St Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s Parish90 Buckley Street, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Tel (03) 9546 8276 - Fax (03) 9548 1608 - School (03) 9546 0044Email: parishsecretary@stanthonysparish.netParish Website: http://stanthonysparish.net

Parish Priest: Fr Arsenio Tuazon - Assistant Priest: Fr Richard RossePastoral Workers: Srs Kim Tran & Nga Nguyen

School Principal: Margaret Batt

Third Sunday of Advent Year C 16 December 2012

Monday to Saturday: 9.30amWednesday: 9.30am & 7.00pm1st Friday: 7.00pmSaturday Vigil: 7.00pmSunday: 8.15am,9.30am,11.00am,5.30pm3rd Sunday 2.00pm - Sudanese Mass - in Arabic Reconciliation: Saturday 10am and 6pm

Mass Times

Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

Communion Antiphon: Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.

Next WeekFourth Sunday of Advent

First reading: - Micah 5:1-4 Second reading: - Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel: - Luke 1:39-44

CountersSun 16 December: Group 2 - David & Rita Cubranic, Nick Simonetti, Marie Wright Sun 23 December: Group 3 - John Kenny, Peter Egan, Maurice Ferron, Glen D'Rozario, Pearl D'Rozario

Sun 23 December:07.00pm: Arlene D'Cruz, Conrad D'Cruz, Moira Ryan08.15am: Placida Adaman, Therese Adaman09.30am: Nicole Vellin, Jacinta Ioane Alice Chong, M Mathews11.00am: Bernice D'Rose, Doug D'Rose, Michael Thomas05.30pm: Z A Espedillon, A Espedillon, R Paterson

Lectors

50 years in 2006

St. Anthony, patron of our parish, loyal servant of God, faithful follower of Jesus: You taught by word and deed, the message of the Gospel. Teach us to live the Gospel values as you did. Enlighten our minds in search of God's will. Inspire us to be a prayerful community, ever reaching out to and cherishing our neighbour. Help us proclaim God's love and live what we proclaim. AMEN.

OUR PARISH PRAYER

4th Sunday of Advent

Today is the midpoint of Advent, once called Gaudete (joy) Sunday. Hope and joy permeate today's readings and indeed we cannot help noticing the hope that permeates all the Advent readings.We rejoice at what God has done and is still doing in our midst. We look to the future in hope.

As we look around our community what signs of hope are present?What does it mean to be 'men and women of the present'?What can we do to live out Advent hope?

'You must be men and women of ceaseless hope, because only tomorrow can today's human and Christian promise be realised; and every tomorrow will have its own tomorrow, world without end. Every human act, every Christian act, is an act of hope. But that means you must be men and women of the present, you must live this moment - really live it, not just endure it - because this very moment, for all its imperfection and frustration, because of its imperfection and frustration, is pregnant with all sorts of possibilities, is pregnant with the future, is pregnant with love, is pregnant with Christ'.

Waiter Burghardt Sir,We Would Like to See Jesus.

From Break Open the Word

Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

† We pray in thanksgiving for Audrey Worrell, Peter Duong, and those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time: Analeen Bartholomeusz, Serge Baya, Marthesie Waterstone, Gerard Collins, Eugenio Cimino, Mary Puts, Gaetano Manfre, Vyvette Seneviratne.

† Please also pray for those who are sick especially Paterno Gomez, Suzanne Coleman, Sidney Fernandez, Pamela Thomas, Sara Rupt Coleman, Kathryn Day, Tarra Petersen, Anton Francis, Shireen Parker, Sr Carmel Kalaw ofmi, Frank Muletta, Dorothy Brennan, Charuka Noel Amanasinghe, Marie Bernadette Salalila, Baby Tyesha Guer, Andy Erispe, Cecil Sasman, Pauline Muller, Jaimie, Lindsay Michel, Liam Erispe, Salma Parker, Frieda Fortuin, Sam Baron, Baby Abdulla, Pat Doll, Emiliana Dela Cruz, Bob & Jenny Franklin, Jean-Robert Migale, Marlene Albert, Bernie Saldanha, Sam Dimasi, Gary Day, Margaret Laverty, Ida Innarella, Mark Fraser, Rita Ephraums, Derick Fernandez, Elaine Davies, Patricia Falleiro, Veronica Varga, Mildred D’Souza, Tara Greco, Abo Smith, Magdaline Ghosh, Ramon Austria, Charlene Lauron, Antonio Sarlo, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Giovanna Greco, Brendan Adams, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Leo O’Neill, Rita Briggs, Paul Camilleri, Mario Tizio, Melissa Haidar, Pat Turner, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Dean Whitewood-Neal, Tracy Hili, Brittany Charalambous, Blake Hayes, Samantha Adams, Floryse and Herman Ass.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

