PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Simon son of John, do you love me?”(John 21:16)
Shutterstock licensed image - Item ID: 1185533062 - Israel, Galilee, Shore of Kinneret lake in Capernaum, fishing village, mentioned in the New Testament as a meeting place of Jesus Christ and Saint Peter. - Contributor: - Alexander Chizhenok
Pope Francis (2013-2025). - Rest in Peace -
We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Rest In Peace – Pope Francis
Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in Peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
We pray also for the cardinal-electors in their prayerful deliberations with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
PASTOR’S POST -
I grew up with Catholic schooling like many children today. Like many children in Catholic schools, I wasn’t a practising Catholic. But I have still retained a lot of memories of my Religious Education. I have to confess, I don’t remember what I was explicitly taught, but I do remember having a sense that Religious Education was important, and this occurred for me due to the importance that the school and those who taught it seemed to place on it.
I remember my experience of first Communion preparation in year three. We would spend some sessions at school going over the Mass. I don’t think I even paid much attention to what was being taught, and I don’t believe I gained any greater knowledge or appreciation for the Mass. Yet something resonated for me enough to know that God was real, and that I should invest in my faith in some way throughout my life. I responded in my early adult years by returning to Sunday Mass when I felt more responsible for my decisions in life.
It was then my investment in youth group activities and events where I met Jesus personally and my personal faith grew. As I look back on my life, I feel that Religious Education in schools will always have value. If we ever lose hope because we feel that children are not being nurtured in the life of their own faith, perhaps simply being exposed to Catholic Christian beliefs and understandings will resonate with them as it did for me. Let us keep praying for our school communities, and let us pray for and support school staff, that they too may journey in faith – faith that they pass on to the next generation.
Fr Bradley
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.
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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 🙏😃🙏😇🙏
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 2nd May 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All 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 3rd May 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 6th of May- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Lindsay Allan, Robert Andreas, Joseph Antony, Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, 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, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard Murphy, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Kevin Owen, Sarah Pawley, Clare Perera, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Melba Rentoul, Sharon Richardson, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Miranda Santi, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Hanni Aouad, 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, Lucy Markovic, Moira McKane, Denis Lyons, Gwen O’Brien, Larry Klinge, Argyna Marie Santiago, Yvonne Maria McGuffie, Vittorio Capone, Roger Blanksby, Denis John McCabe, Nathan Kinett, Angelina Elsey, Rita Maria-Angela Derek, Ena Hehir, Scott Nunan, Rosie Maitland, Mark Johnstone, Ron McConnell.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (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, Juan Rivero, Kath Ryan, Veronica Scarcella, Fr Leslie Seary, Beverley Jean Stout, Charles Vassallo, Denise “Denny” Welsh, Mario & Josephine Wirth
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Salvatore Aprile, Fr Bernard Bree, Andrew Brown, Steven Chew, Fr Brian Cooper, Fr Louis Durrell,Clarice Edith East, Lyndon Fitzgibbon, Beverly Ann Gooding, Leonard Gravener, Adam James Hewitt, Michelle Renee Kay, Mons James Kelly, Roxanne Kempen, Andrija Kudus, Lucena Gabriel (Lucy) Liwag, Maria Del Carmen Olsen, Una Mary Parkinson, Greg Perkins, Graziella Randazzo, Kevin Robert Ryan, Kevin Joseph, William Ryan, Alberto Simonetti, Carole Anne Stapleton, Bryan James Telfer, Frances Verge, Clement Kam Yan Tong.
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
A variety of ‘end of line’ or ‘discontinued’ items available now in the shops at 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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 2nd May 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All 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 3rd May 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 6th of May- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network!
So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please emailsurfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you want her in your home and say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
05/5/25 Susanne Joseph & Family. Varsity Lakes
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
PRAYER ….
“Christ is risen, alleluia, alleluia”
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society]
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41
Apoc 5: 11-14
Jn 21: 1-19
Following the crucifixion we know that the majority of the disciples
had deserted Jesus, run away, abandoned him and were at a loss for
what they should do next. Last week’s reading told us that they were
behind closed doors, hiding for fear of the Jews when Jesus appeared
and stood among them, bringing his peace. As John’s Gospel continues
this week, we read of another appearance by Jesus. However, this time,
the disciples have come out of hiding and have gone back fishing.
A smaller group, only seven of them, led by Peter. In the “vacuum of
life” without Jesus, they go back to what is familiar and safe, probably
needing food and or money to support themselves.
And after fishing all night, they had no catch. In the early morning
light, an unknown figure on the shore tells them to drop the nets in
again, whereupon their nets were filled to overflowing. Something was
revealed to Peter at that moment and he recognised Jesus. He jumps
out of the boat and rushes straight to Jesus and, as so often in the
past, they shared a meal together.
