PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
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“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:36)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1083278969 - BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018: The icon of Parable of the Good Samaritan in church Chiesa di San Pietro by Giovanni Paolo Bardini. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION NOW IN THE CHURCHES
PASTOR’S POST -
This weekend’s readings remind us that our faith isn’t just about beliefs or rules—it’s about how we live out the love of God in everyday life. The Word of God isn’t distant or theoretical; it’s alive in our hearts, guiding our actions, our speech, and how we treat others.
Jesus shows us this clearly in the parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s not just a story about helping someone in need; it’s a call to love without limits. The Samaritan helps the injured man regardless of societal boundaries, showing that true love crosses all barriers. It’s about giving everything we have, not just doing the bare minimum.
Think about a newly married couple sharing their first dinner together. Would the husband ask, “What’s the minimum I need to do to fulfill my responsibilities?” Of course not! Love means giving all you’ve got—100%. That’s what Jesus teaches us about following Him. Loving our neighbor isn’t about counting the cost or setting limits. It’s about responding with compassion, no matter what.
The Gospel challenges us to move beyond rules and rituals. True love is active, practical, and unrestrained. It’s about helping others because they are our neighbors, because God’s love is in us. That’s how we truly live out the Word of God—through love in action.
Fr Paul
Correctional Centre pastoral visitation - a deeply meaningful volunteer opportunity with Centacare.
If you are seeking a way to witness to your faith in an active way, and have a gift to talk easily and kindly to people from very diverse backgrounds, this opportunity may offer a pathway to a deeper engagement with Jesus through the hope that your witness can bring to many in prison, who through their experience, have hearts just waiting to hear the transformative message of God’s love and mercy.
A weekly commitment is required with current options available on either a Tuesday or Saturday at the Wacol Correctional Centre precinct or Friday at Woodford Correctional Centre. Your training will be supported by a team of Catholic men and women currently serving as pastoral visitors to residents of the Correctional Centres.
The contract to provide faith visitation in the Correctional Centres is managed by the State Chaplaincy Board for Prisons in Queensland in conjunction with Heads of Churches with Centacare as the Catholic Service Provider.
To know a bit more or to register your interest please contact the Director, Pastoral Ministries on 33243193, or email: judy.norris@bne.centacare.net.au
An Expression of Interest evening can also be offered to parishes which would be attended by current pastoral care workers in correctional centres to answer all your questions.
Exploring our faith
The Precepts of the Church:
There may be many who have never heard of the traditional teaching called the “five commandments of the Church.” Even if you have not heard it called that, you are probably aware of all or most of its teachings. These still apply and are very much relevant to this day.
1. Attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation, unless prevented by illness etc.
2. Confess our serious sins at least once a year.
3. Receive the Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season. (Although Communion at every Eucharist is encouraged when people are in the correct disposition, that is, free from serious sin).
4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. Help to provide for the needs of the Church.
These principles are the building blocks that help us focus our Love and worship of God, and support and participation in the wider church community, which makes up the Body of Christ.
THE CARMELITE SISTERS invite you to celebrate with them Our Lady of Mount Carmel SUNDAY 13 JULY. 10.30 am Mass. Stay for a picnic lunch - tea, coffee, sandwiches on sale. Piety stall, Sisters' craft works on sale. Spend time in quiet prayer. Also, 2.00 pm Evening Prayer - Benediction - Scapular enrolment Carmelite Monastery, 287 Wellington St Ormiston 4160
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Please pray for our newly appointed archbishop Shane McKinlay, who will assume his position on September 11th this year. Also, our prayers of gratitude and for health and blessings for the next chapter of our emeritus archbishop, Mark Coleridge, who is administering the archdiocese until bishop Shane begins his ministry here.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY -WINTER APPEAL
If you missed out on the opportunity to donate to our local Winter appeal, you can still donate.
The annual winter appeal to help support those locals in need of extra help.
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
LIVE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE BY SERVING CHRIST
Deut 30:10-14
Col 1:15-20
Lk 10:25-37
THIS WEEK...
“We are hardwired for connection” Brene Brown
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see the needs of my neighbour
This week’s gospel reading is very connected to our Vincentian mission. Within our mission statement are the words “live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor”. How do we do this? What does this mean for us?
