197 Windmill Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 1G1• Phone: 902-463-5897

Third Sunday of Advent

December 13th, 2015th, 2015th

Sundays at 10amSundays at 10am

• Thursdays – 6:30pm• 1st Friday of the month – 9am

RECONCILIATION: RECONCILIATION: Prior to Sunday and weekday MassesAt least one month notice

Please call the offi ceMASS INTENTIONS: MASS INTENTIONS: Please call the offi ce

Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm

“ ...one more powerful than I is coming;...”

(Luke 3:16)

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: • • Rev. Mr. Robert Doyle; deaconrobert@eastlink.ca

.......902-463-5897, ext. 3 CLERGY: • • Fr. Tom Mabey – Sunday Mass• • Fr. Charles Burke – Weekday Masses• • Deacon Robert Doyle • • Deacon Bernard Young

SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER: Kerry Daley; stpaulsoffi ce@eastlink.ca .......902-463-5897, ext. 2

FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR: Trish Sapp ................ 902-461-4835

CHOIR DIRECTOR: Debbie Hartlen ................ 902-435-6859

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: Jan Clark ................ 902-463-5962

PASTORAL COUNCIL CHAIR: Bill Yochoff ................ 902-464-0334

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS GRAND KNIGHT: Bill Yochoff .......... Bill Yochoff .......... Bill Yochoff 902-464-0334

BULLETIN: Paula Yochoff ................ yochoff bill@ns.sympatico.ca

WEBMASTER: Pauline Hingston ... pauline.hingston@bellaliant.net

MISSION STATEMENT:

Saint Paul Parish is a faith community rooted in the

Gospels and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Gratefully accepting our gifts from God and sharing

those for the common good, in a spirit of joy, through

collaborative ministries, we strive to live out the Good

News of Jesus Christ.

VISION STATEMENT:

Our vision is to impact and

renew North-end Dartmouth

and beyond with the

transforming message of

Jesus Christ through words

and actions.

Micah 5.2-5aHebrews 10.5-10

Luke 1.39-45

Visit our websitesaintpauldartmouth.weebly.com

@stpauldartmouth

ADVENT REFLECTIONSADVENT REFLECTIONS“None of us can say, ‘I’m a saint; I’m perfect; I’m already saved.’ No. We should always accept this off er of salvation, and that’s what the Year of Mercy is for.” (Pope Francis Angelus Address Dec. 6, 2015)“When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Luke 5:20)“Mercy will always be greater than any sin, and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive.”Misericordiae Vultus, Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, 11 April 2015

REFLECTION FOR WEEK 3: MARY’S IMPOSSIBLE DREAMREFLECTION FOR WEEK 3: MARY’S IMPOSSIBLE DREAM::

In the musical “Man of La Mancha,” when Dulcinea asks Don Quixote what it means to “follow his

quest,” he responds by singing “The Impossible Dream.” Mary, who awaited the birth of Jesus some 2,000 years ago just as we do this Advent, could have

written the song. She certainly lived it.Imagine how young Mary—probably no more than 15 or 16 years old—must have felt upon receiving the news that the impossible was about to take place within her, that she would give birth to the Savior. How could she tell her betrothed, Joseph? What would her family think? Who would believe her?“Do not be afraid, Mary,” the angel says to her. “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:30, 37). We know the rest of the story. The impossible was indeed made possible, not only at the birth of Jesus, but in the many miracles he performed, and most of all at his Resurrection. If God could accomplish all this, imagine what God can do in your own life. Advent is the season for imagining what is possible, for dreaming new dreams, for hoping beyond hope.But it is also the season when hope can be hardest to fi nd, dreams hardest to believe. The days draw short, the nights are long and the air turns. Expenses may loom at a time when resources are scarce. Separation, grief, loneliness, and depression are no strangers to the season. Hope may be in short supply during this time. We need Mary’s inspiring example of courage and trust in the face of uncertainty more than ever.Mary can’t guarantee us a smooth ride, however. Look at her own diffi cult journey: fi rst, she had to travel to Bethlehem late in her

