santa’s christmas prayer - pittwaterparish.org · pope francis’ december prayer intentions the...

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Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 Tel:9997 7311 Fax 9012 0509 email: offi[email protected] website: www.pittwaterparish.org Thoughts of Fr Francis Jordan Consider Mary. She said little. But through her example her humility, modesty etc… she accomplished much. Imitate her so that you also accomplish quite a lot through good example. Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome to our parishioners and visitors who are celebrating the Eucharist with us at Sacred Heart Church and Maria Regina Church. Santa’s Christmas Prayer On Christmas Eve the other night I saw the most amazing sight, for there beneath the Christmas tree was Santa kneeling on his knee. His countenance was different than that all-familiar, jolly grin; his head was bowed, with hand to breast, and slightly tucked into his vest. For there in a nativity was Jesus and His family, and as I heard him start to pray, I listened close to what he’d say. “Lord, You know that You’re the reason I take pleasure in this season. I don’t want to take Your place, but just to reflect Your wonderous grace. I hope You’ll help them understand I’m just an ordinary man, who found a way to do Your will by finding kids with needs to fill. But all those centuries ago, there was no way for me to know that they would make so much of me, and all the gifts beneath the tree. They think I have hidden power granted at the midnight hour, but it is my love for You inspiring the things I do. And so when they begin to open gifts for which they have been hoping, may they give You all the glory, for You’re the One True Christmas story.

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Page 1: Santa’s Christmas Prayer - pittwaterparish.org · Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly ... spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome

Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 • Tel:9997 7311 • Fax 9012 0509 • email: o�[email protected] • website: www.pittwaterparish.org

Thoughts of Fr Francis Jordan Consider Mary. She said little. But through her example her humility, modesty etc… she accomplished much. Imitate her so that you also

accomplish quite a lot through good example.

Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions

The ElderlyThat the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.

A warm welcome to our parishioners and

visitors who are celebrating the

Eucharist with us at Sacred Heart Church

and Maria Regina Church.

Santa’s Christmas

Prayer

On Christmas Eve the other nightI saw the most amazing sight,

for there beneath the Christmas tree was Santa kneeling

on his knee.His countenance was di�erent

than that all-familiar, jolly grin;his head was bowed, with

hand to breast, and slightly tucked into his vest.

For there in a nativity was Jesus and His family, and as I heard

him start to pray, I listened close to what he’d say.

“Lord, You know that You’re the reason I take pleasure in this

season. I don’t want to take Your place, but just to re�ect Your

wonderous grace.I hope You’ll help them

understand I’m just an ordinary man, who found a way to do

Your will by �nding kids with needs to �ll.

But all those centuries ago, there was no way for me to

know that they would make so much of me, and all the gifts

beneath the tree.They think I have hidden power granted at the midnight hour,

but it is my love for You inspiring the things I do.

And so when they begin to open gifts for which they have been

hoping, may they give You all the glory, for You’re the One True

Christmas story.

Page 2: Santa’s Christmas Prayer - pittwaterparish.org · Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly ... spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome

Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

For the needy, help is available by contacting the Brookvale Centre

9905 0424 during business hours.

Making Christmas Wishes Come True

The number of parents who may be facing the onset of Christmas with trepidation is of concern to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, as households battle to pay off mounting energy bills and face increasing housing stress.NSW Society CEO, Jack de Groot launched the 2017 Vinnies Christmas Appeal with the sobering prediction that this year Christmas will be tough for many families, with less cash available for the basics, let alone presents and family gatherings.“Homelessness is also on the rise. In 2011, 105,000 people experienced homelessness, and of these, 17,000 were children younger than 12 years old. We anticipate the figures will have increased at last year’s Census and will be even worse this year,” said Mr de Groot.According to NSW President, Denis Walsh, “between July 2016 to March 2017, almost 60 per cent of people assisted by the Society were in housing stress, where their rent takes up more than 30 per cent of their income.“This was before the July energy price hikes, so the picture looks very grim. The nativity story of no room at the inn may be the reality facing Australian families.”said Mr Walsh.“Our case workers assist to find suitable housing. “We rely on the generosity of the public to fund services like these. Our annual Christmas Appeal helps people at a time they feel most vulnerable and isolated. We want to make sure that thousands of Australian families who are struggling to make ends meet can enjoy a home cooked Christmas meal and can give their children a gift. Last year over the festive season we gave out nearly $4.5 million in assistance. We could not have done this without the support of our donors across the state.“Too many families are struggling as a result of circumstances beyond their control. This Christmas we want to restore some dignity to their shattered lives and make the simple wishes of their children come true,” said Mr de Groot.

