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MAY GOD BLESS AND GUIDE OUR NEW POPE LEO XIV
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 2004461348 - An illustration of Jesus as a good shepherd. Biblical Series - Contributor: -AndryDj
POPE LEO XIV (May 8th 2025 - )
PASTOR’S POST -
HAPPY MOTHER’S Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all mums as we here in Australia celebrate Mother's Day. Different parts of the world celebrate Mother's Day on different dates in the year, but whatever date it is celebrated; it is no coincidence that Christ used the image of an unconditionally loving parent to describe an essential characteristic of God's nature. What better example of unconditional love can be witnessed than the love of a Mother or a Father for their cherished child? Christ wants us to know and experience the deep and abiding love that God has for us, in calling us God's daughters and sons. This weekend we pray for all mums, that they may be blessed for their goodness, kindness and self-forgetting love.
A Prayer in Gratitude and Blessing for Our Mothers
Good and Gentle God, Lord of creation, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life and nurturing with love, young lives. Jesus, you became human through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant to all mothers the grace and strength they need to face the uncertain moments that life often brings us all. Give them the ongoing strength to love and to be loved in return. Give them the faithful support of family and friends and the wider community. May they receive peace and joy from their family and friends. Give them joy and delight in their families and friends, to sustain them through joys and sorrows. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Bless all our mothers and grant them an eternal reward for their unconditional love and kindness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Author Unknown (adapted by P. Kelly).
Fr Paul
Leo XIV is the new Pope
LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERGIDGE OF BRISBANE
THE ARCHBISHOP OF BRISBANE
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
ON THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV
From some time back, I thought Cardinal Robert Prevost was a rough chance to be elected Pope. But I was surprised when I woke early to the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV. I was also delighted.
He is US-born but is a genuine citizen of the world and the kind of polyglot that presumes. His father was of Italian-French background and his mother had Spanish heritage, which is why he looks Latin. He’s spent much of his ministerial life in Peru, and for some years was the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. This took him to every part of the world, including Australia which he visited several times.
It was Pope Francis who tapped him, surprisingly, for the crucial role of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops which oversees the appointment and management of bishops around the world. This too gave him a birdseye view of the global Church and a sense of how the Roman Curia works. It also gave him a profile among the Cardinal electors.
In the role, he quickly acquired a reputation as approachable, modest, pastoral, non-ideological, reasonable and firm - qualities he had shown as Prior General of the Augustinians.
My own brief dealings with him left me impressed. He struck me as a man who could listen and who was hard to fluster, a good driver in heavy traffic. His rise to bishop, cardinal and pope has been rapid; so too was his election. But he isn’t a man to rush things; he has an air of calm about him. That will serve him well as Pope.
He will continue basic trajectories of the Francis pontificate, but he will be his own man. In some ways he’s a Francis creation, but he isn’t a Francis clone.
The choice of Leo as his papal name is intriguing. I presume it looks back to Pope Leo XIII at the end of the nineteenth century who led the Catholic Church’s engagement with the modern world. It may also look back to Pope Leo I known as the Great. He was Pope in the chaotic fifth century as the Western Empire decayed and new barbarisms threatened.
In our own chaotic time as new barbarisms appear, the Church cannot retreat into a self-protective world. Pope Leo XIV looks to be the Spirit’s surprising choice to lead a new engagement and to bring fresh hope not just to the Church but to the world. Echoing the Psalmist, we pray: “May the Lord preserve him and give him life and make him blessed upon the earth”.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge. 9 May 2025
STATEMENT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS CONFERENCE [MAY 9, 2025]
Australian bishops welcome Pope Leo XIV
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the Pope, now to be known by the name Leo XIV.
This represents a momentous event in the life of the Catholic Church, the wider community of Christian believers and, in many respects, the whole world.
Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, said the Catholic Church in Australia offered its heartfelt congratulations.
“The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV is yet again a sign of the wisdom behind the Italian saying that ‘those who enter the conclave as a pope inevitably emerge from the conclave as a cardinal’,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru.
