PASTORAL

Very Reverend Fr Tim Harris Parish Priest & Dean of South Coast Deanery

Fr Nicholas Okafor Associate Pastor

Fr Paul Kelly Assisting Sacramental

Minister

Helen Goldsmith Pastoral Ministry Coordinator

PARISH STAFF

Sonya Slater Parish Manager

Marylou Ayres Parish Secretary

Pat Kelly Parish Assistant

Angela Williams Atrium 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

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - YEAR A 26th / 27th NOVEMBER 2016

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - YEAR A

Welcome to another new liturgical year. The Season of Advent has begun!

For me, if I am honest I’ve always found this season awkward in that I am torn between the familiar and the unknown and anticipation and nostalgia. I feel torn between the old and the new. Perhaps you feel the same?

The truth is that we are indeed caught in the ‘in-between time’. Advent is the season which highlights the truth that the Christian life is lived between two special moments: God’s gift of his Son which took place at a given time and in a given place, and his final coming to bring his creation to its perfect conclusion.

“Caught” we might feel but paralysed we must not become. This is our wake up call after all. Advent has got to do more for us than just inviting us to sentimentally think about the birth of a baby Jesus. The season instead, if it is going to be meaningful, must call us to a mature faith because the baby we welcome is the child who grew up, who suffered and died and rose for the

salvation of all.

Our “oohing and aahing” at the baby this Christmas must be viewed in this light. Why else would the church begin this Liturgical year under such a confronting Gospel reading? It demands that we jar our minds with those contradictory concepts of salvation and damnation - of God at the door ready or

not.

Are we ready? Are we really ready? Remember we do this every year and yet what sort of preparation do we engage in at this time because God and salvation are waiting for us. As one commentator puts it, “someone said that God’s presence is unobtrusive, and polite - like someone coughing to let you

know they are there”.

Let us then think of Advent his year as God coughing - just a polite nudge to urge us in a livelier faith so we don’t die in our sleep. In other words wake up everybody because Christ is being born again next month. Christ will also come again in the future at the end of time.

The message of the Gospel is clear. Jesus wants us to know that we need to be ready when he comes again and in the meantime we need to make room for him now.

The next four weeks will be busy enough with shopping, baking, carolling, partying and preparing for Christmas. The question is will we be ready for the birth of Christ? Remember, “preparing for Christ” is more than all these things, it is preparing for a saviour who has not let us down in this life nor will he let us down in our future life with him.

We’ve just all got to stay awake for our encounter with him, not in a crouched posture of fear but in a disposition of openness, encounter and love.

God’s abundant blessings, Fr Tim

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL The 2016 Vinnies Christmas Appeal will be held at All Masses within the Parish over the weekend of 3rd and 4th December.

Thank you for your generous support in the past as we endeavour to help those in our community less fortunate than ourselves.

ONE PARISH

three churches

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish

Sacred Heart 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters

St Vincent’s 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Stella Maris 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach

READINGS: First Sunday in Advent:

Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

FEASTS:

Wed 30th St Andrew, apostle; Sat 3rd St Francis Xavier, priest

NEXT WEEK: Second Sunday in Advent:

Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

REFLECTION

The word “Advent” means ‘coming’. We are preparing to remember God coming to be a human being among us, with us and like us. Today’s readings actually say very little about the first coming of Jesus or his birth in Bethlehem. Instead the readings emphasise our need to prepare for the final coming of Jesus by living in the light of God and living alert in the present. Isaiah establishes a vision of a light that shines on all nations and is so compelling that it sets all peoples on a willing journey to come to the house of the Lord, walking God’s path of peaceful co-existence. In the letter to the Romans, Paul also speaks of living honourably, living in the light and of stepping out of the shadows so that we can live without pretense. Paul has a sense that the present time is within the fulfilment of God but requires armour, the putting on of Christ. Matthew’s Gospel moves from the image of light to that of watchfulness. The imagery seems harsh and all the more devastating because of the lack of warning. There is a sense here of Paul’s urging to live in the present and Matthew re-enforces the message by adding, “If you knew when a burglar was coming you would keep an eye out.” We are called to develop our relations with God and neighbor based on a caring and unconditional love for all. We ask for the grace to live our daily lives full of the spirit of Jesus. Then we have truly prepared.

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus.

