PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/WIOC0tgkNnut9jWSQGuM?ru=Paul-Evangelion
PASTOR’S POST - Fr Bradley
I have often considered myself fortunate after listening to many people share stories about choosing to follow Christ. I have listened to many, including seminarians, share about the resistance they received from family when deciding to invest deeper in their faith and in the life of the Church.
Some seminarians, even those who are now priests, would talk about how their parents were totally against them joining the priesthood. Other, not necessarily seminarians or priests, have family members who are atheist, resistant to faith, or negative towards the Church. As you read this, you may be someone who has a similar story. Perhaps you too have experienced resistance from those closest to you, simply because you stand for Jesus Christ, or are seeking to go further in your faith.
I consider myself fortunate because I have come from a family where I was, and still am, supported by my family in whatever I have wanted to do. I had always felt free to pursue whatever ventures or life directions I felt were appropriate. Jesus tells us in the Gospels this weekend that resistance or opposition to those who follow Him will indeed present themselves. It would seem contradictory that Jesus says he is bringing division, and not peace (Lk 12:51). You would be right that He does want peace and does bring peace. However, He also knows that many will reject Him. He also knows that many who do accept and follow Him will be rejected by their loved ones who do not. Jesus says that He brings division in order to tell His disciples that these are the stakes for following Him. To follow Jesus is not to say no to others, but is to make Jesus the first and foremost priority.
Friends, following Jesus is not always easy, and sometimes this puts us at odds with those we consider close to us. It may not necessarily mean total rejection, but simply a lack of understanding as to why you invest in your faith as much as you do. Whatever your story, I pray that you have the strength and courage to never stop running the race that Jesus has for you, and that whatever rejection ever comes your way because of your faith, you also find those who will support you.
Fr Bradley
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Youth Group - Gathering
What a great start to the Youth Group! young men and women - aged from High School to University/Working - were all so excited with the sharing, spirituality, listening, games, and laughter that echoed around the room particularly when we played a game of guessing the name of the celebrity on your back. Everyone had a great night as you see by the photos!
It was decided by the group that they would continue meeting after the 6pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT 7PM AT PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
All welcome - invite your friends to come with you - and hoping to see you there this Sunday night. We will be supplying a meal!
Upper Coomera - event
SHARE IN OUR ONLINE PRAYER INTENTIONS GROUP:
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
- James 5:16
Pray in the Spirit at all times. - Ephesians 6:18
ADULT FAITH
The Bible is not one book, but actually a library of different books and letters, collected together from a broad period of about four thousand years, and combined together by faith communities over that long time. When modern people comment about the bible and mention certain books that are not accepted parts of the Canonical Bible, they show a misunderstanding of the process of collecting the Bible. It is not the case that the bible is just a book that we “dug up” and everything in it we have to put up with. The bible is a living entity. It was gathered together as a collection of books (whilst other texts were rejected) on the basis that the community of faith from which or to which it belonged “accepted it as a true expression of what they believed.” The community of faith VALIDATES the text and not the other way around. The reason books like the (non-canonical) “Gospel of Thomas” and the likes are NOT part of the bible is because it contains things that even we can see today are odd and unacceptable and that the Community of Faith has consistently rejected as being “not representative of the true faith of the apostles as handed down in oral and written tradition.”
The different Bible books were written in different places, for different communities and with specific questions and experiences. The books of the Bible, we believe, are God's inspired word but are mediated through the experience, understanding and scientific knowledge of the writers of the time. This does not make them “wrong”. Still, one must develop a good appreciation that the writers of the Bible books are not scientists (in the modern understanding of the word). However, some were learned scholars and skilled in Scripture, Philosophy, Medicine, and so on). The books of the Bible were written first and foremost as definitive expressions of Faith and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which made use of their skill, intellect and knowledge as it stood at the time of writing to powerfully and authentically express the relationship of the people concerning their true experience of God.
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
Next weekend, our parish will support the Annual Catholic Campaign. 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.
Please take a campaign brochure and a gift envelope with you when you go today. You can either pop it in the mail or return it next week. Of course, you can also fill it in today and place it in the collection, or scan the QR code on the envelope to make your gift online.
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.
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.
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION
Each year we celebrate the Multicultural Mass with the cultural communities of the Archdiocese to mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR). The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this Jubilee year is "Migrants, missionaries of hope", highlighting the courage and resilience of migrants and refugees who, despite many challenges, bear witness to faith and bring life to their new communities. This year we will celebrate the Multicultural Mass at the Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs church in Inala on Sunday 24 August 2025 at 2:00pm.
