Daily readings:
12/12 Monday: Our Lady of Guadalupe [1] Zechariah 2.10-13 or Revelation 11.19a; 12.1, 3-6a, 10ab [Gospel] Luke 1.39-47
13/12 Tuesday: ST. LUCY [1] Zephaniah 3.1-2, 9-13 [Gospel] Matthew 21.28-32
14/12 Wednesday: ST. JOHN THE CROSS [1] Isaiah 45.6b-8, 18, 21b-25 [Gospel] Luke 7.19-23
15/12 Thursday: [1] Isaiah 54.1-10 [Gospel] Luke 7.24-30
16/12 Friday: [1] Isaiah 56.1-3a, 6-8 [Gospel] John 5.16-17, 33-36
17/12 Saturday: [1] Genesis 49.2, 8-10 [Gospel] Matthew 1.1-17
11/12 Sunday: 4th Sunday of Advent [1] Isaiah 7.10-14 [2] Romans 1.1-7 [Gospel] Matthew 1.18-24
REFLECTION ON THE READINGS
1. First Reading - Isaiah 35.1-6a, 10
the prophet is describing the joy that will come over the people of Israel who have been patient and didn't give up hope while waiting for deliverance from captivity in Babylon. In the same way the faithful, who are waiting for deliverance from this life on earth in order to enter heaven, "we shall enter singing, crowned with everlasting joy?
Psalm 146: “Lord, come and save us.”
2. Second Reading James 5.7-10
we hear the apostle encourage his flock by advising them to be patient. This letter was written during a period of severe persecution when all seemed doomed; but James suggests that the people look to the prophets of old who were despised by their own people, yet never gave up hope. Or consider Job, who lost everything; yet because of his faith and hope in God, he regained everything and more
“Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor.”
3. Gospel Reading – Matthew 11.2-11
we hear the familiar story of John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets, who was in prison at this time. He must have been very discouraged knowing that his end was near. He sends friends to Jesus to learn if He, Jesus, is the "One who is to come?" This is another phrase meaning "Messiah." Jesus, rather than answering with a subjective or abstract "Yes," points out the things that He has accomplished--- the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, deaf hear, etc. This must have encouraged John the Baptist because it was for just this very reason that he had worked so hard at preaching a baptism of repentance. Now he can rest in peace. But listen to the last sentence! It should cause one to sit up and take notice. Jesus says "...the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (John the Baptist). How can that be?
PRAY FOR THE SICK: May Chu, Camilo Romero, Adela Lim, Mary Martin, Ky Truong, Gina Tabul, Olivera Lambeta, Ngan Thi Trinh, Thuong Van Tran, Francesca Cabrales, Maria Garcia, 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, Patricia Rudolph, Shirley De La Cruz, Vũ Nam,
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH (December)
For volunteer not-for-profit organizations: We pray that volunteer non-profit organizations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
INTENTION FOR THE WEEK
Saturday December 10 at 9 AM
- For the souls of Margaret Yeung.
- Petition Mass for the recovery of Madeline Bird
Saturday December 10 at 5PM
- For the souls of John Lawrence Sullivan, Alicia Bayle, Thomas Bayle, Elizabeth Bayle, Marlon Bayle and Remelda Belisario.
Sunday December 11 at 8 AM.
- For the souls of Anthony and Mary
- Petition Mass for the health of Lucile Sutherland.
Sunday December 11 at 11:30 AM.
- For the soul of John Lawrence Sullivan
Sunday December 11 at 6 PM.
- For the soul of Eugene Boyko
Monday December 12 at 8 AM.
Thanksgiving Mass and Petition Mass for peace and health.
Tuesday December 13 at 8 AM.
- For the soul of Lucia Salvador
Thursday December 15 at 8 AM.
- Petition Mass
PARISH NEWS
Second collection: for our Parish Building Fund.
Christmas Outreach Program: we are still welcome, and donations can be dropped off in the collection baskets or at the parish office. On Sunday, December 18, we need volunteers to help with the delivery of the gifts. Delivery will begin after the 8am Sunday Mass and should only take an hour of your time. If you are able to help, please contact the parish office. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing financial support.
Advent confession: on Wednesday, December 14, our Parish invites you to spiritually prepare for the Christmas Season. Mass and Novena will begin at 7pm, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation/ Confession. All are encouraged to attend.
Our Parish Christmas and New Year Mass schedule is now available on our parish website and in printed copies at front entrance of the Church.
On Saturday, December 24: Christmas Caroling will begin at 5:30pm followed by Christmas Vigil Mass at 6pm
On Sunday, December 25: Christmas Masses will follow the regular Sunday Mass Schedule of 8am, 11:30am and 6pm
*Our Parish is always looking for volunteers who are willing to donate their time and talents in various areas such as: sacristans, readers, altar servers, choir members, gift bearers, parking lot attendants and so much more. Please speak with the Mass coordinator if you are able to help or would like more information.
Please check our parish website and bulletin for more information about events in our
parish and within the archdiocese.
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
* Focolare Retreat for Young Adults
The Focolare Movement is organizing a retreat for young adults (17-35) from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, 2023. There will be reflections, vocation stories, prayer, games, sharing and testimonies, Mass, and a Q and A with Archbishop Miller at Alexandra retreat house in White Rock. Early Bird bursaries are available for students. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
*Chinese New Year Mass with Archbishop MillerJoin this Chinese New Year's Eucharistic celebration with Archbishop Miller on Jan. 22, 2023 at Our Lady of Fatima at 3:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
