TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year B 25th / 26th AUGUST 2018 Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating It's not easy to put ourselves in another person's shoes, especially those very different from us, and this can cause us to have doubts and fears, Francis said in a recent homily. "These fears are legitimate, based on doubts that are fully comprehensible from a human point of view. Having doubts and fears is not a sin." "The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection," he continued. "The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, to encounter the different, to encounter the neighbor, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord." Pope Francis gave this homily at a special Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the 104th celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The theme for this year was: "Welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees." In his homily, Francis quoted a line from his message for the day: "Every stranger who knocks on our door is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ, who identifies himself with the foreigner who has been accepted or rejected in every age (cf. Mt 25:35-43)." He emphasized that in welcoming the migrant or refugee, we have an opportunity to welcome Jesus. The communities that receive migrants and refugees aren't the only ones with fears and doubts. Migrants and refugees themselves, who have just arrived in a new place, also have fears, such as the fear "of confrontation, judgment, discrimination and failure," the Pope said. Francis explained how, Jesus calls his disciples to "Come, and see," and how today this invitation is addressed to all of us. "It is an invitation to overcome our fears so as to encounter the other, to welcome, to know and to acknowledge him or her. It is an invitation which offers the opportunity to draw near to the other and see where and how he or she lives." Entrusting the world's migrants and refugees to the care of Mary, Most Holy, the Pope concluded by asking her intercession, that "responding to the supreme commandment of charity and love of neighbor, may we all learn to love the other, the stranger, as ourselves." In his Angelus message the Pope also spoke about the importance of not leaving our knowledge of Jesus to "hearsay," but how we need to really encounter him "in prayer, in meditation on the Word of God and in the frequenting of the Sacraments." "Only a personal encounter with Jesus generates a journey of faith and discipleship," he said. "We could have many experiences, accomplish many things, establish relationships with many people, but only the appointment with Jesus, at that hour that God knows, can give full meaning to our lives and make our projects and initiatives fruitful." PASTORAL STAFF Fr Peter Dillon Parish Priest Fr Paul Kelly Associate Pastor 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: Anthony Elmore
Transcript
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Year B
25th / 26th AUGUST 2018
Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating It's not easy to put ourselves in another person's shoes, especially those very different from us, and this can cause us to have doubts and fears, Francis said in a recent homily.
"These fears are legitimate, based on doubts that are fully comprehensible from a human point of view. Having doubts and fears is not a sin."
"The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection," he continued. "The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, to encounter the different, to encounter the neighbor, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord."
Pope Francis gave this homily at a special Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the 104th celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The theme for this year was: "Welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees."
In his homily, Francis quoted a line from his message for the day: "Every stranger who knocks on our door is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ, who identifies himself with the foreigner who has been accepted or rejected in every age (cf. Mt 25:35-43)."
He emphasized that in welcoming the migrant or refugee, we have an opportunity to welcome Jesus.
The communities that receive migrants and refugees aren't the only ones with fears and doubts. Migrants and refugees themselves, who have just arrived in a new place, also have fears, such as the fear "of confrontation, judgment, discrimination and failure," the Pope said.
Francis explained how, Jesus calls his disciples to "Come, and see," and how today this invitation is addressed to all of us.
"It is an invitation to overcome our fears so as to encounter the other, to welcome, to know and to acknowledge him or her. It is an invitation which offers the opportunity to draw near to the other and see where and how he or she lives."
Entrusting the world's migrants and refugees to the care of Mary, Most Holy, the Pope concluded by asking her intercession, that "responding to the supreme commandment of charity and love of neighbor, may we all learn to love the other, the stranger, as ourselves."
In his Angelus message the Pope also spoke about the importance of not leaving our knowledge of Jesus to "hearsay," but how we need to really encounter him "in prayer, in meditation on the Word of God and in the frequenting of the Sacraments."
"Only a personal encounter with Jesus generates a journey of faith and discipleship," he said.
"We could have many experiences, accomplish many things, establish relationships with many people, but only the appointment with Jesus, at that hour that God knows, can give full meaning to our lives and make our projects and initiatives fruitful."
PASTORAL STAFF
Fr Peter Dillon Parish Priest
Fr Paul Kelly Associate Pastor
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: Anthony Elmore
THE GOLD COAST CATHOLIC LIBRARY: All who attended the Proclaim Conference spoke of its richness and it links into our preparation for the 2020 Plenary Council. Remember to take a look at the display in the Library about the “Sensius Fidelium” - the insight which the faithful will bring to this gathering. The Archbishop has challenged us to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church in Australia”. Often these insights spring from our spiritual reading. Do not neglect this!! In his book “Re-Enchantment”, David Tacey speaks directly to an Australian identity - our Aboriginal inheritance, our youth culture, our care for the environment - all surely unique to us! What kind of society will we as Australian Christians build? Also on display on the “spinner” are inspiring biographies and autobiographies of people who have made a difference by their lives.