Refreshments and cultural performances will follow the Mass. I invite you to join in the celebration at Inala. The Mass begins at 2pm and registrations were available at tinyurl.com/MCMass25.
The celebration of WDMR is an opportunity to embrace the wonderful diversity of the Archdiocese and to give thanks for the great gifts God has given the cultural communities for the good of the whole Church.
For further information, enquiries, you might email Liliana Ortiz at ortizl@bne.catholic.net.au. You can also find additional WDMR resources available at the Holy See's website at https://tinyurl/com/WDMR25
As always in the Lord,
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
Apostolic Administrator
++++++++++++++++
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
God of light,
You meet us in the darkest places.
Every year, when we light our Easter candle,
we pray ‘may the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our minds and hearts.’
We pray today that all people may work with you
to dispel the darkness of violence and war.
May this fragile light be a sign of our hope
for the people of Gaza.
May they find healing and lasting peace.
Amen.
++++++++++++
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
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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
- Sunday, 17 August 2025
THIS WEEK...
Be aware of the times this week when you radiate the light of Christ in your family and community.
PRAYER
Lord, give me the grace and blessings I need to follow in your footsteps as your disciple; to share your mission, love and joy with the world. Amen.
THE RADICAL PATH OF JESUS.
Jer 38:4-6,8-10
Heb 12:1-4
Lk 12:49-53
At a first reading of today’s Gospel, you would be understandably conflicted and somewhat confused. “I have come to bring fire to the earth.” “Do you suppose I am here to bring peace to the earth? No … but rather division.” These are not the words and themes we are used to hearing from Jesus. We tend to remember and focus on Jesus sharing himself and being depicted as the; Prince of Peace, the man who tells us to love others as yourself and forgive others if they offend you.
Jesus was a radical figure who was preaching God’s word as opposed to the word and ways of the world that existed. What could he have meant about bringing fire to the earth? Fire in ancient times was a symbol of God’s presence among us. Think of Moses and the burning bush that created sacred ground and then the flames that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost. The fire Jesus was bringing was the fire of God’s presence, a presence that transformed the lives of the people who embraced and experienced it.
And because Jesus’ radical way of life was at odds with the materialistic and self-centred culture of society, anyone who followed Him and embraced His way of living, was going to experience division whether from family, friends or the authorities. Following Jesus in His mission meant that you were at odds with the individualism and materialism
of secular society and that creates division. Jesus is saying there is division between his way and the world’s way, and we must choose.
But choosing comes with consequences. For Jesus the consequence is preordained. He tells us in the Gospel there is still a baptism he is to receive and for him it is the cross at Calvary. And for the disciples of Jesus? In Matthew’s Gospel he told them that, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
(Reflection by Greg Ryan)
What challenges have I faced in life because of my faith?
++++++
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.
We believe that the Lord is the King of Peace, the Lord of Love. His Kingdom values are grounded in divine compassion, service, self-forgetting love, mercy, and inclusion. Yet, this weekend’s readings feel more than a bit jarring. Jesus declares He has come “to start a fire—that He wishes it were blazing already” —and warns of divisions even among close relations. It’s not that Jesus desires conflict; He forewarns us all that living out His values will inevitably cause division, persecution, and estrangement even though that was not his original and primary purpose.
Why? Because his message challenges the status quo. It calls us to live with love and mercy—even when these values threaten to upset comfortable, worldly systems. Following Christ may mean standing alone, speaking truthfully despite opposition. Jeremiah’s story echoes this truth—faithfully speaking God’s word got him thrown into a muddy well. Yet, Jeremiah’s unwavering commitment to truth contrasts sharply with false prophets, who tell people what they want to hear. True prophets speak God’s truth, even at great personal cost.
Similarly, Jesus’ own words about division remind us that loyalty to His Kingdom surpasses all other allegiances. This can cause rifts, even in families. But the division isn’t about hatred; it’s about choosing the values of love, mercy, and justice over self-interest or worldly comfort. The challenge is to live these values authentically, guided by love, and to remember that true peace is found in the truth of the Gospel, even when it’s difficult. Living the Gospel is the greatest act of discipleship—and it’s worth every cost.
