1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish, Stafford
[A Parish of the Brisbane North West Deanery]
Vision: “To follow the example of Jesus by serving others.”
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Open letter: Living in the hell called Nauru
This article was first published in the print edition of “The
Saturday Paper” on Oct 25, 2014 as "Living in the hell called
Nauru"
I am writing as a mother in Nauru house of detention. After
10 months of being detained on Christmas Island, my three
-member family was brought here: myself and my husband
and my son who is not yet three. As I knew we were going
to be forcefully taken to Nauru, I felt sadness and spent all
the night crying in misery. Any time I looked into face of my
son, I asked myself, what is his sin to be punished harshly
like this? What wrong we have done to receive such
treatment? Just as I heard an officer saying that we were
going to be transferred to Nauru, I suddenly felt all the
miseries in the world. I kept crying all the time we were
leaving.
We were put in isolation on Christmas Island. They
checked us for nearly 10 hours with no break – they kept
searching our bags and threw half of our items away. We
were not allowed to wear shoes. They did not let us to tie
our hair. They checked behind ears, inside nose, beneath
tongue and hair. Big bully officers. My little son was scared
and kept crying.
(YEAR A)
8th/9th November, 2014
Anger and depression is evident in
children’s faces. My son tends to
beat other children from the very
time we have moved to here. He
has unrest at nights. He wakes up
10 to 15 times a night and I need to
keep his mouth closed. Most of the
nights he suffers nightmares. My
son is in crazy age, and this situation will make him a man
devoid of self-confidence, angry and timid. The situation
we are experiencing here is interfering with the natural
process that he needs to spend. I ask you: what is the sin
of these innocent children?
Sun shines very sharply and fiercely here from the early
morning up to 6 or 7pm and there is no proper place for us
to protect ourselves. I think you can imagine how these
four-, five- or six-year-olds suffer from hot weather. Toilets
are far away, nearly 120 metres. Most of the children begin
to suffer nocturnal enuresis [bedwetting] as a result of the
harsh situation and the facilities they are facing.
The “mess” is also far away. Inside there is no cooling
system. The quality of foods is very awful. Every day I am
concerned if I can feed my son today. I can feed him only
three foods a week: rice and chicken and noodle, as well
as bread and butter. He actually escapes from food
Do you know what the meaning of hopeless and helpless
because he has been exhausted of the repeated tastes.
is? Do you know what is the meaning of I got tired of being My son is now spending 14 months in custody.
alive?
(......to be continued next week)
After 10 hours of inspection, we were put into a bus
accompanied by a large number of officers and then onto
an airplane. The journey took eight hours. My son neither
ate nor slept for 24 hours. You may not believe that my son
really didn’t sleep for 24 hours, but he felt such anxiety.
During this journey, everybody who wanted to use the toilet
was accompanied by three officers. They never allowed the
doors to be closed.
At last we reached a hell
called “Nauru”. They checked
us for the next six hours. Then
they created files for us all,
and we were transferred one
by one to our new home.
There are near 100 tents here, which are mainly of plastic
and sack. Inside each has been divided into six, seven or
eight rooms, depending on the size of families who are
supposed to be settling. There is nothing to mean
“privacy”. Our part is much like a stable – it has never
resembled a home. Even breathing or murmuring of the
next family can be heard. Rooms have no real doors,
except a piece of sack.
Children cannot go out to play because it is very hot here. I
am sure you can never imagine how deadly is the situation
we are experiencing. Children enjoy playing, singing and
imitating voices of animals and trains. Here in Nauru,
children are never allowed to be children: I wonder if you
can believe that children, my two-year-old, have been
scolded for just speaking loudly or crying, or even playing?
I keep saying to my son “Hush. Be quiet.” Sometimes I
think he has gone mad for the limitations I am imposing on
him. I burst into tears for having frightened him and spend
all the night crying.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CATECHETICAL DAY
Tuesday 16th December
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $5 per child
This is a Catechetical day when primary school
aged children can come for a time of fun learning
about the true
‘Spirit of Christmas’.
They will engage in craft activities, songs,
stories, and games, all with a Christmas theme.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
To book your child/ren in for this day, please
email or call Rosemary at
stafford@bne.catholic.net .au or
phone 3356 7155 during business hours.
New children (of primary school age) are
always welcome to join us.
.1 Why do ghosts like to ride elevators?
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (YEAR A)
1st Reading:
2nd Reading:
Gospel:
C
S
Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-30
OUNTERS ROSTER: Monday 10th November, Team
C: Brian Davissen, Kev Haley, Peter Dove.
