sign in sign up
<<
Home , Saint Nicholas Day

LOWESTOFT CATHOLIC PARISH -OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA & ST NICHOLAS Presbytery: 19 Gordon Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1NL Tel: 01502 572453 Parish Priest, Rev. Paul Chanh, 07414 735102 (text message only) email: [email protected] www.ourladylowestoft.com http://www.catholiceastanglia.org Deacon: Rev. Stephen Pomeroy

Sat 5 Dec 5:00 pm OLSS (Open to the Public) Barbara Phipps dec’d

Sun 6 Dec 09:00 am Mass (Open to the Public) Richard H Oakley dec’d 2nd Sunday of 10:30 am OLSS Mass (Open to the Public) People of the Parish

Mon 7 Dec No Masses Tues 8 Dec 12:15 pm OLSS Mass (Open to the Public) Alison Love

Wed 9 Dec 09:15 am OLSS Mass (Open to the Public) Keira Jarvis

Thu 10 Dec 09:15 am Saint Nicholas Mass (Open to the Public) Joan Frances Bunyan dec’d Fri 11 Dec 12:15 pm OLSS Mass (Open to the Public) Mary Oakley dec’d

Sat 12 Dec 05:00 pm OLSS Mass (Open to the Public) David Cheshire dec’d

ALISON LOVE Sadly, Alison is leaving us, her house finally sold. She has done so much in the Parish while she has been with us. She is a stalwart member of CWL, one of our CAFOD reps and a willing volunteer. We wish every happiness in her change of place and home.

CHRISTMAS MASS ARRANGEMENTS Booking forms are beginning to come in for the Masses and will be available in hard copy at all Masses over the weekend. Please complete a form as soon as you can and return it at church, post it through the Presbytery letterbox or return to Tony by email ([email protected]). This is the only way that you can be sure of getting a place at the Mass you want to attend, unless of course we run out of places.

If because of Covid you have not attended a Mass under the restrictions, please note that you must wear a face covering and we will ask you to sit in a particular place, so we can get as many people in as possible and still keep the 1 metre social distancing. There will continue to be no singing by the congregation, even of Christmas carols. There can be no mingling, so you must remain in your seat until stewards say you may move at Communion. The toilets will not be available.

CHRISTMAS CARDS Many Parishioners like to give cards to people when they see them at Mass and leave them to be picked up from the chest of drawers at the back of church if they don’t see them. This year please don’t do this. We must limit the movement of people inside the church to avoid breaking the distancing rules and must not have paper lying about.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHOSE ANNIVERSARIES OCCUR ABOUT THIS TIME: Emily Nicholls, Audrey Aspinall, Christopher Fitzgerald, Patrick Henchy, Kathleen Dunbar, Zoltan Francis Helesfay, Josephine Weafer, Adrian Allaker, Mary MacDonald, Waclaw Janiszewski, Jennifer Kerr, Arthur Cumby, Patrick McAteer, Ian Nelson, Christopher Hardman, Nina Moss, Eileen Saben, Bernard Collard, Maurice Ratcliff, James Leavey.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY The usual papers are attached.

COMMENTRY SIDE OF BULLETIN & VARIOUS EXTRAS

CAFOD WORLD World Gifts, CAFOD's range of virtual gifts, make a real difference to families living in poverty across the world. While we have the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown here, we can still be good neighbours to our sisters and brothers overseas by giving World Gifts as Christmas presents to family and friends. The Keep Clean Kit for £6 and the Vegetable Garden gift for £10 are just two gifts that will help vulnerable families affected by the pandemic to protect and feed themselves. Let’s spread joy and hope around the world this Christmas. Visit cafod.org.uk/worldgifts.

CELEBRATE ADVENT WITH CAFOD After a year of uncertainty, we all need the hope, peace and true comfort and joy that the Advent season can offer. CAFOD has a range of resources and virtual events to help us come together online to pray, reflect and celebrate as we prepare for the coming of our Lord. Visit cafod.org.uk/parishes to learn more. We can stretch out our hands to people living in poverty and refugees by donating to CAFOD’s Advent Appeal at cafod.org.uk/advent.

Sunday 6th Gospel 2nd Sunday in Advent- Faith

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

This is the Good News about Christ, the Son of God. It began as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to clear the way for you.’ Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’”

So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the River Jordan.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John the Baptist on the banks of the River Jordan Gospel reflection: Today we hear about and how he was a messenger for God, preparing people for the coming of Jesus. What do you remember about John in this reading?

What does he wear? What does he eat? What does he do in the river?

How do we prepare during Advent?

We put up a and decorate it. We buy presents for other people and we wrap them up.

When John the Baptist began to prepare the way for Jesus, it wasn’t just for his friends and family. His message was for everyone who would listen.

When we prepare for Jesus we can also remember people who are part of our worldwide family. Prayers: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit .Amen

John the Baptist asks us to get ready for Jesus and so we pray together for God’s help:

We pray for all people around the world who are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus: that we may not forget those who need our help at this special time.

