Clifton Catholic Parish in Clifton, Queensland | Religious centre

Clifton Catholic Parish

Locality: Clifton, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4697 3177

Address: 11 Meara Place 4361 Clifton, QLD, Australia

Website: www.twb.catholic.org.au/parishes/clifton.html

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24.01.2022 A story from Fr Rod [11th June 2020] May I tell you a story about Bobby Sands, and what he meant to me, as we lived out the cruel years of the military dictatorship in Chile? The year was 1981. The troubles in Ireland were the news of each day. Many of the young men dreamed of a united Ireland free from British domination. They joined the I.R.A. (Irish Republican Army) which they saw as the only way out. Talk had gone for too long you cannot go on forever abusing the p...atience of the poor and marginalized. Bobby Sands and others were arrested. Prison was to be his final home. On the 1st March 1981, Bobby went on a hunger strike. He was to die some 66 days later on May 5. He wrote in his life story of how as a young boy his father told him the story of the song of the lark. Here it is The lord of the manor often walked over his lands and at times he would hear the lonely beautiful song of the lark coming from the blue sky. One day, he captured a lark and imprisoned it in a beautiful cage with the best of food and water. He spoke to and loved the lark and asked him to sing. The lark refused. Little by little, the man grew angry and began to take away his food and water. Still the lark refused. The man covered the cage with a heavy black cloth so that there would be no day. Still the lark refused. One morning, he found the lark dead at the bottom of the cage. The words of my father are written in my heart, said Bobby, He told me that the little bird showed qualities, that so often, we as humans, don’t possess. Our great Master once said, no greater love there is, than to lay down your life for your friends. God bless for now. Rod MacGinley

23.01.2022 A few words from Fr Rod [26th May, 2020] Joan, our eldest sister, was born in 1933. Some five years later, she contracted polio. Mum, then remained thankful, to Sister Kenny for the much-appreciated help and advice during this difficult time. Joan was left with one leg shorter than the other which would cause back and other complications throughout her life. She became a Sister of Mercy and taught for many years. ... In 1978, she and I decided to go to the missions. Joan off to New Guinea; myself to South America. Many conversations were had between us, but one story she told me, remains in my mind and heart to this very day. Here it is: There was this monkey crossing a flooded creek he almost drowned, pushed under by the force of the muddy water. On reaching the far bank, he climbed up a tree where he cleaned himself and was warmed by the sun. As he looked at the creek, he could see some fish swimming around. He thought to himself: here I am safe and sound and those poor little fish struggling in the water below. I should do something. I can no longer stand idly by. So, risking his life, he plunged into the water and grabbed as many fish as he could, scrambled to the water’s edge and back up the tree happy to have saved their lives. Of course, soon after the fish all died. If only he had asked the fish what they thought of his idea of salvation. Joan would say, Rod, let the people speak to your heart. You are not going to tell them how they should live. Live with them. God bless. Rod MacGinley.

22.01.2022 Letter from Bishop Robert McGuckin. 28th April

22.01.2022 Please also like and share the facebook page of The Catholic Community of Cambooya (Sacred Heart Parish Cambooya) -Greenmount (St. Joseph Catholic Church Greenmount) for updates about the bulletin.

21.01.2022 A few words from Fr Rod Hello, Many years ago, I fell in love with a book called The Velveteen Rabbit written by Margery Williams. It takes a half an hour to read and a lifetime to understand. To be able to live the truth of this little book is one of the gifts of being loved and awaken to love in return. ... The story centres around a toy rabbit who is given to a boy on Christmas morning and how the boy and the rabbit grow in relationship. The rabbit is helped along the way aren’t we all? to discover the meaning of his life. Here now I will set the scene... the rabbit and other toys are lying in the top cupboard. They feel somewhat abandoned. The rabbit turns to the oldest toy known as Skin Horse and says: What is real? Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle? Real isn’t how you are made, said the Skin Horse. It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real. It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand. I have often reflected on the words of a wise friend of mine, If you are beautiful and attractive in your 20’s, it is probably not your doing but a gift from your parents and nature. But, if you are not beautiful in your 50’s and 60’s, then it probably your fault. God’s love, and the love of so many people, as we journey through life is always there to help us become beautiful. God’s blessings, Rod.