TAFFORD KEDRON CHURCHES TOGETHER pray this
week for parishioners at Stafford Salvation Army.
R
ELIGIOUS GOODS SHOP: 2015
COLUMBAN CALENDAR, are
here — buy one before they run out!!Have
you dropped in lately to see what is
available? There are gifts for many
occasions as well as a good supply of cards.
Come and see. Don’t forget to pick up your
Catholic Leader here. There are Bibles, daily reflection books,
Memorial Cards, Statues, Candles, CHRISTMAS CARDS and
more!!
Redeem is a book of Advent and Christmas Reflections. This is a
new resource which is available from the Religious Goods Shop
for $4 a copy.
I
NDOOR BOWLS CLUB: After 27 years the Bowls Club
will have to close because of insufficient numbers of
players. We play every second Wednesday in the Hall. If
you are interested in joining, please ring Mary on 3356 2172.
All age groups welcome.
L
iving Faith – Kids books have arrived! For all children
who celebrated Confirmation and Eucharist this year,
your final subscribed edition is available from the Sacristy.
Your child’s name is on their book – just come in and collect it
before or after Mass. ALSO there are EXTRA books for the
children in the current programme – not enough for all so first
in first served! – Just come in and collect on that hasn’t got a
name on it.
A.1 It raises their spirits.
T
his weekend we will bless our new Ambry!
Thanks to all who donated money for the new
Eucharist Vessels (coming soon!!) and this Ambry.
An Ambry is a Tabernacle-like “safe” where we
store the oils, usually somewhere near the Baptismal Font. Just a reminder: the Sacred Oils are: The
Oil of Catechumens – used to anoint people preparing for Baptism; The Oil of the Sick – used for
the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick; and The Oil
of Chrism – used for Anointing after Baptism, for
Confirmation, for Ordination of a Priest or Bishop,
for blessing a new church building, a new Altar or a
new Ambo.
T
he Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: Are you
preparing for an operation? Have you been recently
diagnosed with a serious illness? Have you had a “downturn”
in your sickness? The celebration of the “ANOINTING OF
THE SICK” is for you! We are celebrating it after each Mass
NEXT weekend and every third Sunday of the Month. Please
come to the front row of seats on the flat area (near the
baptismal font) after Mass.
Children seldom misquote you.
In fact, they usually repeat word for word
what you shouldn’t have said.
F
AITH ON TAP: POP CULTURE & SOCIAL MEDIA:
ENTERTAINING OURSELVES NUMB
WHO: This month we welcome back previous FoT speaker Dr
Ryan Messmore, (president of Campion College in Sydney)
to discuss a topic that affects anybody with a computer,
smartphone, tablet, laptop i.e. EVERYBODY!!!
WHAT: Television. Movies. Facebook. Twitter. 24-hour news.
How do these things shape us? Should we judge them based
solely on their content (counting up the number of dirty words
and images), or also on their form? This talk will explore the
subtle influence that popular entertainment has on our
character, relationships and communities. Learn to engage
pop culture and social media in a healthy way without
“entertaining yourself numb.”
WHEN: Monday the 10th of November 2014
HERE: The Pineapple Hotel, 706 Main St, Kangaroo Point
QLD 4169
(heaps of parking in Baines St or 10min walk from
Woolloongabba bus station)
EAT: Come along from 6:30pm onwards for a pizza or a beer
(or both for only $10 - Special FoT menu)
TALK: Join us at 7:30pm in the function room upstairs for the
talk. QnA and social time follows. Venue closes at 10:00pm
ENTRY BY DONATION: min. $2.00 (to help us cover costs)
MORE INFO: Lizzie: 0430 198 971 / David: 0431 956 753
EMAIL: faithontap@yahoo.com.au
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/295227497330429/
PLEASE NOTE: FoT is for young adults aged 18 to 35 years*
(*Priests & religious of all ages are welcome)
(*17yo school-leavers / uni-students also welcome)
G
20 Week—Monday 10th to Sunday 16th November
Additional changes to Mass Schedule at the
Cathedral Further discussions have taken place regarding
the disruptions in the CBD during the week leading up to
the G20 and therefore additional changes to the regular
Mass & Reconciliation schedule at the Cathedral have
been made.
Monday 10 to Thursday 13 Mass 8.00am & 12.30pm
Reconciliation 1.00-1.30pm
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 NO Masses or Reconciliation
Sunday 16 Mass 8.00am & 10.00am NO 12 NOON or
7.30pm Mass. St Patrick’s, Fortitude Valley Sunday
Mass 9am & 12 noon
“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Q.2 What school subject is a witch good at?