“He will be warmly welcomed by the Church in Latin America, as Pope Francis was, by the Church in the United States from where he comes, from the English-speaking world as a native English speaker, and from the whole Church as a man of God steeped in the rich spirituality of his Augustinian Religious Order.
“As Pope Leo XIV, our new pope will bring the benefit of his wide experience to the many challenges and opportunities before him.”
Archbishop Costelloe said the new pope would guide the Church with renewed hope and strength.
“The Catholic Church in Australia assures Pope Leo XIV of our prayers, loyalty, and joyful anticipation of his spiritual leadership. May his pontificate be marked by peace, unity, and a deepening of the Gospel message throughout the world,” he said.
“Recent Popes have sought ways to be of service to the wider Christian family and we can expect that Pope Leo XIV will follow this same path. The growing sense of unity and common purpose, already evident among Christians, can be a powerful countersign to the fragmentation we see in so many societies and communities.”
Archbishop Costelloe said Pope Francis had “reminded us that unity does not demand uniformity, but rather openness to the rich diversity of the many cultures and traditions which are part of our Christian heritage”.
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis in his first remarks, which focused on peace.
“Peace be with all of you,” he said.
He urged the faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other”.
Archbishop Costelloe and Vice President Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation. representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Church in Australia.
Background:
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, will be the first Pope from the United States.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
In 1977 he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis.
In August 1981 he gave his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.
At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum).
He received priestly ordination on June 19, 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984 and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986).
In 1987 he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine”.
In 1999 he was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” province, Chicago. After two and a half years, the ordinary general Chapter elected him prior general, a ministry again entrusted to him in the 2007 ordinary general Chapter.
In October 2013 he returned to his province (Chicago) to serve as teacher of the professed and provincial vicar, roles he held in November 2014 when Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar.
He served as bishop of Chiclayo from November 26, 2015. In March 2018 he became second vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2019, and member of the Congregation for Bishops in 2020.
On April 15, 2020, the Pope appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao.
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
EXTRA INFORMATION
"Peace be with all of you!" - the first words of Pope Leo XIV. The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
Annuntio vobis gaudium:
HABEMUS PAPAM
Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Franciscum
Sanctae Romane Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost
qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV
I announce to you a great joy: WE HAVE A POPE
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost
who has taken the name Leo XIV
Just a few moments ago, from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti pronounced the formula "Habemus Papam," proclaiming to the city of Rome and to the whole world the news of the election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV
Leo XIV - Second Pope from the Americas
The first Augustinian Pope, Robert Prevost - now Leo XIV - is the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis. However, unlike Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost is from the northern part of the American continent, though he spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.
First Augustinian Pope
The new Bishop of Rome was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.
He spent his childhood and adolescence with his family and studied first at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where in 1977 he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy.
On September 1 of the same year, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis, in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Chicago, and made his first profession on September 2, 1978. On August 29, 1981, he made his solemn vows.
He received his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. At the age of 27, he was sent by his superiors to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
In Rome, he was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica by Monsignor Jean Jadot, then Pro-President of the Pontifical Council for Non-Christians, now the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
Prevost obtained his licentiate in 1984; and the following year, while preparing his doctoral thesis, was sent to the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru (1985–1986). In 1987, he defended his doctoral thesis on "The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine" and was appointed vocation director and missions director of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Olympia Fields, Illinois (USA).
Mission in Peru
The following year, he joined the mission in Trujillo, also in Peru, as director of the joint formation project for Augustinian candidates from the vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos, and Apurímac.
Over the course of eleven years, he served as prior of the community (1988–1992), formation director (1988–1998), and instructor for professed members (1992–1998), and in the Archdiocese of Trujillo as judicial vicar (1989–1998) and professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the Major Seminary “San Carlos y San Marcelo.” At the same time, he was also entrusted with the pastoral care of Our Lady Mother of the Church, later established as the parish of Saint Rita (1988–1999), in a poor suburb of the city, and was parish administrator of Our Lady of Monserrat from 1992 to 1999.
