Parish WELCOME NIGHT
Welcome to those parishioners who are new to the area. We want to take the time to get to know your story and welcome you into the broader narrative of our parish, of which you are now a part. Come along on Monday to our Parish Welcome night at Stella Maris, Maroochydore, and meet some of the local Parishioners. This is a fabulous opportunity to make friends and network with others. Our Parish is a vibrant and welcoming community and we endeavour to meet new people and help them adapt to this new climate and region. Just ring the Parish Office (5443 3488) for more details.
VOLUNTEERS Thank You Night
This parish operates on the generosity and kindness of its many volunteers. Without our volunteers, our weekly Masses would be chaotic. For the good work that our volunteers do, and to show our appreciation, we are hosting our Parish ‘Thank You Night.” All our volunteers who are involved in any ministry (behind the scenes or ‘out in the frontlines’) are invited to join us on 22 November, this coming Wednesday, from 5pm –7pm to join in fellowship and thanksgiving.
If you’re coming along, would you kindly inform the Parish Office (5443 3488) of your numbers for catering purposes.
Thank you again to our wonderful volunteers, the good work of our parish would not flow without you.
Sounds of Celebration
It was a wonderfully musical time last Sunday at the Sounds of Celebration Fundraiser for St Vincent De Paul. Thank you to the Waves of Harmony choir who sang beautifully on the day. The children from schools Stella Maris Primary and Siena Primary impressed the crowd with their vocals and song choices conveying a message of peace and hope in a world shaken by war. Congratulations on the SVDP Society on fundraising to the many good works of their Conference.
Communion Cup Training
As you will have read last week, we will be returning to the Communion Cup on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November. Since it’s been a while, we would like to call upon all our Eucharistic ministers who are currently rostered for a training session this coming Friday (24 November). There will be two training sessions happening at the one time. Both sessions will begin at 5.00pm and one will be held at Stella Maris, Maroochydore, whilst the other will be held at St Peter’s, Coolum. Please come to one of these sessions, no matter which of our four churches you attend.
One last word on Communion
Before we introduce Communion from the Cup, I would like to reiterate some of what was written last week in the Parish Newsletter. Within the experience of the Mass, we’re even more blessed that the Lord has given us numerous ways in which we are to encounter Jesus, through the Word and, of course, through the Eucharistic sacrifice. We’ve spent several months without the Communion Cup because within the Eucharistic bread alone is the fullness of Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity. You do not have to take of the cup to receive the fullness of Christ. We are still encouraged to look out for each other. If you are feeling unwell we ask that you refrain from taking of the Cup. Intinction (dipping of the Eucharistic host into the chalice) is also not permitted. We will have training for our Eucharistic Ministers so that we’re all on board with right practice and safe handling. Above all, we are people who are encouraged to ‘do this in memory of me’ so if you feel as if you are ready, we welcome you as we move forward to this moment of enrichment through the species of wine. Fr Will
Parish Administrator position
With the departure of Pauline as our Parish Admin, who will be sorely missed, a new position has opened up in the Parish Office. We invite applications to be submitted via the Archdiocesan website under the tab ‘Careers.’ The job description will give you an indication of the outline of the role. Just scroll down until you see the Maroochydore Parish Admin role.
Safeguarding team members
Everyone is responsible for Safeguarding! There’s still many hurdles we need to clear before we can confidently say that we’re an ‘above average’ community when it comes to Safeguarding. We need your help to get there. We’re still looking for on the ground Safeguarding Officers to be a part of a team within the Parish that helps to secure our communities in good practice. If you feel like you can contribute to this cause please contact the Parish Office to speak to Fr Will or send an email to [email protected] with your details.
Advent Group – St Catherine’s
Advent is around the corner and an invitation is being extended to the parish for anyone wanting to participate in the St Catherine’s Advent Group. The Advent group will use the same resource from Evangelisation Brisbane called ‘With Expectant Hearts.” The cost of each booklet is $6.00.
Meetings will take place on the Wednesday evenings during Advent on 29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
If you’re interested in joining the group contact Helen Matchett on 0403 617 512 or email [email protected]
Service of Solidarity with Gaza and the Holy Land
In a time of deep sorrow and anguish for us all, we look for hope and healing. Let us come together in love, prayer and support. Let us acknowledge the reality that impacts us all as we share messages of hope. The Australian Catholic Bishops have said:
‘Peace can come only from justice. We call people of faith to pray with us for a lasting peace and the triumph of human dignity.’ Please join Caritas Australia on Monday 27 November 3.30pm to 4.00pm (EST). Everyone is welcome.
Please register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Thank you from the Passegi family
Horacio Passeggi
Some of you Stella Maris parishioners may remember the challenges we, the Passeggi family, faced during our immigration process. Next weekend marks 20 years since we returned to Australia as permanent residents. This outcome happened thanks to the power of Faith and Community. We’d like you to join us in a thanksgiving Mass Sunday 26 November at 5.00pm at Stella Maris, Maroochydore. Horacio, Stella, Tomas, Rosina and Mariana.
YOUNG ADULTS meeting
Young Adults will be meeting this coming Friday for a time of prayer and Adoration. Join the group at St Mary’s, Buderim at 6.00pm. After prayer, those that want to will head somewhere local for a meal. See you there!
SISTERHOOD weekend!
It’s finally arrived! The Sisterhood weekend will begin next Saturday at 8:30am and finish around 4.00pm. The weekend will be hosted at Stella Maris Primary School. Women 18+ are invited to attend this time of friendship, faith and formation as participants hear from Karen Doyle, founder of the Genius Project. There is still time to register before Saturday. If you’re interested, please register on our Sisterhood webpage.
CRAFT GROUP SALE!
The Stella Maris Craft group have been working on a few items that they would like to sell over the weekend of 2-3 December. Sales will be made from Stella Maris, Maroochydore. All proceeds will go to the purchasing of a new ciborium for Stella Maris Maroochydore in preparation for major events like Christmas and Easter. Come along prepared to grab yourself an item made by our lovely Craft Group Team.
Yr 12 Siena students
On Thursday Fr Isaac and Fr Will attended a final Mass at St Catherine’s Siena where the Yr 12s gathered with parents and teachers to thank God for the year. The Church was filled, with people sitting on the veranda to make room for everyone else. We wish the Yr 12s every blessing as they leave our community and begin a new life out in the ‘real world.’
Celebrating and Remembering
We welcome into God’s Family, the Church, Ivy Dellaway, Hudson Tranent and Sutton Tranent who will be baptised this weekend in our Parish.
We prayerfully remember all those who have died. May the souls of all our departed priests, religious, parishioners and family members, through the rich mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
