Community Life Ministry
– Janice, Community Life Team Leader
The Vatican Synod
The Vatican’s nearly month-long Synod on Synodality assembly, convened by Pope Francis, concluded on the 28 October with members approving an ambitious text calling for greater “co-responsibility” among all believers in the evangelizing mission of the Church — and proposing concrete reforms to achieve it.
Titled “A Synodal Church in Mission,” the 41-page summary report included notable proposals to establish new ministries for the laity, increase lay involvement in decision-making, create processes to evaluate bishops’ performance of their ministry, change the way the Church discerns “controversial” issues, and expand the footprint of synodal assemblies going forward.
“The exercise of co-responsibility is essential for synodality and is necessary at all levels of the Church,” the final report stated. “Every Christian is a mission in the world.”
The document also repeatedly sought to ground synodality in Scripture, tradition, and the teaching of Vatican II while also affirming the need to further develop the often misunderstood concept itself and apply it more deeply to the Church’s theology and canon law. A copy of the summary report can be found by searching for the document title online.
4-Week Advent program
A True Story? You Decide
A new priest – it could’ve been Fr Gerard – was visiting the homes of parishioners. At one house is seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote ‘Revelation 3:20’ on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the collection was counted after the next Sunday Mass, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, ‘Genesis 3:10’. Reaching for his Bible, to check out the passage, he broke out in howls of laughter.
Revelation 3:20 begins, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock’. Genesis 3:10 reads, ‘I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked’.
Successfully Aging Wisely
On Thursday the last week, over 70 people gathered at OLR church to listen and learn about different aspects of senior living. Brisbane-based professionals specialising in Law, Financial Planning, Funeral Planning, and Bequests delivered “Very informative,” “Fantastic,” “Amazing,” “Enlightening,” and “Thought-provoking” content – to quote several people who attended.
Our gratitude, in particular, goes to Holy Cross Funerals, who sponsored the event with a tasty morning tea and salubrious lunch. Thank you to the parish catering team – you know who you are – and to Raushen Perera, from the Catholic Foundation, who organised the event.
Women’s Retreat Opportunity
‘If you only knew the gift…’of your womanhood, gifted to you by God. We want to journey with you as you discover this feminine genius within, gifted to us by God.
To that end, we warmly invite women 18 years + to a day retreat at Stella Maris Primary School, Maroochydore, on the 25 November from 8:30am-4.00pm. The day retreat will include input from Karen Doyle, founder of the Genius Project and Genius Podcast, and mentor to many women around Australia.
The retreat day cost is $30 per person. To register or for more information call the Maroochydore Parish office, 5443 3488, or visit their website and follow the links to Sisterhood.
We look forward to seeing you there for this wonderful and meaningful time.
Parish Administrator Position
With the departure of Pauline at the Maroochydore Parish, a new admin position has opened in the parish office.
We invite applications to be submitted via the Archdiocesan website under the tab ‘Careers.’ The job description gives you an indication of the outline of the role and how to apply.
Extraordinary Communion Ministers
Ladies Lunch
The next Ladies Lunch will be on Friday 17 November at Pelican Waters Tavern 38 Pelican Waters Blvd at 12 noon. All ladies are welcome. Please contact Deborah by Monday 13 November if you would like to come. This is our last lunch for the year.
Art for Advent – 2 December
Our Fr. Francis and Rev. Paul Fletcher from the Anglican Parish are hosting an ecumenical initiative called Art for Advent. It will begin with a one-hour interactive presentation by Fr. Francis on Christian art. The talk will be followed by artists between our parishes showcasing their artwork based on Advent themes.
Venue: St. Andrews.
Starting time: 10.30am.
Refreshments will be provided during showcasing. Light lunch available from 12.30pm.
Centenary of the first Catholic Church in Maleny
The Maleny Sacred Heart Church community invites Parishioners to celebrate the Centenary of the first Catholic Church in Maleny in February 1924, built on land donated by Mr Pat Daley. A Centenary book is being compiled and will be available at the celebrations on Sunday 4 February 2024.
RSVPs and enquiries to Anna [email protected]
or Danielle 0419545711
In Transition
We welcome Joseph McGuire, Zepplin Balle & Piper Mole who will be baptised at OLR this weekend.
We pray that all the souls of our loved ones who have gone before us and the souls of our deceased priests, religious and parishioners Rest in Peace.
Safeguarding in our Parish
The Safeguarding Commitment for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and Caloundra Catholic Parish is: Zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and strives to safeguard all who interact with its ministries & services. Special priority is given to the safety & wellbeing of children & adults at risk. In an emergency, please call the Police 000 or information can be provided to STOPline anonymously.
Phone: 1300 304 550
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.bnecatholic.stoplinereport.com
Or Brisbane Safeguarding 07 3324 3752
Our Local Safeguarding Officer: Judy Moir 0421 873 060