Daily readings:
06/12 Monday: St.Nicholas [1] Isaiah 35.1-10, [Gospel] Matthew 8.5-11, 13
07/12 Tuesday: St.Ambrose [1] Isaiah 40.1-11 [Gospel] Matthew 18.12-14
08/12 Wednesday: [1] Genesis 3.9-15,20 [Gospel] Luke 1.26-38
09/12 Thursday: [1] Isaiah 41.13-20 [Gospel] Matthew 11.11-15
10/12 Friday: [1] Isaiah 48.17-19 [Gospel] Matthew 11.16-19
11/12 Saturday: St.Damasus I [1] Sirach 48.1-4, 9-11 [Gospel] Matthew 17.10-13
12/12 Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent [1] Zephaniah 3.14-18a [2] Philippians 4.4-7 [Gospel] Luke 3.10-18
REFLECTION ON THE READINGS
1. First Reading - Baruch 5.1-9
“Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God.” What factors contribute to my sorrow and affliction? What would it take to be free of those constricting garments and to be clothed in the robes provided by God, as on the day of baptism? How will God’s children find their way back to him? How would I describe the path God promises and what is my experience of it?
Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with jo
2. Second Reading - Philippians 1.3-6, 8-11
How does Christ’s work in me seem to be progressing? What changes have I noticed in the last year? What am I praying for now in terms of my relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
“Alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
3. Gospel Reading - Luke 3.1-6
If I had met John the Baptist in person, what would I have thought about him and his preaching? What is my impression of him now? How will I respond to his message?
PRAY FOR THE SICK: May Chu, Caroline Bayle, Camilo Romero, Adela Lim, Mary Martin, Ky Truong, Gina Tabul, Olivera Lambeta, Ngan Thi Trinh, Thuong Van Tran, Francesca Cabrales, Maria Garcia, Pho Ho, Danita Chow, Hong Van Le, Tuyen Thi Nguyen, Phu Thi Truong, Bernard Boos, Hanh Huynh, Mary Magdalene H, Thanh Thi Dao, Sa Thi Dang, Phuong Van Nguyen, Hoa Xuan Thi Le, Estrella Rodriguez, Felipe Sobredo, Tuyen Van Nguyen, Patricia Rudolph, Shirley De La Cruz,
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH (November)
People Who Suffer from Depression: We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
INTENSION FOR THE WEEK
Friday Dec.03 at 8AM
- For the soul of Anna Fernando
- Deceased family members of Benito Yu
- Deceased family members of Joseph Yu Lim
Saturday Dec.04 at 9AM
- For the soul of Tomasa Torres and the holy souls
- For the soul of Eusebia Gonatise
Saturday Dec.04 at 5PM
- For the souls of Alicia Bayle, Marlon Bayle and Remelda Belisario
- For the soul of Anita Pagtakhan
Sunday Dec.05 at 11:30AM
- Deceased family members of Sia Kun New
Tuesday Dec.07 at 8AM
- For the soul of Alicia Fernandez
Wednesday Dec.08 at 7PM
- Thanksgiving Mass
PARISH NEWS
The second collection: for “Youth Ministry”
Sunday, December 12, our Christmas Outreach program needs volunteers to help with the delivery of the gift cards. Delivery will begin at 8:30am and should only take an hour of your time. If you are able to help, please contact the parish office. Thank you for your help in spreading Christmas cheer!
Advent retreat:
Wednesday, December 8
8:00: Solemnity Mass (Immaculate Conception)
18:30: Silent Eucharistic adoration
19:00: Self-examination and Reconciliation
The attendance of Mass: Parish will be reducing the attendance of Mass to 50% capacity which is no more than 250 people. Since the 11:30am Sunday Mass is the most attended, parishioners at this Mass are encouraged to attend the other weekend Masses: Saturday Anticipated 5pm Mass, Sunday 8am or 6pm. Also, masks for those ages 12 and up are now mandatory at all times – those with medical conditions are exempt.
Holy Communion: the most Holy Eucharist can only be received in the palm of your hand.
PARISH INFORMATION
Stay in Touch: We welcome emails or phone calls to the parish office (604-876-7826 / parish.[email protected]) if you have suggestions or need assistance. Please keep your contact information (address, phone, email) up to date.
Donations: To donate online go to https://support.rcav.org/parishes/parish-offertory/sunday-offering/and select St. Joseph, Van Offering.
ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
Archbishop's Mass for Life
Join us as we celebrate life on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver. Rosary begins at 11:30 a.m. and Mass is at 12:10 p.m. “May we defend it and promote it from conception to its natural end.” Tuesday, December 28 at 12:10 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Christmas Blues – Healthy Relationship Series
Why do some people find the Christmas season difficult in spite of wanting to feel otherwise? Past Christmas experiences, loneliness and recent losses among other things contribute to the “Blues.” We will explore some symptoms of this condition and what can be done to manage or even transform them! Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Simbang Gabi Filipino Mass
“Simbang Gabi” is a tradition unlike any other. A Christmas Marian Novena of Masses, “Simbang Gabi” is a nine-day devotion that honors the Annunciation, the expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and culminating in the birth of Jesus. We invite all faithful to celebrate this Promise of Salvation, by attending the Nine-Day Novena Masses (“Simbang Gabi”.) These masses will be available in-person at twenty-four (24) participating Parishes across the Lower Mainland, at different times, and in both English and Tagalog. Wednesday, December 15 - Thursday, December 23. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Salamat 4: 500 Years of Christianity
The year 2021 marks a historical year for Christians in the Philippines." Friday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. Learn more at:
* Advent 2021 Retreat for Ministry to Divorced and Separated
Join the Archdiocese of Vancouver's Ministry to Divorced and Separated for their first in-person event, an Advent retreat with Father Mark McGuckin – “Prepare the Way of the Lord.”. Saturday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Mass for the Closing of the Year of St. Joseph
On December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Archbishop Michael will celebrate a special Mass to close the Year of St. Joseph. No registration is required for the Mass. Wednesday, December 8 at 5:10 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
BEHOLD: Be sure to sign up and check this new archdiocesan portal for spiritual writing, workshops, events and other links! beholdvancouver.org/events
