31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

4th / 5th November 2017 – YEAR A

Praying in Times of Crisis. Times of crisis are perhaps the most important times to turn to God. When we cry "help me" or "please" or "save me" God wants to be there for us. God wants us to turn and ask for intimacy, comfort and help. For many of us this is a very difficult time to pray. We don't exactly know what to ask for. We feel like asking for a miracle but experience might have shown us that asking for mira-cles in the past has left us disappointed. At some time in our lives we may have had an image of God as a magician or a Superman who can fix anything if he only chooses to. A path to prayer opens up when we let God be the tender, compassionate God of the scriptures and when we let Jesus reveal God's Good News to us. In this faith, God does not manage the world like a puppeteer, pulling strings to suspend natural laws in response to individuals' prayers. In faith, God is revealed as a God of power, in the midst of those places where God is most powerless. He is our God who grieves with us at the tragedies of life. The word crisis comes from the Greek krisis meaning decision, a time of judgment when we have come to a juncture in our lives which we call critical. We feel we don't know how to cope, where to turn and fear grips us. Death and disability bring the greatest crises into our lives, stopping us in our tracks and threatening to take away our peace and hope. By turning to God during these times we can enter more deeply into the profound mystery of our fragility and powerlessness. Our grati-tude for life itself and our relationships in it can become renewed and changed forever. When death visits us we can turn to God and ask for the grace to understand how Jesus fell into God's loving hands. We can ask to surrender a loved one, or our own life, to God's loving embrace. The breakdown of relationships or divorce is a time of tremendous crisis. There is not only a sense of loss but we are overcome with a sense of failure, defeat or disillusionment. We may be feeling anger, guilt, revenge, worthlessness, depression or denial. If there are children involved the messi-ness and pain extends to innocent ones and often for a very long time. This can appear to be a most difficult time to pray but is obviously the most important time to pray. The insight that makes it work is that God fully understands. God is not surprised or confused. God has only one desire - to console us when we are in need of assurance and to challenge us when we are tempted to run away. We don't have to explain it all to God. We can say, "I know you understand. I know you grieve too. I know you alone can help me face the future after this." This is profound prayer. It opens the door to deeper dependence, deeper intimacy and deeper discernment. There are many other destabilizing crises that can happen in our lives and seem to be difficult times to pray. Financial crises, the loss of a job, the realization that I spoiled children I wanted to love, the crises that happen to loved ones. Then there is the non-crisis, a very uncentreing chronic sense of a lack of fulfilment in what I'm doing. These too, are very important times to turn to God and experience God's love and freedom. When we have to say "My life is in your hands" we find God - in a heart that has been stripped, loved and freed - as the deepest desire of our lives and the source of our greatest strength. Blessings, Helen

PASTORAL STAFF

Fr Peter Dillon Parish Priest

Fr Paul Kelly Associate Pastor

Helen Goldsmith Pastoral Ministry Coordinator

PARISH STAFF

Sonya Slater Parish Manager

Marylou Ayres Parish Secretary

Pat Kelly Parish Assistant

Stephanie Santos Youth Coordinator

SCHOOLS

St Vincent’s School Clear Island Waters Phone: 5572 1746 P: Kerry Rowlands

St Kevin’s School Benowa Phone: 5539 4522 P: Peter Anderson

St Kevin’s Kindergarten Phone: 5564 5910 Director: Michelle Nelson

St Michael’s College Merrimac Phone: 5530 2722

P: Michael Nayler

READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Malachi 1:14-2:2,8-10 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9,13 Matthew 23:1-12

READINGS NEXT WEEK: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 6: 12 - 16 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18 Matthew 25: 1 - 13

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK: Friday 10th November: St Leo the Great, pope, doctor Saturday 11th November: St Martin of Tours, bishop

PRAYING THE ROSARY:

The statue of Our Lady will be at the home of

Meile Wijwickrema of Varsity Lakes for the week

of Monday 6th November. If you wish to take part

please contact Maxine or Pat Sela on 5539 9539.

