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“As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.”
(Luke 24:46-53)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Item ID: 1974901175- Koropi, East Attica , Greece - 15.05.2021 : Colourful Hagiography of the Ascension of Jesus Christ ,on the facade above the entrance of the church with the same name in Koropi area - Contributor: Thanasis F
PASTOR’S POST -
The return of Jesus to the Heavenly Father marks a new chapter for his followers. Though he is no longer physically present, Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to continue his mission. This spiritual presence calls us to spread the Gospel, live Christian values, and work towards the fullness of God's Kingdom. The Ascension signifies that Jesus is "all in all," making his home within our hearts and in the world through the Spirit, guiding us to transform our homes, workplaces, and communities into places of Christian love and action.
The Spirit helps us confront a world often marred by selfishness, arrogance, and indifference to the suffering of the vulnerable. As Scripture scholars note, Ascension and Pentecost celebrate Christian maturity, urging us to carry on Jesus’ mission with insight and purpose. Luke’s Gospel uniquely emphasizes that, in Jesus’ physical absence, we are called to be witnesses through our words and actions, embodying Christ’s presence and preparing for his return.
We are not meant to wait passively but to actively take the Gospel “to the ends of the earth,” empowered by the Spirit. The Church teaches that maturity in faith involves thoughtful reflection and committed action. As we await Christ’s return, we are accountable for the talents and opportunities entrusted to us. Jesus’ ascension challenges us to stop gazing upward and start working immediately, knowing the Spirit’s constant aid. Our mission is urgent, and with God's Spirit, we are equipped to fulfill it without delay.
Fr Paul
(Image: Paul Evangelion)
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance
CONCERT -
Michael Haydn - REQUIEM IN C MINOR With motets by Moz Ottley, Bruck4er, Go
Presented by - a concert for peace - Tickets: $34/$29 visit Stickytickets.com.au or pay cash/card at the door
MARCO BELLASI MUSIC DIRECTOR
AYESHA GOUGH PIANIST
GUEST SOLOISTS GAYNOR MORGAN Soprano, MORGAN ROSATI Alto, GREG MASSINGHAM Tenor, PATRICK DONNELLY Bass.
2025 JULY CONCERTS
Sat 2:30 JULY 5 Burleigh Village Church 2 Burleigh Street
Sat 2:30 JULY 12 Southport St Peter's Anglican Church 85 Nerang Street coolamonsingers.org •
Sun 2:30 JULY 27 Tweed Civic Centre Coolamon Singers perform REQUIEM in C with Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: nrso.com.au $60/$50 - Transformative classical music -
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 Brisbane 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/
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
ADVANCE NOTICE FOR OUR LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY -WINTER APPEAL
21 & 22 June, 2025
SVdP Winter Appeal - Surfers Paradise Conference.
The SVdP Surfers Paradise conference continues to pursue good works to support locals in need.
On the weekend of 21 & 22 June, 2025 Vincentians will be conducting their annual winter appeal to help support those locals in need of extra help.
The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community. In the last 12 months local Vincentians have done 658 conference visits and provided financial assistance of $82,700 and in-kind assistance (food and Vinnies gift cards for clothing etc) of $20,200 a total of $102,900 in assistance.
The shortage of affordable rental accommodation and high cost of living on the Gold Coast is affecting many families who have previously not had to ask for assistance. Some of our companions are paying more than 80% of their income on rent.
This year Surfers Paradise SVdP conference is celebrating 50+ years helping our community.
Please also join us for morning tea after 9am Sunday 22nd June at Sacred Heart Church.
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
PETERS PENCE ANNUAL APPEAL - date claimer
Each year parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane take up the Peter's Pence collection as a collection. The collection is to be taken at the Masses the weekend around the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. Therefore, this year's collection will be taken up on the 28/29 June, 2025 (13th Sunday of Ordinary Time).
The Peter's Pence Collection gives Catholics in Australia an opportunity to join in communion with the Catholic faithful throughout the world in support of the charitable works of the Holy See.
• The Peter's Pence Collection is an annual collection of the Catholic Church around the world.