In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago, and two and a half years later, the Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine, elected him as Prior General, confirming him in 2007 for a second term.
In October 2013, he returned to his Augustinian Province in Chicago, serving as director of formation at the Saint Augustine Convent, first councilor, and provincial vicar—roles he held until Pope Francis appointed him on November 3, 2014, as Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo, elevating him to the episcopal dignity as Titular Bishop of the
Diocese Sufar.
He entered the Diocese on November 7, in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio James Patrick Green, who ordained him Bishop just over a month later, on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the Cathedral of Saint Mary.
His episcopal motto is “In Illo uno unum”—words pronounced by Saint Augustine in a sermon on Psalm 127 to explain that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023
On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. In March 2018, he was elected second vice-president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, where he also served as a member of the Economic Council and as president of the Commission for Culture and Education.
In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy (July 13, 2019), and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops (November 21). Meanwhile, on April 15, 2020, he was also appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Peruvian Diocese of Callao.
Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops
On January 30, 2023, the Pope called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop.
Created Cardinal in 2024
Pope Francis created Prevost Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30 of that year and assigned him the Diaconate of Saint Monica. He officially took possession of his Titular church on January 28, 2024.
As head of the Dicastery, he participated in the Pope’s most recent Apostolic Journeys and in both the first and second sessions of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, held in Rome from October 4 to 29, 2023, and from October 2 to 27, 2024, respectively.
Meanwhile, on October 4, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as a member of the Dicasteries for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the Eastern Churches, for the Clergy, for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, for Culture and Education, for Legislative Texts, and of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State.
Finally, on February 6 of this year, the Argentine Pope promoted him to the Order of Bishops, granting him the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.
Three days later, on February 9, he celebratesd the Mass presided over by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, the second major event of the Holy Year of Hope.
During the most recent hospitalization of his predecessor at the “Gemelli” hospital Prevost presided over the Rosary for Pope Francis’s health in Saint Peter’s Square on March 3.
TRANSCRIPT OF FIRST SPEECH BY POPE LEO XIV
Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Peace be with all of you!
Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God's flock.
I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, and all people, wherever they are, all of the people, all over the earth.
Peace be with you!
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed peace and a disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome!
The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail!
We are all in the hands of God.
Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward. We are disciples of Christ.
Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to allows it to be reached by God and by his love.
Help us, too, and help each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with meetings, uniting us all to be one people, always in peace.
Thank you, Pope Francis!
I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be Peter's Successor, and to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice, always seeking peace, justice, always seeking to work as men and women who are faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.
I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: "with you I am a Christian and for you I am a bishop". In this sense, we can all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome, a special greeting! We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with its open arms, all, all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.
And if you allow me a word, a greeting to all and especially to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith and gave so, so much to continue being a Church that is faithful to Jesus Christ.
To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a Church of the Synod, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close, especially to those who suffer.
Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close, to help us with her intercession and her love. So, I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us also ask Mary, our Mother, for this special grace.
Hail Mary…
[His Holiness Pope Leo grants a plenary indulgence in the form laid down by the Church to all the faithful present and to those who receive his blessing by radio, television and the new communications media. Let us ask Almighty God to grant the Pope many years as leader of the Church and peace and unity to the Church throughout the world].
May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for us before the Lord.
℟: Amen.
Through the prayers and merits of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you and forgive all your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life.
℟: Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution and the remission of all your sins, a season of true and fruitful penance, a well-disposed heart, amendment of life, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works.
℟: Amen.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.
℟: Amen.
IMPORTANT ANSWER TO QUESTION ABOUT APOSTLE’S CREED:
Here is a frequent question that comes up relating to the Apostles’ Creed where it mentions “descended into Hell.”
I hope this article helps explain, this image included also shows that Jesus descending to the realm of the dead he was clearly not in the same position as the others trapped there… he came down to free those who were trapped there.
Why Does the Apostles’ Creed Say That Jesus ‘Descended Into Hell’?
