Christmas in July

Give mumma the day off this “Christmas in July”, and let Ben do the cooking!

Everyone in our parish is invited to a “Christmas” lunch at Benny’s Bistro in the Mt Coolum Golf Club. Tuesday, 25 July at 11.30am for 12.00pm start. Two course meal is just $32.50.

You just need to pay when you book. Challis and Lorraine will be at the two Masses at St Peter’s Church this weekend to book you in (to make it easy, they will have our parish EFTPOS machine with them). Otherwise, everyone in the parish is invited this week to book a place and ring the Parish Office on 07 5443 3488.

Instagrace – there is still time!

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 email Carrolyn Watt or contact 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.

150 years of weddings

In this 150th year of the Cathedral of St Stephen, couples who have been married at St Stephen’s are invited to commemorate their years of marriage. On Saturday 30 September, the Archbishop will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral at 11.30am, followed by refreshments on its grounds. There will be a particular focus on Golden Wedding Anniversaries, however anyone married at the Cathedral or Chapel, is invited to attend. If you have photos or stories to share, please contact David Todd by 1 September. Email [email protected] Phone 3324 3030.

Register to attend the Mass and for catering purposes or phone 07 3324 3030. Please RSVP by Friday 22 September.

Technology for the third age

Calling all our Apple users to join us this coming Friday 14 July at 9:30am for our Technology for the Third Age. If you’re still confused with the applications and think that “interface” means making a funny face at the children, then this class is for you. You might even impress your grandchildren with your new found knowledge in the dark arts of technology. Come and join the group. You’ll feel at home with the friendly helpers. See you there!

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 email Carrolyn Watt  

Can you lend a hand?

Our neighbours at St Vincent’s Care Services have recently had a growing number of residents wishing to attend Mass at Stella Maris Church on Friday mornings. We are hoping that there may be a couple of parishioners who would be willing to assist them in walking some of their residents to and from church. Some residents will be in wheelchairs while others will just need someone to walk beside them. These ‘helpers’ would simply need to escort residents from and back to their Reception area (no need to do a Rapid Antigen Test or wear a mask as you would not need to enter the facility past Reception). Please contact Elani on 07 5459 6637 if you are interested in helping.

Women of the Way Retreat

Ladies, would you like to take time out to Reflect and Recharge? Treat yourself to some quality time with God. Book now for the Way Retreat. The theme of the weekend is “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.”

The retreat will be facilitated by Sr Therese Mills (leader of the Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters) and Sr Judy Bowe (Missionary of God’s Love sister).

The retreat will be held from the 13-15 October at The Watson Park Convention Centre, 337 Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin.

For more information click here, call Rosa Montegrande on 0400 755 516 or email [email protected]

Sea Sunday

Today is Sea Sunday when the church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Without them, we would not have most of the items we rely on for daily living. Even during a pandemic, seafarers continue to bring into our ports products that sustain our population and economy. We ourselves are called “Stella Maris”, and have a close affinity to the sea. Let’s keep our seafarers in our prayers this week and if you feel like contributing to their appeal, support the ministry that goes out to seafarers

Keep an eye out

We love seeing our children run around the Church before and after Mass, they bring life to the area. Recently one parent came across a needle in the garden. We have a lot of people walk through our grounds leaving behind their rubbish. Let’s keep an eye out for each other, especially our young ones, and if we see something out of place, put it where it belongs.

QUO VADIS

With the recent ordination of Fr Isaac and his fellow classmates, now is the time to continue exploring the potential of priestly life within the Church. For those of our young men between the ages of 18-35, the seminary is hosting a live-in weekend. Quo Vadis is an opportunity to genuinely explore God’s call in your life and to be open to where that might lead you. If anyone you know is interested, or you think might benefit from this experience, contact the Vocations Office via email and one of their friendly staff will be in contact with you about the next step.

Catch a snip of Fr Isaac Falzon’s ordination… watch here 

Our Social Jubilarians

Interested in re-starting the Jubilarian group? We’ve recognised that a few people are interested in having a social group for those who would consider themselves as “Jubilarians”.

The name of the group itself is not binding but the concept and aim, we hope, will flourish. If anyone is interested in being part of the group, please contact the Parish Office via email to get the ball rolling.

Young Adults

If you’re between the ages of 18-40 years then we warmly welcome you to be part of the young adults group that meet fortnightly. Our next meeting will be this coming Friday 14 July, at 6.00pm. We will meet at St Mary’s Buderim for a time of prayer. Bring your journals as we will be reflecting on the Gospel for the coming weekend.

Happy Anniversary

Last week at Fr Isaac’s Ordination, a few other priests of the diocese also celebrated their anniversaries including one of our own, Fr William.

Fr William recalls it being in the middle of a snap lockdown and says that it was a stressful time. Fr Francis from Caloundra was also ordained at the same time. May the Lord continue to guide and protect our priests that they may follow after the Shepherd and lead by their witness and example of faith.

Celebrating and Remembering

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.

New?

Welcome – we are glad you have joined our Parish Family!

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.