• The collection allows the Holy Father to respond to the most needy throughout the world, to offer timely, effective emergency assistance to our suffering brothers and sisters.
• In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we take this collection up as a retiring collection.
Once collected, parishes are asked to deposit total proceeds from the collection via electronic transfer.
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(community service ad)
CLEAR ISLAND WATERS HEALTH PRECINCT (Santa Cruz Blvd)
Introducing our two new GPs Dr Maria and Dr Cian. Bulk Billing applies for patients under 16yrs old & patients with a valid concession or pension card. Appointments are available Monday-Friday (from 9am until 5pm).
Address: 1/56 Santa Cruz Boulevard Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226 Email: reception@ciwhp.com.au Web: www.ciwhp.com.au Ph: 07 5575 1822 Fax: 07 5575 3114
Dr Maria Guirguis
Dr Cian Morrison
MARIAN VALLEY DIVINE
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 🙏😃🙏😇🙏
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 3rd of June- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 6th June 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are 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 7th June 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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, Leon Brosnan, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Nadia Ceh, Terry Collins, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Cathy Doyle, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Stan Hickey, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Steve Land, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Victoria MacDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Angela Micallef, Gene Monteiro-Ferdinand, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Kevin Owen, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Melba Rentoul, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Paul Trad, Denise Tracey, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Debra Love, Elena Letizia, Mariano Honrado, Fr John Kilinko, Fausto Diggiammarco, Andrew Janiec, Ivanka Adams, Rita Cassidy, Andrew, Jim Viner, Letty O’Sullivan, Maria Delmar, Joseph Cassar, Samuel Perez-Lopez, Hanni Aouad, Kevin Thomas Goldie, Peter Evatt, Mary Wagner, Lucyanna Markovic.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Rossaria Dom Barbaro, Antoinette Denise Brennen, Frances Therese Collins, Myrtle Joyce Condon, Raul Cruz, Theo Robert Farr, Mary Fredricks, Judith Gilliland, Dorothy Gravener, Marie Hayden, Jacqueline Faye (Jackie) Hogan, Keith Patrick Hoolihan, Fr Morgan Howe, Anthony Charles Franklin (Tony) Howell, Therese Lorraine Anne Hunt, Gerald Freestone Junck, John Alexander Kazimierowicz, Costanzo Letizia, Fr John McGlone, Tindaro Antonino Miano, Barry Wayne Moore, Neville John Malcolm Nielsen, Fr Peter Oudendijk, Donald Hugh Ravety, Marie Van Twest, Bp Andrew Tynan, Janmaree Walsh, Henry Wirth.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Fay Ardron, Mary Beatrix (“May) Ashton, Isabelle Rose Brock, Fr Rod Cameron, Kevin Cassels, Concetta Maria Cran, Mary Therese Dean, Jacques Philoppe Desbleds, Edvardas Eidejus, Roberta Maria Fantuz, Sr Ursula Gabbett, Patricia Dorothy Helen Geor, Lorraine Ellen Geraghty, Maurice John Hayes, Beryl Hodge, Fr Maxwell Irvine, Dr Elaine Lillian Kluver, Patricia Margaret Mary Levick, June Therese Lewis, Margaret Mary Lyon, Josip Grzic and Matthew Maric, Fr John Francis McCarthy, Adam Alfred McGuffie , Fr Basil Meaney, Basilo Micale, Mellie Modral, Ivy Mulcahy, Kevin Martin Murphy, Gerald O’Halloran, Constantin Fracisc Onea, Fr Patrick O'Rourke, Fr Philip Kehoe Osa, Pauline Restall, Rosemary Samouilhan, Fr Joseph O'Shaughnessy, Shirley Ellen Pettiona , Fr Victor Roberts, Mary Ward, Catherine Anne Watson, Lois Wood.
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
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Many gifts available, including Sacramental, statues, rosaries, holy cards, crucifixes, prayer cards.
Eftpos available.
Many end of line small Holy Communion gifts available, some at heavily reduced prices.
Treat yourself today by visiting our shops at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches before or after the weekend Masses. Our friendly ladies are very willing to help with that special purchase.
