As we welcome the New Year, we also celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God and also the World Day of Prayer for Peace. Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, is not only a model of faith and obedience but also a source of maternal care and guidance for all of us as children of God. As we reflect on her example, we are reminded to embrace our faith with humility and courage, just as she did. May she guide us in our journey, bring us closer to her Son, and inspire us to live lives of service, compassion, and holiness. As January 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation, Mass will be at 12.10pm and 6pm at St Joseph’s and 6pm at Our Lady of the Rubies, Spring Creek. Let us begin 2025 with hope, peace, and faith, knowing that with Mary as our Mother, we walk in the grace of God. , , pray for us

As we bid goodbye to 2024, we, at St. Joseph’s, are once again full of gratitude for your love and support throughout 2024. Thank you for helping us spread the Good News in our many ministries during this past year. As we begin a new year, may every day be an opportunity to begin again, as St. Francis de Sales taught us, “It is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again." We look forward to beginning again with you and journeying together in our deepening love for God and for one another, whatever this new year brings. Happy New Year!

“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year; the name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram's horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an “extra” year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn’t easy to organise, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, and involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.

This Eucharistic meditation is designed to help you spend 30 minutes to an hour in meditation and silent prayer with Jesus during Eucharistic adoration. Even if you cannot be physically present in a church or adoration chapel with the Blessed Sacrament, you can unite yourself spiritually to the Eucharist as you spend this time in prayer.

On Christmas Day, the long-anticipated promise is fulfilled: God’s love is made visible in Jesus Christ. We rejoice and are glad.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent brings us close to the heart of the mystery of our faith: the birth of Christ.

Do you have a favorite memory of your parish? Are you inspired by the sacred art in your parish? Please share the history and impact of your parish with Dr. David Harrison. Your contribution will help create a video about your parish: its history, its architecture, its culture, its beauty, and its impact on your community. Submission to this form constitutes permission to publish. If you have questions, please email Dr. David at [email protected]. Thank you! Please scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to find a quick survey. https://forms.gle/SJg643cxmBgVyTgg7

More information on the procession and Mass to come, stay tuned. Learn more about the significance of the Jubilee year on the USCCB website, link below,

We are told that children are the future of the Church, a wonderful reminder to parents of small children that, despite the struggles, it is worth it to bring our kids to Mass.

With the opening of the Holy Door less than 6 days away, Pope Francis holds his weekly General Audience and begins the cycle of catechesis that will mark the entire Jubilee Year, focusing on "Jesus Christ, our hope."

Advent is often spoken as a time of preparation. This means not just preparation for parties, celebrations and family gatherings, but preparing for the Incarnation, the birth of the Christ child, Jesus. His birth ushered in a new era of salvation and solidified our redemption. Sacred Scripture mentions many characters as the scene is set for the birth of Christ: Mary, Herod the Great, and the three Kings, to name a few. Often overlooked is Joseph of Nazareth. Saint Joseph plays an integral role in this story, and sometimes it goes unnoticed or under-appreciated.

Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent: 15th December, Year C Theme: Rejoice in the LordScripture Readings First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14–18 – “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.”Psalm: Isaiah 12:2–6 – “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”Second Reading: Philippians 4:4–7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”Gospel: Luke 3:10–18 – “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”Reflection Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is marked by joy. Zephaniah speaks of God’s delight in His people, while Paul calls us to rejoice always. True joy comes from a deep trust in God’s presence and His promises, even during life’s many challenges. The Gospel reminds us that this joy is not selfish—it flows outward through generosity and kindness towards others.Prayer Lord of Joy, fill our hearts with Your Spirit this Advent. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and share the joy of Your love with those we meet. May we become signs of Your joy in the world. Amen.Action Steps Key words or phrases – are there any key words or phrases from one or more of the readings that speak to you today? Ask God to lead you to their deeper meaning for you this week.Think of someone who may be struggling to feel joyful this season. Reach out to them with a note, a call, a helping hand or a small gift to brighten their day.

This Wednesday at 7pm at St. Joseph's Church.

Let the Encuentro begin… As you look at the image of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, what is it that you need her to hear? What is it that you need her to know? When you come to her, do you let yourself be vulnerable to the brokenness within your heart and mind? As you sit with her, you might ask “Am I worthy of receiving your compassion and love when I have been so distraught and overwhelmed with emotional fatigue?”

In his message for the 58th World Day of Peace marked on 1 January, Pope Francis reflects on the central theme of the upcoming Jubilee of Hope and reiterates his pressing appeal for debt forgiveness, reminding us that we are all “debtors” to God and one another.

The season of Advent (from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming”) is the time of preparation for the birth of Christ. It is a time of longing and waiting for his coming. It should be a time filled with joy when we ponder the gift of God’s love, open our hearts to receive, and open our hands to give. Advent begins the liturgical year. It begins on the Sunday closest to the last day in November.

St. Joseph's Church on Wednesday, December 18th at 7pm.

The Third Sunday of Advent is marked by joy and generosity to others. How can we reach out to those in need?

The rousing chorus of the well known Advent hymn invites us to ‘Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!’ Where does this promise come from? James Crampsey SJ leads us from our reflections on the O Antiphons towards the fulfilment of the covenantal relationship that they express.