WEEKDAY MASSES

Monday 7.30am and 12noon St Francis Xavier

Tuesday 9.00am

Wednesday 9.00am

Thursday 11.00am Matthew Flinders Home 7.30pm Remembrance Mass

Friday 9.00am and 6.00pm St Ambrose

Saturday 8.30am Immaculate Conception Blessed Virgin Mary (Patron of the Diocese of Port Pirie)

BREAKFAST: Parish Council Team

Next Week: SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

COUNTING: Monica & Grant Woods

Next Week: Anne Paull & Oscar

CLEANING: Lisa Frazer, Marie Ness & Nicole Henderson

Next Week: Glass family

FLOWERS: No flowers in Advent

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SATURDAY: Saturday 8th December, Thursday Ladies

NEXT WEEKEND: 2ndSunday of Advent, Year C

1st Reading: Baruch 5:1-9 Reading: Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11 Gospel: : Luke 3: 4,6

NEXT WEEKEND

WELCOMERS

MUSICIANS

COMMENTATOR

LECTOR 1

LECTOR 2

SPECIAL MINISTERS

SATURDAY 6.00PM

A Kurovec

K Rowe

P Roach

R Casanova

R Rendell

K Benjamin, C Story, F Easton

SUNDAY 9.00AM

P Gulino

C Penfold

E Strycharski

J Meffert

C Meffert

L Mrdjen, K Green, J Ryan

Joseph and Christmas

Then, after receiving revelation in a dream, Joseph agrees to take Mary home as his wife and to name the child as his own. Partly we understand the significance of that, he spares Mary embarrassment, he names the child as his own, and he provides an accepted physical, social, and religious place for the child to be born and raised. But he does something else that is not so evident: He shows how a person can be a pious believer, deeply faithful to everything within his religious tradition, and yet at the same time be open to a mystery beyond both his human and religious understanding.

And this was exactly the problem for any Christians, including Matthew himself, at the time the Gospels were written: They were pious Jews who didn’t know how to integrate Christ into their religious framework. What does one do when God breaks into one’s life in new, previously unimaginable ways? How does one deal with an impossible conception? Here’s how Raymond Brown puts it: The hero of Matthew’s infancy story is Joseph, a very sensitive Jewish observer of the Law. … In Joseph, the evangelist was portraying what he thought a Jew [a true pious believer] should be and probably what he himself was.

In essence what Joseph teaches us is how to live in loving fidelity to all that we cling to humanly and religiously, even as we are open to a mystery of God that takes us beyond all the categories of our religious practice and imagination.

Isn’t that one of the ongoing challenges of Christmas? RON ROLHEISER, OMI

SAINT MARY OF THE ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2nd December, 2018-YEAR C

PARISH PRIEST: FR STEPHEN ARDILL

PRIEST-IN-RESIDENCE:FR ADRIAN HEAD

(Phone: 0428 922 528 e-mail: agh1112@bigpond.com)

PARISH SECRETARY: GAYLE SANTIC

Phone: 86823725 Address: 14 Mortlock Terrace PO Box 144

E-mail: smoa@bigpond.net.au

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: DR. SANDRA HEWSON

‘The St. Mary of the Angels’ Parish acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands

we worship upon today and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging

for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples’.

OFFICE HOURS Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm

COFFIN BAY MASS First Sunday of the Month, 6.00pm

HOLY HOUR First Sunday of the Month, 3.00pm

ANOINTING OF THE SICK First Friday of the Month, 9.00am and 6.00pm Mass

ROSARY PRAYER Every Friday, 9.45 am after Mass

YOUTH GROUP February 2019 Phone Dana 0427609698

CWL Tuesday 12th February 10.00am

MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday 15th December, 7.30am

FILM AFTERNOON Sunday 20th January, 1.00pm

PARISH MARKET 24th February 2019

HOSPITAL VISITING

If you have family in hospital who would like to be visited, please inform Fr Steve or the Parish Office so we can respond to their need

UPCOMING MEETINGS/GATHERINGS

PRISON MINISTRY: Saturday 1st December, 10.30am

PARISH FINANCE TEAM: Thursday 6th December, 7.00pm

PARISH PASTORAL CARE TEAM: Tuesday 11th December, 4.00pm

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Tuesday 5th February 2019

ABUSE REPORT LINE:

131478 Monica Woods is

our Parish Child Safe Officer: 0428 823 137

Our SENIOR PARISHIONERS CHRISTMAS LUNCH is on NEXT SUNDAY the 9th DECEMBER. It will be in the Parish Hall and commences at 12 noon. Our visitors are busy contacting you senior parishioners but if you have not been asked by Tuesday 4th December and WANT TO COME along, ring Jeff Browne on 0477199066. Visitors and Hospitality Group will meet on Wednesday 5th December to confirm numbers and plan the many bits and pieces that make it all happen.