21.01.2022 Thoughts from Fr Rod [2nd June, 2020] Our lives are made of many experiences. Some are soon forgotten; others leave an everlasting memory which often challenge even the way we live. 1979 found me working in a parish, in Santiago, which had a large shantytown attached to it. ... It was early Saturday morning and I was called down to a young, single mother who had woken to find that her 6 months old baby had died in her sleep. The sadness was palpable. Here, she was, in a two roomed small cold dwelling, dirt floor, table, two chairs, a make-shift bed, a gas stove and very little else worth noting. A neighbour gave us a piece of Masonite to make a coffin. A pillow slip made a little sheet; a small towel to act as a pillow. We prayed words and tears. After some time, I left with the promise to return in the afternoon. When I came back, I noticed a plate on top of the coffin with about 40 or 50 cents placed on it. It is often the custom in Chile to ask all to contribute to funeral expenses where necessary. So, I asked, if this was the case. The little mother replied, No Father, that is the ‘tip’ for the angels who are going to take my baby back to God. My heart burst in one sentence, she taught me about the gift of faith. I hold her, forever in my heart, as one of my great teachers. God bless you for now. Rod MacGinley.

21.01.2022 A Message from the Parish Council (Kevin Flynn) Haven't seen some of you in a long time. We hope you have all been keeping good health. We have been given the green light by the Bishop to recommence Mass celebration in the churches that F r Rod is ministering to. Leyburn, Allora, Clifton, Cambooya & Greenmount. This of course will look a lot different to the last time we were all together. In line with the easing of restrictions roadmap, on the weekend of 11-12 July 2020 we w...ill resume with the same Mass times. Clifton will be 7.00pm on Saturday 11 July 2020 Remembering (and who has forgotten) social distancing restrictions will mean that - sanitiser will be available at the church for use on entry, you will need to sign in when you enter the church (name and phone contact), every second pew is roped off, 4 sq metre rule per person will apply. Communion will be Host only. Please reach out to anyone you know who is not on this list who would benefit from knowing our plans to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the return of communal worship. As I am sure you all know we celebrated a beautiful funeral for my dear aunt Tommy Taylor last Tuesday. Even though the numbers were restricted it was a fitting celebration of a great life. She managed to reach a grand 98 years in April and her health declined steadily after that. We (I) have been a bit remiss with no regular updates but there has truly not been anything worth reporting. Once lockdown took hold there was not a lot to impart. Welcome to the new normal. Look forward to catching up with everyone soon God Bless.. See more

20.01.2022 From FR ROD - 5th May 2020 Once upon a time there was a rooster, who as he grew, liked very much to look at his reflection in the puddles of water around the barnyard. He didn't mind eating more than his fair share of food and would become quite aggressive towards others who often stayed on the fringes waiting for him to be finished. Each morning before dawn, he would awake and begin to crow. As the sun began to rise, he would strut about and proudly announce that it was beca...use of his crowing that the sun began to shine each day. Some of the older hens who had seen him grow as a young rooster, knew better... they had been there before his time. I suppose it is a temptation for all of us to think that the world revolves around us, and that the sun awaits our call. I like to think that we are all connected, not only to our families and loved ones, but to the very earth that sustains us. When the storm subsides, the air is clear; the trees glisten; there is newness all around. Our hope is that when this moment passes, we may see our lives more clearly, and find a new way, so that all who may live on our planet can enjoy the fullness of life. Blessings, Rod MacGinley.