Lord in your mercy... Hear our Prayer

We pray for all people who are poor, hungry, sick or alone: that they may be filled with the joy and peace of Christ. Lord, in your mercy...Hear our Prayer

We pray for our parish community, family and friends: that we may be kind and generous to others as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Lord, in your mercy...

Closing prayer: Generous God, as we prepare for the coming of your Son Jesus, help us to remember all our brothers and sisters in our global family and to share your love with them. Amen.

Activity suggestions: Enjoy the colouring and worksheets.

Light candle 2 if you have an

Enjoy too learning about St Nicholas today!

Second Sunday of Advent “Get the road ready for the Lord; Second Sunday of Advent (Year B) Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 make a straight path.” Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 Charity 1160384 no a company and limited by guarantee 09387398. no Illustration: Emma Metcalfe

Colour in the picture of a family who have come together to prepare for Christmas. Emma Metcalfe Charity No. 285776 Illustration: Registered For Advent prayers and reflections visit cafod.org.uk/worship How will you prepare for Christmas? Write or draw a picture on the back of this sheet showing what you will do.

Make a straight path Today we think about preparing a way and making a straight path for the Lord. How will you do that this Advent?

Untangle these paths and straighten out which one is which. Match each letter path to a number action that we can do to get ready for Jesus.

Prepare a way for the Lord A B C D

1. Say sorry 2. Care for 3. Make the 4. Share others world a fairer place

Visit our online for families: cafod.org.uk/familyadventcalendar

Catholic Agency for Overseas Development Enjoy colouring this picture.

SAINT NICHOLAS DAY On December 6th, recognizes the third-century saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day .

St. Nicholas was born around the year 245 in Patara in the country we know as Turkey. is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor. Raised as a devout Christian and became a priest and then a Bishop. St. Nicholas dedicated his whole life to serving the sick and suffering and is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor.

Legendary stories about St. Nicholas: During the third century, a daughter’s chances of marriage increased when her father offered a large dowry to prospective husbands. One story tells of a poor father with three daughters. He had no dowry to offer. On three separate occasions, St. Nicholas provided a dowry for each girl. It is said, he put gold in their that were drying by the fire.

St Nicholas arrives by boat or on a horse in many European countries. St. Nicholas Day Traditions include leaving gifts in shoes (or stockings) or the exchange of small gifts. Another tradition suggests leaving treats for good boys and girls. However, the naughty ones receive a twig or chunk of coal!

Interesting facts associated with St. Nicholas: • He is the of a Russia and Greece and of Children. • He was born in the village of Patara, which was located on the south eastern coast of modern-day Turkey. He is Buried in a tomb in . St. Nicholas Day is celebrated worldwide on the anniversary of his death, December 6th.

Saint Nicholas arriving in Holland by boat and then riding a horse Sunday 6 December 2020 Mark 1:1-8 2nd Sunday of Advent

John the Baptist tells the whole My name is countryside to get ready for the coming of the Lord, the powerful one. John the Baptist says he is not worthy to even untie the LISTEN TO JOHN Lord’s sandals. John baptises Everyone is coming to John the Baptist to be baptised. with water, but the Lord will give Colour the paths they take to get to John us all the Holy Spirit.

Spot the difference Circle the five differences in this pair of sandals. fewer holes in the strap. One has a toe marking and is bigger.

What is the message? Pr__p__r_ John the Baptist was God’s th_ w__y __f messenger. Fill in the missing vowels th_ L__rd. to see what the message was. The message means, “Get rreadyeady for the coming of Jesus.”.” Then colour them both.

Make a promisee John is giving us the good news that Jesus is coming. Choose to get ready for Jesus by doing something Father in heaven, help me kind for someone this week. tto get ready for Jesus. It is wwonderful that Jesus wanted to Write what you are going to ddoo live with us on the earth. Help in the Good News Newspaperer – me to be kind to everyone, and draw a picture of yourselff because we are all the brothers doing something kind too! and sisters of Jesus. Amen. Answers: What’s the message: Prepare way of Lord. Spot difference: one sandal is fastened, different heels, has Answers: What’s redemp orist Look.Written by Aileen Urquhart.quhart. Design bbyy Anna Davie/Louise HiHilton.lton. EEditeddited bbyy RacRachelhel TThompson.hompson. PuPublishedblis by Redemptorist Publications Chawton Hampshire GU34 3HQ. publications Copyright © Redemptorist Publications. A registered charity. www.rpbooks.co.uk. Printed on FSC paper.

