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“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Item ID: 1092743195 - Vector illustration of a Background for Pentecost Holy spirit dove. Contributor: - suns design
PASTOR’S POST -
Have you ever thought about how the Holy Spirit transforms us? It’s like a warm breath of kindness during cold, difficult times. From the very first day of creation, Genesis tells us that God breathed life into us — His Spirit made us alive and connected us to Him. And then, at Pentecost, the risen Jesus breathed new life into His followers again, filling them with courage, fire, and purpose. Suddenly, fear was replaced with boldness, and darkness with hope.
This new life in the Spirit isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about calling us to live heroically — to be peace and mercy in a world that desperately needs it. Think about those early disciples hiding behind locked doors, scared of persecution. The Holy Spirit didn’t erase the danger, but it gave them the courage to face it. That same Spirit works in us today, helping us do what’s right and giving us peace and forgiveness.
Each of us has different gifts, and when we work together, those gifts combine to continue Christ’s work. Imagine a world where everyone recognized and used their unique talents — how much brighter, more loving, and more united it would be! When we act with unselfish love and sacrifice, we’re actually participating in something much bigger than ourselves — the power of God’s Spirit.
The Spirit also brings understanding and unity in diversity. After Pentecost, people from different cultures could understand each other, not because they spoke the same language, but because love is the language we all share. As we celebrate the Church’s birthday today, let’s remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us, inspiring us to love, serve, and bring peace wherever we go.
Fr Paul
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance
CONCERT -
Michael Haydn - REQUIEM IN C MINOR With motets by Moz Ottley, Bruck4er, Go
Presented by - a concert for peace - Tickets: $34/$29 visit Stickytickets.com.au or pay cash/card at the door
MARCO BELLASI MUSIC DIRECTOR
AYESHA GOUGH PIANIST
GUEST SOLOISTS GAYNOR MORGAN Soprano, MORGAN ROSATI Alto, GREG MASSINGHAM Tenor, PATRICK DONNELLY Bass.
2025 JULY CONCERTS
Sat 2:30 JULY 5 Burleigh Village Church 2 Burleigh Street
Sat 2:30 JULY 12 Southport St Peter's Anglican Church 85 Nerang Street coolamonsingers.org •
Sun 2:30 JULY 27 Tweed Civic Centre Coolamon Singers perform REQUIEM in C with Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: nrso.com.au $60/$50 - Transformative classical music -
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION - BRISBANE CATHEDRAL
"He who follows me walks not in darkness" - John 8:12
2pm SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2025. Cathedral of St Stephen, BRISBANE CITY.
Starting and ending at the Cathedral of St Stephen and featuring prayers, rosary, hymns and Benediction with proceedings led by Archbishop Mark Coleridge. https://www.corpuschristibrisbane.com/
Also includes Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition (Sat 21st - Sun 22nd June, 9am-5pm, Hanly Room) and vigil night Adoration (Sat 21st June 7pm -Sun 22nd June 8am, St Stephen's Chapel)
Donations to the organising committee would appreciate any donations to meet expenses. Payable to Westpac Bank account: NAME: Corpus Christi Procession Brisbane BSB: 034087 ACCOUNT: 019649
To watch the livestream of the procession and for additional information, please visit the website, contact inclusion@bne.catholic.net.au or call us on 0475 408 508. https://www.corpuschristibrisbane.com/
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
ADVANCE NOTICE FOR OUR LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY -WINTER APPEAL
21 & 22 June, 2025
SVdP Winter Appeal - Surfers Paradise Conference.
The SVdP Surfers Paradise conference continues to pursue good works to support locals in need.
On the weekend of 21 & 22 June, 2025 Vincentians will be conducting their annual winter appeal to help support those locals in need of extra help.
The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community. In the last 12 months local Vincentians have done 658 conference visits and provided financial assistance of $82,700 and in-kind assistance (food and Vinnies gift cards for clothing etc) of $20,200 a total of $102,900 in assistance.
The shortage of affordable rental accommodation and high cost of living on the Gold Coast is affecting many families who have previously not had to ask for assistance. Some of our companions are paying more than 80% of their income on rent.