20.01.2022 Some words from Fr Rod [19th May 2020] I believe that all of us try to make sense of our lives by telling our stories. I am often privileged to hear those stories at funeral celebrations, home visits or just in general conversation. Often people don't have the words, but there are other ways of making sense of how you have lived your life - for example, the work you do; the home you've built or the friendships that are important to you. Many of the stories come from... when we were young - our first conscious experiences of love or hurt. I remember the time I fell off my horse - conscious of my father's gaze which told me that I would have the courage to get back on again. (I must tell you some other time whether I got back on the horse). Of course, in all this we must develop the gift of how to listen. The wise mother knows that God gave us two ears and one mouth, so that we could listen twice as much as we talk. I have on my kitchen wall, the nursery rhyme: A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can't we all be like that wise old bird? Blessings, Rod MacGinley

20.01.2022 Christmas Message 2020 of Bishop Robert McGuckin of the Diocese of Toowoomba.

18.01.2022 Mass happens on Sunday from St Patrick's Cathedral Toowoomba. 9am. Here's the link: https://www.twb.catholic.org.au/live-stream-masses/

16.01.2022 The Parish Community would like to offer Fr Rod, Fr John and other members of the MacGinley family and the Sisters of Mercy our condolences and prayers on the passing of their sister, Sr Patricia. (last Thursday evening 11th). May God carry you all gently in these days.

15.01.2022 A few words from Fr Rod [6th July, 2020] I began my priestly ministry at St Anthony’s Parish in Toowoomba. It was a warm and accepting community under the leadership of Paddy McMorrow, R.I.P. The first thing, you realize, is that ordination doesn’t automatically fit you for the journey of life. Even though, it be a great gift with its fair dose of responsibility, the truth of my ordination would be played out in the daily living out of that commitment. Like marriage, the ...wedding ceremony gives you something to renew and hinge your commitment on. But, there is a lot of work to be done in the ongoing deepening and changing of that original vow. Next, I found myself in Cairns, where in preaching about the missions, I came to realize that my life also needed to reflect some of that option of Jesus for the poor and marginalized Did my life reflect the simplicity of the Master or was I becoming all too comfortable in the security and privileges offered by the priesthood? I was also grappling with the challenge of celibacy and living alone. I did come to some realization that celibacy, for me, was allowing people to be part of my life without doing them any harm to respect people, to love people, to be able to join with them in sadness and joy, to be part of their family when I have no family. I hope that, at the end of my life, I can say I never deliberately set out to harm anyone, and those who I have, I ask for forgiveness that comes from recognizing our human frailty. The Great Forgiver is there on the cross. He sets the example He overcomes hurt He allows us to become more human. He says to me, Rod, go and do likewise. I’ll give it a go. Blessings, Rod MacGinley.

15.01.2022 Mass will resume (with Covid 19 precautions in place). Saturday night 11th July at Clifton. 7pm. Saturday evening 11th July at Leyburn. 5pm Cambooya 8am Sunday 12th July Allora 5.00pm Sunday 12th July

13.01.2022 Some words from Fr Rod [22nd August 2020) Hello everyone. Let me introduce you to Julio Escobar Arevalo. Wait a while, I’ll step back for a minute. ... I had five wonderful years as a prison chaplain in Colina, a small town 26km from Santiago, Chile. There were 1200 long term male prisoners. As prison chaplain, the first days and months are tense and somewhat clumsy. You are not sure where you should be; who you should be talking to and what of the dynamics between guards and prisoners as chaplain you are neither. Prisoners want to see you as a person of confidence, with whom they can talk about themselves, their families, their crime, their feelings of loneliness and shame. Amongst these men, I found Julio Escobar, or should I say we found each other. Julio had a 20-year prison sentence for a blood crime. Prison, for Julio, was a place in which he was able to turn his life around. He had the confidence of the other prisoners and was, for me, the man I turned to often when assistance was needed. He could guide me to a fellow inmate who really needed help. He would say to me, If you say you’ll do something for a prisoner do it, as so often they have been let down by people who promised the world and delivered nothing. Julio studied medicine and so was able to help me when relief was needed for an inmate’s condition. Julio also trained in the arts and became a portrait painter. (One of his paintings hangs on the wall of my home here in Clifton.) After 15 years of jail life, I waited for him on the day of his release, at the gates of the prison and he came to stay with me for a time. He found digs and turned again to his profession of plumbing. He so often helped other prisoners, on their release, to get a kick start. I went to visit him a couple of years ago on my holiday in Chile. He had died a few years previously. His family saddened by the fact that his last year was made more difficult by the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. His family had to lock gates and doors - his prison time came back to haunt him. I wish I had been there to repay him for the wonderful friend he had been to me. Julio, many people make up the puzzle of life you have been one of those central pieces. Lots of love, Rod MacGinley