By Fr. Evan Cummings March 22, 2023
Stained glass window depicting Jesus’ descent into hell.
In my parish we say the Apostles’ Creed and not the Nicene Creed, and in the Apostles’ Creed it states that Jesus descended into hell. I would like some clarity if possible. Did he descend into hell? What was the purpose and why is it only mentioned in this one prayer? Is it mentioned in Scripture? – Marianne’
Thank you for your great questions regarding the creed! It is helpful to understand that the “hell” spoken of in the creed is not quite the same way that we would use “hell” today. Before Christ’s death and resurrection, all who died were unable to enter into the Kingdom of heaven; there was a divide between humanity and God. As such, all the souls of the dead would descend to the realm of the dead, often spoken of as Hades, Sheol, or hell. Through Christ’s death, that barrier is overcome and we are invited into heaven. Now, in order to save those who had died before Christ did, he descended into “hell,” that is to say, the abode of all the dead souls (not the hell of eternal condemnation of those who reject God’s love).
In going to this depth, Christ brought the souls of the dead into heaven so that they could share in his salvific death and resurrection. This hell that Christ entered was closer (though not identical) to what we envision with purgatory, a place for the dead to wait for the resurrection. Again, this hell is not the same eternal hell that we speak of in the dichotomy of heaven and hell in the final judgment, it was more the place where souls still touched by original sin went before the resurrection had occurred as they had no means to get to heaven or purgatory without Christ. Christ’s descent brought salvation to all who died before him and were unable to share in baptism and saving grace in life.
In Scripture, it is referenced when speaking about Christ’s death and resurrection in different ways. In Matthew 12:40, Christ mentions that he will have to lie in the heart of the earth for three days (which is seen as a reference to not just the tomb but hell as well). St. Paul speaks of the necessity of a descent into “the lower regions of the earth” before an ascension could take place in Ephesians 4:9. In 1 Peter 4:6, St. Peter speaks of “the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead” meaning that Christ had to go to where the dead were (which could only be hell) to proclaim salvation. There are many more references as well to Christ’s death and descent throughout the New Testament, but I hope these help to show its relation to Scripture.
LISTEN: What’s the Difference Between the Nicene and the Apostles’ Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed is used often during Lent, so your question is likely top-of-mind during this particular season in the Church. As to why this phrase is only mentioned in the Apostles’ Creed and not the Nicene, I am not entirely sure. It could be to avoid a phrase that could confuse believers if repeated but not properly explained, it could have been a preference of what to emphasize in a different creed. Both creeds are valid, and indeed, complement each other and allow us to reflect more deeply upon the mysteries of our faith. Unfortunately, though, we don’t know as there is no written record as to why the Nicene Creed did not include this phrase.
I hope this helps to answer some of your questions. I also recommend reading paragraphs 631 through 637 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they go even more in depth in explaining it.
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/
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.
DEFILBRILLATOR FOR THE THREE CHURCHES -
Some Reassuring news! Each of our three churches now has an automatic defibrillator, as extra peace of mind. Hopefully they won’t be needed, but they are an excellent resource and source of peace of mind, that can be used in an emergency. The system is highly automated, and a very reassuring if required in an urgent situation. God bless all who assist in times of emergency and need.