COME JOIN IN CELEBRATING OUR ANNUAL CAROL SINGING “THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS”

JOIN IN SINGING YOUR FAVORITE CAROLS AND BE ENTERTAINED BY SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BY VARIOUS GROUPS AND A NATIVITY PLAY BY THE

CHILDREN OF ST ANTHONY'S. ALL ARE WELCOMEDATE: 16 DECEMBER - TIME: 7:00 PM

PLACE: ST ANTHONY'S BIG HALL.

ST ANTHONY'S CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2012

11/12/12-TUES PENITENTIAL SERVICE 7:30PM PRIESTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL RECONCILIATION

12/12/12-WED MASS AND OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOR NOVENA 7:00PM

15/12/12-SAT MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:00PM16/12/12-SUN MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 5:30PM CAROLS – 'THE GLORY OF 7:00PM CHRISTMAS' IN THE BIG HALL17/12/12-MON MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM18/12/12-TUES MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM19/12/12-WED MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA/ 8:00PM OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOR NOVENA20/12/12-THU MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM21/12/12-FRI MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM22/12/12-SAT MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:00PM23/12/12-SUN MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 5:30PM24/12/12 -MON CHILDREN'S MASS 6:30PM YOUTH MASS 8:00PM CAROLS BEFORE MASS 11:00PM MIDNIGHT MASS 12:00AM25/12/12-TUES MASS 8:15AM MASS 9:30AM MASS 11:00AM

NO EVENING MASS

'THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS' – NATIVITY PLAYCALLING ALL CHILDREN 4 TO 14 YEARS OF AGE. YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIVITY PLAY AT THE CAROLS NIGHT TO BE HELD ON 16 DECEMBER IN THE BIG HALL. MUMS/DADS PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILDREN FOR A PRACTICE ON 10 DECEMBER AT 7:00PM IN THE BIG HALL.

ROSTERS - ROSTERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY MASSES ARE NOW UP IN THE FOYER. PLEASE NOMINATE THE MASS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MINISTER TO.

EVANGELIUM SUMMER SCHOOL25-28 January 2013 * Melbourne

www.evangeliumsummerschool.comSet in the heart of Melbourne, the Evangelium Summer School is an initiative for the Year of Faith. Designed specifically for young people 18-30yo, this Summer School will help you explore some key teachings of the Catholic faith as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are the Accommodation Options for the Evangelium Summer School: Single Room $180 and Twin Share $150 (Single Gender Only). First five receive a discount of $30. Brochure available on notice board. Please see Fr Richard for more information.

CHOIR PRACTICE IN PREPARATION FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMASis on every Monday night at 7.30pm in the Church. All singers and musicians are invited to attend.

With his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI declared a "Year of Faith" on October 11, 2012 and conclude on November 24, 2013.

October 11, 2012, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) and also the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith. In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn that God has opened the door of faith for the early Church. But did you know that God has opened the door of faith for each one us and he invites us to step through the threshold into a deeper relationship with him. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for every Catholic to turn towards Jesus Christ, encounter him in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and rediscover the Faith and Church. Copies are available at the church doors.