Fr Paul Kelly
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, 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):
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)
Michael Patrick Kennedy, John Richard Gardner, Giuseppina Rovella, Joe Yang, Babsie Naidoo, Carolyn Cameron, Frank Covino, Rose Mary Saldanha, John Davis, Dorothy Heather Girle, Patricia Medway, Fr Michael Masterson, Fr William Ross, Lynette Margaret Buesel, Fr Frank Moynihan, Fr Dermott Casey, Shirley Ann Appleby, Maurice (Maurie) Turner, Veronica Mary Cordingley, John Francis Paul, Noel John Ancrum, Kathleen (Kath) Gleeson, Joseph Kendall Farrell, Fr James O'Reilly, Fr John O'Shea.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Barry John Arderne, Michael George Armstrong, Janine Ailsa (Jan) Bastian, Mary (Molly) Biltoft, Alyce Catherine Boswell, Fr Con Busser, George Busuttil, Charles Cam, Fr Bryan Carmichael, Maria Di Certo, Bernie Crane, John Joseph Despard, Bettina Engwirda, Russell Forrestal, Gary Foster, Fr Michael Greene, Moira Ellen Hargrave, Peter George Jitani, Justin McCarthy King, Fausto Mascia, Noelle Hope Matthew, Fr Joe McGeehan, Francesco Mennella, Marija (Marie) Ivka (nee Sunich) Mercep, Marie Peters, John Joseph Sesta, Patricia (Pat) Sievers.
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
Open before and after all weekend Masses at St Vincent’s and Sacred Heart Church.
Other times contact the Parish Office. Eftpos available
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:
11/8/25: Michelle Burda, Merrimac
18/8/25: Lilly Lingue, Varsity Lakes
25/8/25: Lilly Lingue, Varsity Lakes
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}
Reflection from an Irish Carmelite -
Hope in motion
Last April, I visited a Carmelite community in Lima, Peru, where I could witness the power and dedication of the Carmelites’ work in planting God’s seeds. Their action and ministry stretch from the wealthy areas of Miraflores, a vibrant community of faithful, all the way to the suburbs where the shanty towns loomed over the church where we arrived as mass was ending on a Sunday morning. Hundreds of people of all ages crowded around the priest, asking for a blessing. Hundreds of children gathered into groups and enthusiastically discussed and learnt the Word of God. Those people’s hope in God was palpable. This scene touched me profoundly. I had never witnessed such an active participation and zeal in a parish community and for a moment I tried to imagine how it might have felt to be present at Jesus’ times. How the people crowded around him asking for healing and how they hoped and believed that by simply touching his garments they would be saved.
I have often reflected about the meaning of hope and why it is a word that is never mentioned in any of the Gospels. And yet, over time, hope is a concept that has become associated with Christ and his message, and is now one of the theological virtues, together with faith and charity. The Latin word Spes derives from the Sanskrit Spa, meaning moving towards, tending towards. So, at its very roots, hope is not static but something constantly evolving and becoming. According to the Gospels, Jesus did not directly talk about hope. Still, he talked about evolving and becoming. He urged us to embrace a certain way of thinking and acting, different to what people were and still are used to. ‘Metanoeite’ he said, change Logos, change perspective. He made the last in this world the first in the kingdom of God. He made the meek the heirs of the earth and promised freedom to the oppressed. By encouraging us with his ‘Metanoeite’, Jesus turned hope into reality. By changing way of thinking and acting, according to the Father’s will, by modifying the soil of our minds and hearts, and turning thoughts of despair into trust, anger and fear into love, by forgiving ‘those who trespass against us’…we bring God’s kingdom into being now. This is how we can provide fertile ground for the seeds sown into us by God. And once the seeds find the right environment to sprout, grow and multiply, we can become sowers ourselves, sowers of those same good seeds God gifted us with.
I like to see hope as potential energy, like a seed, a stored potential in each one of us, ready to be set into motion to become kinetic energy, a growing tree with its branches reaching out into the world. Jesus developed his full potential to redeem us, he gave himself for us, with no reserves and he invites us to follow his example. We have been called into this world to activate our potential, our talents and make them fruit. And we are called to do this in the here and now, in the space-time of God. This is how hope is more than wishing for something better for the future. It is a deep and active faith set into action through our daily dedication to building the kingdom of God and the trust in God’s constant and ubiquitous presence while inspiring and guiding our work. Hope is like a light that never fades and helps us to see through the shadows of doubt and fear and to lead us to the fullness of life in God. Jesus invites us to not cover this light or put it under a bed, but rather to put it onto a stand so that it can be seen and can allow others to see clearly too. We are always called to keep the light burning and to spread it around us, to reach out to others.