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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
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
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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
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, 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, 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):
Letty O’Sullivan, Maria Delmar, Joseph Cassar, Samuel Perez-Lopez, Hanni Aouad, Kevin Thomas Goldie, Peter Evatt, Mary Wagner, Lucy Markovic, Sr Cecilia Hervas, Kevin Goldie, George Azzopardi, Martin O’Donnell, Genevieve Kirit, Maria Lidia Lo Passo, Helene Mary Mitchell (Tugun), Paquita Soriano, François Maingot, Salvatore (Sam) Coco, Maria Zielonka, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Alma Anderson, Benjamin Gary Bayes, Robert Brian Butler, John Joseph Chappell, Lilian Elizabeth Cheetham, Nancy Denaro, John Egan, Desmond Douglas Fox, Frank Glynn, Hans Gerhard Gringel, Ross Patrick Hickey, Thomas Hirst, Anthony George Howard, Janina Kraus, Milka Marusic, John McGrath, Fr Carmello Micallef, Calogero Misuraca, Fr Michael Murphy, Angel Dee Nipperess, Fr John O'Connell, Daphne Gabriel Paice, John Rawlings, Joseph Salim, Michael Schons, Josephine Tansey, Sr Mary Teresa, Heather Lorraine Williams.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Joseph Aouad, Trevor Bourneville, Patricia Bridge, Michael Carroll, Richard "Michael" John Chester, Alfred Lawrence (Laurie) Cooper, Kathleen Fay Cooper, Brian Day, Patricia Mary Dussek, Bruce George Ellery, Brian James Ellsmore, Robert Chadwick Evans, Dorothy Mary Fox, Anthony (Tony) Ghusn, Kylie Ann Giacomantonio, Daryl Walter Hyland, Nola Rita Lawrence, Gordon Lepp, Brian Reuben Maher, John Joseph Marchmont, Imre (Henry) Masa, Jeanette Margaret McCormack, Kevin McCormack, Gloria Venera McMaster, Bastiaantje “Jeanne” Monisse, Ana Maria Oria, Carmen Oria, Juan Rivero, Kath Ryan, Veronica Scarcella, Fr Leslie Seary, Beverley Jean Stout, Charles Vassallo, Denise “Denny” Welsh, Mario & Josephine Wirth
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
Visit the Piety shops this weekend to peruse end of line gifts for Confirmation and Holy Communion, at heavily reduced prices.
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Fatima's Feast on 13.05.2025 and on the 24.05.2025 Our Lady Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia and Shrine of Marian Valley. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am on both days at the Sacred Heart Church No 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters. The Cost of the bus fare per person $25.00 return each day. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine 5529 1573.
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-
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:
12/5/25 Merla & Rodney Antony
19/5/25 Merla & Rodney Antony
26/5/25 Nardine & Ayline. Merrimac
2/6/25 Nardine & Aylene. Merrimac
9/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback. Merrimac
16/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback. Merrimac
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5pm-6pm at St Vincent’s Church
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Come along and read/study Break Open the Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
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...
Be aware of the presence of God in your everyday life. In the people you meet, the places you go and in your heart All my life I have followed the poetry of love in preference to the poetry of anger. I will not change now
(Frederic Ozanam)
PRAYER ….
Heavenly Father,
May we be faithful witness to your justice and your love living in the service of our brothers and sisters. Amen
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society]
Fourth Sunday of Easter
LIVING WITH THE SMELL OF THE SHEEP
Acts 13:14, 43-52
Rev 7:9, 14-17
Jn 10: 27-30
John’s gospel this week opens with “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice.”
This narrative expresses a hope filled image of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" who intimately knows his sheep, protects them from harm, and guarantees their eternal security by virtue of their unique connection to his voice; essentially, it emphasizes the deep personal relationship believers can have with God, where they can confidently trust in his care and guidance, knowing that no force can separate them from him.
At the very beginning of the papacy of Francis, he called on the world’s priests and religious to bring the healing power of God’s grace to everyone in need, to stay close to the marginalised and to be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” The phrase "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them" also highlights the intimate nature of this relationship, where Jesus knows each individual believer deeply and personally.
In his homilies over the years, Pope Francis continues to urged priests, religious and really all people of God, to not grow weary of people’s requests and needs no matter how “inconvenient … purely material or downright banal,” such appeals may seem. They need to look deeper at what’s driving the encounter: the person’s underlying hope and desire for the divine.” The Pope closed this homily with “the power of grace comes alive and flourishes to the extent that we, in faith, go out and give
ourselves and the Gospel to others, giving what little ointment we have to those who have nothing, nothing at all,”
In many ways this gospel invites us personally, and as Vincentians, to the dialogue expressed by Pope Francis. Through the waters of our Baptism, we need to replace the word priest with Vincentians.
