PASTORAL

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

Fr Nicholas Okafor Associate Pastor

Fr Regimon Gervasis MCBS Associate Pastor

Helen Goldsmith Pastoral Ministry Coordinator

PARISH STAFF

Sonya Slater Parish Manager

Marylou Ayres Parish Secretary

Pat Kelly Parish Assistant

Angela Williams Atrium Coordinator

Shannon Morrison Atrium Assistant

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 Michael’s College Merrimac Phone: 5530 2722 P: Michael Nayler

2nd SUNDAY IN LENT — YEAR C 20th / 21st FEBRUARY 2016

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

EXTRAORDINARY DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH

The following press release was written by Helen Goldsmith, our Pastoral Ministry Coordinator. It’s a short reflection on the Opening of the Holy Door of Mercy at Sacred Heart Church last Friday night. Without question, with over 1,000 people present at the Liturgy and Mass led by Archbishop Coleridge, the occasion was faith filled and inspiring.

Sacred Heart Church has now become a Pilgrimage Church during this Year of Mercy. The Sac-rament of Penance will be available on Friday mornings (10.00am to 11.30am) and Friday eve-nings (5.00pm to 6.30pm) in the Church, given that the Sacrament is an integral part of enter-

ing through the Holy Door in order to receive special graces during the Jubilee of Mercy.

God’s Abundant Blessings, Fr Tim

OPENING THE DOOR OF MERCY ON THE GOLD COAST

Over a thousand Catholics from across the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales gathered outside of the Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, to watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge open the "Holy Door of Mercy" in the parish of Surf-ers Paradise on Friday February 12th.

Archbishop Coleridge led the faithful through the door, leaving sin behind as they crossed the threshold into the light of

Grace. Cathedrals around the world opened their Holy Doors in observance of the "Jubilee Year of Mercy" declared by Pope Francis on December 8 and in response, Arch-bishop Coleridge has designated Sacred Heart Church one of six Seats of Mercy for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and a pilgrimage site during this Jubilee year.

The liturgy was concelebrated by Parish Priest Fr Tim Harris, Deacon Gary Stone and 20 priests, including ethnic chaplains representing the Hispanic, Polish, Italian and Maronite communities. Fr Tim particularly thanked the clergy for their support of this special event and for encouraging their parishioners to attend.

A painting by local Gold Coast artist, Lynne Hudson, has been especially chosen for the pil-grimage site portraying ‘merciful Jesus’ gazing with compassion and holding his hands out-stretched to all. In keeping with tradition, the Holy Door was also decorated with foliage as a symbol of the beauty of God’s mercy.

Fr Tim welcomed all to make a pilgrimage through the Holy Door and obtain the special graces attached to the Jubilee Year. Additional Reconciliation times have been made avail-able on Fridays for pilgrims and visitors.

“It’s amazing, a great blessing to the parish, really a gift to the whole Gold Coast region to have a Holy Door opened at Sacred Heart church. It’s a blessing expected to touch many lives this year. All are invited to enter through these doors which lead into the heart of Christ and God’s overflowing mercy.”

By Helen Goldsmith, Pastoral Ministry Co-ordinator

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

RCIA Rite of Election

14th February 2016

St Stephen’s Cathedral

PRAYING THE ROSARY: The statue of Our Lady will be at the home of Beth Respecio

Day of Robina commencing Monday 22nd of February 2016. Please phone Maxine or Patrick Sela on 55399539 and invite Our Lady to your home for a week. If you can’t collect the statue due to transport problems we can deliver the statue to you. Thank you, Pat & Maxine

Receiving Communion in Our Parish We welcome our visitors and ask all to respect the Universal Church practice of receiving the Lord’s Body and Blood. The Body of Christ is received on the hand or the tongue and the Blood of Christ is received by drinking from the chalice. We kindly ask you to refrain from dipping the host into the chalice if this is your custom.

FULL SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA OVER 30 WEEKS IN DAILY LIFE Discover God's unique love and desire for you through a journey of scripturally based

prayer and individual direction. Applications are now being received for commence-

ment in March 2015. www.faberspirituality.org.au Helen Goldsmith PH: 0412 894 356.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT READINGS: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36 Feasts: Mon 22nd The Chair of St Peter, apostle NEXT WEEK: 3rd Sunday of Lent: Ex 3:1-8, 13-15; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13: 1-9

REFLECTION

The first and third readings today relate the experience of a personal encounter with God in prayer. Abraham’s prayer results in a solemn covenant with the Lord. This covenant is understood as a relationship with God in which we experience ourselves as ‘chosen’ (the title given to Jesus on the mountain) and ‘transformed’ (an image Paul uses in the second reading).