This year Surfers Paradise SVdP conference is celebrating 50+ years helping our community.
Please also join us for morning tea after 9am Sunday 22nd June at Sacred Heart Church.
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
Congratulations to the children who celebrated their first holy communion last Sunday, and please keep the children in your prayers who are making their first communion this Sunday as well.
PETERS PENCE ANNUAL APPEAL - date claimer
Each year parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane take up the Peter's Pence collection as a collection. The collection is to be taken at the Masses the weekend around the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. Therefore, this year's collection will be taken up on the 28/29 June, 2025 (13th Sunday of Ordinary Time).
The Peter's Pence Collection gives Catholics in Australia an opportunity to join in communion with the Catholic faithful throughout the world in support of the charitable works of the Holy See.
• The Peter's Pence Collection is an annual collection of the Catholic Church around the world.
• The collection allows the Holy Father to respond to the most needy throughout the world, to offer timely, effective emergency assistance to our suffering brothers and sisters.
• In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we take this collection up as a retiring collection.
Once collected, parishes are asked to deposit total proceeds from the collection via electronic transfer.
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(community service ad)
CLEAR ISLAND WATERS HEALTH PRECINCT (Santa Cruz Blvd)
Introducing our two new GPs Dr Maria and Dr Cian. Bulk Billing applies for patients under 16yrs old & patients with a valid concession or pension card. Appointments are available Monday-Friday (from 9am until 5pm).
Address: 1/56 Santa Cruz Boulevard Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226 Email: reception@ciwhp.com.au Web: www.ciwhp.com.au Ph: 07 5575 1822 Fax: 07 5575 3114
Dr Maria Guirguis
Dr Cian Morrison
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, 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}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of July- 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, Cathy Doyle, Christopher Eid, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Stan Hickey, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Steve Land, Dannielle Therese Larney, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Victoria MacDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Angela Micallef, Gene Monteiro-Ferdinand, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Kevin Owen, Colin Paterson, 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, Iris Ware, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Darryl Kelly, Amando A Mirosol Jnr, M. Linda G. Mirasol, Arnold G Jores, Fila Jores, Debra Love, Elena Letizia, Mariano Honrado, Fr John Kilinko, Fausto Diggiammarco, Andrew Janiec, Ivanka Adams, Rita Cassidy, Andrew, Jim Viner, Letty O’Sullivan, Maria Delmar, Joseph Cassar, Samuel Perez-Lopez, Hanni Aouad, Kevin Thomas Goldie, Peter Evatt, Mary Wagner, Lucyanna Markovic, Amando Mirasol Jr., Ma Linda Mirasol, Arnold Jones, Fila Jones.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Patricia Allen, Annette (Annie) Anning, peter barry , Jean Anne Burgess, Fr Charlie Casey, Fr Charlie Casey, Don Cope, Grant Talbot Davenport, John Vincent Davis, Charles George Dayney, Fr Des Effeney, Fr John Egan, Rainer Empen, Reuben Empen, Stephen Gallagher, Andrew Hale, Roy Jackson, Francey Kelliher, Alfonso Lim, Melissa Ann Lord, Anna Marmina, Mario Paul Mazza, Mons John McCarthy, Dr Frank Miau , Fr Patrick Murphy, June Catherine Mye, Fr Gabriel Nolan, Maureen Patricia O’Connor , Mary John On, Aileen Pettersson, Natalina Di Pietro, Mary Reid, Patricia Kirby Richardson, Felicitas Fay Robbins, Dorothy Ryan, John Ryan, Maria Silvestri-Fiore, Francis (Frank) Kevin Stephens, Valma Sudgen, Jimmy Tanquintic, Judith Lorraine Taylor, Casey Jones Townsend, Lorna Sabina Wheeler, Irene Wholohan, Fr Wilfrid Willcock, Phyllis Jane Woolaston, Agata “Tina” Zammit
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Rossaria Dom Barbaro, Antoinette Denise Brennen, Frances Therese Collins, Myrtle Joyce Condon, Raul Cruz, Theo Robert Farr, Mary Fredricks, Judith Gilliland, Dorothy Gravener, Marie Hayden, Jacqueline Faye (Jackie) Hogan, Keith Patrick Hoolihan, Fr Morgan Howe, Anthony Charles Franklin (Tony) Howell, Therese Lorraine Anne Hunt, Gerald Freestone Junck, John Alexander Kazimierowicz, Costanzo Letizia, Fr John McGlone, Tindaro Antonino Miano, Barry Wayne Moore, Neville John Malcolm Nielsen, Fr Peter Oudendijk, Donald Hugh Ravety, Marie Van Twest, Bp Andrew Tynan, Janmaree Walsh, Henry Wirth.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Many gifts available, including Sacramental, statues, rosaries, holy cards, crucifixes, prayer cards.
