159 Kenneth Kaunda Rd, Durban North, 4051 E-Mail Website: www.fatima.org.za Tel: 0315635554 Fax: 0315634684
Parish Priest: Fr Justin Stirton
Pastoral Assistant: Irene Helsdon10th December 2017
Second Sunday of Advent Year B
Missal References Page 497 (old), 440 (new)
Next Sunday’s Scripture Page 501 (old), 444 (new)
Next Sunday Third Sunday of Advent – Year B
Feasts of the Week
Monday St Damasus I, Pope
Tuesday Our Lady of Guadalupe
Wednesday St Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Thursday St John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor
Entrance Antiphon
O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 85
Let us see, O Lord, your mercyand grant us your salvation.
I will hear what the Lord God speaks;
he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful,
His salvation is near for those who fear him,
and his glory will dwell in our land.
Merciful love and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,
and justice look down from heaven.
Also the Lord will bestow his bounty,
and our earth shall yield its increase.
Justice will march before him,
and guide his steps on the way.
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy
and grant us your salvation. /
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia
Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight; all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia
Communion Antiphon
Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and behold the joy which comes to you from God.
This Week’s Diary
/Monday / Mass / 9.00am
Finance Committee Meeting / 5.45pm
RCIA / 6.30pm
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Meeting / 7.00pm
Tuesday / Gospel Sharing / 9.15am
Adoration / 5.00pm
Communion Service / 6.00pm
Wednesday / Men’s Prayer and Fellowship Group / 5.00am – 6.00am
Mass / 6.30am
Young Adults - Food for Thought / 7.00pm
Thursday / Rosary Team Meeting / 9.30am
Communion Service / 6.00pm
Choir Practice / 6.45pm
Friday / Morning Prayer / 6.15am
Mass / 6.30am
Saturday / Mass / 8.00am
Confessions / 11.00am & 4.30pm
Nuptial Mass:
Nicolas de Freitas & Paulinha D`Oliveira / 2.00pm
Sunday / Masses / 7.00am; 9.00am & 5.15pm
Please pray for the Sick, especially
Parishioners
Anthea Jack; Sr Catherina; Joy Lees; Cameron Smith; Felicity Harrison; Jenny Ducray; Maryse Bowman;Roger Brouard; Randy Tryon; Gordon Urquhart; Gladys & Mavon Cole; Milly van Gogh; Daphne Rahmer; Caron Martins; Lise Bernon; May Dormehl. / Pierette Lenferna; Teresa Latouf; Elsa Pearton; Gerrit Snyders; Maria Dus; Pat Sturgess; Lynne Govender; Sandra Teodosio; Moises de Sousa; Dcn Peter Venter; Daniel Singery; Bernard D’Unienville; Leigh Went; Gill Yelland; Bronwyn Murgatroyd. / Mervin Moonsamy; Anne Golding; Verna Cavanagh; Kathy Paulus; Monique Saint-George; Clyde Alborough; Hannah Donaldson; Gail Tullidge; Gladys Meyer; Adrienne Paul; Hendrika Brock; Amanda Ngongoma.
Relatives
Tris Tillard’s sister; Jo James’ nephew, granddaughter & son; Louise Kin’s sister; Joy Lees’ grandniece; Renee Armstrong’s sisters; Maryse Bowman’s nieces; Annette Hoyer’s parents; Heather Rorick; Alma Osborn’s grandson; Sharon Ellis’ sister; Stuart McGregor; Margaret Beechey’s mother; Marjorie Mawbey’s niece; John Bremner’s nephew; Nancy Chettiar’s mother & sister; Candice Houseman & Tracy Mendonidis’ mother; Anna Kalinowska’s mother; Denise Irvine’s daughter; Ann Appelgren’s husband. / Maryse Wardell’s mother; Hugh Elliott; Irene Helsdon’s niece; Peter Squires; Brenda Bennison; Elsa Pearton’s granddaughter & son Michael; Norlie McDonogh’s sister-in-law & brother; Lynne Tillard’s brother; George Urquhart’s mother; Tottie Bremner’s nephew; Michelle Lock’s father; Mary Ann Salvage’s 4 brothers; Theresa Hoogewerf’s uncle; Warren Walker’s uncle; Denise Topp’s daughter & son-in-law; Claire Booth’s brother; May Dormehl’s brother-in-law & daughter; Fr Des brother & nephew; Titi Pitso’s brother; Fr Brian Reid; Susan Munks’ mother. / Peggy du Plessis’ brother, sister & daughter-in-law; Gail Hansen’s mother; Jean & Pauline Leclezio’s son & daughter-in-law; Lyn Campbell’s mother; Giel van der Merwe’s daughter; Ruth Florence’s mother; June Tatchell’s mother; Eleanor Scott’s husband; Ben Morasutti’s son Jos; Janice Cottingham’s brother; Duncan Miller’s father; Nomusa Mkhwanazi’s brother; Norraine Swanby; Michael Quarsingh’s brother; Bronwyn Murgatroyd’s mother; Norma Southwood’s sister-in-law; Rick Kennedy’s sister.PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for Deacon Peter Venter and the intentions of all clergy.
HOSPITAL CARE Please advise the parish office if you or a family member will be or has been admitted to hospital so that we can provide pastoral care.
MORNING PRAYER
Friday mornings at 6.15am - before the 6.30am Mass. Please support.
“FOOD FOR THOUGHT”
Young Adults are invited to
“Food for Thought”
on
Wednesday 13th December at 7pm in the Upper Hall.
This month’s topic is
“Why was Jesus born of a virgin”
given by Father Peter Lafferty.
A free meal for those who
RSVP on the notice board list or to Jeff Rose on 0837752399 by 10th December
Wedding Invitation
Nicolas de Freitas and Ana Paula (‘Paulinha’) Kaniski de Oliveira invite parishioners to the celebration of their marriage in a Nuptial Mass at 2.00 pm this Saturday 16 December.
Baptism Invitation
Anton & Clare van Kan invite parishioners to the Baptism of their son Wyatt van Kan at 10:45am on Sunday 17th December; with tea to be served thereafter in the parish hall.
Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 17 December 7.00 pm. Greyville racecourse.
Please bring a NEW or USED TOY to be donated to a deserving underprivileged child.
The production will proceed under all weather conditions as the seating is sheltered.
Secure FREE parking is available within the grounds.
Enquiries: Dawn – 083 564 2929
Advent Confessions
Confessions on Saturday 16 December at 11.00 am and 4.30 pm. One priest.
Penitential service on Monday 18 December at 7.00 pm. Ten priests.
No Confessions on Saturday 23 December
Other Penitential Services: Thursday 14th at 6.30 pm at St Joseph’s
Thursday 21st at 7.00 pm at Blessed Sacrament
Penitential Service & Christmas Duty Lists
Ministers from the following ministries please volunteer for duty:
Ministers of the Word; Ministers of the Eucharist; Ministers to the Sick;
Ministers of Hospitality; Sacristans; Altar Servers.
The Duty lists are on the noticeboard at the back of the Church.
The Parish Christmas Nativity and Christmas Tree
The Parish Nativity will take place on Friday 22nd December at 6.00pm.
The Christmas Tree will follow in the school grounds straight after.
Could parents please drop off gifts for Santa to hand out at the Christmas Tree,
at the Parish Office, by December 21st.
Please contact Steph for more information on 083 407 6652.
Christmas and New Year Mass times
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saturday 23rd Mass at 5.15 pm (Sunday observance, fulfils Sunday obligation)
Sunday 24th Mass at 7.00 and 9.00 am (no 5.15 pm Mass)
Christmas
Sunday 24th Carol service at 11.15 pm
Christmas Midnight Mass
Monday 25th Christmas Mass at 7.00 and 9.00 am
Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 December
Mass at 9.00 am
Saturday 30 December
Mass at 8.00 am
Sunday 31 December
Mass at 7.00 and 9.00 am and 5.15 pm
Monday 1 January
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Mass at 9.00 am
DAILY ADVENT MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS
Many low-priced booklets of excellent Advent reflections by outstanding authors such as -
Fr Henri Nouwen, Fr Ronald Rolheiser and John Shea - are available in the repository.
Daily Advent reflections prepared by priests, deacons and laity and
Weekly Advent reflections prepared by Irene are available in the baptistry and downstairs.
MASSES FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
For centuries it has been the practice in the Church to offer Holy Mass for the faithful departed on the anniversary of their death. We would like to encourage this practice on the anniversary of the death of your family members and friends – and others!
If you would like to book your Mass intentions for 2018, please see Ana at the Parish Office or email with your intentions.
Also, when you have requested a Mass please make a special effort to attend that Mass
Mass Intentions
10th December – 17th December 2017
Sunday / 7.00am / Pro Populo9.00am / Special Intention (Theresa Hoogewerf) and
Alex & Hanoon Kayat RIP (Cheryl van Pletzen)
5.15pm / Gilda de Freitas RIP (de Freitas Family)
Monday / 9.00am / Margaret Cullis (Michele Buckley) and
Luc Pus & Mervyn Pous RIP (Sheila Pous)
Tuesday / 6.00pm / Communion Service
Wednesday / 6.30am / Huub de Waal RIP (Marijke Stringer)
Thursday / 6.00pm / Communion Service
Friday / 6.30am / Neville Stirton RIP (Fr Justin Stirton)
Saturday / 8.00am / Holy Souls RIP (Sandra Teodosio)
Sunday / 7.00am / Stan Kalinowski; Mr & Mrs Witkowski; Jenny; Nicola & Philip – all RIP (Anna Kalinowska)
9.00am / Monica Richardson RIP & Errol Richardson RIP (Theresa Hoogewerf)
and Gavin van Kan RIP (van Kan Family)
5.15pm / Pro Populo
Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP)
Christmas Stars
SSVP's annual Christmas Stars donation drive has begun.
Parishioners can choose stars for school children: shirts R70; shoes R70: pyjamas (own choice).
Christmas buckets for the families in Ottawa will also be on sale, at R175 per bucket.
APPEAL FOR FOOD
The Society of St Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who brought an item of non-perishable food last Sunday. There is still a great need.
The items requested this week are:
Mealie Meal (1KG) & Cup-a-Soup Packs
Second Hand Books
SSVP requests more donations of books for their bookshop.
Please drop these off at the parish office or contact the parish office to arrange collection.
SSVP Bank Details:
Account Name Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Bank First National Bank
Branch Durban North
Branch Code 220426
Account No 62033860786
CATECHISM NOTICES:
Teachers for 2018
If there is anyone interested in teaching Grade 0 catechism (Good Shepherd) please contact the parish office via email or on 031 563 5554.
Is there anyone interested in teaching Primary School catechism next year?
If so, please contact Sophia Oosthuysen 082 563 9361 as soon as possible.
CHURCH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
a) We need to undertake a major project of opening, filling and sealing cracks in the south face of the office block, followed by filling of interior cracks and painting inside
and out. If anyone would like to quote, please contact Fr Justin.
b) Grass runners or grass plugs are needed for the bank in front of the presbytery, on
Northway. If anyone can help, or quote, please contact Fr Justin as soon as possible.
PARISH FACEBOOK PAGE
Visit our Parish Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/FatimaParishDurban/ for our bulletin, Advent reflections and the latest news about parish events.
WhatsApp Group
The slips of paper that parishioners filled out earlier this year to join the different groups to receive communication within the parish, are being processed into the Whatsapp system by the Parish Office. If you didn’t get a chance to fill out the slip of paper and would like to be added to any of the ministries you are involved in please email
“FAMILY LIFE” BOOKS COLLECTION FROM THE PARISH OFFICE
The “Family Life” books are available for collection from the parish office during the week. Please will those who ordered these books collect and pay for them.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B10th December 2017
Commentary
Meditation:
John the Baptist's life was fueled by one burning passion - to point others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of his kingdom. Who is John the Baptist and what is the significance of his message for our lives? Scripture tells us that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15, 41) by Christ himself, whom Mary had just conceived by the Holy Spirit. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth John leapt in her womb as he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). The fire of the Spirit dwelt in John and made him the forerunner of the coming Messiah. John was led by the Spirit into the wilderness prior to his ministry where he grew in the word of God and was tested in preparation for his prophetic mission. John's clothing was reminiscent of the prophet Elijah (see Kings 1:8).
Called to hear and obey the Word of God
John broke the prophetic silence of the previous centuries when he began to speak the word of God to the people of Israel. His message was similar to the message of the Old Testament prophets who chided the people of God for their unfaithfulness and who tried to awaken true repentance in them. Among a people unconcerned with the things of God, it was his work to awaken their interest, unsettle them from their complacency, and arouse in them enough good will to recognize and receive Christ when he came. Are you eager to hear God's word and to be changed by it through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus tells us that John the Baptist was more than a prophet (Luke 7:26). John was the voice of the Consoler who is coming (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:1-3). He completed the cycle of prophets begun by Elijah (Matthew 11:13-14). What the prophets had carefully searched for and angels longed to see, now came to completion as John made the way ready for the coming of the Messiah, God's Anointed Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. With John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit begins the restoration to the human race of the "divine likeness", prefiguring what would be achieved with and in the Lord Jesus.
Let the Holy Spirit purify and transform your mind and heart
John's baptism was for repentance - turning away from sin and taking on a new way of life according to God's word. Our baptism in Jesus Christ by water and the Spirit results in a new birth and entry into God's kingdom as his beloved sons and daughters (John 3:5). The Lord Jesus comes to baptize each one of us in his Holy Spirit so that we may walk in his truth and holiness and radiate the joy of the Gospel to all we meet. God's word has power to change and transform our lives so that we may be lights that point others to Jesus Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Christ. Do you point others to Jesus Christ in the way you live, speak, and treat others?
"Lord, let your light burn brightly in my heart that I may know the joy and freedom of your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to witness the truth of your Gospel and to point others to Jesus Christ."
Scripture Readings For Next Sunday