YEAR OF FAITH

BOOKINGS FOR 2013We are preparing the venue bookings for 2013. To book a place for regular meetings or for a setting date, you should contact Joseph at the Parish Centre as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING MASS TIMES:31 DECEMBER - 7:00PM - THANKSGIVING MASS 1 JANUARY - SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD - 9:30 AM AND 11:00 AM

“Christmas is a special time for many families but for some it is difficult and never having enough to go around especially the children.Your generosity again this year might hold the key to making it really special and brighter for a lot of children and adults in our community who need it. I encourage you to make a positive difference and bring a smile to the faces of our children.Next week our Christmas tree will be set up in the foyer of the Church and I invite you to place a gift under the tree. These gifts will be collected by St Vincent de Paul who will then distribute them to the needy. The gifts should be NEW toys and/or clothes and non-perishable food items. Over the years you have shown tremendous support and for this I say 'thank you'

Fr Arsenio

Christmas is a time of giving

At the 9.30am Sunday Mass. This caters for the needs of the younger members of the Parish, presenting them

with the Word of God and activities appropriate for their age.

Children's Liturgy

2013 COLUMBAN CALENDARS & CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE AVAILABLE

IN THE PIETY STALL.

A new book of Fr Stuart MoranA Friendly Guide to Luke's Gospel is an invitation to embark on a journey full of surprises. The author of Luke was an accomplished and sophisticated writer, with a keen sense of literary structure as well as a profound understanding of the universal nature of God's love. For the reader who has perhaps become used to hearing gospels

in Sunday fragments, Fr Stuart Moran's commentary encourages us to read Luke's Gospel as a whole book, seeing it as a story crafted by a master hand.It is available from Garratt Publishing:http://www.garrattpublishing.com.au/index.php/category/Friendly-Guides

The bookshop free phone number is1300 650 878

KNITTING GROUP after a short end of year break, the Knitting Group will resume on Friday 18th January.

FATIMA STATUE ROSTER FOR 2013 is in the foyer of the Church. Please put your name on the Roster when you want it.

ROSARY TEAM MASS will be on 22 December 2012. Rosary starts at 2.15pm followed by Holy Mass at 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

Nativity Scene at St Elizabeth's Parish15 December - 27 January 9am - 5pmThe annual St Elizabeth's Parish Nativity display will be ready for viewing from 15 December. All are welcome.Where: St Elizabeth's Parish, 107 Bakers Road, DandenongContact: 9795 6217 (Parish office hours)

ONE - One God. One Spirit. One Church.Friday 18 January, 7:30pm – 10:30pmIn January 2013, Melbourne youth (16-35yrs) are invited to "One" a not-to-be-missed celebration of faith, including spirit-filled contemporary Christian worship by some of Melbourne's hottest musical talent, and an inspiring preaching by special guest Mark Nimo (Chicago). A special moment to encounter and be encountered by the living God - a start to the year like no other!Where: Central Hall, 20 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (around the corner from Victoria Parade). When: Friday 18 January, 7.30pm – 10.30pm. Contact: ccrmelbounre@gmail.com

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

† We pray in thanksgiving for Audrey Worrell, Peter Duong, and those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time: Analeen Bartholomeusz, Serge Baya, Marthesie Waterstone, Gerard Collins, Eugenio Cimino, Mary Puts, Gaetano Manfre, Vyvette Seneviratne.

† Please also pray for those who are sick especially Paterno Gomez, Suzanne Coleman, Sidney Fernandez, Pamela Thomas, Sara Rupt Coleman, Kathryn Day, Tarra Petersen, Anton Francis, Shireen Parker, Sr Carmel Kalaw ofmi, Frank Muletta, Dorothy Brennan, Charuka Noel Amanasinghe, Marie Bernadette Salalila, Baby Tyesha Guer, Andy Erispe, Cecil Sasman, Pauline Muller, Jaimie, Lindsay Michel, Liam Erispe, Salma Parker, Frieda Fortuin, Sam Baron, Baby Abdulla, Pat Doll, Emiliana Dela Cruz, Bob & Jenny Franklin, Jean-Robert Migale, Marlene Albert, Bernie Saldanha, Sam Dimasi, Gary Day, Margaret Laverty, Ida Innarella, Mark Fraser, Rita Ephraums, Derick Fernandez, Elaine Davies, Patricia Falleiro, Veronica Varga, Mildred D’Souza, Tara Greco, Abo Smith, Magdaline Ghosh, Ramon Austria, Charlene Lauron, Antonio Sarlo, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Giovanna Greco, Brendan Adams, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Leo O’Neill, Rita Briggs, Paul Camilleri, Mario Tizio, Melissa Haidar, Pat Turner, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Dean Whitewood-Neal, Tracy Hili, Brittany Charalambous, Blake Hayes, Samantha Adams, Floryse and Herman Ass.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

