Author: Jonathan

EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

INTRODUCTION:

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. We will hear of a bright star which led wise men to Bethlehem where they found the infant Christ. This is the meaning of the Epiphany: Christ appeared as a great light. All nations and races come to him and accept him as their Saviour

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2: 1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

PARISH OFFICE

Opens on 09 January 2024 and normal working hours resume.
Monday Closed
Tuesday -Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

ADORATION

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will start again on Thursday the 11th of January. Those who committed themselves please remember your times. For new people who would like to be added to the roster, please write your names to the list on the porch.

CHALKING THE DOOR

The Epiphany House Blessing
“Chalking the Door” is a centuries-old custom in which Christians gather on the feast of the Epiphany to ask for God’s blessing on their home.
A traditional way of doing this is to take a piece of blessed chalk and inscribe above the entrance door to the home “20+C+M+B+24”.
The “20” and “24” refer to the actual year. The “+” between the letters symbolizes the cross of Christ. The “C M B” initials have two meanings:

1. The initials represent the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar; and
2. in Latin “Christus Mansionem Benedict” (May Christ bless this house).

WHEN BLESSING YOUR HOUSE
Say this prayer

Let us pray:

Bless, O Lord God Almighty, this home, that in it, there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfilment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. May this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein, through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY:

For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church:
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

LITURGY

Tuesday the 9th will be the start of Ordinary Time in Liturgy. Traditionally we will keep Christmas decorations and sing Christmas Carols until the 2nd of February the Feast of Presentation of the Lord.

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

INTRODUCTION:

We all belong to a family. We grew up in a family and knew the people related to us. We also know the difficulties that families face. The misunderstandings, and trouble between parents and children and other family members. Jesus also belonged to a family. Joseph the CarpenterTHE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, Mary and Jesus are all called the Holy Family of Nazareth. We know that there were difficulties even in the Holy Family, but we can be sure that Mary and Joseph could sort out possible misunderstandings with love. Are we able to do that as well?

GOSPEL: LUKE 2: 22-40

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses, They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Christmas Cake Winner drawn by Fr Marek was Connie De Freitas of our parish.

BAPTISMS 31-12-2023
CONGRATULATIONS
ON YOUR
BAPTISM

Lilitha Vundla
Praisegod Dweku
Phawulothando Gida.

PARISH OFFICE

Will reopen on 09 January. For emergencies, please get in touch with Fr Marek directly.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER:

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

THANK YOU

To all those who helped in any way to make the Christmas celebrations so blessed and holy.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

During this time of Advent, we look forward to the birth of Christ. We do the same as Mary did when she was expecting her child. Together with Mary, we are waiting for Christmas. In our celebration, we hear of the mystery of how Jesus began to grow in Mary’s womb. The Holy Spirit overshadowed her. The womb of the Virgin Mary was like a living temple in which God became flesh. God wants to dwell among us today if we accept him as Mary did.

GOSPEL: LUKE 1: 26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

We need you!
To help decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday 24 Dec @ 09:30.

CHRISTMAS SEASON

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER:

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown and Anabela De Pontes.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. In our celebration, we are invited to rejoice and be happy because the Lord is near. Probably in Jesus’ time, the people felt the same way. They were looking for the redeemer and could not find him. But John the Baptist tells us, as he told them: rejoice, your Saviour is among you though you do not recognise him. But look, he is very close to you.

GOSPEL: John 1: 6-8.19 28

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light so that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,'” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

YEAR PLANS – ALL GROUPS & SODALITIES

All groups and sodalities are requested to hand in Year Plans for 2024 ASAP so that the PPC Exec can plan for next year.

BIBLE DAIRIES 2024

They are available at the Parish Office and Repository. @ R130.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE

The Parish office will be closed from 19 December 2023 to 9 January 2024. For emergencies, please contact Fr Marek directly.

DECEMBER CALENDAR

4THSUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS SEASON

2024 PILGRIMAGE QUESTIONNAIRE

Proposal of a pilgrimage to Ngome or to Benedict Daswa in Limpopo.
  
Cost estimation:
Ngome R1800
Benedict Daswa R3500.  

Please put your name on the paper provided on the porch indicating which one you prefer.

Please note it is not a final list, it is just a survey

Ngome R1800
Benedict Daswa R3500.

Share your ideas with us for the decoration of the church for Christmas. Contact Evelyn 0828005487

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER:

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

There will be NO Adoration during the Christmas season. It will resume on 11 January 2024.

We need you!
To help decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday 24 Dec @ 09:30.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. We are invited to prepare a way for the Lord and make his path straight. We have a definite choice: We have the freedom to accept God or to reject him. We have the freedom either to allow God in our lives or to reject him.

GOSPEL: Mark 13: 33-37

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”
John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”.

THANK YOU FROM SVDP TO:

• all known & anonymous donors, who have tirelessly supported us through the poor box and otherwise;
• Brenda, Catechism children & their parents, especially on Count Your Blessings Day;
• The PFC for the monthly donations without fail;
• All who through their pure donations, ticket buying, labour & any other gestures, made our fundraiser a success.
The Lord that sees all that in done in secret has already & will continue to reward you.

LAST ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR THE YEAR

14 December 2023 & will resume on 11 January 2024.

ST Jude
Family Fun

Saturday 16th December
10 am to 4 pm
Ladysmith Catholic Church
48 First Avenue

ALL WELCOME

Join us for lots of fun

Yummy food
Jumping castle
Water slide
Games
Face painting
Music
Braai stands – and much more!

FUN IN THE SUN

BIBLE DAIRIES 2024

Are now available at the Parish Office. At the cost of R 130 each.

DECEMBER CALENDAR

4THSUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS SEASON

2024 PILGRIMAGE QUESTIONNAIRE

Either to
Ngome or Benedict Daswa in Limpompo.
Cost estimation:

Ngome R1800
Benedict Daswa R3500.

Please put your name on the paper provided on the porch indicating which one you prefer.
Please note it is not a final list, it’s just a survey.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER:

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown and Anabela De Pontes.