PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
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“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 108097226 -By this shall all men know you are my disciples; if you have love one to another/Jesus Christ Cemetery Art with Bible Verse/The Lord Jesus Christ Cemetery Statue in blue tones. Contributor: - Kathy Clark.
PASTOR’S POST -
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 at this time. Happy Anniversary to our Christian Creed!
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.
Below is a good podcast about that. Enjoyable listening. And an extremely part of the Catholic Church’s early history.
Many thanks to Fr Warren for sharing this news. Bless.
Fr Paul
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/
DEFIBRILLATOR 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 is 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
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):
Jim Viner, 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)
Norma Jean Ancrum, Donald Hope Atkinson, Douglas Pierce Bates, Margaret Bell Boyle, Fr Michael Carew, Daniel Clancy, Rosemarie Ann Cocks, Patricia Connaghan, Leonor Corazon, Keith Cumner, June Valeen Deane, Helen Dunn, David John Falvey, Irmgard (Joan) Graz, Deris Howell, Jack Arthur Hurley, Marina Innocenti, Vittorio Lanci, Adoracion Santos Lapitan, Clarita Lopez, Distony Lunandi, Andreas Gandjar Lunandi, Bill McDermott, Brian Nolan, Judith Anne O'Connor, Gerald Thomas O'Halloran, Ronald Stanley Perry, Jean Georges Rabbath, Geoffrey John Rapp, Mansour Soueidan, Karen Ann Tansey, Maria Lucia Zervos, John Zervos.
And Also: (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.
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 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-
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 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:
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...
Goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate Light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death. Victory is ours through, Him who loves us.
(The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
PRAYER ….
Father of all,
Bless and strengthen those who work throughout the world
To bring relief to the oppressed, the hungry, those without hope. Give them courage. Keep them safe. Amen
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER - YEAR C 2025.
FRESH HEART AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Acts 14: 21-27
Apoc 21: 1-5
Jn 13: 31-35
Even in the enthusiastic world of the early Church, the apostles recognised the need, as today’s first reading reminds us, to ’put fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith’.
And the same is true for all who try to live out their faith in the way that Jesus left us, through personal and practical concern for the wellbeing of others. The life and work of conferences of the Society is based on spiritual, not just material, realities. An essential quality of that spirituality has to be to give fresh heart and hope to each other, and to those who are experiencing difficult times and circumstances. That is very much what Rosalie Rendu advocated when she said: A Daughter of Charity must be like a milestone on the street corner where all those who pass by can rest and lay down their heavy burdens.
And this is also the pattern of advice she gave to Frederic and his companions in the early days of their commitment to the Society in 1833: ‘Always remember, that if we had been through the hardships they have had to meet – if our childhood had been one of constant want - perhaps, we too, would have given way to envy and hatred, as I must admit have many of the poor in this quarter’.
The Vincentian Rule (3.12) expresses that it is essential for members to “deepen their knowledge of the Society and their spirituality”. Formation offers the opportunity to be renewed in spirit and understanding of our purpose. The Society is not just a welfare or a transaction of assistance. The Society is driven in meaning and a deeper purpose, one that needs assurance, nourishment, encouragement and prayerful support.
How do we put a “fresh heart” into our fellow 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}
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen
Ready for Prep 2026 at St Kevin’s School, Benowa
St Kevin’s enrolments for Prep 2026 are filling up very fast and we now extend an invitation to all families considering where to send their child to begin their schooling journey in 2026, to make application for an interview in order to secure a place for their child.
We also warmly invite you St Kevin’s Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025. Hear more about the excellent learning and teaching that happens at St Kevin’s and experience the sense of warmth and welcome that St Kevin’s offers all students and families.
Visit our website www.sk.qld.edu.au or call us on 055539 4522 for more information.
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THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
A VOCATION VIEW:
Can you imagine a country running on Jesus' one law of "love one another"? No wars. No hunger. No thirst. No jealousy. Only loving followers of Jesus.