As we move along this Jubilee year, there is an echo of what a Jubilee year was in Jesus’ days. A Jubilee year was declared in Israel every 50th year, to restore social equality among the people of the Covenant: slaves would be freed, all the lands would be restored to their owners and all debts would be forgiven. These three promises are still very much present and pressing in our modern world. War, poverty and suffering were real then as they are real now and the need to continue building God’s kingdom was alive then as it is now. We do not know ‘the day or the hour’ when we will be set free, our land will be restored and debts forgiven, but ‘the kingdom of God is at hand’ now. Every day, Jesus keeps calling each of us to plant the good seeds and set hope into motion.
Fran Giorda
+++++
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:
Jesus wants to set our faith on fire so we can share His love with zeal. (Luke 12)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“Do you think I have come to give you peace on Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”Luke 12:51
Many of us like to play it safe, not cause waves with our family and friends, especially regarding politics and religion. We don’t want to cause any turmoil. However, many times this is at the expense of the truth. The truth is Jesus Christ. Too many people are misguided because they rely on their limited human ability to reason and do not allow faith in God to guide them. Form your conscience; take a stance for life, marriage and religious liberty.
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 some noise for justice
An award-winning and respected Civil rights activist once said he hoped “young people might get in trouble.” He hastened to add - "Good trouble, necessary trouble," he specified. He wished that a passion for what's right might compel our young citizens to "find a way to get in the way" of injustice. A young prophet named Jeremiah once got in the way, winding up at the bottom of a well and nearly starving to death for causing trouble for his king. Jesus promises the same sort of trouble in our families if some members are baptized with fire while others don't feel the burn. Find yourself some good trouble.
Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10. "He will die of famine on the spot, for there is no more food in the city."
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 - -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: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 17 August 2025
Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/h1i3NmNR41IkQwlhSH3g/jesus-says-from-now-on-there-will-be-five-in-one-family-divided-against-each-other-three-against-two?ru=Paul-Evangelion
PROLOGUE:
We believe that the Lord is the King of Peace, the Lord of Love. His Kingdom values are about compassion, service, self-forgetting love, mercy and inclusion. Which is why this reading, this weekend, seems more than a little jarring.
Our Lord says, “I've come to start a fire, and oh how I wish it was blazing already.” He warns then of divisions, even in the closest relations. But of course, it's not our Lord who desires division and strife. God wants harmony, God wants love.
Yet, the Lord needs to warn his followers that conflict in values will come, and they will lead to terrible persecution and estrangements. The price of peace would be to water down God's message, telling people what they want to hear instead of the truth, and that is unacceptable.
The values that Christ represents are life-giving and beautiful, and well worth the cost. [FHL]
++++
HOMILY:
Poor Jeremiah the prophet.
It could not get any worse for him. He's being faithful to God, and he is suffering for it terribly. The enemy is holding Jeremiah's people to siege.
There's no way out. God tells his faithful prophet, Jeremiah, this is what you must tell the people, and also tell the king. Surrender! Leave the city. If you don't, you will surely perish.
To say the least, this is definitely not what the king and his people want to hear. They want to keep resisting. They want to win. They want God to achieve what they want.
But Jeremiah will not tell them what they want to hear. There are plenty of others who will tell them what they want to hear, if not just to save their skin, or so as not to annoy, or to climb up the ladder of influence, or so they think.
Jeremiah, however, is faithful to God alone. He only speaks God's words, and he does so at an enormous cost.
So what do the king and his people do to Jeremiah for simply keeping his job faithfully? They say, let this prophet, this so-called prophet Jeremiah, be put to death. He is unquestionably disheartening the remaining soldiers in the city, and all the people too, by talking like this.
This fellow doesn't have the welfare of these people at heart, so much as it's ruin. It makes one wonder how often people have been accused of disloyalty, lack of care for the welfare of others, just because they see a major disaster coming, and try to stop it by saying the truth, by pointing out the danger. The problem for poor Jeremiah is that he can do nothing else but speak the truth, irrespective of the response he gets.
And so what happens? He gets thrown down a muddy well for his troubles, and sinks deep into the mud, and gets hopelessly stuck. He will die there unless someone helps him. As it is, someone does feel sorry for him, and manages to drag him out of that muddy well before he dies.
There's a name in the Bible for people who tell others what they want to hear, instead of the truth. They're called false prophets. False prophets get very short shrift from God.