Eftpos available.
Treat yourself today by visiting our shops at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches before or after the weekend Masses. Our friendly ladies are very willing to help with that special purchase.
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room, at 10 am to 11 am. This is followed by a Scripture Study of the following Sunday’s Mass readings from 11 am to 12 pm. You are welcome to attend both or either one. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. The meditation group invites you to prepare for Easter by attending a Lenten program to be held in the Morris Prayer room as well. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
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}.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday the 1st of July- 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-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club
Join Our Bridge Club!
Meet, Play, and
Enjoy the Game of Bridge
Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a Beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere
✔ Lessons for Beginners
✔ Weekly Games
✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company!
Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you want her in your home and say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
9/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
16/6/25 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
23/6/25 Eileen & Julio Camera Nerang
30/6/25 Eileen & Julio Camera Nerang
7/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
14/7/25 Marie Anderson Broadbeach
21/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
28/7/25 Juliette & Abdul Speir Nerang
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5pm-6pm at St Vincent’s Church
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Come along and read/study Break Open the Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email:grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au -
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
THIS WEEK...
“The Holy Spirit does not proceed by slow, laborious efforts.” St. Ambrose
PRAYER ….
Holy Spirit, energise me with your presence. Amen
Coming soon to our parish -
The St Vincent de Paul local Winter Appeal
21-22 June 2025
BIRTHDAY REJUVENATION
Acts 2: 1-11
Rom 8:8-17
Jn 14:15-16, 23-26
Happy Birthday! Do you remember the excitement of looking forward to your birthday - when they were in single digits? The energy you woke up with when the day finally arrived, knowing the day would be filled and there was so much for you to do? Perhaps you see it in children around you still.
The birth of the church must be by far, the most energetic and energising story recorded for us in Scripture. Violent wind, carefully dispersed fire and bewildering new skills for all present.
A lot can be said for bringing energy back into our birthdays. Each one could be our last (hopefully not of course) and ideally should be celebrated as much as when we were 5 or 6 or 7 or 8.
As with birthdays, have we lost a lot of the energy associated with being filled with the Holy Spirit? Is there a fire in us? Or are we just “going through the motions”?
Preaching on Pentecost a couple of years ago, Fr Richard Rohr, wrote: “We can recognise people who have had a second baptism in the Holy Spirit. They tend to be loving. They tend to be exciting. They want to serve others, and not just be served themselves. They forgive life itself for not being everything they once hoped for. They forgive their neighbors.
They forgive themselves for not being as perfect as they would like to be.”
If we are in need of rejuvenation, Pentecost may be a great opportunity for an injection of the Holy Spirit, to be re-inspired, to reclaim respiration in our day-to-day lives.
(Reflection by Leonie Duck)
What areas of my life might benefit from an injection of the Holy Spirit?
[The Spiritual Reflection Guides of the St Vincent de Paul Society are produced by Leo Tucker]
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
ALTAR SERVING in SURFERS PARADISE PARISH
Would you like to become an Altar Server in Surfers Paradise Parish?
Our church family has many ministries or roles available for people who wish to help the celebration of the mass to be as reverent and joyful as possible. For children, one of the best ways to contribute to the mass is to train to be an altar server.
There are lots of things to learn about the job of altar serving so if you are interested in finding out about this special ministry please read on.
Who can become an altar server: Any person who is a fully initiated Catholic can be an altar server. That is, someone who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and has celebrated their First Holy Communion.
Children who wish to become altar servers will be taught by Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team. When you feel confident, you will be asked to serve on the altar with other experienced servers.