12.01.2022 More words from Fr Rod: Hello everyone, My early childhood learning was through the help of my brothers and sisters and the wonderful system of "Lessons by Correspondence". This lasted until I was 9 years old as then I went away to board with my brother Vince at the Gatton Convent. It was run by the Sisters of Mercy. I found the learning and the companionship of others wonderful; the nuns were great teachers but I passed many a sad tearful night - missing Mum and Dad - missin...g my horse, the cattle and the freedom of wandering for hours; coming home for lunch or to get the cows in for milking. What did I get from Gatton Convent? Many things but above all a love of reading - to discover the world of others through words and the feel of those pages in my hand. The past few weeks have given me the luxury of a little extra time for reading. May I offer you a few little insights gained? Solitude, being on your own, is not the same as loneliness. You can be lonely in a crowd. "Nobody chooses to feel abandoned or not wanted," writes Terry Eagleton. Solitude we need, it gives us time and space to get in touch with our inner selves. Is loneliness a symptom of our modern way of living even though we have 24/7 noise and communication? Have we forgotten that the Master went up the mountain alone to pray. That's my job while so many of you struggle to keep the home fires burning. Lots of love, Rod MacGinley

11.01.2022 Apparently this message is supposedly from Pope Francis. Actually it is by the renowned poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935) but even that might not be correct. It is worth the read though... You can have flaws, be anxious, and even be angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road without ac...cidents, work without fatigue, relationships without disappointments. To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness. It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures. It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to be happy in anonymity. Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny’s author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the miracle of life. Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It’s to be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a no. It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when unjustified. It is to kiss your children, pamper your parents, to live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us. To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. It is to have maturity to be able to say: I made mistakes. It is to have the courage to say I am sorry. It is to have the sensitivity to say, I need you. It is to have the ability to say I love you. May your life become a garden of opportunities for happiness That in spring may it be a lover of joy. In winter a lover of wisdom. And when you make a mistake, start all over again. For only then will you be in love with life. You will find that to be happy is not to have a perfect life. But use the tears to irrigate tolerance. Use your losses to train patience. Use your mistakes to sculpt serenity. Use pain to plaster pleasure. Use obstacles to open windows of intelligence. Never give up . Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on happiness, for life is an incredible show. (Pope Francis).

08.01.2022 4th Sunday of the month - Mass at 5pm today (Sunday) in Clifton.

08.01.2022 This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Ascension. It will also be the feast day of Mary Help of Christians, to whom the Bishops are entrusting Australia. Whether w...e are at home or back in our parishes, alone or with others, let us all pray together this Sunday: https://bit.ly/ACBC_ascension2020 See more

07.01.2022 Happy New Year 2021! The bulletin for 3rd January 2021.

06.01.2022 Hello everyone (friends on Facebook) As COVID 19 restrictions are beginning to relax, you may be wondering when Mass in the church will resume. At the moment, the number of people who could be in the church is 20. Fr Rod is reluctant to turn anyone away who might be number 21. So, until numbers are increased, Mass will not be happening in the church. The need for disinfecting the church after every use is also a condition that adds another level of complexity. HOWEVER, FR ROD... IS VERY HAPPY TO BE CONTACTED TO ARRANGE a HOME MASS. You are allowed to have visitors - so ask your friends to join. Please ring him to arrange a Mass at your house at a mutually suitable time. If you don't have his phone number. Put a message in the comments and I will message you. I am just a bit reluctant to put his number on the world wide web... as you never know what scammers might be around.