In the reading from the Colossians it mentions that Christ is the head of the body (and we are all part of the body of Christ). And the gospel proclaims, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbour as yourself”.
This is deeply pertinent to us as Vincentians. If we are to look at the parables given to us in scripture in particular the one presented to us this week with the Good Samaritan story it delves into this notion of who is our neighbour?
We have already explored that Christ is the head of the Body – and therefore we are all connected. So, when we talk about serving Christ, we are talking about serving one another out of an extension of love. Who is our neighbour? Everyone we meet. The stranger on the street, the colleagues we work with, our fellow Vincentians, our family and friends, the people we assist – everyone, as we are all connected,
we are all part of this body. So, serving Christ, is simply serving humankind, with love.Frederic explains it in a very special way “My desire is to enfold the world in a network of charity”. Love thy neighbour. We are all connected.
(Reflection by Corinne Lindsell)
How do you embrace the network of charity Frederic desired to see?
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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.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday, 1st August 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 2nd of August 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 5th of August- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
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
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 🙏😃🙏😇🙏
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, Mary and Leon Brosnan, Tim Brown, Margaret and Tony Buckingham, Vicky and Andrew Campora, Gerard Carroll, Danielle Cavielli, 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, Alan Robinson (Ireland), 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, Sharyn Lucas, Victoria MacDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Gene Monteiro-Ferdinand, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, Richard G Murphy, Michael & Leslie Murtagh, Eileen O’Mara, Margaret Orme, Tommy Osborne, 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, Alf Schembri, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Iris Ware, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Maria Lucarelli, Colin Leslie Wythe, Don Orrock, Serina Castellaro, Roslyn Mathews (Tmba), Christine Mulligan, Mary Costello, Michael Kent, Aristide “Jim” Santone, Donald Macdonald, Douglas Wood, Margaret Haerse, Stefano Bruno Battaglia, Ellie Rosier, Francis Michael Respicio, Margaret Crowe, Antonio Maruca, Russell Cleland, Nuala Ryan, June O’Donnell, David Bechly, Fr Ron Mollison, Fr John Anthony Kilinko, David James Conway, Ron Stewart, Joan Foley, Joan Grace, Maria Gallo, Lucyanna Markovic.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Gemma Carmel Bingham, Bill George Caralis, Mal Condon, Joseph Patrick Condon, Billy Edmonds, Terrence Gavin (Terry) Faloon, Fr John Healy, Thomas Hirst, Fr Greg Jordan, Margaret Ann (Ann) Mason, Fr William McCarthy, Fr Archibald Mills, Fr Robert O'Donoghue, Rebecca O’Reilly, Victor O'Reilly, Eftim Orloff, Fr Denis O'Rourke, Shirley Roche, William Sammut, Patrick Sexton, Fr Cyril Shand, Joseph Shen, Noel Smith.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Frank Alaba, Antoinette Denise Brennen, Fr Charlie Casey, Frances Therese Collins, John Vincent Davis, Charles George Dayney, Fr Des Effeney, Andrew Hale, Roy Jackson, John Alexander Kazimierowicz, Leo Lampago, May Jade Lampago, Thelma Lampago, Costanzo Letizia, Alfonso Lim, Melissa Ann Lord, Anna Marmina, Mario Paul Mazza, Mons John McCarthy, Fr Patrick Murphy, June Catherine Mye, Fr Gabriel Nolan, Mary John On, Fr Peter Oudendijk, Aileen Pettersson, Natalina Di Pietro, Donald Hugh Ravety, Patricia Kirby Richardson, Felicitas Fay Robbins, Dorothy Ryan, John Ryan, Maria Silvestri-Fiore, Valma Sudgen, Judith Lorraine Taylor, John Thomas, Casey Jones Townsend, Janmaree Walsh, Irene Wholohan, Fr Wilfrid Willcock, Agata “Tina” Zammit.
THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION NOW IN THE CHURCHES
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
New stock has arrived and is available in our shops now.
God Calling - a popular daily devotional, is new this week
hand held comfort crosses.
