Parish Notices for the 1st Sunday of Advent

1. Time of Advent – we are once again at the beginning of the Christian, liturgical year, preparing ourselves for Christmas – the coming to us of our Saviour. It is the time of waiting and longing, being spiritually united with Mary who is waiting to give birth to her Son. So in this, unfortunately, commercialized time, let us find time and strength to be in silence, to pray more, to be more modest, to fast … to wait. “Maranatha” – Come, O Lord come – may this prayer guide us in the coming days.
2. Rorate Masses – special masses for Advent, celebrated in darkness with readings from the Fathers of the Church will be celebrated every Friday at 6 pm. You are most welcomed.
3. Our “Christmas Dinner” is next Sunday – December 8 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. The venue: Auzonville Banquet Hall, Tunapuna. Attractive Door Prizes! Lots to eat and drink! Live Parang Band. Tickets – Children under 12: $125.00, Adults: $180.00. This is the last weekend to purchase your tickets. Please check with Merle, Carol-Ann, Michael @ St. Jude’s, and Mr. Smith, Marjorie Valere, or Deacon Jeffrey at St. Joseph and at the parish office until Wednesday.
4. Penitential Service (Confessions) will take place in our parochial church in St. Joseph on Thursday, 19^th of December at 6.00 pm, in St. Michael’s at 6.30 pm on 10^th of December. We would like to invite you to go to confession before Christmas in order to prepare the path, way for the Coming Jesus.
5. Catholic Almanacs are available from this weekend. The cost is $4.00.

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week!

Special Announcement

This weekend (at all masses), the new Liturgical Calendar for Year A will be available at the Catholic News Desk at the cost of $4.00.

The Season of Advent

Welcome to the Season of Advent! This weekend, we open the new liturgical year (Year A) and it also starts the holy season, Advent. Advent is a time of preparation and waiting with expectant faith for the celebration of the Birth of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
What does this 'preparation' entail? Well, just as how we prepare our homes for the festive season of Christmas by painting, cleaning, putting up new curtains among many other things, this preparation is also similar in that we prepare our Spiritual homes for the coming of Jesus. As such, we should avail ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Works of Charity and Alms giving and increase our prayer life. One of the most popular ways to increase our prayer lives during this holy season is by including an advent wreath (similar to the one that we see in church) in our homes and follow with the corresponding prayers and the lighting of the various candles. The Advent wreath represents 'eternity' and each candle represents a special virtue which symbolizes our preparedness for the coming of Christ. The Candles are lit in the following order:

• The First Candle represents the Candle of Hope (Purple)
• The Second Candle represents the Candle of Preparation (Purple)
• The Third Candle represents the Candle of Joy (Pink)
• The Fourth Candle represents the Candle of Love (Purple)
• The Fifth Candle, which is lit during the Christmas Season, represents Christ as the eternal light of the world. 

Advent is often referred to as a 'Mini Lent' because in both the actual Lenten season and in this Advent season, we are waiting for Christ. In Advent, we are waiting for the Birth of Jesus Christ and in Lent, we are waiting for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and in that waiting, we too must prepare ourselves by entering into a State of Grace.

Let this season of Hope bring us all a deeper appreciation for the season and help remind ourselves that we are in great need of God's grace.

Mt. D'or's Women's Ministry Xmas Dinner

The Women's Ministry, Mt. D'or closed their year off last Sunday with their Annual Christmas Dinner. Celebrating a year that was filled with many 'trials, tribulations and even some joy', according to some of the women, they all came together to thank God for the graces they have received individually and collectively with great company, great food and a great atmosphere.
This Year, the women participated in an array of events such as the Life in the Spirit Seminar, guest speakers graced them with their presence among many others.
If you are interested in this empowering group, they meet every fourth Sunday at 4pm in Mt. D'or chapel. Their next meeting is carded for January 26th, 2014. HERE are some pictures that were taken from their Christmas Dinner.

Christmas Mass Times Announced!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER!

Parish Advent Events

The Season of Advent is a time of preparations for not only the Christmas season, but also for the coming of Jesus, the King. As such, here are some special events that you can look forward to in the parish during this solemn season:

• Advent Rorate Masses. Join us every Friday evening in Advent at 6PM.
• Penitential Service with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Date and Time to be confirmed. 
• Spanish Parang Mass. Saturday December 14th at 6.30PM in St. Joseph R.C. Church

Calling All Synod Members of the Parish!