ANOINTING MASS: The next Anointing Mass will be held on Tuesday 14th November at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church. Everyone is welcome to attend and stay on afterwards for light refreshments in the Parish Hospitality Centre, hosted by the Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies . All SPCL are asked to bring a plate to share. The monthly meeting of the SPCL will be held in the afternoon.

INVITATION TO ASSIST AND SERVE AS A LITURGICAL MINISTER:

If you would like to serve in ministry as either an altar server, reader (Proclaimer of the Word) or Extraordinary Minister of Communion at Christmas and/or on a regular basis please contact Helen Goldsmith on 5572 5433 to arrange one to one training.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS, COLLECTORS AND WELCOMERS: CHRISTMAS MASSES

Advent and the Christmas season is fast approaching. Christmas is on Monday this year which means the usual weekend Masses will be celebrated in all our churches on Saturday/Sunday directly followed by Christmas Eve (Sunday night) and Christmas Day (Monday)!

Every year in excess of 250 volunteers are required to assist as Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Proclaimers of the Word, altar servers, Sacristans, powerpoint operators, welcomers, collectors, musicians, singers, etc. Thank you to the people who have notified their availability for the Christmas Masses. If you are available to help please add your name to the sheets in the church sacristies.

We especially need ministers, readers, welcomers, etc at : Sacred Heart Midnight Mass and Christmas Day 9am Mass

Stella Maris Christmas Day 7am and 8.30am Masses

WELCOMERS, COLLECTORS, POWERPOINT OPERATORS, PIETY STALL HELPERS:

Don’t’ be shy - we need you too!!! Call Helen on 5572 5433 or email helenpastoral@bne.catholic.net.au

OUR PARISH WILL HOST THE CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL THIS WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 4TH AND 5TH

Catholic Mission supports missionaries like Sister Mary Hoaian in Nha Trang, Vietnam to provide critical community resources such as clean drinking water and medical care to the country’s 12 million forgotten farming families, living in the coastal mountain regions. By supporting the Catholic Mission World Mission Appeal today, or by partnering with us through your monthly gift, to support isolated families in coastal Vietnam, and all around the world, to receive the vital resources they require such as clean drinking water and medical care. Please give generously to support impoverished families in Vietnam, and around

the world today. Freecall: 1800 257 296 catholicmission.org.au/Vietnam

OUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU! Would you like to join a happy, and enthusias-tic group of people who bring beautiful music to our parish?

For more information please contact Christeen on christeenharth@gmail.com

Also if you play the Organ or a Guitar please contact Christeen as we are in need of more musicians.

Come and Celebrate

Fr Paul Kelly’s

20th Anniversary of Priesthood

9am Mass Sunday

12th November 2017

Followed by refreshments.

Please bring a plate to share

SPECIAL SACRED HEART COLUMBARIUM NOVEMBER BLESSING FOR THE HOLY SOULS

PRESIDER: FR PETER DILLON - SUNDAY 12th NOVEMBER AFTER THE 9AM MASS - ALL WELCOME.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD It has been a great joy to be able to share a little bit of the Atrium with the year 1 children from St.Kevin’s School. It was fascinating to see how they were interested in learning about the parables of the Kingdom of God by paying atten-tion and making questions about it.

Here are some photos of our Atrium children, it is beautiful to see that they are comfortable choosing their own works and working alone in silence. To observe these little ones aged 3-6 years spending time in contemplation with God for 90 minutes each week is a wonder to behold!

Our new Atrium Session times are: Monday 9am to 10.30am (1st Group) 11am to 12.30am (2nd Group)

There are still vacancies for this Group.

Friday Sessions: 9.30am to 11am

We need volunteers to help us with the Catechesis. If you are interested please contact the Parish Office.

To learn more email: atrium.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au YOUNG MEN (18-35yrs) A vocations retreat at St Joseph’s Retreat Centre, Marian Valley, 2541 Beechmont Rd. Friday 24th Nov 7:30pm—Sunday 26th Nov 3pm. Cost $30. Reflect on that most important of questions: “Lord, what are you asking of me? How are you calling me to give?” God may be calling you to the vocation of the priesthood and or religious life. Ask questions & seek guidance. To register ph Fr Thomas 0432362052 or email to vocations@capuchinfriars.org.au.