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 give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (John 13:34)
“As I have loved you,” this is the hard part – Jesus’s love is unconditional; our love usually comes with strings attached. It is easy to love someone when they love you back. But it takes mercy and compassion to love someone when you feel unappreciated, feel used or feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. It takes courage and the grace of God to “love my neighbour” when they may be someone you don’t like, someone you don’t know or someone that doesn’t look like you.
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: Opening a door to the poor
and Valuing families is a Catholic imperative. Yet on this International Day of Families, we face the reality that between 20 and 30 per cent of the world's homeless include entire families. In the United States, nearly 60,000 families with children are without shelter on a given night. De La Salle Brother Peter Maurin co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement with Dorothy Day because he couldn't, as he said, be crazy the way the world is crazy. "What we give to the poor for Christ's sake, is what we carry with us when we die," Maurin reflected. Today, on his death date, reflect on what you will carry with you at your passing.
"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:21-27).
Also, Bear witness! The Holy Spirit is called the “Advocate.” An advocate is someone who defends, counsels, guides, and comforts. As Saint Paul said, the Advocate bears witness that we are children of God. As Catholics, we’re called to advocate for others as well. Catholic Relief Services encourages “advocating for changes in existing unjust policies and the creation of new policies that benefit the common good.” Want to put your faith into action through advocacy for the poor? Visit the website of Catholic Relief Services to learn how to become a voice for those whose voices have been ignored.
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything.” John 14:21-26.
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 -
Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter.Year C - Sunday, 18 May 2025
-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.
We want to love with the love that Christ (God) loves. Because we are limited human beings and we are speaking about Divine Love, which is infinite and unfathomable, we will very likely not attain the fullness of this Love until the fullness of the Heavenly Kingdom. But here and now we already live the beginnings of God's love forming and growing within us.
Love is a universal concept held by sacred and secular cultures throughout the world and throughout history. Christian love is a particular and extraordinary concept that challenges us to deepen our understanding and practise in accordance with Christ's vision. And we desire to deepen our understanding and our living of this profound way of loving to which Christ has opened doors.
In the first reading, there's a delightful line, they put fresh heart into the disciples and encourage the people to persevere in the trials and difficulties that they were facing because of their following of Christ. It's a reminder that the purpose of Christ's church and each of its members is to encourage each other, to support and strengthen one another, and to be instruments of God's grace, strength, encouragement, power and mercy to all people. God, as the second reading reminds us, is making all things new.
God is constantly at work in his disciples, making us a new creation, re-imaging us. We're being reshaped and refashioned in the image of Christ and his gospel. This is a subtle and daily process that continues throughout the whole of our lives.
And when we look back, we see the graces and blessings and the recreating that God has wrought in our lives and the lives of our family and friends around us.
One of the ways that God renews us is by giving us new starts, new beginnings. This is an essential aspect of our discipleship. Following Christ and his gospel vision is very challenging and difficult. Our Lord is offering the world a new commandment of love that challenges us to go much deeper than some concepts of love held by the world. In other words, Christ is extending the natural selflessness and unconditionality that one finds in families, for example in parents for their children, the unbreakable bonds of bloodlines.
And God is making this in the image of God's love for his people, a loving parent for his beloved children, and his challenge for how we live this world as brothers and sisters in Christ, united still by blood, but this time by the blood of Christ. The readings are very encouraging, for we're reminded that God lives with his people. God is known as God with them.
And our God lives in our midst, walks along with us, is constantly at work, taking the pain and tears from our midst. God is constantly at work with us, fashioning healing and peace in the hearts of his beloved people.
Then we move to the gospel. An intriguing piece of text. It starts by saying, after Judas had gone. That's a rather striking and interesting beginning sentence. Jesus makes this speech as soon as Judas has left the table and gone to sell out Jesus. Judas, of course, betrays Jesus.
Judas has left the building. Not just physically, but spiritually, he has withdrawn his support from Christ and his message. Judas has left the table of the Lord. And as he leaves, Judas takes with him Judas's selfishness, his greed, his desire for money, his misguided desire for power, his focus on his own needs. Whatever it was he was taking, he was taking them with him.