How to find out more about Altar Serving Ministry: Ask one of your parents to ring the Parish Office (5671 7388) and leave your full name and contact details. Please direct all enquiries and volunteering through the Parish Office. Then Fr Bradley and the Sacramental Team will contact your family and invite you to a training workshop. Fr Bradley meeting some future altar servers at St Vincent’s
To tune in to Our parish Podcast of the Mass for Sundays and Solemnities, please visit regularly the following link: To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” - Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and the wider public. The feedback has been that the café is a great idea, but its old location in the front of the church was not ideal. The café has now reopened in the old Atrium building. This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision. Chris and his staff are delighted to welcome you.
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Jubilee of Sport (june 14)
All those involved in the world of sport (athletes, amateurs, coaches, sports managers, sports associations, etc) we pray for and give thanks to God for them in this jubilee event, together with their families.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You to praise You
and to thank You for the great gift of the sports and sport participants and organisers.
We pray to You for all involved in sports, both as a profession, a hobby or a passtime.
May they rediscover the joy of the wonderful activities they participate in through God’s loving care that they have received,
may they know how to witness to Your presence
and to the love with which Christ loves the Church in their activities.
We pray to You for all families faced with difficulty and suffering
Amen.
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For September 28th - pilgrimage advertorial
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 2025
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, to participate, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation Study Set, which can be obtained from Ascension Press or Garrett Publishing. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/ https://garrattpublishing.com.au/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Like the sun through a stained glass window, the Spirit of God can shine in your life to rouse the best in another. Come, follow Him.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26) - The materialism of our society lures us to concentrate more on what we want than on what God wants for us. The relativism of our world tells us that we should be tolerant of all things, that there is no absolute truth. Pray to the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and to guide our thoughts, words and actions. What you put in your head, heart and mind affects your actions. Put good things in and good things will come out.
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:
Being the church is a different identity than simply going to church. If we are truly the Body of Christ, then we embrace this identity with a sense of purpose. Saint Paul describes the church as a body with many parts that function for the sake of the whole. Some of us have obvious gifts like preaching, teaching, or offering a healing presence. Others may benefit from prayer, spiritual direction, faith sharing, or a discernment retreat to come to an awareness of the particular service to which we're called. Joy is in the discovery of the Spirit's personal invitation to you. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Also, MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH. Monday, Jun 06, 2025. “You will not be orphaned." - Although the devotion to Mary as “Mother of the Church” is ancient, today’s memorial is relatively new—having been instituted in 2018 by Pope Francis when he decreed it will be celebrated annually on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday—to “encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the church.” Reflect on how you can “mother” the church—as well as your family and friends, your community and workplace, and even yourself. You don’t have to be or have a mother in the traditional sense to know how to offer loving care. Standing beneath the cross, said Francis, Mary “welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters”—that means you, too. “He said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’” [John 19:25-34 (572a].
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 - Many languages, One Message of Love
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
The Holy Spirit makes us all disciples, able to be the warm breath of human kindness at times of terrible coldness and need. In the very first book of the Bible, we're told that God breathed on us that very first day of creation. Genesis tells us the Lord put his lips to ours and breathed into us and gave us his spirit of life and so we became living human beings.
John tells us that on the day of Pentecost, the risen Lord breathed on us a second time and gave us new life in the Holy Spirit. Courage then replaced caution, and a fire was lit in our hearts that has scattered the darkness of fear and death forever. Those first disciples became new creations and so are we.
The new life of the Spirit has been given to us so as to call us to a heroic life, to become willing instruments of God's peace and mercy in this beautiful but very broken world. The Gospel too, from Saint John, tells us about the coming of the Holy Spirit and it's clear again that these early followers were hiding behind closed doors feeling very, very fearful and they were not imagining the danger. They were right, there was a lot of those doors.
They would be persecuted, they would be harmed because they were followers of Christ. It was wrong, it was unfair but it was going to happen. The coming of the Holy Spirit didn't take away those dangers but it took their fears away.
Interestingly, the Spirit does not take away the danger but it gives us, the disciples of Christ, boldness to do what we need to do, to do what is right and not be frightened into backing down because in the end doing what Christ wants is the good, the life-giving thing. At the heart of our Christian life, fear is taken away, peace and forgiveness are given. In turn, we become instruments, living vessels of God's Spirit.
