PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“But when you are invited, take the lowest place…” (Luke 14:10)
PASTOR’S POST -
Jesus doesn’t ask what’s in it for me? He doesn’t ask what can I get out of this? He rarely says what can this person can do for me? Instead, he asks questions that move us outward: How can I help you? What shall I give you? What does this beloved brother or sister need from me? That is faith, hope, and love in motion.
In the homily this weekend, we’re reminded that some lessons from the Lord stay with us precisely because they hit home in ordinary life. Take the gospel about not taking the best seat at the banquet. Most of us have practised that little rule of common sense, but the deeper point isn’t etiquette. It’s about the posture of our days — humility in every setting, not just at a formal event.
Why does this matter? Because when we measure life by being first or by having the best seat, we miss the point of the kingdom. Our Lord isn’t urging survival of the fittest; he’s inviting us into healthy humility, into attentiveness to others, especially those in need. God, the most loving Father, keeps giving to all his children, calling us to join in that generosity.
So what does it look like to be God’s hands? It means protecting, feeding, and defending one another; refusing to push aside other people to grab the “best” for ourselves. Jesus, the Word who became servant, embraced self-forgetting love, sacrifice, and service for the kingdom's sake. Join this service today.
Fr Paul
Surfers Catholic Parish Youth Group - Gathering every Sunday Night 7pm at the Parish Hospitality Centre
EVERYONE IS WELCOME - INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN YOU - A WONDERFUL WAY TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP
Our Youth Group has continued each week - breaking open the Gospel for the following two week Sunday Mass and sharing our reflections and life experiences based on the Word of Jesus in the Gospel.
IGNITE CONFERENCE 2025 BRISBANE
Our home city will see the biggest ever Ignite Conference this year
25 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE
Thursday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime 82 Stephens Rd, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Get involved Join us in the mission to bring Jesus into the life of young people. Make the mission reality by attending Ignite Conference, sponsoring as an organisation, donating to the cause, volunteering, bringing a group, presenting a workshop or promoting the conference in your community.
Contact us on the website: https://igniteconference.com.au/brisbane
Contact us by coming along to the Youth Group on Sunday night
Full schedule coming soon to the website
WE WILL BE TAKING A GROUP FROM THE PARISH YOUTH GROUP SO COME ALONG
AND CHECK IT OUT
PASSIONATE INNOVATIVE CATHOLIC
Also IGNITE KIDS https://igniteconference.com.au/brisbane
THIS YEAR’S AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT NOW AVAILABLE:
On this Social Justice Sunday, Australia’s Bishops invite us to seriously consider our Christian responsibility to those who are in homelessness and mental ill-health. Like Jesus, we are to “offer service…to our sisters and brothers created in the image of God.”
Yet it is more than practical assistance or knowing about situations and causes of poverty. We are called to get to know the names of people and to hear their stories. God is love, and love notices, listens and responds to each person uniquely.
As pilgrims of hope in this Year of Jubilee, we walk as equals with each other, and work towards a society of dignity and inclusion for all. Let us build a culture of encounter with those living in homelessness and mental ill-health. Let us find and be ‘Signs of Hope on the Edge.’
Upper Coomera - event
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley Church for Our Lady of Fatima's gatherings on Saturday the13th September 2025. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am on both days at the Sacred Heart Church No 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters. The Cost of the bus fare per person $25.00. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Chris Raynal 0451 302 674,
Madeleine 5529 1573.
RENEWAL - The Catholic Guy
Come and Be Spiritually Renewed - A Free Half-Day Event
with The Catholic Guy, Bruce Downes,
Are you longing for more in your spiritual life?
Do you need space to breathe, reflect, and hear from God?
Join The Catholic Guy, Bruce Downes, for a powerful
afternoon of encouragement, prayer, and personal spiritual renewal.
Where: 6 Overend Street, East Brisbane
Date: Saturday, 6 September
Time: 12.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Led by: The Catholic Guy, Bruce Downes
Register at: BruceDownes.org/auevents
Come expectant. Leave renewed.