Eftpos available.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Envelopes for the New Financial Year are available now for collection from the back of the churches.
The envelopes are available to those who contribute weekly via the collections.
Please email the Parish Office at ‘surfers@bne.catholic.net.au' if you require a receipt for this year’s contributions. We will email the receipt.
We thank all our Parishioners for their continuing support of the Planned Giving Program.
Through this, we can meet our Archdiocesan and Parish Budget commitments and also enable the maintenance and growth of our Parish's mission to ensure we can continue Mass liturgies, pastoral ministries, sacramental programs and various maintenance works.
Of course we have several other ways our parishioners can make their donations - Direct Debit/Credit Card Deduction is popular with our Parishioners as the contributions are paid electronically into the Parish account and the convenience to TapnGo available at the entrance of our churches.
You can also donate directly into the parish Planned Giving account, details -
BSB 064-786 Account 100 013 666 Ref- Your Name
For further information, please contact the Parish Office.
In addition to regular giving to the parish, parishioners when able, can also provide one off gifts in the form of Donations or Bequests. A gift in your will, no matter how big or small is one way you can personally advance the work or the Parish.
Archdiocesan Formation programs - Module Two: Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures
(brochure here… https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5lVaDv8fUqAb2Cht_1HAP9IyR12320F/view?usp=drivesdk)
An invitation is now extended for people to participate in the second module from the Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation. This second module, Understanding, Praying and Living the Scriptures, engages participants in the scriptures, exploring their inspiration, canonisation, unity and how to interpret scripture within the Catholic tradition. This module will also provide participants with introductions to various books within the canon as well as theological principals that inform the Catholic reading of scripture. Beyond the mechanics, this module provides an experience of listening to the voice of God in scripture, ensuring that scripture moves beyond mere text to being experienced as God's word to us. The content and discussion will address questions such as, can we trust the Scriptures? How can we interpret Scripture with the Church? What are the Gospels? What does the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles teach us about Jesus and the early Church? What is the role of scripture in the Mass and how does it lead us to the Eucharist? What does this mean and how can we engage this sacramental text in our prayer life at home? The module is not just intellectual, it is experiential, so be ready to understand God more deeply, and experience God personally.
More information can be found at www.catholicformation.au
This course formation will run across 10 Monday nights commencing on Monday 4 August, at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo (2 hours per session). For parishes beyond the Brisbane region, there is an option to register as a regional hub where you can gather a minimum of 5 participants locally and complete the course together via an online link. If you are interested in hosting a regional hub, please get in touch with the Archdiocesan Ministries team at accf@catholic.net.au.
i register - https://app.tickets.org.au/eb/module_2_2025
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Deacon Peter Pellicaan PhD Executive Director, Archdiocesan Ministries
www.archdiocese anministries.org.au
MARIAN VALLEY TRIPS
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Fatima devotions on 13.07. 2025. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters. The cost of the bus fare per person $25.00 return. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine 0405 252 367.
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, 1st August 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 2nd of August 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 5th of August- 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:
14/7/25 Marie Alexanderson 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 -
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” - is 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.
OUT NOW!
Click link here for free copy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UmOepml2_KeWqYNvrJLUB2taLPKECZod/view?usp=sharing
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
Hope Leads me to Trust in the Divine
Jubilee is a word for celebratory joy. As a Third Order Carmelite I see living out my vocation to Carmel as a life of celebration – bathing in God`s loving grace, giving me joy.
Third Order Carmelites live their lives in hope. Hope for their future heavenly home with God our Father and the hope which our relationship with God gives us in our daily lives. Opening our heart to Him, recognising His presence and listening to Him in silence fills us with hope in every action we will carry out due to His prompting. We must be beacons of hope to all whom we meet in our daily lives.
There is so much fear, loneliness and depression in the world, therefore, it is easy to dwell on this. But God our Father in His graciousness gives us so much more: the signs of hope He gives us in nature – the guarantee of new life each year, the spring flowers, the birds nesting, the birth of lambs. The cycle of life is full of joy and is eternal. Signs such as these give us feelings of hope and joy. Death leads to life! Just as when we die in Christ we also come to life in Him. He leads us to our Father who has a place prepared for us where our joy will come to its fulfilment as we live eternally in His presence. “In my Father`s house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14 v 1 -2.
