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Introduction to the Liturgy – Immanuel – “God with Us”– As Advent draws to a close, the church presents three passages of scripture with bear on Jesus’ birth. The Immanuel text from Isaiah has a long history as a messianic text in the Christian tradition. The text from Romans is pertinent as Paul claims to be apostle who proclaims Christ as son of David and son of God. In the infancy narrative, Matthew recounts the conception of Jesus by Mary and sees the Immanuel text of Isiah as uniquely fulfilled.

From the Saints – From a letter to Diognetus – No man has ever seen God or known him, but God has revealed himself to us through faith, by which alone it is possible to see him. God, the Lord and maker of all things, who created the world and set it in order, not only loved man but was also patient with him. So, he has always been, and is, and will be: kind, good, free from anger, truthful; indeed, he and he alone is good. (Matins, 4^th Sunday of Advent)

In your prayers kindly remember the sick and those who care for them, the lonely, the handicapped, those isolated, and those who have died, especially Emilia Gruntz, Linda Amos, Linda Lapinskie and Andy Lewis.

HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

Your total offering for last Sunday was $5765.05

Thank you for your generosity and support.

MASS ATTENDANCE FOR DECEMBER 11^TH – Saturday 7:15 – 63, Sunday 10:30 – 126, Sunday 5:15 – 75

Behold, the Lord will come
descending with splendor to visit his people with peace,
and he will bestow on them eternal life.

(Entrance Antiphon – 4^rd Sunday of Advent)

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULES AT PEMBROKE PARISHES

  Our Lady of Lourdes               Most Holy Name of Jesus                        Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM          Monday to Thursday 7:00 PM                Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00 AM

(Please visit the Parish websites to confirm Mass times)

FROM THE RECTORS DESK

The Advent Season is one of preparation for the coming festivities of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus.  We prepare for Christmas in the secular world through office gatherings, other Christmas gatherings, shopping for gifts, etc.  Spiritually, we should take the time to prepare for the real reason that this holiday exists – the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.  We can do this through Confession, repenting of those sins we have committed.  We can attend weekday Mass one or more times a year, offer up more prayer time, come to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – even if for only 15 minutes.

CONFESSIONS – Confessions will be heard immediately following each mass.  Also, there will be confessions at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on December 18^th from 2:00 – 3:00.

WHAT DO THE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS MEAN?

Shepherds used crooks to bring lambs back into the fold. Candy Canes remind us we are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.

Sheep wear bells so the Shepherd can easily locate them. Bells remind us to locate those in need, and to bring them into the fold. Also, for centuries bells have been used to announce special events.

Stars are the most familiar Christmas symbol: they represent the star of Bethlehem which guided the Wiseman to the Christ Child. They remind us that we should diligently seek him every day.

For centuries, the evergreen tree has been a common symbol of eternal life. It reminds us that because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we will all enjoy eternal life.

In many cultures the circle is a symbol of eternity, having no beginning and no end. The wreath combines evergreen boughs in a circle as a symbol of never-ending love.

Candles are one of the most common symbols in the world. They represent different things to different cultures. At Christmas time, candles remind us of the light of Christ.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE – A reminder that we are now having Exposition following the Wednesday Mass of 12:10 PM with the praying of the Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  It continues through the afternoon ending with Vesper and Benediction at 5:30.   All are invited to attend.

COLLECTION ENVELOPES FOR 2023 – The 2023 collection envelopes are now available at the back table of the church.  If you are unable to find your envelopes or would like envelopes, please contact the parish office at 613-732-8513.

SUNDAY SOCIAL – Starting in the New Year, the Sunday social will be returning following the 10:30 am mass.  It’s been a long two years and we all look forward to its return.  If you would like to volunteer for this,  you will find the sign up sheet in the folder on either of the tables at the church entrance.  Thank you

LOOKING FOR A GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR SOMEONE THIS CHRISTMAS? LOOK NO FURTHER! – Funny in a GOoD Way presents an evening of laughter and praise to celebrate the week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 21^st at 7:00 p.m., Festival Hall. Event features, Praise Band – Gate47, a skit by local Clergy, and award-winning Comedian Andy Beningo. Cost $20.00 in advance. To purchase tickets, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. More details available at www.funnyinagoodway.ca. Net proceeds go to The Grind Pembroke.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY – We extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to all couples who celebrate their Marriage Anniversary during the month of December.  May the Lord continue to bless them in life together.  All couples are welcome to have their wedding anniversaries posted in our parish bulletin, just call the Parish Office with your date. 613-732-8513

Gord and Nancy Carriere 54 years – December 21^st

All couples, whether newly married or many years married, are welcome to have their wedding anniversaries announce in our parish bulletin.  Call the Parish Office with your date or email stcolumbkille@nrtco.net.

  “GOT LIFE QUESTIONS? R.C.I.A.  might just be for you. R.C.I.A stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a journey for anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and growing in the life as a Christian. It is for someone who has never been baptized or maybe you have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith, or maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission or maybe as a Catholic you just want to grow more in your faith. If any of the above questions apply to you, we would love to help in your spiritual journey Want to know more about your Catholic faith all are welcome to join us in exploring this new quest at St. Columbkille’ s Cathedral. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613-732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com

14^th ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT – 2023: Retreat will be given by Fr. Paul Burchat and Scott Eagen from the Madonna House Community in Combermere, from Friday, January 13^th to Sunday, January 15^th, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp (Between Maynooth and Bancroft). This year’s theme: “God the Father: Our Hope and Salvation (“You are With Me” Jn 15:31). Cost: $175.00 for the weekend (includes retreat, room and great meals). For more information, questions, special requests, dietary or financial concerns, please call Pierre-Paul Filion at 613 602-6580 or email ppfilion@yahoo.ca. Reserve now; deposit and registration due by December 20^th, 2022.