ADULT FAITH - Why do we baptise?
An adult baptised into the Church enters into a relationship. He or she no longer lives as an individual entity but as a member of the body of Christ. Like a wedding, the baptismal ceremony marks the beginning of this new life of union and ongoing commitment. A baptised person says, 'Yes, I want to be one with you; I want to live a life faithful to the Gospel'. (When an infant is baptised, the parents and godparents commit to the faith in Christ and his Church on the child's behalf.) Likewise, the community pledges itself to be one with that person. Two other rituals, Confirmation and Eucharist, complete this process whereby a person becomes part of the Catholic Church. Together, the three are known as the Sacraments of Initiation.
CLOW – Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Sacred Heart - Clear Island Waters
CLOW – Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is held during the 9:00 am Sunday Mass in term time.
All volunteers are trained and hold Blue Cards.
Follow the signs to the Parish Hospitality Centre to drop off your children, or you’re welcome to stay and join in.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME, from crawling babies to “tweenagers” (and parents too!).
Each week we focus on understanding the Gospel through fun activities, discussions, and building friendships.
At the end of each term (Week 9), we hold a Party after 9am Mass for all children and their families to enjoy together.
2025 Annual Catholic Campaign! [upcoming- 23rd and 24th of August 2025]
Catholic Campaign (continued): https://bit.ly/3rYVR3l
Thank you to everyone who was able to support the Annual Catholic Campaign for the Archdiocese of Brisbane in prayer and practical assistance. This special campaign brings together all the parishes of the Archdiocese to provide care and support for local ministries and people in need in our own communities.
Funds raised will support ministries that directly impact this parish. The Campaign supports training future priests, caring for our elderly and retired priests, giving local families in dire need access to a Catholic education and caring for those suffering physically and emotionally in our community.
Thank you, and God bless.
Each year, your efforts support significant ministry in our local church.
• Help those in vulnerable situations through Centacare services
• Support the journey of Seminarians at Holy Spirit Seminary
• Provide for our unwell and retired priests through The Priests Foundation
• Help children in need access Catholic education via the Mary Mackillop Bursary Fund
• Help fund grassroots ministry through the Annual Grants Program.
The campaign is scheduled for next weekend - the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of August 2025. The Archbishop’s video homily has been prepared to reflect the Sunday Gospel for the 24th of August.
Please pray for our newly appointed archbishop Shane McKinlay,
Archbishop-elent Shane 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.
Caritas Australia invites us to pray for the people of Gaza.
If you are able to support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, please donate online at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413
Caritas Australia invites us to light a candle and pray for the people of Gaza
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CARERS GATEWAY PROJECT
Carer Gateway, a national government-funded service that provides free support for unpaid carers. This includes anyone providing care for a family member or friend living with:
Mental illness
Disability
A severe or chronic medical condition
Age-related frailty
Through Carer Gateway, we are able to support carers via a structured intake and registration process. As part of this, we use an evidence-based tool called the Carers Star to assess the carer’s current situation, challenges, and strengths in key areas of their caring role. From there, we work together to identify suitable supports.
The types of services available include:
Core Supports (Free):
Counselling
Coaching
In-person peer support groups
Online self-guided learning
Brokered & One-Off Services (based on need):
Respite care
Support workers
Grocery and fuel vouchers
Financial support
Personalised or urgent support tailored to the carer’s unique circumstances
Emergency Support Program:
For carers in crisis or experiencing significant distress, we can help coordinate immediate and more substantial assistance.
These supports aim to reduce stress, increase resilience, and help carers feel more connected and empowered in their role.
YouTube links for short 1 minute introductions:
What services does carer gateway offer?
Thanks to Brady for this information.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tuesday, the 2nd September 2025- Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to attend.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday,
5th September 2025, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All 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 6th September 2025. Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}. Please come along.
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY -WINTER APPEAL
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
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
- Sunday, 31 August 2025
THIS WEEK...
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis
PRAYER
Lord, be with us as we meet our brothers and sisters in need. Let us be your face, hands and words to those who need your presence and welcome embrace. Amen.
