159 Northway, Durban North, 4051 E-Mail Website: www.fatima.org.za Tel 0315635554 Fax 0315634684
Acting Parish Priest: Fr Peter Lafferty
Deacon: Rev Peter VenterPastoral Assistants: Irene Helsdon Anne Chatteris
13th December 2015
Third Sunday of Advent Year C
Missal References Page 783 (new), 710 (old)
Eucharistic Prayer
Memorial Acclamation
Next Sunday’s Scripture Page 787 (new), 713 (old)
Next Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent in Year C
Feasts of the Week
Monday St. John of the Cross
Entrance Antiphon
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.
Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12Shout, and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations,
proclaim that his name is exalted.”
“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Shout, and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. /
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to preach good news to the poor. Alleluia
Communion Antiphon
Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.
This Week’s Diary
/Monday / Mass / 9.00am
RCIA / 5.30pm
Advent Penitential Service / 7.00pm
Tuesday / Mass / 6.30am
Gospel Sharing / 9.15am
Holy Hour / 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Movie Evening / 6.00pm
Wednesday / Men’s Fellowship and Prayer / 5.00am – 6.00am
Communion Service / 9.00am
Faith and Reason / 7.00pm
Thursday / CWL – Retiree Christmas Tea / 10.00am
Mass / 6.00pm
Choir Practice / 6.45pm
Friday / Morning Prayer / 6.15am
Mass / 6.30am
Saturday / Mass / 8.00am
Sacrament of Reconciliation / 11.00am & 4.30pm
Sunday / Masses / 7.00am; 9.00am & 5.45pm
Please pray for the Sick especially:
Relatives:
Tris Tillard’s sister; Peter Squires; Joy Lees’ grandniece; Gladys Cole’s brother; Maryse Bowman’s nieces; Louise Kin’s sister; Renee Armstrong’s sisters; Jo James’ nephew; Josiane & Marie-Claude Maujean’s brother; Nancy Chettiar’s mother; Annette Hoyer’s parents; Stuart McGregor; Graham Naude’s mother; Esme Hallot’s nieces; Anna Kalinowska’s mother; Alma Osborn’s grandson; John Bremner’s nephew; Anne Appelgren’s husband; Tracy Mendonidis & Candice Houseman’s mother; Marjorie Mawbey’s niece; Loretta Liviero. Nadine Paul’s mother. / Margaret Beechey’s mother; Sharon Ellis’ sister; Elsa Pearton’s son Michael & granddaughter; Denise Irvine’s daughter; Maryse Wardell’s mother; Irene Helsdon’s niece; Gill Yelland’s daughter-in-law; Josè Martins’ mother; Caron Martins’ father, sister & nephew; Lyn Alborough’s niece; Norlie McDonogh’s sister-in-law & sister; Lynne Tillard’s brother; Tottie Bremner’s nephew; George & Carol Urquhart’s mothers; Theresa Hoogewerf’s uncle; Mary Ann Salvage’s brother; Denise Topp’s daughter & son-in law; Ancilla Donaldson’s parents; Michelle Lock’s father; Liz Newberry’s husband; Brenda Bennison. / Fr Des brother & nephew; Warren Walker’s uncle; Gail Rossiter’s daughter; Peggy du Plessis’ brother, sister & daughter-in-law; Jean & Pauline Leclezio’s son and daughter-in law; Gail Hansen’s mother; Kevin Curtis’ nephew; Manuel Lourenco’s nephew; Michael Basson’s daughter; May Dormehl’s brother-in law & daughter; Paddy Pirie & Gail Rossiter’s sisters; Debbie Macpherson’s father; Brian Hoogewerf’s sister; Maureen Hutton’s mother-in law; Giel van der Merwe’s daughter; Lorna Deacon; Heather Rorick.Parishioners:
Hugh Elliott; Cathy Hogg; Anthea Jack; Clare Whatmore; Sr Catherina; Virgile Bonhomme; Cameron Smith; Felicity Harrison; Jenny Ducray; Hendrika Brock; Roger Brouard; Maryse Bowman; Gordon Urquhart; Milly van Gogh; Joy Lees; Di Smith; Pat du Trevou. / May Dormehl; Leigh Went; Pierette Lenferna; Daphne Rahmer; Daniel Lourenco; Teresa Latouf; Caron Martins; Tony Akal; Randy Tryon; Sandra Teodosio; Gilda de Freitas; Lynne Govender; John Hull; Pat Sturgess; Ellen Ball; Monique Saint-George. / Elsa Pearton; Gill Yelland; Theresa Hoogewerf; Dcn Peter Venter; Gladys Cole; Gerrit Snyders; Moises de Sousa; Marcienne Redfern; Mavon Cole; Yvonne Duthie; Zaren Baxter; Mary Ferreira.Scripture Readings For Next Sunday
Micah 5: 2-5 Hebrews 10: 5-10 Luke 1: 39-45
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL of June Mezher. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen.
