Christmas Reconciliation & Mass Times. 3 rd Sunday of Advent 13 th December 2015 Vol. 34 No.3

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1 3 rd Sunday of Advent 13 th December 2015 Vol. 34 No.3 The entrance antiphon for the third Sunday of Advent remains the traditional one: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near. Its from Paul s letter to the Philippians, part of the passage that we happily hear today. Its first word in Latin is Gaudete hence the common title for this day, Guadete Sunday. Whatever the history of this term, today s readings (though not so much the gospel) are filled with an infectious spirit of joy. At this mid-point of the season our hopes and expectations are intensifying. The feast of Christmas will soon be here. Today s celebration gives us the opportunity to look beyond the hectic demands that December makes of us. It invites us to find a deeper source of joy than that offered by all our endof the-year activities. This sure joy is truly the gift of God. Words of Wisdom Making mistakes does not make you unworthy of love, it makes you human. [anon] _ Reconciliation: 19 th Dec: 5:00 pm 5:45 pm 23 rd Dec: 5:00 pm 5:45 pm Mass: Christmas Eve: Family Mass: 6:00 pm Christmas Carols: 9:00 pm Vigil Mass: 9:30 pm Christmas Day: 8:00 am & 10:00 am Christmas Reconciliation & Mass Times

2 Commentary on the Gospel This mid-point of Advent alerts us to issues of justice and equality. The prophet John has been asked as a sort of trick by people who exploited others with tax bills, and soldiers who often used their brute force on others, how they should repent. His words were tough but quite ordinary don t overcharge, share your surplus with the needy and don t exploit people. It s another, but more figurative way, of stating the basic demands of Love one another. Christmas can bring out the best in us to care for the needy. We are surrounded by charities looking for aid. We know that Jesus hears the cries of the poor, and he joins every carol singing group trying to help. Christmas also asks us to consider our honesty and integrity, for we know that many are poor, at home and abroad, because of the greed of others. Christmas is a reminder and a challenge that all can live with the human dignity we have come to regard as human rights education, safety, shelter, food, water, employment, freedom. The Christ child who was born poor represents all the poor of the world especially children. As he was born ordinary, he represents that God meets, greets and helps us in the ordinary of life. The one who is to come is the one who will live and love according to these truths of human dignity and equality. From a reflection on the Gospel by Donal Neary SJ, at the Sacred Heart Messenger website Morning Tea & Cake Stall Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful morning tea and cake stall last Sunday, especially Lina Vinci and her team, and Elizabeth Susai for making 30 Christmas cakes! A total of more than $900 was raised for the St Vincent de Paul Society. [See more on the website] ROSARIANS. On 1 st December, about 50 ladies (and Colin Hayes) invaded St. Catherine s Convent to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, conversation and laughter, with the added bonus of a delicious afternoon tea. The raffle raised almost $200, thanks to the generosity of those who donated prizes, and all who bought tickets. The proceeds were donated to the Dominican Sisters Mission in East Timor. Sr Cecilia rounded off the afternoon with Christmas Carols and a short homily reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Our thanks to the Sisters for their warm hospitality. Angela Swain. Parish Christmas Cards Thank you to the Parishioners who have taken a bundle of Christmas cards. If you have not done so, could you take the bundle of cards relevant to your street or if your street has already been distributed, it would be appreciated if you could take care of another. Please help! We would like every home in the Parish to receive a Christmas card. Parish Ministries: Music Ministry & Choir The role of the music ministry is to encourage and lead the congregation in singing hymns and the liturgy and to provide appropriate music to support prayer and reflection. A variety of musicians fill this role in our parish and lead the singing at the various Masses each weekend. Among them is the parish choir which has played a significant part in our liturgical life for more than 30 years. In addition to singers and organists, many other musicians have also contributed to the music ministry during that time. The choir sings at the Christmas Eve Mass, Easter ceremonies and usually the 10am Mass each Sunday. Other talented instrumentalists and singers also contribute to the liturgy by providing music at other Masses. We would welcome anyone who is interested in joining the music ministry as an instrumentalist or choir member. Contact Julie Prior on or japrior@gmail.com For full colour images & other news go to the Parish website:

3 Combined Christian Churches Celebration About 100 members of local churches met at The Uniting Church in Calais Road on Wednesday 2 nd December at 7.30pm for this annual event. Our Lady of the Rosary Parish was represented by the Agape Prayer Group, the Parish Pastoral Council President Kevin Susai and Margaret Lobo, the organiser, with her drama group and friends. The theme was Jesus Then Jesus Now. Each church creatively presented the gospel story and then interpreted it in music, poetry and drama as today s message. Agape sang a lively carol in short snatches to connect the presentation. Angels from St Paul s Anglican initiated the Annunciation visits to Mary and Joseph. The youthful musicians from Holy Spirit rendered the Magnificat then led us in the dark with Silent Night and electronic candles. Next the Innkeepers were introduced by Terese Johnston with a reading from Luke. Jane and David Johnston role played the innkeeper and Joseph. Margaret Lobo made the connection to refugees today, then, Jane and David role-played a refugee and an immigration officer in the Australian scene. We all joined in the prayer For those who come across the seas sourced from the Fremantle Basilica from Immigration Sunday. A shepherd from The Community of Christ engendered humility, wonder and awe with humour at being chosen to see and nurse the baby Son of God. However the shepherd who stayed with the sheep felt put down by not going, until he realised that God Love him just as much anyway! The Church of Christ pondered and studied the Magi and came up with TS Eliot poem The Journey of the Magi. And then the angels returned to tell Joseph to take refuge in Egypt. And so we made our offerings of $550 to CARAD for refugees in camps of the UNHCR. Following blessings of local leaders, a representative of St Paul s (next year s host) helped cut the ceremonial cake. During supper we were treated to a very modern video of the gospel story, The Digital Story of Christmas! Dorothy Johnston Pictures by Kevin Susai oa 2016 Sacramental Program Registration Evening for all Sacraments: March 2 nd - 7 pm Confirmation: Workshop: May 4 th 5 & 6:30 pm Sacrament: May 14 th 6:00 pm 15 th 10:00 am Reconciliation: Workshop: July 27 th 5 & 6:30 pm Sacrament: August 6 th 5:00 pm 13 th 5:00 pm First Eucharist: Workshop: August 31 st 5 & 6:30 pm Sacrament: Sept 10 th 6:00 pm 11 th 10:00 am Commitment and retreat dates to be confirmed early in the new year. Columban Calendar The 2016 Columban Art Calendar is now available at the Piety Stall for $7.50. This beautifully illustrated calendar makes an ideal Christmas gift! Kids Corner Jesus tells us we must share what we have with people who have less than us.

4 \ Third Sunday of Advent Entrance Antiphon Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near First reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 (With gladness the Lord will rejoice over you.) Responsorial Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 (The Lord is near.) Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring Good news to the poor. Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 3:10-18 (What, then, must we do?) Next Week Micah 5:1-4 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-44 Altar Society Altar Society Members, please collect your new roster from the back of the church. Prayers for the sick Barbara Antonetti, Justin Boylan, Kerry Capelli, Rebecca Fry, Andre Della Franca, Barbara Hickey, Collette Goodland, David Kenny, Ross Malm, Fr Aquinas McComb OP, Joan Meade, Rebekah Norman, Pam Stampalia, Anne Tan, Julie-Anne Taylor, Tracey Walker, Jenny Zorich To be Remembered Mary Burns, Helen Borg, Bernard Clear, Dario Colotti, Irene Dorman, Les Furlong, Peter J Kenny, Michelle Lukey, Lira Moniz, Mons O Shea, Cecil H Pearce, Noreen Rigg, Tom Ryan, Ron Stewart, Caterina Tassone, May they rest in peace. Rosary Care (Short Term Crisis Care) Phone: Doris or Catherine ROSTERS: Readers: Acolytes: Special Ministers: Power Point: Music: Third Sunday of Advent 12 th / 13 th December Maureen Byrne & Julia Morrison Laraine Penberthy & Damien Giumelli Marian Bishopp & Colleen Harland Brian Gotts Michael Gillooly, John Mordini Laurie Smith, Kevin Susai Glenda Gotts, Bern & Teresa Willett Paul Slyth, Anne Taylor, Lina Vinci Cathy Bostock, Pat Cullinane, John Hayes Sr Imelda Doris Zambonetti Simon Wong Andy Sambuaga Lexi Wilkinson Julie Prior Fourth Sunday of Advent 19 th / 20 th December Helen Murray & Tony Curry Damien Giumelli & Miriam Peachey Susanne Whyte & Colleen Harland Pat Kirwan Peter Gillett, Brian Gotts Michael Gillooly, John Mordini Libby Dimmer, Bern & Teresa Willett Elizabeth Re, Paul Slyth, Anne Taylor, Claudette De Silva, Pat Cullinane, John Hayes Nicole Drinkwater Margaret Lolo Terry Lark Carmel Charlton Giuliano Vinci Julie Prior Counters: Les Norrish, Br Noel Hickey, John Astone Terry McNamara, Brian Arculus, John Kobelke Altar Society: L. Penberthy, Teresa Willett, Susan Feletti (18 Dec) Doris & Lucy Zambonetti (24 Dec)

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