This is the same weak Simon Peter, who only a short while before,
lived up to Jesus’ earlier prophecy and denied that he knew him, three
times. The same enthusiastic Peter who tried walking on water once
before and who in this story jumps into the sea so as to reach Jesus
quickly. The same impulsive Peter who raised his sword in the garden
at Gethsemane. Jesus accepted Peter with all his weaknesses, had
faith in him and chose him to be the foundation of the growing group
of believers.
He wasn’t a perfect man. He was just a normal person with all the
limitations that all humans share. And that gives me great hope. Jesus
accepts each of us in our failings and forgives us in the same way he
forgave Peter and the other disciples. On the shore that morning, there
was love, acceptance and forgiveness. There was also renewed faith
and purpose.
(Reflection by Greg Ryan)
Imagine and share a time of personal revelation or a moment of
renewed faith that you have experienced.
[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.
Please pray for Pope Francis who entered eternal life in the Jubilee year he opened. Also, we pray for the cardinals who will, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, elect his successor.
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise forever and ever
Amen
Ready for Prep 2026 at St Kevin’s School, Benowa
St Kevin’s enrolments for Prep 2026 are filling up very fast and we now extend an invitation to all families considering where to send their child to begin their schooling journey in 2026, to make application for an interview in order to secure a place for their child.
We also warmly invite you St Kevin’s Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025. Hear more about the excellent learning and teaching that happens at St Kevin’s and experience the sense of warmth and welcome that St Kevin’s offers all students and families.
Visit our website www.sk.qld.edu.au or call us on 055539 4522 for more information.
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THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
A VOCATION VIEW:
Let people know that Jesus has the solution. Cast your net on the other side of life. Listen to God's Son. And tell the world what you hear!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“…For his sake, I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ…“ (Philippians 3:8)
The first commandment says that we should not put other gods before the Lord. Sharing all of our gifts - our time in prayer, our talent in charitable works and our treasure to support the Church helps us keep God first in everything. It helps us from putting other gods before God. It helps us from becoming a slave to our possessions. It helps us to use our gifts for the glory of God and not for the glory of ourselves.
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: Crown thy good with brotherhood
Some of us are born into an abundance of siblings in our families, and some not. But all of us are gifted with sisters and brothers in the church. Today on Religious Brothers Day, we're reminded how “The vocation of the brother is part of the answer that God gives to the absence of brotherhood which is wounding the world today" (Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church). If you feel stirred to be a special kind of brother to those in need, consider casting your net in the direction of this unique vocation.
"Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." (John 21:1-19).
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
FOUND IN AN OLD COOKING BOOK: HOW TO MAKE A SCRIPTURE CAKE -
4.5 cups of I Kings 4th chapter 22nd verse.
4.5 cups of Judges 5th chapter 25th verse (latter sort)
2 cups of Jeremiah 6th chapter 20th verse
2 cups of I Samuel 30th chapter 12th verse (latter sort)
1 cup Numbers 17th chapter, 8th verse
2 cups Nahum 3rd chapter 12th verse
2 tablespoons of I Samuel 14th chapter 25th verse
Season to taste II Chronicles 9th chapter 9th verse
6 parts of Jeremiah 17th chapter 11th verse
a pinch of Leviticus 2nd chapter 13th verse
0.5 cup of Judges 4th chapter 19th verse (latter sort)
2 teaspoonfuls of Amos 4th chapter 5th verse;
Beat well, and you will make a good cake.
Method:
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in honey. Fold in half the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt, spice). Add chopped fruit and almonds. Finally, add the remainder of the flour. Cook half the mixture in a 9" round cake tin lined with 2 thicknesses of brown paper and one greaseproof paper. Heat oven to 177 degrees Celsius (electric). Put the cake in the middle of the oven. Reduce heat immediately to 163 degrees C, for half an hour. Put a brown paper bag on top and reduce heat to 148 degrees C for 1 hour.
See later in this newsletter for some clearer answers!
(note: photo not necessarily illustrative of the final result - used for editorial purposes only)
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.
The apostles quickly return to the activity that they know best, and which gives them the comfort of familiarity: (their previous profession: fishing). But, although they are out all night, they again prove to be totally unsuccessful. Again, Jesus, (albeit unrecognised at first), asks the disciples to follow his instructions and this results in a massive catch of fish. The disciples then RECOGNISE that this is Jesus and they rush to greet him.
It is a reminder to the disciples, and to us, that our success – in everything that really matters - depends entirely upon our following the instructions and guidance of the Lord. Without the guidance and direction of Jesus, all our efforts could be misguided (no matter how well-intended). It is Jesus who gives success and fruitfulness to the work of our hands.
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Jesus does a truly wonderful thing in this Gospel today. He restores Peter fully to good standing. Peter did a really shocking thing.