Congratulations to Camille Goldstone and Dillaine Geduld who were united in the sacrament of Marriage yesterday afternoon.
Please continue to pray for Dcn Peter, and the intentions of all clergy.
GOSPEL SHARING Tuesdays at 9.15am in the hall.
WEDNESDAY’S MEN
Men of our Parish are invited to gather together with Christ over a cup of coffee for prayer, sharing and reflection, every Wednesday morning from 5.00am–6.00am, in the Church Hall. Visitors (men) are most welcome.
For further details please contact Brian Hoogewerf on 0837800004.
MORNING PRAYER on Friday mornings at 6.15am - before the 6.30am Mass.
Please support.
Christmas Tea
All retired parishioners are invited to join us for a Morning Tea and Christmas Celebration, on Thursday 17 December at 10 am, for a morning of fun, eats, singing and laughter. For catering purposes please call Ana at the parish office on 031 563 5554; if you are able to attend.
ADVENT FAITH-SHARING
Faith-sharing material is ready for collection, to enable NSGs to hold faith-sharing during the Season of Advent. NSG leaders should pick up the required number of leaflets from outside the Sacristy on Sunday or from the parish office each week. This is the last week of reflection.
Carols by Candlelight
The Durban Catholic Players Guild present the Carols by Candlelight at the Greyville racecourse this year on the 20 December 2015 at 7:00pm.
For more information please see the poster at the back of the Church or call Dawn Haynes on 083 564 2929.
YEAR PLANNER FOR 2016
All groups, organizations and Committees in the parish are asked to please advise us of the dates for their activities during 2016. These can be either handed in to Theresa at the Parish Office during office hours (8.30am to 4.00pm, Mondays to Fridays) or emailed to her at the following email address:
Work Party
Please can all the people who put their names down for work parties to help the parish office, please contact Ana (Tel: 031 563 5554) and let her know if you can assist on Friday mornings during the Advent season.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING CLASS
For anyone who has never used a computer before. The 1-week course starts every Monday at the Denis Hurley Centre. Cost R180 includes certificate and workbook. You must attend classes every day Mon-Fri 8.30am to 4pm. To register apply in person at the DHC Computer Room with R180, any day Monday-Friday between 8am and 9am or at the J&P desk after Masses. Or email: or call 081 423 0864.
Fatima’s History “Our First Fifty Years”
If you haven’t collected your copy as yet, please don’t forget to collect your copy from the parish office, from Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 4:00pm.
TEAMS (Equipes Notre-Dame)
Is an International Catholic movement with the aim of helping couples to deepen their faith and grow closer together. A Team consists of 4 or 5 couples and a spiritual counsellor. They meet together once a month in each other’s homes to share a simple meal, pray and discuss topics on marriage. For more information please contact Gilda on (082 733 4689/ 031 564 6540) or visit the site www.teamsofourlady.org.uk
St Vincent de Paul Notices
APPEAL FOR FOOD & CLOTHING
The SVDP Society continues its appeal for food items. The current donation item request is for: Mealie Meal Packet (1KG). If you forgot to bring your tin of pilchards in tomato sauce today, don’t worry you can bring it along with you next Sunday.
(Golden Hours Sunday Market)
Are collecting any second hand items such as toys, games, household utensils, costume jewellery, ornaments, CD’s, DVD’s, etc. in reasonable condition (damaged or broken items are not saleable). These items are sold and the proceeds raised go towards feeding the poor and needy. Donations may be left at the Parish office from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.
Contact: Josie Giannotti Tel: 031 563 1199 or Cell: 084 332 0690 if items need to be collected.
Please note: Collection in the Durban North Area only.
CHRISTMAS PROJECT - STARS
Shoes, shirts and pyjamas for underprivileged children. Take a shoe or shirt star off the Christmas Tree; take it to SVDP table and purchase the Shoes or Shirt; if you take a pyjama star off the tree you may purchase the item from any store you prefer. Take the item home for wrapping and return the item to the SVDP Christmas Box at back of Church by Sunday 13 December 2015. Donation is: Shoe Star R70 and Shirt Star R70.
(Don’t forget to attach the STAR to the wrapped present!!)
CHRISTMAS BUCKETS
It’s that time of the year where we start preparing Christmas Buckets for approx. 90 families in the Ottawa area. The donation amount is R150 per bucket.
If you are unable to participate fully in either of the Christmas projects, donations of any amount towards these Appeals will also be most appreciated.
Parish Nativity - Calling all children and youth of all ages!
We need your help in helping the parish relive the story of Christmas!
We are looking for actors and singers to be a part of our Nativity which will take place on Saturday 19 December at 6:00pm. Please contact Steph on 0834076652, for more information
MASS DIARY FOR 2016
The Mass Diary for next year is open. To book your Mass intentions in advance please contact Ana at the parish office or email . Stipends for Masses from 1 January 2016 is R40 per Mass.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
THURSDAY 24th DECEMBER
Midnight Mass Commencing with a Carol Service at 11.15pm
FRIDAY 25th DECEMBER
Christmas Day 7.00am & 9.00am
SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER
Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr 9.00am
Repository
Advent Wreaths are now in stock:
Large Wreath R35.00, 5 thick candles @ R6 ea. The full set is R65.00.