God’s promise of land and progeny to Abraham seems impossible in human terms yet Abraham puts his faith in the Lord. As Abraham falls into a deep prayerful trance God seals the covenant, symbolised by the blazing torch.

In the second reading Paul is concerned by the influence of others to dissuade his converts from a steadfast life in Christ. He tells them to stand firm in their baptismal covenant, keeping their eyes fixed on heaven from which will come their saviour, Jesus Christ.

In Luke’s gospel the Transfiguration is set during a special time of prayer. The message from the voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is God’s Son, the Chosen One, and insisting that they ‘listen to him’ in similar times of prayer. Coming to know Jesus personally through deep, transformative prayer involves recognition of his divine identity and a willingness to follow him as disciples. We are all called to this relationship through our baptismal promises.

Prayer: Include in your Lenten preparation a time for deep prayer and contemplation.

EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY

SEAT OF MERCY FOR SOUTH COAST DEANERY

SACRED HEART CHURCH,

50 FAIRWAY DRIVE, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge has designated Sacred Heart Church as a pilgrimage church of mercy. The Holy Door was opened on 12 February and anyone who passes through the Holy Door is able to obtain special graces by: celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation; Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy; profession of faith (Creed); a prayer for the

intentions of the Pope (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be).

Additional Reconciliation times have been made available at Sacred Heart:

Friday from 10.00am to 11.30am and from 5.00pm to 6.30pm

Commencing Friday, 26th February

It is encouraged that all the faithful take this opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives in the Jubilee of Mercy.

AVAILABILITY FOR EASTER SERVICES: Please let me or any of the roster co-ordinators know if you are available for the Easter ceremonies. Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Easter Vigil, Saturday night, are full parish celebrations. Those on the Sacred Heart, St Vincent’s and Stella Maris rosters are invited, and encouraged, to assist at these ceremo-

nies. Ph. Helen 5572 5433 or you can email to helenpastoral@bne.catholic.net.au

Please keep Claudine, Grant,

Eliot, Rosanna, Rachel, Aaron,

Justin, Tracey, Nicole, Diahann,

Kayla, Terri, Jessica, Sue and

Zaria in your prayers as they

journey to full initiation on

Easter Saturday.

LIBRARY NEWS: As Fr Nicholas says,

Lent offers us a “double period of Gods mercy”. Books on display in the Library are focussed on the task we all face of FOR-GIVING anyone who has harmed us. Topics of these books include big issues such as

abuse, estrangement from family, alcoholism and abortion; and more everyday challenges, such as friendship problems and feelings of dissatisfaction. A well-written book could provide you with that opening for grace to work in your life! All the books can be borrowed now.

OUR READ & RETURN TROLLY in Sacred Heart Church is a great success! These books are so easy to access; browse, borrow and return at your leisure—a good Lenten resource.

What’s happening in the Parish

What’s in a name? How much can we draw from God’s name? Join us at Venire this Thurs-day as we continue through our Lenten series and unpack the idea of “when God meets us”.

Venire is open to all high schoolers and young adults and we meet on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. If you haven’t come along before, I really want to encourage you to give it a go. You won’t be disappointed! Free food and good company. We hope to see you there. Please RSVP for catering purposes to Steph on 0411 669 876.

Children’s IRISH DANCING CLASS Mondays 3.30pm to 4.30pm Casey Hall, Fairway Drive,

Clear Island Waters. Ages 3+ For info call LINDA 0407370047

Monday to Friday 7.30am to 3.30pm at Sacred Heart Church

PH: 0435 721 258

Catering Options available

The Bold and the Beautiful Friendship Group will meet for lunch at the Kampung Malay Restaurant, Cnr. Markeri Street & Robina Parkway, Robina Quays. Lunch will be at 12noon on Thursday 25th February 2016. All Welcome. Leona 5538 7070.

PREP ENROLMENTS 2017: Prep enrolment appli-cations are now being accepted for St Vin-cent’s Primary School at Clear Island Waters. Any existing or new family who has a child ready for Prep in 2017 should ensure their enrolment form is submitted by Friday 26 February.

SECULAR FRANCISCAN MEETING

“I WAS MADE AS YOU ARE MADE BY GOD’S

HAND”. Francis embraced all creation as that which has been created by God’s Word. He found God in everything, in every person. Next Fraternity Meeting Wednesday 24th February 2016 at 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Infant Saviour Church, Burleigh Heads.

All welcome. Sr. Clara Condon

MORNING TEA after 8.30AM MASS AT STELLA MARIS CHURCH

For a great opportunity to meet other Parishioners of Stella Maris Church please join us after the 8.30am Mass this Sunday

for a cup of Tea or Coffee. It will be served in the Meeting Room to the rear of the Reconciliation Room.