When it came to the crunch, he let our Lord down and denied him, denied that he even knew him, not once but three times. And Peter knew all too well the terrible remorse of this denial. When he had told Jesus at the Last Supper, I will not abandon you, I'll even die for you, he meant it.
But in the fear of the moment, and knowing the real dangers, and not taking fully our Lord's constant reminder, pray so that you may not be put in this time of trial. He lost his nerve and he chose self-preservation and denial of Christ. But very, very soon after his mistake, he regretted it bitterly.
This scene is one of the wonderful examples of just how different God's ways are from human ways. Jesus, thank goodness, shows us God's infinite kindness and compassion, his understanding and forgiveness. Our Lord doesn't reject Peter, even though Peter has denied him three times, nor does he chide him for what was really a gross lapse of support for our Lord in his moment of need.
Rather, Jesus knows Peter and his heart. He already knows that Peter loves him and wants to follow him. He knows that Peter, in the essence of who he is, is a brave person, who will eventually stand up and even sacrifice his life for the Gospel.
He knows that Peter's loyalty is very strong. And so he gives him this beautiful and moving and deeply emotional opportunity to reverse his denials and profess his love and support for the Lord. Our Lord gives Peter, for the sake of St. Peter, not for our Lord's sake, three opportunities to say, I love you, Lord, I believe in you and I will follow you, Lord, which is as many times as he had denied Jesus on the night before his crucifixion.
Our Lord, in his infinite mercy, gives Peter the perfect opportunity to declare his unswerving support for our Lord and reminds him that he will suffer for this dedication and eventually he will be martyred for his following of Jesus. Next time, Peter will not fail and he will declare utter support and belief in his Lord and he will show his leadership that Jesus always saw in him. Our Lord entrusts the care of his beloved people to Peter's care and dedication.
It certainly makes one think, if we were to do things the human way, then the best leader for the group of disciples would hardly have been a man who denied Christ three times when he needed him most. Nor would we probably appoint, as a worthy leader, someone like St. Paul who started out his career persecuting and arresting Christians and getting them executed, anyone who followed Jesus. If we were looking around for people in this day and age to lead and care for God's people and used only human standards, people like St. Peter and St. Paul, these people and many others would have been written off as failed or weak or unreliable.
But thank goodness God does not think as we think. God sees into the human heart and God sees what we're capable of. God knows that we need forgiveness and a new start in order not to be stuck in our old ways.
If we're left at rejection and persecution and never given a chance to turn that around and be the opposite, where are we? Our Lord who loves us knows that he wants us to be with him, not left behind as some kind of failed experiment. So our Lord, in an act of incredible wisdom and mercy, realizes that people who have made terrible mistakes but then truly repent of it will never be able to fulfill their potential if they're held to their past faults and people always made sure that they lived in the past and can never have a new start, will never be given a chance to be what they ought to be and can be and what God wants them to be. Thanks be to God that these people are leaders of the early church.
It gives us new and wonderful ways of seeing things the way God sees it. It's so liberating and positive. We all have new chances, new opportunities, and we have a God who loves us as a doting parent loves us and understands us and God doesn't want us to be left stuck in our past with our past mistakes, unable to move forward.
God helps us to begin again and again and to walk humbly with his guidance and direction. The difference between a saint and someone who isn't is not the number of times they've fallen, but the number of times with God's grace and mercy they've gotten back up again. Let's thank the Lord for this and trust in his guidance, his mercy and his wisdom to put us back on the right path and keep us there. (Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
[Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 188307938 - VATICAN CITY - SEPTEMBER 21: The Great Catch of Fish mosaic in the St. Peter's Basilica on September 21, 2013- Vatican City, Italy. - Contributor: Luis Santosl]
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.
Saint John of Avila
St. John of Avila taught that ‘the good preacher and the good confessor must go ahead. No one should say a good word without first putting it into practice.’
Newsroom (10/05/2023 10:16, Gaudium Press) St. John of Avila was born in Almodóvar del Campo, in Castilla Nueva. He became one of the most influential saints of 16th-century Spain.
This distinguished Spanish priest was a mystic, a great preacher, a friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, and a spiritual advisor to St. Teresa. Additionally, he is credited with the conversion of St. Francis of Borja and St. John of God.
He was beatified in 1894 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on May 31, 1970. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church. See below for a selection of phrases by St. John of Avila.
Saint John of Avila’s quotes:
01 – ‘He who relies on God does not let himself be overwhelmed by sufferings, anguish, death, or hell. He who does not lean on Him, how much fear he feels, how worried he walks!’
02 – ‘I would rather live without skin than live without devotion to the Virgin Mary.’