Also, Colossians 1 v 5 says: “because of the hope which is stored up for you in heaven.” As Carmelites we live our lives with this goal foremost in our minds.
I started my journey into Carmel because of someone I met. There was something that radiated from this person – peace, trust in God and that word again hope! I wanted what this person had. So I was invited to a Third Order Carmelite meeting. After one meeting I knew I had found my spiritual home. After many years in charismatic renewal I was looking for a quiet spirituality. The people I met were welcoming, cheerful, encouraging and had a relationship with God that oozed from their pores.
From that day on God has put me into situations which were often well outside my comfort zone but I have learnt through Carmelite spirituality to have trust and hope that “all will be well.” I have realised God puts you into places and situations as you are needed. We often cannot see this until we look back and see that God`s hand was truly at work in that situation. We achieve because we have hope and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in God`s plan. With God nothing is impossible if we follow where He leads.
We must frequently open dialogue with God: `Lay Carmelites live a life of intense prayer, focused
on a personal dialogue with the Lord, the true friend of humanity. As St Teresa of Jesus says, “Prayer… is nothing more than an intimate and frequent dialogue of friendship with the one whom we know loves us.”` (Living the Carmelite Way. Rule 36, 65).
Above all we need to listen to our Father. If we tune into what God is asking of us the way forward becomes clearer. God knows what we are capable of. He gives us the strength to cope and move forward. What we need to be aware of is the danger of trying to do things ourselves – drifting from God`s guidance and taking over the situation – that is when it all starts to go wrong.
The Rule for the Third Order of Carmel given to us at Reception is a way of life! We must read it regularly as it keeps us grounded in the love and direction of God through Carmel.
Teresa Kelly. T.O.C National Moderator
https://carmelite.org/weekly-reflections/hope-leads-me-to-trust-in-the-divine/
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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/
A VOCATION VIEW:
We are called to love with our whole being. How is God calling you to do that? Pray for generosity to serve God’s people. (Luke 10:25-37)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37).
This was Jesus’ command at the end of the Good Samaritan story. Did you know that the Samaritans and Jews despised each other? The moral of the story is to love our neighbour. That means loving someone you may not know, or someone who looks different from you, someone who has different beliefs from you, or someone that you don’t like.
All without expecting anything in return.
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: “Its a wonderful day in the neighbourhood.”
“Because he wished to justify himself, [the scholar] said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ " (Luke 10:25-37).
The Children’s television presenter Mister Rogers, famous in the USA, sang to children daily about the pleasure and importance of being a good neighbour. A Presbyterian minister, Fred Rogers was aware of the biblical power in identifying others as neighbours — rather than competitors, outsiders, or enemies. Jesus flips the traditional meaning of the word when he claims the true neighbour, not as one who is geographically near to us, but one who is dear to us and merits our compassion. We recognise our neighbours not by who they are or where they live, but by who we are and how we treat them. Choose to be a neighbour to everyone you meet.
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.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - Who is my Neighbour?
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/8KFrTYO4Zp8IlhnawO6I/the-good-samaritan?ru=Paul-Evangelion
The readings this weekend are really beautiful. Each of them has a similar thread running through them. What we believe in, the Word of God, and how we live this word is very, very practical, down-to-earth and tangible! The word of God is not something distant and theoretical and ponderous, but it is alive and active and it is living in our hearts and minds and on our lips and actions.
Jesus is not some distant figure, he is God-made-flesh who shows us what God the Father I like and how God treats sinners and how God loves us. In the Gospel, Jesus reinforces this by telling the famous and wonderful parable of the Good Samaritan. We show we love God and have his word by how we show love to our neighbour, anyone in need, and how we respect ourselves and the gift of life and responsibility we have been given.
Imagine a newly married couple sitting down to their first dinner together after returning from their honeymoon. Imagine if the husband said to his new wife, "I just want to get something clear with you? I hope you don't mind! What is the absolute minimum I need to do to fulfil my obligations to you as your spouse? – I don't want to be seen shirking my responsibilities so if you could just tell me what the absolute least things are that I need to do, to satisfy requirements? "
Could you imagine such a question?? It is outrageous… It is crazy!!!