BEING REAL
Sirach 3:17-20,28-29
Heb 12:18-19,22-24
Lk 14:1,7-14
Thankfully, every wedding reception I have attended has had a seating plan which placed me in a specific place so I didn’t have to choose where I sat. Contrast that to the dilemma posed by Jesus to the Pharisees when he is sharing a Sabbath dinner. Having noticed that they vie for positions of honour closest to the head of the table, Jesus teaches us the value and importance of humility. The positions closest to the head of the table indicated influence, power and position in Jewish, and Roman society. And humility was not a virtue attributed to the Pharisees.
It is humility that is the central theme running through both our First Reading and the Gospel today. The Trappist monk, Thomas Merton once said, “pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” To be humble and real is to be aware of, and appreciate the God given gifts of both yourself and the other people you connect with. And the advice from the Book of Sirach is, “be gentle in carrying out your business and you will be better loved than a lavish giver.”
Humility is also one of the essential virtues of St Vincent de Paul and of the Society. In the Rule 2.5.1, five of Vincent’s virtues are identified as being essential for members to promote love and show respect for the poor. “Humility, accepting the truth about our frailties, gifts, talents and charisms, yet knowing that all that God gives us is for others, and that we can achieve nothing of eternal value without his grace.” Possibly this is what Merton means by being real. Being reflective and self-aware and honest about who we really are before God.
Luke ends this gospel passage with an invitation that is radically different to both the dinner Jesus was attending and the wedding feast theme of his parable. His direction is to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind to our party with no expectation of having the invitation returned.
(Reflection by Greg Ryan)
How does our conference show that we welcome all those who comes to us for help?
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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, 5th September 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 6th September 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 2nd September 2025- 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.
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, Gregory Bechly, 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, Diane Coorey, Jamie Creed, Shirley Croft, Christopher Cunningham, Mary Curmi, Bernie Delaney, Christopher Eid, Gloria Evered, Judi Farrow, John Fox, Lorraine Gallagher, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Betty Hannon, Jenny Johnson, Kevin & Francis Junee, Leona Kelly, Marjorie Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Gregory Kittelty, Jan Kristenson, Robert Lahey, Dallas Laine, Dannielle Therese Larney, Thi Le, Alvin Lee, Nathan Lepp, Jim Lindsay, Maureen Lloyd, Veronica Lubomski, Sharyn Lucas, Victoria MacDonald, l. McGuigan, Phil and Anne McGuigan, Leonie McMahon, Anthea McMullin, Carmel Mooney, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Frances Much, 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, Alan Robinson, Bob Rogers, Neil Rogers, Jens Ryan-Raison, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Angela Sannen, Miranda Santi, Alf Schembri, Maureen Scott, Betty Taylor, Gary Thompson, Krystal & Winter Tongue, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Marcus Ware, John Zappa.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Antonietta Arena, Josephine di Giorgio, Garth Tuckett, Thomas Toomey, John Robert Setchell, Cecilia Tan, Frits Pannekoek, Jessie Lelo, Martin McEnerey, Steve Land, Gene Monteiro-Ferdinand, Peter Miller, Mary Patricia Kerr, Conor Keane (teenager from Galway Ireland), Richard Holborow, Paul Loonam, Graham Leslie Clarke, Barry Humphrey, Marth O’Boyle (Ireland), Robert Parry, Leah Mackay, John Newton, Brian Joseph Bermingham, Maria Lucarelli, Colin Leslie Wythe, Serina Castellaro, Roslyn Mathews (Tmba), Christine Mulligan, Mary Costello, Michael Kent, June O’Donnell, Lucyanna Markovic.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Frederick Jerome (Fred) Anderson, Colin Francis Bingham, John Bottos, Molly Brennan, Max Butler, Fr Denis Byrne, Joe Dominiak, Wladyslawa Dominiak, Bp Edward Doody, Clement Durkin, Fr Vincent Dwyer, Luciano Fioravanti, Joan Margaret Gibbon, Edna Hamilton, Robert George Hanley, Denis Hart, Gerardus Hendriksen, Patricia Mary “Tricia” Keevers, Fr Christopher Lynch, Fr Francis Masterson, Kichizo Matsumoto, Bernard William McKay, Helen McMeniman, Linda G Mirasol, Damian Gerard Mullins, Maureen Joy Murphy, Sr Mary Josephine O’Brien, Topie Paagalua, Carmela Parente, Michael Perta, Gina Fortini Sanguigno, Algernon (Algie) Scharenguivel, Fr Kevin Skehan, Timothy Sullivan, Soledad Viva and Inocencia Taleon, Fr Brian Taylor, Joseph Francis Wherby, Fr Albert Wright, Odilla Zuppicchiatti.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Joan Patricia Baker, Teresa Balague, Fr Harry Bliss, Veronica Mary Bourke, Fr Michael Carey, Antonio Cecco, Bruno Chiera, Danny Connelly, Fr James Cullen, John Cummins, Joseph Donato, Raymond Falzon, Frank Gardner, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Grippo, Narda Hallam, Mr Denis Hart, Colin Vincent Jenkinson, Jadvyga Ladyga, Anthony Lenchuca, Santina (Tina) Mantello, Kichizo Matsumoto, Maureen Mary Moore, Lisa Maree Moore, Ronald Neilsen, Fr Thomas O'Brien, Dorothy Pierce, Lisa Margaret Quartermaine, Carmel Regan, Xavier Rodado, Mercedes Romanin, Rafael Sanchez, Joan Simmons, Garry Robert Sullivan, Nicole Jane Tierney, Edmund Scotter White, Fr Richard Wilson.
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.
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
Looking for a special way to bless yourself and your home? Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift for a loved one or to create a sacred space in your home, a holy water font is a must-have for any Catholic home.
Available in our shops at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s Churches
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room located at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters at 10am to 11am. 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, 5th of September 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 6th of September2025. 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 2nd of September -
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:
1/9/25: Luciana Leong & Family, Varsity Lakes
9/9/25: Luciana Leong & Family, Varsity Lakes
15/9/25: Susan Joseph, Robina
22/9/25: Susan Joseph, Robina
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
{https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html}
As 2025 rapidly speeds into its final four months , many Catholics ask how the remains of this year still can become a meaningful Jubilee—an intentional pause to reset our hearts and renew our witness. Rooted in Scripture and carried forward by the Church, a Jubilee invites humility, mercy, and a more profound commitment to God and neighbour.
What is a Jubilee, and why now? The biblical Jubilee (Leviticus 25) called every land and people to rest, forgive, and start anew. Jesus proclaimed a personal Jubilee in Nazareth, announcing release to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). In Catholic tradition, Holy Years or Jubilees are opportunities to reconcile with God, heal relationships, and renew communal life. In a time of global upheaval—migration, conflict, poverty, and division—Jubilee 2025 invites Christians to mirror God’s lavish mercy in concrete ways.
How to observe Jubilee 2025
Personal renewal: Regular confession, frequent reception of the Eucharist, prayer for the Pope and church, and daily acts of mercy.
Family and parish life: Plan service projects, pilgrimages, or processions; designate a “Jubilee Sabbath” for rest, gratitude, and shared prayer.
Social justice: Volunteer, donate, or advocate for the voiceless; support refugees, care for the poor, and protect creation.
Ecumenical and communal healing: Seek reconciliation where there is division; build bridges with neighbours of different faiths.
Spiritual practices: Lectio divina on mercy scriptures; the Poor Clare of mercy—imagine how Christ would live today.
Indulgences and permissions. Many Jubilees include special indulgences granted by the Holy See under the usual conditions: confession, Holy Communion, and prayers for the Pope, plus a Jubilee act such as visiting a church.
A Jubilee is not an ornament for the calendar but a summons to live more fully as Christ’s witnesses. May 2025 be a season of repentance, renewal, and generous love in all we say and do.
