rd 3 OF GAUDETE SUNDAY

16th December 2018 Sat 15th 6.30pm Oliver for a good recovery Sun 16th 8.30am Jean Higgins RIP 10.30am Mon 17th 10.00am Tue 18th 10.00am Peter Bobbin RIP Wed 19th 10.00am School in Church Thu 20th 10.00am Dennis King RIP

st Friday Abstinence Fri 21 No mass St Peter Canisius Background on the Gospel Reading Please note that mass intentions as set out above This Sunday's Gospel continues last week's focus may not always be read out, but the intention is on and his role in preparing the offered way for Christ. Recall that last week's reading Holy Hour: Saturday 5.15 – 6.15 pm described John's appearance in the desert and established his connection with the prophetic Confessions: Saturday 5.45 – 6.15 pm tradition of Israel. If we were to read Luke's Or by appointment with Fr. Denis Gospel continuously, we would learn about John Family Mass: 1st Sunday 10.30 am the Baptist challenging the crowds who came to Latin Mass: 1st Sunday 3.00 pm (extraordinary him and calling upon them to show evidence of form) their repentance. John tells his listeners that they cannot rely on their lineage as Israelites because Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Parish children of Abraham can be raised up from Day of Prayer: 1st Wednesday 10.30 to 6.30pm stones. Repentance, rather, must be observable Children’s Liturgy: There will now be a regular in one's actions. Here, Luke is continuing to set up „family mass‟ on the first Sunday of every month. two important themes of his Gospel message: the Children's liturgy will be held weekly at the 10.30 Christian faith is expressed in one's actions, and Sunday Mass. the call to salvation is extended to everyone, Please remember in your prayers: Jews and Gentiles. In today's Gospel reading, the crowds ask John the Baptist for specifics. What evidence of repentance is required? John replies by naming concrete actions: crowds should share their food and cloaks; tax collectors should be just; soldiers should act fairly. The concern for justice is a hallmark of Luke's Gospel. We pray especially for the sick of the parish and When the crowd begins to wonder if John the for those who care for and support them, Baptist might be the Messiah, John interprets his especially Karen O‟Shaughnessy, Dick Worbey, baptism and makes it clear that his ministry is in Helen Fitzgibbon, Sean Petson and Anne Lynch. preparation for the Messiah. John the Baptist We remember those who have died recently knows his place and role in God's plan of especially Sean Walsh, and Benjamin Jacob salvation. By encouraging the crowd to act Cohen, Fr. Michael Lambert . Laurie Fitzgibbons similarly in accordance with their stations in life, and those whose anniversaries occur at this time: John's teaching suggests that each person has a Martin Geraghty; Joseph Sicheri; John Walsh; role to play in God's salvation. It is the great Henrietta Knights; Ruth Cannon; Leon Sicheri; mystery of our salvation that God permits and Mary Diana Norton; Rebecca Hegarty; Mary Teresa even asks for human cooperation in his divine Smith; Eileen Moynihan; Maggie Tuthill; Dennis plans. King; Ellen McGuinness; Andrij Hnatiw; Herbert The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Rigby; Barbara Maraldo. Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” This name is taken from the entrance Readings: Parish Mass Book Page 87 antiphon for Sunday's Mass, which is also echoed in today's second reading from the Paul's letter to the Philippians. We mark this Sunday by lighting a