SB DJF 2020FOR PRINT.indd 1 publications r edemp SB story islinked. Mary, willopentheNewTestament. Inthesetwofigurestheunityofwholebiblical is bornofancientparentswillclosetheOldTestament; Jesus,bornoftheyoungVirgin then, thekingdomofGodhasbeenpreached”(Luke16:16).Thechildwho Testament: “UptothetimeofJohnitwasLawandProphets;since In Luke’s understandingJohntheBaptistislastprophetofOld 2. 1. CODE:1861 ISBN:9780852315590 Visit Redemptorist Publications. Fr DenisMcBride’s bookStationsoftheInfancyisavailablefrom Amen. This weprayinthenameofJesus,yourSon. and thepoweroftheirexample. through theintegrityoftheirlife so thatpeoplemightbelieveinhim a witnesstospeakforthelight to be,likeJohntheBaptist, men andwomenfromeveryracenation we praythatyoumightcontinuetocall and toprepareawayforyourbelovedSon: to beaheraldofthecomingkingdom who sentyourservantJohntheBaptist Almighty God, PRAYER RESPONSE PSALM FIRST READING in thejoyofyourheart. and theLordwillmakegloryofhisvoice the Lordwillcometosavenations, O peopleofSion,behold, ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Mass text and justicelookdownfromheaven. R. Faithfulness shallspringfromthe earth justice andpeacehaveembraced. Mercy andfaithfulnesshavemet; and hisglorywilldwellinourland.R. His helpisnearforthosewhofearhim peace forhispeople. a voicethatspeaksofpeace, I willhearwhattheLordGodhastosay, heard Psalm84 ori

and giveusyoursavinghelp. Let ussee,OLord,yourmercy s

t Isaiah 40:1-5.9-11 of Scotland. Scotland. of originali cum Ann Blackett.Concordat Imprimatur +Peter Doyle, Northampton Bishop of 13July 2018. Permission granted for distribution the in dioceses English the in Corporation. Liturgy Psalms from the Grail Psalter reprinted HarperCollins by permission Publishers of Ltd ©1963. All rights reserved. guarantee. Registered England in 03261721. The Sunday Bulletin. Written by Fr Edited Denis by McBrideC.Ss.R.. PeterEdwards © Redemptorist Publications. A RegisteredCharitylimited by mission isclear–topreparefortheLordapeoplefithim. to GodandpreparethepeopleforcomingofLord.His www.rpbooks.co.uk toorder. Mass Text: excerpts from the English translation The Roman Missal ©2010, of International Commission on 3. and beholdthejoywhichcomes toyoufromGod. Jerusalem, ariseandstandupontheheights, COMMUNION ANTIPHON GOSPEL Alleluia! and allmankindshallseethesalvationofGod. make hispathsstraight, Prepare awayfortheLord, Alleluia, alleluia! GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SECOND READING and peaceshallfollowhissteps.R. Justice shallmarchbeforehim and ourearthshallyielditsfruit. The Lordwillmakeusprosper

Mark 1:1-8 2Peter3:8-14 1 Thessalonians5:16-24 Next Sunday’s Readings: Next Sunday’s

Isaiah 61:1-2.10-11

Denis McBride Denis Infancy STATIONS

the of Next Sunday’s Readings: Next Sunday’s :6-8.19-28 Exodus 32:7-11.13-14 STATIONS the Denis McBride

Infancy 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-32

of

logo FSC

www.rpbooks.co.uk [email protected] @redemptorist of theFlorencegovernmentandTornabuoni family. line: “thewholecongregationwasoutside”–inthiscasemembers coming birthofhissonJohn.ThepainterillustrateslavishlyLuke’s The sacrifice. angelof altar the incenses comes to announce the dutifully he while church. We seethepriestZechariahinterrupted Ghirlandaio turned the Jewish Temple into a typical Renaissance family chapelinthechurchofSantaMariaNovellaFlorence. This frescoispartoftheseriesGhirlandaiomadeforTornabuoni ZACHARIAS TO THE THE ANNUNCIATION TO ZECHARIAH the future career of John. John will lead a movement of conversion the futurecareer ofJohn.Johnwillleadamovement ofconversion birth ofJohnwillbringtomany –notjusthisparentsandoutlines The tells Zechariah of the joy and gladness which the Jesus comesafterJohn. birth of John, hisbirthand circumcision. Thetradition is firm: the parentsofJohnBaptist, tellingoftheannunciation the birthofJesus,his and circumcision,hefirstintroduces of Jesus, telling us of the annunciation of evangelist introduces us to the parents narrative ofLuke’s Gospel:beforethe Baptist. This is underlined in the infancy you mustfirsttellthestoryofJohn if youaregoingtotellthestoryofJesus There isafirmanchorpointintheGospels: his mentor. vocation andreinterpretsthemessageof turn. HefollowsJohnintheprophetic with John,Jesus’lifetakesadramatic forgiveness ofsins.Afterhisassociation to John’s baptism of repentance for the many ofhiscontemporaries,hesubmits and preachingofJohntheBaptist;like other people,isattractedbytheperson Jesus doesnotbeginalone;noneofusdoes.Jesus,likemany stands betweenthehiddenlifeofJesusandhispublicministry. Baptist. JohntheBaptistisindependentpropheticforcethat four Gospelspointustosomeoneelse,thefigureofJohn To understandthe beginningofthestoryadultJesus, REFLECTION Reading: Luke1:5-17 1486–1490 SUNDAY BULLETIN , DOMENICO GHIRLANDAIO,, DOMENICO SB SB SB