03 – ‘Remember what you have done offending God and what you have failed to do in His service; go to the confessor and throw away all your sins, sweep and clean your house.’
04 – ‘The priests, at Mass, place themselves at the altar in the person of Christ to perform the office of the Redeemer himself.’
05 – ‘Whoever has the truth and does not profess it or behave according to it is trapping the truth in injustice.’
06 – ‘The cause that in a greater measure stimulates our heart to the love of God is to consider deeply the love that He had for us. This, more than benefits, stimulates the heart to love because he who gives a benefit to another gives him something he possesses, but he who loves gives himself with all he has, without there being anything left to give.’
07 – ‘Your neighbor is something that concerns Jesus Christ; therefore, the proof of the perfect love of our Lord is the perfect love of the neighbor.’
08 – ‘Enlarge your little heart to the immensity of love with which the Father offered us His Son, and with Him gave us Himself, the Holy Spirit, and all things.’
09 – ‘You think that by worrying too much you will be able to keep up. Woe to the man who does not lean on God but lives thinking whether it will rain a lot or whether it will not rain!’
10 – ‘The good preacher and the good confessor must go to the front. No one should say a good word without first putting it into practice.’
Prayer to Saint John of Avila - Almighty God, You chose St. John of Avila from among your faithful to show his brothers the way that leads to You; grant that his example may help us to follow Jesus Christ, our teacher, so that one day, together with our brothers, we may reach the glory of your eternal kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen. (EPC)”
Compiled by Kate Iwuc
REMEMBERING THE LATE AND MUCH LOVED POPE FRANCIS: A true educator accompanies, listens and dialogues
To educate is not "to fill one's head with ideas," because "automatons" are formed, but to walk together with people in a "tension between risk and security." This is what Pope Francis said in an impromptu speech - after handing over his prepared words - to a delegation of the "Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education Project" (GRACE), a new international research project promoted by volunteers with the aim of promoting the values of Catholic education in respect of identity and dialogue. The meeting took place in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall before the general audience.
The right to make mistakes
Pope Francis asked primary, secondary, and university teachers to support students in their educational journey. "You cannot educate," he added, "without walking together with the people you are educating. It is beautiful when you find educators who walk together with boys and girls." The Pope remarked that "to educate is not to say purely rhetorical things; to educate is to make what is said meet reality. Girls and boys have the right to make mistakes, but the educator accompanies them on the path to direct these mistakes so that they are not dangerous." The true educator," continued Pope Francis, "is never frightened by mistakes, no: he accompanies, takes them by the hand, listens, and dialogues. He does not get frightened and waits. This is human education: to educate 'is this bringing forward and promoting growth, helping to grow.’"
Educating in the tradition that is dynamic
The GRACE delegation, through a spokesperson, opened a dialogue with Pope Francis and explained to him that the aim of the project is precisely that of educating not only by transmitting knowledge but also by giving space to the spiritual and pastoral sphere and to what the elderly can pass on to the young. The Pope emphasised that "dialogue between young people and the elderly is important [...] because, in order to grow, the tree needs a close relationship with its roots." He then recounted: "There is a poet from my land who says a beautiful thing: 'Everything that the tree has in bloom, comes from what it has under the ground'. Without roots, we cannot go forward. Only with roots do we become people." Pope Francis, therefore, said no to cold and rigid traditionalism, reiterating that true tradition is "taking from the past to go forward. Tradition is not static: it is dynamic, tending to go forward.
(Source: Tiziana Campisi - Vatican City - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-04/pope-francis-a-true-educator-accompanies-listens-and-dialogues.html )
(Image Credit: Pope Francis with a delegation of the Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education Project before Wednesday's General Audience (Vatican Media) https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2022/04/20/2022-04-20-delegazione-del-global-researchers-advancing-catholic/1650438807714.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg )
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Revised Scripture Cake: (modern-day answers)
4.5 cups plain wholemeal flour
12 ozs. butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups raisins
1 cup almonds (flaked and chopped)
2 x 8 ozs. Packs of figs
2 tablespoons honey
season to taste with spice (1 tablespoon)
6 eggs
A pinch of salt
0.5 of a cup of milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
Method:
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in honey. Fold in half the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt, spice). Add chopped fruit and almonds. Finally, add the remainder of the flour. Cook half the mixture in a 9" (230mm) round cake tin lined with 2 thicknesses of brown paper and one of greaseproof paper. Heat oven to 177 degrees Celsius (electric). Put the cake in the middle of the oven. Reduce heat immediately to 163 degrees C, for half an hour. Put a brown paper bag on top and reduce heat to 148 degrees C for 1 hour.