HALL SET UP: At 10am on Saturday 8th Dec we will prepare the parish hall for the Seniors Lunch and need willing hands to help for ONE HOUR. God Bless.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL TODAY

Envelopes available to use for donations on your pews.

ADVENT: A TIME OF HOPE, JOY and PROMISE

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. It begins a new year in our Church’s Litur-gical Calendar – Year C … The Year of St. Luke. Advent is a grace-filled time of anticipation and spiritual richness. Amid all the things that occupy our lives, de-mand our time and leave us feeling drained let us make to care for our souls … to nourish our spirits.

An Invitation

Do you need to build in some God-time in these hectic weeks leading up to Christ-mas? Do you want a spiritual vaccination? Be nourished by the Scriptures of Christmas, the music of Advent, the gift of prayer and the story of Fr. Bill Edwards. Each Wednesday during Advent for one hour: 2.00p.m. and 7.00p.m. in the Church.

Thanks to the Liturgy Group and the St. Joseph’s School Maintenance Team for their fantastic help in preparing the Church for Advent.

PLEASE BRING CRIBS AND NATIVITIES FOR BLESSING NEXT WEEKEND.

Sacrament

of Reconciliation

Friday: 9.45 am and

5.30pm

Saturday: 9.00am or

any time by request

Exposition of the

Blessed Sacrament

Monday 6.00 – 9.00 pm

ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL

7.00pm Friday 7th December to

8.00am Saturday 8th December

Let us pray for

THOSE WHO ARE ILL, IN HOSPITAL OR AT HOME: Fr Adrian Noonan, Fr. Chris

O’Neil, Fr Chris Warnock, Elisabeth Harvey, Alf Crotty, Rosemary Morgan, Jillian

Stockham (Heron), Terry O’Reilly, Harry Boast, Pat Brown, Kath Carr, James

Coburn, Leo Smits, Isaac Giblin, Marj Gigney, Steven Fenton, Verna Bagnell,

Adrian Holmes, Ky McKinnty, Aaron Mattner, Debbie Lawless, Andrew Castleman,

Mary Connell, Debbie Wilson, Emily Robb, Tony Richardson, Jack Kemp, Ben

Maxwell, Bob Taylor, Peg Ardill, Sue and John Mulholland, Gervasio Mercuri,

Shirley Samuel.

PARISHIONERS IN NURSING HOMES: Fr Laurie Quinn, Joe Byrne, Lorraine

Harris, Pat Symons, Therese Conley, Bill Holland, Jean Clarke, June Liddle, Judith

Noll, Margaret Kenny, Pat Nolan, Maisie McGeever, Pat Vincent.

MASSES OFFERED: Herman Pruis, Sime Kolega

RECENTLY DECEASED: Ennio Ferraretto, Noel Hamden, Douglas Fowles Vivonne Rusden, Mary O’Neil, Darrell Gillings.

MEMORIALS: Herman Pruis

PRAYERFUL CONGRATULATION TO OUR YEAR 12 GRADUANTS

Thank the Lord often for the extraordinary gifts He has given you and give back to God the life and talents He has entrusted to you;

Treasure what you have and enjoy giving your life and time for others;

Pray often for your parents … so much of your giftedness is a reflection of their love and example;

Be always grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given, the lessons learnt, and the friends made during your years at St. Joseph’s;

May you be a kindly light and bring a little love to all you know and have a special care for the poor and marginalized;

Give your peers good and courageous example;

Do all for Jesus, yarn with Him every day and may He be your best friend through life …

And may God’s abundant blessings accompany you each day and fill you with peace, hope and joy … the Father, the Son + and the Holy Spirit.

ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS

Parishioners are advised that the annual Remembrance Mass to pray for parishioners of St. Mary of the Angels and others in your families and amongst your friends who have died in 2018 will be celebrated on Thursday 6

th December at

7.30p.m.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL OUR PARISH VOLUNTEERS

All our Parish volunteers must have a current Police Check and have undertaken the Child-Safe Environment and Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Inductions within the last three years.

Those volunteers not covered by these exemptions who do not have a current Police Check are asked to contact Gayle in the Parish Office and obtain an Application Form. Those volunteers who did not participate in the most recent Induction are required to do so. An Induction Session will be held on: Saturday night and Sunday morning on 8

th-9

th December. Regrettably, if these

requirements are not met, you will not be able to continue in your volunteering and ministry roles in 2019.

PLENARY COUNCIL: A CHANCE TO LISTEN, LEARN AND CONTRIBUTE

Thank you to the twenty-nine parishioners participated in the two consultation sessions held this week. A follow-up gathering is planned for Thursday 13

th

December 7.00p.m.-8.30p.m. in the Parish Hall commencing at 7.00p.m. All Welcome!