04.01.2022 Hello everyone. Mass is back on. 7pm tonight, Saturday 11th July. See you there.

03.01.2022 A few thoughts from Fr Rod The story is told of a little boy who loved nothing more than walking the twenty minutes from school to the warmth of his home and freshly made biscuits. One day, his attention was taken by a stonemason, who was chipping away at a large stone. The little boy stopped for a while and watched. He was enthralled at the movement of the craftsman’s hand, his patience and the quiet contented smile on his face. Many days passed thus.... School holidays came and went. As the boy returned home, the first day back at school, he saw the stonemason. He had nearly finished a beautiful statue of a horse. The little boy spoke to the man, he asked, Why didn’t you tell me that there was a little horse in there? The story reminds me that deep down inside each of us there is a little horse just waiting to be, bit by bit, encouraged, loved and brought to life. Jesus was a master at seeing the good in the people of his day. Many of those who had been written off, when forgiven and loved, became his greatest disciples. Parents love their children; teachers encourage their pupils; wise people often can see a spark of goodness that may not be so obvious to the rest of us. Just as the stonemason could see a little horse, perhaps we can see too. Love Rod MacGinley.

02.01.2022 Beautiful flower arrangement.

02.01.2022 Some thoughts from Fr Rod [23rd June 2020] Patricia, our sister, was buried last Thursday June 18, in a graveside service at the Nudgee Cemetery. She was placed alongside our other sister, Joan. Together, they had been part of the Mercy Sisters for over 130 years. Patty, as we called her, was the second eldest in our family of 8. She nursed us, played with us, taught us our catechism, made sure our shoes were clean for Mass; she showed us how to dance. With my other sib...lings, she prayed the Rosary twice each day and wondered what vocation we would have in life. Four of us chose the beautiful vocation of marriage, we others, a different path. Patty's vocation was born in the hills of West Haldon not far from Steele Rudd's corner. Grandfather and Grandma had bought the property in the 1880s. They called it Aileach. Dad was born in 1900, the youngest of 13 children. Mum, Thelma Lipp, was born in 1908. Married in 1932, Aileach was their home until 1958 when Dad died. Patty always maintained a love of children, their education and care of the family unit. Her final years saw her have an active interest in the plight of refugees and social justice issues. On one of our final visits to see her and say good-bye, she gave us all a letter and some to post to say thanks to the Diocese for allowing her to work in the Lord’s Vineyard. Finally, she gave my sister Kathleen, a plastic bank bag with some coins (perhaps worth $12). Take this, she said, I don’t want to arrive in heaven with money on me. Deep down, she knew, that money should never be more important than people. I am forever grateful that God chose me to be her brother. Until we meet again save me a seat, Patty. Love from Rod MacGinley

01.01.2022 Fr Rod's thoughts [12th May, 2020] Once upon a time, there was a very wise and generous man who lived in a country village. Much of his wisdom had come from his many kind acts, his love of people and his encouragement of the young. Some of the young lads in the village were a little jealous of his fame and so decided to hatch up a plan... what they decided was that one of them would go to the wise man with a small canary in his hands. He was to ask the wise man, "Is the cana...ry in my hands alive or dead?" If the wise man said, "Alive", then he would crush the bird and show that it was dead. If he said it was "Dead", then the boy would open his hands and let the bird fly away. The wise man, with a deep sadness in his voice, said, "You know it all depends on you". In my recent reading, I came across this thought from Yuval Harari, "the modern world has been shaped by the belief that humans can outsmart death". Yes, there have been wonderful advances in medicine which have helped so many of us - but we shouldn't forget that it is as natural to die as it is to be born. How we live that moment between both is the gift that has been given to us. God's blessing for now. Rod MacGinley

01.01.2022 Thoughts from Fr Rod - 27th April Sometimes you don't need people to speak - by just looking at their faces, you are told of the state of their heart, There is a certain joy in riding a pushbike even at my age - until you fall off! The wind blows in your face; you see the sunflowers at Ryeford; you stop and talk to a neighbour out in the yard - you think, well he or she may not believe in God but God certainly believes in him or her.... We went to visit our sister Patricia on Sunday. She is coming to the end of her beautiful life - 67 years in the Sisters of Mercy - God knows the hour and the day. I could only come away thinking: that people you really love never die, and as He raised the chalice, He said,"Do this in memory of me". There are many things we will do that will remind us of those who have loved us and who we have loved. These days have helped us to unlock some of the joys of our heart that we had even forgotten were there. God's blessing for now. Love from Rod.