THE EPIPHANY of the LORD 

Weekend of January 4 / 5 2025 

The year 2025 will be a significant one for the Catholic Church, with several major anniversaries celebrating pivotal moments in its history and mission.

For a starter it is a Global Jubilee Year:  A global Jubilee, also known as a Holy Year, has been declared by the Vatican. These years are typically marked by a call for spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and penance, as well as a special emphasis on mercy. It is a time for pilgrims to visit significant Catholic sites, including the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and receive a plenary indulgence.

Among the most notable anniversaries is the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea (325), which produced the Nicene Creed, a central tenet of Christian faith. This milestone will provide an opportunity for reflection on the lasting theological and historical impact of the Council.

The Church will also commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures by St Francis of Assisi (1225), a prayer that highlights the deep connection between spirituality and the natural world, in line with the Church’s current ecological priorities.

Another milestone is the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015), which called for urgent action on climate change and environmental justice. The anniversary will be marked by a renewed focus on the Laudato Si’ Movement, which has mobilised global efforts toward ecological sustainability.

Additionally, the 400th anniversary of St Vincent de Paul’s death (1660) will be observed, celebrating his legacy of service to the poor.  Here in our Sunshine Coastal Parish we are blessed with two very energetic conferences – one at Maroochydore and the other at Coolum.  The work of Vinnies is the face of the church in action, a visible and tangible expression of the mercy and compassion of Christ.   While this year will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Synod on the Family (1975) and will no doubt prompt reflection on the Church’s evolving approach to family life.

Other anniversaries include the 25th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1995), and the 10th anniversary of the Laudato Si’ Movement (2015), both marking influential resources in shaping Catholic doctrine and global outreach.

For our Catholic Community here 2025 will also be significant.  For a start we will welcome the naming of a new Archbishop as Archbishop Mark Coleridge hands over the shepherding role to his successor.  A new member of our Parish will be Dillon Amas, a 5^th year seminarian, who will spend the year in our midst learning about the reality of parish life and service. Our Parish will spring back to life with the RCIA candidates journeying towards Easter, a vibrant sacramental programme and the resumption of all our youth programmes.  With schools resuming in a few weeks’ time they will bring their own rhythm to our Parish life.  With also excitement we look forward to the arrival of our new NET team and all the enthusiasm they bring to our Parish Family.  And then of course, there is the unexpected!!!

With these key milestones, 2025 promises to be a year of excitement, renewed commitment and plenty of activity for the Catholic Church, both locally here on the Sunshine Coast and worldwide.  So strap yourself in and with the confidence that only comes from being a people of faith, let’s enjoy the ride!

Wishing you and yours every blessing for the coming week and coming year,

Fr Peter Brannelly

Stella Maris Parish Office

Adjacent to the Stella Maris Church – Office Hours 9am—2pm Weekdays

T: 5443 3488

E: su******@bn*.au