The progression of Advent moves on and in this second week, John the Baptist comes on the scene. He has a definite call about a change of direction, an assessment of how we reflect Christ’s ways and will. We do that by taking time to review our consciences – the capacity we have to judge right or wrong. Described like Lent as a penitential season, it provides an opportunity for us to see whether our values are in tune with the kingship of God.
Advent Calendar
Just a week late ! Here is a link to an Advent Calendar with a religious character. It is called a Wave of Hope, picking up on the Jubilee of Hope.Our Bishop provides one item for December 3rd. You can find 25 contributions here.
The Immaculate Conception of Mary
On Monday 8th December we celebrate Mary’s being chosen from her conception to become the mother of the long-awaited Saviour. For those who love the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and St Bernadette, this is a special day to pray the rosary, or to come to the 9.30 Mass and even to visit the Grotto of Lourdes by going to this link.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters,
The Prophet Isaiah, writing some 800 years before the birth of Jesus, looks forward to a time when there will be peace and justice. His prophecy, which we hear in today’s first reading, speaks of openness to those gifts that we now recognise as the gifts of the Spirit, of mercy and justice for those who are oppressed, of total harmony for all of creation.
In the Gospel this weekend, we find the last of all the prophets – John the Baptist – speaking out against the oppressors of his day and warning them of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, whose message St Paul preaches to the Romans in a way that reflects the prophecy of Isaiah – for Christ has come that all may live in harmony.
At a time in our own history when we see so clearly that this message of peace and justice, of harmony between peoples and across the whole of creation – itself, God’s gift to us – is in peril, let us pray fervently for a renewed openness to the gift of peace. Let us pray for the recognition of the dignity of every person, especially on the part of all those in positions of power. May the world hear the warnings of John the Baptist and be open to the gifts of the Spirit and the peace that is Jesus’ gift to us.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 7th December 10am
- Monday 8th December (The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary) 8:15am St Mary’s House, 9:30am (STM)
- Wednesday 10th December 9:30am
- Friday 12th December 9:30am
- Sunday 14th December (3rd Sunday of Advent) 10am
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Wednesday 10th December 10:50am St Bernadette’s School (Years 4-6)
- Friday 12th December 12:30pm – 1:30pm Cardinal Newman Catholic School
- Saturday 13th December 12 noon to 12:30pm St Thomas More’s Church (Other times by arrangement)
Carol Service Sunday 14th December 7pm, St Mary’s Church
Donations welcomed for St Mary’s Church roof fund. Refreshments in the Hall.
Sunday Missals
Do have a word if you wish to purchase either a Missal of Years A, B, and C or just a copy for Year A.
Requiem Mass
For Susan Cook RIP on Friday December 19th in St Mary’s 1.30pm
Prepare the way for the Lord
Make a straight path for God
Prepare the way for the lord
Wait for the Lord whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; keep watch take heart.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 