Of course, this would be an awful, immature and shockingly unloving attitude.
The answer to such a question, (as if it even needs answering), would be twofold. This is about LOVE, not merely the letter of the law or merely doing one’s “duty.” This is not about grudgingly doing the bare minimum. This is actually about love, friendship, and companionship between two people loving, living and working together; united in heart and mind.
How much do you need to give????
Answer: Whatever it takes! Everything you've got.
We are not just “in this together” for a capped "30% minimum." Nor are we in this for merely 50/50, (whilst keeping score all the way!!??) – It is actually 100% by both parties.
As crazy as this extreme example is, the lawyer is asking Jesus something very similar in today's Gospel. And although we can scoff at such a preposterous scenario, we too can be guilty of asking insanely similar things of Our Lord! Whenever we try to ration our commitments and responsibility to Our Lord, (who is our everything!), we are asking the same crazy question as to the ill-considered groom in my theoretical example above.
The Lawyer in the gospel is looking for a clear and definite pathway to Heaven, and so he asks: 'What must I do?'
When Jesus tells him that the answer is Compassion and love, the lawyer again asks for a definition: "What are the limits of this? "
Jesus tells him that this “Way of Christ” is not lived by merely following rules, and not satisfied by meagre rationing-out of our efforts -- and nor is the Gospel kept by staying merely within strict and limited boundaries…….. Rather, the Gospel is lived by responding to life with love, wherever and whenever we find it; with the Love and compassion of God abiding in us. This is the love that is God's very essence: serving, self-sacrificing love to others and to all. Our Lord’s answer immediately alerts the lawyer to how ridiculous the question is, because the lawyer becomes sheepish and embarrassed and tries to justify his question with a clarification about who really is his neighbour. But this is yet again an attempt to limit one’s commitment. Jesus is not going to let him slip away with things that easily.
Eternal life is the free, generous, unrestrained, authentic gift of true, compassionate, self-forgetting love for others. Giving what is needed, giving all we have and giving it freely with love and compassion and not grudging duty.
Living in a loving relationship with God means loving and caring for all that God has created; and going beyond the limits, the reservations, the fears, the restrictions and responding freely, lovingly and passionately, (come what may, and irrespective of the personal cost), to the situations and people life throws up at us.
The law of God, the word of God is not some distant thing written in stone, but a living, breathing, flexible and loving law,… as the first reading tells us……
"The Word (of God) is very near to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance. "
With this parable, Jesus shows us that God's love doesn't care one jot about what others think of a person. God's love does what is right, what is compassionate, and what is just. God responds to real needs, irrespective of popular opinion.
Scripture Commentator William Barclay gives profound insights into this parable:
"The first listeners to Our Lord's parable, in First Century Palestine, would have been utterly shocked and thrown off balance by the unexpected results of the story. The hero in this parable is not the one the listeners expected. The hero turns out to be the one who is usually despised by Jesus' listeners. How can the "good guy "be the Samaritan?? They would have gasped in astonishment.
And worse…. The expected "good guys "- the priest and the Levite, turned out to be not responding the way that Jesus was teaching God's disciples to respond.
Interestingly, the traveller who gets attacked has been very foolish and even reckless. The road to Jericho was notorious for robbers, as it was steep and winding. People who travelled that road travelled in groups and were taking their lives into their hands if they dared to travel alone and with valuables. So Our Lord is saying, even if people have been foolish and have contributed to the situation they have found themselves in, Gospel compassion responds to their needs and doesn't moralize.
Compassion and love respond to real needs. Compassion does not encourage us to stop to apportion blame or fault. A true friend and disciple of Christ does not respond to real and urgent needs by first asking “does this person deserve this help?” - or “Have they brought this upon themselves? In which case I don't have to help them!” Not at all, not ever! Compassion does not stop to work out whether people deserve a loving response when their own folly may have played a (big or small) part in their situation.