CHRISTMAS�NEW YEARS MASS TIMESCHRISTMAS�NEW YEARS MASS TIMESCHRISTMAS�NEW YEARS MASS TIMESCHRISTMAS�NEW YEARS MASS TIMESCHRISTMAS�NEW YEARS MASS TIMES:: – 7pm Christmas Eve – “The Nativity of

the Lord”; Choral sing at 6:30pmDec. 25th – 10am Christmas Day – “The Nativity of the Lord” HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATIONDec. 27th – 10am Sunday – “The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephJan. 1st – 10am New Year’s Day – “The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God” – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

Jan. 3rd – 10am Sunday – “Epiphany of the Lord” Jan. 10 – 10am Sunday – “Baptism of the Lord”

FAMILY CHRISTMAS DINNERFAMILY CHRISTMAS DINNER::

Thank you to Bill Yochoff , Paul Clark, Jan Clark and the Women’s Association, Ray Wincey, kitchen helpers,

servers and clean-up crew for the outstanding “Parish Family “Parish Family Christmas Dinner” Christmas Dinner” held last Saturday evening. Thank you also to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who took time from their busy schedules to make an appearance. $200 of the proceeds will be donated to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, with the remainder going to the Refugee fund. We give thanks to God for the community spirit that is demonstrated by this event.

pregnancy (Luke 2:1–6). Have you ever tried riding a donkey? Now imagine doing so nine month’s pregnant! Later, she had to fl ee to Egypt with Joseph and the baby when their lives were in danger (Matthew 2:13–23).Nor can Mary promise us a season free of anxiety and worry. Imagine how she must have worried about what was ahead for her beloved child as his messianic destiny was revealed to her, fi rst by shepherds who left her pondering the news in her heart (Luke 2:16–19), then at the Temple by the prophet Simeon, who spoke to her of the sorrowful times ahead: “A sword will pierce your soul too” (Luke 2:22–35).What Mary can off er us is a remarkable and inspiring example of courage in the face of adversity, patience in the face of uncertainty, and hope beyond hope that the impossible is indeed possible.Mary stood with her son as he was crucifi ed (John 19:25–27); she stood with his fearful followers who huddled after his death (Acts 1:13–14). She knew that the story wasn’t over yet. And she was right.Our story isn’t fi nished, either, no matter what challenges or wounds burden us this season. All things remain possible with God. This is the miracle of Advent. We can once again dream the impossible dream—and reach the unreachable star. (Loyola Press)

The Jesse Tree dates back to the middle ages and came from Europe. Even some ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their

stained glass windows. The “tree” is usually a branch or sapling and is decorated with various symbols that remind us of the purpose and promises of God from Creation to the Birth of Jesus Christ.Jesse was the father of King David and God promised David that his Kingdom would last forever. Two centuries after the death of King David, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said:And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)Each Jesse Tree ornament usually consists of a handmade symbol or drawing that represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief verse of Scripture from that story.

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ADVENT BACKPACK PROJECT FOR MARGARET’S HOUSE AND F.O.O.D.ADVENT BACKPACK PROJECT FOR MARGARET’S HOUSE AND F.O.O.D.::ext Saturday, December 19 , we will meet to sort the gifts received for our Advent project in support of

Feeding Others of Dartmouth and other local charities. The deadline for returning your fi lled bags of gifts is this Thursday, December 17th. Please bring them to the church

or to the parish offi ce. Everyone is welcome to help sort and deliver the gift bags. This year, we will meet at St. Clement Church Hall, 16 Gaston Road on Saturday, December 19th from 10:30am - 12:30pm. This is a family-friendly event, with work available for all ages. Please consider coming out to help us as many hands make light work. Please NOTEPlease NOTE that in the case of a winter storm, the event will take place the next day, Sunday the 20th at 12:30. Thank you for your support!

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS PROGRAM CHRISTMAS GIFTSMENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS PROGRAM CHRISTMAS GIFTS::

Saint Paul Parish is invited to participate in assisting inpatients and residents of the Nova Scotia Hospital,

Abbie Lane, and the East Coast Forensic Hospital. Please refer to the insert in the bulletin this weekend. Gifts can be brought to Mass each weekend during Advent. Pickup will take place during the four weeks of Advent.