Now those who remain at the table are there voluntarily and with their hearts and minds set on following Jesus and his kingdom, not their own kingdom. Now the ones who remain with Jesus, although they still suffer from weakness and sometimes doubt, and imminently when they leave that last supper table, they're going to abandon him and deny him.
But nevertheless, overall, those who now surround him are a group who are really dedicated to the service, love and sacrifice of Christ, according to Jesus' vision. They're really on board with him. Now is the time.
It's at this point, says the gospel, that Jesus begins his final instruction to them before he suffers and dies. When a person realizes that their time is very short and their hour is upon them, and that they will shortly die, their deeply held values, the deepest held values that they have, their deepest desires inevitably come to the fore, because there's no other time but now to express them. And what Christ says and does before he died, shows us very profoundly the things that God thinks are really important, really central, and the things that are not.
So what Jesus did not say at this intense final speech is as important as what he did say. For example, it says Jesus knew his time had come to suffer and die. So he says, listen my dear children, I'm not going to be with you longer.
I must tell you this because it's very important. Remember this above all. And what does he say? Well, first of all, he does not say, above all else, even if you're not practicing the message of the gospel, at least appear to. He definitely wasn't saying that. Neither did he say this.
Listen, my time is short. So remember, if you remember nothing else, appearing righteous and keeping the letter of the law is more important than doing it. Disassociate yourselves with all who fall short of the gospel and stumble. Again, he was certainly not saying that either.
So what did he say was so important that they must keep it in mind above all else. Thanks be to God, this is it. How you love is what matters above all.
He continues to teach us this, even to this day, what he means by this love. But what a wonderful message. Saint Paul picks this up powerfully and so does Saint Therese many, many centuries later. She writes deeply on this truth. If I do even a good thing for a hateful motive, without love, it will do me no good whatsoever. It will not please God.
Love and compassion are so central. Doing good and keeping God's law is important, of course. But if we do not do these things, with the love of God in our hearts, flowing out into actions motivated by God's love, we've utterly missed the point.
If Jesus suffered and died with hatred in his heart, with resentment and an absolute desire for revenge, he would have achieved nothing. But of course, he couldn't and didn't do that, because he is God, who is love. He suffered and he died out of love to save us.
And that's what made the suffering and death so powerful and so salvific. This is truly beautiful. The quality of one's love, compassion, mercy and practical care will be the touchstone of the disciple, follower and friend of Jesus.
If this is not witnessed in their lives and actions, the lack of love, the lack of compassion, the absence of mercy, gentleness and justice will without doubt be the single most damaging sign to others that our witness as disciples is faulty This is what people look for in a Christian. When they see it, they're inspired and moved. When they do not see it and experience the opposite, they're scandalized, they're discouraged, they lose hope and trust and perhaps even lose faith. Love. True Christian love.
A love that puts others first and seeks what is truly best for others, even if it's at the cost and sacrifice of our own personal ambitions and desires. This is Christ's love. The love that serves, suffers and sacrifices, puts itself last and others first, or at least puts others' needs as equal to our own.
This is the image Jesus wanted to leave his disciples with before he suffered and died for everyone, out of love. In short, before he showed them the perfect love that holds nothing back and which strips itself of everything, even that which one may be entitled to, Christ even lays down his precious, unique life for his friends, who weren't even worthy of it, but because he loved them. And even for those who call themselves his enemies, he laid down his precious, unique life for them too.
They will know you are Christians by your love. They will know the quality of our Christianity by the depth, quality and practicality of our love. This is truly beautiful.
They will know we are Christians by our love.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1285938766 - Use your gifts to serve one another with background sunset design for Christianity – Contributor: Josephine Julian]
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 Bernadine of Siena
“Whenever the divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfil the task at hand.”
“The name of Jesus, is in fact, the great foundation of the faith that turns people into children of God. The Catholic Faith indeed, consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as the light of the soul, gate of life and foundation of eternal salvation.”
“The Name of Jesus is the glory of preachers because the shining splendour of that Name causes His word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling light of faith came into the world, if not because Jesus was preached? Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savour of this Name that God called us into His marvellous light?”
“The last degree of love is when He gave Himself to us to be our Food; because He gave Himself to be united with us in every way.”
