O U R L A D Y S T A R O F T H E S E A P A R I S H

Gladstone Parish

is Administered by

And includes the

following areas:

Agnes Water

Calliope

Gladstone

Miriam Vale

Mt. Larcom

Tannum Sands

Ubobo

Pastoral Team

Kevin Redmond sm

Aliki Langi sm

Admin Officer

Maree Roobottom

Faith Coordinator

Maria Cabral Fernandes

Finance Officers

Barbara Anderson

Denise Geljon

Phone: 4972 1025

Email: sosglad@tpg.com.au

Office: 38 Herbert Street

Gladstone

Postal Address

PO Box 5062

Gladstone QLD 4680

Website:

www.sosgladstone.org.au

Primary Schools

St Francis (Tannum Sands)

4973 3600

St John Baptist (Gladstone)

4978 1799

Star of the Sea (Gladstone)

4972 1305

Secondary School

Chanel College (Gladstone)

4973 4700

5 November 2017

Since they do not practise what they preach.

Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and the Pharisees and encourages the people and his disciples to listen to them, in the Gospel this weekend. This is because they “occupy the chair of Moses.” But we should not be guided by what they do, “since they do not practise what they preach.”

This is an accusation that is often made against those with power or authority and it would not have been out of place in today’s world, when people accuse politicians of being self-serving and only interested in power rather than helping.

For Jesus the scribes and the Pharisees are not practising servant leadership. They are more interested in what they are getting out of their position of power rather than using that power to make a difference or trying to help others. Jesus accuses the scribes and the Pharisees of only being interested in seeking attention and looking for ways to enjoy the benefits that come with power and authority.

For Jesus one of the ways to overcome this attitude is to be in right relationship with God. The titles that we give ourselves and allow others to address us by are important. We should not allow ourselves to be called Rabbi, father, or teacher because there is only one Master, one Father and one Teacher, God. Through this awareness, we and others come to recognise that any power or authority that we exercise is not because we deserve it or have earned it. Rather it is only because God has graced us and has given us greater opportunities to be in a position to help others, instead of focusing on ourselves and how we can be enriched.

Jesus concludes by proclaiming that “the greatest among you must be your servant” and that anyone who exalts themselves will be humbled, and anyone who humbles themselves will be exalted. We are fortunate indeed to have the example of Pope Francis to help us reflect on this point. From the very beginning of his Pontificate, Francis has displayed humility. Kneeling down and asking for us to pray for him when he came out for the first time as Pope Francis. One of my favourite stories comes from a meeting of Caritas Directors from around the world a few years ago. Normally the Directors are introduced to the Pope and the assistants and secretaries wait in another room. When Francis heard that he was not going to get to meet them, he ‘barged’ through the door and went around and met each one. Pope Francis really lives out one of titles of the Pope, as the Servant of the Servants of God.

In the tradition of the Church, some people have been given honorific titles such as Sister, Father, Your Eminence or Cardinal and My Lord or Bishop. The sad reality has been, that for some, but unfortunately, far too many, these titles have been seen as being earned, instead of being a grace and the power and authority that has gone with them has not been exercised in service but in promoting self. When this happens the Church is less than what it should be and people, especially the powerless get hurt. We are all invited to see that first and foremost we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord and not the titles that God has generously called us to.

We are all powerful in various ways, but the important point of reflection is to ask ourselves how do we exercise that power? Do we put it at the service of others or do we use it to make ourselves feel better? Let us follow Francis and serve.

May God bless you and all those whom you love.

Kevin Redmond sm

3 1 s t S u n d a y o f O r d i n a r y T i m e Y e a r A

Fr Kevin’s Renewal — Constitutions

One of the best parts of the Renewal was the opportunity to take a deeper look at and reflect on the Marist Constitutions. Our current Constitutions were published in 1988 after the 1985 General Chapter and the Vatican approved them. Initially the hope was that we were going to be able to have our original Constitutions written by Fr Colin, the Founder, and have in a second part any necessary contemporary updates. This proved unworkable. Those original Constitutions are still important as they “remain for [Marists] the authentic expression of the nature and ends of the Society of Mary” (Const # 6). We now have Fr Colin’s original 1872 Constitutions and a copy of these were given out at the beginning of the Colinian Period of Renewal.

We were able to compare and contrast the two Constitutions and to see the differences in emphasis between the middle of the 19th century and 1985. There is always the more ‘silly’ elements that jump out at you, for example in Fr Colin’s Constitutions even the Superior General was not to have a horse for his “personal convenience” (1872 # 141) or “No one may wear silk clothing” (# 29).

Fr Colin’s Constitutions are longer than our contemporary Constitutions but there is also many differences in emphasis that were enlightening. For Fr Colin, ’obedience’ and getting the Superiors permission was critical to the success and even the ongoing existence of the Society of Mary. Obedience appears 75 times in Colin’s and only 18 times in the contemporary Constitutions. Topics like chastity are mentioned more times in the modern than in Colin’s 11 to 8. But in other areas the emphasis is similar. For Mission, the mentions are 78 for the 1872 and 62 for the modern Constitutions. For Prayer it is 34 to 28.

