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G enuine Christian faith does not make us long-faced; it should make us enthusiastic and happy. Even in Lent, the most serious season of the Church’s year, the Sunday at the midpoint of the journey to Easter has a theme of rejoicing. In the same way, on this third Sunday of Advent, our liturgy takes up a joyous theme. In our first reading, from Isaiah, the prophet is filled with joy. He has the anointing of the Spirit to bring, in the name of God, ‘good news’ of encouragement, healing, freedom, and an outpouring of God’s special favour. This message is especially for ‘the poor’ – those who have no security except in God. Originally addressed to God’s people in their exile – this proclamation was read by Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth. And he added, ‘This text is being fulfilled today, even as you listen’. As the text continues, the prophet ‘exults for joy’, using marriage themes to express the covenant bond of love between the chosen people and their God; and he looks forward to their renewed life becoming an inspiration to all the nations of the world. The second reading from 1 Thessalonians – the earliest writing of the Christian Scriptures – is chosen for our Advent liturgy, no doubt, because it rises to a climax with its reference to ‘the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’. But it is a good choice, because it takes up today’s theme of joy. Paul’s reference to those things that unite that early Christian community provides a useful check list as we evaluate the life of our own communities: ‘constant prayer’, thankfulness to the Father, offered in and through Christ; an openness to the promptings of the Spirit that comes through members who are in tune with God’s ways (‘the gift of prophecy’); and the ‘peace’ that is the fruit of all these shared blessings. True joy comes with the experience of what we are made for; the joy brought by Christian faith, the joy all true believers have experienced, the joy that only God can give, comes through the things of which Paul speaks. John the Baptist is again our Advent guide, in today’s gospel reading from John. Because he has revived the ways of Israel’s prophets he has caused quite a stir, and the authorities of Jerusalem send interrogators who ask him to give an account of himself. His selfless response is disarmingly frank: he is not the messiah; he is not one of the old prophets come back to life; he is not the New Moses of Israel’s expectations. His role is that of a herald, ‘a voice crying in the wilderness’, that announces one who stands among the crowd, still ‘unknown’ to them. The description of his witness in this passage leaves his hearers hungry to know more of the one to whom this great figure shows such reverence – a prelude to a great theme of John’s gospel, ‘the true light’ that is going to transform a darkened world. Today’s liturgy can serve to remind us of today’s call to a ‘New Evangelisation’ – bringing the true joy of the light of Christ to a world in which there is so much darkness and pain. When the task seems beyond us, let us remember with the old prophet, that we are working for God’s future; let us understand with Paul that it is first and foremost the quality of our lives together that will bring people to share our faith; and let us learn from the Baptist that the effectiveness of our outreach will depend upon the unselfish commitment we have made to the Saviour and what he stands for. John Thornhill sm www.theemmausseries.com Readings • Isaiah 61.1–2a, 10–11 • 1 Thessalonians 5.16–24 • John 1.6–8, 19–28 2018 Sunday Missals – There is a limited supply available on the book rack at the back of the church. Please place your $3 payment in an envelope marked “Sunday Missal” into the offertory basket or drop it off at the church office. Parishioners are encouraged to prepare for Mass by reviewing the readings before coming to Mass and listening to the proclaimed Word of God during Mass. If you wish to bring your personal copy of the Sunday Missal to Mass, please put your name on the inside cover. Reminders for Sacramental Preparation RECONCILIATION SESSION 2 (Children Only) - Choose ONE of the following sessions to attend Sunday, January 21 (2:30pm-3:15) OR Monday, 22 (6:30-7:15). We meet in the parish hall. Gifts of Securities Can Help Everyone! – You can support the Church using securities (stocks, mutual funds, bonds). You will not have to pay any capital gains on your securities gift and you will get a tax receipt for the full amount. Also you can divide up your gifts as you wish (e.g. Parish offertory or building fund, ShareLife, The Shepherds’ Trust, St. Augustine’s Seminary, special collections, etc.). For more information please contact the parish office at 416 231 6016 or the Development Office of the Archdiocese of Toronto at 416 934 3411. Visit www.archtoronto.org/development. Liturgy of the Word for Children – This program for young parishioners (4-10 years of age) takes place on Sundays at the 9:30am Mass. Please note that access to the hall is through the west glassed-in stairwell. Phase II Renovation -The entire Cliveden south stairwell as well