THE SEASON OF ADVENT The season of Advent signals that Christmas is approaching. Advent invites us to explore a deeper theological and spiritual understanding of the Nativity. The first main theme is the mystery of the Incarnation, Christ- the light, has come into the world and dwelt among us, fully human and fully divine. The second is that Christ will return and renew all things in grace. The Advent wreath is a popular devotion and focusses on light and the coming near of Christ. For the Sundays of Advent we begin with the Advent Wreath Responsory, light the appropriate candles which lead to the Opening Prayer.

Prayer for the first week of Advent: Upon waking this week, pause and light an inner candle. You could pray something like this:

“Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you. It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today. Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I carry out the responsibilities of my day. Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.” Each morning this week, that prayer might get more specific, as it prepares us for the day we will face.

Perhaps we could ask a different question each night, or ask about examples from the day. How am I getting in touch with the longing within me? How did I prepare today? How can we prepare to experience his coming into our lives this year? How are we being invited to trust more deeply?

And every night this week we can pause briefly and be aware of how that one, small candle brought light into this day. And we can give thanks. Going to bed each night this week with some gratitude is part of the preparation for growing anticipation and desire.

Blessings, Helen

ADVENT PLACEMENT - SEMINARIAN FRANCIS FERNANDES Hello, my name is Francis and I am a student for priesthood. I am originally from Goa in India and lived in New Zealand for a while. I have called Brisbane my home for the past eight years.

I studied engineering for a year and a half at QUT and studied ancient history at UQ in the semester leading up to my entry into Holy Spirit Seminary. While I was at QUT I got in contact with the Vocations Director for the Brisbane Archdiocese (Fr. Morgan Batt) and my interest in priesthood grew from there.

I soon started reading up about priesthood and turning up to monthly meetings and stay-in events at the seminary. In 2014 I entered Canali House, where I lived with four other men and Fr. Morgan, to discern my calling further. The following year I joined the seminary and have not looked back! This is now my second year and I have around five more years to go.

I thoroughly enjoy what I am learning here and can see myself growing in who I am as a person, through the ongoing formation.

I had thought about priesthood as a young boy but pushed it out of my mind in high school. Regardless, my faith has always been strong thanks to my mum and dad who instilled in me the discipline in prayer and reverence for God. I have watched my faith grow during my time in Canali House and at the seminary thanks to the seminarians, the spiritual director and the program itself.

The seminary sends its students on placements during the Advent season, where the seminarians get a first-hand look at what life is like as a priest in a parish. We live with/close to a priest and I am excited to be coming to Surfer’s Paradise. I have spent the bulk of my time in Brisbane and have only been to Surfer’s Paradise while I was on a school excursion. Judging by the reaction I get when I tell people I have been assigned to Surfer’s Paradise I am sure that the placement will be an excellent experience (the usual question I get asked is: “How much did you bribe the seminary staff?”).

I am excited to get to know the parish better and get involved in as much as I can!

PARISH MINISTRY and GROUPS and OTHER NEWS

PRAYING THE ROSARY: The statue of Our Lady will be at the home of the Coutinho Family of Broadbeach Waters for week of Monday 28th November 2016. Please phone Maxine or Pat Sela on 5539 9539 and invite Our Lady to your home for a week. Pat and Maxine Sela.

THIS WEEK AT VENIRÉ 1st – Veniré at Surfers

For high schoolers! Join us for a night of fun and laughter, make new friends, and be empowered to know, to love and to

serve the Lord. Dinner is free

2nd – Summit for Young Adults

If you are between the ages of 18-35, join us for a great night where you can meet other Catholic Young Adults, and deepen your faith through discussion, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration

and dessert. We start at 7pm in the Hospitality Centre. •••••

If you would like any more information about these events or to come along to any of them, please contact Steph on

0411669876 Or connect with us at:

www.facebook.com/venireyouth

PARISH PIETY STORES – a variety of printed resources to encourage a prayerful preparation during the sea-son of Advent. LITTLE BLUE BOOKS for Advent/Christmas season, contain a daily reflection on the infancy Narrative of Luke.

Plenty of Christmas Cards, Columban Calendars and Religious Art Calendars. St Paul’s Sunday Mass Books for 2017; Daily Mass Book 2017, all available now St Vincent’s and Sacred Heart Churches. PLUS Fr Mac’s Puddings - 800gram regular size $15.00, 800 gram Gluten Free $23.00 and 1.6kg larger puddings $28.00

ATRIUM – CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

A big thank you to all who have assisted in the Atrium during the year . . . Thank you to Shannon, Auceli, Maree and Mar-ta, and to all the wonderful mothers and grandmothers! Your assistance, presence and support have been greatly appreciated! We are now accepting enrolments for the Atrium for 2017.

“Oftentimes catechists say, “I came to CGS to serve chil-dren, but I stayed for my-self.”

Want to go deeper in your own faith life? Whether you are called to be a catechist in the atrium or not, attending a CGS formation course invites you to grow in your relationship with the Good Shepherd.”

http://viewfromtheatrium.blogspot.com.au/

We are in the process of arranging for formation sessions for parents - and anyone who would like to know more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – for early next year. Please email with expressions of interest.

atrium.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au

ART AND CRAFT NEWS: We are selling tick-

ets in our CHRISTMAS RAFFLE this weekend

and for 3 weeks at all three Churches. There

are 10 GREAT PRIZES! Tickets will be $5 each

or 3 for $10. The Raffle will be drawn on

18th December at the Sacred Heart 9am Mass

and winners will choose their prizes as drawn. We look

forward to meeting you at this activity for the Parish.

NEWS FROM THE GOLD COAST CATHOLIC LIBRARY Advent has begun! Amid the bustle of Christmas preparations and parties, God invites us to sit a while with prayer, reflection and thanksgiving. On display are books to give you this time. Recommended is the A Retreat With series - in which words of saints and scripture guide you along a simple, practical path at your own pace. Reflect with little books of quotes from St Mary MacKillop or St Benedict or revisit a spiritual classic, like “The Little Flowers of St Francis”. Lots to discover in the Library now.

Our thanks go to all those who assisted at the Surfers Paradise Year of Mercy Retreat on 6th November: Moreton Hire Gold Harvest Court Southport for very gen-erously supplying the crockery for NIL consideration. This added a little more sophistication and ambience to the day. Thank you Caroline and Michelle. Fr Tim Harris (our beloved PP) who paid for the Lunch and to Claudia for your efforts in relation to the sandwiches Justine and Melissa (daughters), Siobhan (granddaughter) and Anna (Justine’s friend) – thanks for your professional catering and set up – we were all blown away by the ser-vice – your dedication to the black outfits did not go unnoticed! Bronis, Gail, Ian and Barbara for your participation during the days in various forms – driver of the Rosies bus, wel-coming, readers and morning/afternoon tea supplies – VERY yummy! Terry (husband) for the assistance, muscle and use of your little truck in transporting and shifting our equipment, ta-bles and chairs ……. Our retreatants – all 85 of you – for the wonderful spirit in which you entered into the day – we were privileged to have been able to share our Mercy thoughts with you.

Much love and mercy blessings as you continue on your journey - allowing God’s graces to fill your being so that you will reach out in love, mercy and compassion to all – recognising our neighbours in our family, our work, our friends, our church community, the elderly, youth and the marginalised, homeless and lonely. Brigid and Robyn

Celebration of Fatima Day on Tuesday 13 of December at Marian Valley. Bus will leave Sacred Heart at 8.15am (Qld time). For bookings please call Viviane on 55359623.

MIGRANT CHAPLAINS / COMMUNITIES: Polish: Sunday 11.30am Sacred Heart Church Fr Bernard Bednarz Italian: Sunday 4.00pm Sacred Heart Church Fr Michele Cagna CS 0432110468—Pastoral Support Felicia 5571 0858 — General Info. Filipino: Next Mass in our Parish is on 4 December at 12noon in Casey Hall. Fr Terence Nueva 3277 2252 Hispanic: 1st & 3rd Sundays 5—7pm St Vincent’s Church Fr Ignacio Gutierrez 0481 118 521 Email: paterignacio@yahoo.com Maronite Rite: Saturday 7.15pm Sacred Heart Phone: 3394 4994 St Maroun’s Church, Brisbane.

Baptisms: Please contact the Parish Office 5572 5433 to register.

Marriages: Contact Parish Office 5572 5433 (Min 6mths notice required)

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

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Weekly at 9am Mass Sacred Heart Church.

Stella Maris Church 8.30am Mass 2nd Sunday of each month.

Christian Meditation: Tuesday 10am (Youth Room) Pam Egberts. Final 29th November. In recess until 7th February 2017 0428090703. Tuesday 6pm (Youth Room) will continue on. Contact Parish Office

Couples For Christ FFL: Phone Butch & Mini 0424 583 168/9

Exposition: Monday & Friday 6am St Vincent’s Church, Surfers Paradise

Tuesday 9.30am Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters

Thursday 9.45am St Vincent’s Church, Surfers Paradise

Friday 7pm Sacred Heart Church, (1st Friday 7pm to 7am)

Carmelite Spirituality: 3rd Sunday of each month 10.30am PHC, CIW Contact: Norm Harding 0421 125 575.