There are two numbers of the contemporary Constitutions which contain direct quotes from Fr Colin’s original Constitutions. In number 7, the quote is in regard to the significance of the name of the Society and its aims and in number 228 is given once again Colin’s take on the Spirit of the Society. It is wonderful to be able to link into once again the original inspiration and enthusiasm of the early years.

All to easily the Constitutions become a book on the shelf but the Renewal has once again given me the chance too see how they can be so much more than that. They inspire, encourage and challenge anyone belonging to the Society to live out Mary’s call ever more authentically.

HOLY SPIRIT PILGRIMAGE

Holy Land and Holy Places in Italy 17 days for $5,555 from 3rd to 19 September 2018 and 7 days Optional extension to Egypt and Jordan. Spiritual Directors: Fr Emmanuel-tv and Fr Jude CSSp. Contact for Itinerary /info: fremmanueltv@hotmail.com, 0417999553, 08 93413079, 08 93413131; or jude.agorchukwu@cam.org.au, 0400759391,

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Please keep in your prayers the children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. Reconciliation is a beautiful Sacrament, instituted by Christ as a way to offer us His Mercy and Grace.

CONVENT CLEAN UP

If you have a ute or trailer and are available to help with cleaning out the Convent on Saturday 11 November, please contact the Parish Office. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. SPECIAL MASS TO COMMEMORATE CARDINAL CARDIJN AND A YCW / YCS REUNION A special Mass on Saturday the 18th of November at 10-30 am at St James Church, 165 Old Cleveland Rd Coor-paroo Brisbane will mark fifty years since the death of Car-dinal Joseph Cardijn the founder of the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW) and Young Christian Students Movement (YCS). A reunion of past members will also be held in the adjacent hall following the Mass with past members enjoying a shared lunch. Those attending have been requested to bring a plate of finger food to share. Tea and Coffee will be provided. An RSVP to mccarthys74@bigpond.com would be appreciated.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS REFLECTION BOOKS

Chosen – the 2017 books on Advent and Christmas Daily Reflections, are now available at the Parish Office. Get your copy for only $4.00

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

As in previous years, members of the Star of the Sea Choir and the Ukulele group are offering you the chance to get into the Christmas spirit by having them come and sing and entertain with carols and songs in your home or street, for a donation.

Please contact the Parish to arrange a date and time to be allocated to you. All money raised will go to support the work of charities in PNG, Philippines, Thailand and several other countries in our region.

We are looking to commence on 4 December after 6pm.

GOD’S WORD AND 365 DAYS WITH THE LORD

If you would like to place an order for either of these

publications for 2018 please contact the Parish Office.

BREAK OPEN THE WORD/ROSTERED READERS

This book is designed for those who proclaim the Scrip-tures at Sunday mass. For each reading and the psalm, there is a commentary which gives a little background to the text and assists the reader to proclaim the text well. It also includes an overview of the Lectionary and a four page pronunciation guide. The cost of the publication is $25.00 and available from the Parish Office.

Thank you for the generosity of those parishioners who contribute to our Planned Giving. If you are new to the parish and would like to be part of the Planned Giving Program, either through Direct Debit or Weekly Envelopes, please contact the Parish Office. Last week, parishioners contributions amounted to $2935.70

LITURGY ROSTER 11 Nov—12 Nov

Readers: Vigil Filipino Community 7am H. Letts, A. Letts 9am S. Smith, N. Hamilton 6pm D. Mason, M. Maudsley Co-ordinator: Vigil Filipino 7am A. Letts 9am A. Platt 6pm A. Rowe

Eucharist Ministers: Vigil A. Babijis, L. Babijis 7am J. Munt, R. Richters, T. Wilson 9am M. Martin, G. Guevarra, M. Nguyen 6pm D. Mason, P. Rigby

Data Projector: Vigil Filipino Community 7am A. Goman 9am J. Barron 6pm D. Conley

For our recently deceased Sisters and Brothers Tony Warren, Bev Defranciscis, Margaret Fitzger-ald, Kerry Pike, Celiene Mulgueen, Dick Baynton, John Condon, John Hayward, Joe Tanna

We remember in prayer: Ryan Gunston, Mervyn Dunnett, Bevan James Hall, Bernie Porter, Hilda Porter, Ken and Ursula Farlow, John Lynch, Maria Gier,

For those we love who are ill and frail

Stanley O’Brien, Yollie Caruasal, Les Petersen, Gavin Tansey, John Payne, Raymond Burrows, Pat Deluary, Olivia Haresco, Paul Sundstrom, Janene Porter, Michael Pond, Joanne Pond, John Fryer, Lincoln Rose, Eli Colin Vale, Wayne Booth, Maria Binek, Vince Jendra, John & Joy Mass-ingham, Noon Family, Eion MacLeod, Ron O’Brien Jacqui O’Rielly

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS TREE

St Vincent de Paul Christmas trees will be set up in some of the parish churches again this year. Parishioners are invited to purchase a gift or make a donation and place it under the tree no later than Friday November 24.

