Safeguarding Sunday
This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. Rebuilding trust and confidence in the Church requires constant work and vigilance. We recommit to cultural change that will help the Church be a place that builds and supports safe communities for all people. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area at Australian Catholic Safeguarding
A guide to the Church’s response to child sexual abuse can also be found here.
Day trip to the cathedral
In line with celebrating 150 years of St Stephen’s Cathedral, our parish will send a bus load of parishioners to the Cathedral on 17 October. The bus will begin in Coolum then make its way to Maroochydore and eventually, down to the Cathedral. Parishioners will go through a guided tour of the Cathedral and then enjoy a weekly Farmer’s Market Day out on the lawns. There are limited spaces on the bus, but if you would like to be a part of this day trip then contact the Parish Office (5443 3488) to secure your spot.
God’s word 2024
We now have some copies of next year’s book in the Parish Office. It’s always very popular, so come and get your copy quickly! God’s Word is a useful resource for unpacking the scriptures and getting a different perspective on the readings. It’s a worthwhile investment especially for spiritual reading. Copies are being sold for only $17.
Pastoral Care of patients in hospital
Please consider joining this team of people who seek to respond to the religious, spiritual and pastoral needs of the patients, their families and the staff at Buderim Private Hospital (this is different to our team that bring Holy Communion to the patients). You will be supported; and the next formation program will be offered by the hospital in October as preparation before you start. This formation is just carried out over two days (7 and 14 October), and is provided free by the hospital for our parishioners involved in this ministry. Please contact the parish office (5443 3488) if you are interested.
Do you have any PYX?
Each of our churches have pyxes which we lend to those who take Communion to the Sick. If you have any at home that you no longer need, it would be appreciated if you could return them to the church. We’re just running a little short at the moment. However, please keep your pyx if you are still using it.
Christian Religious Instruction
A Religious Instructor was talking to me about some of her students in class, and she mentioned that one boy was glowing because he was receiving First Holy Communion. The boy was so excited by the whole process and loved sharing the information he learnt in catechesis with the students of his class. We’re blessed to have Catholic schools that teach our children, over time, of the beauty of our faith but we also have children who need to be taught the faith in our Public Schools. If you’re a retired teacher or know you have skills in this area contact Georgia at the Christian Religious Education Program – Sunshine Coast via phone [0481 528 381] or email [[email protected]] to get involved today!
Rosary Group re-starting at Sippy Downs
This Rosary Group will be starting to gather at St Catherine of Siena Church again. Every Thursday at 5.15pm, starting next week (14 September). Everyone is invited to join them.
Message Stick
The Message Stick is travelling around the Archdiocese of Brisbane. This week it will be in our parish, from Sunday to Thursday. This journey is designed to herald the 150th Anniversary of the completion and opening of the Cathedral of St Stephen. The Message Stick holds an invitation for parishioners across the Archdiocese to come together on Pentecost Sunday in 2024 at the Cathedral to celebrate this momentous occasion.
We will have a reception of the Message Stick at our Tuesday morning Mass at 9.00am, Stella Maris Primary School.
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.
Don’t forget our Youth Mass fundraiser
We have a Youth Mass this coming Sunday at 5.00pm. There will be an Ignite Conference Fundraiser hosted by the Knights of the Southern Cross. Bring some change along for a snag and help the Youth of the parish as they journey towards this Conference in Brisbane.
What’s the Rosary – Fr Jeremy Santoso
The month of October is the month of the Rosary and in preparation for this time, we’ve invited Pauline Father, Fr Jeremy Santoso, to speak to the community about the rosary. Fr Jeremy is a passionate, young priest whose devotion to our Blessed Mother has guided him throughout his spiritual life and priesthood. Have you ever wondered about the rosary, or about its meaning and place within the life of the Church? If so, join us on Saturday 23 September at 11am, St Mary’s. Fr Jeremy will lead us through a rosary and talk. Bring some food to share for lunch afterwards. See you there!
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!
JUNIOR ministers – Get Involved
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.
Catechesis Corner
What is the Sacrament of Confirmation? Many of you will remember receiving Confirmation after First Holy Communion. Perhaps you were prepared by being called ‘Soldiers for Christ’ which picks up on this sense that as a Christian, you are to rise to the call, enlist in the mission of the Church – it’s a call to arms.
Herein lies the hint for our theology around Confirmation, for in Baptism your parents profess the faith on your behalf, whereas with Confirmation, you are to rise to the occasion. In this way too, Confirmation is linked to a natural maturation of the person.
Catechism #1285 says, for “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the Baptised] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. This is not to undermine the validity of Baptism, but emphasises the free gift of ‘self’ made at Confirmation. At our Confirmation we say “I’m yours” to Christ and we’re renewed by the joy of the Sacrament as the gifts that were given to us at Baptism limber up for use now as an adult. In the past, Confirmation was done after First Holy Communion but as a way of strengthening the union between Baptism and Confirmation, the diocese decided to change the order of reception.
Men Alive
Registration is still open for the Men Alive weekend but spots are filling up quickly. With the celebration of Father’s Day last week, this might be another gift we can give to the fathers of our parish. Invite a man you know is in need of good fellowship and fraternity. For more information contact Ross McNally (0418 962 837) or contact the Parish Office to speak with Fr Isaac.
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Renzzen Savilla, Oliva Millach, Oliver Blakey, Ava Burgess and Halle Alberti who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We prayerfully remember all those who have died, especially Bobby Cook (Sydney) who recently died. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Several of our parishioners celebrate milestones this year in their life as a married couple. Modern media has diminished the value of married life in many ways, but the love and commitment that many of our parishioners have showed to each other in their married life provides hope for all people. Even though you’ve had your ups and downs we especially congratulate the couples celebrating 50, 60, 65 years together. Couples are invited to join the celebrations at the Cathedral on 30 September at 11:30am. To register your attendance at the Mass and for catering purposes, please RSVP by email or phone 07 3324 3030 by 1 September. Parking available via the Charlotte St entrance.
TOTUS TUUS – Consecration to Jesus through Mary
For those in the parish who speak Spanish, you’re invited to a time of prayer and reflection through the Consecration to Jesus through Mary. This consecration to Jesus through Mary will begin on 25 September at 6:30pm in the Function Room of the Stella Maris Church, Maroochydore.
For more information email Patricia Zuluaga or contact her on 0480 304 643.
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
