National Child Protection Week
This Sunday, 3 September, is the start of National Child Protection Week 2023, and the theme is “Every Child in every community needs a fair go”. Child abuse and neglect is one of Australia’s most significant social problems, and includes physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and neglect and exposure to Family Violence. As a parish, we continue to focus on this most important issue to ensure a safe and supported life for every child now and into the future.
Stations of the Cross
Ever since Lent of this year, a faithful group of Parishioners have still been going through the Stations of the Cross on Fridays following the 9.00am Mass. The Stations of the Cross devotion in the life of the Church has been a source of reflection and deep conversion for many Catholics and saints over the generations. If you’re interested in being part of the Stations of the Cross on a Friday, come and join the group after Mass.
Br Michael Herry fms
Come along Tuesday 3 October to Stella Maris Church for a workshop with one of Australia’s contemporary hymn composers. Br Michael Herry is a Marist Brother who has contributed to the liturgical musical scene over the years. The night is open to all people. For more information contact Michael Fitzpatrick or by phone 0419 876 195.
Baptism for children 8 years and older
Twice a year we offer preparation for older children (aged 8 years and older) who wish to be Baptised. The next enquiry gathering is next Sunday 10 September at 10.15am. It will be in the Function Room at Stella Maris Church, Maroochydore. No need to book. Just turn up and find out more about this journey for older children towards their Baptism.
TOTUS TUUS – CONSECRATION TO JESUS THROUGH MARY
Here in the Parish we have a solid devotion to Mary and it expresses itself in many different ways. We would like to warmly invite Spanish speaking parishioners to join in a series of talks, led in Spanish, following the method of St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. This consecration to Jesus through Mary will begin on September 25 at 6:30pm in the Function Room of the Stella Maris Church, Maroochydore.
CHRISTIAN Religious instruction
Did you know that Christian Religious Instruction is a choice of many Queensland parents, with around 200,000+ state school students opted-in to participate in a Christian RI Program each week? Parents choose Christian RI to give their children the opportunity to explore the Christian faith and its values.
The number of students choosing to do RI is so high, there is still a need for more local parishioners to get involved. Without RI Instructors many students miss out on the opportunity to hear the gospel message.
If you have a couple hours free each week and would like to help children to know who Jesus is and how much God loves them, consider becoming a Christian RI Instructor or Helper in the classroom. Contact Georgia at the Christian Religious Education Program – Sunshine Coast via phone [0481 528 381] or email [[email protected]] to get involved today!
FUNDRAISER FOR IGNITE CONFERENCE – Youth mass
A reminder that our Ignite participants will be hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser on the weekend of 16-17 September. Come along to the 5.00pm Mass, which will be a Youth Mass and support the Young People that will be attending this year’s conference. See you there!
THANK YOU!
Last weekend we celebrated First Holy Communion within the Parish and we were blessed to have so many volunteers and parishioners getting involved in setting up, welcoming, ushering, cake-giving and music. As a Parish we want to take the time to say Thank You! Without your assistance much of the good work that happens in the Parish would not be possible. Thank you for taking on these tasks and we continue to encourage involvement across the board, particularly with many of the other ministries that are happening within the Parish.
JUNIOR ministers
On Sunday, September 10, we are holding a Junior Ministers “Fun and Formation” session afternoon for all Junior Ministers within our parish. It will be in the Stella Maris Church Function Room (the room next to the church kitchen) beginning at 2:30pm with training for all the Junior Ministers (new and experienced). This is then followed by our fun, social get- together where we will be playing games so we can all get to know each other. We finish at 4:30pm, that way you can join us for Sunday night Mass at 5:00pm. Your parents can either pick you up at 4:30pm and join us for Mass or pick you up after Mass at 6:00pm.
During the afternoon we will be having a snack of pizza and a soft drink. We need to know numbers in advance for catering purposes so could you please email Bernadette Baillie or ring the parish office on 07 5443 3488 by 6 September and let us know.
Meet the Parish
Today we make our way to St Mary’s Buderim to meet Brian and Deidre McDonnell. Brian and Deidre moved up from Brisbane in 2002 and have been a part of the St Mary’s Community since then. They’ve been married for 60 years this coming November. For work, Brian was a gynaecologist and Deidre was a nurse. Deidre eventually took on full time motherhood. Together, Deidre and Brian have five children, fourteen grandchildren and are still eagerly awaiting another. The McDonnell’s are proud caravaners who travel regularly around Australia. If you’re ever at the 9:30am Mass in Buderim, take the time to meet this lovely couple. Nice to meet you!
MEN ALIVE
It’s not too late to register for the MenALIVE weekend happening from 7-8 October. Many men have valued time away on this weekend exploring what it means to be a man in our current society. Men face pressures that often make them feel excluded or alone. This weekend hopes to speak into that reality and provide a different perspective, one based on hope, responsibility and purpose. For more information contact Ross McNally (0418 962 837) or contact the Parish Office to speak with Fr Isaac.
Happy Father’s Day!
They might spout a few lame jokes here and there, or not remember your teacher’s middle name but fathers still hold a special place in the life of the family. We know not everyone enjoys the warm embrace and leadership of a father, which in itself is a loss, but let that not take away from the bear-hugging, scruffy-looking, constant presence of the loving fathers of our parish. We honour and acknowledge you on this day. May the loving Father, who Jesus taught us to love and relate to, be our strength and encouragement. From God the Father, may all men, grandfathers, fathers, uncles and father-figures learn mercy, justice and love.
Happy Father’s Day!
May the beers be cold, the snags be hot and the backyard cricket be fair.
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Nathaniel Sheppard, Emma Robinson and Andrew Robinson who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We prayerfully remember all those who have died, especially Raymond Slade whose funeral rites will be this Wednesday. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
Women’s Retreat
A reminder that women are invited to a retreat in Dakabin. Maybe it would be worth carpooling with other women of the area. 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 13-15 October at The Watson Park Convention Centre, 337 Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin.
For more information contact Rosa Montegrande 0400 755 516 or email [email protected]
Mystery and Mission
Mystery and Mission: The Art of Liturgical Celebration, here in Brisbane. Register now for this National Conference on Liturgy and Liturgical Music to be held in Brisbane from 28-30 September. It is rare to have expert liturgists, liturgical musicians and educators together in one place for three days of focussed input. In addition to six keynote presentations and over 50 workshops, there will be opportunities to engage in facilitated discussions, and to participate in the Conference Mass as well as Morning and Evening Prayer. Visit the website to register
Golden Wedding Anniversary
All those celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, and any couples married at the Cathedral of St Stephen or its Chapel, are invited to attend a Mass there on Saturday 30 September at 11.30am. Bring your family and friends. Please RSVP by email or phone 07 3324 3030 by 1 September.
Don’t forget, if you have photos or stories to share of your wedding at the Cathedral, please email David Todd