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ALL MINISTRY IS SERVICE AND SELF-GIVING
Liturgy is the centre of christian life for the Church. It constitutes the vital means whereby the faithful would express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ. It is at the heart of all parish life, making all those participating in this area through a ministry (Eucharistic Ministers, Music (choirs/organist), Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers) their higher priority. For this reason all those involved in this area should not consider their contribution a mere service or help but the highest contribution in.
“For the liturgy, "through which the work of our redemption is accomplished," [1] most of all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.” Sacrosanctum Concilium 2
Each one of those ministries should be considered not a privileged position or status of authority in the community. Every individual participation serves and helps the community to celebrate more vividly the sacraments that nurture not only our Christian life but our daily life too.
The primary role of this group is to focus on the full range of the parish's liturgical life and to represent the consensus of the community in matters related to that liturgical life. It has the mandate to ensure that celebrations are planned in such a way that they lead to a conscious, active and full participation of the faithful both in body and in mind. Due to the size of our community, and people involved in more than one ministry, they are called to assume as well the responsibility for the detailed planning of each celebration, such as choice of music, assignment of ministries, etc. Please, keep in mind that this area should be integrated by those who are directly involved on a weekly basis in liturgical ministries and parishioners who are not involved in any particular liturgical ministry as much as possible. In a few words, their members should always focus on celebrating exceptionally well those elements in our liturgy that do not change from celebration to celebration: Welcome, Word, Eucharist.
Because the liturgical celebrations should be always understood as a connection with the celebration of our faith and our daily day events, full and conscious participation in the liturgy, as a community and as individuals, would help us to keep the sense of the meaning of life. “Liturgy seems to be a reality, that is stable, something that happens according to fixed rules, by which it maintains its form. It is enclosed in sacred space, in a church or chapel as a place of celebration of the faith.”8 As a place of celebration of life, peace, love, forgiveness…. all together at the same time… A place of celebration of the Kingdom of God. In this way, the connection between Mission and Liturgy can be more evident if we consider that “mission is reaching out. This is why there is a certain tension between these two dimensions; on the one side the intimate space of God’s presence, the communal life, which is necessary for the life of faith; on the other side reaching out.[…] Nevertheless, liturgy has its own dynamic dimensions, the reality of God’s love that has to be lived and expressed.”
(References: 8 Liturgy and Mission, Slavko Krajnc, http://www.teof.uni-lj.si/uploads/File/BV/BV_2014_03/BV_03_2014_08_slavko_krajnc.pdf ) [SEE ALSO https://www.olhcchinchilla.org/liturgy.html ]
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Quite a while ago now, I subscribed to an online website called “academia” where one can access articles from different academic fields. The idea was to be able to read some papers on theology. A side effect of this, that has proved hilarious, is that I regularly receive emails from this site asking if I am the author or a particular paper or article. The site clearly wants to link articles to the names of the authors in a systematic way. Every time I get a request to, the articles bring a smile to my face…….
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "A class of graphs"?
Paul Kelly ✏️ Did you write "Instant-Access Cycle-Stealing for Parallel Applications Requiring interactive response”?
The answer to all these is NO, but I cannot bring myself to stop the flow of these amusing requests. 🙂
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Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 25”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the yearly Solemnity of the Epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
20 + C + M + B + 25 *
*”Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar” (the traditional names of the Three Wise Men)
And also representing the prayer: *Christus Mansionem Benedicat
May Christ bless this home.
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year, ‘25, of this century to the protection of the Lord.
May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin prayer “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place/ abode/ home.”
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SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
BASED ON THE PLENARY COUNCIL DECREES
The Action Plans for the 8 Decrees that came out of the National Catholic Plenary Council initially, which we as a Parish participated in very enthusiastically, have now been through the process of SYNOD 24 for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and can be found by clicking on the link below or for those of us who are challenged in this area, we have also repeated below. We look forward to your respectful comments and meaningful discussion as to how we as a Parish go forward. Remembering we cannot do everything but can take one small step at a time. Once again we will call on the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making.