READINGS THIS WEEK: Joshua 24: 1-2, 15-18; Ephesians 5: 21-32; John 6: 60-69.
READINGS NEXT WEEK: Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-8; James 1: 17-18, 21-22,27; Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
FEAST DAYS: Mon 27: St Monica; Tues 28: St Augustine, bishop, doctor; Wed 29: The Passion of St John the Baptist, martyr.
PRAYING THE ROSARY: The statue of Our Lady will be at the home of Pauline Sharman of Clear Island Waters, for the week of Monday 27th August. If you would like to take part in the weekly Rosary with Our Lady, please ph. Pat & Maxine Sela 5539 9539.
$2.00
COFFEE CULTURE CAFÉ: Mon to Fri 7am to 3.30pm
Treat yourself to a great coffee and some delicious tastes!
MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF ST. COLUMBAN: This year is a significant year - the Centenary of the establishment of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. It was initially set up for work in China. Within two years, the Columban Fathers started in Australia. To give thanks to the Lord and to the people who have supported the Mission over the years, Archbishop Coleridge will preside at Mass at the Cathedral, 10.00am, Sunday 7th October. If enough interest
a bus will be hired. Please send an email to Father Warren ([email protected]).
MARCH FOR LIFE: Join us in the MARCH to STOP Labor’s LATE-TERM ABORTION BILL, on Saturday 1 September 2pm, meeting at Queen’s Gardens, 144 George Street, Brisbane. Take a carload or go by train. Car pooling from St Brigid’s Nerang, 39-49 McLaren Road Nerang – leaving 12:45pm sharp. Make a stand and defend our unborn! Great speakers also. God bless Cherish Life: Gold Coast Branch: Fiona: m 0457 781 513
menALIVE Weekend for Men is SOON. It is happening on the 8th & 9th September at the grounds of the Mary Mother of Mercy Church and Marymount College, Burleigh Waters. Like thou-sands of other Catholic men who have already been
on menALIVE weekends, you will be inspired and encouraged to renew your faith and rediscover God’s purpose in your life. Ex-perienced leaders from the menALIVE ministry team will be run-ning the weekend. There is still time to register. Forms are avail-able in the church foyer, or phone Jim Littlefield 0488 350 565 or Chris Kennedy 0412 270 828.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - ENGLISH TEACHERS, YOUTH WORKERS & YOUTH MINISTERS
The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, providing overseas volunteer experiences for Australians who wish to work with disadvantaged young people. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers for January 2019 departure. Our volunteers placements run for 6-12 months and are centered around working with young people in educational settings. We have multiple volunteers opportunities throughout Cambodia, Samoa, Timor Leste, Thailand and the Solomon Islands. We aim to utilise the skills and talents of our volunteers in order to provide the best possible contribution to the host community. Serving as a Cagliero volunteer will probably be the most rewarding thing you ever do! For more information, or to send us an inquiry, follow this link: http://cagliero.org.au/ Applications close October 15. Contact: Lauren Hichaaba. Email: [email protected]
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE: Sunnybank and Acacia Ridge Par-ishes, Brisbane, invite applications for the position of Pastoral Associate, for 25-30 hours per week. The applicant will require recent study and practice in the Sacraments of Initiation and Theological qualifications are essential. Please apply to: Fr Daniel Ryan, Our Lady of Lourdes, PO Box 32, Sunnybank QLD 4109. Applications close: 17th September. For job description / more information please contact the Parish Manager, Karrin Halliday Ph:345 3766 or email to:[email protected]
IN THE CATHOLIC LEADER THIS WEEKEND: Teeshan Johnson is in the battle of her life - a battle to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. Read Teeshan’s story on the back page of this weekends Catholic Leader.
Also highlighted are the unprecedented floods and landslides in Kerala, home of several of the Priests of our Archdiocese.
And all about our possible next saint - Eileen O’Connor.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Peter Beiers, Angela June Colja, Gerard Manion, Barry John Arderne, Patrick Needham, Shirley Hishon, Roslyn Fischer.
ANNIVERSARIES: Kichizo Matsumoto, Bernard Elsey Snr, Charlie Cassar, Mary Spiteri Cassar, Nada Hallam, Ron Neilsen, Melba Schofield, Frederic & Nene Tala, Elio Visintin, Algie Scharenguivel.
THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Helen Walker, Ron Perry, Ashlee Salmi, Barry Moray, Judy Alexander, Steve Gallagher, Suzanne Galloway, Tamara Davis (UK), Kurt & Betty Hillesheim, Terry King, Dennis Burton, Terry Cook, Iris Ware, Lucena Liwag, Brandon Watson, Judy Marshall, David Weldon, Patrick Sena, Nathan Young, Claire Keefe, Ralph Grandville, Roy Ferraro, Emidio Restall, Duncan Dawson, Yvonne Lofthouse, Luke Sullivan, Joanne Parks, Mary Kerr, Janora Senders, Anne Gavaghan, Gus Reeves, Gina Dalagan, Nigel Tomlinson, John Robinson, Kurt Stubbs, Rosa Michael, Paul Kiely, Ellani Gonzalez, John Ashby, Julianne Conway, Shirley Ryan, Dr Alex Sharah, Janina Kraus, Terry Scott, Therese Lloyd, Mary Busuttil, Margaret Need-ham, Kevin McCormack, Leah Mackay, Rosemary Jamieson, Miriam Buttisal, Ryan Lloyd & family, Joanne Burge, Monica Bailey, Rosa Maria Santos, James Daly, Fr John Milliken, Diane Hill, Shaun Van de Reede, Michelle Krijnen, Jooy & Madison, Michael Dwyer, Joan Maher, Michelle Macdonald, MaryAnn Boehme, Angelina Elsey, Denesta Solomons, Bernadette Lewis,
Gerald Theron, David Conway, Rachel Raines, Francee Beckman, Joanne Mahoney, Savannah Mary Ayoub, Margaret Borg, Edwin Ware, Nalin Sena.
OVER 50’S EXERCISE TO MUSIC: Senior’s Fitness and Strength class for men and women in Casey Hall at 9am each Tuesday. Please contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333308. $7 per session. Come along, make friends and get fit.
YOGA AT THE PARISH: Each Tuesday at 10.45am in the Parish Hospitality Centre, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters with Ruth Gurner. Ph: 0421 338 110 / 5528 0917 for more information.
SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB: BRIDGE sessions are on Mondays at 12noon and Wednesdays at 1.00pm in the Parish Hospitality Centre, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. For information contact Cheryl Ph 5538 881
VENIRE FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
Jesus Christ and the Church was made for ALL! We're looking forward to continuing our series on the 4 marks of the Church. We'll be breaking this open through games, activities, small groups, discussion, prayer and more! Friday 31st of August
For all high schoolers, 6:30-9pm in Casey Hall.
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY: We've just started on 1 Corinthians, this Bible Study group is a great way to connect with other young adults, and grow in faith and knowledge of scripture. All are welcome. Monday 27th of August. Youth Office. 6:30-8:30pm. Contact Steph on 0411 669 876
ATRIUM: CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: We give thanks for our Volunteers; Shannon, Jennifer, Maree, Glenyse, Geraldine, and we are so pleased to welcome Andrew. All praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! During this week our presentation was about “The Mystery of Life and Death” – “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jn. 12:24. In the Kingdom of God death is not an end but a stage of a process of growth and transformation leading to an ever more abundant life. We see this revealed in a most particular way in the death and resurrection of Jesus. In order to help our children to understand the beauty of this transformation, we did some gardening with them. Some seeds were planted, and they realised that something has happened to that seed, it has changed and it has a new shape and a new colour and a new life. We pray for the growth of our Parish Atrium.
divinaQYOGA Thursday 6am - Vinyasa Flow. For more information contact [email protected]/yoga or find us on Facebook.com/divinaQyoga. $10 per session.
The BOLD and the BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP GROUP will meet at 12noon for lunch at BURLEIGH BEARS LEAGUES CLUB, 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami on Thursday 30th August.
ALED JONES TOUR: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane 22nd September, and at the Robina Community Centre on the 23rd September. Ticket information is available on the website:eventopia.co/event/Aled-Jones-Believe-Robina/368071
Couples celebrating their GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY together with their family and friends are invited to a Mass to be celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge at the Cathedral of St Stephen, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane on Saturday 6th October 2018 @ 10.00am. Light refreshments in the Hanly Room will follow the Mass. For catering purposes please RSVP by Friday 28th September 2018. Please Phone : 3324 3030 or email to [email protected]
MASS FOR THE DEAF: The next Auslan-Supported Mass at St Michael’s Catholic Church, 250 Banks Street Dorrington/Ashgrove, will be held on Sunday 9 September at 8.30am. Everyone who would like to attend is invited to this special Mass, with morning tea afterwards. Please spread the word to friends and family. Our last Auslan Mass for 2018 will be held on 18 November. Enquiries to [email protected].
GOLD COAST CITY CHOIR special performances: Sat Sept 8th in Robina Community Centre's Multipurpose Room at 3pm, and Sunday 9th Sept at St Peter's Anglican Church, Southport at 3pm. Entrance is $10. We look forward to seeing you there.
CATHOLIC PRISON CHAPLAINCY: Volunteer lay Catholic chaplains make a huge difference to the lives and rehabilitation prospects of prisoners. Training, support and reimbursement of out of pocket expenses provided. To find out more contact Centacare Pastoral Ministries on 3324 3193, [email protected] subject: Prison Chaplaincy.