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners, hundreds of presents are given out to children who would otherwise not receive a Christmas gift.

Every year there is a shortage of presents suitable for older boys (over 10 years). Suggestions for suitable gifts for these boys are balls, cricket sets, movie passes or vouchers. Please keep the value of gifts below $30. Also, PLEASE DO NOT WRAP YOUR GIFTS.

Thank you for your generosity.

Service

Rosters

next

Sunday

Prayer

Intentions

Thank

You

Publications

for 2018

Please

Note

SR NOREEN’S TUESDAY LUNCHEON MEDITATIONS

All welcome! Beginners to seasoned Meditators. Every Tuesday 12.30 - 1.30 in the Chapel at our Parish Office.

FR ALIKI AWAY

This week Fr Aliki will be attending the Marist Retreat in Sydney, please keep him in your prayers.

SECOND COLLECTION

There will be a second collection at our Masses next weekend for St Joseph’s Cathedral Conservation Appeal. All donations are Tax Deductible.

NEW LIFE MINISTRIES CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

New Life Ministries Catholic Charismatic Renewal will be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12th November 2017 straight after the 9am Mass, in the Parish Hall. There will be morning tea. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Our next Prayer Meeting will be held in the Parish Hall on Monday 13th November at 9.30am and 7.15pm.

WIDOW & WIDOWERS SOCIAL GROUP - Thurs 9 Nov Our Parish Group offers support to anyone who has lost a loved one. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Thurs each month. Please join us for lunch Thursday 9 November at 11.30am at the Fresh Fix Cafe located in the Palms Shop-ping Complex.

You can e-mail your bulletin notices at

sosglad@tpg.com.au or drop a written copy into

the parish office before Wednesday afternoon

PARISH LITURGY SCHEDULE

MASS TIMES

‘Star of the Sea Gladstone

Tuesday — 5:30pm

Wednesday — 7am (except 8am 1st Wednesday

of month at Mater Hospital)

Thursday— 5:.30pm

Friday — 7am

Saturday — 6pm

1st Saturday of the month Healing Mass 8:30am

Sunday — 7am, 9am & 6pm

St Peter Chanel Tannum Sands

8am Sunday (Third Sunday of the month is a

healing mass)

St Peter Chanel Miriam Vale

10am 2nd & 4th Sundays

*Lay Led Liturgies on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays.

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Mt. Larcom

10am 1st Sunday of the month

St Patrick’s Calliope

6pm Saturday Vigil

St Mary’s Ubobo

10:30am 3rd Sunday of the month

St Agnes Agnes Water

12 noon, 2nd & 4th Sundays

with Lay Led Liturgies on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th

Sundays at 12 noon

NURSING HOME MASSES

Bindaree Lodge

1st Wednesday of the month at 2:15pm

Eden Vale

3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30pm

Mater Hospital

1st Wednesday of the month at 8:00am

Domain Auckland Place

Last Wednesday of the month at 2:15pm

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Available every Saturday morning 8:30am Star of the Sea

Church except when mass is celebrated on the First

Saturday of the month.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS

Held at 6.45am before 7am Mass each Friday

31st Sunday Ordinary Time Year A

Responsorial Psalm:

In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Readings for Next Week

Thirty—Second Sunday Ordinary Time Year A

1st Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16 2nd Reading: Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

RECONCILIATION

Star of the Sea

9:00 - 9:30am Saturday

St. Patrick’s Calliope

after 6pm mass (First weekend of the month)

ROSARY

Star of the Sea

1st Saturday of the month after the 8:30am mass

St. Peter Chanel Tannum Sands

Wednesdays at 10.00am

*Please note on the 3rd Wednesday of the month

there is a Liturgy of the Word with Holy Commun-

ion at 9.30am followed by the Rosary.

BAPTISMS

Star of the Sea Church

2nd and 4th Sunday after 9am mass

St Peter Chanel Tannum Sands

1st and 3rd Sundays during 8am mass

Baptisms and baptism preparation classes must be

booked through the Parish Office. Parents are to

take part in a baptism preparation class held on the

3rd Sunday of the month in the Parish Hall 38 Her-

bert St. Gladstone. Baptism packs are available at

the Parish Office.

MARRIAGES

An appointment with a priest is required prior to

booking the marriage date.

MANAGING COMPLAINTS in the DIOCESE OF

ROCKHAMPTON:

Diocesan Response Coordinator

Phone: 1800 830 113

Email: profstdsrock@dfs.org.au

We acknowledge the Gooreng Gooreng, Bailai & Gurang people, traditional custodians of this place we now call Gladstone