Patmos House opens in Brisbane
AN East Brisbane property to be known as "Patmos House" will become the headquarters of the newest parish of the Anglican Catholic Church in Brisbane, Queensland Australia.
The property is located on the corner of Heidelberg and Heath Streets in East Brisbane (at stop 15 of buses 230 and 235 from Adelaide Street, City) and contains a residence for Bishop David Chislett SSC, office, teaching facilities, and a chapel for weekday Masses.
"PATMOS" is the island off the coast of Turkey, to which Saint John the Divine was exiled, and where - most likely in 68AD - he wrote the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. It was on Patmos that in the midst of the turmoil and persecution, Saint John saw his vision of Jesus reigning in glory; he received the Word of Jesus for the churches; he gazed through an open door into the heavenly worship, and he taught that through the triumph of the Cross would come a new heaven and a new earth.
Bishop Chislett said that at Patmos House "we will seek to equip Christians and church communities (not just our own parish) for their witness to these very same realities in our secular age. Provided will be Scripture Reading, Evangelisation Seminars, Apologetics Lectures, Ecumenical Sharing, Worship Reflection, Healing Ministry, Spiritual Direction, Lay Ministry Training, leaflets, booklets and study guides, Retreats and Quiet Days.
The centre is expected to be ready for occupancy by mid-September 2005. Bishop Chislett can be contacted on 0402 099 175 or P O Box 7157 East Brisbane Q 4169.
* * * * *
First Mass For New Parish
THE inaugural Mass for the Patmos House community was held Sunday 28 th August 2005 at the Cheers Tavern, Boundary Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the Management of this popular Brisbane meeting place.
Bishop Chislett said that following a meeting held in the Brisbane Central Primary School on 23 rd August, the new parish had its first 58 signed-up members, which included most age groups.
Bishop Chislett said the unusual setting for the Mass, the beautifully prepared sanctuary, the incense, the music and the former All Saints servers, gave the feeling of being in a "basilica". He said everyone's enthusiasm and whole-hearted participation was truly wonderful - an experience long to be remembered.
Until further notice Sunday mass will be celebrated in Cheers Tavern at 9.30a.m. every Sunday. (The tavern does not open for normal business until 11.00a.m. on a Sunday).
* * * * *
