Dear Parishioners
This weekend is the third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday or “Rejoicing Sunday”. This title is taken from the start of the Inroit of the Latin Mass. “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!’ I’m sure many of you will immediately remember dear Fr Bede who would launch into this musical round at the drop of a hat.
It is our duty to rejoice in the sure and certain hope of God’s presence in our lives. The Emmanuel, the God who walks among us, is coming again. We grow in excitement for His coming again. Advent is also the time to prepare well, along with all the house decorations, the present buying and wrapping, the food preparations etc, we must also prepare ourselves spiritually; to be worthy to receive such a gift.
The opportunity to go to confession comes twice this week. There are two Penitential Services this coming week. On Tuesday 17th it will be in Spanish Service, though any of the priests will be able to hear the confession in English if you cannot get to the Thursday 19th English Penitential Service.
On Friday 20th at 7.00 pm we have the parish Carol service, Please do try and make every effort to come and celebrate the Christmas song in word and carols and in doing so not only get us in the mood as it were, but also show our support for all the hard work of pour parish musicians.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter