The third Sunday of Advent is also called ‘Gaudete Sunday’. ‘Gaudete’ means ‘Rejoice’ in Latin. We rejoice because during the Advent season, as our hearts are in the middle of this longing, waiting and penitential period; Our Saviour who we are expecting is fast approaching. As today’s Reading said: “The Lord is at hand”. Therefore, the third candle we light up this weekend, as well as the Priest’s and Deacon’s vestments change from purple to rose colour, to reflect the rejoicing spirit in our hearts. Today is Bambinelli Sunday too. It is a tradition initiated by Pope St John Paul II. On this day in Rome, many people bring in their Baby Jesus figures (Bambinelli) to St Peter’s Square to be blessed by the Pope. In our Parish, you are all invited to bring your Baby Jesus figures from home or from your Nativity Crib to the Church this weekend to be blessed by the Priest during Mass, and take this Christmas Blessing back to your home and family.

“‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’... ‘I baptise you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire…” (Matthew 3:2,11) Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Rosminian Fathers would like to invite you to join their Chr istmas Masses:

Monday 8 December Mass at 10am  All are welcome! “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

In Pope Pius XI’s encyclical letter, he mentioned “[Christ’s] empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons…but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ.” “Nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ. In him is the salvation of the individual, in him is the salvation of society” (Quas Primas #18). “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony. Our Lord’s regal office invests the human authority of princes and rulers with a religious significance; it ennobles the citizen’s duty of obedience” (#19). As we celebrate this glorious solemnity, the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, deepen your faith in the mystery it celebrates, and strengthen your resolve to embrace the Kingship of Christ in your life, so that through you, His Kingdom will become all the more present in the world all around you.

Family Mass at St Peter’s is this Sunday at 9.30am led by St Peter’s school children

“‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:42-43) Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Journey in Faith Also known as the RCIA, this is a course that started on Thursday 30th October, in the parish for any who wish to consider becoming a Catholic. Some brochures are available. As an approach to this faith journey, We really recommend watching the excellent free YouTube series on the life of Jesus called The Chosen. On prayer and devotion watch the free sessions of Sycamore.fm as an introduction to a life of faith.  These are quality resources for any parishioner but especially those seeking to deepen their faith.

The SVP is asking for the following donations of food to help the poor; cooking oil, tuna, beans, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, long life milk, Weetabix, coffee, tea, drinking chocolate, biscuits, soup, tinned tomotoes, rice pudding & sugar.  The 16th November is “The World Day of the Poor” and we are asked to love not only with words but with deeds.