THE BIBLE TIME
LINE – 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 Last Sunday of the month 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:
Humility is needed for those who choose to serve. Recognise your gifts and offer them in humble service. (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you." Luke 14:13-14
One of the main principles of living a stewardship lifestyle is to give without expecting anything in return. This is difficult for some to comprehend in the “consumerist” culture that we live in. This is even difficult for many parish communities that have become heavily dependent on parish fundraising events to support the mission and ministry of their local parish. Generally speaking, at a parish fundraiser, you pay money and receive something in return; it’s just a financial transaction. This is opposed to our parish offertory at Holy Mass, where you unite your sacrifice with Jesus’, renewing our covenant relationship with Him.
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: Make us meek, again
"Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place." [Luke 14:1, 7-14]
We're trained in the art of competition early. First, we barter for our parents' attention with siblings or tasks that distract them from celebrating us. In school, we compete for grades; in sports, for victories. By the time we arrive in the workplace, in marriages, or in adulthood in general, we're primed to fight for what seems rightfully ours: the spotlight. Saint Thomas Aquinas recommends the way of humility as the virtue that "most effectively removes the main obstacle to our spiritual welfare, the preoccupation with earthly greatness." Cede the floor. Surrender the talking stick. Cherish humility.
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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 - -To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
Homily: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 31 August 2025
PROLOGUE:
Jesus asks not, what's in it for me? He also doesn't ask, what can I get out of this? Also, I don't think he's ever quoted as saying, what can this person do for me? Rather, Christ asks questions like this. How can I help you? What shall I give you? What does this beloved brother or sister need from me? This is faith, hope, and love.
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HOMILY:
Isn't it interesting that some lessons from our Lord, almost everyone remembers and observes, while others we remember and observe not so much.
For example, this weekend's Gospel. Everybody knows this lesson and has lived it very practically, I'm sure, in social situations, about not taking the best seat at the banquet feast, but rather humbly taking the least seat of honour at the table, lest a better seat is reserved for someone else and we be socially embarrassed. We've all probably done that.
Who hasn't thought of this wise advice when just about to sit down at a formal dinner party, where you don't know where everyone's supposed to sit, and you think, I better not take seats too close to the front, I might get shoved down the back. This is one of those teachings that are often observed without much trouble. But then, of course, our Lord is not teaching this lesson as a piece of social etiquette.
It's not being taught to us just so we wouldn't embarrass ourselves when we attend a polite dinner party. He was using this as an example of how we should live its essence and meaning in our daily lives, in casual and formal situations. So, whilst people are at great pains to ensure they don't appear presumptuous at a formal event or step out of line, wouldn't it be great if everyone took that same care everywhere else, to make sure that in our workplace, in our home, in our social and sporting events, and other encounters, we're not being pushy.
We're not barreling over others, pushing them out the way, to ensure that we get the best of everything for ourselves and those closest to us. And the rest can just find their own way, only to be stopped by someone saying, hey, get back in line. Our Lord is trying to break the concept of first in, best dressed.
And our Lord is certainly not advocating survival of the fittest, or every man or woman for themselves. Christ is lovingly inviting us to foster a healthy humility, an openness to others, to have an eye out for those most in need, and to avoid any actions or attitudes that are calculated to gain favours. God is the most loving of fathers, only wanting to give and keep giving to every one of his beloved children, to encourage them, to guide them, to nourish and provide for them, to give them what they need in due season, to protect and defend them.
God would want us to protect and feed and defend others of his family, our brothers and sisters, when we are his hands reaching out to others in need. Jesus asks not, What's in it for me? He also doesn't ask what I can get out of this. Also, I don't think he's ever quoted as saying, What can this person do for me? Rather, Christ asks questions like this. How can I help you? What shall I give you? What does this beloved brother or sister need from me? God is constantly generous and giving, and adding to the heightened contrast, our Lord is the most important person who ever walked the earth.
