PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
"The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground" (Mark 4:26-34)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1994023841 - Strong faith like a mustard seed in God Jesus Christ. Parable of hope and trust. Golden Holy Bible with handwritten word text. The gospel of Matthew 17:20 is a faithful Christian concept.Photo Contributor: MarinelaM.
PASTOR'S POST -
Important announcement re Gold Coast Marathon.
Please note that Sunday, July 7th, is Gold Coast Marathon weekend. There will be no Sunday morning Mass at Stella Maris Broadbeach on that day. However, please come along to the Golden Anniversary of Fr Dan Ryan and Fr John Maher that day at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, at 9 a.m.
SVDP Local Winter Appeal 2024 - Thank you for last weekend's support.
Many thanks to everyone who supported our local Saint Vincent de Paul Society Surfers Paradise conference Winter Appeal last weekend for good works to support locals in need. The local annual winter appeal helps support locals needing extra help. The generosity of the parish does not go unnoticed in our local community. If you have not yet been able to donate, you can still contribute if you would like. In the last 12 months, local Vincentians have made 484 visits and assisted 973 people directly and indirectly. We have provided financial assistance of $50,741 and in-kind assistance (furniture, Christmas hampers, food and Vinnie's gift cards for clothing etc) of $13,848. We are seeing an increase in those facing homelessness due to the high cost of living and the housing crisis. With your ongoing support, we can continue to provide comfort and tangible assistance to help people get back on their feet. Local Vincentians offer help in many forms, including food, clothing, blankets and furniture. Your generous donation will help us continue these good works. A donation of as little as $10 can make a difference to the good works of the Surfers Paradise conference.
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au or 0412 237 832 on mobile.
This passage from the publication "Exploring the Word" really sums up today's readings:
"The First Reading and the Gospel show that what is small, hard to see, and invisible can still be vastly important. Whether it's the tender shoot of the cedar tree or the tiny seed of the mustard plant, what seems slight now will become something mighty. "We walk by faith, not by sight," the 2nd Letter to the Corinthians says; we hope in what is unseen and in the future will come to pass. The important thing is to realise how the present still matters. How you tend that invisible seed makes a difference; what you do "at home in the body" now has consequences for when you are at home in the Lord, so "aspire to please God" at all times. Think of the little seeds, shoots, and easy-to-miss places in your life where more attention and cultivation "shall bear fruit," as the psalmist says, in the kingdom of God."
Fr Paul
JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION -Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan
Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan are celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Priesthood this year. To give thanks for the blessings God has given us through their ministries, you are invited to a Golden Jubilee Mass for Fr Dan and Fr John at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sunday, July 7th, at 9 a.m. Refreshments will follow.
All are welcome. God bless.
DATE CLAIMER - OFFICIAL INSTALLATION MASS FOR FR PAUL AS PARISH PRIEST - BY HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE
Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Saturday 31st August 2024
Start: 9.30 am
Mass for the Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226
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Fathers Bradley Davies and Michael My Van Tran were ordained last weekend.
Livestream 7pm 7/6/24
https://www.youtube.com/@ArchdioceseofBrisbane/streams
RECLAIM RETREAT FOR ADULTS 18-30
Reclaim Retreat is 3 days and 2 nights to get out of town, meet up with friends, make some new ones and make space for God. When was the last time you gave yourself space to rest? To restore not just your body but your mind, your soul, and your heart. And when you aren't rushing, unplugged and unoccupied – what will God say to you? Open to young adults 18-30.
Where: Coolum Beach, When: 5-7 July, Who: Young Adults 18-30, Cost: $175pp
More details available at https://tinyurl.com/ReclaimRt24
SYNOD 2024 - BRISBANE ARCHDIOCESE
In preparation for SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New, a short video has been created . The video includes a pastoral message from the Archbishop on his vision for the synod and a short FAQ discussion with myself as Synod Chair and Steph Unger the Synod Executive Officer. The video can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/957389678
1: SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New will be held in September and October.
2: Fr Paul, Fr Morgan Batt and parishioner Robyn Hunt are among the representatives who will attend the Synod.
3: Our Archdiocesan synod is the next step on the Plenary Council journey and will discern practical and measurable actions that we will take as an Archdiocese to implement the focus areas (Decrees) that came out of the Plenary Council.
4: We are all asked to pray for those participating in the synod.
5: At the end of June, resources for parishes and communities to engage in synodal and spiritual conversations will be available. These resources will include simple versions of the Plenary Council Decrees and guided questions so the community can discern actions it would like to take to be a more co-responsible church on mission.
6: In July and August, a series of presentations will be given around the Archdiocese on synodality and its meaning for the global church and our own community. Information on these presentations will be available in the next two weeks.