RECENTLY DECEASED: Jeremy Yap, Robert Duncan, Shirley McEvoy, Helen Wood, Kevin Hilliard, Eamonn Sherraid,

Fr. Michael McKeaten, George Wah On Leong, Mary Mullahy, Peppa Coyle.

ANNIVERSARIES: Siniva Lam, June Butler, Mary & Joseph Duvnjak, Alfonso Lim, Bienvenido Moreleda, Guillermo Salazar,

Carl Tamer, Andy French, Fr Virgil Pender, Mavis Coutinho, Peter Slinger, Brendan Kerr, Mark Degiovanni.

THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Chris Farrell, Madelon Sutcliffe, Peter Cunningham, Sheryl Higgins, Elaine Neethling (Capetown SA), Leah Mackay, Rosemary Jamieson, Miriam Bousetel, Ryan Lloyd Joanne Burge, Monica Bailey, John O’Leary, Sarah Clancy, Rosa Maria Santos, James Daly, (Capetown), Shaun Van de Reede, Murray Downes (NZ), Bob Francis, Michelle Krijnen (NZ), Fr John Milliken, Anne Zappa, Jooy & Madison, Tony Bui, Betty Hillesheim, Michael Dwyer, Joan Maher, Michelle Macdonald, MaryAnn Boehme, Angelina Elsey, Bernadette Lewis, Gerald Theron (Capetown), David Conway, Janora Senders, Francee Beckman, Imelda Rundell, Joanne Mooney, Julie Stapleton, Baby Savannah Mary Ayoub, Margaret Borg, Peter Borg, Edwin Ware, Nalin Sena, Kevin McCormack, Rachel Raines, John Ashby, Paul Kiely, David Weldon, Dr Michael Tracey, Joyce & Daniel Farrugia, Ray Balkin.

divinaQ YOGA:

Join Divina for 60 minutes of hatha vinyasa style flow. Classes are held outdoors each Thursday at 6AM on the Atrium Lawn at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. Email divinaQ@wixsite.com/yoga or find us on Facebook $10 per session. For more details: divinaQ@wixsite.com/yoga or find us on Facebook.com/divinaQyoga.

WOMEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT: Vocations Brisbane is running a weekend retreat for young women who are keen to explore more about a vocation to religious life. All young women 18-40yrs old are welcome to come along and discover more about where God is calling you! 25th- 26th November 2017 9am Saturday - 5pm Sunday Venue: Canossian Spirituality Centre, 169 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, Oxley For more information or to RSVP contact Sr. Melissa 0484 007 508

THE GOLD COAST CATHOLIC LIBRARY: We bring in No-vember with two great feasts, which celebrate Saints and Souls. On the Library shelves and in displays are books about these people who were just like us in a very special way. The Author William Byron’s book “Praying With and For Others” has grown out of his own pastoral experience. He writes; “We cannot go to God alone. Nor should we forget, when facing God, that there are persons and problems out there in need of our prayers, and that praying, not simply for, but with others, extends our reach and raises our silent or vocal prayers to higher levels of effectiveness.”

VENIRE FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS Come along and meet other young people who share the same faith! We explore who Jesus is, and who we are through activities, talks, small group discussion, prayer and more! Thursday nights. 6-8:30pm in the Hospitality Centre RSVP to Steph 0411 669 876{

YOUNG ADULTS BIBLE STUDY Next Bible Study: 6th November Unpack the Bible with us and connect with others 16-25 Meet in the youth office on Monday night from 6:30-8pm Please RSVP your interest to Steph on 0411 669 876 Steph on 0411 669 876

COFFEE CULTURE CAFÉ - Open Monday to Friday 7.00am

to 3.30pm. Phone Divina on 0415 674 163

PRAYER & REFLECTION: Where is God in the time of suf-fering? A day of teaching and reflection and prayer presented by Fr. Ray Sanchez at Avocado Room, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 121 Mains Road, Sunnybank, on Saturday 11 Nov from 10.00 am – 4:30 pm. ALL welcome. A love offering will be taken up to cover costs. BYO lunch. Registra-tion: Marta Rodriguez (0433 526 703)