The parable Jesus tells does not suggest that the Priest was a bad guy. Nor does it suggest that the priest did not care about the poor person who had been robbed and left for dead. It may have been that the Priest was very concerned for the victim. However, it is clear that he put his religious and legal duties ahead of the human and physical needs of this robbery victim. If the priest had touched an injured person, he would have been considered ritually unclean and therefore unable to perform his duties at the temple. So, he puts his "ceremonial duties ahead of charity." "The Temple and its liturgy meant more to him than the serious injury of a fellow human." And Our Lord is making it clear that putting the rules ahead of people in dire need and immediate need, actually defeats the purpose of the law and the reason for the offering of sacrifices, which are actually meant to be about expressions of love and devotion of heart, mind, body and soul for God and neighbour! ***
"The Levite appears to have moved a little bit closer to the victim but he still does not help in any practical way. In those days, robbers often used decoys pretending to be injured people, to lure helpers to come nearer, whereby they would be ambushed and attacked. "The Levite was a man whose motto was, "Safety first." He would take no risks to help anyone else even if he felt he ought.
"Then there was the Samaritan. The listeners would obviously expect that with the Samaritan’s arrival the villain had finally arrived in this parable. He may not have been racially a Samaritan at all. The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans and yet this man seems to have been a kind of commercial traveller who was a regular visitor to the inn. The name "Samaritan "was sometimes used to describe a man who was a heretic or a person who did not keep the letter of the ceremonial law. Perhaps this man was a Samaritan in the sense of being one whom all orthodox good people despised.
We note two things about him.
(i) His credit was good! Clearly the innkeeper was prepared to trust him. He may have been theologically unsound, but he was an honest, reliable and good man.
(ii) He alone was prepared to help. He may have been considered a heretic but only the Samaritan showed the love of God in his heart. In the end, we will be judged not by the creed we profess, but by the love of God we live through our actions.
And so, the Lord teaches us that we must help a person even when they may have acted in a foolish and ill-advised manner, or even if they have perhaps brought trouble on themselves or contributed in some way to the risk of what has happened to them, as the traveller may have done. Nevertheless, the injured man was still in dire need of immediate care, and Our Lord wants us to respond to that real need positively and swiftly. If we think that urgently rushing to the aid of someone in serious need is ever forbidden by God’s laws or teachings, then we have definitely read these laws and teachings very wrongly.
We must help any person, of any nation or any creed, nationality or value system…. Anyone who is actually in need is our neighbour. Our help must be as wide as the love of God, - that is to say, as wide as something that cannot be measured.
We must not put rules and ceremonials ahead of people and their plight. The law of God is living and active. The ceremonials of religion express and contain the values of God's Kingdom, and ought never to be used in opposition to the human condition.
The help we give must be practical, and not consist merely of empty platitudes, or of just feeling sorry for someone when practical action is what is needed. No doubt the Priest and the Levite felt a pang of pity for the wounded man, but in the end, they did nothing to help him, which Our Lord makes clear is not acceptable!
In order for the fullness of compassion to exist, it must flow into deeds.
What Jesus said to the scribe, he says to us too -- "Go and do the same. " "**
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References:
**William Barclay - THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE SERIES. REVISED EDITION. THE GOSPEL OF
LUKE. THE WESTMINSTER PRESS. PHILADELPHIA. 1975
Fr Paul W. Kelly, additional expansion and reflection comments included within the commentary of Barclay.
PICTURE: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/8KFrTYO4Zp8IlhnawO6I/the-good-samaritan?ru=Paul-Evangelion
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
Saint Camillus de Lellis
“Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.” (Saint Camillus de Lellis).
Saint Teresa of Kolkata
“To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it. (Saint Teresa of Kolkata).
There is a beautiful reflection attributed to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, (which was actually written by an American man named Kent M. Keith and published in a 1968 College Pamphlet. However, a framed copy of this reflection was kept on the wall in one of Mother Teresa's Orphanages). It goes like this: "People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you; be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others may destroy overnight; Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten; do good anyway. Give your best, which may never be enough; give your best anyway. (Kent M. Keith. "The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World." October 25, 2001." (ISBN-10: 1930722052).)
Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
"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."
Saint Bonaventure
“In things of beauty, he contemplated the One who is supremely beautiful, and, led by the footprints he found in creatures, he followed the Beloved everywhere” (St. Bonaventure).