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.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 3rd of June- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 6th June 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are 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 7th June 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club
Join Our Bridge Club!
Meet, Play, and
Enjoy the Game of Bridge
Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a Beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere
✔ Lessons for Beginners
✔ Weekly Games
✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company!
Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
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 email surfers@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:
26/5/25 Nardine & Ayline. Merrimac
2/6/25 Nardine & Ayline Merrimac
9/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
16/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
23/6/25 Eileen & Julio Camera Nerang
30/6/25 Eileen & Julio Camera Nerang
7/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
14/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
21/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
28/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
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
THIS WEEK...
Life is changed, not ended.
PRAYER ….
May those who grieve, find solace in enduring bonds with those they have lost, Amen
Coming soon to our parish -
The St Vincent de Paul local Winter Appeal
21-22 June 2025
A JOYFUL LEGACY
Acts 1:1-11
Eph 1:17-23
Lk 24:46-53
The Ascension is very significant for me. Both my parents died, some years apart, on Ascension Sunday. Our former State President, Paul Burton, also passed away on Ascension Sunday last year, a day that we know would have been very significant to Paul. It’s significant for our faith as it connects us to the communion of saints.
That the disciples returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” takes me a little bit by surprise. I’ve become used to the disciples being a bit
slow to catch on to Jesus’ lessons. Throughout his ministry, through the events leading up to his crucifixion, they seemed to be frequently perplexed and needed Jesus to spell things out for them. And when he returned after death, he had to give them a very concrete sign before they realised it was him. Following His Ascension, I would entirely expect them to spend the next week in confusion before they finally ‘get it’.
Rarely (if ever) do we respond to the final departure of a loved one with ‘great joy’. Normally there is great sorrow rather than joy, for some time following a death, and all we feel is their absence, and a hollowness.
Over time, we are hopefully able to re-establish our connection with our loved one in a new way, a way that enables us to live without them physically present while still feeling their presence and their legacy (which may be small or great).
It seems as if every week I hear of another magnificent Vincentian that has departed this world. Earlier this year, we were saddened by the passing of Sr Carmel Hanson rsj.
Sr Carmel and Paul are a representation of 100s, 1000s of Vincentians who have, after decades and decades of service to those who come to Vinnies for assistance, gone to their final home. They, as with many others, and many Vincentians currently serving, did so with great joy and energy.
(Reflection by Leonie Duck)
How can we best honour the legacy of past Vincentians?
[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 of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly (30 May – 1 June)
This Jubilee celebrates the importance of the family unit, recognising the unique roles played by children and grandparents; and also honours the elderly members of our communities, some of whom are without family members of their own.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You to praise You
and to thank You for the great gift of the family.
We pray to You for all families consecrated by the Sacrament of Matrimony.
May they rediscover each day the grace they have received,
and as small domestic Churches,
may they know how to witness to Your presence
and to the love with which Christ loves the Church.
We pray to You for all families faced with difficulty and suffering
caused by illness or circumstances of which only You know.
Sustain them and make them aware
of the path to holiness upon which You call them,
so that they might experience Your infinite mercy
and find new ways to grow in love.
We pray to You for children and young people:
may they encounter You and respond joyfully
to the vocation You have in mind for them;
We pray for parents and grandparents: may they be aware
that they are signs of the fatherhood and motherhood of God
in caring for the children who, in body and spirit, You entrust to them;
and for the experience of fraternity
that the family can give to the world.
Lord, grant that each family
might live their specific vocation to holiness in the Church
as a call to become missionary disciples,
in the service of life and peace,
in communion with our priests, religious,
and all vocations in the Church. Amen.
(Official prayer for the X World Meeting of Families, 2022)
TEACHING
From Pope Francis’ Homily for the X World Meeting of Families (2022):
“You are fathers, mothers and children, grandparents, uncles and aunts. You are adults and children, young and old. Each of you brings a different experience of family, but all of you have one hope and prayer: that God will bless and keep your families and all the families of the world.
