First Sunday of Advent (YEAR B)
3rd DECEMBER 2023 – (vol.1, p.5) Advent prepares us to celebrate the Nativity in which we remember Christ’s first coming. At the same time, it reinforces our faith in His Second Coming as the Hope of Israel and the World.
Liturgical Calendar
| R 1 | Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1:3-8 | O that you would tear the heavens open and come down |
| Psalm | 79(80): 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 | Shepherd of Israel hear our prayer |
| R 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 | We are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. |
| Alleluia | Acclaim the Gospel | Alleluia, alleluia! Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your help Alleluia! |
| Gospel | Mark 13:33-37 | If he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. |
| REFLECTION | ||
| Just like Isaiah we await the coming of the Messiah, but we do not fear death. However we are perhaps more aware of the need to make a whole hearted change, to commit to God’s plan for our lives. Paul commends s young church activated by the Holy Spirit, showing eager enthusiasm for the things of God. We should not be afraid to ask for the Spirit to fill us and burst us out of our lethargy and serve as full members of our local church. Mark’s short gospel is one big hurry, and here he emphasises the immediate need to stand ready, to always act for Jesus … not tomorrow, not some time in the future but now! God wants to make us the best we can be. How willing are we to be changed by God, Our Creator? How can we better cooperate in his excellent plan for us? | ||
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday Dec 05 09:30 am 1st week of Advent B (vol.1, p.13) (Violet)
Thursday Dec 07 09:30 pm St Ambrose – Memorial (vol.1, p.18) (Violet)
Saturday Dec 09 09:30 am 1st week of Advent B (vol.1, p.22) (Green)
INCOME 26th November 2023
Offertory 143.00
Gift Aid 150.00 Votives 110.00
Special SCE 110.00 Hall 62.00
Stall 25.50 St Anthony’s 15.00 Holy Souls 28.50 Tombola 220.00
Church Hall Repairs 1,053.50
Votives 56.00 Special Collection next ls 2.00
We remember all those who have died recently: ……………………, and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time, including George Taylor, Ross Hunt. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network for DECEMBER 2023
For persons with disability;
We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network for DECEMBER 2023
For persons with disability;
We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.
PARISH
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR NOVEMBER LISTS.
The month is over but maybe we can keep up the good habit of remembering and praying for all the holy souls who depend upon our prayers, Holy Communion and masses offered.
CHURCH & CHAPEL HOUSE REPAIR FUND
Parishioners are thanked for generously placing their donations in the box, at the back of the church. UPDATE: Preparatory work has commenced.
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – This Friday 8th December 2023. God made sure that Mary would be a fitting and spotless mother for His Son by freeing her from original sin. She was able to make that immense response of ‘YES!’ to Gabriel the archangel, prime messenger of her God.
RIGHT TO LIFE On the 1st Sunday in Advent, Year B.
“For all parents expecting a new child, that they might be blessed with a safe and healthy pregnancy for mother and baby. Lord hear us”
DONATIONS TO THE PARISH ARE NOW POSSIBLE, BY QR CODE, USING YOUR PHONE. Gift Aid from taxpayers lets the parish reclaim from the tax authorities, an extra 25p for every £1 donated.
CONGRATULATIONS: THE PARISH TOMBOLA RAISED £220.00. FUTURE PLANS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE Social Committee include: A Christmas Raffle with 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes. A raffle book with stubs allows folk unable to attend church to participate as well. All good ideas sought. Thanks for all your help and contributions to date – Jade McCulloch.
OUR CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE BY OUR PUPILS
Our pupils of Our Lady of Peace Primary, will present a service of Christmas Carols within St Jude’s at 6:00 pm on Wednesday 6th December 2023. Last year’s was eye opening, and not to be missed. All are invited for a wonderful evening. Refreshments will be served in the hall after the carol service.
CAROLS FOR PEACE – CITY CHAMBERS:
Hosted by the Lord Provost’s office, this will take place on Sunday 17 December 2023 at 3:00 pm in Glasgow City Chambers, George Square. Doors open at 2:30 pm. Join the Lord Provost and other civic leaders, along with Glasgow Churches Together leaders. Supported by the St Mungo’s Singers, Ukrainian Singers, the Salvation Army Band, South Side Fiddlers, St Denis’ Primary School, piper, harpist, and a music ensemble. There will be prayers for peace throughout the world and especially for Bethlehem, Glasgow’s twin city. Refreshments afterwards, all welcome. There will be a collection for the Lord Provost’s Fund for Children.
Abba’s Vineyard: “ADVENT EVENING OF ADORATION with Fr Gladson Dabre OSA. Saturday 9th December, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, for ages 18-35. You are welcome to join us as we take time this advent to gather in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our evening will also include the opportunity for confession, mass, and fellowship over a meal.
5:00 pm – Confession,
5:30 pm – Vigil Mass,
6:30 pm – Dinner,
7:30 pm – Evening Service
Venue – Blessed John Duns Scotus, 270 Ballater Street, Glasgow, G5 0YT. Organised by Abba’s Vineyard. For more information search, @abbasvineyard, on social media, or email: abbasvineyard@gmail.com.”
ST NICHOLAS CARE FUND SUNDAY 17th DECEMBER 2023 – CARING SUNDAY.
The St Nicholas Care Fund will be delivering our printed Advent packs to the parishes on Thursday 7th December. The Advent packs contain our up-to-date newsletter which provides information on some of the projects and initiatives the Care Fund has supported throughout the past 12 months, and means of donation.
MARY’S MEALS; “DOUBLE THE LOVE INITIATIVE.” Your prayers are powerful and now your donations are doubled. In the campaign ‘Double the Love is Here’. Until 22 January 2024, donations will be matched (by a group of generous donors), up to a total of £1M. So, £19.15 will now be able to feed two children for a school year, instead of just one child. https://www.marysmeals.org.uk
RCAG Youth – Advent Holy Hour with Archbishop Nolan:
Young adults are invited to reflect and prepare spiritually for Christmas. Mince pies and mulled wine to follow. 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Monday 11th December in St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Clyde Street. All 16 to 35-year-olds welcome. www.rcagyouth.co.uk
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Following on last year’s event, Tuesday 19th December 2023 has been pencilled in for confessions being heard within St Andrew’s Cathedral.
SCIAF – THE REAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN
Order your Real Gifts and give people living in poverty the support they need to build a better life. For example, the Real Gift of Water for a Village is a life changing one. Sciaf.org.uk (Caritas Scotland)