If anyone could claim all the benefits and priorities, he could, but he doesn't. He instead becomes a servant of all. He strips himself of all, including that which he's rightly entitled to, and instead he steps in with service, self-forgetting love, sacrifice, all for the sake of the kingdom.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/bif4r2McJfSMK23gKagm/first-century-palestine-a-grand-dinner-with-people-all-trying-to-take-the-seats-of-honour?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
MEMORIAL OF GREGORY THE GREAT, POPE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
- Build upon existing foundations. New cities rise on the ruins of former times. New traditions build on existing ones. This is how history proceeds. Gregory the Great, the leader the early church needed in 590, understood this better than most. Instead of destroying temples to earlier gods, he instructed missionaries to bless them with holy water and repurpose them. The same with festivals associated with other gods. He suggested that their meaning be tied to “good fellowship,” with food offered not as sacrifices to pagan gods but “for the glory of God.” In this way, pre-Christian Europe was converted to Christianity. Build upon the past as you help shape the future church and society. Luke 6:1-5 (436). “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
SEPTEMBER 3 - Saint Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
New cities rise on the ruins of former times. New traditions build on existing ones. This is how history proceeds. Gregory the Great, the leader the early church needed in 590, understood this better than most. Instead of destroying temples to earlier gods, he instructed missionaries to bless them with holy water and repurpose them. The same with festivals associated with other gods. He suggested that their meaning be tied to “good fellowship,” with food offered not as sacrifices to pagan gods but “for the glory of God.” In this way, pre-Christian Europe was converted to Christianity. Build upon the past as you help shape the future church and society.
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."
POPE LEO REFLECTIONS -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Asset id: 2662092241 -Rome, Italy August 5th, 2025: LEO XIV. One million young pilgrims attended the Prayer Vigil led by Pope Leo XIV during the 2025 Youth Jubilee at Tor Vergata in Rome.
Pope Leo welcomes Venetian inmates on Jubilee pilgrimage
Pope Leo XIV received in audience a group of pilgrims from One of the pilgrim inmates presents a chalice to Pope Leo XIV during their audience Thursday morning (photo credit: © Gente Veneta, weekly magazine Diocese of Venice)
By Christopher Wells
Three inmates from Venice’s Santa Maria Maggiore Prison are among a group of pilgrims received by Pope Leo on Thursday at the Vatican. The group's Jubilee pilgrimage of almost 500 kilometers included traversing the final hundred kilometers, from the Italian town of Terni to Rome, on foot.
The pilgrims were accompanied to the audience by the Patriarch of Venice, Archbishop Francesco Moraglia; and prison chaplain Father Massimo Cadamuro, along with other archdiocesan officials.
Ahead of the audience, Father Cadamuro said, “The meeting with Pope Leo truly brings to completion this experience of ours, a journey and a pilgrimage, undertaken entirely under the banner of a trustworthy hope, which represents a necessary dimension for the authentic life of all people, both free and incarcerated. Having been able to undertake this pilgrimage together makes everything stronger, truer, more authentic.”
Enrico Farina, the Director of the Santa Maria Maggiore Prison, was also present on Thursday. In remarks prior to the audience, he said, the opportunity to allow inmates to take part “in an intense human and spiritual journey” fills him “with pride.” He noted, too, that the inmates will be given a blank diary containing reflections and prayers inspired by “this deeply meaningful journey,” and said he was honoured to share the moment with the pilgrims.
Following on from a Jubilee audience for seminarians from Venice and the surrounding area in June, Thursday’s encounter is “another great gift from Pope Leo,” who accepted the inmates request for an audience at the end of their pilgrimage, according to Archbishop Moraglia.
The Patriarch of Venice said the pilgrimage and audience with the Pope “is an experience that—I am certain—will leave an indelible mark on the soul, life, and story of these inmates, of the staff and volunteers who are accompanying them, and also of all those who are committed to diocesan ministry directed toward prisons and the reintegration of male and female inmates into social life.”