“All of you married couples, in building your family, made, with the help of Christ’s grace, a courageous decision: not to use freedom for yourselves, but to love the persons that God has put at your side. Instead of living like little islands, you became “slaves of one another”. That is how freedom is exercised in the family. There are no “planets” or “satellites”, each travelling on its own orbit. The family is the place of encounter, of sharing, of going forth from ourselves in order to welcome others and stand beside them. The family is the first place where we learn to love. We must never forget that the family is the first place where we learn to love.”
From Pope Francis’ Message for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (2021):
“In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (28:19-20). These words are also addressed to us today. They help us better understand that our vocation is to preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young, and to care for the little ones. Think about it: what is our vocation today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young and to care for the little ones. Never forget this.
“It makes no difference how old you are, whether you still work or not, whether you are alone or have a family, whether you became a grandmother or grandfather at a young age or later, whether you are still independent or need assistance. Because there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. You just need to set out and undertake something new.
“I want to tell you that you are needed in order to help build, in fraternity and social friendship, the world of tomorrow: the world in which we, together with our children and grandchildren, will live once the storm has subsided. All of us must “take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies” (ibid., 77). Among the pillars that support this new edifice, there are three that you, better than anyone else, can help to set up. Those three pillars are dreams, memory and prayer. The Lord’s closeness will grant to all, even the frailest among us, the strength needed to embark on a new journey along the path of dreams, memory and prayer.”
TESTIMONY [By Steve and Stella Buhagiar (From The Catholic Weekly)]
“We were blessed to become “brand new” grandparents in our mid-40s.
“As parents and grandparents, we recognised with minute sensitivity the needs of those we loved and the manner in which we could be of assistance to them, in order to lighten their growing load.
“During the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples that he had come to serve and not to be served.
“As grandparents, we came to realise this quite quickly as the opportunities to do so multiplied as more grandchildren came our way.
“Our experience of serving was that it built a fruitful basis for meaningful communication, and oftentimes, an eventual path to peace in the family.
“In light of the ever-increasing financial pressures for both parents to go off to work, the offer to care for our grandchildren was an easy one, especially in light of the assistance given us by our own parents.
“We had witnessed the great bonds of love that developed when grandchildren had the time to hear their grandparent’s stories and anecdotes and we desired to have these same opportunities with our own.
“We also found that by looking after our grandchildren, we were afforded the time to pray with them, a practice which complemented and strengthened the aspects of Faith which were taught them by their own parents.
“It is a supreme gift to be a grandparent in today’s culture, which is often adverse to the inherent dignity of human life.”
[Steve and Stella Buhagiar (From The Catholic Weekly)]
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For the Church, that throughout the world she may be able to proclaim and bear strong witness to the beauty of God’s plan for the family and to value it as a gift and a vocation.
We pray to the Lord.
For all elderly people, that they may continue to look towards the future and, with their experience and prayers, that they may continue striving to build a more congenial world. We pray to the Lord.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly World Meetings of Families
X World Meeting of Families (2022): Evangelise Plus First World Children’s Day (2024)
Creative Commons Licence - The text of this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial – Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence. Please attribute this publication to the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, November 2024. This resource may be reproduced or photocopied in its entirety or in part. No copyright fee is payable.
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For September 28th - pilgrimage advertorial
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/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Our Spiritual Life is a Journey - following the Call of the Master to "Go and teach all people my Gospel." Say "Yes" over and over again.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelations 22:13)
This is a reminder of how we should live our lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – putting God first in all that we do. Not only when I am at Mass and parish activities, but when I am in the world, at work or at school. Living gratefully and generously is an intentional lifestyle. Every decision you make either moves you closer to God or farther away. Choose wisely!
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: Save me a seat
“As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.” (Luke 24:46-53). -
The epic movie version of the Ascension, today’s feast, is exciting to imagine: Christ floating upward, astonished disciples gaping, full orchestra swelling as the Earth becomes a blue ball below Jesus. However it happened, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says the point is that “Christ’s ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain.” He is there, says the catechism, preparing a place for us. The mystics tell us that we don’t have to wait for death for that place next to Jesus; we can go there in prayer. Now that’s epic!