RC Hospital Chaplain: rose coloured candle instead financial year is 31st December. Contact Tel: Mobile: of a purple one on the Advent 07876 526935 Lister REPOSITORY 01438 285518, wreath. It is a reminder that The repository has a display of Cards, For all general parish the Advent season is a season Advent Calendars & other religious items available enquiries contact: of joy because our salvation is to buy now for Christmas all at very reasonable Parish Office: Tel: already at hand. prices. Only whilst stocks last! 01462 893127 Church Hall Hire: DATES FOR THE DIARY 200 CLUB The next draw will take place on Please contact parish Fr Michael Lambert’s Funeral Sunday 16th December. office 01462 893127 arrangements Baptism Preparation: WALK WITH ME booklet available at the back of For further information Sunday 16th December at Our the Church £1. Here are prayers and reflections please contact Richard Lady Immaculate and St to prepare us for the beautiful feast of the and Marie Miller Tel: Andrew. Grove Road, Hitchin Nativity of our Lord. 01462 490630. 4.30pm Reception of Fr. RCIA Course: The Rite PARISH CAROL SERIVCE - Michael's Body of Christian Initiation Sunday 6th January A change in circumstances 5pm - Mass of Adults programme means this will not now take place consists of regular 6pm - Celebration and weekly meetings. If Testimonies; refreshments CHRISTMAS SERVICES you would like to find Monday 24th December out more please speak (church and hall) directly to Fr Denis. Monday 17th December 4.30pm Vigil Mass of Christmas, Family Mass St. John’s School is 11am - Requiem Mass followed 8.40pm Carols and Readings our Catholic Parish by refreshments in hall 1pm - 9 pm the Mass of the Nativity of the Lord Primary School. Parish families are welcome Burial St John's cemetery and CHRISTMAS DAY th to visit and have a tour back for refreshments Tuesday 25 December 9.30am Mass of the school. Please MARRIAGE PREPARATION St Stephens Day Wednesday 26th December come to the School nd Office or contact the Will take place on Saturday 2 10am Mass for altar services. Head teacher, Ms Alex March 2019, 9am to 3pm. A NEW YEAR’S DAY Hanou on 01462 892478 donation of £20 per couple is The school website is Mary The Holy Mother of God; Mass at 10.00 www.stjohns4.herts.sc asked to cover costs, including h.uk a substantial lunch. Please THE FEAST OF THE At the 10.30 am Mass there will be a Newsletter: Please contact Fr Denis via the parish submit items for office tel. 01462 893127, 6 Blessing of the Children‟s toys during mass inclusion, preferably Months before your planned NEW YEAR’S DAY by Tuesday evening, by either emailing the wedding. Mary The Holy Mother of God dedicated newsletter ACROSS – PILGRIMAGE TO Tuesday 1st January Mass 10am email address (baldock.rcc@ntlworld. LOURDES CHRISTMAS HAMPER: Yes, it’s that time of year com) or handing them 30TH MAY - 8TH JUNE 2019 again! The Christmas hamper draw will take place to Fr. Denis. Thank you Regular readers of the Sunday 23rd December after the 10.30 mass. VATICAN NEWS newsletter will know that, Sherry & mince pies will be available in the Remember that you The Jumbulance will travel church hall. Lists for donations for the hamper can keep up with all overland to Lourdes next can be found at the back of the Church. Tickets the latest news from summer, transporting sick and The Vatican at the will be on sale this weekend, £1 per strip disabled people from our Official Vatican EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS – CHRISTMAS Network community and the local area, SERVICES www.news.va/en. who may not be usually be Lists can be found on the noticeboard outside the able to travel by any other Your Safeguarding Sacristy for you to sign up for the Christmas and means. They will be Representative is Tom weekend services. There are a lot of services to Keating 07909892178 transported in comfort, with The Safeguarding medical care available on TEA AND COFFEE (& BISCUITS) AVAILABLE Representative has special responsibility board. To make this possible for promoting good and we are looking for helpers. safe practices in all Can you help or do you know AFTER 10.30 MASS EVERY SUNDAY activities involving someone who might? For children, young people and adults at risk. more details please contact Fr Denis on 01462 893127. Baldock Catholic Scout Group MISSIO – APF MISSIONS COLLECTION UPDATE For boys and girls aged Members please leave your red Last Sunday‟s Collection: 6 to 14. Contact: mission boxes at the back of enquiries@2ndbaldock Envelopes £250.86 Loose Plate £350.71 scouts.org.uk the church during early Thank you for your continuing generosity. December as the end of the