The Jubilee pilgrimage, along with the opportunity to meet with Pope Leo, is part of the Archdiocese of Venice’s “ongoing and comprehensive commitment” to pastoral care of inmates in local prisons. As part of that commitment, Archbishop Moraglia has meet in recent weeks with Italy’s Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio, to discuss the state of prisons in and around Venice, as well as efforts to reintegrate inmates into civil society following completion of their sentences.--Vatican News
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
Here is a brief summary of the declarations, (with the full document then following it)
Decree 1 (Healing Wounds):
Archdiocese to develop Indigenous truth-telling, learning, and resource programs.
Distribute culturally appropriate liturgical resources.
Develop Indigenous learning opportunities.
Decree 2 (Seeking Healing):
Engage with survivors via truth-telling and support programs.
Reassess and focus Safeguarding Sunday with resources and rituals.
Implement processes for forgiveness, apologies, and healing activities.
Decree 3 (Missionary Disciples):
Form a family and intergenerational ministry group.
Strengthen partnerships, develop inclusive sacramental resources, and support marginalized groups.
Hold listening sessions and ecumenical/interfaith programs.
Develop digital mission strategies and sports ministry.
Decree 4 (Dignity of Women and Men):
Explore women’s ordination implementation, if laws change.
Establish a role for lay participation.
Form a group on inclusive language and theological understanding of women.
Support postgraduate education for women and men.
Decree 5 (Charisms and Ministries):
Create a hospitality ministry for parish staff.
Explore and develop ministries like catechist, lector, acolyte, and others.
Form a Ministries Discernment Committee.
Support lay-led liturgies and authorize lay presiding at funerals, baptisms, and weddings.
Decree 6 (Formation and Leadership):
Develop leadership and formation resources (podcasts, modules, retreats) for emerging leaders.
Facilitate ongoing spiritual growth opportunities for laypeople and clergy.
Organize formation events on key topics (prayer, scripture, mission, inclusivity).
Create pathways for lay involvement in clergy and seminarians’ formation.
Implement a mission-focused, synodal, co-responsible Church roadmap with local conversations.
Teach discernment and Spirit-led listening, produce related media, and organize intercultural forums.
Develop a comprehensive formation plan covering all eight Action Plans and provide implementation workshops.
Decree 7 (Governance):
Regularly celebrate synods as part of Church life.
Establish a Synod Council with diverse representation, including lay women, Indigenous persons, and people with disabilities.
Develop statutes for the Synod Council.
Run deanery-level projects to identify and mentor suitable laypeople for councils and committees, especially from underrepresented groups.
Create a parish handover process with parish consultation and expectations for pastors.
Conduct regular performance reviews and professional supervision for pastors.
Decree 8 (Ecology and Conversion):
Develop and implement an integral ecology formation strategy for clergy, leaders, staff, and parishioners, revised every three years, incorporating Indigenous wisdom and eco-spirituality resources.
Ensure all Laudato Si Action Plans include frameworks for measuring emission reductions and achieving net-zero targets with clear commitments and timelines.
Develop and implement an Ecological Ministry Strategic Plan, recruiting deanery representatives to support ecological ministers, overseen by an Archdiocesan coordinator.
Promote intergenerational and family initiatives to foster ecological awareness and action.
Facilitate sharing of ecological activities and foster cross-agency collaboration across the Archdiocese.
Produce liturgical guidelines and resources to embed ecological commitments into worship.
Closing Remarks:
Prioritize and accelerate existing initiatives, setting a goal to implement all action plans within five years.
Establish oversight groups, including the Synod Council and Archdiocesan Synods, to monitor progress and coordinate efforts.
Engage parishes, communities, and individuals in reading, reflecting, and creatively implementing action plans.
Recognize additional future needs such as parish and school restructuring, youth engagement, prayer education, and contemplative practices, to be addressed alongside these plans.
Read in conjunction with the Archbishop’s document “With Lamps Ablaze” for broader priorities.
Publish the synodal declarations and action plans to the entire community and forward a copy to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Overall Responsibility:
Archdiocesan leadership, parishes, communities, agencies, and individuals are called to active participation.
Oversight and progress monitoring will be managed by designated groups, ensuring timely and effective implementation.
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Here are the full 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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