden city, the new Jerusalem whose gates are always open (cf. Rev 21:25). That is how Jesus “reads”, and teaches us to read, the ministerial priesthood: as pure service to the priestly people, who will soon inhabit a city that has no need of a temple.
For us priests, the Jubilee year thus represents a specific summons to a new beginning on our path of conversion. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to leave clericalism behind and to become heralds of hope. Naturally, if Jesus is the Alpha and Omega of our lives, we too may encounter the dissent he experienced in Nazareth. The shepherd who loves his people does not seek consensus and approval at any cost. Yet the fidelity of love changes hearts. The poor are the first to see this, but slowly it unsettles and attracts others too. “Look! Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account, all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen” (Rev 1:7).
We are gathered here, dear brothers, to make our own and to repeat that “Amen.” It is the confession of faith of the entire people of God: “Yes, it is so, solid as a rock!” The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, which we are about to relive, are the soil that solidly sustains the Church and, within her, our priestly ministry. And what kind of soil is this? What kind of humus allows us not only to survive, but also to flourish? To understand this, we need to return to Nazareth, as Saint Charles de Foucauld so astutely realized.
“When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read” (Lk 4:16). Here we see at least two “customs” of Jesus: that of frequenting the synagogue and that of reading. Our lives are sustained by good habits. They may become routine, but they reveal where our heart is. Jesus’ heart was in love with the word of God: at the age of twelve that was already clear, and now, as an adult, the Scriptures are his home. That is the same soil, the vital humus, that we find, once we become his disciples. “And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place” (Lk 4:17). Jesus knew what he was looking for. The synagogue ritual allowed for this: after the reading of the Torah, each rabbi could read prophetic words to apply the message to the lives of those who were listening. Yet there is more here: Jesus chose to read the page of his own life. That is what Luke wants to tell us: from among the many prophecies, Jesus chooses the one he is to fulfil.
Dear priests, each of us has a word to fulfil. Each of us has a long-standing relationship with the word of God. We put it at the service of others only when the Bible remains our first home. Within it, each of us has some pages that touch us more than others. That is beautiful and important! We also help others to find the pages that touch their lives: such as newlyweds, when they choose the readings for their wedding; or those who are grieving and seek passages to entrust a dear one who has died to the mercy of God and the prayers of the community. There is a page for a vocation, normally at the beginning of each of our journeys. Whenever we read this page, God still calls us, if only we cherish it and do not allow our love to grow cold.
For each of us, the page that Jesus chose has a particular meaning. We follow him, and for that reason, his mission has to do directly with us. “He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down” (Lk 4:17-20).
The eyes of all are now fixed on Jesus. He has just proclaimed a jubilee. He did so, not as someone speaking about others but about himself. He said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”, as someone who knows the Spirit of which he speaks. Indeed, he adds: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This is divine: the word becomes reality. The facts now speak; the words are fulfilled. Something new and powerful is happening. “See, I am making all things new.” There is no grace, there is no Messiah, if the promises remain promises, if they do not become reality here below. Everything is now changed.
We now invoke this same Spirit upon our priesthood. We have received that Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, and he continues to be the silent protagonist of our service. The people feel his breath when our words become a reality in our lives. The poor before all others, children, adolescents, women, but also any who have been hurt in their experience of the Church: all these have a “feel” for the presence of the Holy Spirit; they can distinguish him from worldly spirits, they recognize him in the convergence of what we say and what we do. We can become a prophecy fulfilled, and this is something beautiful! The sacred chrism that we consecrate today seals this mystery of transformation at work in the different stages of Christian life. Take care, then, never to grow discouraged, for it is all God’s work. So believe! Believe that God did not make a mistake with me! God never makes mistakes. Let us always remember the words spoken at our ordination: “May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfilment.” He does.
It is God’s work, not ours: to bring good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, sight to the blind and freedom to the oppressed. If Jesus once found this passage in the scroll, today he continues to read it in the life story of each one of us. First and foremost, because until our last day, he continues to tell us good news, to free us from prisons, to open our eyes and to lift the burdens from our shoulders. Yet also, because by calling us to share in his mission and sacramentally giving us a share in his life, he sets others free through us, often without our even knowing it. Our priesthood becomes a jubilee ministry, like his, accomplished without fanfare but through a devotion that is unobtrusive, yet radical and gratuitous. It is that of the Kingdom of God, the one recounted in the parables, effective and discreet like yeast, silent like seed. How often have the little ones recognized it in us? And are we able to say thank you?
Only God knows how abundant the harvest will be. We labourers experience the toil and the joy of the harvest. We live after Christ, in the messianic age. Despair has no place, but rather the restitution and forgiveness of debts; the redistribution of responsibilities and resources. This is what God’s people expect. They want to share in this and, by virtue of Baptism, they are a great priestly people. The oils that we consecrate in this solemn celebration are for their consolation and messianic joy.
The field is the world. Our common home, so wounded, and human fraternity, so often denied yet indelible, call us to take sides. God’s harvest is for everyone: a flourishing field that produces a hundred times more than was sown. May the joy of the Kingdom, which repays all our efforts, spur us on in our mission. Every farmer knows seasons when nothing seems to grow. There are also times like these in our lives. It is God who gives the growth and who anoints his servants with the oil of gladness.
Dear members of the faithful, people of hope, pray today for the joy of priests. May all of you experience the liberation promised by the Scriptures and nourished by the sacraments. Many fears can dwell within us and terrible injustices surround us, but a new world has already been born. God so loved the world that he gave us his Son, Jesus. He pours balm upon our wounds and wipes away our tears. “Look! He is coming with the clouds” (Rev 1:7). His is the Kingdom and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2025/documents/20250417-omelia-crisma.html
Quite a while ago now, I subscribed to an online website called “academia” where one can access articles from different academic fields. The idea was to bew able to read some papers on theology. A side effect of this, that has proved hilarious, is that I regularly receive emails from this site asking if I am the author or a particular paper or article. The site clearly wants to link articles to the names of the authors in a systematic way. Every time I get a request to, the articles bring a smile to my face…….
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Carbohydrate composition of central nervous system synapses"? NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Future matters: Young planners"? NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Red or Orange: The Big Society in the New Conservatism"? NO!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Programming Languages, Models, and Methods"? I wish!
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Variable distribution of Cryptosporidium parvum in the intestine..."? - The What? Where?
The answer to all these is NO, but i cannot bring myself to stop the flow of these amusing requests. 🙂
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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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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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