THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR B
1st Reading: Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1.3-8. Resp. Psalm: Ps 80:2-3.15-16.18-19. ℟: O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved. 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9.
Gospel acclamation: Show us your merciful love, and grant us your salvation. Gospel: Mark 13:33-37.
THE ARCHBISHOP’S ADVENT APPEAL: There will be a second collection on all the Sundays of Advent for the pastoral and building needs of the Archdiocese. Please take your set of envelopes that is available at the entrance.
SVP FOOD DRIVE: The St Vincent de Paul Society has started a “bring a to Mass” drive for those in our parish for whom Christmas will be bleak given the price of food. Please collect you tag from the Jesse Tree in the foyer.
SHONA MASS: The Zimbabwean community will be celebrating Mass on the 03 December 2023 at 12h00 at the Cathedral. All are welcome.
RCIA 2024: The new cycle of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) will start on the First Sunday of Advent (3 December 2023) at 09h00.
All those wishing to convert to Catholicism, those adults who have not been confirmed, and all those wanting to learn more about the faith are welcome to attend. Please note that the next cycle will only start in Advent 2024.
MASS TIMES FOR THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON 2023/2024:
| CATHEDRAL | VILLA MARIA | NAZARETH HOUSE | |
| Fri 15 Dec (Public Holiday) | No Mass | 08:00 | No Mass |
| Sun 24 Dec (4th Sunday of Advent) | 10:00 | 07:30 | 08:45 |
| Sun 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) | 20:00 | No Mass | 19:00 |
| Mon 25 Dec (Christmas Day) | 10:00 | 07:30 | 08:45 |
| Tue 26 Dec (Day of Goodwill) | No Mass | No Mass | 09:00 |
| Wed 27 Dec – Fri 29 Dec | No Mass | 07:00 (Wed & Fri) | 07:00 (Thu) |
| Sun 31 Dec (Holy Family) | 10:00 | 07:30 | 08:45 |
| Sun 31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) | 20:00 | No Mass | No Mass |
| Mon 01 Jan (New Year’s Day) | No Mass | 08:00 | No Mass |
| Tue 02 Jan – Fri 05 Jan | No Mass | 07:00 (Wed & Fri) | 07:00 (Tue & Thu) |
| Sun 07 Jan (Epiphany) | 10:00 & 17:00 | 07:30 | 08:45 |
PENTENTIAL SERVICE: Thursday, 21 December 2023 at 18h00 at the Cathedral.
INSTAGRAM: The St Mary’s Instagram account has officially been launched: instagram.com/st.marysyouth