Notice to all members of the Synod Implementation Team, St. Joseph/Mt.D'or. On Tuesday December 3rd at 7PM in Fatima Parish Hall, Curepe., there will be a meeting for the implementation team conducted by Msgr. Allan Ventour. Please make every effort to attend.

Feast of Christ the Universal King

This weekend, The Catholic Church closes its doors on another Liturgical Year (C), on the Year of Faith established by then Pope Benedict XVI last October and we celebrate a special feast, Christ the Universal King.
This special feast day in the Catholic Calendar was coined by Pope Pius XI in 1925 where he saw secularism (the decreasing of appreciation for God and for the Faith) becoming alive. This day was to reinforce the notion to All Catholics and even non-Catholics that Jesus IS Lord and Master of our lives and that he reigns as the eternal King.
Taking today for granted and treating it like an Ordinary Sunday makes us think that Jesus is very 'Ordinary' but having the mentality that he is the King of Lives makes us appreciate him even more.
This weekend's Gospel story refers to Jesus' passion but one of the reasons why, on a Glorious day like today, we hear about Jesus' cruel death, is to remind us that even in death, Jesus still reigns as King.
Luke 23:35-43 invites us to visualize how repentance is being carried out even on the cusp of death. One of criminals hanging there abused him, 'Are you not the Christ?' he said, 'Save yourself and us as well'. But the other spoke up and rebuked him. 'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said. 'You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. 'Jesus.' he said, 'remember me when you come into your kingdom.' 'Indeed, I promise you,' he replied 'today you will be with me in paradise'. Not even death can stop Jesus from fulfilling his Glory and we all know that Jesus was capable of freeing himself from all that agony, but in order to accomplish the will of the father, he endured it for us and in the words of the soldiers that jeered at him, 'Behold, the King of the Jews' but to modify what they said, 'Behold our King!'. There is no one, no earthly force that can do what ONLY Jesus is capable of doing. He cured the leper, the healed the dumb and blind, he delivered spirits, he fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert, he endured temptations from the Prince of evil, he suffered the most inhumane death and in the end, what happened? He reigns! Not even death can keep our Lord down! That is why every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he IS Lord and even demons will flee his sight because he reigns supreme.
As such, on a significant day like today, we are reminded that even on the last few moments of Jesus' earthly life he was still able to save a soul and free us ALL from that same suffering that the same thief was heading towards. No other can do greater but Jesus!
Jesus is King!
Jesus is Lord!
Jesus is Master!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Parish Notices for the Feast of Christ the King

1. This Sunday (Nov. 24^th) children from St. Xavier Private School are going to receive their First Communion. Please pray for them and their families that they may always be in communion with the Lord. 
2. This weekend’s collection collection goes entirely towards the Archbishop Appeal. Thank you for your generosity. 
3. Sunday 8^th December is the next grand parish event our “Christmas Dinner”. The venue: Auzonville Banquet Hall, Tunapuna. Tickets – Children under 12: $125.00, Adults: $180.00, are available from this weekend. At St. Jude’s – Merle, Carol-Ann, Michael. At St. Joseph – Mr. Smith, Marjorie Valere, Deacon Jeffrey. You are most welcome! 
4. Healing of the Memory Service at St. Joseph, on Tuesday 26^th November 6pm. Fr. George Lewis will preside to lead us in prayer and healing. More details next weekend. 
5. This Sunday (Nov. 24^th) there will be annual Christmas Dinner of the Women Empowerment Ministry at 5 pm in the Parish Hall. 
6. This Sunday (Nov. 24^th) at 5pm, there will be a lighting of the tree in the First Capital Park, with a parang concert. 
7. The Santa Clause Parade (in support of the Grant – A – Wish Foundation will take place on Sunday Nov. 24th in Queens Park Savannah. The Parade will be blessed by Bishop Robert Llanos at 3PM opposite of the NAPA. 
8. My Sweet Home – Charity Christmas Market in support of the St. Dominic’s Children Home will take place on Saturday, November the 30^th between 10 am and 5 pm in Holy Name Convent Grounds. 
9. Our St. Joseph Boys’ R.C. School will give a Christmas Concert next Saturday (30. November) at the UWI SPEC in St. Augustine at 4.30pm. Tickets cost $70.00. 
10. We are organizing a pilgrimage to Poland from 20^th of June until 6^th of July. We will go from the south of Poland to the North, visiting religious centers, historical cities, beautiful monuments of the nature. We will be sting in four stars hotels and spa. The programme promises to be interesting (chosen by a person born and grown in Poland – Fr. Karol), the price not too high. More details will be given next week. For more information ask Fr. Karol.

