Parish of Our Lady of Fatima s8

Parish of Our Lady of Fatima 159 Kenneth Kaunda Rd, Durban North, 4051 E-Mail [email protected]: www.fatima.org.za Tel: 0315635554 Fax: 0315634684 Parish Priest: Fr Justin Stirton Pastoral Assistant: Irene Helsdon 17th December 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Year B Missal References Page 501 (old), 444 (new) Next Sunday’s Scripture Page 504 (old), 448 (new) Next Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year B Feasts of the Week Thursday St Peter Canisius Saturday St John of Kanty

WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY! Entrance Antiphon Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. Responsorial Psalm Luke 1 My soul shall exult in my God. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, hanceforth all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. My soul shall exult in my God.

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 SSVP Lunch for the Poor 11.00am Our Lady of Fatima Penitential Service 7.00pm Tuesday Gospel Sharing 9.15am Adoration 5.00pm Communion Service 6.00pm Our Lady of Lourdes, Westville, Penitential Service 7.00pm Wednesday Men’s Prayer and Fellowship Group 5.00am – 6.00am Mass 6.30am Thursday Mass 6.00pm Choir Practice 6.45pm Blessed Sacrament, Virginia, Penitential Service 7.00pm Friday Morning Prayer 6.15am Mass 6.30am Nativity Play and Christmas Tree 6.00pm Saturday Mass 8.00am Confessions - one priest (Attend Penitential Service) 11.00am Only Mass (Sunday Observance) 5.15pm Sunday Masses (No 5.15 pm Mass) 7.00am & 9.00am Only Carol Service 11.15pm

Please pray for the Sick, especially Parishioners Anthea Jack; Sr Catherina; Joy Lees; Pierette Lenferna; Teresa Latouf; Mervin Moonsamy; Anne Golding; Cameron Smith; Felicity Harrison; Elsa Pearton; Gerrit Snyders; Maria Verna Cavanagh; Kathy Paulus; Jenny Ducray; Maryse Bowman; Dus; Pat Sturgess; Lynne Govender; Monique Saint-George; Clyde Roger Brouard; Randy Tryon; Gordon Sandra Teodosio; Moises de Sousa; Alborough; Hannah Donaldson; Gail Urquhart; Gladys & Mavon Cole; Milly Dcn Peter Venter; Daniel Singery; Tullidge; Gladys Meyer; Adrienne van Gogh; Daphne Rahmer; Caron Bernard D’Unienville; Leigh Went; Paul; Hendrika Brock; Amanda Martins; Lise Bernon; May Dormehl. Gill Yelland; Bronwyn Murgatroyd. Ngongoma; Richard Truen. Relatives Tris Tillard’s sister; Jo James’ Maryse Wardell’s mother; Hugh Elliott; Peggy du Plessis’ brother, sister & nephew, granddaughter & son; Irene Helsdon’s niece; Peter Squires; daughter-in-law; Gail Hansen’s Louise Kin’s sister; Joy Lees’ Brenda Bennison; Elsa Pearton’s mother; Jean & Pauline Leclezio’s grandniece; Renee Armstrong’s granddaughter & son Michael; Norlie son & daughter-in-law; Lyn sisters; Maryse Bowman’s nieces; McDonogh’s sister-in-law & brother; Campbell’s mother; Giel van der Annette Hoyer’s parents; Heather Lynne Tillard’s brother; George Merwe’s daughter; Ruth Florence’s Rorick; Alma Osborn’s grandson; Urquhart’s mother; Tottie Bremner’s mother; June Tatchell’s mother; Sharon Ellis’ sister; Stuart nephew; Michelle Lock’s father; Mary Eleanor Scott’s husband; Ben McGregor; Margaret Beechey’s Ann Salvage’s 4 brothers; Theresa Morasutti’s son Jos; Janice mother; Marjorie Mawbey’s niece; Hoogewerf’s uncle; Warren Walker’s Cottingham’s brother; Duncan John Bremner’s nephew; Nancy uncle; Denise Topp’s daughter & son- Miller’s father; Nomusa Mkhwanazi’s Chettiar’s mother & sister; Candice in-law; Claire Booth’s brother; May brother; Norraine Swanby; Michael Houseman & Tracy Mendonidis’ Dormehl’s brother-in-law & daughter; Quarsingh’s brother; Bronwyn mother; Anna Kalinowska’s mother; Fr Des brother & nephew; Titi Pitso’s Murgatroyd’s mother; Norma Denise Irvine’s daughter; Ann brother; Fr Brian Reid; Susan Munks’ Southwood’s sister-in-law; Rick Appelgren’s husband. mother; Maude Quenet. 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. Baptism Invitation Anton & Clare van Kan invite parishioners to the Baptism of their son Wyatt van Kan at 10:45am today; with tea to be served thereafter in the parish hall. Carols by Candlelight Today at 7.00 pm at the 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 Penitential Service tomorrow, Monday 18 December, at 7.00 pm. Ten priests. Confessions at 11.00 am on Saturday 23 December. One priest. Only for the elderly, and sick (time is limited); others please attend penitential services. Other Penitential Services: Wednesday 20th 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes, Westville Thursday 21st at 7.00 pm at Blessed Sacrament, Virginia Penitential Service & Christmas Duty Lists Ministers from the following ministries please volunteer to serve: 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 this Friday 22nd December at 6.00pm. The Christmas Tree will follow immediately afterwards in the school grounds. Parents please drop off gifts at the Parish Office, by December 21s for Santa to hand out at the Christmas Tree, 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 Daily Advent reflections are available in the baptistry and downstairs. Thank you to Brian Hoogewerf, Kevin Curtis and team for setting up the large Nativity at the Hypermarket and to the CWL for their nativity scene in the library. There have been positive reviews from the public. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Thank you and congratulations to Jeff Rose and Myron Quarsingh for organising a very successful “Food for Thought” evening with Fr Peter Lafferty and 40 young adults. 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

Mass Intentions 17th December – 24th December 2017

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 Monday 9.00am In Thanksgiving (May Dormehl) and Marguerite Barois RIP (Monique Saint-Georges) Tuesday 6.00pm Communion Service Wednesday 6.30am Deceased Dominican Sisters RIP (Dominican Sisters) Thursday 6.00pm Yvonne McDonogh RIP (Rory & Norlie McDonogh) Friday 6.30am Special Intention (Donor) Saturday 8.00am Pious Lists 5.15pm Pro Populo Sunday 7.00am Hallot & Bowman Families RIP (Esme Hallot & Maryse Bowman) 9.00am In Thanksgiving - Richard Shorey (Megan Shorey) 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 [email protected] with your intentions. Also, when you have requested a Mass please make a special effort to attend that Mass CATECHISM NOTICES: Teachers for 2018 If there is anyone interested in teaching Grade 0 catechism (Good Shepherd) please contact the parish office via email [email protected] 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. Advent Appeal Envelopes: There is a second collection after Communion. Car Park Courtesy There is an influx of visitors from other provinces during the Christmas season. Let us try to be courteous to one another in the car park before and after Mass. If you park other vehicles in, please move your vehicle immediately after Mass to avoid traffic congestion. Christmas Volunteers: All those parishioners who put their names down to assit with decorating the Church for Christmas, are asked to check the noticeboards at the entrances of the Church to see what date and time to meet and prepare the Church for Christmas. OUR LADY OF FATIMA PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND Fr Justin will lead a pilgrimage for eleven full days in the Holy Land in 2019, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, with a local Christian guide. The dates are not definite at this stage but probably will be 18-30 May. Accommodation will be on the Mt of Beatitudes in Galilee and Ecce Homo on the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem. Start saving for this experience of a lifetime! OUR LADY OF LOURDES PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND Fr Des Nair extends a final invitation to our parishioners to join the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which he will lead, from 29 September to 11 October 2018. The itinerary and booking forms are available in the baptistery. Applications close on 31 December. A deposit of R3500 is required. 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.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE The parish office will be closed from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day inclusive. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B 17th December 2017 Commentary

Meditation: Do you know the favour of the Lord? Every 50 years the people of Israel were commanded to celebrate a Year of Jubilee - a year of favour by the Lord (Leviticus 25:10-12). God did not want his people to forget all the blessings and favours he had shown them over the years. Isaiah prophesied in a year of Jubilee that God would send his anointed one to bring his people back from their time of exile (Isaiah 61). The anointed one would bring good news (the same word as "gospel") - news of freedom for those who were oppressed by sin, darkness, despair, and brokenness (Isaiah 61:1-2). John humbly recognized that his calling came from God and not from man When John the Baptist announced the imminent coming of God's Anointed One, the Messiah, the religious leaders questioned his authority to speak so boldly in God's name. They asked him bluntly, "Who are you?" and "What do you say about yourself?" They wanted to know if he was really sent by God. Did he claim to be the Messiah or one of the great prophets who was expected to return and announce the Messiah's arrival (see Malachi 4:5, Deuteronomy 18:15)? John had no doubt and no mistaken identity about his call and mission. In all humility and sincerity he said he was only a voice bidding people to get ready for the arrival of the greatest Ruler of all, God's anointed King and Messiah. John's identity and our identity is derived from God's Son - Jesus Christ John the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament prophets who points the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for Jesus and who announces his mission to the people: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what the Messiah would come to accomplish - our redemption from slavery to sin and our adoption as sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father. Do you recognize who you are in Christ? The Lord Jesus has come to restore us to friendship with God and he has made us citizens of heaven - his everlasting kingdom of peace and justice. Do you point others to Jesus Christ - the one true Lord and Saviour of the world? John was the greatest of the prophets, yet he lived as a humble and faithful servant of God. He pointed others to Jesus, the true Messiah and Saviour of the world. The Christian church from the earliest of times has given John many titles which signify his mission: Witness of the Lord, Trumpet of Heaven, Herald of Christ, Voice of the Word, Precursor of Truth, Friend of the Bridegroom, Crown of the Prophets, Forerunner of the Redeemer, Preparer of Salvation, Light of the Martyrs, and Servant of the Word. Do you point others to Jesus Christ by the example and witness of your life?

Scripture Readings For Next Sunday 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14-16 Romans 16: 25-27 Luke 1: 26- 38

Welcome New Parishioners Change of Address and/or Phone No Need dedication information New registration Registered but do not receive mail Moving out of the parish Email mailing list Name Address City Code Phone E-Mail Place in the collection basket or hand to a Minister of Hospitality