In the gospel John the Baptist describes Jesus as 'standing among you, unknown to you'. In John's time this was because Jesus had not yet begun his ministry. We live by faith in Jesus the crucified and risen Lord present in our world. In preparing for Christmas, we want to renew our awareness of that presence and to help others be aware of it. In Advent we, are called to be witnesses to the light he brings. In small but important ways we can bring light into the lives of those around us. Simple acts of kindness, sharing our time, talents, or resources with those in need, is the only way Christ's light will shine for many people this Christmas. In our time, through the gift of the Spirit, the Word becomes flesh in us. This mid-point of Advent alerts us to issues of

justice and equality. The prophet John has been asked as a sort of trick by people who exploited others with tax bills, and soldiers who often used their brute force on others, how they should repent. His words were tough but quite ordinary - don't overcharge, share your surplus with the needy and don't exploit people. It's another, but more figurative way, of stating the basic demands of 'Love one another'. Christmas can bring out the best in us to care for the needy. We are surrounded by charities looking for aid. We know that Jesus hears the cries of the poor. Christmas also asks us to consider our honesty

and integrity, for we know that many are poor, at home and abroad, because of the greed of others. Christmas is a reminder and a challenge that all can live with the dignity we have come to regard

as human rights - education, safety, shelter, food, water, employment, freedom. The Christ child who was born poor represents all the poor of the world, especially children. As he was born ordinary, he represents that God meets, greets and helps us in the ordinary aspects of life. The one who is to come is the one who will live and love according to these truths of human dignity and equality.

The third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete Sunday,” from the Latin word for “rejoice.” It is called this, from the first words of the second reading, because Christmas is near and the Church lifts the penitential atmosphere of Advent to turn our hearts to the joy that is to come. But in the light of the great suffering that still exists in the world is this joy still possible today? This is a crucial question to answer, as it is difficult to see how we can rejoice when so many of us suffer. How can we unlock the Christian joy?

Above all, we need to remember that lasting joy cannot be found in our own pursuits, but only in God. He alone can give us the joy we seek.

May the Virgin Mary help all Christians and people in search of God to reach Bethlehem, to encounter the Child born for our salvation and for the happiness of all humanity.

Yes, joy enters the hearts of those who put themselves at the service of the lowly and poor. God abides in those who love like this and their souls rejoice.The key to joy is in serving others. This is something we don’t always understand, as we often try to “make” happiness. If, instead, people make an idol of happiness, they lose their way and it is truly hard for them to find the joy of which Jesus speaks. Unfortunately, this is what is proposed by cultures that replace God by individual happiness, mindsets that find their emblematic effect in seeking pleasure at all costs, in spreading drug use as an escape, a refuge in artificial paradises that later prove to be entirely deceptive.

First Holy Communion Next Meeting for Parents and Children Saturday 8th January at 11.00am.

Confirmation Next Meeting for Candidates Thursday 16th December at 7.30pm in the Church.

RCIA Next meeting for Candidates Wednesday 15th December at 7.30pm in the Priests House. Available online for those who cannot join in person - please let us know in advance via parish email.

Sacramental Preparation

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY In Advent we encourage you to use any opportunity for Confession. The Parish Reconciliation Service will be on Tuesday 21st December at 7.00pm. We have many Christmas Services so the Church will not be so crowded for everyone.

MASSES AND SERVICES

19th December 2021: Fourth Sunday of Advent (C)

CONFESSIONS: Monday to Saturday after 10.00am Mass - ask the priest after the service

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PARISH PRIEST

FR PETER KUCHARSKI

ASSISTANT PRIEST

FR WOJCIECH KUZAR

RESIDENT PRIEST

FR JIBIN JAMES

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FR RODNEY SCHOFIELD