“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. x, 15) so humility is the foundation of all virtue. Learn to be really humble and not, as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.” ( Saint Bonaventure).
“We must beg the Holy Spirit, with ardent longing, to give us these fruits. The Holy Ghost alone knows how to bring to light the sweetness hidden away under the rugged exterior of the words of the Law. We must go to the Holy Ghost for interior guidance.” (Saint Bonaventure, Holiness of Life).
“Know your net worth” “If you do not know your own dignity and condition, you cannot value anything at its proper worth,” says the wise Saint Bonaventure, noted 13th-century Franciscan theologian and doctor of the church. Take time to think about that admonishment today. Tally your credits and debits—the good and bad you’ve wrought, your accomplishments and failures. Then remember that nothing goes unnoticed by God: “Even the hairs of your head are all counted” (Matt. 10:30). Why? Because you are God’s alone. Let that knowledge shape your understanding of everything. As Bonaventure puts it: “Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God.” (St Bonaventure).
Jul 16, 2022- Our Lady of Saint Carmel.
Choose a path of devotion. The Third Order of Carmel is an association of lay persons who live according to the spirit of the Carmelite Order and share in its mission. Their charisms are prayer, community, and ministry. Lay Carmelites attend a monthly meeting in which they wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign of their dedication to the Virgin Mary. If possible, they participate in daily Mass and try to spend a half-hour in meditation each day, reflecting on scripture. Lay Carmelites also pray the Morning and Evening Prayer of the Divine Office. Though they are not professed religious, they practice the virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience. Pray to Our Lady of Mount Carmel to inspire your own spiritual practice.
“We therefore grossly deceive ourselves in not allotting more time to the study of divine truths. It is not enough to barely believe them, and let our thoughts now and then glance upon them: that knowledge which shows us heaven, will not bring us to the possession of it and will deserve punishment, not rewards if it remains slight, weak, and superficial. By serious and frequent meditation it must be concocted, digested, and turned into the nourishment of our affections before it can be powerful and operative enough to change them, and produce the necessary fruit in our lives. For this all the saints affected solitude and retreats from the noise and hurry of the world, as much as their circumstances allowed them.” – St. Apollinaris
“The Holy Spirit sweetens the yoke of the divine law and lightens its weight, so that we may observe God’s commandments with the greatest of ease and even with pleasure.” (St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap).
“God is love and all His operations proceed from LOVE…” [St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619)].
“Mary Magdalene turned and said to Jesus in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).” (John 20:16).
“So Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’” (John 20:2)
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” (John 20:18).
Make your prayer simple, as simple as you can. Reason little, love much, and you will pray well.” (Willie Doyle).
“Contemplation is knowledge by love.” (Bede Griffiths, OSB).
Cultivate contemplation and simplicity
Mount Carmel gets mentioned throughout the Old Testament, as a settlement and a mountain, both named for lush vegetation that grew there. The former was the homeland of King David’s wife, Abigail. The latter was the holy mountain, dotted with caves, where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal. These caves also attracted early hermits who would go on to found the Carmelite religious order. Carmelite spirituality—in particular, contemplation and a simple lifestyle—was the touchstone of many influential Catholic saints, including John of the Cross, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux. How might your own spiritual life benefit from an increase in contemplation or simplicity?
POPE LEO REFLECTIONS -
IMAGE: Vatican City, Italy June 15, 2025: Pope Leo XIV holds the crucifix in his hand. Pope Leo XIV presides over the Holy Mass of Sunday and the Jubilee of Sport on the central altar of St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate a Mass for the Care of Creation on July 9
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments present at the Holy See Press Office, a new formulary of the Roman Missal dedicated to the “Care for Creation”.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
On July 9, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the first “Mass for the Care of Creation”, with a new formulary of the Roman Missal, produced by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and presented Thursday, July 3, during a press conference at the Vatican. The Pope will celebrate this private Mass during his holiday with the staff of the “Borgo Laudato Sì” (“Laudato Sì Village”), an educational center located in the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
With this new formulary "the Church is offering liturgical, spiritual and communal support for the care we all need to exercise of nature, our common home. Such service is indeed a great act of faith, hope and charity”, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said during the press conference. This Mass dedicated to taking care of creation “calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us – not only in daily choices and public policies, but also in our prayer, our worship, and our way of living in the world”.