Synod24-Decrees-Document-web.pdf
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 1 - HEALING WOUNDS, RECEIVING GIFTS
The focus here is on the need for a new engagement of the Church with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, beginning with a new kind of listening in the belief that we all can and must learn from the first inhabitants of the land
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That, building on the Archdiocesan Reconciliation Action Plan, the Archdiocese develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander truth-telling, professional learning and formation plan that provides opportunities for all those within parishes, communities and agencies to come to a deeper recognition, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities
** That the Archdiocese develop and distribute culturally appropriate resources to assist parishes, communities and agencies to include aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, spiritualities, ritual and symbol in prayers and liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop culturally specific learning and formation opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 2 - CHOOSING REPENTANCE, SEEKING HEALING The focus here is on addressing sexual abuse in the Church, making amends for failures in the past and working to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, but especially for the young and the vulnerable
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That in dialogue with survivors, the consequences of physical, sexual and spiritual abuse by Church personnel be addressed within the Archdiocese through truth-telling and story-telling sessions in safe spaces that may give survivors and their family members a voice to be heard and honoured, and support for research and programs related to trauma-informed spiritual care and the long-term impact of spiritual harm
** That a Sunday of the liturgical year be set aside within the Archdiocese to focus upon safeguarding and healing, with a reassessment of Safeguarding Sunday looking to rename, refocus and resituate it, with the preparation of appropriate ritual and resources, including an annual commissioning of local safeguarding people
** That the Archdiocese, in dialogue with survivors, implement processes that seek forgiveness for historical failings, recognising and addressing their needs. This could include a formal apology to survivors and their families, symbolic plaques and/or artwork in significant locations, theological reflection on sexual abuse within the Church which ought to be a place of refuge and safety, retreats and days of prayer that can foster healing, and the training of appropriately gifted people to undertake a ministry to survivors and their families.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 3 - CALLED BY CHRIST, SENT FORTH AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES
The focus here is on the Church as a community of welcome for all, but especially for those who have been marginalised or excluded, listening to their stories and creating safe and hospitable spaces for them within the Church
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an Archdiocesan family and intergenerational ministry working group be formed to develop and implement a holistic, intergenerational and inclusive approach to family faith-formation across educational and other Archdiocesan agencies in order to foster lifelong missionary discipleship
** That this working group explore ways of strengthening partnerships between parishes, schools, communities and agencies, develop and implement sacramental resources for children with diverse learning needs and disabilities, including training for sacramental coordinators and volunteers to use the resources, develop a safe and supportive network for parents and carers of children and young people who may need additional support to feel welcome, offer advice upon request at decision-making tables at all levels of Archdiocesan governance.
* That there be in self-nominated Mass centres the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations catering for diverse needs within the community, provided with resourcing around mentorship, formation, training and succession-planning for self nominated clergy, religious and laity
*** That the Archdiocese provide facilitated listening sessions, workshops and forums for safe and supportive story-telling, truth-telling and dialogue, in order to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and disenfranchised
** That with the support and mentorship of the Archdiocesan Council for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations, Queensland Churches Together and the Queensland Faith Communities Council, a co-responsible deanery approach to ecumenism and interreligious relations be developed and implemented, including short courses on ecumenism and interreligious relations, formation of individuals for work in ecumenical and interreligious relations, ecumenical retreats and pilgrimages, ecumenical and interreligious youth summits
*** That a strategic approach to mission in the digital environment be developed and implemented, focusing on the creation of digital media within a Catholic context, formation and training of people to work in the field, and including research into the possibilities and challenges of engaging the sacramental life of the Church through digital platforms such as live-streamed liturgies
** That the Archdiocese develop a pastoral ministry in sport, including formation and support programs and research into best practice and recommended qualifications, training and study pathways for sports chaplains.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 4 - WITNESSING TO THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The focus here is on ensuring that the Church is a place where the equal dignity of women and men is respected and where the gifts of both women and men are identified and allowed to flourish for the sake of leadership within the Body of Christ
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
* That, if the universal law of the Church were modified to admit women to diaconal ordination, the Archdiocese examine how best to implement it in the context of the Church in Brisbane *** That a fulltime role of Executive Officer for Participation be established to design, implement and resource a plan for the full co-responsible participation of lay women and men in the life and mission of the Church ** That a reference group be established to explore options for the use of inclusive language in prayer, liturgy, scripture and all Archdiocesan communications * That a research project be established to explore the theological foundations of diverse understandings of women in the Church, leading to an assembly on co-responsibility of all the baptised in the life and mission of the Church *** That a pilot program be established to financially support the postgraduate education and formation of lay women and men in various areas of interest and importance to the Church, with the Archdiocese providing the initial funds with a view to establishing a foundation. A transparent application process would be overseen by the Archdiocesan Synod Council (see Action Plan 7) and approved finally by the Archbishop.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 5 - COMMUNION IN GRACE, SACRAMENT TO THE WORLD
The focus here is on the need to identify and foster the charisms given by God and to encourage new forms of ministry to supply the needs of the Church not only internally, for the sake of worship, but also externally, for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