COME JOIN IN CELEBRATING OUR ANNUAL CAROL SINGING “THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS”

JOIN IN SINGING YOUR FAVORITE CAROLS AND BE ENTERTAINED BY SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BY VARIOUS GROUPS AND A NATIVITY PLAY BY THE

CHILDREN OF ST ANTHONY'S. ALL ARE WELCOMEDATE: 16 DECEMBER - TIME: 7:00 PM

PLACE: ST ANTHONY'S BIG HALL.

ST ANTHONY'S CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2012

11/12/12-TUES PENITENTIAL SERVICE 7:30PM PRIESTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL RECONCILIATION

12/12/12-WED MASS AND OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOR NOVENA 7:00PM

15/12/12-SAT MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:00PM16/12/12-SUN MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 5:30PM CAROLS – 'THE GLORY OF 7:00PM CHRISTMAS' IN THE BIG HALL17/12/12-MON MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM18/12/12-TUES MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM19/12/12-WED MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA/ 8:00PM OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOR NOVENA20/12/12-THU MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM21/12/12-FRI MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:30PM22/12/12-SAT MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 7:00PM23/12/12-SUN MASS & CHRISTMAS NOVENA 5:30PM24/12/12 -MON CHILDREN'S MASS 6:30PM YOUTH MASS 8:00PM CAROLS BEFORE MASS 11:00PM MIDNIGHT MASS 12:00AM25/12/12-TUES MASS 8:15AM MASS 9:30AM MASS 11:00AM

NO EVENING MASS

'THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS' – NATIVITY PLAYCALLING ALL CHILDREN 4 TO 14 YEARS OF AGE. YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIVITY PLAY AT THE CAROLS NIGHT TO BE HELD ON 16 DECEMBER IN THE BIG HALL. MUMS/DADS PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILDREN FOR A PRACTICE ON 10 DECEMBER AT 7:00PM IN THE BIG HALL.

ROSTERS - ROSTERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY MASSES ARE NOW UP IN THE FOYER. PLEASE NOMINATE THE MASS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MINISTER TO.

EVANGELIUM SUMMER SCHOOL25-28 January 2013 * Melbourne

www.evangeliumsummerschool.comSet in the heart of Melbourne, the Evangelium Summer School is an initiative for the Year of Faith. Designed specifically for young people 18-30yo, this Summer School will help you explore some key teachings of the Catholic faith as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are the Accommodation Options for the Evangelium Summer School: Single Room $180 and Twin Share $150 (Single Gender Only). First five receive a discount of $30. Brochure available on notice board. Please see Fr Richard for more information.

CHOIR PRACTICE IN PREPARATION FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMASis on every Monday night at 7.30pm in the Church. All singers and musicians are invited to attend.

With his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI declared a "Year of Faith" on October 11, 2012 and conclude on November 24, 2013.

October 11, 2012, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) and also the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith. In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn that God has opened the door of faith for the early Church. But did you know that God has opened the door of faith for each one us and he invites us to step through the threshold into a deeper relationship with him. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for every Catholic to turn towards Jesus Christ, encounter him in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and rediscover the Faith and Church. Copies are available at the church doors.