“Let Mary never be far from your lips and from your heart. Following her, you will never lose your way. Praying to her, you will never sink into despair. Contemplating her, you will never go wrong.”
St Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and companions, Martyrs. 21 May
Born in 1869. Died on 25 May 1927 at Colotitlan (Mexico). Parish priest, Christobal Magallanes, founder of a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, is commemorated with 21 other diocesan priests and three laymen. Martyred in Mexico, mostly in 1926-1928, during a fierce religious persecution that outlawed the celebration of the sacraments. They are remembered for their courageous faith, for forgiving their executioners, and for their final cry, Viva Christo Rey!
His last words are recorded as, “I am innocent and die innocent. I absolve with all my heart those who seek my death and ask God that my blood bring peace to a divided Mexico.” Father Agustín Caloca Cortés, Father Magallanes' assistant, was arrested on the same day as Father Magallanes and imprisoned with him.
“We live for God, and for Him we die!” (Father Agustín Caloca Cortés).
The twenty-five saints we honour today died at the hands of the Mexican government during a time of anti-Catholic turmoil. One died in 1915, and the remaining twenty-four were killed between 1926 and 1928. Of the three laymen and the twenty-two diocesan priests, two were hanged in the public square, and the rest were shot to death, most by firing squad without a trial. Each priest’s only crime was secretly ministering to the people’s needs. The three laymen were members of a Catholic action group that opposed the oppression of the Church and encouraged fellow Catholics to remain strong in their faith.
After Spanish Franciscans brought the faith to Mexico in the 1500s, the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe aided efforts to share the Gospel. By the turn of the nineteenth century, some political rulers resented the Church’s influence and sought to eradicate it, beginning with a new Mexican constitution in 1857. The government confiscated Church property, and the state and Church began to separate. After a period of relative peace, a new Mexican president began enforcing anti-Catholic laws in 1926. He eliminated the Catholic education of youth, expelled all foreign priests, banned celibacy and religious vows, and confiscated all remaining Church property. The devastation was immense. At the beginning of the century, 4,500 mostly foreign-born priests served in Mexico. By 1934, only 334 state-licensed native priests remained for approximately fifteen million Catholics.
Today’s memorial mentions one martyr by the name of Saint Christopher Magallanes. Cristobal Magallanes Jara was born in Totatiche, Jalisco, Mexico, to devout parents who were farmers. As a child, Christopher worked the land and tended the sheep. In 1888, Christopher entered the seminary at nineteen and was ordained a priest eleven years later. He began his ministry as a teacher in Guadalajara but soon became a parish priest in his hometown, serving for over twenty years.
Father Magallanes served his parishioners’ spiritual needs and evangelised the indigenous people. He also founded schools and opened a carpentry shop to employ the locals and build the town’s infrastructure. In 1915, after the government closed the seminary in Guadalajara, Father Christopher operated a secret seminary for seventeen seminarians in his own home.
Though Father Magallanes did not support armed rebellion, he was arrested for supporting the Christeros, peasants who opposed the government’s anti-Catholic oppression. Four days after his arrest, on May 21, 1927, he was shot to death without receiving a trial. His last words are recorded as, “I am innocent and die innocent. I absolve with all my heart those who seek my death and ask God that my blood bring peace to a divided Mexico.”
Father Agustín Caloca Cortés, Father Magallanes’ assistant, was arrested on the same day as Father Magallanes and imprisoned with him. Since Father Cortés was only twenty-nine years old, the officers offered to set him free. He refused unless Father Magallanes was set free, which the guards refused to do. Father Cortés’ last words were, “For God we lived, and for Him we die.”
Saint Christopher Magallanes and Companions, you valued the Catholic faith over your own lives. Please pray that I will have your courage so that I can give witness to my love of God, even to the shedding of my blood. Saint Christopher Magallanes and Companions, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
St Rita of Cascia, Religious. 22 May. Optional Memorial
Born in 1381 at Rocca Porena (Italy). Died on this day in 1457 at Cascia. Obedient to the will of elderly parents, she accepted an abusive husband and remained faithful for eighteen years until his violent death. When her two sons died soon after, she became an Augustinian nun. Remembered for her life of penance and her suffering in union with Christ crucified.
“There is nothing impossible to God.”
“Most Holy Sacred Heart of Jesus, help my heart to preserve in all that is holy.”
“Let me, my Jesus, share in Thy suffering, at least one of Thy thorns.”
Poem inscribed on her casket: “Blessed by God, you were a light in darkness through your steadfast courage when you had to suffer such agony upon your cross. You turned aside from this vale of tears to seek wholeness for your hidden wounds in the great passion of Christ. . . . You were not content with less than perfect healing, and so endured the thorn for fifteen years before you entered into the joy of your Lord.
love God above all this. His goodness being infinite and his beauty without comparison, you should always keep before your mind the great love he has for you as Father, Spouse, and Master.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, Patron of Australia. 24 May. Solemnity.
The Virgin Mary has often been invoked in times of religious strife under the title of Help of Christians. In thanksgiving for the release of Pope Pius VII from captivity in 1814, the feast was established the following year on the anniversary of his restoration. The first Australian provincial synod held in Sydney in 1844 placed the Church in Australia under Mary's patronage invoked by the title Help of Christians. The solemn feast is an occasion to seek Mary's help and protection for our Church and nation.
REMEMBERING THE LATE POPE FRANCIS:
( Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1816062077 - Vatican City, Pope Francis – Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update- )
EASTER SUNDAY
MASS OF THE DAY
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
READ BY CARDINAL ANGELO COMASTRI
Saint Peter's Square
Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025
Mary Magdalene, seeing that the stone of the tomb had been rolled away, ran to tell Peter and John. After receiving the shocking news, the two disciples also went out and — as the Gospel says — “the two were running together” (Jn 20:4). The main figures of the Easter narratives all ran! On the one hand, “running” could express the concern that the Lord’s body had been taken away; but, on the other hand, the haste of Mary Magdalene, Peter and John expresses the desire, the yearning of the heart, the inner attitude of those who set out to search for Jesus. He, in fact, has risen from the dead and therefore is no longer in the tomb. We must look for him elsewhere.
This is the message of Easter: we must look for him elsewhere. Christ is risen, he is alive! He is no longer a prisoner of death, he is no longer wrapped in the shroud, and therefore we cannot confine him to a fairy tale, we cannot make him a hero of the ancient world, or think of him as a statue in a museum! On the contrary, we must look for him and this is why we cannot remain stationary. We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters, look for him in everyday business, look for him everywhere except in the tomb.
We must look for him without ceasing. Because if he has risen from the dead, then he is present everywhere, he dwells among us, he hides himself and reveals himself even today in the sisters and brothers we meet along the way, in the most ordinary and unpredictable situations of our lives. He is alive and is with us always, shedding the tears of those who suffer and adding to the beauty of life through the small acts of love carried out by each of us.
For this reason, our Easter faith, which opens us to the encounter with the risen Lord and prepares us to welcome him into our lives, is anything but a complacent settling into some sort of “religious reassurance.” On the contrary, Easter spurs us to action, to run like Mary Magdalene and the disciples; it invites us to have eyes that can “see beyond,” to perceive Jesus, the one who lives, as the God who reveals himself and makes himself present even today, who speaks to us, goes before us, surprises us. Like Mary Magdalene, every day we can experience losing the Lord, but every day we can also run to look for him again, with the certainty that he will allow himself to be found and will fill us with the light of his resurrection.
Brothers and sisters, this is the greatest hope of our life: we can live this poor, fragile and wounded existence clinging to Christ, because he has conquered death, he conquers our darkness and he will conquer the shadows of the world, to make us live with him in joy, forever. This is the goal towards which we press on, as the Apostle Paul says, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead (cf. Phil 3:12-14). Like Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, we hasten to meet Christ.
