Fr Richard Leonard launches the 2023 Sacramental program at Stella Maris Catholic Parish
To launch our Sacramental Programme for 2023, renowned Jesuit author and theologian, Fr Richard Leonard was invited to speak to parents of children preparing to make their Confirmation.
Last Monday evening at Stella Maris, Fr Richard explored the work that the Australian Church does today because it is important that, as parents, they know what their children are being Confirmed into. Read more here: The Good We Rarely Tell Anyone
Fr Richard then reflected upon the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how, in practical ways, they impact the choices we make day in, day out.
Finally, Fr Richard challenged us, as parents and parishioners, to be open to the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and trusting enough to make the sometimes scary choices that we are called to make because of our faith.
Moving forward for all those who attended the above Parent Information Night, on the weekend of 13/14 May across our parish there will be enrolment Masses for our Confirmation candidates whereby we will officially acknowledge them as candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On Monday evening, 15 May at 5.00pm at Stella Maris, the first parent and candidate preparation session will take place – please note there will be no Monday evening Mass.
On Monday evening, 22 May at 5.00pm at Stella Maris, the second parent and candidate preparation session will take place – please note there will be no Monday evening Mass.
On Monday evening, 29 May at 5.00pm at Stella Maris, the third parent and candidate preparation session will take place – please note there will be no Monday evening Mass.
On Monday evening, 5 June at Stella Maris, the final parent and candidate preparation session will take place and will include a rehearsal – please note there will be no Monday evening Mass.
On Thursday evening, 8 June at Stella Maris, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.
As our young candidates and their families journey towards celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them and that we might be a Parish Family that visibly reflects the Holy Spirit at work in our lives in the example we give and in the choices we make.
A hilarious, coming-of-age musical about discovering that “cool” sometimes is found where we least expect it
“Geek”. “Poser”. “Jock”. “Beauty Queen”. “Wannabe”. These are labels that can last a lifetime.
With unforgettable music and lyrics from award-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown, (including Parade, The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County), 13 is a musical about fitting in – and standing out! Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce. Surrounded by an array of middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain… or will he discover there are more important things in life than being popular? Reserve your tickets now
Unity in our incredible diversity
The face of the world is changing and we, as a community of believers, reflect the many people of God’s world. Our parish is planning to have a Multi-Cultural Mass and celebration on Sunday 18 June, and we invite everyone from the different communities who make up our parish to come to a preparation meeting at 9.30am next Saturday 6 May in the Parish Office boardroom. Your involvement will help us to prepare a celebration which will reflect our diversity and rich faith tradition. Contact the Parish Office (5443 3488) if you want more information – together this will be a great celebration of faith.
Anointing and Healing Mass
Every First Friday there is an Anointing & Healing Mass at Stella Maris followed by morning tea in the function room. The next Anointing Mass will be this coming Friday at 9.00am.
Baptisimal Preparation
The next baptismal preparation session will be held on this Thursday evening, 4 May at 6.00pm. At this short meeting the symbols of baptism will be explained, questions answered and baptismal dates finalised. To book in and receive the paperwork before the meeting please email the Parish office. The baptismal preparation sessions are held on the first Thursday of every month.
With Lamps Ablaze
In the lead up to the Archdiocesan Summit, Archbishop Mark has published a document entitled “With Lamps Ablaze: Apostolic Priorities for the Archdiocese of Brisbane from 2023” which outlines seven priorities for our local Church.
Each week, Evangelisation Brisbane will provide information about each priority during this Easter season. If you would like a copy of this week’s reflection, email or phone the Parish Office. This week we feature:
Priority Two
“Our current structures are based upon the facts of an earlier time and our current mode of provision is unsustainable. In the cities at least we have too many parishes and too many churches. Urban parishes were established on the assumption that people had to be able to walk to church and at a time when the numbers attending Mass were much larger. Many of our parishes are pressed financially and cannot provide the range of services which a missionary Church requires. Therefore, we need – sensibly and over time – to move towards larger configurations of a community of communities where the concentration of personnel and the sharing of resources would allow a greater range of services for the sake of the Gospel.” Archbishop Mark Coleridge
SUMMIT23
In just 3 weeks time, we are invited to gather and attend the Archdiocesan Summit of 2023, the principal gathering of Archdiocese of Brisbane to be encouraged, inspired and equipped for mission. Archbishop Mark Coleridge will open the event
Secure your tickets now! All parishioners from Stella Maris Catholic Parish are invited to attend – with a parish of our size let’s be well represented!
Hospitality next weekend
The first weekend of the month has been designated as our hospitality weekend across our Parish Family. To be a welcoming and friendly parish we need to be a hospitable parish! Everyone is invited to stay after Mass next weekend and meet fellow parishioners and visitors – why not give us a hand by bringing along a plate?
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Adelina Morley who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We pray for all those who have died, especially Jim Rush, whose Funeral Rites will be celebrated in Toowoomba this week. This Friday’s Stella Maris Mass will be a Memorial Mass for Jim. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Rest in Peace.
