Author: Jonathan

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

INTRODUCTION

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. We will hear of a bright star that led the 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 READING
GOSPEL – Mathew 2: 1 – 12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king, they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

They are available at the repository @ R30 each

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Will resume on 22 January 2026.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE

From 24 December 2025 until 21 January 2026. The office will open on 21 January 2026.

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

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+26”.
The “20” and “26” 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. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will resume on the 16th of January 2026

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY

For prayer with the word of God:

Let us pray that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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 Dolly Govender.

LITURGY

Tuesday the 6th will be the start of Ordinary Time in Liturgy. Traditionallly we will keep Christmas decorations and sing Christmas Carols until the 2nd of February the Feast of Presentation of the Lord.

CLOSURE OF 2025 JUBILEE YEAR

Pilgrims of Hope
Our special Jubilee year ends on 6 January 2026.

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

INTRODUCTION

We all belong to a family. We grew up in a family and know the people related to us. We also know the difficulties that families face. The misunderstandings, trouble between parents and children, and other family members. Jesus also belonged to a family. Joseph the carpenter, 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 READING
Mathew 2:13 to 15, 19 to 23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He shall be called a Nazorean.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Will resume on 22 January 2026.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE

From 24 December 2025 until 21 January 2026. The office will open on 21 January 2026.

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

They are available at the repository @ R30 each

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

NEW YEAR’S DAY MASS
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

01 January 2026 @ 10:00 am at RPP

A NEW YEAR PRAYER AND MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness and the many blessings you have bestowed on our parish in 2025.
As we step into a new year, we thank you for the gift of new beginnings. We pray for your guidance and strength; fill our hearts with peace and hope that we may grow in unity. Guide our steps, teach us to trust in your ways, protect us, and prepare us for the many blessings and miracles you have in store for us.
Amen

“Happy New Year! May God’s grace and peace fill your days in 2026.”

Sandra De França

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 Dolly Govender.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will open on the 16th of January 2026

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

INTRODUCTION

This time of Advent is a time of waiting and searching for God. Sometimes he seems to be very far away from us. There are even people who complain, ‘How can God allow all this misery on earth? If there is a God, let him come down. He should give us a sign that he is really with us. It would be so easy for him to make all the things right. Do we, at times, think the same way? In our celebration today, the name of the redeemer will be proclaimed to us. His name is not ‘God-far-away’ but Emmanuel: ‘God is with us’.

GOSPEL Mathew 1 18 – 24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Will resume on 22 January 2026.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE

From 24 December 2025 until 21 January 2026. The office will open on 21 January 2026.

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

They are available at the repository @ R30 each

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

CHRISTMAS SEASON MASS TIMES

Christmas begins with Christ

Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.

Robert Louis Stevenson

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.

With Deepest Sympathy

To Francis Michael and family on the loss of his wife and their mother, Anitha. MHSRIP.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FR MUSA

“JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME”
With these words of a popular Christmas Carol, I send a prayer for joy unlimited in the homes of all parishioners of Regina Pacis and St Jude this Christmas.
May the infant Jesus, whose birth into the world we celebrate, find a dwelling place in all our homes.
A Happy and Blessed Christmas to you all

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..

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

INTRODUCTION

In this time of Advent, we are watching and waiting for the saviour who can bring unity between the nations and among ourselves. Such unity seems impossible. And yet today we receive the message which proclaims to us: ‘Peace is possible – it is close at hand.’

GOSPEL – Mathew 3: 1 – 12

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at and! “It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE

Public Square Rosary Crusade at Hospital Park Taxi Rank near Provincial Hospital Ladysmith on Saturday 13/12/2025 @ 11h30 for 12h00. All are invited. For more information, please contact or WhatsApp Barbara on 0726235550

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

THANK YOU FROM FR MUSA ON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS 20TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Thank you to all parishioners for the celebration that was held in my honour last Sunday.
“Your kind words lifted my spirit and your hospitality and love touched my heart”.
Fr Musa

A thank you from all parishioners for Fr Musa’s dedication to the Lord and to our parish

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

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 and Francesca Poonsamy..

November 30 2025
1st Sunday: Hope

December 7 2025
2nd Sunday: Peace

December 14 2025
3rd Sunday: Joy

December 21 2025
4th Sunday: Love