Hospitality this weekend
The first weekend of the month has a hospitality focus for our parish family and everyone is invited to join us after Mass for light refreshments. Thank you to all the coordinators who generously help make this happen each month. Bon appetite !
The Journey Towards Confirmation
Preparation has well and truly begun for 90 of our younger parishioners as they continue on the journey towards receiving the Sacrament of Conformation. Over the next four Monday afternoons at 5.00pm they will gather at Stella Maris to complete their workbooks – this Monday they will be reflecting and remembering their baptism and what it means to be known by God and to be an important part of the church. We keep these young boys and girls and their families in our prayers during these weeks – please note that over these next 4 weeks while the preparation is on there will be no 5:30pm Monday Mass.
Eucharistic Ministers
Our Eucharistic Ministers who take Holy Communion to our fellow Catholics who are sick, housebound or who reside in one of the numerous aged care facilities within our Parish undertake a vital ministry that we don’t take for granted. For many, our Eucharistic Ministers are the link that keeps the connection with our Parish Community alive and they act as the visible face of the Church. Last Saturday morning all the Communion Ministers gathered at Stella Maris to reflect upon their ministry and to ensure they were following the correct protocols. Every year we are required to send to the Archbishop the names of those who are commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers and last Saturday’s gathering allowed us also to agree upon our Parish protocols.
- Only designated Eucharistic Ministers are permitted to take Holy Communion from the Church.
- The ministry takes place on the day and preferably the Eucharistic Minister is commissioned at the end of Mass.
- Before Mass starts the Eucharistic minister records their details so that there is a record.
Once again, we are blessed as a community to have so many generous parishioners who are willing to give of their time to fulfil this important ministry. If you would like to join this ministry please contact Fr Peter or Fr William.
A little Care
We are fortunate to have those large glass doors at Stella Maris that open up to provide excellent ventilation and additional capacity when we have big crowds. The long bolts on the doors are very sensitive and break easily – every time we replace a bolt it costs $400! Please talk to one of the Mass coordinators or the sacristan if you have any questions regarding the doors – thank you.
Problem Solving
Next Friday, 12 May 12, after the 9.00am Mass we continue with our Technology of the Third Age gatherings at Stella Maris. It is a chance to gather and explore some of the tricks in dealing with our modern phones and tablets and together find solutions to those annoying problems that prevent us from getting the most out of our phones and tablets. Everyone is welcome – bring your Android devices – as we will have a special focus on Androids this session.
Every second Friday of the month is an Android focus. Other Fridays there will be a focus on iPhone and iPads.
The Marriage Course
When did you last spend time really investing in your relationship? Regardless of whether you’ve been together for only a few months or several decades, whether your relationship is thriving or facing challenges, The Marriage Course offers practical, online sessions to help strengthen your most important relationship. No group sharing, just time together for you and your partner.
Be supported and encouraged with seven online sessions in the privacy of your own home covering topics from the art of communication, to resolving conflict, to the power of forgiveness.
Time:7:30pm to 9.00pm
Date:Wednesday nights beginning 31 May 2023 (for seven sessions with a break over school holidays, finishing on 26 July)
Where: Online Zoom link will be shared after registration
Cost: Course is free. Option to purchase journals at $50 per couple or to download the PDF version for free
RSVP:Wednesday 24 May
Find out more andregister now
We Need You
Perhaps the old adage is true – to sing is to pray twice!We are in need of additional parishioners willing to lend their voice and help lead the singing at Mass on a Sunday morning. Also, an invitation is extended to any young musician who would like to join the team that leads the Sunday evening Stella Maris mass –it’s a great experience and an avenue to develop your musical skills. For more information please contact Michael Fitzpatrick [email protected]
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. This week we feature:
Priority Four: Responding to Abuse and the Abused
“In responding to abuse and the abused, we need to move beyond considerations of law and finance… Of course, we need to attend to legal and financial matters, but the paramount concern needs to be the good of those abused. Not all victims and survivors look to the Church for spiritual and pastoral accompaniment and care, but some do and others may in time, if ever trust can be established. We can learn from experience elsewhere in seeking to respond more effectively to abuse and the abused. Unless we do, this will remain a gaping wound – certainly for victims and survivors but for the whole Church as well – which makes it hard for us to move in the future.”
Archbishop Mark Coleridge
You can Read the Document here
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA FEAST DAY
St Catherine of Siena, Sippy Downs Feast Day 2023
Last Sunday the community at Sippy Downs celebrated the feast day of their patron saint, Catherine of Siena. Bishop Brian Heenan was the celebrant at Mass and it was followed by a greatly appreciated morning tea. Thank you to all who helped make the occasion so memorable especially the coordination undertaken by Siena Catholic Primary school. View more pictures from the event in the Photo Gallery here
SUMMIT23
In just 2 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!
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Evelyn Hopson, Leo Sol Hocken, Caiden Nelson-Scaliora, Mia McGuiness and Ollie Kennedy who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We pray for all those who have died, especially Slav Jordanovich and Bernard Bennett whose funerals will be celebrated throughout the week. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
