Fr Josh needs your help!
“I need help! There, I said it; it’s true!” As we move forward – both in our parish structure with six ministry leadership teams and in the way the parish office functions – it has become obvious that we need volunteer assistance in several key areas. These areas – administration, OHS, safeguarding, property & maintenance – are primarily attended to in the parish office. I am asking you to consider whether you are able to offer some hours each week to assist with the smooth running of our parish. From a personal perspective, I am spending about 20% of my week attending to things which a priest is not trained or ordained to perform and so this presents an opportunity for parishioners to also lead in some key areas. If you are open to learning more about assisting in the parish office, please contact the parish office for a conversation. I thank you in advance for your consideration. Fr Josh
Plant, Bric-n-Brac, Cake and Sausage Sizzle – NET Fundraiser
Erin Osbourne and Emily Noyes from this Parish have both been accepted to join the National Evangelisation Team (NET) for 2023. This is a great honour for the parish. Last year Verity was accepted and has had a wonderful year supporting and bringing young people in schools to Faith. On Sunday 11 December, the Woman’s Friendship and Prayer Group with support from the Craft Group as well as the Card Group are holding a Cake, Plant & Bric-n-Brac stall after the 9.30am Mass, There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks which can be purchased as well as Christmas raffles. Don’t forget your cash!
A special invitation – Taizé this Tuesday
In the month of December, we are often so busy and stressed with final events for the year – not to mention preparations for Christmas! Our parish is offering a special evening of quiet prayer in the style of Taizé. Short mantra-like songs create a relaxing feeling that refreshes us in body, mind and spirit. Through gentle repetition, the meaning of the words gradually penetrates our whole being. In song and silence we listen more deeply. These simple chants allow us to wait attentively on God. Such prayer is very much in the spirit of the Advent Scriptures. Come and relax in this beautiful prayer at OLR on Tuesday 6 Dec at 7.00pm. Find out more about Taizé
Donation for Christmas Hampers
Our Lady of Good Counsel St Vincent de Paul Conference, Caloundra are calling for your support for this years Christmas Hampers. If you would like to assist this Christmas for families less fortunate than ourselves, please place donations in the box provided at the back of the OLR church. Non perishable food items, Christmas treats and gifts (particularly for children) are all gratefully received. Your support is very much appreciated.
The Holy Season of Advent, a message from the Catholic Guy!
The holy season of Advent has begun so let’s prepare our hearts for this special time together. In Advent, we may not give something up like in Lent but I’m inviting you to start something instead. “You never become who you hope to become, you only become what you do!”
I’m inviting you find a few minutes a day to deepen your walk with God as we prepare ourselves for Christmas and the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
If you already receive the Daily Devotional emails each day, you don’t need to do anything except check your inbox or the website each day!!
If you don’t receive the Daily Devotional emails each day, it is simple. You just sign up HERE and you will start receiving the Advent emails daily starting this Monday!
We will be praying for you!
God bless
Bruce Downes
The Catholic Guy
Ps. These devotional emails are terrific, and well worth your investment of time as a means to actively participating in the season of Advent. Fr Josh
Golden Jubilee Wines are still available!
Need a Christmas gift for a loved one? Come to the Parish Office to buy one bottle of wine or a box of 3 (mixed bottles): $20 per bottle
Fr John Dobson Edition – Merlot
Fr John Egan Edition – Shiraz
Fr Kevin Smith – Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Christmas Cards and the Columban calendar 
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Cards & the Columban calendar will be on sale from this weekend until sold out. The Calendar is $10.
Hour of Grace & Rosary – 8 December at OLR
Bible Study 2023
We are planning to study the book of Acts in the New Year. We have two groups at present, which meet on Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings. If anyone would like to join, you would be most welcome. We are not into academic theology, more a practical application approach. Please RSVP to Caroline as books will need to be ordered. They will cost around $10 each. Please call Caroline Kettle on 0435 828 092 if you are interested or have any questions.
Kawana and Caloundra’s Men’s Groups
Men from the Kawana and Caloundra Men’s Groups gathered at Kings Beach Tavern to celebrate their year in ministry last week. The two groups gather regularly, to pray together, learn together and live life together in a spirit of communion. John Manion, leader of both groups, said “gathering together to celebrate brings Jesus’ table fellowship to life.” He was grateful for the way that men from different worshiping communities poured out their lives in service of each other – something which he said, “is visible even in the simple act of turning up to participate.”
Rosters are ready to fill – 21 days till Christmas!
Christmas is fast approaching and the rosters are out in the OLR church for our five Christmas Masses which will be held at OLR: Saturday 4.00pm, 7.00pm, 10.00pm and Sunday 6.30am & 9.30am. All the communities will be having a Christmas Mass which will require volunteers to assist with the preparation and rosters to fill for parts of the Mass. If you are available at Christmas and would like to be involved with one of the Masses please put your name on the sheets or contact the leader in your community. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Going Deeper podcast
There’s so much to know about the Catholic faith, but so little time! Join Shane Dwyer and special guest Archbishop Mark Coleridge this week in an organic discussion about Catholicism, theology and life. Listen to this week’s Going Deeper Podcast on Related Meanings of ‘Word of God’
If you’re interested in learning more, or just getting some perspective on faith, tune in to the weekly episodes!
Christmas Mass times 
The schedule for Christmas mass times is out! Find your Christmas Mass time here.
The Parish office will be closed from 26 December 2022 and will reopen Monday 9 January 2023. Mass will continue once-a-day only at OLR each day at 9.00am (EXCEPT Wednesday!) while the Parish office are taking a well deserved break!
In Transition
As a Parish family we would like to Congratulate Mitch Simpson & Simone O’Day who were married at OLW Landsborough last weekend. We pray for Mary O’Hurley (former parishioner) who died 30 December and her funeral will be in Perth. May her soul and all the souls of our deceased priests, religious and parishioners Rest in Peace.
Watch Mass live
To watch mass live go to the Caloundra Catholic Parish Facebook page.