MIGRANT CHAPLAINS / COMMUNITIES:

Polish: Sunday 12noon Sacred Heart Church

Fr Bernard Bednarz C/- 3252 2200

Italian: Sunday 4.00pm Sacred Heart Church

Fr Michele Cagna CS 0432110468—Pastoral Support and

General Information - Connie 5575 8882

Filipino: Next Mass is on 5th November 12noon in Holy Fami-

ly Parish, Runaway Bay. Fr Terence Nueva 3277 2252

Hispanic: 1st & 3rd Sundays 5—7pm St Vincent’s Church

Fr Ignacio Gutierrez 0481118521 e: paterignacio@yahoo.com

FOR MORE PARISH GROUPS,

PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE

Baptisms: Contact Parish Office 5572 5433 to register your interest.

Marriages: (Min 6mths notice required). Phone 5572 5433

Benediction: 1st Friday 7.30am St Vincent’s Church

Children’s Liturgy:

Sacred Heart Church: Sunday 9am Mass (during School Term only

Stella Maris Church: 8.30am Mass every 2nd Sunday of the Month.

Christian Meditation: Tuesday 10am & 6pm (Youth Room) Pam

Egtberts 0428 090 703

Couples For Christ FFL: Please phone Butch and Mini

0424 583 1689

Exposition:

St Vincent’s Church: Monday & Friday 6am, Thurs 9.45am

Sacred Heart Church: Tues 9.30am, Friday 7pm-9pm

1st Friday - 8pm Friday 3rd November to Sat 4th November.

Carmelite Spirituality: 3rd Sunday of each month 10.30am PHC,

CIW Contact: Norm Harding 0421 125 575. Meeting Sunday 19th

November 2017

Rosary: St Vincent’s Church: Sunday 7.15am and Monday & Friday

6.25am

Sacred Heart Church: Tuesday & Friday 8.25am before Mass

Stella Maris Church: Wednesday 8.25am, before Mass

Venire Youth Mass: 6.00pm Sunday 19th November 2017

CONTACT FORM FOR ALL PARISH MINISTRIES

FAMILY NAME:_______________________________OTHER NAMES:_________________________________________

ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________________________________

HOME PH: _________________________MOBILE: ____________________EMAIL:_____________________________

WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RIGHT NOW?

○ Registering in parish ○ sacrament enquiry ○youth ○Prayer request

○ Roster availability ○Other: ________________________ ○To commence parish planned giving program

PLEASE PLACE THIS COMPLETED FORM ON THE COLLECTION PLATE, OR CONTACT THE PARISH

OFFICE ON 5572 5433 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

6th November 7th November 8th November 9th November 10th November 11th November

7am

ST VINCENT’S

9am SACRED HEART

Anointing Mass 10am TUES 14th NOV

9am

STELLA MARIS

9am

STELLA MARIS

7am ST VINCENT’S

9am

SACRED HEART

RECONCILIATION

4.15pm STELLA MARIS

5.00pm SACRED HEART

5.15pm ST VINCENT’S

STELLA MARIS CHURCH Satu rday Evening 5pm AND Sunday 7am & 8 .30am

SACRED HEART Satu rday Even ing 6pm AND Sunday 9am & 6pm

ST VINCENT’S CHURCH Satu rday Even ing 6pm AND Sunday 8am & 10am

GROUPS:

ART & CRAFT: Each Wednesday 9am to 12noon in PHC

BOOK CLUB: 3rd Tuesday of Month at 12 noon in PHC

BRIDGE: Mondays at 12noon Parish Hospitality Centre

SPCL: Tuesday 14 November 2017

FRIENDSHIP DAY Thursday 16th November 2017

CHOIR PRACTICE: 8.30am Saturdays SH

PLAYGROUP: Wednesdays 9.30am Casey Hall, Fairway

Drive, Clear Island Waters - Sarah 0410 701 515

Playgroup is Volunteer Based— Each parent needs to sign an

attendee sheet at each session.

YOGA: Tuesday 10.45am $10/Session.

ZUMBA GOLD: Friday 9.15am Casey Hall. Beginners and

Intermediate. Susana Pozzi 0421 607 397