NOVEMBER MASS LIST

The following will be prayed for and have Mass offered for the repose of their souls: Relatives

and Friends of: O’Brien and Meffert families, Kevin ‘Barryy’ Flynn, Gary Kemp, Filippo Fiore,

Angelo Stefano, Asim ‘Alan’ Abdic, Carmelina Stefano, Wally Jeden, Karolina Czajczyska,

Sime Kolega, Sr. Winefride Lovett, Jenny Puglisi, Nick Overdevest, John Taylor, Deceased

members and friends of the Taylor, Roberts, Fitzgerald, Mrdjen, Henderson, Kovacevic,

Mazo, Esperas, Davies, Green and Villagracia Families.

Thought for the Week

The Lord will reward you for the concern you show to countless others.

(Fr. Bill Edwards sdb)

CHRISTMAS FAMILY MASS-

Calling all young actors and actresses who would like to be involved in the Family Christmas mass, contact Dana on 0427609698 or leave your name and number on the sheet on Tom’s table. Looking for Joseph, Mary, sheep shepherds and a donkey. Also singers and readers. Rehearsals, dress ups and a friendly gathering will happen in the school holidays.

PRISON SUNDAY

Thank you to Father Steve for the opportunity for members of our Parish Ministry Team to speak about our work at last weekend’s Masses. The dedicated work of the team was evident in the results from the fundraising at the Church Market stall last weekend where a phenomenal $908 was raised which included $100 from the Men’s Retreat with Father Khalid. This money will assist in supplying almost 22 “Blue Bags”. As mentioned before these “Blue Bags” are provided for prisoners on their release which can be used for their personal items & contain items which assist them in their first 2-3 days of transition back into civic life.

Thank you to all who supported the Market Stall in buying the delicious goodies cooked up by the Parish Prison Ministry team members. And thank you for those who bought tickets in the raffle & made donations at the stall & the collection for the Prison Chaplaincy at the end of Mass.

May we continue to find ways of being “the face of Jesus” wherever we are & whatever situation we may find ourselves.

Blessings from the Parish Ministry Team

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: HOT SPUD STALL

Volunteers are needed to set up and sell hot potatoes at the Community Carols on the Foreshore NEXT FRIDAY (7

th December). Jeff Brown has again kindly offered

to cook the spuds and provide the chili con carne (mild!) for the event. If you would like to be involved in a fun activity that contributes to our Parish finances, please add your name to the list on Tom’s Table.

We need some coleslaw makers (2 or 4 litre tubs) and plenty of helpers to set up, serve, sell and dismantle.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

Over recent years the Parish has provided an opportunity for those not of the Catholic faith to participate in an affirming journey which explores through Scripture, prayer and personal testimony the history, sacraments, teachings and richness of our faith. The Program may culminate in a person choosing to embrace and be fully welcomed into our faith community through Baptism or for those already baptised being received into Full Communion with the Catholic faith.

The Parish is intending to commence a Program in February 2019.

An Information Session for those who would like to know more is being held on Wednesday 5

th December in the Church commencing at 7.00p.m. (for one

hour). It will form part of our RCIA Information evening. All welcome!

PORT LINCOLN CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP

The Bookshop, which has provided a great service to the community of Port Lincoln and the wider Eyre Peninsula, will cease trading on Saturday 22

nd December 2018.

From tomorrow till the cessation of trade all stock is being sold at 50% off … a fantastic opportunity to purchase a spiritual gift for Christmas and a chance to say thank you to the selfless volunteers who have provided this service over many years.

COMBINED CHURCHES CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON

Wednesday, 5th December at 2.00 pm, Anglican Parish Supper Room. Please take a small plate of afternoon tea to share.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Come and stroll among the Christmas trees from Christmas past, present and future at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Flinders Highway. Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th December. Check notice on board in foyer for opening times. Gold coin entrance, food and craft stalls.

GLOBAL GIFTS—CARITAS

Protect the miracle of motherhood this Christmas. Buy a Global Gift and help

vulnerable mothers before, during and after giving birth.

All Global Gifts reflect real items that we use to assist people in their fight against poverty and injustice. Your purchase of a specific gift is representative of the type of community development work done by Caritas Australia’s projects. Order online at caritas.org.au/globalgifts or call 1800 024 413. More information on Tom’s Table.

Next Saturday (8th December) the universal Church honours Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. In a world of darkness, Mary is light. May the radiant light of her love and her prayerful intercession guide our Diocese to be all that God is calling us to be. May her guiding hand be at work in the selection of a new bishop to lead us in these challenging times when the faith is so under attack. And may all who reside in our Diocese strive to be beacons of God’s light in our families, communities and world.

Mary conceived without sin … pray for us and for our Diocese.