ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

P.O. BOX 610 - BELL ISLAND, NF - A0A 4H0
PHONE: 488-2525 – FAX: 488-3399

There is a clear note of rejoicing is today’s liturgy. (This is known as Gaudete Sunday. The Gaudete means rejoice.) The basis for this rejoicing is the nearness of the Lord. As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the Lord is very near us. Indeed, he is in our midst.

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a.....Daughter of Zion, the Lord will rejoice over you with gladness.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7.....The Lord is close at hand
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18.....The crowds asked, “What should we do?”
Scripture Note:
The prophet Zephaniah, writing in the seventh century BC, bids Jerusalem to rejoice because salvation is near (First Reading). God stands in her midst and will deliver her from her enemies. God is portrayed, not only as a king and warrior, but also as a loving bridegroom, who steadfastly loves his unworthy and unfaithful bride.

The theme of joy is even more emphatic in the Second Reading. Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice because the Lord is near. (Paul was thinking about the Second Coming, which he believed was near.) So there is no need to worry. If they need anything, they are to pray for it, and the peace of God will be with them.

The theme of the nearness of the Lord is also at the heart of the Gospel. John the Baptist tells the people what they must do in order to prepare for the Lord’s coming and to escape his searching judgement. At the same time he makes it clear that he is subordinate to Jesus

Wednesday Dec. 20th 9:30 a.m. Rita Newton; Francis (Franko) Hammond;
Gertrude Byrne; Murry Seward; Edward Laurie

Thursday Dec. 21st 7:00 p.m. Clyde Ryan; Ann Tremblett; Phoebe Byrne; Arthur
Cummings; Frank Pendergast Jr.

Friday 9:30 Dec. 22nd a.m. William Purcell; Margaret Flynn; Emma Joy; Barb
Stoyles; Marion Sweeney

Saturday Dec. 23rd4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Penance
 5:00 p.m. Joseph, Mary & Patrick Normore; Gordon Power Sr.; Lillian Power; Darlene Boudreau; Rosemarie Murphy; William Yetman & James Dwyer; Tom Tremblett Jr.; Dave & Helen Whalen; Luke Roberts; Tommy Brown Jr.

Christmas Eve Dec. 24th 8:00 p.m. For Parishioner’s Deceased Relatives & Friends
11:00 p.m. For Parishioner’s Deceased Relatives & Friends

Christmas Day Dec. 25th 10:30 a.m. For Parishioner’s Deceased Relatives & Friends
 

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Peter & Florrie Lahey; Edward, Peter & Tom
Dec. 30th Brown Jr.; Rosemarie Murphy; Edward Laurie; Michael Gosine; Theresa Fitzgerald; Fred Watson; Ambrose & Doris McCarthy; Patrick & Minnie Doherty & Family; Michael & Margaret McLean

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31st  5:00 p.m. For Parishioner’s Deceased Relatives & Friends
 

New Year’s Day January 1st, 200710:30 a.m. For Parishioner’s Deceased Relatives & Friends

Advent Penance Celebration
Please celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation on Sunday, December 17th, at 6:30 p.m. Please make a special effort to attend and celebrate Gods forgiveness
Collections for Dec. 9th & Dec. 10th, 2006
Offertory - 123 envelopes.....................................................................$1,145.93
Advent Folders - 2 envelopes................................................................ 60.00
Dues - 4 envelopes................................................................................ 25.00
Christmas Flowers in Memory of Loved Ones...................................... 430.00

SANCTUARY CANDLE: Steve & Ann McLean

Replacement of Parish Oil Tanks
According to Government regulations St. Michael’s Parish is required to have the oil tanks inspected. The Inspector informed us that one of the Oil tanks would have to be replaced and the other would have to be upgraded as per regulations. The total cost of the replacement and repairs would be approximately $2,000.00. The Parish community have been very kind in the upkeep of their Parish. However, this is an unexpected expense and any donations at this time towards this cost would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your understanding in this matter.

Why Church Envelopes
Over the next two weeks you will be spending hours picking up gifts and wrapping up gifts. The way you wrap your gift means so much to the person who receives the gift. Your weekly offering is your gift of your treasure to God, in thanksgiving for all God’s gifts to you. Why not wrap that gift in your Church envelope?

Altar Servers
Would you be interested in becoming an Altar server in our Parish. If you are in Grade 5 and older and wish to be an Altar server, please let us know. Some of our older and faithful servers of the past years are now into their high school years and have decided to do other ministries in our Parish. We ask parents to encourage their son/daughter to participate and become involved in our weekend liturgies as Altar servers. Fill your heart with the Spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you.

Saint Joseph Sunday Missal
The new Saint Joseph Sunday missals for 2007 are now available for a cost of $4.00.

175th Anniversary of the Sister of Mercy
Dec. 17th - VOWR Broadcast - Story of Catherine McAuley 12:30-1:00p.m.

Quote
“Our Lord is passing...What are you waiting for? Follow Him down the road of Life.”
AL-ANON/ALA-TEEN
If someone else’s drinking is bothering you, maybe AL-ANON/ALA-TEEN family groups can help. (Phone 722-2666).

Mercy Associates
The next meeting of the Original Group of Mercy Associates will take place on Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sister’s Residence.

Welcome Home
As we prepare to celebrate the Christmas Season, we extend a warm welcome home to family and friends who have returned for the holidays. Please make a special effort to attend Mass and ensure the true meaning of Christmas is acknowledged and celebrated in all our families.

Reflection of the Advent Scripture
Give yourself a break! The days before Christmas are hectic. The line-ups at the cash register are maddening. Come with us and sit quietly in the Church for daily Mass and listen to the Advent Scripture story of the first Advent unfold. A short reflection and an Advent Hymn each day could make all the difference to your sanity and preparedness for Christmas. It’s a story for all ages and all age groups.

Did you know?......
That on Christmas Day the national Catholic Broadcasting Council will broadcast the Christmas Eve Mass from St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto on Vision TV. This special one hour celebration will be broadcasting here in this province on December 25th at 9:30 a.m. and will be repeated at 1:30 p.m. Many people who cannot get out to Mass are very pleased to be able to tune in to Vision TV daily for the Mass from St. Michael’s Cathedral which is also sponsored by the National Catholic Broadcasting Council.

Visitation of Sick and Shut In’s
Rev. James Beresford and Sister Phyllis Corbett will be making a Christmas visit to the
Sick and Shut In’s of St. Michael’s Parish on Tuesday, December 19th, 2006. If for some reason you will not be home on that day, please contact the Parish office to let us know prior to this date.

Jessie Tree
During Advent we will have a Jessie Tree. The Food bank is in need of food items and this will be our way of doing something special during Christmas. You may pick the tags from the Jessie Tree with the name of the food item needed. Thank you for your support.

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