3 December 2017

First Sunday of Advent (B)

1st: Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8
Psalm: 79:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
2nd: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
The Gospel of Mark 13:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake.So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’

He is Coming

He has not said, “I know not when the time will be,” but, “Ye know not.” For the reason why He concealed it was that it was better for us; for if, now that we know not the end, we are careless, what should we do if we knew it? We would remain on our wickedness even unto the end. Let us therefore attend to His words; for the end comes at evening, when a man dies in old age; at midnight, when he dies in the midst of his youth; and at cockcrow, when our reason is perfect within us.
Catena Aurea, Theophylact

The Famous Saint Nicholas

There is not much historical certainty about the details of St. Nicholas life other than that he was Bishop of Myra in Lycia (today Turkey) during the fourth century. He is said to have been cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian and later released by accession of Constantine. Many miracles were attributed to him both before and after his death. In the sixth century, Emperor Justinian I built a church in his honour in Constantinople. In the tenth century, he was already popular in Saint Nicholas Saves Three Innocents from Death (oil painting by Ilya Repin, 1888, State Russian Museum). Germany under Otto II, as his wife Theophano, a Greek, likely promoted this devotion. During the eleventh century he became a favorite in Italy when his relics were translated to Bari, where they remain until today; an oily substance, known as Manna di S. Nicola, valued for its healing powers, is said to flow from these relics. He is hailed as patron saint of many places and many causes and his artistic depictions are often connected with the miracles he performed. The custom of making him the secret purveyor of gifts to children originated in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands however as this custom spread, it seems to have become secularized into the modern Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas, pray for us.

This week’s feasts
Mon 4 St. John Damascene, Priest, Doctor
Wed 6 St. Nicholas, Bishop
Thu 7 St. Ambrose, Bishop, Doctor
Fri 8 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Solemnity
Sat 9 St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

Psalter Week I

Readings for the
2nd Sunday of Advent
1st: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm: 84:9-14
2nd: 2 Peter 3:8-14
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Season of Advent
The Liturgical season of Advent, from the Latin ad-venio, or “to come to,” is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) and embracing four Sundays.
Advent marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year and it serves also as a preparation for it.
During this time the faithful are admonished to:
1. Prepare worthily to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord’s coming into the world as the incarnate God of love, particularly at his birth.
2. Make their souls fitting abodes for the Reception of Holy Communion.
3. Meditate on His coming as judge at one’s death and Desire his final coming at the end of the world.
Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia, Advent Season

Christmas Parish Lunch Sun 10 Dec, 1:30 at LPH. We need you to PLEASE SIGN UP for catering purposes. Look for list or talk to Fr. Jim.

Our 2017-2018 Apostolates have restarted including SJPII Children’s Oratory, Catechism for First Communion and Bible Group. For info contact Fr. Fernando 9933 3130. Thank you for your prayers.

Light up a Life Service: Thurs 14 Dec at 6pm. Join us in a prayerful evening for our faithful departed. To have the name of a deceased loved one read out please contact Mary Penny: 9639 8641.  

Help us Beautify the Church The Flower Arrangement Group is looking for volunteers. Contact Resi at 26910706.

Hospice volunteers Christmas Party Fri 15 Dec, from 10 to 12 at AMH, entertainment by Island Blend Barbershop Chorus not to be missed. €4.00 includes Coffee- Tea Cake. Chance to purchase Home Made & Bottled Mulled Wine, Mince Pies, Cards, Calendars,

Meze Meal Dinner at Akis Taverna Fri 24 Nov, 7:30pm. €15.00. Live entertainment. Help our Hospice. Call 9938 9073 (limited availability).

Christmas Shopping Trip to Nicosia Tues 12 December. 3 stops M & S, Ledra Street (bring passport) and Ikea. Raffle. Leave at 8am from upper parking in Debenhams, back 7pm. Cost €17 to help Hospice. Call Linda 99562387.

Catenian Pre-Christmas Mass on Wed 13 December 6pm at Agia Kyriaki. All welcome.

Art Exhibition from the Children at the Learning Refuge: Wed 6 Dec, 5:30pm at Chakra Fine Art Gallery, Old Town Paphos. For more information, please contact Mary at 9959 5385

Mass Times HERE