When parishioners and visitors walk through the doors of any of our four churches, I sometimes wonder if everyone fully appreciates the vast armada of people involved in ensuring that Mass starts on time!  Sure, there are the people we see each week such as the readers and Eucharistic ministers, the children’s church leaders and Mass coordinators, the sacristans and welcomers, not to mention the musicians, singers and those who operate our audio visual systems –  they are the face of our Parish Family. Behind them are also the countless nameless fellow parishioners who vacuum and clean our churches week in and week out, those who wash our vestments and altar linen, those who decorate our churches with floral arrangements and the many who weekly provide food and hospitality after Mass.   Others, of course, quietly drive fellow parishioners to and from Mass while others are commissioned to taking Holy Communion to those who can’t join us.  Finally, I suppose we are all involved and have a vested stake in our weekly Mass. This is because every time we contribute something financial on the collection plate we support the ministry of the Finance Committee who keeps our lights on, budgets for the future, ensures the necessary maintenance is carried out and slowly but surely reduces our parish debt of $1,509,248.13.  So this weekend, as we celebrate Mass together, let’s appreciate the generous Parish Community we belong to and the role we all play in celebrating the Eucharist that gives meaning to our lives and hope for our journey.

The Last Term of the Year

With school resuming this week so does our parish high school youth group Maroochydore 10:10.  All high school students are more than welcome to gather with us this and every Thursday afternoon from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Siena College.

Warning

Everyone has to be on the guard for scam emails requesting money or information.  Once again doing the rounds are emails purporting to originate from Fr Peter and Fr Isaac.  Please remember that we will never solicit money or personal information from you via emails and that any emails we send you will originate from the official @bne.catholic.net.au address.   If in doubt – do not open and simply delete!   

Baptism Preparation Evening for Infants

Those parents with new born babies wishing for them to be baptised are reminded of the preparation meeting, which takes place at Stella Maris Church on the first Thursday of every month. At this short preparation meeting, we outline some of the symbols used at the ceremony, answer any questions and confirm dates.  The next baptismal preparation meeting will be on this Thursday 3 October beginning at 6.00pm. Please register through our parish website: maroochydoreparish.com

Return of the Junior Ministers

Next Sunday afternoon at 3.00pm at Stella Maris sees the return of our Junior Ministers Youth Group.  All primary school students are warmly invited to join us, as each week we explore aspects of our church and the different ways we can be ministers and be of service, with plenty of activities and games. We finish in time for the 5.00pm Sunday evening Mass. Adults are always welcome to help. If you’re interested and would like to learn more, please reach out to Bernie Baillie at [email protected]        

See you there!!!

Some of our Ignite Conference Youth

The youth and young adults of our Parish Family would like to thank you for your financial support in making our attendance at this year’s Ignite Youth    Conference possible – your generosity is very much appreciated.  Over 1400 Catholic youth from all over southeast Queensland attended this yours gathering and it was a extraordinary time to be reminded of our belonging to a universal faith and the unique bonds that tie us together.  Thank you once again to the   entire Parish for your support and making this faith experience possible.

 Calling all Musicians

All Parish musicians are reminded of the invitation to attend the Archdiocesan music workshop for Parish musicians. On Saturday, 26 October at All Saints Church at Albany Creek, Liturgy Brisbane is coordinating a music workshop for all involved in parish music ministry.  The  presenters are Christopher Trikilis, Director of Music at the Cathedral of St Stephen and Michael Mangan, composer, musician and education consultant at Liturgy Brisbane.

All parish musicians are invited to attend and we hope to car pool to ensure as many musicians as possible can be part of the workshop. Please contact Michael Fitzpatrick: [email protected]. As always, we are grateful for the ministry of all our musicians.

20th Anniversary Celebration

To mark the 20^th anniversary of the opening and blessing of St Catherine of Siena Church at Sippy Downs  Archbishop Mark Coleridge will preside at the 8.00am anniversary Mass Sunday 13 October.

This is a celebration for the entire Parish and all parishioners are invited to join the Sippy Downs  community.

Is this what you have been looking for ???????

For five consecutive Mondays beginning on the 14  October, St Peter’s Coolum will be the venue for this year’s Ignatius Retreat.  If you have a desire to deepen your relationship with God and find God’s presence in your everyday life, then this could be a retreat for you! Where are now is where God is waiting for you! The great news is that there are no special requirements to attend!

This First Spiritual Exercises retreat runs over four weeks in daily life. It guides you in prayer and reflection for 30 mins each day. The retreat is for anyone who desires to grow in their relationship with God.

The retreat was composed by Michael Hansen SJ and is based on the   Spiritual Exercises by St Ignatius of Loyola. Come and experience this journey into divine friendship in your everyday life through a program of personal prayer and attending a weekly gathering of guided spiritual conversation.

What’s Involved

Participants pray at home for 30 minutes each day, and meet together with retreat guides within a group once a week for 90 minutes, for listening, prayer and spiritual conversation.
There are five 90 min group meetings. These sessions are guided by trained providers of the First Spiritual Exercises.

Your Commitment

Spend 30 minutes daily in personal prayer.

Willingness to commit to four weeks of the retreat and attend five weekly group meetings.

A willingness to participate in group sharing.

To register or for more information contact [email protected]

Men’s Retreat

The annual Parish one day Men’s Retreat will be held at the Sunshine Coast Hockey Club on Saturday, October 26 from 8:30 to 6pm.  The retreat leader will be Deacon Peter Pellican.

All Saints Day 

This year, All Saints falls on Friday,1 November and All Souls’ Day is on Saturday, 2 November .

Traditionally here in our Sunshine Coast parish, we especially  remember all those who have died in the past 12 months and Mass will be offered for them at 9.00am at Stella Maris .

Women’s Retreat

The annual Women’s Retreat will be at Stella Maris Primary School on Saturday, 23 November. Once again we will welcome women from across our Parish Family and the wider Sunshine Coast to a day of fun, friendship & formation.

Nine Day Novena 

Traditionally here at Stella Maris, we have celebrated the nine day novena leading up to Christmas called Simbang Gabi.  This year, plans are well underway and we are incorporating the many different groups that make up our Parish Family. This year,  the Mass will be at 6.00am 22 December culminating in the great celebration on the morning of  24 December.  All Welcome

All Welcome.

PARISH SOCIAL MEDIA

It has never been so easy to get in touch and keep up to date with the many ministries and activities of your Sunshine Coast Parish. Why not get connected with your Parish Family?

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/stellamaris.parish/

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/mission.stella