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week!

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast It highlights the holiness of Mary from the beginning of her life on earth that continued through her early childhood and beyond. This feast is celebrated both in the Roman and the Eastern Orthodox rites. It takes its origin from the dedication of the Church of Our Lady near the Temple area in Jerusalem which took place on 21st November 543. 

Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The feast is found in the liturgical documents of the East in the 11th century and was brought to the papal chapel in Avignon in 1373. A year later King Charles V introduced it to the royal Chapel in Paris, from where it spread through Spain and Germany. It is now celebrated in the Roman Calendar on 21st November.

The feast is best linked with the other feasts of the birth of Mary (8th September) and of the Immaculate Conception (8th December). It highlights the holiness of Mary from the beginning of her life on earth that continued through her early childhood and beyond.

Closing the Year of Faith

On October 11th 2012, the then Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the liturgical year to being the Year of Faith. This day was also the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Under the scriptural reference taken from Acts 14:27, "...They called the church together and reported what God had done with them and now he had opened the door of faith", the church reflected on the message to increase our faith in God.
During this sacred year for the church, Catholics were also invited to study and reflect on the documents on Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic Faith.
The Porta Fidei states that the Year of Faith "summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Saviour of the world". In other words, the Year of Faith gave Catholics the opportunity to turn towards Jesus and experience him in a personal way and encounter his graces through the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist.
It was Pope Benedict's (XVI) greatest intention for us (as Catholics) to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ. In addition to increasing our love for God and his teachings, He wants us to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our Catholic being.  
On Sunday November 24th, the Year of Faith will come to a close with a Papal Mass in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis will also announce a new call for the New Evangelization to continue. At this special Mass, a special collection will also be taken up to assist those in need in the Philippines who were affected by the disastrous Typhoon which recently occurred. 

Faith without Good Deeds is Baseless - Msgr. Rino Fisichella 

The Special Mass for the Closing of the Year Faith at St. Peter's Square can be viewed on Sunday (Nov. 24th) morning at 6.30AM (Trinidad Time) on EWTN (Cable Ch. 10) with a repeat airing at 2PM (Trinidad Time).

Healing of the Memory Service

Parish Notices for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. Thank you for your generosity and hard work in preparation for our Bingo Parang Evening last Sunday.
2. Sunday 8^th December is the next grand parish event our “Christmas Dinner”. The venue: Auzonville Banquet Hall, Tunapuna. Tickets (Children under 12: $125.00, Adults: $180.00), are available from this weekend. At St. Jude’s – Merle, Carol-Ann, Michael. At St. Joseph – Mr. Smith, Marjorie Valere, Deacon Jeffrey.
3. Healing of the Memory Service at St. Joseph, on Tuesday 26^th November 6pm. Fr. George Lewis will preside to lead us in prayer and healing. More details next weekend.
4. Many of you are familiar with the Divine Mercy Image, and venerate through it our Merciful Lord. Today we would like to ask you to begin an action of giving out this image to Non-Catholic family and friend. It is the wish of Jesus himself that the message of his mercy would reach everybody. After this holy mass, at the main entrance, you can purchase stickers with the image of the Divine Mercy and evangelize those who share your life.
5. Next weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the Universal King. We will celebrate the first communion of the students of St. Xavier School. So there will be the third Sunday mass at 10.30 am. The first communion for the children prepared in the parish will take place on December 8^th during 8.30 am mass. 
6. Next weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the Universal King. And so the entire collection at Masses next weekend will go towards the Archbishop’s Appeal – Cathedral Restoration Fund. His Grace asked all, to please give generously

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week!

Parish Parang Bingo

On Sunday November 10th, St. Joseph/ Mt. D'or Parish Community hosted a Parang Bingo which drew an impressive turn out despite the unpleasant weather that day. Thankfully, the weather was pleasing for the evening and it was deemed to be an enjoyable evening for everyone. HERE you can view some photos that were taken during the evening's festivities.  

Upcoming Parish Activities

As we draw nearer to the end of our liturgical Year (C) and the year (2013), we still have various parish events that you can look out for and participate in. Below is a list of the various parish ventures that will be held in the parish:

Parang Bingo

Christ the King

• St. Xavier's First Communion.  

Advent

• Healing of the Memory Service hosted by the Charismatic Prayer Group. Tuesday November 26th at 6PM in St. Joseph R.C. Church. Featuring Fr. George Lewis. 
• Rorate Masses on a Friday evening during the Advent season.
• Penitential Service (with the Sacrament of Confession). Date and Time to be announced. 

Parish Christmas Dinner

• Sunday December 8th. Cost is $200.00 at Auzonville Hall (Tunapuna).

Parish Notices for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. The PARANG BINGO is next Sunday, November 10th on the Church grounds from 4pm to 7pm. Tickets cost $20.00 which includes one bingo card. There will be Lots of attractive and valuable prizes to be won. Plus there will also be live Parang to keep us entertained. If you would like to assist by sponsoring a prize or items for the refreshment stall, please contact Deacon Jeffrey. Refreshments will be on sale.
2.  Our parish newsletter for November is now available. Lots of interesting articles and excerpts of the Holy Father’s talks are also included; Plus upcoming events. We need your feedback for the December edition. What activities are taking place in your group or ministry? Any plans for Christmas you’d like to share? As a member of this community if you have any concerns or comments let us also have your feedback.
3.  Many of you are familiar with the Divine mercy Image, and venerate through it our Merciful Lord. Today we would like to ask you to begin an action of giving out this image to non-Catholic as well. As we know it is a wish to Jesus himself that the message of his mercy would reach everybody. After this holy mass, by the main entrance, you can purchase stickers with the image of the Divine Mercy and evangelize those who share your life.

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week!

Celebrating All Souls Day

Today we celebrate the feast of All Souls, a day in which we remember and pray for our dearly departed brothers and sisters. It is on this day that we, as the church, pray for the souls in purgatory so that may attain the beatific vision of heaven.
Souls that are in purgatory, must be cleansed from all venial sins and temporal punishments for all the mortal sins which they have committed during their life on earth before they are admitted into heaven.
Praying for the dead is a obligation that all Catholics must observe because it is through our prayers that souls in purgatory are released into heaven. (See 2 Maccabees 12:39-45)

As we remember our dearly departed brothers and sisters who are sleeping in christ with the hope of resurrection, we pray that on the last day, they may come face to face with Jesus. Eternal rest grant onto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, May them rest in peace. Amen.

Celebrating All Saints Day

All Saints Day (coined by Pope Gregory IV) is celebrated every year on November 1 and it is on this day that all Christian saints are remembered (including the ones that do not have a special feast day). It is an ancient feast day and it came into being when through the Christian tradition of celebrating the martyrdom of saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom and when martyrdom increased during the persecutions of the late Roman Empire, local dioceses issued this feast day to properly honour all the martyrs.
Traditionally in our country, the Protestants use this night to go to the cemeteries to light the graves of their departed relatives, in many countries the tradition may vary.

The Saints in heaven are holy people that have walked the earth just like us and now their job is to intercede for us. As such, we are obligated to ask them to pray for us to Jesus. For example, St. Joseph, we ask him to "assist us in by his divine and powerful intercession and obtain for us from his divine Son and our Lord, all spiritual blessings through Jesus, the Christ". St. Jude, we ask him to go before Jesus on our behalf  "for our most desperate situations". All our saints have special purposes, even those we may not know about, they are all called to pray for us because it was through their beatification that God lifted them up to complete holiness and made a place for them beside him and made them "Blessed".

The Beatification and Canonization of Saints:
The recognition by the Catholic Church of a deceased person of God's entrance into heaven and their ability to now intercede on behalf of individuals who pray to his or her name is known as their Beatification. The next step to saint-hood is known as canonization where that "Blessed" person of God is now considered to be a saint and this is only done when at least two miracles have been performed in his/her name. Next Year, Blessed John Paul will be canonized as a Saint!