7: To find out more about SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New and the focus areas that came out of the Plenary Council, head to http://aobsynod2024.com
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ.
MenAlive Conference: menALIVE MAX 24 event
An opportunity to attend this annual event for men -
At the Carmelite Retreat House in Varroville, Sydney, from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21.
For more information, please contact - Christopher (Chris) Kennedy | MSpDir. Member |
menALIVE National Ministry Team.
Mobile: +61 412 270 828 Email: cbk1957@hotmail.com
Visit the website: https://menalive.org.au/
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
Ecumenical Interfaith Presentation
by Evangelisation Brisbane - Date and time- Saturday, 13 July 2024. 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane
Description
"The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions… We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another."(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #244, 2013)
"Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities." (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #250, 2013)
How do these words of Pope Francis relate to you as a Catholic in 2024?
Do you provide religious instruction in State Schools? Do you work or visit aged care facilities or hospitals where residents come from a range of faith backgrounds?
Do you teach the Study of Religion in Years 11 and 12? Are you a teacher or educational leader in a Catholic or other faith-based school?
Do you have a family member, friend or work colleague who belongs to another Christian Church or Faith community?
Are you just interested in learning more about the Catholic Church's position on relations with other Christians and people of other faiths and want to know what is happening in Queensland?
You are invited to a free presentation on Saturday, 13 July from 9:30 am to 12 noon in the Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. This presentation will be live-streamed for people across Queensland who are unable to attend in person.
You may like to organise a group of friends or parishioners to do this together.
Certificates of attendance can be provided for anyone who may need them as proof of professional development participation.
For further information, please contact Margaret Naylon (Brisbane Archdiocese) at naylonm@bne.catholic.net.au
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SCAM ALERT!
Scam messages are doing the rounds again. If you receive a suspicious or confusing SMS message (and any other illegitimate SMS), we recommend forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the Australian Government spam reporting line).
Calling For New Surfers Paradise Parish Altar Servers
We hope to add to our number of children who want to become altar servers. If you are interested and you have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, then please make contact via the parish office - surfers@bne.catholic.net.au -
SYNOD24: I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW.
Brisbane Archdiocese is just over three months out from
SYNOD24 is about discerning action plans to help the Archdiocese implement the areas of focus (Decrees) from the Plenary Council. A brief explanation of each area of focus (Decree) can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 will be held on two days in September and two days in October, where approximately 150 people representing the diversity of the Archdiocese will discuss, debate and vote on the proposed practical and measurable action plans. Synod Members must attend all four days. More information on SYNOD24 can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
Plenary Council Decree 7 requires all dioceses and eparchies to have a synod by the end of 2025. SYNOD24 is our response to this requirement. You can download all Plenary Council Decrees here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 honours the significant level of broad consultation, listening and discerning that has taken place over the course of the Plenary Council journey (since 2018) and is the next step of this process. Over March, April and May, consultations have focused on voices that had not been heard previously: those on the margins, experts and experienced practitioners. This is to ensure the action plans are practical and measurable, reflect the needs of our Archdiocese, and truly reflect the responses submitted throughout the Plenary Council process. To remind yourself of the Plenary Council journey since 2018, head here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
For all other information regarding SYNOD24, head to www.aobsynod2024.com
For SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New,.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ. Lord, hear us.
Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
Please use the information in the table below to begin or continue the faith journey with your child.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
"TAP `N" GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Tricia Baumann, Pamela Caralis, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Ellanie Conzalez, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Lorraine Gallagher, Barbara Gilbert, Maurice Goss, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Letty O'Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Rachel Raines, Bob Rogers, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Denise Tracey, Christine Watkins, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
June Mye, Sally Gage, Maura Bagtas, Cecilia Carvell (WA), Juliaa Eloreo, Lisbeth Pereira, Patricia Richardson, Amparo Pieters, Diane Land, Des Walsh, Lois Wood, Joanna Martha Edwards. (Known as Joan), Rosemarie Cocks, Bill McDermott, Santiago Canada, Marina Innocenti, Adoracion Santos Lapitan, Joseph Torbey, Jacqueline Rillo, Helena Nycz, Frank Cassidy, John William Worner (WA).
