3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

INTRODUCTION

Today we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. Christmas is near. We prepare ourselves to receive our saviour with joy and happiness. Mercy, sickness and disappointments destroy our happiness, and yet our hearts still long for everlasting joy. We are hungry and thirsty
for joy without end.

GOSPEL – Mathew 11 2:11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offence at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

CHRISTMAS CAKE RAFFLE

Tickets R20 each
Draw on 22/12/2025
Tickets available from Candida 0833736818 or after Masses for the next two weeks.

Please be mindful of the designated parking for persons with disabilities. Even if you are late for Mass, please leave the spaces FREE for persons with genuine disabilities

November 30 2025
1st Sunday: Hope

December 7 2025
2nd Sunday: Peace

December 14 2025
3rd Sunday: Joy

December 21 2025
4th Sunday: Love

GAUDETE SUNDAY

Today is Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday in the Season of Advent. The season of Advent originated as a fast of forty days in preparation for Christmas. In the ninth century, the duration of Advent was reduced to four weeks, and by the twelfth century, the fast had been replaced by simple abstinence.
Advent preserved most of the characteristics of a penitential season, which made it a kind of counterpart to Lent. The third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, breaks through a season that is otherwise penitential to signify the nearness of the Lord’s coming.
Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the Christmas feast as well as for the second coming of Christ, and the penitential exercises suitable to this season are suspended on Gaudete Sunday, to symbolise our joy and gladness in the Promised Redemption.

Why is Father wearing a rose (pink) this weekend?

The third Sunday of Advent in the Roman Catholic calendar of the church year is called Gaudete Sunday. The term is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” The theme of the day expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

For Christians in areas of conflict

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:

Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Alvin Govender, Mavis Makhubo, Norman Browne, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Sebenzile Molefe, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, and Anitha Michael..