Then we've got, by contrast, the likes of Jeremiah, who steadfastly and devoutly speaks God's word, in and out of season, irrespective of popularity. And it's irrelevant whether people want to hear it or not. He simply must speak the truth, and speaks it, without fear or favor.
But here's the thing, just as there are false prophets who tell people things they want to hear, even when the truth is different, there are also false critics. These people who go around telling people unpleasant things, and so-called telling things as they are, in a way that just divides and hurts people. These people are not necessarily real prophets either.
Just because they're getting rejected and causing divisions, doesn't mean that they're a true prophet. It would be a mistake to assume that too. There may be people walking around, even in this day and age, with a big kick-me sign on their back, and their words and behavior constantly provoke or invite rejection or uproar.
The test of whether a person is speaking God's words, like a prophet, is not that they're causing trouble, or having to hire a security guard. And the test of being a true prophet is not merely because they've ruffled everyone else's feathers. These people may just be self-defeating stirrers.
In modern terms, we call that someone who's just trolling others to get them fired up, or being passive aggressive. The true test of a prophetic person is consistency of their words and behavior with that of Christ and his kingdom. And that is consistency with Christ's whole picture of his kingdom, not just selectively chosen elements of Christ's message.
Jeremiah spoke what God asked him to speak, not just his own personal hobby horses. And he didn't speak just so that he could say, look, everyone hates me because I'm God's servant. No, there is a major difference.
Sometimes it's subtle too. I also think if we're tempted to be challenging, we ought to start, of course, with ourselves, and challenge and unsettle the deep-seated elements in our own lives first, such as pride, selfishness, enmeshment, that we can find in our own hearts before we start to try and change the world and get offside with others. Also, no matter how true something is, no matter how much we might want to fix up a situation or a person, if we do not act or speak with love, as Saint Paul says, it will do us no good whatsoever.
I doubt our words will have any effect if we spoke the truth without love. We must speak the truth in a loving way, in the true interests of others, and out of respect and love for that person. Also, another big error is true prophets are not self-proclaimed.
They're not self-appointed. And they've been throughout history, and even today, many people who do proclaim themselves to be prophets and appoint themselves to be prophets. But are they really? Really, I think we need to live the gospel more than go around pointing out errors.
Putting the gospel values into action in our lives is one of the greatest acts of discipleship and preaching we could possibly do. Proclaiming the gospel by our actions. It's always struck me that Jesus went around doing good and living the gospel.
Others were the ones following him, saying, why did you do that? Or, stop doing that. Jesus wasn't going around saying, why did you do that? Or stop doing that. It was his critics who were doing that.
Meanwhile, our Lord was active. He'd already moved on to the next project, or the next person, for the building up of the kingdom, and the next set of good works and actions. He did preach, that's for sure.
But even more than that, he acted. And mostly it was doing things, whilst the questioning and the criticism and the finger wagging was the other side of it, not Christ's side. Jesus is definitely not encouraging or desiring conflict.
He doesn't want to promote opposition and division. He simply knows that you can't be a fence-sitter in the kingdom of God. You're either with him, or you're against him.
So Jesus is declaring the sad reality, sad to him and sad for us, that he and the good news he's proclaiming, and the kingdom of God he's building up, will become like a lightning rod to all who hate what the kingdom represents. Despite Christ deeply desiring peace and love, he knows that people will line up on either one side or the other, which will create division, which he doesn't want, but knows will happen. This division that he's predicting, which is based on conflicting values, will even cut through traditional political, religious, or even family lines.
The irony and the tragedy of all of this is that the divisions Jesus was warning about are over values that we cherish so deeply, they're values worth fighting for. The divisions occurred because Jesus taught us to be gentle, to reach out to the outcast, and offer a hand of forgiveness to the sinner. The conflict and division occurred because Jesus was living that message of true peace and the fullness of the new image of God's kingdom, which included all people.
This led to the most violent opposition by those whose interests were not best served by Jesus's otherworldly view. Our Lord turned on its head the unjust and un-kingdom-like standards which kept some on the inner and many hopelessly on the outer, with no way of getting back in. Naturally, those who were inside were very happy and cozy.
They didn't care about those who were outside, and they didn't want them coming in, lest it affected their well-being. Of course they were going to oppose Jesus and his new world order. Those few who were inside wanted things to stay just as they were, thanks very much.
