This Sunday takes its name “Gaudete Sunday” from those words – REJOICE! Joy comes from the virtue of Hope and from a deep trust in the promises and presence of God. At this stage of Advent we have the opportunity to relish, appreciate and enjoy how God speaks to us through the words of scripture and his Word who is Life. In less than ten days our Advent waiting and preparation will come to an end with the Feast ahead. “Joy is not selfish – it flows outward through generosity and kindness to others.”
Greater Advent
A description of the last days of Advent on which in the Prayer of the Church there is an invitation to God with a sense of longing.
December 17th – 24th. The titles of the coming God are proclaimed
O Wisdom, O Adonai & Ruler, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Emmanuel. The second Preface of Advent is prayed during this last week and expresses the feelings of the time “the Virgin Mother longed for him with love beyond all telling”.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 15th December 10am 3rd Sunday in Advent
- Monday 16th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
- Wednesday 18th December 9:30am Advent Weekday Mass
- Friday 20th December 9:30am Advent Weekday Mass
- Saturday 21st December 8:30am HMP Lewes
- Sunday 22nd December 10am 4th Sunday in Advent
Christmas Masses
- Tuesday 24th December 6pm The First Mass of Christmas
- Wednesday 25th December 10am Christmas Mass
Thank You!
To the team who worked so hard to prepare our church for our Christmastide celebrations. Not a cobweb, sweet paper or leaf in sight. Well done!
Carol Services
- Thursday 19th December 1:45pm St Bernadette’s (Years 3 – 6 and parents) at St Mary’s Church
- Sunday 22nd December 6pm St Mary’s Church – with singers from both parishes. Retiring collection for St Mary’s Meals and Martlets Hospice. Come along and sing!
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
After Mass this Sunday and at other times by arrangement. Please call 01273 563017.
Ah! Lord how shall I meet thee
How welcome thee aright?
All nations long to greet thee
My hope, my sole delight.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 