IN THE CATHOLIC LEADER THIS WEEK: $2.00 PER COPY

POPE FRANCIS TRANCENDS BOUNDARIES IN MEXICO

BABY ASHA GALVANISES FAITH LEADERS

THE BATTLE IS NOT OVER FOR MILITARY VETERANS

HOLY DOORS FLUNG OPEN ACROSS BRISBANE

ROCKHAMPTON PRIEST FR ANDREW CHASE REFLECTS

A REGIONAL FOCUS ON ROCKHAMPTON DIOCESE

CAR-PARKING AT ALL CHURCHES You are reminded to observe and comply with road and parking rules within the Church grounds. Particularly, parking in disabled bays and ensuring access to exits is unobstructed. Please ensure you are not obstructing another car’s ability to exit as sometimes people need to leave early during a service or in case of an emergen-cy or health-related issue. Your attendance to this serious issue is appreciated.

Available now in our Religious Goods Shops are prints and cards of this Year of Mercy image, created by local Gold Coast artist Lynne Hudson. Cards are $5 each, 10”x 8” Prints are $25 and framed 10”x 8” prints $35. Please phone Lynne for special individual orders on her mobile 0402 264 816 or email: lynne@lynnehudson.com. All special orders can be collected and paid for at the Parish Office.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

3rd to 5th June 2016: Weekend for married couples at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston QLD. Bookings and details please contact: Maria and David Murphy, phone 3342 1456, dandmmurphy@optusnet.com.au

Information website: www.wwme.org.au Watch our new video - YouTube: https://youtu.be/5Hdl2ZDxZXc

WORLD DAY OF PRAY FOR 2016 will be celebrated at the

Anglican Church, Salerno St, Isle of Capri, Thursday 3rd

March at 10am. The Liturgy will be prepared by the Wom-

en of Cuba. Fr Regimon from our Parish will also attend.

All are welcome to attend this wonderful service.

MIGRANT CHAPLAINS / COMMUNITIES: Polish: Sunday 11.30am Sacred Heart Church Fr Bernard Bednarz 5504 6297 Italian: Sunday 4.00pm Sacred Heart Church Fr Michele Cagna CS 0432110468—Pastoral Support Felicia 5571 0858 — General Info. Filipino: Mass on 2nd October 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

Marriages: Please contact Parish Office 5572 5433 (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. Sunday 7th February 2016. At Stella Maris Church, Children’s Liturgy is held 2nd Sunday of each Month at 8.30 Mass. Next date 28th February

Christian Meditation: Tuesday 10am (Youth Room) Pam Egberts 0428090703 and on Tuesday 6pm (Youth Room) Contact Parish Office

CFC Australia: 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

St Joseph’s Prayer Group: 1st Wednesday 9.30am Sacred Heart Church

Youth Led Mass: 4th Sunday 6pm Sacred Heart. February 28th

Art & Craft: Wed 9am-12.30pm Parish Hospitality Centre Book Club: 3rd Tues 12noon. Parish Hospitality Centre Bridge: Monday 12.30pm. Parish Hospitality Centre. SPCL: Meeting 1.00pm 1st Tue. Hospitality Centre Friendship Day 3rd Thurs 10am-1.30pm PH: 5562 1260 Parish Choir Practice: 8.30am 1st and last Saturdays Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 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. Resumes 2/2/16 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: Mary Antonee Mootoo, Margaret Anning, John Hayes, Jan Siejka (Tasmania), Jose Portes, Dr Peter Ryan, Catherine Ryan (Ireland).

ANNIVERSARIES: Mary-Ann Hunter, Marie Olive Brown, Gloria McLeod, Veronica Bond, Bernadette Bartley, Milan Piglich, Maria Eidejus, Diego Randazzo, Guiseppina Di Losa, Bernie Tathem, Mary Schreiber.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT FOR US TO PUBLISH A NAME IN THIS LIST OF THE SICK YOU MUST HAVE THE PERMISSION OF THE PERSON LISTED OR THEIR FAMILY.

We have removed the list of names from our Newsletter and ask that you call the Parish Office and ask us to re-instate a name if you have the express permission of the sick person. We ask your understanding in this matter.

Those names that we have published today come with the permission of the individual.

THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Neville O’Neill, Gus Reeves, Monica Bailey, Sage Amor (Canada), Brian Elsmore, Emile Van Deurse, Ron Mooney, Denise Tracey, Ron Perry.

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 in-formation.

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

RECONCILIATION

SATURDAY

4.15pm Stella Maris

5.00pm Sacred Heart

5.15pm St Vincent’s

SUNDAY MASS TIMES

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

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

7am

ST VINCENT’S

9.00am

SACRED HEART

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