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Raymond Victor Assaisso, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A. Joseph Butler, Sr Christine Chia, Robert Samuel Conn, John Cooper, Polly Cummins, Mary Josephine Dillon, Ronald Donovan, Rainer Empen, Reuben Empen, Fr Michael Fallon, James William Fuller, John Gannon, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Dorothy May Joan Gray, Jabour Haddad, Kel Hamilton, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Anne Mary Hawes, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, Helena Barbara Hodges, Fr Alfred Hogan, Mons Edmund Keating, Lynette Lesley Larking, Cheryol Claudette Lewis, Teck Lim, Anthony Teck Lee Lim, Amelia Catherine Limbert, Fr William Livingston, Pearl Agnus MacCartney, Roza Masa, Anthony James (Tony) McCudden, Mons Timothy Molony, Antoninette (Toni) Moon, Benjamin Joseph Moore, Elma Luigia Moro, Leroy Bevan Muir, Charles Henry Nolan, Emilio Parolin, Ljuban Pilic,Gus and Mary Reeves, Paul Patrick Reeves, Arthur John Springthorpe, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, James Mark Tamai, Luke Dermot Tansey, Hedy Triffett, Fr Joseph Troy, Ellen Walker, Francis Weston, John Wood, Ted Woodhead, Edward (Ted) Woodhead, Rita Woodhouse, Cornel Zarie, Grazyna Zyner.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Fr Denis Ahern, Patricia Allen, Annette (Annie) Anning, Peter Barry, Jean Anne Burgess, Fr Charlie Casey, Don Cope, John Vincent Davis, Fr Des Effeney, Fr John Egan, Stephen Gallagher, Andrew Hale, Roy Jackson, Helmut Kaltenthaler, Alfonso Lim, Melissa Ann Lord, Anna Marmina, Mario Paul Mazza, Mons John McCarthy, Dr. Frank Miau, Fr Patrick Murphy, Fr Gabriel Nolan, Mary John On, Aileen Pettersson, Mary Reid, Mark Reid, Felicitas Fay Robbins, John Ryan, Maria Silvestri-Fiore, Francis (Frank) Kevin Stephens, Valma Sudgen, Judith Lorraine Taylor, June Patricia Toole, Casey Jones Townsend, Lorna Sabina Wheeler, Phyllis Jane Woolaston, Agata "Tina" Zammit.
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. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S CHURCHES
An excellent variety of religious goods is available for everyone; visit your local shop today at either Sacred Heart or St Vincent's Churches, which are open before and after Mass. Watch out for new stock arriving in July.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
2/7/24 at 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, 5/7/24, 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 (tomorrow) Saturday - 6/7/24 Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
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 John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at "Our Friendly Club" - Free Lesson. "Introduction to Bridge" - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
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, call Ruth on 0421338110.
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 on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady's Statue details for the next several weeks are
17/06/2024 Michelle Burda - Merrimac
26/06/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - Robina
01/07/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - 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 further information on 0438 333 308.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT'S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Thursday from 5-6 pm 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, contact Ashley at 0409840693.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0493742670.
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 ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
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 vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (for short, it is often referred to as the "Nicene Creed")
The Nicene Creed, also called the Creed of Constantinople, is the defining statement of belief of Nicene or mainstream Christianity in those Christian denominations that adhere to it. The original Nicene Creed was first adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 and amended at the First Council of Constantinople in 381.
The amended form is also called the Nicene Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.
I believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirit
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is adored and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that grows into a great tree. Our faith must be like that. From small beginnings, we can grow a great Culture of Vocations in which young men feel encouraged to offer themselves as priests. "Lord, it is good to give thanks to You." Our life is one of gratitude for the many gifts that God has given. What are the gifts God has given you uniquely; and how is He asking you to share those gifts with the Church and the world? (Psalm 92). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil. " - 2 Corinthians 5:10. We are all accountable for all the gifts God has given us – our time, our talent and our treasure; everything we have and are. Each of us is accountable not only for our own lives but for the lives of others as well. One day, God will ask each of us what we did with the gifts we were given. How will you respond? The vision of Stewardship applies to every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what they have been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH -
WORD OF THE WEEK
Kingdom of God
Also, the reign of God or kingdom of heaven is the spiritual realm over which God reigns, which transcends time and space. It is a central element in Jesus' teaching.
CONTEXT
As we live in anticipation of the fullness of the Kingdom, we have a responsibility to create a world more in keeping with the values of the reign of God. —Helen Doohan
The kingdom of God is where our best dreams come from and our truest prayers. We glimpse it at those moments when we find ourselves being better than we are and wiser than we know. —Frederick Buechner
WHY IT MATTERS
Ancient Israel held hope in an eternal and universal restoration of David's kingship. Mark, Matthew, and Luke all emphasise the Kingdom's arrival as Jesus' principal teaching. Jesus proclaims the Kingdom by preaching and forgiving sins, casting out demons, and restoring the dead to life. Signs of the Kingdom include restored vision, hearing, mobility, good news for the poor, and much more. The Kingdom requires believers to be fully free, alert, and ready to move at the Spirit's prompting.
From Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World): "After we have obeyed the Lord, and in his Spirit nurtured the values of human dignity, brotherhood, and freedom, we will find them again when Christ hands over to the Father 'a Kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace.' On this earth, that Kingdom is already present in mystery. When the Lord returns, it will be brought into full flower."