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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
Homily: The Ascension of the Lord.Year C - Sunday, 1 June 2025
Ascending to the Father so as to be everywhere with his disciples.
-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.
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK LICENSED: Asset id: 1324655747 - Chapel of Ascension in Jerusalem, Israel - Upload date: 27 February 2019. IMAGE CONTRIBUTOR: trabantos
The Spirit helps us to make Christ present in a world which can be way too often filled with selfishness, undue privilege, inequality, arrogance, and abuse of power or authority. Tragically, this world is capable of showing a terrible indifference towards the poor, the needy, the hungry, and the suffering. As one scripture scholar put it, the Ascension and Pentecost are feasts of Christian maturity because now we're called to continue Jesus' mission with our insight into reality, our criteria, and our human decisions.
Luke's Gospel on the Ascension has a fascinatingly different focus from Matthew and Mark's versions. In these two other Gospels, the disciples are sent out on mission. In Luke, yes, they're implicitly sent on mission, but they're particularly sent out in the visible absence of Christ to be witnesses of Christ in their words and actions in the world.
Our Lord's absence is not as if he's dead or gone, far from it. Rather, he's alive and he has returned to the Father where he belongs, and he will return at the end to complete all things. In the meantime, which is what we're living right now, we must be his hands, his eyes, his heart in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
For as Acts 1 verse 7 says, the power of the Spirit is with us. We must not stand still, looking up into the sky, lamenting the physical absence of the Lord. Rather, we must not sit around waiting for his return in a passive kind of way.
Instead, we must set out on our way to take his gospel to the ends of the earth, as it says in Acts 1 verse 8. We're now adult Christians, not immature, not passive, not merely waiting for answers or tasks to fall out of the sky, but rather we are shareholders in the kingdom. We're sons and daughters of the eternal God, brothers and sisters in Christ. We have a real part to play in the action.
Before Christ's death, the disciples were like young students, being carefully nourished with a message. After Christ's death and resurrection and ascension, and with the coming of the Holy Spirit, we're still students and will always be. But we are now not merely waiting to be fed, we go out and we be nourishment for others in Christ.
The Second Vatican Council strongly emphasized this. Being mature in the faith is a requirement of the gospel, and as adults, we have our carefully thought out, reflected upon and prayed about views and insights into this shared task with Jesus. We would never presume to be sharers or cooperators with Christ, except he's invited us to do this.
We're encouraged in this by the assurance that the Lord will return, because he is alive. And we always remain vigilant, alert, awake in spirit, for at that time when he does return, he'll ask us to give an account of all the talents he's entrusted to us, and to test the fruits of what we've been able to produce with our work and our cooperation, how much it has been done in union with Christ through the Spirit. Jesus' ascension tells us, stop standing there looking up into the clouds.
There's work to be done, and there's no time like the present. In his earthly ministry, our Lord was in urgent hurry to bring his gospel and his ministry to all people. He now entrusts this ministry and this urgency to us, through his abiding presence of the Spirit.
There's no time to lose. God wants us to be about his business right away, and reassuringly he always gives us the very present assistance of God's Holy Spirit abiding in us.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
(REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY;**Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. P. 111; MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR c. BY MARK LINK S.J; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS - 2010. BY ALICE CAMILLE)
[Image Credit Shutterstock Item ID: 1324655747 Chapel of Ascension in Jerusalem, Israel- Contributor- trabantos)
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.
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
St Marcellinus and St Peter
Marcellinus and Peter were beheaded on the outskirts of Rome. A few years after the event, a little boy from Rome heard about their deaths from the mouth of their very executioner, who later became a Christian. That little boy was named Damasus, and he went on to become Pope from 366 to 384. Decades later, remembering the story he had heard as a child, Pope Damasus honoured Marcellinus and Peter by adorning their tomb with a marble inscription recounting the details of their martyrdom as he had heard them so long ago. Unfortunately, the inscription is lost.
Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions (- 1885/7)
Many Christians, Catholic and Protestant, were killed by the Ugandan king Mwanga. Some of them were servants in the king’s palace or even his personal attendants. Charles Lwanga and his twenty-one companions (the youngest, Kizito, was only 13) were executed for being Christians, for rebuking the king for his debauchery and his murder of an Anglican missionary, for “praying from a book,” and for refusing to allow themselves to be ritually sodomised by the king. They died between 1885 and 1887. Most of them were burned alive in a group after being tortured.
Within a year of their deaths, the number of catechumens in the country quadrupled. St Charles Lwanga is the patron of Catholic Action and of black African youth, and the Ugandan martyrs’ feast day is a public holiday in Uganda.
June 5. St Boniface. Bishop and Martyr.
The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.
Let us trust in Him who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear let us bear with the help of Christ. For He is all-powerful, and He tells us: 'My yoke is easy, and my burden light.'
O Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations.
St Marcellinus and St Peter
Marcellinus and Peter were beheaded on the outskirts of Rome. A few years after the event, a little boy from Rome heard about their deaths from the mouth of their executioner, who later became a Christian. That little boy was named Damasus, and he went on to become Pope from 366 to 384. Decades later, remembering the story he had heard as a child, Pope Damasus honoured Marcellinus and Peter by adorning their tomb with a marble inscription recounting the details of their martyrdom as he had heard them so long ago. Unfortunately, the inscription is lost.
➔ Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions (- 1885/7)
Many Christians, Catholic and Protestant, were killed by the Ugandan king Mwanga. Some of them were servants in the king’s palace or even his personal attendants. Charles Lwanga and his twenty-one companions (the youngest, Kizito, was only 13) were executed for being Christians, for rebuking the king for his debauchery and his murder of an Anglican missionary, for “praying from a book,” and for refusing to allow themselves to be unspeakably assaulted by the king. They died between 1885 and 1887. Most of them were burned alive in a group after being tortured.
Within a year of their deaths, the number of catechumens in the country quadrupled. St Charles Lwanga is the patron of Catholic Action and of black African youth, and the Ugandan martyrs’ feast day is a public holiday in Uganda.
MEMORIAL OF NORBERT, BISHOP
TODAY'S READINGS: Tobit 2:9-14; Mark 12:13-17 (354). "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
A painting by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens—called The Defenders of the Eucharist—includes a serene Saint Norbert, his white robes wrapped around a ciborium (the cup that holds the consecrated Eucharist) as he cradles the Blessed Sacrament. Norbert founded the Norbertine religious order as well as the first Third Order for laypeople embracing the spirit of religious life. And, as a successful peacemaker, he’s often depicted with an olive branch. But Norbert’s preaching about the Blessed Sacrament, convincing entire villages to reclaim their lost belief in the Real Presence—also having eucharistic miracles happen on his watch—has earned him the title “Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament.” May he inspire our devotion as the National Eucharistic Revival enters its second phase this month.
Mark 12:13-17 (354). "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
St MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT.
Marcellin Champagnat was born on the 20th May 1789 in a hamlet near St. Etienne, named Le Rosey in France. He was one out of nine children with four brothers and four sisters. As a child, he witnessed the horrible punishments given to children, and he wanted to change that. One of his famous quotes: "If you want to teach young people, first you must love them - love them equally." Through this quote, he taught us the valuable lesson that cruel punishments would not encourage students to learn.
Middle Life. When Marcellin came of age, he was sent to school. Marcellin was terrified by the discipline and punishments given to students by the students and immediately hated it.
When a priest from the seminary was sent to Le Rosey and visited the Champagnat family, he asked if any of the five boys were interested in the priesthood, Marcellin accepted, and it was here when he began his life as a priest.
Montagne Story. As one of his duties as a priest, Marcellin Champagnat was called to the bedside of a sick teenage boy who Marcellin determined knew absolutely nothing regarding religion. With this, Marcellin Champagnat spent two whole hours talking and teaching the boy about God, and finally, he finished by hearing the boy's confession. The boy died soon after and was even more determined to begin his Order of Brothers.