** That a ministry of front-of-house hospitality be developed and implemented for secretaries and other administrative staff in parishes and communities, recognising and formalising what is often happening, offering training and networking opportunities to those engaged in the ministry, devising processes of recruitment and care of those called to the ministry, and developing resources to help those engaged in the ministry
*** That the Archdiocese explore fully the possibilities of the ministries of catechist, lector and acolyte and consider what other ministries, open to all, instituted or not, might be needed to meet new needs
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Ministries Discernment Committee to oversee the recruitment, formation, commissioning, institution and continuing education of those preparing for or carrying out such ministries
** That the Archdiocese support and provide resources for lay-led liturgies where appropriate, particularly for parishes and communities without regular access to clergy
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic funerals and baptisms, indicating the circumstances in which this would be permitted and providing both discernment process and training programs for those involved in this ministry
** That the Archdiocese give permission for lay people to preside at Catholic weddings (in line with Chapter III of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony), indicating the circumstances in which this might occur and the process of delegation ** That the Archdiocese promote the participation of lay people in the ministry of preaching within the Sunday Mass and elsewhere, identifying the situations in which a lay person might offer a reflection during Mass, providing adequate training and support which would include sessions on how to run a Scripture study group, how to write and deliver a Lectionary-based reflection on the readings, how to make best use of the Directory for Masses with Children, drawing upon the resources of Archdiocesan agencies and organisations
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project supporting the integration of families into parishes and communities in order to promote their sense of belonging and engagement in the life of the Church, providing resources to facilitate the incorporation of families into the community both before and after the sacraments of initiation and resources to support family catechesis when preparing children for the sacraments
** That the Archdiocese establish a network of groups working in marriage education and enrichment, including marriage preparation for engaged couples and ongoing accompaniment for married couples
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a formation strategy on the sacrament of penance and the many ways in which God’s mercy is experienced in Christian life and liturgy, providing resources and examples, such as ritual outlines for the celebration of the sacrament of penance, including the second rite, offering retreat opportunities for different age groups to enable them to experience the sacrament of penance, and revising the current sacramental policy on the provision of first penance for children.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 6 - FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
The focus here is on providing in a variety of ways the formation needed for ordained and non-ordained leadership in the Church, so that leaders will be properly equipped for the ministry to which they are called
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese develop a plan for ministry and leadership formation, including a working group representing key people in formation and developing resources and programs on missional and synodal leadership such as podcasts, online modules and retreats, particularly for emerging leaders who have skills and qualifications equipping them for governance, leadership and other decision-making roles
* That the Archdiocese develop and implement opportunities for lay people to be engaged in ongoing spiritual growth beyond the liturgical context, including in small groups that meet regularly for prayer, bible study, reflection on Church documents, and spiritual accompaniment
* That parishes and deaneries offer formation events drawing upon experts to reflect on key topics such as prayer, scripture, sacraments, marriage and family, mission, care for our common home and inclusivity. SYNOD24
** That pathways for greater lay involvement in the ongoing formation of clergy and the formation of seminarians be identified, providing avenues for accompaniment of clergy by lay people and assisting pastors to work with a small group of lay people to provide regular feedback on homilies, based on an agreed criteria matrix
*** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a road-map for a mission focused Church that is synodal and co-responsible, including localised and ongoing conversations in the Spirit as a regular part of planning, decision-making, pastoral care and community-building
** That the Archdiocese teach simply and systematically the discipline and method of conversation in the Spirit as a way of discernment, attempting to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in listening to each other.
* That the Archdiocese produce podcasts and digital media resources exploring what it means to read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel
*** That the Archdiocese, at a time when the ethnic profile of the Catholic Church is changing both locally and globally, organise forums on interculturality in a missional, synodal and co-responsible Church.
*** That a SYNOD24 Formation and Implementation Plan be developed and implemented, providing opportunities for formation in all eight Action Plans and including resources and workshops in areas such as how to share faith with friends, how to engage with scripture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island spirituality, integral ecology, sacraments and sacramentality, inclusive theology, the role of women in the Church, ecumenism and interreligious relations.
*** That the Archdiocese offers workshops and practical resources on how to implement the SYNOD24 Action Plans in parishes, communities and agencies across the Archdiocese.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 7 - AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION: GOVERNANCE
The focus here is on the governance of the Church in a synodal key, looking to synods as a regular feature of Church life and to synodality as the characteristic of all aspects of Church governance for the sake of mission
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That the Archdiocese commit to celebrating Synods on a regular basis, so that this key element of synodality become a normal part of Archdiocesan life
*** That the Archdiocese establish a Synod Council which will meet regularly through the year between the Synods, members committing to formation in and practice of conversation in the Spirit as a key element of meetings and to formation in the nature and purpose of the Council
** That the Council commit to diverse representation including a mix of lay women and men, religious and the ordained.
** That the Archdiocese prepare Statutes for the Council ARCHDIOCESAN SUMMIT 2023 2 4 / ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE SYNOD24 Action Plans
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a project to operate at deanery level to identify lay people who are women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, persons with a disability or from a cultural community, and who seem suitable to serve on councils and committees in the parish or the Archdiocese with the right kind of mentorship, accompaniment and formation, especially in the areas of synodality, co-responsibility and mission
** That the Archdiocese develop and implement a parish handover process that includes consultation with members of the parish, especially the Parish Pastoral Council, and the preparation of a statement of what the parish expects of a pastor.