The press conference to present the new formulary
The press conference to present the new formulary
A way to promote an integral ecology
In the Roman Missal there are 49 different Masses and prayers for various needs and occasions. Of these, 17 are dedicated to civil needs and this new liturgical text will now become a part of this category. An official decree by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, approved by Pope Leo XIV and dated June 8, was also released, marking the addition of the formulary to the Roman Missal.
This liturgical text was developed in collaboration with several Vatican dicasteries and was strongly inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which this year celebrates the 10th anniversary of its publication. The release of the formulary also falls on the year of the 35th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s 1990 message for the World Day of Peace, titled “Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all of Creation”.
“'The Mass for the Care for Creation' takes up some of the main positions contained in Laudato Si' and expresses them in the form of a prayer within the theological framework that the encyclical revives”, Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola, secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, explained during the press conference. The texts that make up the formulary for this Mass “are a good antidote” against reading Laudato Si’ as concerned with a “false or superficial ecology”, which is “far removed from that 'integral ecology' amply described and promoted in the encyclical". In fact, he described Francis’ encyclical as an “eco-social” text, rather than just “ecological”.
Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola
Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola
Remembering those affected by climate change
“Creation is not an added theme but is always already present in the Catholic liturgy”, as the Eucharist “joins heaven and earth, it embraces and penetrates all creation” and in it “we bless God for the bread and wine we receive”, Cardinal Czerny said. This Mass can now “increase our gratitude” and also “invites us to respond with care and love” to the issues of today.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV’s message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, released on July 2, the Cardinal additionally highlighted that “in a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity”. He insisted, citing Laudato Si’, that “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one and the danger of a superficial ecology” is to believe that the only “problems to be solved are ecological ones” and that this can be done “at the expense of the people”.
Cardinal Michael Czerny
The readings and prayers featured in the Mass
Archbishop Viola emphasized that the readings featured in this Mass are “very rich and offer several insights”. From the Old Testament, for example, a reading from the Book of Wisdom (13,1-9) is included, which highlights the importance of seeing God through his creation. For the Responsorial Psalm, certain verses are listed from Psalm 18, which highlights how “the heavens declare the glory of God”, and Psalm 103, which states “Bless the Lord, all his creatures”. For the New Testament, a reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians (1,15-20) was selected that affirms that Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth”. Lastly, two passages from the Gospel of Matthew are suggested. In the first (6,24-34) Christ invites to “look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, yet “your heavenly Father feeds them”. The second (8,23-27) features the moment when Jesus calms a storm while on a boat with his disciples. The prayers in the Mass also reflect the importance of caring for creation, for example by stating “while we wait for new heavens and a new earth, let us learn to live in harmony with all creatures”.
Clarifications regarding "Traditionis custodes" (“Custodians of the Tradition”)- relating to the Vatican document which restricted the use of the old Latin Mass. Finally, responding to a question about the publication of some press articles related to Pope Francis’s 2021 Motu Proprio, Traditionis custodes, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, noted that the published texts contribute to “a very partial and incomplete reconstruction.” In fact, a consultation is cited to which, however, “further documentation and other confidential reports — also the result of additional consultations — were subsequently added and submitted to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.”
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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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Never Known to Fail)
O Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel,
Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and Earth,
I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in this necessity
(make your request here).
There are none that can withstand your power.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)
Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)
Amen.
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.
Sacred Heart Church and Parish office - (directions and location)
50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Queensland 4226
(The best entry is the southern entrance off Fairway Drive, nearest to Santa Cruz Boulevard).
map: -
Please see below for a photo of the Catholic Parish office ……(with the name “Glendalough - Parish Office” written on a sign over the door - Glendalough is pronounced “Glenda-lock” and is named after a famous Irish location where Catholic Saint Kevin lived- one of our schools in the parish is named St Kevin’s in honour that patron saint).
below is a picture of the Sacred Heart church which is located on the same grounds - (to the left of the parish office)
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