the Infancy Stations of DIVINE OFFICEWEEK II 6 DECEMBER2020 in our prayers. on us toreflect them and helpsJesus story the of beginnings looks atthe Gospel Fr Denis McBride C.Ss.R. on his book In this series, based of the Infancy the of YEAR B 2ND SUNDAY OFADVENT FAITH THINKING Stations Stations 03/09/2020 14:04 ,

2nd Sunday of Advent • Divine Office Week II • Year B • E&W: Bible Sunday 6 December 2020 SUNDAY PLUS Make tracks in the desert A Year of the Word God’s watchman wilderness, a large presence that by Fr Denis McBride dominates the emptiness of the wasteland. C.Ss.R. John is a waiting figure, God’s watchman, but his waiting is oday we heard the opening anything but passive. He does not go of the Gospel of Mark, which into the wilderness to sit in solitude Tintroduces us to the two great and wait for the one who is to come; figures that stand at the beginning rather, the word of God invades his of the Christian story: Jesus and whole being, calling the people of John the Baptist. All four evangelists Israel to a radical change of heart witness to the truth that you cannot in readiness for the approach of the tell the story of Jesus without first Lord. From the wilderness his voice speaking about John the Baptist. It has a powerful reach: it attracts a is the towering figure of John that people who have grown accustomed introduces the adult Jesus in all the to the silence of God, a people who Gospels. John worked no miracles, are hungry to be nourished again by held no office, belonged to no the word which they recognise to be religious party. Yet his importance God’s own word. for Jesus was unique: he stands as John’s baptism marks a new the only religious leader that Jesus beginning for them, a time of ever sought out and spoke of with personal spiritual renewal, when deep affection and admiration. He they would aim themselves again at Fr Denis McBride’s many books, CDs and DVDs are available is described as a voice crying in the a life of fidelity to God. from Redemptorist Publications, www.rpbooks.co.uk.

a lump in their throat on hearing that God is close by. In the rush of Paths in the of a simple act of spontaneous When the heart modern life, it is also too easy to kindness which made a difference ignore God’s calling, to not listen to heart to someone’s life? is a desert his voice and to forget how much Whatever else the coronavirus we need his presence in the world. by Phil Ferguson by Catherine Pepinster pandemic did or did not do, it Catherine Pepinster is a former editor made pathways into people’s of The Tablet and the author of The We’ve all experienced the hearts where they and others For Mark, just as for Isaiah, the world Keys and the Kingdom: the British and discovered perhaps previously the papacy from John Paul II to Francis, wilderness in recent months, thanks around him was challenging: it was published by T&T Clark. to the Covid-19 pandemic. The unseen loveliness. a desert land with little growing experience of lockdown touched Phil Ferguson is a former teacher. there. From where the next meal each and every one of us. We can would come and a supply of water all think of moments of joy, sorrow, was always an issue. No wonder frustration, isolation and solidarity. the river Jordan mattered so much Many thousands of people are and baptism, with water, was such experiencing the ache of loneliness Living Lord, road an important sign of God’s grace. following the death of a loved one, building is a messy Just as God came to his people a friend, a neighbour or a colleague. business. Sometimes in the wilderness, we now need to “Respect each other, Millions came together at 8pm on look for signs of his coming to our Thursdays to applaud the amazing there is mud and lives and recognise how much we respect! And this is how generosity and courage of frontline sometimes there are thirst for him. we will see this miracle: workers in the NHS who responded stones. Help me to build Both the readings from Isaiah the miracle of a desert above and beyond the call of and from Mark reveal an urgency duty in hospitals, care homes and a path for you in my about the need for being ready that becomes forest.” home care. How many of us found heart. Amen. for God’s coming. There is a sense Pope Francis

Today: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Next Sunday: Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11 Isaiah 35:1-10 Genesis 3:9-15. 20 Isaiah 40:25-31 Isaiah 41:13-20 Isaiah 48:17-19 Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4. 9-11 Isaiah 61:1-2. 10-11 2 Peter 3:8-14 Luke 5:17-26 Ephesians 1:3-6. 11-12 Matthew 11:28-30 Matthew 11:11-15 Matthew 11:16-19 Matthew 17:10-13 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Mark 1:1-8 Luke 1:26-38 John 1:6-8. 19-28 redemp orist Sunday Plus. Edited by Denis McBride C.Ss.R. and Sr Janet Fearns FMDM. Copyright © Redemptorist Publications, Chawton, Hampshire publications GU34 3HQ, A registered charity limited by guarantee. Registered in England 03261721. www.rpbooks.co.uk. Printed on FSC approved paper. www.facebook.com/sundayplus 6 December 2020 Year B • Psalter Week 2 Second Sunday of Advent 6 DECEMBER 2020 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON SECOND READING 2 Peter 3:8-14 begotten, not made, consubstantial with O people of Sion, Behold, the Father; the Lord will come to save the nations, A reading from the second letter of Peter through him all things were made. and the Lord will make the glory of his voice There is one thing, my friends, that you must For us men and for our salvation heard never forget: that with the Lord, “a day” he came down from heaven, in the joy of your heart. can mean a thousand years, and a thousand (all bow during the next three lines) Year B • Psalter Week 2 years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the THE WORD COLLECT to carry out his promises, as anybody else Almighty and merciful God, Virgin Mary, might be called slow; but he is being patient and became man. may no earthly undertaking hinder those with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and who set out in haste to meet your Son, everybody to be brought to change his ways. For our sake he was crucified under but may our learning of heavenly wisdom The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, Pontius Pilate, gain us admittance to his company. and then with a roar the sky will vanish, the he suffered death and was buried, REFLECT Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of elements will catch fire and fall apart, the and rose again on the third day he Gospel of Mark opens with the Holy Spirit, earth and all that it contains will be burnt up. in accordance with the Scriptures. one God, for ever and ever. Since everything is coming to an end like He ascended into heaven Jesus as an adult; there are no Amen. this, you should be living holy and saintly and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Tstories about the circumstances lives while you wait and long for the Day of He will come again in glory of his conception and birth. The FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11 God to come, when the sky will dissolve in to judge the living and the dead evangelist confronts us immediately flames and the elements melt in the heat. and his kingdom will have no end. with the uncomfortable figure of John A reading from the prophet Isaiah What we are waiting for is what he promised: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Baptist and his call to rethink “Console my people, console them” the new heavens and new earth, the place the giver of life, our way of life and our priorities, says your God. where righteousness will be at home. So who proceeds from the Father and the Son, especially our relationship with our “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem then, my friends, while you are waiting, do who with the Father and the Son is adored God. By presenting his understanding and call to her your best to live lives without spot or stain so and glorified, of Jesus as a story, Mark is inviting that her time of service is ended, that he will find you at peace. who has spoken through the prophets. us to become part of the story, to that her sin is atoned for, The word of the Lord. I believe in one, holy, catholic and involve ourselves in what is going that she has received from the hand of the Thanks be to God. apostolic Church. on as we read or hear the various Lord I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness Gospel episodes. So today we can double punishment for all her crimes.” GOSPEL ACCLAMATION of sins listen to John the Baptist’s preaching A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness Alleluia, alleluia! and I look forward to the resurrection of the not simply as something which a way for the Lord. Prepare a way for the Lord, dead happened a long time ago, but as Make a straight highway for our God make his paths straight, and the life of the world to come. Amen. something addressed to each one of across the desert. and all mankind shall see the salvation of us individually today. Let every valley be filled in, God. PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS every mountain and hill be laid low, Alleluia. Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers The word metanoia, usually translated let every cliff become a plain, and offerings, as “repentance”, really means “to and the ridges a valley; and, since we have no merits to plead our GOSPEL Mark 1:1-8 PREPARE THE WAY! (MARK 1:1-8) change one’s way of thinking”. In then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed cause, many ways, it is easy to adjust our and all mankind shall see it; A reading from the holy Gospel according to come, we pray, to our rescue behaviour, to correct faults and adopt Relief of St John the Baptist in the Church of San Alessandro della Croce in Bergamo, Italy for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Mark. with the protection of your mercy. positive practices. It takes more Through Christ our Lord. Go up on a high mountain, The beginning of the Good News about Jesus effort, and honesty, to examine our joyful messenger to Zion. Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the Amen. attitudes and beliefs and to change Shout with a loud voice, book of the prophet Isaiah: Our Advent Gospel passage today presents us with the figure those. Advent is the time when we are joyful messenger to Jerusalem. COMMUNION ANTIPHON Look, I am going to send my messenger invited to think, not so much about Shout without fear, Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, of John the Baptist. Mark casts him in the mould of the prophet before you; the baby Jesus, but rather about the say to the towns of Judah, and behold the joy which comes to you from he will prepare your way. Elijah, summoning his listeners to repent and return to the Lord coming of God the Lord into our lives “Here is your God.” God. A voice cries in the wilderness: their God. and hearts here and now. We might Here is the Lord coming with power, Prepare a way for the Lord, PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION think about our own baptism and his arm subduing all things to him. make his paths straight, Replenished by the food of spiritual He is preaching in the wilderness, a place associated in Jewish thought with that period what that means to us. If we use the The prize of