Daily readings:
20/12 Monday:[1] Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10d), [Gospel] Luke 1.26-38
21/12 Tuesday: St.Peter Canisius [1] Zephaniah 3.14-18a [Gospel] Luke 1.39-45
22/12 Wednesday: [1] 1 Samuel 1.24-28 [Gospel] Luke 1.46-56
23/12 Thursday: St. John of Kanty [1] Malachi 3.1; 4.5-6 [Gospel] Luke 1.57-66
24/12 Friday: [1] 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8-12, 16 [Gospel] Luke 1.67-79
26/12 Sunday: 4th Sunday of Advent [1] 1 Samuel 1.20-22, 24-28 [2] 1 John 3.1-2, 21-24 [Gospel] Luke 2.41-52
REFLECTION ON THE READINGS
“Rejoice in the lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”
1. First Reading- Micah 5.2-5a
How has Micah’s prophecy been unfolding, through the time leading up to Jesus’ birth and afterwards? What aspects of the prophecy are evident today? What are we still hoping for, with faith in Christ?
Psalm 80: “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”
2. Second Reading - Hebrews 10.5-10
In my close human relationships, what is the balance between physical “sacrifices and offerings” for my beloved, and conforming to their will? What is that balance in my religious practice and relationship with God? How has the example of Christ influenced my life?
“Alleluia! Here am I, the servant of the Lord: let it be done to me according to your word.”
3. Gospel Reading - Luke 1.39-45
How would I welcome an unwed pregnant teenage relative who showed up on my doorstep? What teachings of our faith does Elizabeth’s welcome affirm? What aspects of the mystery of the Visitation touch me the most?
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 FOR THE WEEK
Friday Dec.17 at 8AM
- Death Anniversary. For the soul of Cynthia Cepe and David Della Lanzador by Gloria.
Saturday Dec.18 at 9AM
- For the souls of Seledad Magsuci, Manuel Javillo, Leticia Caspellan
Saturday Dec.18 at 5PM
- For the souls of Cinderella, Rosarito Tumlos, Alicia Bayle, Eriberto Camitan, Castor Bayle and Repose of the souls.
Sunday Dec.12 at 8AM
Sunday Dec.19 at 11:30AM
- Thanksgiving Mass for Ebert Teguibon
- For the soul of Jane Wenningtons
Wednesday Dec.22 at 7PM
- Thanksgiving Mass for Janice
PARISH NEWS
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
I Have Called You Friends - Healthy Relationship Series
Join Fr. Richard Conlin and Fr. Raffaele Salvino as they discuss what is means to have a Christ-centered friendship and being “best friends with Jesus.” Having spent 6 years together in the Seminary of Christ the King, these young priests will share about lessons learnt for cultivating genuine friendship within the context of pursuing holiness today. Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.
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.BEHOLD: Be sure to sign up and check this new archdiocesan portal for spiritual writing, workshops, events and other links! beholdvancouver.org/events