So, through the power of the Spirit and the presence of Christ living in us, through that Spirit, we too can dispel the fears of others and proclaim the peace that only God can give to the world, that forgiveness, that love that are given us in Jesus.
Our gifts are all different, each and every person has different gifts and we need all the gifts that each person has to continue the work of Christ in our world which naturally means we need to work together.
How different would our world look if we all fully recognized that each person brings his or her own gifts and that we need all of those gifts to live in the fullness of Christ? We know that the Spirit is very much at work in our lives and we especially know that when the love and sacrifice we show is clearly coming from a love, a loving hand that's far bigger than our own lives and our own finite motives and actions.
Whenever we do actions that are loving and unselfish, we become deeply aware that there's a power and a loving presence at work that's much bigger than ourselves but includes ourselves. It transcends our limitations, and it can't be just explained by our own actions but something much bigger and of which we're a freely cooperating part. It is God's Holy Spirit at work in and through us when that's happening.
The Spirit is a power of unselfish sacrificing love and service, unconditional love. This is at the heart of all creation and it's at the heart of the church and thanks be to God in this feast day today. It's in our hearts too as Christian followers and friends and disciples.
As the readings this weekend tell us, we become beloved sons and daughters of God, heirs to God's kingdom. We've been given the freedom of the children of God, but this freedom is given to us in order that we too can live as Christ lived, being about service, sacrifice, self-forgetting love. The gospel this weekend from John reminds us that the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the church will always work to make Christ very much present to us.
The Holy Spirit is, as we know, the Spirit of Truth. Anyone who lives by the Spirit lives by truth and has an authentic, honest, integrated life being built on truth. Finally, just an interesting insight.
We often read this text about how after the Spirit descended, people of different languages and cultures could all hear and understand each other but there's something really interesting that can be missed if we're not reading the text carefully. The people were not speaking the same language after the Holy Spirit descended upon them. They were still speaking different languages of the different cultures that were there.
So, the Spirit didn't make everything uniform. It didn't make everything as if it was all the same. It didn't make one language, so to speak.
What the difference was is after the coming of the Holy Spirit, they could understand each other despite the differences of languages. This is a reminder that the Spirit brings not uniformity but diversity and variety of gifts. That's why we still have a variety of languages, but we are all one in that diversity because the common denominator, the common language, if we like, that we speak no matter what language we're speaking in, is the language of God.
Of course, because God is love, this is the language we speak and act through the power of the Holy Spirit, the words and actions of God's love. Let us celebrate the birthday of the Church and God's Holy Spirit living within us and flowing out into practical actions of love and care and justice.
(REFERENCES: REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY; Also quoting from the St Mary's College daily diary entry on the Holy Spirit; MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK S.J.; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY).
[Image Credit Shutterstock Item ID: 2100398038 - Holy Spirit religious symbol, white dove on red background - Vector Formats- Contributor: Xolopiks)
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:
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
"And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.' And the angel departed from her."- Luke 1:38
"His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]."- John 2:5
"And Mary said, 'My soul glorifies the Lord.'"- Luke 1:46-55
"O sinner, be not discouraged but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity."- Saint Basil the Great
"If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you."- Saint John Vianney
"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."- Blessed Mother Teresa
"Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence."- Saint Francis de Sales
"The Son of God became man for our salvation but only in Mary and through Mary."- Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
Saint Ephrem, deacon.
Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to Heaven.
Blessed the one who continually humbles himself willingly; he will be crowned by the One who willingly humbled himself for our sake.
When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, pray to God thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears and eyes of my heart so that I may hear Thy words and understand them, and may fulfil Thy will." Always pray to God like this, that He might illuminate your mind and open to you the power of His words. Many, having trusted in their own reason, have turned away into deception.
Let books be your dining table, / And you shall be full of delights. / Let them be your mattress,/And you shall sleep restful nights
Anyone who wants to be an example to others, must first examine himself.
The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like the rock that was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered a spiritual drink. Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty person is happy when drinking, and not depressed, because the spring is inexhaustible. You can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring; then when you thirst again, you can drink from it once more.