How do Vincentians carry the smell of the sheep?
[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.
Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment
Sister Geneviève Jeanningros on 10-11 May 2025 for the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment
On 10 and 11 May 2025, in Rome, there will be a meeting of faith and joy among the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, as Sister Geneviève emphasises.
A life, that of Sister Geneviève, dedicated to serving the poor with extreme hospitality and a heart full of joy. Born in 1943 in Longechaux, France on the Swiss border, Sister Geneviève entered the congregation inspired by the charism of St Charles de Foucauld, Little Sisters of Jesus, at the age of twenty-three, professing her first vows in Rome two years later.
A little sister among the entertainers who for most of her life lived in a caravan in the Eur district of Rome, then at the Luna Park in Ostia Lido in a caravan together with Sister Anna Amelia Gigli. Precisely there in the amusement park in Ostia, the sisters animated a stand where children are always winners.
With the youthful smile that distinguishes her, Sister Geneviève brings with her more than 50 years of consecrated life spent mainly in the circus world. She says she has learnt a lot from the circus people and their families: ‘We live among the people, together with them, working like them. It is my little paradise and it was what I wanted for so long’ (Interview, 2018). Sister Geneviève has dedicated her life to helping others, and from 1969, she travelled around Europe meeting amusement park workers from all over the world who taught her the love of freedom, play and hospitality. After years of service, in 2024, the Little Sisters of Jesus will end their work in amusement parks while remaining deeply in love with this life, for which they are extremely grateful.
Remembering that their presence in the world of amusement parks began in 1965 at the behest of the founder, Little Sister Magdeleine, with the first stand named ‘Nuit de Lumière’, Night of Light, the congregation has committed itself to a profound work of love.
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: World Day of Prayer for Vocations
On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, pray for yourself. Pray to know if God is calling YOU to be a Priest, Sister or Brother. Pray!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
The disciples heard Our Lord’s call and were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can experience that same joy if we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we use our gifts in the way that God intends, He fills us with supernatural joy. A joy that others notice and are attracted to!
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27-30).
Many of us are proud to be good at what we do whether it is a trade, craft, profession, or pastoral role. Yet few of us claim to be experts at our special task. Sister of Charity Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich of New Jersey is called a "genius of the soul" for her instructions on the mystical life collected after her death in 1927 under the title Greater Perfection. In a key closing lesson, she writes: "Union with God, then, is the spiritual height God calls everyone to achieve—anyone . . . who specializes in the traffic of eternal good, who says ‘yes’ constantly to God." On this Mother's Day, pray that every mother may become, and also nurture, "soul geniuses" and traffic in an eternal good.
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
-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.
Homily: Fourth Sunday of Easter.Year C - Sunday, 11 May 2025
“God has an unshakable delight in what God has made, and God has an unshakable delight in who God has made. God thinks every one of his children, and all of his creation, is wonderful, whether they're a hit in the eyes of others or not. God always thinks they're wonderful.”
Any parent knows the truth of this story profoundly, loving their children without reserve. And this brings us to the essential truth of our faith. It's grounded in God's wondrous love for us, just like an unconditionally loving parent, which is very fitting on this Mother's Day weekend.
At times, we may not feel very lovable. We may even push that love that's there away from us. But we cannot keep God from loving us.
That's God's nature. God is a shepherd, as Jesus tells us in this beautiful passage this weekend, and a very good shepherd. The best.
God is love. Today, on Good Shepherd Sunday, we remember the truth that God loves us so much. God wants us to be near him.
God always searches for the one who is lost, and searches for the one who feels unworthy or unloved, and keeps searching for them until he finds them, and then with great joy carries them in his arms. Anyone who would follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as a disciple must be prepared to abide in God's compassionate love, and to show that love to others.
This gospel today is very, very short, but it goes straight to the heart of things.
It says so much in so few lines. In fact, it says everything. No one will ever steal my sheep from me.
I And the Father and I are one. This is so beautiful, so revealing, and very reassuring. Jesus promises God's complete faithfulness to us now and forever.