RELATED WORDS
Signs | Messianic king | Son of David | City of God
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What does "Kingdom of God" mean?
The kingdom of God isn't merely "heaven"—it's not just where we go when we die. It's not just a place. Kingdom refers to God's rule. Jesus refers to the Kingdom as "among" us and "within" us—always within reach. We don't "get there" so much as abide in it where we are. We participate in the Kingdom in various ways: changing our hearts, working toward justice, protecting the vulnerable, and freeing the burdened. We pray for the Kingdom to come in the Lord's Prayer.
Jesus offers stories and metaphors for understanding the Kingdom: a sower, a mustard seed, a treasure, a banquet. Matthew's gospel references the Kingdom almost 50 times. John's gospel makes clear that the Kingdom isn't territory to be gained. It's where peace rules and oppression ends. No political system or social program can establish God's rule. We can't make "Kingdom come" by our own efforts. Yet we're summoned to enter more fully into the Kingdom by reshaping society to conform to its values.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (JUNE 16)
How the mustard seed has spiced up spiritual life
The tiny mustard seed adds flavour to many foods and religious stories. We are familiar with the gospel parable of the mustard seed, which Jesus used as a model for the kingdom of God. Jewish texts compared the knowable universe to the size of a mustard seed to teach humility. The Quran states that no soul will suffer the least injustice on the Day of Judgment because even the equivalent of a mustard seed will be accounted for on God's scales of justice.
Readings: Exodus 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34 (92:
FAITH IN ACTION
The next time you open a jar of mustard, pause and ponder the lessons it has taught.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
(as at 13th May 2024)
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 can pass the virus to others.
While isolation is no longer a legal requirement, staying at home protects the people in your community if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive, you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and aged and disability care settings:
for at least 7 days or until symptoms have gone
unless seeking immediate medical care.
To help protect those around you, we recommend:
avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk of severe disease
wearing a mask outside the home
working from home where possible
avoiding going to school, public areas, or travelling on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
practising good hygiene
following your local health department's advice when leaving home.
If you have any appointments you cannot miss (e.g., a doctor's visit, family violence service, or police), let them know in advance that you have COVID-19.
If you feel unwell or need COVID-19 advice for someone in your care, call the Health Direct helpline at 1800 022 222 to speak with your health provider or a nurse.
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
Manage your symptoms:
Most people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter medication.
THE POPE: (From the rich history of the Church's teaching)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. -illustration ID: 243727753. Illustration Description. portrait of His Holiness Pope Francis.Picture created with coffee. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Illustration Contributor: DeepGreen
Understanding Christian virtues: Pope Francis reflects on the most essential one
By Rome Reports. May 3, 2024.
Pope Francis continued his weekly catechesis on the virtues at this week's General Audience at the Vatican. This week, he reflected on faith, which he called the virtue that makes one a Christian.
"Faith is the first gift to be received in the Christian life: a gift that must be welcomed and asked for daily, so that it may be renewed in us. Apparently, it is a small gift, yet it is the essential one."
The pope also called for prayers for the people in East Africa affected by recent flooding.
More than 170 people have died, and 185,000 have been displaced since torrential rain started in March.
"I also wish to convey to the people of Kenya my spiritual closeness at this time as a severe flood has tragically taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, injuring others and causing widespread destruction."
1 May also marks the feast day of a saint dear to Pope Francis' heart. And he took a few moments to reflect on his example. "Today, the first of May, with the whole Church we commemorate St. Joseph the Worker and begin the Marian month," he said.
"Therefore, to each of you I would like to propose again the Holy Family of Nazareth as a model of domestic community: a community of life, work and love."
EXPLORING OUR FAITH -
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)Faith is both a gift from God and a human act by which the believer identifies with God personally. It is to believe in something or someone, to fully trust, and to be so confident that one bases one's actions on what one believes.
Faith in God, then, is having the kind of trust and confidence that leads you to commit your whole life and soul to God. Our post-modern world challenges this faith in things unseen, positing that reality can only be experienced through the senses and verified by scientific processes. Denials of the existence of God and life after death are hallmarks of this contemporary rationalist philosophy.
Instinctively, human beings know that there is more to life than briefly dancing across the stage of life. Christian faith asserts that a loving Creator desires that our lives reach their ultimate fulfilment in eternity.Faith in God develops within one's spirit and establishes a certain inner knowing that something is so before you see any material evidence. This spiritual knowing is of the heart and soul, not merely the intellect. It is a call to do and say what you believe you are called to without doubt. Faith can bring ultimate blessings as well as challenges and difficulties.
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
(please see next page…)
St Kevin's Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians 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 24"
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one's home with blessed chalk at the yearly epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
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 of this century, '24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior; the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin phrase "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" - "May Christ Bless this dwelling place."
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