This weekend coincides with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and as Australians we are blessed to share our home with the world’s oldest continuing culture.
There are many challenges we face as a people on this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday, and perhaps being open to the spirituality of those we share the journey with is one of the obvious challenges. This is the Aboriginal Lord’s Prayer from the Diocese of Broome.
You are our Father, you live in heaven, we talk to you. Father you are good. (repeat) We believe your word, Father, we are your children, give us bread today. (repeat) We have done wrong, we are sorry, teach us, Father, all about your Word. (repeat) Others have done wrong to us, and we are sorry for them, Father, today (repeat) Stop us from doing wrong, Father, save us all from the evil one. (repeat) You are our Father, you live in heaven, we talk to you. Father you are good. (repeat)
The journey continues
Last Thursday evening Isaac Falzon, along with Minje Kim and Gerard Lai, were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Coleridge at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
The Ordination ceremony is the Church celebrating at its best as we give thanks for the generosity and witness of the three new priests of our Archdiocese. On Friday, the newly ordained Isaac celebrated his First Mass at Stella Maris Church, which was a great celebration of faith and a statement of hope as we look to the future. The Parish has made a presentation to Fr Isaac but if you would like to contribute to the Parish gift there are envelopes available at the entrance to the church.
The really good news is that the Archbishop has appointed Fr Isaac to our Parish and he will take up his responsibilities on Sunday 16 July. It is good news because, for the first time since my ordination, I have the opportunity to take some long service leave which the Archbishop granted to me, but because of Covid and other responsibilities I am only now in a position to accept the opportunity to take the leave. I will be returning to work in the West Indies before walking the Camino, going on retreat and visiting family in Ireland. With Fr William leading the parish assisted by Fr Isaac and accompanied by the wise and experienced Bishop Brian Heenan, Fr Brian Connolly and Fr Geoff Baron I am more than confident that our Parish Family is in good hands.
Winter Appeal
Thank you to everyone who once again supported last weekend’s St Vincent de Paul Winter appeal – your generosity is very much appreciated. Your donation stays within our community and allows our two local Vinnies conferences, at Maroochydore and Coolum, to continue to support and walk with some of the most vulnerable and needy people and families in our community. If you didn’t get a chance and would like to support the Winter Appeal there are still some appeal envelopes at the entrance to the church.
Sociable Seniors
Our first bus trip for the year promises to be a great day out as we journey to Eumundi on Wednesday, 5 July. The bus departs at 8:30am from Stella Maris Church and it is a chance to get together and enjoy the day. The cost is only $20 each and there are only a limited number of seats. To reserve your seat please contact the Parish Office. Why not invite a friend?
First Friday
A reminder that on the first Friday of each month we hold our Anointing & Healing Mass, and the next one will be celebrated this Friday, 7 July at 9.00am at Stella Maris Church. All parishioners and visitors are welcome to attend. After the Mass you are invited to join us for morning tea in the function room (bring a plate if you wish). Please check with your neighbours and friends to see if they need transport.
Instagrace – Sunshine Coast
INInstagrace is a 3-days teens retreat conducted by Jesus Youth for those in Years 10-12 and is aimed at helping youngsters to know and enrich their life in Christ. It supports our parish’s effort to create a community of young adults where our teens can forge friendships with their peers from similar faith backgrounds. If you are interested, please register here or contact Carrolyn Watt at the Parish Office on 07 5443 3488.
Date: 21 Jul 2023 (5.00pm) to 23 Jul 2023 (3.00pm) at Apex Camps, 171 Nojoor Rd, Twin Waters, The Parish will subsidise participants, reducing the cost to $100.
Won’t you stay a little while?
This weekend, being the first weekend of the month, our Parish Family has a special focus on hospitality. After all our Masses you are invited to spend a little time enjoying the company of your fellow parishioners and meeting new members to our Parish. To all visiting our Parish during the school holidays we are glad you are with us today and you are more than welcome to join us after Mass.
First Communion
If your child is in Year 4 or older, registration is now open for First Communion via our website maroochydoreparish.com.au. Please complete the form on a PC or laptop rather than a phone. Any questions please contact Carrolyn Watt on [email protected]
Baptismal preparation
Every first Thursday of the month we host our Baptismal Preparation meeting. At this short meeting we explain the ritual and the meaning behind the symbols used in the ceremony and answer any questions before confirming dates and times of Baptism. The next preparation meeting will be held at Stella Maris Church on this Thursday 6 July at 6.00pm. If you would like to book and receive the paperwork in advance, please contact the parish office on 5443 3488.
Spiritual exercise
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola retreat begins on Monday, 3 July at “The Avenue”, Maroochydore. It is a 5 week retreat running all of July and everyone is welcome. For more information
Santa is Coming to town
Christmas in July is getting closer and we are exploring different, exciting, options for the venue. Without the hassle of all the pre-Christmas madness why don’t you mark in your diary Tuesday, 25 July and gather a couple of your neighbours and friends and head up to the northern end of our parish Family. More details in next weekend’s newsletter.
If you’re Irish, read this!
It has been said that there are only two types of people in this world; the Irish and those who wish they were! If you are Irish, or would like to be, even for an afternoon, join the Queensland Irish Choir at one of our Celtic Winter Concerts and enjoy an afternoon of Irish and Celtic songs and music that will warm the cockles of your heart! By popular demand, we are holding two concerts this Winter; the first 2.00pm on Sunday, 23 July 2023 at the Chermside-Kedron Community Church at Kedron and the second at St Thomas Catholic Primary School Hall at Camp Hill at 2.00pm on Sunday, 30 July 2023.
Tickets at $20 per adult and $10 children (under 15years) can be obtained on their website
Altar Servers
Any child who has received their Confirmation and First Communion and is interested in becoming an Altar Server at our parish’s weekend Masses is invited to contact your local Mass coordinator or talk to one of the priests.
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Viola Brown, Leni Mayfield, Bruce Plaza Bausson and Savannah Plaza Bausson who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We prayerfully remember all those who have died, especially Malcolm D’Elboux whose funeral rites
were celebrated last Wednesday and Ype De Bruin whose funeral rites will be celebrated on Tuesday. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
NAIDOC Week
To mark the start of NAIDOC Week, (2-9 July 2023), the “Mass of the Dreaming” concert will take place at St Stephen’s Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 2 July. Why not go along to this cultural event and support the Archdiocesan Reconciliation Action plan.
New to the neighbourhood?
We live in an extremely mobile society, and especially here on the Sunshine Coast there are always people coming and going. If you are new to our Parish, or if you are reconnecting with the Church, we would love to welcome you more formally to our Parish Family. You will find “welcome packs” at the entrance of our churches, and if you complete and return the form we will be in contact with you. Alternatively, you can complete the form online.
Once again – welcome – we are glad you have joined our Parish Family!