RECEIVING BULLETIN WRECEIVING BULLETIN WHILE AWAYHILE AWAY::

If you are going to be away and would like to receive the Bulletin, please let Paula know by emailing

yochoff bill@ns.sympatico.ca and she will be sure to put you on the email list to receive the Bulletin. Or, you could also visit the website at saintpauldartmouth.weebly.com

We are all called to love God and love others. So, is it enough that I live my life as a good person? What does it mean to live “as a good person”? Do I love others ALL the time? What happens when

I am not “on my game” and am not living “as a good person?” When we realize that the task of “living as a good person” is not humanly possible ALL the time, when we realize that we need help to “live as a good person”, then we come to realize God’s love for us and the great gift He gave to us when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, into our lives to help us, to heal us, to save us from ourselves. When we allow Jesus into our hearts, to be “born” in each of us, when we accept His mercy and love for

us, our attempts to “live as a good person” allows us to become the person God calls us to be; and for that we give praise and thanksgiving. For that... we can rejoice!

SAINT VINCENT DE PAULSAINT VINCENT DE PAUL::

Thank you to everyone who adopted a child for Christmas gift giving. The response was truly

wonderful! Your gifts can be dropped off at Stormy Art Studio, 11 Monique Ave, Dartmouth on December 16th, between 6-9pm., or see Darlene or John to make diff erent arrangements.

TAKE�OUT MEALTAKE�OUT MEALSS::

Take-out meals – $5 each. (All meals include a roll.)Dec. 13th – Baked Ham Dinner

Dec. 20th – Lasagna Dec. 27th – Chicken Alfredo Casserole

ADADORATIONORATION::

Adoration is a special time when individuals and/or groups come before the “Blessed Sacrament” to be in the presence

of God to pray, to refl ect, to read scripture, to listen to God. “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments.” (St. Alphonsis of Liquori). the greatest after the sacraments.” (St. Alphonsis of Liquori). the greatest after the sacraments.”Friday December 18th, the church will be open for all to sit before the Lord in Adoration from 5-7pm, concluding with Benediction. All are welcome to attend for as long as you are able.

SERRA INTERNATIONAL IS COMING TO HALIFAX�YARMOUTHSERRA INTERNATIONAL IS COMING TO HALIFAX�YARMOUTH! !

Serra’s mission “...is to foster and affi rm vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life.” We are

inspired to nurture vocations and become missionaries ourselves as we work for vocations. If you are interested in fi nding out more about what we are planning and how you can support vocations, please contact: mburke@ns.sympatico.ca

PRAYER MINISTRYPRAYER MINISTRY::

Saint Paul Prayer Ministry invites all parishioners to pray for one another by using the prayer cards located at the back of the

church. See Mary Lynn Doiron for more information on how to use the cards. Also, if anyone is in need of prayers please contact Mary Lynn or Deacon Robert. We are encouraging all to seek prayers through the Saint Paul Parish Prayer Ministry.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSCHRISTMAS FLOWERS::

A box is located at the entrance for altar fl owers for Christmas.

ADVENT MEDITATION AIDSADVENT MEDITATION AIDS::

There are limited free booklets available at the back of the church for those interested in material for their Advent

prayer/meditation.

ALTAR SERVERSALTAR SERVERS:

Thank you to the young parishioners who attended the altar server practice last Sunday and for their

commitment to serve the parish in this very important ministry. After the practice, everyone shared a meal

of pizza and pop. Thank you to Tim Evers and Trish Sapp for their leadership to the altar servers. Any young parishioner able to carry the cross and/or candles is welcome to join this ministry.

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION NOTICESNOTICES:: Will continue until December 23rd. Draws will

made at the Loonie/Toonie.CARDS AND CHRISTMAS BOOKS & PUZZLESCARDS AND CHRISTMAS BOOKS & PUZZLES: : On sale in the Hall.

PLEASE COLLECTPLEASE COLLECT: : Sobey’s “Jamie Oliver” stamps. Drop them in the jar at the Church entrance. We’ll use the stamps to buy items for our kitchen.ULTIMATE CLOTHULTIMATE CLOTH:: Now on sale in time for Christmas. On sale upstairs before Mass, and in the hall after Mass.