The Jubilee invites us to renew the gift of hope within us, to surrender our sufferings and our concerns to hope, to share it with those whom we meet along our journey and to entrust to hope the future of our lives and the destiny of the human family. And so we cannot settle for the fleeting things of this world or give in to sadness; we must run, filled with joy. Let us run towards Jesus, let us rediscover the inestimable grace of being his friends. Let us allow his Word of life and truth to shine in our life. As the great theologian Henri de Lubac said, “It should be enough to understand this: Christianity is Christ. No, truly, there is nothing else but this. In Christ we have everything” (Les responsabilités doctrinales des catholiques dans le monde d'aujourd'hui, Paris 2010, 276).
And this “everything” that is the risen Christ opens our life to hope. He is alive, he still wants to renew our life today. To him, conqueror of sin and death, we want to say:
“Lord, on this feast day we ask you for this gift: that we too may be made new, so as to experience this eternal newness. Cleanse us, O God, from the sad dust of habit, tiredness and indifference; give us the joy of waking every morning with wonder, with eyes ready to see the new colours of this morning, unique and unlike any other. […] Everything is new, Lord, and nothing is the same, nothing is old” (A. Zarri, Quasi una preghiera).
Sisters, brothers, in the wonder of the Easter faith, carrying in our hearts every expectation of peace and liberation, we can say: with You, O Lord, everything is new. With you, everything begins again.
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2025/documents/20250420-omelia-pasqua.html
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ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: Some Interesting Statistics about the Catholic Church
The ONLY Christian church in existence for the first 1,000 years of Christian history was the Catholic Church. All other Christian churches which exist today can trace their linage back to the Roman Catholic Church. Most non-Catholic churches which exist today are less than a century or two old by comparison.
The Catholic Church consists of more than just the Roman Catholic Church. There are 22 Eastern Rites that are in full communion with Rome and although they go by different names, they are every bit as much a part of the Catholic Church.
Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was Catholic and the first book ever printed was the Catholic Bible.
The Catholic Church is entirely responsible for the composition of the Bible, which books are included, as well as the breakup of the chapters and verses. Later communities which left communion with the Catholic Church have then removed some books of the Bible because some of the verses were inconsistent with their theology. Martin Luther was a prime offender in this regard, removing Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch. He also made an effort to remove James and Revelations, but this was rejected by his followers and those two books were kept. Catholics are often accused of "adding" the books, but despite this common belief, it is false. Older, pre-Protestant, Catholic translations of the Bible include them.
How many saints are recognized by the Catholic Church? There does not seem to be an official number, but it exceeds 10,000. Of course, any person who enters heaven is a saint, by definition, so it is certain the number of actual saints in existence is much greater than the number recognized by the Church.
Any Catholic may perform an emergency baptism, such as if a person is in grave danger of death. In such a case, the validity of the baptism only depends upon the wishes of the person being baptized, that they desire the baptism. There are specific guidelines for such practices that Catholics should follow. Anyone wishing to be prepared for such a case should refer to the catechism for a deeper understanding of this allowance. Generally, such practices ought to be left to trained clergy.
Catholic Health Australia represents 75 hospitals and 550 residential and community aged care services and comprises Australia's largest non-government not-for-profit What percentage of hospitals are Catholic? That makes up about 14.5 per cent of hospitals in Australia.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest non-government provider of health care services in the world. It has around 18,000 clinics, 16,000 homes for the elderly and those with special needs, and 5,500 hospitals, with 65 per cent of them located in developing countries.
Similarly, about 15 percent of all hospitals in the United States are Catholic hospitals. In some parts of the world, the Catholic Church provides the only healthcare, education and social services available to people.
The Catholic Church spends more money than Apple Corporation brings in. Expenditures by the Catholic Church, largely on charity, exceeded $170 billion in 2012, according to The Economist magazine. In that same year, Apple took in $157 billion in revenue.
The Pope is protected by the Swiss Papal Guard. Wearing uniforms designed by Michelangelo and commonly armed with halberds, they are capable of using heavier weapons if needed. Each member is Catholic, male, and Swiss, and must complete military training in Switzerland. They must demonstrate good conduct and be at least five-foot-eight in height. Those who are chosen are granted a private audience with the pope along with their families. In extreme circumstances, they are expected to guard the Holy Father with their lives. The Swiss Papal Guard is the oldest active military unit in continual existence since 1506.
(Source: https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=57689 )
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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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