Rosary: Sunday 7.15am St Vincent’s Church

Monday & Friday 6.25am St Vincent’s Church

Tuesday & Friday 8.25am Sacred Heart Church, before Mass

Wednesday 8.25am Stella Maris Church, before 9.00am Mass

Youth Led Mass: Sunday 27th November 6pm Sacred Heart.

Art & Craft: In Recess until 2017

Book Club: In Recess until 2017

Bridge: Monday 12.30pm. Parish Hospitality Centre.

SPCL: In Recess until Tuesday 7th February 2017

Friendship Day in recess until Thursday 16th Feb 2017

Parish Choir Practice: 8.30am 1st and last 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 Levels. Susana Pozzi 0421 607 397

FOR MORE PARISH GROUPS, PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE

RECENTLY DECEASED: Elizabeth (Betty) Topalov, Pat Harvey, Dora Crisante, Kelly Sutherland, John Reginald Slattery, Elizabeth Mary Rose, Bruce Barry Buckley, Ken McDonald (Murwillumbah), Sr Joan McGinley RSM. ANNIVERSARIES: David Valencour, Tomislav Grguric, Norma Bailey, Myra Porter, Remedios Solatan, Fr Owen Oxenham, Fr Neal Shannon.

THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Baby Ollie Hall, Andy Brown, Louie Kazzi, Edwin

Ware, Nalin Sena, Mary Mullahy, Ahoi Hong, Jackie Hatfield (Wollongong), Tony Bui, Karen Gard, Bernadette Lewis (Capetown), Daniel Farrugia, Sean Weldon, Oscar Miranda, Samir Moussa, John Traynor (UK), Werner Empen, Shirley O’Brien, Sr Mary Mullins, Patricia Sulzberger, Judy West, Michelle Coyle, Colleen O’Shannassy (Colac, Victoria), Fr John Milliken PP of Stanmore, Fadoul Kazzi, Pat Burton, Andreas Lunandi, Ian Finlayson, Gus Reeves, Annette Anning, Sage Amor (Canada), Brian Elsmore, Emile Van Deurse, Ron

Mooney, Denise Tracey, Ron Perry, Paul Kiely, Denise Darwin (Syd), Rachel Raines, John Ashby, Dorelle Muller, Michael Kearney, Mike & Barbara Farrell, Marian Komorowski (Poland), Fr Dom Cremesco SVS, Mary Kerr, Conor Cosgrave, Anne Weston, Mary Hayes (Melb), Diep Armstrong.

Have you thought about leaving a legacy?

For further information call the parish office 5572 5433.

CONTACT FORM: Family Name: _____________________________________

Other Names: _____________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

_____________________________________

Home Phone: ________________ 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.

7.00am

ST VINCENT’S

9.00am

SACRED HEART

9.00am

STELLA MARIS

9.00am STELLA MARIS

7.00am ST VINCENT’S

9.00am

SACRED HEART

RECONCILIATIONS

4.15pm Stella Maris 5.00pm Sacred Heart 5.15pm St Vincent’s

SUNDAY STELLA MARIS CHURCH Saturday 5.00pm and Sunday 7.00am and 8.30am MASS TIMES SACRED HEART CHURCH Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 9.00am and 6.00pm ST VINCENT’S CHURCH Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am and 10.00am

MONDAY

28th November

TUESDAY

29th November

WEDNESDAY

30th November

THURSDAY

1st December

FRIDAY

2nd December

SATURDAY

3rd December

7.00am

ST VINCENT’S

9.00AM

SACRED HEART

Next Anointing Mass will be on

7.02.2017

9.00AM

[STELLA MARIS

9.00AM

STELLA MARIS

7AM ST VINCENT’S

9AM SACRED HEART

RECONCILIATION

4.15pm STELLA MARIS

5.00pm SACRED HEART

5.15pm ST VINCENT’S

NORMAL SUNDAY

MASS TIMES

STELLA MARIS CHURCH Saturday evening 5.00pm AND Sunday 7.00am & 8.30am

SACRED HEART CHURCH Saturday evening 6.00pm AND Sunday 9.00am & 6.00pm

ST VINCENT’S CHURCH Saturday evening 6.00pm AND Sunday 8.00am & 10.00am