No one is truly poor except the one who lacks the truth.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, the lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother; for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Be a lamp in brightness, and make the works of darkness cease, so that whenever your doctrine shines, no one may dare to heed the desires of darkness.
The fear of God illumines the soul, annihilates evil, weakens the passions, drives darkness from the soul and makes it pure. The fear of God is the summit of wisdom. Where it is not you will find nothing good. Whoever does not have the fear of God is open to diabolical falls.
Scripture brought me to the Gate of Paradise, and the mind stood in wonder as it entered.
If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise, the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers, so also through your reading obtain healing for your soul.
If you wish to help someone, give secretly and avoid arrogance
Don't let your eyes look here and there, and don't look at someone else's beauty, so that the devil will not conquer you with the help of your eyes.
Whoever fears God stands above all manner of fear. He has become a stranger to all the fear of this world and placed it far from himself, and no manner of trembling comes near him.
Who is far from love is in a bad state, and to be pitied. He passes his days in a delirious dream, far from God, deprived of light, and he lives in darkness ... Whoever does not have the love of Christ is an enemy of Christ. He walks in darkness and is easily lead into any sin.
Like the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations.
It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sin and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed from all ages to all ages. Amen
O Lord, we cannot go to the pool of Siloe to which you sent the blind man. But we have the chalice of Your Precious Blood, filled with life and light. The purer we are, the more we receive.
Blessed the one who has become a good spiritual net and caught many for the good Lord, such a one will be greatly praised by the Lord.
Blessed be the one who meditates on death each day and destroys the base passions lurking in the vines of the heart, for he will be consoled in the moment of separation.
You victorious martyrs who endured torments gladly for the sake of God and Savior, you who have boldness of speech toward the Lord Himself, you saints, intercede for us who are timid and sinful men, full of sloth, that the grace of Christ may come upon us, and enlighten the hearts of all of us so that we may love Him.
Prayer is converse with God, equal honour with the Angels, progress in good things, averting of evils, righting of sinners.
The seed, swollen with moisture, burst asunder it's covering of soil and out peers the blade of wheat, full of symbols. So faith, whose bosom is filled with goodly fruits, is a blade of praise.
ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: Liturgy is an organic whole. (Fr Paul Kelly)
We need to ask how all the pieces fit together and whether they are properly balanced. No single element should dominate the whole of the liturgy. Care is especially needed in areas such as the Introductory and Penitential Rite, Preparation of the Gifts and Concluding Rite. If these get overloaded or overemphasised, the whole symmetry of the liturgy is deformed.
One of the most important things about any liturgical action is to maintain a sense of balance and proportion. The liturgy has symmetry to it. It would be a very unbalanced liturgy if we were to have a ten-minute introductory rite and spend five minutes on the preparation of the gifts and then rush through the readings and the Eucharistic prayer, with no space for silence and reflection. It would also be disproportionate to give a half-hour homily and then a ten-minute Eucharistic prayer. Similarly, too many announcements at the end of mass would overload and over-emphasise the concluding rites that are intended to swiftly send people out into the world to live as they have proclaimed. The two significant parts of the mass are the liturgy of the word, including a homily and prayers of the faithful, and the liturgy of the Eucharist, including communion. These two need to stand in a relationship with each other. Ideally, they are roughly the same length. Other subsidiary elements, such as introductory rites, preparation of the gifts, and dismissal, need to be seen as leading up to, and flowing from, these two high points. This is why we no longer use the name “offertory," as we once did, and now rightly describe this section as “the preparation of the gifts,” because that is exactly what it is, preparing the gifts for the great offering of the Eucharist and the climax of this prayer in the Doxology, (Greek word meaning Praise), which is when the priest lifts up the Host and the Chalice and says “Through Him, and with Him, and In Him……” Calling the “preparation of the gifts” an “offertory” can accidentally overshadow the complete offering of the Eucharistic Prayer. Sometimes the preparatory prayers are said silently, with instrumental music playing around them so that they do not "steal the limelight" from the true and actual great prayer of “offering,” namely the Eucharistic prayer.
source: Fr Paul Kelly
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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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