REJOICE!
The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, the ‘pink candle’ Sunday, the Sunday we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath. Gaudete is the imperative plural form of the Latin verb gaudere (to rejoice). It is a command ordering us to rejoice! In these days of penance and preparation leading up to the feast of our Savior’s birth, it reminds us of the joy that is to come, and serves, amid this season of penance, as a kind of ‘break’ when we recall the hope we have because of the coming of Jesus.
In Advent, we not only celebrate the first coming of our Lord, but eagerly prepare for His Second Coming as well, when the restoration of all things takes place. Too often many of us shudder at the thought of our Lord’s coming in glory, as if it were a frightening event–and certainly it will be for those who knowingly rejected Jesus. But for Christians who persevere it will be our great deliverance from the troubles and trials of this world. All the world will bend the knee–some in terror–but as for God’s friends, they will bend the knee in joyful adoration as Jesus takes His place as King. The earliest Christians cried ‘Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!’ expecting Jesus to come at any moment. So should we–we should long for His return with our lamps trimmed and our souls ready. It is indeed something to celebrate–and prepare for. Advent turns our hearts and minds to this reality. CATHOLIC ONLINE
CHRISTMAS MASSES
As the capacity of our Church continues to be limited by social distancing requirements, unfortunately this year again it will not be possible to accommodate the larger numbers wishing to attend Mass at Christmas. We urge you to carefully consider whether or not you should attend Mass this Christmas, particularly if you are in a vulnerable group. All Masses will be broadcast live via webcam , and we encourage you to participate online. There will be 2 Vigil Masses this year on Christmas eve 5pm & 8pm but please be aware that these Masses are subject to change due to the current situation. Please be advised that after St Agnes’ reaches its (180) seating capacity at these Masses the doors will unfortunately be closed. Thank you in advance for your understanding and co-operation on these matters.
Christmas Mass times 2021
at St Agnes’
Christmas Eve Masses: 10am, 5pm & 8pm
Christmas Day Masses: 9.30am & 12 Noon
Sunday 26th December: 9.30am and 12.30pm
COLLECTION The weekly collection for the 5th December amounted to £1550.00 Thank you for your contribution. You can make your envelope contribution via the donate button on the Parish website home page as well.
PARISH WEBCAM Live streaming of all Masses takes place in a St. Agnes’ Church. Please click on the webcam tile on the Home Page of the Parish website www.stagnesbelfast.com.
RECORDINGS Please note, all funerals will be recorded. Please tell us if you do not want your loved one’s funeral recorded.
Covid 19 We wish to remind you that masks are still mandatory when entering and leaving the church and we would strongly advise and encourage that for your own safety you adhere to this and to social distancing. Thank you.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We extend our sympathies to the families of those who died recently and those whose month’s mind and anniversary occur at this time.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Larry Gribbin
Sat 11th Dec:6.30pm Vigil: Eamonn Friel, Michael & Martin Darragh & Mairead Donnelly, Jack & Bridget Mc Cusker, Annie Simpson
Sun 12th Dec: 9.30am: Samuel Scott, Deceased members of the Mulholland family
12.30pm: Sean & Tommy & Doris Robinson, Matthew Morrison, Gerard Mc Alister
Mon 13th Dec: 10am: Priest’s intention
Tue 14th Dec: 10am: NO MASS
Wed 15th Dec: 10am: ( Months Mind ) Frances Doherty
Gabriel Davey
Thurs 16th Dec:10am: Margaret Hernan
Fri 17th Dec: 10am:Priest’s intention
Sat 18th Dec: 1pm: Wedding of Aoife & Odhran
In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.
Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Patricia Power, Rosina Kelly, Tommy Kelly, Marie Stanton, Phyllis Meehan, Margaret Hackett, James & Ellen Mc Fall, Mary Mc Keown, Paddy Leonard, Annie Mc Callin, Margaret & Charles Mallon, Sally & Ned Doherty, Bill Clarke, Jane Shortt, Seamus & Kathleen Mc Bride, Patrick Pettigrew
Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord!
Holy Child Nursery School Open Day” For information regarding Open Day please email the school at : info@holychildns.belfast.ni.sch.uk or telephone 02890 627732 after 1.30pm. We look forward to hearing from you.
Together at Christmas Join St. Agnes’ Choral Society as they get ready to begin the festive season with their carol concert, Together for Christmas, in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. The concert will take place this Sunday 12th December at 7.30pm. Strict covid protocols in place and you will be seated with your own group. Tickets can be booked via this link: bit.ly/3xClokd
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