Our Lord makes us God's children, and our Lord promises to be with us, to feed us, shelter us, and guide us throughout our lives, and right through to eternal life in heaven as well. Christ promises to be with us and to care for us, to cherish us through the struggles and tragedies of life as well as the joys, and there can be many of both. We know all too well that in life there are many obstacles, there are many setbacks, and life is by no means easy.
There seems at times to be unassailable worries and trials, but our God, revealed in Jesus the Good Shepherd, promises to be with us and guide us through all of these trials, through all the struggles, and this gives us an abiding sense of hope and strength. Throughout the world, and even closer to home, we regularly hear of disasters and sadly of recent times of war. There's a lot of suffering around.
Many people are experiencing all kinds of hardship and pain, including those who are silently suffering and whose plight is not known fully to the world, or even at all. We keep those silent, seemingly unforgotten people very much in our prayers, and we take strength and consolation from Christ, our Good Shepherd, who is one with the Father and makes us one with Him, who knows each and every one of us by name, and who knows every human being by name, including those forgotten, abandoned and mistreated, treated without human respect. Anyone who's considered unimportant by the standards of this world, God never forgets them.
God knows who they are. God will be faithful to them. God demands justice and respect for them now, and if it's not given to them now, it will most certainly be given to them in the next life, but now is the time to give them that respect, because God never abandons us, nor does He ever forget us.
Sadly, humans can abandon one another. Humans can let each other down. God does not.
The heart of our Good Shepherd, who cares for and loves each and every human being, must be terribly broken with grief for anyone suffering, anyone who's been treated without that respect and dignity that all people deserve and should be given. We're all beloved children of God, irrespective of race, culture or tongue, but Jesus is the light to all the nations and to all peoples. So today, even as we're encouraged by Jesus the Good Shepherd, let us particularly commend all who suffer to that gentle Shepherd's care, and let us recommit ourselves each day to showing practical care and support to all those we encounter and everyone in need.
For in Christ, they are truly revealed to be our brothers and sisters and their fellow members of the Good Shepherd's flock, who would die for them as well as us. So we must take a stand with that attitude too. May the world be reshaped with the peace, the care, the gentleness and the compassionate and practical love of the Good Shepherd, who wants this kind of love and care for the whole world and all people and creatures in it.
Let's continue to be people of hope, of love and of justice and compassion and practical charity. And may we be instruments in God's hand of healing, of justice and care. Christ's vision of valuing everyone, even those considered by others to be the least.
May the Lord show us the full meaning of the fact that God loves each and every person completely.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly, Vocations day resources)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1969049458 - Jesus parable about the runaway sheep. 3d illustration, 3d rendering. Contributor: - W.S. Coda]
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 Nereus and Achilleus
St Damasus wrote on their epitaph that it was love for Christ and a desire to witness to their new faith that inspired Nereus and Achilleus to “throw away their shields, their armour and their bloody spears.”
(Saints Nereus and Achilleus with St Flavia Domitilla by Peter Paul Rubens)
It seems that both men were Roman soldiers who obeyed orders in the
persecution of Christians until they themselves were converted to Christianity. Because Christians were not allowed to bear arms, they resigned from the emperor’s army and escaped from Rome. Eventually, Nereus and Achilleus were captured and were removed to the island of Terracina, where they were martyred. Their bodies were buried in a family vault, later known as the cemetery of Domitilla. They were among the first martyrs to be venerated as saints. Excavations by De Rossi in 1896 resulted in the discovery of their empty tomb in the underground church built by Pope Siricius in 390.
(https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/12/saints-of-the-day-12-may-sts-nereus-and-achilleus/)
St Pancras
During the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, around 303 AD, he was brought before the authorities and asked to perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods. Diocletian, impressed with the fifteen-year-old boy’s determination to resist, promised him wealth and power but Pancras refused and finally the emperor ordered him to be beheaded on the Via Aurelia, on 12 May 303 AD. A Roman matron named Ottavilla recovered Pancras’ body, covered it with balsam, wrapped it in precious linens and buried it in a newly built sepulchre dug in the Catacombs of Rome. Pancras’ head was placed in the reliquary that still exists today in the Basilica of Saint Pancras.