YEAR OF FAITH

BOOKINGS FOR 2013We are preparing the venue bookings for 2013. To book a place for regular meetings or for a setting date, you should contact Joseph at the Parish Centre as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING MASS TIMES:31 DECEMBER - 7:00PM - THANKSGIVING MASS 1 JANUARY - SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD - 9:30 AM AND 11:00 AM

“Christmas is a special time for many families but for some it is difficult and never having enough to go around especially the children.Your generosity again this year might hold the key to making it really special and brighter for a lot of children and adults in our community who need it. I encourage you to make a positive difference and bring a smile to the faces of our children.Next week our Christmas tree will be set up in the foyer of the Church and I invite you to place a gift under the tree. These gifts will be collected by St Vincent de Paul who will then distribute them to the needy. The gifts should be NEW toys and/or clothes and non-perishable food items. Over the years you have shown tremendous support and for this I say 'thank you'

Fr Arsenio

Christmas is a time of giving

At the 9.30am Sunday Mass. This caters for the needs of the younger members of the Parish, presenting them

with the Word of God and activities appropriate for their age.

Children's Liturgy

2013 COLUMBAN CALENDARS & CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE AVAILABLE

IN THE PIETY STALL.

A new book of Fr Stuart MoranA Friendly Guide to Luke's Gospel is an invitation to embark on a journey full of surprises. The author of Luke was an accomplished and sophisticated writer, with a keen sense of literary structure as well as a profound understanding of the universal nature of God's love. For the reader who has perhaps become used to hearing gospels

in Sunday fragments, Fr Stuart Moran's commentary encourages us to read Luke's Gospel as a whole book, seeing it as a story crafted by a master hand.It is available from Garratt Publishing:http://www.garrattpublishing.com.au/index.php/category/Friendly-Guides

The bookshop free phone number is1300 650 878

KNITTING GROUP after a short end of year break, the Knitting Group will resume on Friday 18th January.

FATIMA STATUE ROSTER FOR 2013 is in the foyer of the Church. Please put your name on the Roster when you want it.

ROSARY TEAM MASS will be on 22 December 2012. Rosary starts at 2.15pm followed by Holy Mass at 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

Nativity Scene at St Elizabeth's Parish15 December - 27 January 9am - 5pmThe annual St Elizabeth's Parish Nativity display will be ready for viewing from 15 December. All are welcome.Where: St Elizabeth's Parish, 107 Bakers Road, DandenongContact: 9795 6217 (Parish office hours)

ONE - One God. One Spirit. One Church.Friday 18 January, 7:30pm – 10:30pmIn January 2013, Melbourne youth (16-35yrs) are invited to "One" a not-to-be-missed celebration of faith, including spirit-filled contemporary Christian worship by some of Melbourne's hottest musical talent, and an inspiring preaching by special guest Mark Nimo (Chicago). A special moment to encounter and be encountered by the living God - a start to the year like no other!Where: Central Hall, 20 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (around the corner from Victoria Parade). When: Friday 18 January, 7.30pm – 10.30pm. Contact: ccrmelbounre@gmail.com

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

A reading from the prophet Zephaniah

Shout for joy, daughter of Zion,Israel, shout aloud!Rejoice, exult with all your heart,daughter of Jerusalem!The Lord has repealed your sentence;he has driven your enemies away.The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst;you have no more evil to fear.When that day comes, word will come to Jerusalem:Zion, have no fear,do not let your hands fall limp.The Lord your God is in your midst,a victorious warrior.He will exult with joy over you,he will renew you by his love;he will dance with shouts of joy for youas on a day of festival.

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6

R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Truly, God is my salvation,I trust, I shall not fear.For the Lord is my strength, my song,he became my saviour.With joy you will draw waterfrom the wells of salvation. R.

Give thanks to the Lord, give praise to his name!make his mighty deeds known to the peoples!Declare the greatness of his name. R.

Sing a psalm to the Lordfor he has done glorious deeds,make them known to all the earth!People of Zion, sing and shout for joyfor great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. R.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians

I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near. There is no need to worry; but if there is anything

you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18)

Alleluia, alleluia!The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

When all the people asked John. ‘What must we do?’ he answered, ‘If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same.’ There were tax collectors too who came for baptism, and these said to him, ‘Master, what must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Exact no more than your rate.’ Some soldiers asked him in their turn, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ He said to them, ‘No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!’

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ As well as this, there were many other things he said to exhort the people and to announce the Good News to them.

The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

LITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORD