Men Alive weekend
Real men don’t do church? Wrong, but living out your faith can be pretty tough, and most of us need help. If you are a bloke over 18, consider this: On 7/8 October, experienced leaders from the MenALIVE team will be running a MenALIVE weekend at Stella Maris Primary School for all men. Come along and be inspired, encouraged, and rediscover God’s purpose for your life. For more information contact Ross McNally (0418 962 837) or contact the Parish Office to speak with Fr Isaac.
A social gathering
We had our first Parish Social Gathering at the Avenue Coffee shop. Here are some photos of the day. If you’re interested in more gatherings like this then we would love to hear from you. Your suggestions are welcome as we work towards setting a new date and time. Hopefully we can have something regular for our parishioners. Keep an eye out in the newsletter for our next gathering.
Catechesis Corner
Following on from our last instalment of ’Catechesis Corner’ we spoke about who could baptise? One of the results of Baptism is the forgiveness of Original Sin, but what is Original Sin?
Original Sin
This teaching seems to divide Catholics down the middle. Those who profess it believe that it’s essential to Jesus’ saving mission. Those who reject it might say it’s not fair for God to punish us for something we didn’t do. It undeniably begins with Adam and Eve’s disobedience. They lose the grace of original holiness (CCC#399). There’s no evidence to say that Adam’s guilt or fault for this sin has been handed onto us – that is not the meaning of Original Sin, but rather, Original Sin is the first moral choice of wrongdoing by Adam and Eve whereby sin and its consequences came into the human race. Those consequences are destruction and death. The catechism makes an important distinction. It says that Original Sin is called sin “only in an analogical sense: it is a sin ‘contracted’ and not ‘committed’ – a state and not an act (CCC#404).” So we take no fault for what happened in the garden, but there’s no way of getting around the consequences of sin and how it’s affected our world. This part is why it’s essential that we have the Sacraments as a way of helping us beyond these consequences. We’re not protected from the consequences but we’re equipped to face them.
Young Adults Gathering
Our young adults group will meet this coming Friday 11 August at St Mary’s Church in Buderim. This Friday we will explore St Irenaeus’ claim that “the glory of God is a human being fully alive”. Come prepared for some great discussion and company. Here are some photos of the last gathering where the crew gathered for some mini golf. If you’re interested in being part of the group contact Fr Isaac via the Office.
World Youth Day
Fr Will is currently gathered with Youth from around the World journeying to Lisbon for World Youth Day. He is well and truly into his pilgrimage at the moment. If you would like to keep up to date with the group, follow the Archdiocese of Brisbane Facebook page where there will be plenty of updates on the groups pilgrimage. Safe travels to Fr Will and the group from the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Xavier School of Preaching
You don’t have to be a priest or religious to attend this workshop. By virtue of our Baptism, we’re all called to be heralds of the Gospel. Even if you would like to touch up some skills in this area, then this intensive is for you. Proceedings will begin on Thursday 24 August and finishes on Saturday 26 August. Lessons will be given at Xavier Hall, Holy Spirit Seminary, 487 Earnshaw Rd, Banyo QLD 4014 and the cost is $250 per person and $125 concession. To find out more contact Holy Spirit Seminary on (07) 3267 4800. The cost is $250 per person and $125 concession. Find out more and register by Tuesday 1 August
Mystery and Mission
Brisbane will host the National Conference on Liturgy and Liturgical Music from 28-30 September. We boast good music and Liturgy in this Parish but there is still more to learn and experience. It is rare to have expert liturgists, liturgical musicians, and educators together in one place for three days of focussed input. There’s still time to register your attendance. Find out more and register
Ignite Conference
Preparations for the 2023 Ignite Conference are well and truly underway. Take the time to extend a personal invitation to someone in your family currently in High School. Ignite is a meaningful way of being inspired in the life of faith. If you’re interested in attending this year’s Conference (Thursday 21 September – Sunday 24 September) then contact Fr Isaac Falzon or Carrolyn Watt at the Parish Office.
Pray for our children
We have a lot of children currently preparing for their First Holy Communion. This Sacrament is an enormous milestone in their faith life, and we welcome them as they join us at Mass during their journey. Please keep them, and their families, in your prayers, and give them a smile when you see them at Mass. May their journey towards the Eucharist be a time of grace and joy in their lives.
Cathedral Guides & Welcomers
The Cathedral Guides & Welcomers are celebrating their 25th Anniversary on 27 August, and all current and former Guides and Welcomers are invited to join the festivities. The occasion will be marked with Mass in the Cathedral at 10am, followed by a function in The Hanly Room in the Francis Rush Centre. If you are a Guide & Welcomer, or belonged to this team in the past, and would like to celebrate with them please let them know via this email by 21 August.
Women’s Retreat
We have an opportunity here for our women also, especially those interested in having some spiritual time with our God. 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) who are women of deep faith and joy.
The retreat will be held from the 13-15 October 2023 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]
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Eli & Lilley-Jayde Rocca, Oscar Haynes, Iyla Dickenson, Quinn & Harper Berryman and Toby Sheahan who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We prayerfully remember all those who have died, especially Eileen Fortune whose funeral rites will be celebrated on Thursday.
May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, rest in peace.
Do we know who you are?
Do you have a name badge yet? If not, why don’t you order one this weekend? The forms are available on the foyer tables at each church. They’re still free, so why not order yours now!
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Prevention and Protection Policy Statement
…for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Mark 10:14
Children, young people and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical and emotional harm. They are to be treasured, nurtured and safeguarded. This means that everyone in the Church must ensure that the fundamental rights of children, young adults and vulnerable adults are respected. This will be achieved through the development of respectful relationships and a commitment to safety embracing appropriate boundaries, behaviours and practices, in accordance with the Archdiocese of Brisbane Code of Ethical Behaviour for employees and volunteers who work in service of the Church as well as adherence to the legislative imperatives of the State. Extract from the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Prevention and Protection Policy.
Golden Wedding Anniversary
In this 150th year of the Cathedral of St Stephen, Archbishop Mark Coleridge invites couples together with family and friends, to the annual GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, 11:30am Mass on Saturday, 30 September 2023 followed by refreshments on the Cathedral grounds.
Other couples married at the Cathedral or Chapel, are also invited to attend with family and friends to celebrate 150 years of weddings at the Cathedral.
If you have photos or stories to share of your wedding at the Cathedral, please contact David Todd on 3324 3030 by 1 September 2023.
To register to attend the Mass and for catering purposes please RSVP by Friday 22 September 2023 by email or phone 3324 3030.