his victory is with him, and so it was that John the Baptist appeared nourishment, next three weeks to look at what Jesus his trophies all go before him. during the Exodus when God and the people of Israel enjoyed a relationship of particularly in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism we humbly beseech you, O Lord, means to us and draw closer to him in He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, close intimacy. However, the main emphasis in this extract is on John as the one who of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. that, through our partaking in this mystery, friendship, it will be time well spent. n gathering lambs in his arms, heralds the coming of the Messiah and calls on his hearers to prepare themselves for All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem you may teach us to judge wisely the things the coming of the one they are waiting for. The evangelist may be exaggerating when he holding them against his breast of earth made their way to him, and as they were says that all Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem answered his call, but John is shown and leading to their rest the mother ewes. and hold firm to the things of heaven. baptised by him in the river Jordan they elsewhere as enjoying widespread respect. The word of the Lord. confessed their sins. John wore a garment Through Christ our Lord. DO Thanks be to God. of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and Amen. Mark presents Jesus as the fulfilment of the Jewish scriptures by quoting from the wild honey. In the course of his preaching he prophets Isaiah and Malachi in John’s call to prepare a way for the Lord: John describes Make the Sign of the Cross with holy water PSALM Psalm 84 said, “Someone is following me, someone Jesus as the one who is more powerful than he is, which indicates that although later he and think about your baptism: how could who is more powerful than I am, and I am not baptises Jesus, he is not greater than Jesus. John’s baptism is a symbol of the person’s you deepen your relationship with God Response: fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his This is the time of year when we remember willingness to amend their life. The baptism of the one coming who is greater than John during Advent? Let us see, O Lord, your mercy sandals. I have baptised you with water, but that God sent his only son “to serve, not to will be with the Holy Spirit: this Spirit represents the power of God at work to bring about and give us your saving help. he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” be served”. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus holiness in the person, and so represents a deeper renewal than that of the Baptist. This is 1. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, The Gospel of the Lord. Christ. the beginning of the Good News. n a voice that speaks of peace, Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. peace for his people. Queen Elizabeth II His help is near for those who fear him PROFESSION OF FAITH and his glory will dwell in our land. (R.) I believe in one God, LEARN the Father almighty, 2. Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. maker of heaven and earth, The Gospel according to Mark has no “infancy narrative”: the evangelist introduces Jesus Faithfulness shall spring from the earth of all things visible and invisible. as an adult. and justice look down from heaven (R.) I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, Mark presents John the Baptist in terms of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. 3. The Lord will make us prosper SAY and our earth shall yield its fruit. born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, Prepare a way for the Lord: Justice shall march before him The Old Testament reading at Mass is connected with the reading from the Gospel and true God from true God, and peace shall follow his steps. (R.) shows the connection between the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. make his paths straight. (Mark 1:3; Isaiah 40:3) Concordat cum originali: + Eamon Martin Archbishop of Armagh. Commentary by Fr Anthony Cassidy CSsR. The English translation of the entrance and communion antiphons, the opening prayers, prayers over the gifts, gloria, creed, and prayers after communion from The Roman Missal, © 2010 International Commission of English in the Liturgy Corporation. Jerusalem Bible version of the scriptures copyright: Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd., and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Responsorial psalms are copyright The Grail and/or Geoffrey Chapman Ltd. Published in Ireland by Redemptorist Communications (www.redcoms.org); Published in the UK by Redemptorist Publications (www.rpbooks.co.uk) THE NewLiturgy 6 DECEMBER 2020 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT ENTRANCE ANTIPHON SECOND READING 2 Peter 3:8-14 O people of Sion, behold, A reading from the second letter of St Peter. the Lord will come to save the nations, There is one thing, my friends, that you must never forget: that and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard with the Lord, “a day” can mean a thousand years, and a thousand in the joy of your heart. years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow to carry out his COLLECT promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being Almighty and merciful God, patient with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to may no earthly undertaking hinder those be brought to change his ways. The Day of the Lord will come like who set out in haste to meet your Son, a thief, and then with a roar the sky will vanish, the elements will but may our learning of heavenly wisdom catch fire and fall apart, the earth and all that it contains will be gain us admittance to his company. burnt up. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Since everything is coming to an end like this, you should one God, for ever and ever. be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Amen. Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11 he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where A reading from the prophet Isaiah. righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are “Console my people, console them” waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he says your God. will find you at peace. “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem The word of the Lord. and call to her Thanks be to God. that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for, GOSPEL ACCLAMATION that she has received from the hand of the Lord Alleluia, alleluia! double punishment for all her crimes.” Prepare a way for the Lord, A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness make his paths straight, a way for the Lord. and all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Make a straight highway for our God Alleluia! across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, GOSPEL Mark 1:1-8 every mountain and hill be laid low, A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark. let every cliff become a