Our Lady of Fatima
“My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge, and the way that will lead you to God.”
“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.”
Our lady of Fatima Hail, Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima! Blessed among all women, you are the image of the Church dressed in the Paschal light, you are the honour of our people, and you are the triumph over the mark of evil. Prophecy of the merciful Love of the Father, Teacher of the Annunciation of the Good News of the Son, Sign of the burning Fire of the Holy Spirit, teach us, in this vale of joys and sorrows, the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones. Show us the strength of your mantle of protection. In your Immaculate Heart, be the refuge of sinners and the way that leads to God. In Faith, Hope and Love, I surrender myself to you. Through you, I consecrate myself to God, O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima. And thus surrounded by the Light that comes from your hands, I will give Glory to the Lord, forever and ever. Amen
St Matthew (Unique to Mattew’s gospel):
The Kingdom of Heaven likened to field sown with weeds (13:24-30)
Interpretation of parable of the field sown with weeds (13:36-43)
Net that gathered fish of all kinds (13:47-50)
Treasure hidden in a field; The pearl of great price (13:44-46)
The unforgiving servant (18:23-35)
The Labourers in the vineyard (20: 1-16)
The two sons –one obedient, the other not (21:28-32)
The wise and the foolish virgins (25:1-13)
REMEMBERING THE LATE AND MUCH LOVED POPE FRANCIS:
- Recalling with fondness the down-to-earth and home-spun wisdom of the late beloved Pope.
Be kind to your mother-in-law, the victim of ‘cliches’, urges Pope.
Pontiff offers advice to ease family tensions, telling daughters-in-law to ‘make them happy’ and mothers-in-law to ‘be careful how you express yourselves’
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to honour the elderly and take care of family bonds, also taking the opportunity to return to the thorny subject of mothers-in-law.
Devoting his general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday to the relationship between generations, the Argentine pontiff made a long digression on the “mythical character” of the mother-in-law and said they were often the victim of “cliches”.
He added: “I’m not saying we see her as the devil, but she is always presented in a pejorative way. But the mother-in-law is the mother of your husband and the mother of your wife.”
Equally, he urged daughters-in-law to take care of their relationships with their mothers-in-law. “... they gave birth to your spouse,” he said. “At least make them happy.”
The pope also had advice for mothers-in-law themselves. “I tell you, be careful how you express yourselves,” he said.
The 85-year-old pope added: “We say to ourselves ‘the further away your mother-in-law is, the better.’ But no – she’s a mother, she’s an elderly person. One of the most beautiful things for a woman is to have grandchildren. When her children have children, it brings her to life again.”
It is not his first foray on the subject. In 2015, Francis told a crowd of thousands in the US: “Families quarrel and sometimes plates can fly and children bring headaches, and I won’t speak about mothers-in-law.”
(Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed image - )
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ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: The Principles of a “Just War”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lays out the conditions for just war in paragraph 2309:
• The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
• all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
• there must be serious prospects of success;
• the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
The Catechism goes on to conclude in that same paragraph:
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the “just war” doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
2312 The Church and human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. "The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties."109
2313 Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely.
Actions deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes, as are the orders that command such actions. Blind obedience does not suffice to excuse those who carry them out. Thus the extermination of a people, nation, or ethnic minority must be condemned as a mortal sin. One is morally bound to resist orders that command genocide.
2314 "Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and man, which merits firm and unequivocal condemnation."110 A danger of modern warfare is that it provides the opportunity to those who possess modern scientific weapons, especially atomic, biological, or chemical weapons - to commit such crimes.
(Source: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM)
(Image - Licensed Shutterstock Image - Id number - 465886334 - Silhouette of Dove carrying olive leaf branch. Freedom concept and international day of peace 2022, Pray for Ukraine and No war concept - Contributor: LittlePerfectStock ]
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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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