Marist Brothers. 2nd January 1817 was the date on which the Marist Brothers' Order was established. Only beginning with two members - Marcellin and another brother - they lived as a family. They prayed, studied, and worked together. To make themselves a living, they made nails made of iron. Later, in Spring, a third companion joined, and they soon received a fourth, increasing the little community of Marist Brothers to five members.
Memorare in the Snow: St. Marcellin Champagnat. An episode is often told about Fr. Marcellin Champagnat's deep compassion and confidence in Mother Mary. In February 1823, a brother became seriously ill in an isolated village. Marcellin was keen to comfort him. Despite the horrible weather conditions - heavy snowfall - Marcellin, accompanied by another brother, set out on foot for the other brother. The two found themselves stuck in a storm. However, Marcellin prayed constantly to Mary in hopes they would be saved. Shortly, a farmer came out with a light informing the brothers he had this sudden urge to check on his cattle. It was this when Marcellin believed that Mother Mary heard his prayers and rescued them.
The Growth of the Order - On the 6th of June 1840, while the Brothers were singing the "Salve Regina" in the chapel, Marcellin Champagnat - aged 51 - passed away due to cancer. Despite his death, the Order of Marist Brothers continued strongly, continuing to spread his love and teachings. On the 18th of August 1999, he was canonised by Pope John Paul II. Today, the Marist community are found worldwide.
The Marist Brothers came to Australia after an invitation from an Archbishop from Sydney, and today, there are around 4000 Marist Brothers nationwide.
REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS
Asset id: 2443325709 - Rome, Italy 29.03.2024: Pope Francis - Editorial Use Only. IMAGE PROVIDED BY Marco Iacobucci Epp.
Pope Francis Quotes
Pope Francis on Compassion:
"The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness."
"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."
"Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity."
"Let us care for one another and let us be loving custodians of creation." (2nd Tweet as Pope)
"Kindness is firm and persevering intention to always will the good of others, even the unfriendly."
"We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace."
"We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God."
"We all have the duty to do good."
"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason."
Pope Francis on Education:
"How do we help our young people not to see a university degree as synonymous with higher status, with more money or social prestige? It is not synonymous with that. How can we help make their education a mark of greater responsibility in the face of today's problems, the needs of the poor, concern for the environment?"
"Solidarity, as a moral virtue and social attitude born of personal conversion, calls for commitment on the part of those responsible for education and formation."
"Dialogue, in fact, educates when the person relates with respect, esteem and sincere listening, and is expressed with authenticity without obscuring or softening one's own identity nourished by evangelical inspiration."
"Education is not about knowing things or taking lessons but about being able to use three lingos: those of the head, the heart, and the hands... learning so that you can think about what you feel and do, can feel what you think and do, and can do what you feel and think. Unity within a person."
“This old man now speaking to you [university students] also dreams that yours will become a generation of teachers! Teachers of humanity. Teachers of compassion....Teachers of hope.”
"Perhaps the mission of the university is to train social poets, men and women who, upon learning the grammar and vocabulary of humanity, have a spark, a brilliance that allows them to imagine the unknown”
Pope Francis on Environment:
"We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior... Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence ... We have no such right."
"The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish."
"We received this world as an inheritance from past generations, but also as a loan from future generations, to whom we will have to return it!"
"Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Cowardice in defending it is a grave sin."
"We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone,"
"God always forgives, we men forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives. If you give her a slap, she will will give you one. I believe that we have exploited nature too much."
"As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling."
"A Christian who doesn't safeguard creation, who doesn't make it flourish, is a Christian who isn't concerned with God's work, that work born of God's love for us."
"May the relationship between man and nature not be driven by greed, to manipulate and exploit, but may the divine harmony between beings and creation be conserved in the logic of respect and care."
Pope Francis on Hope:
"Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!"
"From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us."
"Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God."
"Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts."
"God's love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to put on faith, hope and love as we go out into the world and become the word in body as well as spirit."
Pope Francis on Immigration:
"Having doubts and fears is not a sin... The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection... The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, the different, the neighbor, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord ... to overcome our fears so as to encounter the other, to welcome, to know and to acknowledge him or her."