Small Wreath R25.00, 5 thin candles @ R6 ea. The full set is R55.00
Also the ‘Put Christ back in to Christmas stickers are for sale in the repository at R 3.00 ea
The Good Shepherd Catechism Programme is based on the Montessori method of teaching, which caters for pre-school children from 4 – 6 years old. Anyone interested in teaching this programme there is training every third Saturday of the month, beginning in January 2016 at St. Joseph’s Parish. We are hoping to offer this programme in the parish next year. Please contact Anne at the parish office on 031 563 5554 or email for more information.
Inchanga Angels
Please can all the people who had put their names down on the list to contribute toward a ‘bookbag’ (R55,00) or a pair of shoes (R70,00), please put the amount in an envelope with your name on it and place it into the collection basket at Sunday Mass or drop off the money at the parish office during the week (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm).
Thank you to all those who have already paid, your contributions are much appreciated.
Mass Intentions
13 December 2015 – 20 December 2015
Sunday / 7.00am / Stan Kalinowski; Mr & Mrs Witkowski; Jenny Foster; Nicola Tomlin All RIP (Anna Kalinowska)9.00am / Fr Des – In Thanksgiving (Fatima Family) and
Gavin van Kan RIP (van Kan Family)
5.45pm / Pro Populo
Monday / 9.00am / In Thanksgiving – Chatteris; ONeill; Fox; Ive; Damian & Elaine (Anne Chatteris)
Tuesday / 6.30am / Celebrants Intention
Wednesday / 9.00am / Communion Service
Thursday / 6.00pm / Monica & Errol Richardson RIP (Theresa Hoogewerf)
Friday / 6.30am / Pious Lists
Saturday / 8.00am / Holy Souls RIP (Maria Teodosio)
Sunday / 7.00am / JohannesMdwebu RIP (Doris Mnqumeni) and
Esther Mdwebu RIP (Lungiswa Mnqumeni)
9.00am / Marguerite Barois RIP (Monique Saint-George)
5.45pm / Pro Populo
Welcome New Parishioners
Change of Address and/or Phone No
/ / Need dedication informationNew registration
/ / Registered but do not receive mailMoving out of the parish / Email mailing list
Name
Address
City / Code
Phone
Place in the collection basket or hand to a Minister of Hospitality
Third Sunday of Advent Year C13th December 2015 Seán P. Kealy, C.S.Sp.
Commentary
First Reading (Zeph 3: 14-18) The time after the reform of Josiah seems to be the background to Zephaniah although it may have been written later. It has been described as a radically prophetic book, a charter for the little people of all corrupt societies. It is a warning to churches in the western world that there is a devastating judgment and that God sides with the despised and rejected who are encouraged to trust in God’s control and ability to act. The text is one the Church needs today. It is a confident call to shout with joy because the Lord has taken away the judgments against it, turned away their enemies and is now in their midst so they can fear disaster no more. Rather God will renew them in his love.
Second Reading (Phil 4:4-7) Paul concludes the main part of his letter with a call to rejoice always in the Lord, to live in the wider world, not in a state of nervous anxiety but in complete trust in the Lord himself and in readiness to pray full of gratitude. Then God’s own peace will stand ‘sentry watch’ a military expression, over our hearts. Thus because the day of Christ is near and the peace of God stands guard, the Church can rejoice. He writes this knowing that there are agitators at Philippi and a conflict between some leading women.
Gospel (Lk 3: 10-18) ‘What ought we to do?’ brings the fiery Baptist from his devastating attack on the brood of vipers, fleeing from the wrath to come, down to the human mess of ordinary lives as we struggle day by day. The question is a basic theme in Luke recurring at 10:25, 18:18, and John 6:28. Peter will be asked the same question at Pentecost (Acts 2:37) and the jailer will ask it of Paul and Silas (16:30; 20:10). This text is a good example of tough love which leads to a gentleness towards those anxious for conversion.
One commentator asks where is the joy that is found in the first two readings for this Sunday. It is here (unspoken) in the joy of repentance so often stressed by Luke. All are invited in Luke to share their coats and food with those who have none. Even there is hope for tax-collectors and soldiers who are employed in the Roman system. Neither is asked to give up their jobs or to try to overthrow the corrupt system. Both are challenged to work with justice and compassion within the structures of the Empire. John, with a profound sense of his unworthiness, looks forward to the mightier Messiah who will have a superior baptism. Luke will describe the fulfilment in the phenomena of wind, fire and spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Luke sees John’s approach as one of exhortations, and proclaiming good news to the people. In Luke he has just announced Christ who will undoubtedly be a surprise not only to John himself but to all without exception.
RETROUVAILLE