Avalon St Vincent de Paul would like to thank our parishioners for their wonderful generosity throughout the year and wish them a very Happy Christmas from: Sue Bowra and team : Anne Garben, Ann Harvey, Fran Cowell, and Jan Mc Donagh and Moira Schadel and Maxine Bocher for their great help with the Piety Store

We Pray forDeceased Anniversary

Timothy BotteroMara VlatkoHelena Seve

Margaret TravesTeng Poe

Amelia Sta anaBining EnriqueNeville Pikulich

John BonniciVera & Edward Ragen

May & Roy TullyMargaret & Sinon Gleeson

Ron Fisher Fr Keenan

All Souls in Purgatory

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light

Shine Upon Them. May they Rest in Peace. Amen.

May Their Souls And The Souls Of The Faithful Departed,

Through The Mercy Of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.

Recently DeceasedMark Flynn

Encanacion JavelunaJan Mitchell

Margaret Nita Dunn

Prayers for the SickMary McHughVera Howorka

Liz RyanBrooke BaldwinNatasha Sljokic

Anthony LeVal Ducker

Susan FlegoTrudie Tauer

Peter HawkinsMargaret McManus

Bridget HawtonDaryl Kaufer

Sid KellyMargaret BakerNoeline BechamPaulina Fabian

Madeleine ReicherNatasha BrittMilka Marov

Carol BrennanSuzanne LearyAnnette LearyEdward Hogan

Rufina CrissTayla RiddleRicky Gomez

Warwick CarpenterElizabeth DavisMary Seymour

Allessio AngelucciGiuseppina Caruso

Xavier FloryConnie Robinson

Natasha BrittAlana de Kort

Chiqui de OcampoNeave MackeyAnne Godley

Sr Anna WarlowSally Leong

Francis Stanana

This list will be updated every month and we would appreciate it if we are advised, if further reconsideration is required. Thank you

Divine Will Group

P l e a s e j o i n u s o n T u e s d a y s f r o m 1 0 a m t o 1 1 a m a t S a c r e d H e a r t

C h u r c h , M o n a V a l e M e e t i n g R o o m , f o r r e a d i n g s a n d d i s c u s s i o n o f L u i s a P i c c a r r e t a ’ s D i v i n e W i l l .

Thursday Morning Spirituality Group:

All are invited. “The Trinity is supposed to be

the central, foundational doctrine of our entire

Christian belief system, yet we’re often told that we

shouldn’t attempt to understand it because it is a

‘mystery’. Should we presume to try to breach this mystery?” Come and learn

with us.All are welcome to join us for

morning tea at 10.10 am followed by our study at

10.30 am. For more information, you may call

Trish Newman on 9918 3973.”

Did you know that if you are new to our parish you can register your details through our website or if your contact details have changed you can update them. Simply go to www.pittwaterparish.org, click on the “Welcome” menu item and select “Parishioner Registration” from the dropdown menu. If you have any problems, please contact the parish o�ce on 9997 7311.

Thursday

Friday

Monday

15

The Parish Office will be closed for Christmas

from Tuesday26 December 2017

to Friday 12 January 2017, and

the office will reopen on Monday 15 January 2017

From Monday 15 January to Friday 26 January 2017,

the office will be open: Monday to Friday

from 9am to 12 noon.

22

100% SOUL Youth Nights!

For Year 10+. Every Thursday night from 7-9 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Parish Centre, Mona Vale. Existing and new members welcome. Come along with your friends or make some new ones over some snacks, games and exploration of our faith.

Monday 1 January 2018Mary, the Holy Mother

of God.A solemnity is a feast day of the highest

rank in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Rite, celebrating a mystery of

faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, his mother Mary, or another

important saint.

There will be mass at 9.15am at both Maria Regina and

Sacred Heart Churches.

DVD REVIEWJoseph of Nazareth

This is the story of the man closest to Christ. It begins many years before Joseph met Mary and gives a realistic view of his background, his faith and then his years as father to Jesus, including the flight into Egypt and his witness of Jesus preaching in the temple. Compelling viewing.

Page 3: Santa’s Christmas Prayer - pittwaterparish.org · Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly ... spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome

Lorem ipsum

From December 7th-9th, a group of Salvatorian pilgrims attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. This was a 3-day event held at Sydney Olympic Park and the Domain in Sydney with over 19,000 young Catholics attending from all over the country. These three days cannot be adequately summed up here; they were simply incredible. Starting on Dec 7th, pilgrims from our parish and the other Salvatorian parishes gathered at Pymble for prayer before heading o� for the festival. Each day there were plenary sessions with music from international stars, talks from our bishops, interviews and dramatic presentations. It was especially exciting to see Simon, Joshua, Caroline and Azuli from our parish perform in front of the massive crowd at each session as we proudly cheered them on.

There was so much to do each day, from talks and interviews, to music concerts, exhibitions, workshops and more; the biggest problem was choosing what not to miss! We went to mass every day and on the Saturday toured St Mary’s Cathedral before making our way to the Domain for the �nal public mass. Once again, Pittwater Parish was front and centre in the music for the mass and the concert that followed. There were many highlights from the festival, including the endless riddles on the train trips, Sr Hilda’s heart-warming interviews and the many, many moments of joy. A huge thank you to all of the pilgrims who attended and to the organisers especially to Fr Greg for hosting us at Pymble in the mornings and Katrina Pratt who worked so hard in preparation but was only able to join us on the last day. We can’t wait for ACYF 2019 in Perth! Gabriel Khaicy - Youth Minister

Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

PARISH DIRECTORYPittwater Parish

1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103

Tel 99977311 • Fax 9012 0509www.pittwaterparish.org

Parish PriestFr George Kolodziej SDS

Tel [email protected]

Assistant PriestFr Bronek Pietrusewicz SDS

Tel [email protected]

Priest-in-ResidenceBishop Bernard O’Grady op

Tel 99977311

Parish SecretarySuzy Caruso

Tel 99977311 ext [email protected]

Youth DirectorGabriel Khaicy

Tel 99977311 ext [email protected]

Music DirectorJosh Willard

Tel 99977311 ext [email protected]

Media & CommunicationLaura Ee

Tel 99977311 ext [email protected]

Sacramental ProgramYvonne van den Berg

Tel 99977311 ext [email protected]

Parish Office HoursMonday to Friday9.00am to 4.00pm

(closed 1.00pm to 1.30pm)

Sacred Heart Church1 Keenan Street Mona Vale

Maria Regina Church

7 Central Road Avalon

Mona ValeSacred Heart School

Tel 9999 3264Principal: Mrs Suellen Garey

AvalonMaria Regina School

Tel 9918 2608Principal: Mrs Kathy Gee

WarriewoodMater Maria Catholic

CollegeTel 9997 7044

Principal:Mr Marc Reicher

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Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

SACRED HEART CHURCH MARIA REGINA CHURCH6th & 7th January 2018 Sat 5.00pm Sun 8.00am Sun 9.30am Sun 6.00pm Sat 6.00pm Sun 9.00am

Senior Servers Matt Byrne A Pienkowski Tony Macri Gerry Quinn Volunteer Please David West

Readers Stefan Wasinski Adora Barbacetto Bev Carmichael Cam Smit A & J Toohey Peter Drake

Rebecca Law Anna Smyth Ray Gillis Miles Abrahams Extraordinary Denise Bottero Therese Nouak Pauline Chipman Kathy Gray Pauline Neville Joanne KellyMinisters Graham Baker Chris Tocchini Yvonne Gibbs J Johnston R Connors Francis Kelly Diane Lane Kerry Elizabeth Soul Band C Mulvenna Avalon ChoirMusicians Josh Willard Josh Willard Josh Willard Jan / Bernie

Library Trish Newman Margaret Hume

Computer Brian Wright Karen Gillis Margaret Cliff Julian Lau Jane Labone M Abrahams Counters Team 2 (08/1/18) Mary Kitchen • John French • Jan Attwood Rosary Statue: A Gerathy

13th & 14th January 2018

Senior Servers Dave austin Ray Gillis Tony Macri A Pienkowski Angela Williams Penny Kerr

Readers Margo Quinlan Chris Gillis Yvonne Gibbs Amelia Malone Imelda Flynn Judy Burer Zelie Reynolds John Ayliffe Liam Kenny Claire Thomson

Extra0rdinary S MacDonald M Bomford Bev Carmichael J A Tindall Anne Toohey Marion RussellMinisters Alexia Bembrick Adora Barbacetto Therese Keane Nicolette Cilia John Toohey Volunteer Please

Peter Barwell Soul Band Avalon ChoirMusicians Jan / Bernie

Library M Lofhjelm Anne Moss

Computer Margaret Cliff Leonie Smyth Putri Rosati Julian Lau Anna Walker M Abrahams

Counters: Team 3 (15/1/18) Carol Hildebrandt• Margaret Schubert Rosary Statue: M & N Reilly

20th & 21st January 2018

Senior Servers David Traves Ray Gillis Tony Macri David Frazer Volunteer Please Miles Abrahams

Readers Kerry Sullivan Sabrina Gonzalez Bev Carmichael Liam Brennan Harry McErlean Marion Russell Gabie Stojanovski Pauline Chipman Rebecca Molinaro Alex Pienkowski Extraordinary Volunteer Please Sue Berg Graham Baker Mark Suters Imelda Flynn Judith RatcliffMinisters Phil Gough Maryanne Kelly Kath Kaufer Kevin Shanahan Robyn tuite Volunteer Please

Kerry Elizabeth Soul Band Josh Willard Klara H-WatsonMusicians Diane Lane Josh Willard C Perkins

Library Maureen Suggitt Paula Lancuba Computer Vanessa Sharkey Manuel Gonzalez Margaret Cliff Laura Ee Skye Nolan Brown M Abrahams

Counters: Team 4 (22/1/18) Trish Rott • Kurt Rott Rosary Statue: A & P Williams

27th & 28th January 2018

Senior Servers David Austin Ray Gillis Dave Traves David Fraser Trish Newman Adrian Harding

Readers Stephen Wagner Liam Kenny Joe Crumlin Nicolette Cilia Veronica Thomas John Ayliffe Martin Kerrigan Sheila Upjohn Pauline Chipman Andie Hilton

Extraordinary Suzie Randolph M Bomford Tony Macri V Wilson Pauline Neville Paula Lancuba Ministers M Papandrea Adora Barbacetto Bev Carmichael H Williamson R Connors Diana Taranto Anna Walding Kerry Elizabeth Anna Walding Avalon ChoirMusicians C Wilkinson Josh Willard C Wilkinson

Josh Willard Jan / Bernie

Library Marie Graham Mary Farrell

Computer Rose Papalia Karen Gillis Putri Rosati Laura Ee Greg Elliott M Abrahams

Counters: Team 5(29/1/18) Graham Baker • Phil Gough •Ray Gillis Rosary Statue: J & M Graham

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Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

