The letter to Philemon is one of the most personal of Paul’s letters – just one chapter, perhaps a single page written quickly when a messenger was on his way from Paul’s prison, towards the end of his life. It is addressed to Philemon and others who are part of a small house-church, possibly in Colossae (vv. 1-2). Paul has befriended a slave whom he calls Onesimus – which may not be a real name since it means ‘useful’ in Greek, so may just be a general title. Paul has brought Onesimus into Christianity and so speaks of him as his child. Although Paul would like to keep him to assist him during his time in prison, he cannot do this without the approval of Philemon. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, nor as one deserving punishment, but as ‘a beloved brother’. Because of Christ, Paul understands that the old world, its values and polarities no longer operate; as he wrote to the Galatians, ‘There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28) – now all are one in Christ.
Paul’s letter, and his letter to the Galatians, expresses the ideal of Christian relationships. It would be helpful to know how Paul’s letter and Onesimus were received. Is it possible for master and slave to truly become ‘one in Christ’? Could Philemon defy the social and cultural conventions of his neighbours and welcome Onesimus back as a ‘brother’. What could be the consequences for Philemon if he did that – remember that slavery was an important part of the social infrastructure of the Roman Empire – nothing would make the Christian community stand out more than if they liberated their slaves. This week marks the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech in Washington. King, like others who sought human rights for Afro-Americans, paid with his life. This might be a parallel context to consider Philemon’s choice.
Jesus’ teaching and miracles have been attracting crowds of would-be followers. Today’s Gospel challenges these followers to realise that discipleship has a cost. It’s all very well to go with the crowd when the miracle-worker is in town and gaining popularity, but have these followers considered the consequences? Jesus speaks of the utter commitment needed to be a disciple. Far from advertising discipleship, his words sound discouraging. ‘Take up your Cross’ is hardly a caption that would sell Christianity. But this is just the point. Jesus isn’t after half-hearted followers. He wants ‘all or nothing’ Christians, people who know what they are taking on and give a whole-hearted commitment.
Could we please have an indication of who will attend this workshop. Please call the parish office or email Michelle. All who sing the psalm, individuals or small groups, or those who accompany, either guitar or organ/piano, are asked to attend a workshop on Saturday 14 September, 9-10.30am
St Catherine’s Church.
Did you know?
That right now we have a very committed and active youth group for the Youth and Young Adults in our Parish?
… that YAYA are actively engaged in the music ministry on the 2nd Sunday evening mass at St Bernard’s and the 4th Saturday evening Mass at St Catherine’s?
... that members of YAYA are actively involved in the Reading and EMC ministry in our parish?
… and that the older youth leaders, formed and trained by our Pastoral Minister for Youth, Pauline, lead a younger youth evening every Friday after the 2nd Sunday of the month?
Let’s encourage them and keep
them all in our prayers. These
activities are open to all youth and
young adults in our parish. Let’s
invite! Let’s encourage!
READERS ROSTER - 14 / 15 September 2019
St Bernard’s: Kay Goldfarb, John Cassidy, Vikki Enright; Lyn Rebecchi, David Stubbs, Nathalie Dudson; Sean Szetoo, Dierdre Robinson,
Isabelle Kime; Paul Risitano, Pauline Thomas, Liz Ryan.
St Martin’s: Kathlyn McCarthy, Diane Broe, Andrea Otto.
St Catherine’s: Joanne Blanchfield, Darryl Petersen, Mary Cusack; Fay Lynn, Veronica Kirn, Rae Hurrell.
The Catholic Campaign
This weekend
Each year the Campaign invites the Catholic community to help in accomplishing God’s plan.
There’s nothing vague or dreamy about it. It involves money, yes; but money given in support of four very down-to-earth ministries of the Church in this part of the world.
There’s Centacare’s pastoral ministries which reach out to people doing it tough in all kinds of ways through family support, domestic violence aid, psychiatric counselling, hospital chaplaincy, prison ministry and many other acts of mercy.
Then there’s the Mary MacKillop Brisbane Catholic School Access Fund which makes Catholic education available to children whose families are in financial and often spiritual difficulty.
Thirdly there’s the Priests Foundation which provides a dignified retirement and healthcare to our elderly, retired and unwell priests, allowing us to care for those who have cared for us.
Finally there’s Holy Spirit Seminary where we prepare young men for priestly service in the future at a time when leadership of all kinds in the Church is more important than ever.