It was very cozy and profitable for them on the inside. No wonder our Lord went to great lengths to prepare his disciples for trouble. He taught them, be wise as serpents, but at the same time as gentle as lambs.
As Jesus reminds us in the gospel, neither family ties nor fear of submitting to rejection, ridicule or persecution should stand in the way of salvation, which comes from an uncompromising but costly proclamation of the good news, standing up for the truth as taught by Christ.**
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.
**Joel Schorn: PrepareTheWord.com. PrepareTheWord.com, ©2012, TrueQuest Communications, LLC. 20th Sunday of the Year. - C. 18th August 2013.
Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/h1i3NmNR41IkQwlhSH3g/jesus-says-from-now-on-there-will-be-five-in-one-family-divided-against-each-other-three-against-two?ru=Paul-Evangelion
+++
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL:
We offer up our prayers for the Church and for the world.
For the Church, we pray to the Lord that it will find ever more effective ways to convince us that we can do something about the ills of our world.
For those in authority, we pray that they may treat all those under their care with patience and compassion.
For those among us who are suffering, that their example may inspire us to commit ourselves more deeply to the Lord's work, we pray to the Lord.
For our community, that it may be a sign to all of the unifying love of Christ, we pray to the Lord.
For all those who have died in God's love, that their witness may help us to live our faith, especially those for whom we now pray, we pray to the Lord.
God of mercy, in your compassion, hear us and grant our petitions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
++++
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
AUGUST 19 - Saint John Eudes, priest
“Let us, therefore, give ourselves to God with a great desire to begin to live thus, and beg Him to destroy in us the life of the world of sin, and to establish His life within us.”
“A Christian has a union with Jesus Christ nobler, more intimate and more perfect than the members of a human body have with their head.” -- John Eudes
“Faith is a beam radiating from the face of God.”
“Our wish, our object, our chief preoccupation must be to form Jesus in ourselves, to make his spirit, devotion, affections, desire, and disposition live and reign there.”
“Any innovation in matters of faith is extremely pernicious and utterly damnable!”
AUGUST 20 - M - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux., abbot and doctor of the Church
“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. Some seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. Some seek knowledge to serve; that is Love.”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
“Many of those who are humiliated are not humble. Some react to humiliation with anger, others with patience, and others with freedom. The first is culpable, the next harmless, the last just.”
“What we love we shall grow to resemble.”
“Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive that constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.”
“The wise man, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself ... Today, many in the Church act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare ... You too must learn to await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”
“A saint is not someone who never sins, but one who sins less and less frequently and gets up more and more quickly.”
“What I know of the divine science and holy scripture, I learnt in the woods and fields.”
Blessed," he says, "are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt 5:9). Consider carefully that it is not the people who call for peace but those who make peace who are commended. For there are those who talk but do nothing (Mt 23:3). For just as it is not the hearers of the law but the doers who are righteous (Rom 2:13), so it is not those who preach peace but the authors of the peace who are blessed.”
“To shame our sins He blushed in blood; He closed His eyes to show us God; Let all the world fall and know that none but God such love can show” ― Bernard of Clairvaux.
St. John of the Cross
"They say, "God told me", or "God replied to me". And yet most of the time they are talking to themselves."
SAINT ROSE OF LIMA -
"If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, beautiful, noble, and precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or troubles that may happen to him if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men."
"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."
"When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbours, because in them we serve Jesus." .
POPE LEO REFLECTIONS -
Photo Description: Stock Photo ID: 2642274075 - Vatican City, Italy - Pope Leo XIV Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Marco Iacobucci Epp.
Pope Leo met recenty with Metropolitan Anthony, a senior cleric in the Russian Orthodox Church, in a possible effort to ease ties between the churches strained by the invasion of Ukraine.
The pontiff saw Anthony, chairman of the department of external church relations, and five other high-profile clerics during an audience in the morning, the Vatican said in a statement without further elaborating.
Since assuming the papacy in May, Leo has repeatedly appealed for peace in global conflicts and this month told visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Vatican was willing to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
Russian officials, however, have said they do not view the Vatican as a serious venue for talks because it is surrounded by NATO member Italy which has supported Ukraine.
In his first call with President Vladimir Putin, at the beginning of June, Pope Leo urged Russia to take steps towards ending the conflict.
The head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has been an enthusiastic backer of the invasion of Ukraine.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/07/26/pope-leo-meets-russian-orthodox-church-official-in-vatican
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/)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
** 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.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
+++
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)
No comments:
Post a Comment