as the north exterior basement stairwell are closed during construction. Basement hall and washrooms can be accessed through the glassed-in stairwell on the west side of the church. While access is limited, please contact the parish office if you wish to receive Communion at home. Hearing Assist Headsets - Parishioners who have trouble hearing at Mass are welcome to request a Hearing Assistance device from the ushers when they enter the church. They are available on a “first come – first served” basis. These headsets pick up the feed directly from our sound system and can be used with or without hearing aids. Victoria Scholars Concert, Sunday, Dec. 17, 7:30pm, Our Lady of Sorrows Church Ring in the Yuletide with the Victoria Scholars as they present a concert of carols from Christmas past and present by composers from Canada and around the world. Join the Scholars for a festive and spirited celebration of seasonal music. Tickets available at the door $30 regular $25 senior/student. Christmas Ornaments for Sale-Thechildrenof ourparisharesellingChristmasornaments&items they have prepared together with their families to raise money for a Catholic charitable organization. The sale will take place after the 11am & 12:30pm Sunday Masses TODAY! Lectio Divina : Prudence and Common Sense (Sirach 8:1-19) January 7, 2018 - St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica Vespers (evening prayer) begin at 7pm followed by Lectio Divina from 7:30pm- 8:15pm. All are welcome! Visit www.archtoronto.org/lectio. Interfaith Lecture Series - Understanding our Abrahamic Roots Join with Islington United Church’s Interfaith Circle in January 2018 to learn more about our Abrahamic roots at a lecture series on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm. For more information visit www. islingtonunited.org. To register use the Eventbrite link or sign-up by contacting [email protected]. community Mass Intentions This Week – December 18 - 24 Please join us as we pray for the following announced intentions … Intention(s): Offered by: Monday, 9am J Brother Francis Ellis CSC Jimmy Magee Tuesday, 9am J Renata Tomkova friend Wednesday, 9am J Gloria Della Savia Rita Greco & Josie DiLella Thursday, 9am J Victor Vettese Marika & Shumelda family Friday, 9am J Newton Vaz Mercia Vaz Saturday, 9am J Theresa Tessier Dan Kelly 5:15pm J Antonio Rodrigues family Sunday, 8am J Lena Badali family 9:30am Thanksgiving intentions Estorba & Vlasco family 11am J Jacqueline Gorski OLS Lectors 12:30pm = Celebrated for the needs of all members of our parish family % Christmas & New Year’s Schedule Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23 – 5:15pm Vigil Mass Sunday, December 24 – 8, 9:30 & 11:00am. No Mass at 12:30pm today. - Christmas Eve † / Christmas Day 8 Nativity of the Lord* Sunday, December 24 – 5, 7, 11pm / Monday, December 25 – 8, 9:30 & 11am & 12:30pm † Carols & music begins approximately 40 minutes prior to Christmas Eve Vigil Masses. - Feast of the Holy Family Saturday, December 30 – 5:15pm Vigil Mass Sunday, December 31 – 8, 9:30 & 11am. No Mass at 12:30pm today. - New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day 8 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God* Sunday, December 31 – 5pm / Monday, January 1 – 8, 9:30, 11am & 12:30pm - *Indicates a holy day of obligation. As Catholics, we are required to attend Mass on these special feast days. OLS CANDLELIGHT ADVENT MASS – Monday, Dec. 18 at 7:00pm The Rorate Mass is a Votive Mass in honour of the Virgin Mary for the season of Advent. This liturgy has a long tradition in the Catholic Church. The Mass is traditionally celebrated by candlelight in the darkness of the very early winter-time morning. As our Mass starts at 7:00pm, some adaptation is being made to accommodate our needs, reserving the ancient traditions of chant to the parts of the Mass leading to the proclamation of the Word. Children are invited to participate in the opening and closing procession. Please arrive 10 minutes early for instruction. This is a beautiful opportunity to find some quiet time during this Advent season. BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR THE INFANT JESUS! We encourage families to take time during the hustle and bustle of the holidays and come together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas... the birth of our Lord Jesus. Children are invited to make birthday cards for the infant Jesus. Tell Jesus in His birthday card what you are doing to show thanks for his great love. On Christmas Day, December 25, the whole family can visit the manger before Mass to wish Jesus a happy birthday and offer their birthday cards. december 17, 2017 Parish third sunday of ADVENT There was a man named John, sent by God, who came as a witness to testify to the Light, so that through this person all people might believe. Is it possible God could be calling your name to witness to the Light of Christ in our day? If you think God is calling you to be a priest, religious or deacon, contact Fr. Chris Lemieux, Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Toronto 416-968-0997 [email protected] www.vocationstoronto.ca He has sent me to bring good news to the poor