PARISH MEN’S BREAKFAST “Come hungry, Get fed” ALL MEN WELCOME Saturday 14 September 7-9am, Aspinall Hall, Upper Mt Gravatt. Cost $10. Pay at the door. Fellowship - Guest Speaker - Lucky Door - Joke of the Day -Raffle. Bacon, Eggs, Sausages, Baked Beans, Toast, Jam, Coffee, Tea, Juice. RSVP by 12 September to Allan: 0407 722 683 or [email protected].
ST MARTIN’S NEWS Arcare Roster
The new roster covering the 2019 October / December quar-ter is now available in the sacristy.
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Upper Mt Gravatt Wishart Parish
24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME/C 15 September 2019
READINGS: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14 1 Tim 1:12-17 GOSPEL: Lk 15:1-32
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS Couples celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary, together with family & friends, are invited to the annual Mass with Archbishop Mark Coleridge on Saturday 28 Septem-ber, 10.00am St Stephen’s Cathedral, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane. For catering purposes please RSVP by Friday 20/9/19 to [email protected] or phone 3324 3030. The Cathedral car park will be available.
WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Especially Veronica O’Rielley (sister of Paul Cavanagh), Maria Kim, Lena Shaw, Benvenuto Sartor, Muriel “Joan” Brammer, Milka Peranovic, Mabel Gavigan, Marie Vlieg, Karen Burnett, Albert Von Dincklage, Clare Bear Noter, who have died recently. Also Maureen Cameron, Terry Co-glan, Dorothea Crowley, Mikayla Tun-stall, Jane McGrath, Joe Darin, Si-mon Tinh, Mark Spora, Brian Lawton, Rita Galea, Gus Sim, Laura Sim, Charles & Scott Sullivan, Dr Hilary & Cleta Desouza, James Dwyer, Mary Campbell, Allan Watterson, Roy Tul-ly, Dale Chappel, Steve Irwin, Kristo-pher Paice, Peter Brock, Phil John-son, Myra Pasterfield, Chris Gilbert, whom we remember.
THE CATHOLIC LEADER
Keeping faith with you
A Tamil family has become the face of Australia’s border policies as the family is set to be deported to Sri Lanka de-spite public outcry.
Fijian archbishop visits Brisbane as part of the Season of Creation, highlighting the impact of rising sea levels on the Pacific islands.
The 2019 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference social justice statement highlights the need for people to make a genuine human encounter in a digital age.
Catholic schools battle a drop in enrolments, reversing decades of growth in the sector.
DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES We congratulate John & Jan Hopkins as they celebrate 60 years of marriage. John & Jan are well known through the parish especially at the 5pm Saturday mass at St Bernards.
Congratulations also to Patrick & Vera McNevin on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday 5 September.
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA All are welcome to join the Novena to the Divine Mercy Friday mornings at St Bernard’s Church after 8am Mass. Final Friday is 11 October.
POSITION VACANT St Williams Grovely Parish invites applications for a part-time Admin-istration Assistant, 3 month contract working 2 days/week, 7 hours/day.
Reception, administration & excellent customer service skills are required along with a willingness to work with-in the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Church. To apply email your current resume and covering letter to [email protected]. For a copy of the position description or any other enquires please email: [email protected]. Applications close Friday 13/9/19.
PARISH PLAYGROUP The Thursday morning playgroup at St Bernard’s requires a new coordina-tor. Please contact Janet Bidner 0412 809 971 for further info. We welcome new families with infants/toddlers to join us at 9.15am Thursday mornings during school term.
SENIORS BUS TRIP Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Wednesday 25 September Trip departs St Catherine’s 8am
View the gardens and parks, lunch at Highfields Tavern. Cost $48.00. Bookings Ros Simpson 3349 9218.
Please bring any used stamps for the Missions, or place in the Church stamps box.
YAYA NEWS Upcoming events:
This Sunday 8 September, Youth Mass at 6:15pm
St Bernard’s. Please join us for our Youth Mass (we need musicians, singers, readers, communion ministers, collectors and people for offertory) and stay for BBQ afterwards.
Friday 13 September, Youth Night (under 18s),
7pm – 9pm, Aspinall Centre.
Fun, Friends and Food on Friday – come join our youth community for a
great evening of games, activities and discussions.
SENIORS MASS POSTPONED Please note that the Seniors Mass which was scheduled for Thursday 12 September has been postponed.
Refrain: Create a new heart, holy Lord, Beckon our lives through your word, Open our eyes to your call, United as one for your world. Heighten our minds to your thoughts, Heal us of pride and of hurt, May we go forth in your name, We pray our hearts change.
♫
1. The heart of the cross, Lowly and poor, calls us on. Lord, it is you promising hope,
promising truth. Refrain
2. Restless the hearts who yearn for your peace in this land.
