Daily readings:
13/12 Monday: St.Lucy [1] Numbers 24.2-7, 15-17a, [Gospel] Matthew 21.23-27
14/12 Tuesday: St.John of the Cross [1] Zephaniah 3.1-2, 9-13 [Gospel] Matthew 21.28-32
15/12 Wednesday: [1] Isaiah 45.6b-8, 18, 21b-25 [Gospel] Luke 7.19-23
16/12 Thursday: [1] Isaiah 54.1-10 [Gospel] Luke 7.24-30
17/12 Friday: [1] Genesis 49.2, 8-10 [Gospel] Matthew 1.1-17
18/12 Saturday: [1] Feremiah 23.5-8 [Gospel] Matthew 1.18-24
19/12 Sunday: 4th Sunday of Advent [1] Micah 5.2-5a [2] Hebrews 10.5-10 [Gospel] Luke 1.39-45
REFLECTION ON THE READINGS
“Rejoice in the lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”
1. First Reading- Zephaniah 3.14-18a
As I prepare to welcome an important guest, what emotions do I have? Stress? Anxiety? Excitement? Blessing? Rejoicing? How do I feel about the imminent coming of the Lord? What encourages my heart to rejoice? What holds me back?
Isaiah 12: “Shout aloud and sing for joy: great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
2. Second Reading -Philippians 4.4-7
How are the peace and joy of the Lord visible in my life? How can I take to heart the advice to the Philippians, to become more centered in Christ for the rest of Advent?
“Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor.”
3. Gospel Reading - Luke 3.10-18
What advice would I seek from John the Baptist? What aspects of my work life and personal life need examination and purification to prepare for Christ? What sinful behaviors have I excused in myself because “everyone does it”, “someone did it to me”, “they deserve it”, “I have no time”? When I honestly ask, “What should I do?”, what would John reply? What is the good news?
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 (December)
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 OF THE WEEK
Friday Dec.10 at 8AM
- Death Anniversary. For the soul of Cyntsia Cepe and David Della Lanzador by Loria. (bù cho lần sau)
Saturday Dec.11 at 9AM
- For the soul of Jane Wennington who has just passed away and the soul of Cyntsia Cepe and David Della Lanzador for Death Anniversary.
Saturday Dec.11 at 5PM
- For the souls of Pedro and Antonia Embuscado - Death Anniversary
- For the souls of Lena Dunning, Melissa Dumas, Alicia Bayle, Lutgarda Camitan, Perla Camitan and
Sunday Dec.12 at 11:30AM
- For the soul of Kathleen Dunroe has just passed away.
- For the soul of Rosario Sorongon by Joycelyn Lucas
- For the souls of Lena Dunning and Melissa Dumas.
Sunday Dec.12 at 6PM
- For the soul of Jose Medeiros
PARISH NEWS
This week there is no second collection – just a reminder that the Parish Building Fund has been suspended until further notice.
Project Advance: our parish has collected almost $65,000.00 which is 81% of our $80,000.00 goal.
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!
The 2022 Parish envelopes are now available to be picked up in the Church Entrance.
Our parish Christmas and New Year Mass schedules have been posted in the front of the Church and in our parish website – please be sure to mark your calendars for these special and Holy days of Obligation.
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
The Letters of St. Paul - Paul Proclaims the Gospel
St. Paul was one of the first to articulate and proclaim the Gospel. Focusing particularly on Romans, we will explore the major features of Paul’s presentation of the Good News. Just as it did for Paul’s original audience, this message has the potential to reinvigorate our lives. Saturday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Bereavement Training Program
This 6-week training course is aimed at those who want to start a bereavement ministry in their parish. The course sessions include what is grief, how do we actively listen, facilitating a bereavement ministry/group, resources for those grieving, and to understand more about grief. Begins Wednesday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
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.
December Memorial Mass at Gardens of Gethsemani with Christmas Tree of Remembrance
Please register for our Monthly Memorial Mass at Gardens of Gethsemani for the month of December. We offer this Mass for the repose of the souls of our loved ones buried at Gardens and St. Peter’s Cemeteries in the month of December. At the end of Mass we will have the Tree of Remembrance celebration in which participants can hang an ornament on the tree with the names of their deceased loved ones. Sunday, December 26 at 2:30 p.m. Learn more and register 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.
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.BEHOLD: Be sure to sign up and check this new archdiocesan portal for spiritual writing, workshops, events and other links! beholdvancouver.org/events