* That there be in the Archdiocese regular performance reviews of pastors to identify areas of strength and areas for growth, with ongoing professional supervision to foster growth.
PLENARY COUNCIL DECREE 8 - INTEGRAL ECOLOGY AND CONVERSION FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COMMON HOME
The focus here is on the need for ecological conversion in the life and mission of the Church, understanding that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the one thing, and that ecological conversion must lead to action
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD ACTION PLANS
*** That an integral ecology formation strategy be developed and implemented for clergy, community leaders, agency staff and parishioners, to be revised every three years, helping them to grow in understanding of integral ecology and its impact on our behaviour and drawing where appropriate on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom, and engaging with already existing eco-spirituality resources
* That all organisations, parishes and schools writing a Laudato Si Action Plan include a framework for measuring and reporting emission reduction that leads to a considered net zero pathway that includes commitment and timeframes.
* That, in addition to the emission reduction strategies, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities be developed in the Archdiocese with a view to assisting all agencies, parishes and communities to embed measurable ESG outcomes into their future Laudato Si Action Plans. SANTA TERESA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE.
*** That an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan be developed and implemented to support ecological ministry throughout the Archdiocese, recruiting deanery representatives to create hubs that support ecological ministers overseen by a coordinator employed by the Archdiocese to support action in parishes and communities
* That intergenerational and family initiatives be developed to promote the call to care for our common home
* That parishes, communities and agencies share their activities in the area of ecological engagement at events and through avenues of communication, and that cross-agency collaboration in this area be coordinated and encouraged throughout the Archdiocese.
*** That the Archdiocese produce guidelines and resources for parish clergy and liturgy coordinators indicating ways in which a commitment to integral ecology can be integrated into liturgical celebrations.
CLOSING REMARKS
Some of these action plans already have currency in one form or other in the Archdiocese, or at least in some parts of the Archdiocese. The task will be to give greater impetus and focus to those that already have currency, but also to set in motion the processes to which others look. Not all the action plans will be able to be implemented immediately, but none of them can be delayed indefinitely Therefore, priorities will have to be set in the hope that the action plans will have been implemented within five years. Budgeting will also need to be considered, as will the question of who has carriage of the various initiatives. There will need to be a group to oversee the implementation of the action plans, the Synod Council will also be charged with oversight of a broader kind, and the Archdiocesan Synods will monitor progress. Yet this is a document not just for some. It is for everyone; and I urge all parishes, communities, agencies and individuals to read and reflect upon the action plans and to be as creative as possible in implementing them. These action plans are comprehensive but not exhaustive. There are things not mentioned in this document which are important for the future of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. For instance, we will certainly need to consider restructuring our parishes and even our schools, looking not so much to amalgamation but more to building a “community of communities”. How to engage young people more energetically in the life of the Church is another question not prominent in these action plans but essential for the future of the Church. How to be more effective in teaching prayer as a way of life, the art of listening to God in prayer and the contemplative eye upon the world: this is another. The list could go on. This is another way of saying that these action plans should be read in conjunction with my own document “With Lamps Ablaze” which sets out a number of what I called apostolic priorities for the Archdiocese. These interweave with the action plans found here. I direct that these synodal declarations and decrees which I sign in accord with can. 466 be published to the entire community of the Archdiocese and that a copy be forwarded to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as required by can. 46 I thank all who have been part of the Synod journey, having heard the Lord’s promise to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). I commend these action plans to the grace of the Holy Spirit from whom this process has come forth and to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, St Stephen and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to fulfilment (cf Philippians 1:6)
Mark
Archbishop of Brisbane
November 2024
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Promoting safe practices, including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All cardholders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they must cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck. Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal, http://archbne.org/welcome, which will inform them whether they need a Police Check for their ministry.
Surfers Paradise Parish Mission Statement.
We, the Catholic community of Surfers Paradise, guided by the Holy Spirit, strive to live the mission of Jesus through the spirituality of stewardship.
We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God, and we believe in the inherent dignity, reverence and sanctity of all humans as lovingly created children of God.
Centred in the Eucharist and nourished by word and sacrament, we proclaim by faith and action the love of God for all.
We seek in our daily lives and actions, and in our wider community participation, to live consistently and practically each day of the week, what we proclaim in worship of God on Sundays.
In the spirit of gratitude, we live out this mission by
· Committing to be prayerful disciples of Jesus Christ.
· Recognising and sharing our gifts and talents.
· Active involvement in the life of the parish, for the sole purpose of promoting the honour and glory of God, through our care and love of our neighbour
· Hospitality, charity, justice and compassion in practical ways.
· Nurturing our young people.
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