Sunday 24 December

Maria Regina Church6.00pm

Children’s Mass

Carols from 8.30pm9.00pm

Mass of the Night

Sacred Heart School Grounds

5.00pm Children’s Mass

9.00pm Youth Mass

Sacred Heart Church

Carols from 11.30pmMidnight Mass

Monday 25 December

Maria Regina Church9.00am

Sacred Heart Church

8am and 9.30am6.00pm Croatian Mass

Monday

25

Sunday

24

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2017

Christmas RosterSunday 24 December - 5pm Family Mass: Sacred Heart School Senior Servers: David Traves & Matt ByrneReaders: From Sacred Heart SchoolCommunion Ministers: Nicole Ovens • Anne Duncan • Graham Baker • Julianna Johnston Sheena Macdonald • Phil Gough • Lisa Williamson• Joan WoodMusic: Simon Hyland and Soul

Sunday 24 December - 9pm Youth Mass: Sacred Heart School Senior Servers: Kerry Sullivan & A PienkowskiReaders: Soul (Mass of the Night)Communion Ministers: Denise Bottero • Miranda Papandrea • Norma Dennis • Martin Kerrigan Suzie Randolph • Bev Carmichael • Julie Anne Tindall • Kathy GrayMusic: Simon Hyland and Soul

Sunday 24 December - 6pm Family Mass: Maria Regina ChurchSenior Servers: David WestReaders: Sam to organiseCommunion Ministers: Anne & John TooheyMusic: Sam Browne & Josh Willard

Sunday 24 December - 9pm Mass: Maria Regina ChurchSenior Servers: Volunteers pleaseReaders: Veronica Thomas (Mass of the Night)Communion Ministers: Volunteers pleaseMusic: Avalon Choir

Sunday 24 December - Midnight Mass: Sacred Heart ChurchSenior Servers: Ray GillisReaders: Yvonne Gibbs & Adora Barbacetto Communion Ministers: Margaret Bomford • Adora BarbacettoMusic: Mona Vale ChoirComputer: Putri Rosati

Monday 25 December - 8am Mass: Sacred Heart ChurchSenior Servers: David Frazer & Paul WillardReaders: Sheila Upjohn & Liam KennyCommunion Ministers: Theresa Nouak • Kath Kaufer • Chris Tocchini • Pauline ChipmanMusic: Josh Willard • Erin Barwell • Peter Barwell Computer: Volunteer Please

Monday 25 December - 9am Mass: Maria Regina ChurchSenior Servers: Volunteer PleaseReaders: David SimmonsCommunion Ministers: Volunteers PleaseMusic: Sam Browne, Klara & Catherine PerkinsComputer: Margaret Abrahams

Monday 25 December - 9.30am Mass: Sacred Heart ChurchSenior Servers: Tony MacriReaders: Joe CrumlinCommunion Ministers: Nicolette Cilia • Therese Keane• Catherine CalleiaMusic: Charles Wilkinson & Anna WaldingComputer: Margaret Cli�

As we are expecting more parishioners and their families and friends as well as vistors, this Christmas time, could we request that if you are able to volunteer and �ll any of the available positions, please contact the parish o�ce on 9997 7311 or [email protected]

Thank you.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent 23rd & 24th December 2017

The Living Word

Liturgy for the Week

25/12 Monday The NATIVITY of the LORDVigil: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25Night: Is 9:1-7; Titus 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14;Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20;Day: Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

26/12 Tuesday St Stephen, the �rst martyr Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22

27/12 Wednesday St John, apostle, evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:2-8

28/12 Thursday The Holy Innocents, martyrs 1 Jn 1:5- 2:2; Mt 2 :13-18 29/12 Friday Fifth Day in the Octave of The Nativity 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35

30/12 Saturday Fifth Day in the Octave of The Nativity 1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2:36-40

First Reading 2 Sm 7:1-5. 8-12. 14. 16A reading from the second book of SamuelThe kingdom of David will be established for ever in the sight of the Lord.

Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent’. Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan:‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever."'

The word of the Lord

Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:2-5. 27. 29. R. see v.2

(R) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. (R)

‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one;I have sworn to David my servant:I will establish your dynasty for everand set up your throne through all ages.’ (R)

He will say to me: ‘You are my father,my God, the rock who saves me.’I will keep my love for him always;for him my covenant shall endure. (R)

Second Reading Rom 16:25-27A reading from the letter of St Paul to the RomansThe mystery kept secret for endless ages is now revealed.

Glory to him who is able to give you the

strength to live according to the Good News I preach, and in which I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a mystery kept secret for endless ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith. This is only what scripture has predicted, and it is all part of the way the eternal God wants things to be. He alone is wisdom; give glory therefore to him through Jesus Christ for ever and ever. Amen.

The word of the Lord

Gospel Acclamation Lk 1:38

Alleluia, alleluia!I am the servant of the Lord:may his will for me be done.Alleluia!

Gospel Lk 1:26-38A reading from the holy Gospel according to LukeYou will conceive and bear a son.

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

The Gospel of the Lord

REFLECTION

The world in which we live and the events of which we are a part are the stage upon which the drama of salvation is enacted. God works through real flesh and blood people, those like David, who occupy the seats of power and influence as well as those like Mary and us, who are unseen and unknown. All can be agents of salvation. God’s future is in our hands. Human history is really the history of salvation. Each turn of God’s

revealing causes us to wonder at what might come next. In this tension, mystery is revealed. What was hidden is now made known. Jesus establishes a people of covenant promise. Still, the mystery is unknown, for it continues to come to us from the future, revealing more and more of itself in the junctures of history.The waiting of Advent is over. In the face of the impossible, God works the possible. During Advent, we have been waiting for the realisation of the promise made to David. We have been waiting for Mary’s yes. With this yes, hope is enlivened, and history is changed. There is an unimaginable future for all people, a future that comes from God. Salvation is created among us, and the fate of history is altered by a godly presence. This salvation resides in the hearts of those who believe in the gift, and who stay awake eagerly to know its coming. With David we await it, with the nations we long for it, with Mary we behold it. © Dianne Bergant CSS

Christmas Day Holy Day of Obligation With Christmas falling on Monday 25 December, the Vigil Mass on 24 December for Christmas cannot su�ce for the Sunday obligation ie one Mass for two obligations. What can happen is as follows: · Attend Mass on Vigil 23 December or in the morning 24 December and attend Christmas Vigil 24 December or Christmas day 25 December

· Attend Christmas Vigil 24 December (which will ful�l Sunday) and attend Mass on Christmas Day 25 December.

Page 7: Santa’s Christmas Prayer - pittwaterparish.org · Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly ... spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome

Third Sunday of Advent 16th & 17th December 2017

MICHAEL PAUL

Experienced CatholicAccredited Specialist

Family Lawyer

•Family Law Issues •Family Trusts •Wills & Succession Planning •Contested Estate Issues

Suite 29, Level 4Gateway Building1 Mona Vale Road

Tel: [email protected]

54 Darley Street Mona Vale

Australia's First Religious Colouring-in Book for all ages

Based on the Passion of our Lord, this one of a kind hand illustrated adult colouring book, is a personal retreat for anyone who would like to take the time to walk with our Lord. There are no guidelines, and each experience will be as unique as the colour choices you make. Illustrated and designed in Australia, this 88 page book with an amazing holographic cover and 40 pages to colour, can be a wonderful gift to a friend, relative, colleague or associate. To order your copy visit www.40�ed.com.au

Page 8: Santa’s Christmas Prayer - pittwaterparish.org · Pope Francis’ December Prayer Intentions The Elderly ... spreading the faith and forming the new generations. A warm welcome

PITTWATER CELLARS

Your Local

Independant Store

Paul Bottero

1755 Pittwater RoadMona Vale NSW 2103

Phone: 9999 3055Fax: 9999 3055

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CCTV INSPECTIONSPIPE FREEZING

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1 300 672 873admin @ brocksplumbing.com.au

www.brocksplumbing.com.au

PITTWATERPHARMACYCOMPOUNDING CHEMIST

Ralph PapandreaB.PHARM (Hons) MSc. MPS

Len PapandreaB.PHARM. MPS

Sam PapandreaB.PHARM. MPS

Andrew SnowB.PHARM. MPS

1771 Pittwater RoadMona Vale 2103

Ph: 9999 3398 Fax: 9999 3910