I FIND the unsolicited remarks of Bernard J Maume of Clayfield (CL 30/6/13) curious to say the least.
Bernard has implied that building a new “grandiose” Church at Broadbeach is tantamount to getting “priorities spectacularly wrong”.
He suggests that we need to “concentrate more on the beggar at the gate”.
Well, let me assure Bernard that the Parish of Surfers Paradise can do both.
We are a generous community to the poor and we are also focussed on providing and maintaining places of worship for the poor and rich alike.
I consider Bernard to be reacting in a judgmental way on our efforts here to be a credible witness in the community.
He does not have all the facts and quite frankly should refrain from erroneous judgments on us.
I serve a parish that is considered one of the biggest in Australia and as such I work hard to serve the needs of the community today as well as planning for the projected needs of the community (holiday makers and parishioners) into the future.
Please, God, our vision will come to fruition so that God’s people, whoever they may be, can gather together as one in God’s house giving him glory now and forever.
FR TIM HARRIS
Parish Priest,
Surfers Paradise, Qld