CHILDREN FAITH FORMATIONCHILDREN FAITH FORMATION::

Parents are the fi rst catechists for their children. To better understand the role of parents and the church in forming

young people in their faith a meeting is scheduled for today, following the coff ee social. The young people will be viewing a video as the parents discuss with the catechists their joint responsibility. Please pray for our young parishioners, their parents and the catechists.

REFUGEE COMMITTEEREFUGEE COMMITTEE::

The Saint Paul Refugee Committee has been meeting to plan its work to sponsor a family from Syria. We recently met with

Sister Yvonne Pothier who coordinates refugee sponsorships on behalf of the Archdiocese and we will be submitting our application very soon. Please watch this bulletin and the website for further updates and invitations for how you can help. If you are interested, it is not too late to join this committee as there will be plenty of work to be done over the next few months. Continue to pray for the committee, the family, and those still striving to overcome the diffi culties they are experiencing in the refugee camps throughout the world.

FAITH FORMATION UPDATEFAITH FORMATION UPDATE::

Catholicism 201 – the 8 week course, has concluded with several parishioners attending most, if not all, of the sessions. This

was an exciting new beginning in “Adult Faith Formation” at Saint Paul Parish. The next session will begin in January when the video series “Dogmatic Theology” will be off ered. Stay tuned for more information. Thank you to everyone who made this fi rst venture a success. As disciples of Christ, it is each person’s responsibility to continue learning about Catholic tradition and seeking God’s help and guidance during our journey of faith together.

MEMORIAL BELLSMEMORIAL BELLS::

A box is located near the bulletin boards. Please add any names of your deceased, and a bell will

be made for them. A master list of bells already made, is located beside the box.

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER: :

If you have anything for the January 3rd Newsletter, please give it to Jan NO LATER than December 28th.

See over for more St. Paul News…

THE JUBILEE OF MERCY BEGINS TODAYTHE JUBILEE OF MERCY BEGINS TODAY!!Celebrate the opening of the Jubilee of Mercy!Archbishop Mancini celebrated the Eucharist at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica December 8 to signify the opening of this great year. All are invited to be present on Sunday, December 13 when our

Archbishop will open our own Holy Door for the Year of Mercy at the Cathedral. That afternoon at 2:30pm, Archbishop Mancini will preside a Holy Hour at the Cathedral, followed by an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Archbishop Mancini has written a letter commemorating the opening of the Jubilee of Mercy. It was presented to pastors and parishes this past weekend. Copies of the letter are at the back of the church and are on the archdiocesan website www.halifaxyarmouth.org

ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: THANK YOUARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: THANK YOU!!

Thank you for your generous support of our Archdiocesan Annual Appeal! Your parish receives

20% of every donation received in the parish, and 80% of each donation received once the parish has met its goal. All donations received in the parish up to January 31, 2016 will assist the parish in meeting or exceeding its goal. For 2015 income tax purposes, donations must be received in the parish or at the Archdiocesan offi ce by December 19, 2015. Your gifts to the Appeal support the work in the New Evangelization in our Archdiocese. Specifi cally during this Jubilee of Mercy we focus on how we can be signs of God’s mercy present in our world through the corporal works of mercy. If you have any questions please contact Cathy Driscoll-Cainen at 902-429-9800, ext. 308.Please note that you can always make your donation online: go to www.halifaxyarmouth.org and click the Donate Now button.Deacon Robert Doyle

CHURCH DECORATINGCHURCH DECORATING::

We will be decorating the Church next Sunday, December 20th after the coff ee

hour. Please come out and help us decorate. Many hands make light work.

P.A.D. PRE�AUTHORIZED DEPOSITP.A.D. PRE�AUTHORIZED DEPOSIT

Thank you to all who presently donate to the church using P.A.D. This method of ensuring your donation is received, even

when you are away from the parish, is greatly appreciated. ALL PARISHIONERS are invited to consider using this donation method. Forms are available at the back of the church and can be returned to the parish offi ce. All donations are STRICTLY confi dential. Thank you for your continued support of the mission of Saint Paul Parish.

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