QUEENSLAND IRISH CHOIR present
LET’S CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
DATE:
30TH November 2014
VENUE:
Qld Irish Club, 175 Elizabeth St.,
TIME:
2 PM – 4.30 PM
COST:
$15
BOOKINGS: Pat Deighton (H) 07 3356 9172
(M) 0409 497 557 Email: deightfp@tpg.com.au
The Choir will sing many Christmas Favourites
Brian and Robin of SILKEN THOMAS BAND will play
and sing popular Irish Melodies. AMY COOPER AND
NATALIE PUGIN will enchant you with their
wonderful happy voices. Musical Director : David
O’Keeffe
Accompanist : Tim Li . Would you like to
go on our “Friends of QIC” email list to be notified of
upcoming events? Send an email to Roslyn Rogers
(rosrogers65@gmail.com) and she will add your
name to the listing.
The Great Book Swap
Everyone is invited to take part in
The Great Book Swap!
When: After 9am Mass on
Sunday 23rd of November
Where: Stafford Catholic Parish.
Bring along a book you’ve finished
reading and swap it for another book at
the table.
All for a Gold Coin Donation.
D
id you know?
There is a door
open to the church
(one of the doors
between the main
door and the door to
the Sacristy). You are
always welcome to
use our church (try
sitting in the Blessed
Sacrament Chapel) to
be alone with Christ
and your thoughts as
long as you like. The
door is usually open
from 8am to 4pm
each weekday. See
the office if it’s
locked.
A.2 Spelling
T
he final 2014 Verse-for-Vinnies Concert on 30th
November will be held at 1.30pm in Mary Mackillop Hall,
67 Dawson Parade, Grovely and will feature the renowned
Australian Poet Rupert McCall. This award
winning writer and performer has thrilled audiences throughout
Australia. As well as receiving two hours of professional
entertainment you will be assisting Vinnies provide for the needy
in our community. The pay at the door $15 includes a homemade afternoon tea. After payment to the feature poet all monies
go to the St Vincent de Paul Society.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
D
IVINE MERCY PRAYER AND ADORATION: Join with us
each 2nd and 4th Monday of the month for prayer and
adoration. We are changing the time to 6-7pm. This may suit
people a little better than the later start. For inquiries contact
the Parish Office, or if you wish to attend just come along on
Monday evening.
M
T
APLE CAFE: Drop in for a coffee or a meal between 9am
and 4pm 7 days a week. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE
OF TIMES.
EAR AUSTRALIA Useful Gifts Catalogue is available at the
Church doors. Give a gift this Christmas that will help
contribute to a better tomorrow for people living in poverty. Gifts
range from $5 to $5000. Upon ordering you will be sent a card about
your gift and a tax deductible receipt.
D
ATE CLAIMER: On Tuesday 2nd December, 7.309.30pm come along to Marymac Community Centre, 616
Ipswich Road, Annerley, to hear Fr Laurence Freeman OSB
speak on “The Sacred Language of Christianity”. Fr
Laurence will comprise a talk and discussion and an
introduction to Christian meditation as well as a period of
silence. SEE NOTICEBOARD FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
When a man volunteers to do the ‘BBQ’, the following chain of
events are put into motion:
1. The woman goes to the shop.
2. The woman fixes the salad, vegetables and dessert.
3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it in a tray
along with necessary cooking utensils, and takes it to the man,
who is lounging beside the grill, 3rd beer in hand.
4. The man places the meat on the grill.
5. The woman goes inside to check the vegetables, then sets the
table..
6. The woman comes to tell the man that the meat is burning.
7. The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the
woman.
8. The woman collects the salad and vegetables and brings them
to the table.
9. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
10. Everyone praises the man and thanks him for his cooking
efforts.
11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed “her night off” and,
upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there is just
no pleasing some women.
This would never happen here at Our Lady Queen of
Apostles. Join in the barbecue today to celebrate our Feast
Day.
This weekend we welcome Fr Denis back
from his leave. We hope he had a restful and
enjoyable holiday. He did suggest he could
take another month of it, but a
certain Secretary told him not to
even think about it. The Parish
Secretary obviously wields great
influence!!!