"Even hope, like all good things in this world, has enemies... Hope is the push in the heart of those who leave their home, and sometimes their family and relatives - I am thinking of migrants - to find a better life, with more dignity for themselves and their loved ones... It's also the push in the heart of those who welcome: the desire to encounter, meet, dialogue... hope is the push to share the journey,"
Pope Francis on the Marginalized:
"This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good."
"Openness to God makes us open towards the marginalized of this world, and gives us the courage to leave the confines of our own security and comfort to become bruised, hurting and dirty as we joyfully approach the suffering other in a spirit of solidarity."
"Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples."
Pope Francis on Refugees:
It's hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need of my help... If I say I am Christian, but do these things, I'm a hypocrite."
"The faith we proclaim tonight makes us see God present in all those situations where we think he is absent... He is present in the unwelcomed visitor, often unrecognizable, who walks through our cities and our neighborhoods, who travels on our buses and knocks on our doors."
Pope Francis on Solidarity:
"Life is a journey. When we stop, things don't go right."
"We must always walk in the presence of the Lord, in the light of the Lord, always trying to live in an irreprehensible way."
"Solidarity, as a moral virtue and social attitude born of personal conversion, calls for commitment on the part of those responsible for education and formation."
"It is impossible for peace to exist without dialogue. All the wars, all the strife, all the unsolved problems over which we clash are due to a lack of dialogue. When there is a problem, talk: this makes peace."
"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason."
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ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: The Consumer Mentality in the Church
America is a consumer culture. We need something; we buy it. And we’ll shop around for the best quality at the best price.
Christians do the same thing in the church!
Odds are pretty good that you live in an area where at least two evangelical churches are close to you. I live in the Nashville area, and you can’t throw a rock and not hit a church. (For the record, I do not endorse throwing rocks at churches.) I feel like half the church planting in America happens in Nashville. After all it’s hip, cool, and trendy to live here, so a lot of wannabe pastors start a church here.
I’m glad we have ample opportunities to get plugged in with a group of believers. But most of us do not make that connection with the closest church to us—at least not at first. We shop around.
I’d like to think we’re looking for a church that is focused solely on serving Christ and living according to His Word. While that might be a small part of it, a bigger factor is at play.
What’s in it for me?
We shop for a church with a good children’s ministry, student ministry, or active senior adult group. We shop based on our music preferences. Do they have a choir and music program for me? Do they have a Starbucks kiosk? Do they have …?
And the list goes on. We choose a church based on the personal perks we gain.
Churches should strive to do their work with excellence, but I get the impression we’re not doing so to reach the lost; we’re often doing it to entice Christians to choose our church over the one down the street. Church leaders—and church members—would probably deny that, but ask them why they drive past six other churches each Sunday to attend the one they do. We choose a church because of what it has to offer us.
I know. I’ve done it.
Yet what happens when the leadership changes? Maybe the style of music changed or we don’t like the new student minister as much as we liked the previous one. Any number of things can cause us dissatisfaction, and the dissatisfaction can cause us to go shopping again. After all, we need a church that meets our needs!
God calls us to a wholly different mindset. His Word is silent about perks and preferences, but it says a lot about our role in the body of Christ. Let me rewrite John F. Kennedy’s statement.
Ask not what your church can do for you; ask what you can do for your church.
Life in the church is not centered around me. It is centered around Christ. He is my Master and Lord, and I am to follow His lead and serve others. Consider these words from Peter to the church—and note what we are called to do.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:7-10).
Pray. Love. Be hospitable. Serve. All active verbs focused on what I am to do, not passive verbs about what should be done for me.
I go to a far-from-perfect church. Give me an hour and I could tell what I don’t like about this or that in our services, or the programs and areas in the church I would do differently. I could do that, but I won’t. My church is doing nothing unbiblical—far from it—and my “disagreements” come down to my preferences and own way of doing things.
And one reason my church is far from perfect is that I am a part of the church family.
So I will stay right where I am, choosing to serve Christ by serving His body. Pray. Love. Be hospitable. Serve.
Join me in this. Stop whining and start serving.
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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.