plain, The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of and the ridges a valley; God. It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; and all mankind shall see it; he will prepare your way. for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice cries in the wilderness: Go up on a high mountain, Prepare a way for the Lord, joyful messenger to Zion. make his paths straight, Shout with a loud voice, and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Shout without fear, All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to say to the towns of Judah, him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they “Here is your God.” confessed their sins. John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he Here is the Lord coming with power, lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he his arm subduing all things to him. said, “Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful The prize of his victory is with him, than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his his trophies all go before him. sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, with the Holy Spirit.” gathering lambs in his arms, The Gospel of the Lord. holding them against his breast Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. and leading to their rest the mother ewes. The word of the Lord. PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS Thanks be to God. Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers and offerings, and, since we have no merits to plead our cause, PSALM Psalm 84 come, we pray, to our rescue RESPONSE: Let us see, O Lord, your mercy with the protection of your mercy. and give us your saving help. Through Christ our Lord. 1. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, Amen. a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. COMMUNION ANTIPHON His help is near for those who fear him Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and his glory will dwell in our land. R. and behold the joy which comes to you from God. 2. Mercy and faithfulness have met; PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION justice and peace have embraced. Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment, Faithfulness shall spring from the earth we humbly beseech you, O Lord, and justice look down from heaven. R. that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth 3. The Lord will make us prosper and hold firm to the things of heaven. and our earth shall yield its fruit. Through Christ our Lord. Justice shall march before him Amen. and peace shall follow his steps. R. The Red Redemptorist Mass Leaflet. © Redemptorist Publications, Wolf’s Lane, Chawton, Hants, GU34 3HQ, a registered charity limited by guarantee. Registered in England 03261721. www.rpbooks.co.uk [email protected] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Psalms redemp orist from the Grail Psalter reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd © 1963. Bible reading excerpts from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd publications and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Concordat cum originali Jane Porter. Imprimatur + Crispian Hollis, Bishop of Portsmouth 2 August 2011. Permission granted for distribution in the dioceses of Scotland. The Eucharistic Prayer Deliver us… THE The Lord be with you. For the kingdom, New 6 DECEMBER 2020 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT And with your spirit. the power and the glory are yours Liturgy now and for ever. Lift up your hearts. THE INTRODUCTORY RITES therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, The peace of the Lord be with you always. all the and Saints, We lift them up to the Lord. Entrance Antiphon And with your spirit. and you, my brothers and sisters, O people of Sion, behold, Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. to pray for me to the Lord our God. It is right and just. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the Lord will come to save the nations, the world, have mercy on us. and the Lord will make the glory of his or The priest gives praise to God and all acclaim: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of voice heard Have mercy on us, O Lord. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. the world, have mercy on us. in the joy of your heart. For we have sinned against you. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of Hosanna in the highest. the world, grant us peace. All make the Sign of the Cross as the priest Show us, O Lord, your mercy. Blessed is he who comes in the name of says: And grant us your salvation. Behold the Lamb of God… the Lord. Priest In the name of the Father, Lord, I am not worthy or Hosanna in the highest. and of the Son, that you should enter under my roof, Lord, have mercy. Kyrie, eleison. and of the Holy Spirit. or After the Consecration we acclaim the but only say the word Lord, have mercy. Kyrie, eleison. People Amen. mystery of faith: and my soul shall be healed. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, Christ, have mercy. or Christe, eleison. The priest greets the people in one of and profess your Resurrection Communion Antiphon Christ, have mercy. Christe, eleison. these ways: until you come again. Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the Lord, have mercy. Kyrie, eleison. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, or or heights, Lord, have mercy. Kyrie, eleison. and the love of God, and behold the joy which comes to you When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, and the communion of the Holy Spirit we proclaim your Death, O Lord, from God. After the absolution all respond: be with you all. Amen. until you come again. And with your spirit. Prayer after Communion or Replenished by the food of spiritual or The Collect Save us, Saviour of the world, nourishment, Grace to you and peace from God our Father Almighty and merciful God, for by your Cross and Resurrection we humbly beseech you, O Lord, and the Lord Jesus Christ. may no earthly undertaking hinder those you have set us free. that, through our partaking in this mystery, And with your spirit. who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer: Amen. you may teach us to judge wisely the things or of earth gain us admittance to his company… The Communion Rite and hold firm to the things of heaven… The Lord be with you. Amen. And with your spirit. Our Father, who art in heaven, Amen. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD hallowed be thy name; Penitential Act thy kingdom come, THE CONCLUDING RITES One of the following acts of penance is First Reading Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11 thy will be done The Lord be with you. now made: A reading from the prophet Isaiah. on earth as it is in heaven. And with your spirit. I confess to almighty God Prepare a way for the Lord. Give us this day our daily bread, and to you, my brothers and sisters, “Console my people, console them” and forgive us our trespasses, May almighty God bless you, ✠ that I have greatly sinned, says your God. as we forgive those who trespass the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. in my thoughts and in my words, “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem against us; Amen. in what I have done and in what I have and call to her and lead us not into temptation, At the end of Mass the people respond: failed to do, that her time of service is ended, but deliver us from evil. Thanks be to God. (all strike their breast and say:) that her sin is atoned for, The Green Redemptorist Mass Leaflet. © Redemptorist Publications, Wolf’s Lane, Chawton, Hants, GU34 3HQ, that she has received from the hand of the a registered charity limited by guarantee. Registered in England 03261721. www.rpbooks.co.uk through my fault, through my fault, Lord redemp orist [email protected] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International FSC publications Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Psalms from the Grail Psalter reprinted by permission of through my most grievous fault; double punishment for all her crimes.” HarperCollins Publishers Ltd © 1963. Bible reading excerpts from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, © 1966 by Darton, logo Longman & Todd, LTD and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Concordat cum originali Ann Blackett. Imprimatur + Crispian Hollis, Bishop of Portsmouth 30 August 2011. Permission granted for distribution in the dioceses of Scotland. A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-14 Look, I am going to send my messenger in accordance with the Scriptures. a way for the Lord. A reading from the second letter of St Peter. before you; He ascended into heaven Make a straight highway for our God We are waiting for the new heavens and he will prepare your way. and is seated at the right hand of the Father. across the desert. new earth. A voice cries in the wilderness: He will come again in glory Let every valley be filled in, There is one thing, my friends, that you must Prepare a way for the Lord, to judge the living and the dead every mountain and hill be laid low, never forget: that with the Lord, “a day” can make his paths straight, and his kingdom will have no end. let every cliff become a plain, mean a thousand years, and a thousand and so it was that John the Baptist appeared I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the and the ridges a valley; years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism giver of life, then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed to carry out his promises, as anybody else of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. who proceeds from the Father and the and all mankind shall see it; might be called slow; but he is being patient All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem Son, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and made their way to him, and as they were who with the Father and the Son is everybody to be brought to change his Go up on a high mountain, baptised by him in the river Jordan they adored and glorified, ways. The Day of the Lord will come like a joyful messenger to Zion. confessed their sins. John wore a garment who has spoken through the prophets. Shout with a loud voice, thief, and then with a roar the sky will vanish, of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and joyful messenger to Jerusalem. the elements will catch fire and fall apart, the wild honey. In the course of his preaching he I believe in one, holy, catholic and Shout without fear, earth and all that it contains will be burnt up. said, “Someone is following me, someone apostolic Church. say to the towns of Judah, Since everything is coming to an end like who is more powerful than I am, and I am I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness “Here is your God.” this, you should be living holy and saintly not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of of sins lives while you wait and long for the Day of and I look forward to the resurrection of Here is the Lord coming with power, his sandals. I have baptised you with water, God to come, when the sky will dissolve in the dead his arm subduing all things to him. but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” flames and the elements melt in the heat. and the life of the world to come. The prize of his victory is with him, The Gospel of the Lord. What we are waiting for is what he promised: Amen. his trophies all go before him. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. the new heavens and new earth, the place He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, where righteousness will be at home. So The Homily The bidding prayers now follow: gathering lambs in his arms, then, my friends, while you are waiting, do Let us pray to the Lord. holding them against his breast The Profession of Faith your best to live lives without spot or stain so Lord, hear our prayer. and leading to their rest the mother ewes. I believe in one God, that he will find you at peace. The word of the Lord. the Father almighty, The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. maker of heaven and earth, THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Thanks be to God. of all things visible and invisible. Psalm Psalm 84 If the prayers of blessing are said aloud the Gospel Acclamation I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, people acclaim each time: R. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy Alleluia, alleluia! the Only Begotten Son of God, Blessed be God for ever. and give us your saving help. Prepare a way for the Lord, born of the Father before all ages. make his paths straight, God from God, Light from Light, Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters)… 1. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, and all mankind shall see the salvation true God from true God, May the Lord accept the sacrifice at a voice that speaks of peace, of God. begotten, not made, consubstantial with your hands peace for his people. Alleluia! the Father; for the praise and glory of his name, His help is near for those who fear him through him all things were made. for our good The Lord be with you. and his glory will dwell in our land. R. For us men and for our salvation and the good of all his holy Church. And with your spirit. he came down from heaven, 2. Mercy and faithfulness have met; A reading from the holy Gospel according (all bow during the next three lines) Prayer over the Offerings justice and peace have embraced. to Mark. and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble Faithfulness shall spring from the earth Glory to you, O Lord. of the Virgin Mary, prayers and offerings, and justice look down from heaven. R. and became man. and, since we have no merits to plead our Gospel Mark 1:1-8 cause, 3. The Lord will make us prosper Make his paths straight. For our sake he was crucified under come, we pray, to our rescue and our earth shall yield its fruit. The beginning of the Good News about Pontius Pilate, with the protection of your mercy… Justice shall march before him Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in he suffered death and was buried, Amen. and peace shall follow his steps. R. the book of the prophet Isaiah: and rose again on the third day