Our Lady, Queen of Apostles Parish
Parish School (“Queen of Apostles”)
Parish Office:
Address: 70 Appleby Road, Stafford 4053
Parish E-mail: stafford@bne.catholic.net.au
Parish WEBSITE: www.staffordcatholicparish.org.au
Parish Pastoral Council: ppcstafford@gmail.com
Parish Secretary: Rosemary Haydock
Office Hrs: M-Th 9.00am—4.30pm
Fri 9.00am—-10.00am
Office Telephone: – 3356 7155
Parish Administrator: Fr Denis Scanlan
Fr Denis’ E-mail: pp.stafford@bne.catholic.net.au
Parish Convent: (Sr Josita Paczkowska and
Sr Maureen Stemko) 3356 6185
School Office:
Address: 10 Thuruna Street, Stafford 4053
School email: pstafford@bne.catholic.edu.au
School Team:
Principal: Nigel Bird
APA: Melissa Spiteri
APRE: Michael Bruynesteyn
School Secretaries:
•
Thuruna St:: Cathy McGraw, Vera Fitzgerald
•
Chuter St: : Mary-Anne Coppolecchia
School Office Hrs: 8.00am - 4.00pm
Telephone (Thuruna St:) - 3356 7755
Telephone (Chuter St:) - 3326 0400
THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH
Mon
10th
8.30am
6.00pm
Mass
Divine Mercy Prayer and Adoration
Tues
11th
8.30am
7.00pm
Prayer of the Church with Holy Communion
Sacramental Parent Meeting
Wed
12th
8.00am
Indoor Bowls Club
Thurs
13th
8.30am
Mass
Fri
14th
9.00am
Mass
Sat
15th
5.00pm
6.00pm
Reconciliation
Mass
Sun
16th
7.00am
9.00am
10.30am
2.30pm
5.30pm
Mass
Mass
Baptisms
Rosary
Mass
Please leave MOBILE
PHONES turned OFF.
BAPTISMS in this Parish occur at 10.30am on
the Third Sunday of each Month (except during
Lent).
BAPTISM PREPARATION is on the First
Sunday of each month at 10.30am.
You may add a sick person’s
name to the list by phoning the
Parish Office (3356 7155). To
keep the list ‘fresh’ the last four
names each week will be deleted. If their
illness continues, let’s know and we’ll add
them to the start of the list.
For the Sick: Hyacinth Morel, Margaret Munt,
Tagifiaai Asuao, Tim Green, Neville Lamb, Joe Donnelly, Caroline Adams, Kevin Wildermuth, John Killin, Bianca Muir, Peter Robertson,
Chris Robertson, Carmel Remphrey, Fr Gerard Mulholland, Matthew Gray, Frank Wilkie, Lucien Hoogen, Eddie Nicholson, Phyllis Byrne,
. (Please read above notice about the sick list)
Those Recently Deceased: Clare Smith, Diana Reid, Steven Byrne, Mary Grattan-Smith, Wanda Molony, Darcy Mitchell.
Those We Remember: Lino Piovesan, Rill Garozzo, Anna De Mattia, all the souls in Purgatory, and all deceased Parishioners, their
families and friends and all our brothers and sisters in Christ maimed, killed or dispossessed because of their faith.
STAMPS FOR MARIST MISSIONS: We urgently require recent 70c and higher valued
Australian used stamps. Please leave them in the box to the left of the main Church door and
remember to leave a small border of paper on them, as they are worthless if damaged. Obviously
stamps are becoming more difficult to obtain with greater dependence on electronic media. Perhaps
you or someone you know work in an office which receives a high volume of mail. Could you
help us out by collecting the stamps that would otherwise be destroyed? This is an easy and
effective way of reaching out to the poor. Thank you for your ongoing support.
The Catholic Leader is available from the Religious Goods shop for $2. Purchase a copy
today to find out what’s happening in the local Church and in the world.
In this week’s issue:
* Priest with late-stage Motor Neurone Disease says he’s now ‘looking forward to heaven’
* Inala parish praying for ailing priest
* Grassroots Catholic ministry opens drop-in centre for Brisbane city’s poor
* Caritas participates in World’s Biggest Mock Tax Haven to draw attention to tax evasion in
lead-up to G20
* Nudgee College principal and Toowoomba Catholic teacher receive state honours
VISITOR’S BOOK:
If you are new to the Parish there is a
visitor’s book at the main Church
door. In it there are brief census
cards. Please complete one and put it
on “the plate” or hand in to the
office.
Our Lady has asked us
to pray the Rosary for
peace. Rosary is
prayed here 1/2 an
hour before each
weekday Mass as well
as on Sundays 2.303.30pm.
Please join us.
* Maronite patriarch visits Brisbane
* Work of refugee artists feature in exhibition at Mercy Heritage Centre
* Brisbane Catholic school a winner at Tournament of Minds’ Australasian and Pacific Finals
* Talking point: Bernard Toutounji on Christian relief work and contraception
Contact the Parish Office on
3356 7155 for
information regarding our Planned
Gifting Program