Third Sunday of Advent
12 December 2021
Readings for this Weekend:
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18
Second Reading: Phillipians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
“Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” These words from the Prophet Zephaniah and the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians frame the festive call of Gaudete Sunday.
Reflection from Fr Isaac
As a child I looked forward to Christmas. The gifts were always a highlight as a youngster. One year I remember really wanting a particular gift. My brother and I were told that we would get the gift at Christmas. As the time came nearer, we got so excited and began to look in the house for it. We looked in the regular places where Mum had hidden gifts in the past. Then a few weeks before Christmas we found it, not under the tree but still hidden, yet we knew that we had to wait. Still, the fact we found the gift meant we could be sure that it would be under the tree come Christmas.
Gaudete Sunday is reminding us to rejoice. There is great joy in remembering the true reason for this festive season. At a deeper level than my anxious brother and I in looking forward to our Christmas gift, the Church today is allowing a shaft of glorious white into the violet penitential colour of advent. It reminds us of the coming gift of Christ our King. The Church wants this joy to be deep in our heart!
In the Gospel John the Baptist is telling the people that Christ is coming with a winnowing fan. A winnowing fan is a device used to refine grain by separating the chaff, or outer shell from the grain itself. Likewise for us we too need to remove our chaff, as the grain is separated from the chaff, so to we are to purify of our hearts and prepare to receive him with joy. We all recall the sense of expectation in advent, yet we often forget it is also a penitential season. Penitential doesn’t mean we wallow around in muck and walk around feeling sorry for ourselves. But rather it encourages us to make simple and intentional acts of offering to help us look forward to meeting our infant King. Yet this Sunday, the violet theme has changed to rose in colour because of the glorious shaft of light. So instead we intentionally enter into this day rejoicing in anticipation of what is to come. Today we can relax some of our penitential offerings. But why not go a little further. Why not find ways where you can make this Sunday a little extra joyous in the lead up to Christmas.
When it came to Christmas day, we opened our presents. Yet my brother and I didn’t find the particular present under the tree. We were devastated, yet come lunchtime we said to Mum, what about the rollerblades… She had forgotten… we told her not to worry, we knew where they were, and ran to fetch them. Christ won’t forget you this Christmas, but will you forget him?
Congratulations
On Saturday at St Matthews Talia Jansen & James Cuming will be married.
We pray for both these couples as they begin their lifetime commitment.
Welcome to the faith community...
Our prayerful sympathy to Rowanne Peace following the death of her father Hylton. His funeral was celebrated at the Cathedral last Tuesday. May he rest in peace.
Volunteers required...and thanks to those who have already registered
Please consider putting yourself forward, it isn't a weekly commitment, you would be part of a roster. Check in teams and availability of Masses will be confirmed each Wednesday in time for the following Sunday.
Please click here to volunteer
Bookings for Cathedral Masses
Bookings are NOT required for:
- Saturday 6pm (Vigil)
Vaccine Pass IS required for those aged 12+
(Unlimited seats - Cathedral)
- Sunday 9am (Last 9am Mass Sunday 26 December)
Vaccine Pass IS required for those aged 12+
(Unlimited seats - Cathedral)
- Sunday 10.30am
Vaccine Pass IS required for those aged 12+
(Unlimited seats - Cathedral)
Bookings ARE required for:
- Sunday 7:30am
Vaccine Pass is NOT required
(Limited to 50)
- Sunday 6pm
Vaccine Pass is NOT required
(Limited to 50)
Before booking in please be considerate of those who may not be able to attend Mass at another time that does not have a seating limit.
WEEKDAYS
Mon 12.05pm Liturgy
Mon-Fri 8am Mass
Online Booking not required
Numbers limited to 50 people
Proof of Vaccine NOT required.
Tues & Wed 12:05 Mass
Numbers limited to 50 people
Online Booking not required
Proof of Vaccine NOT required
(confessions 11.30am proof of vaccine NOT required)
Thurs & Friday 12:05 Mass
Online Booking not required
Proof of Vaccine IS required.
(confessions 11.30am proof of vaccine IS required)
Mass Schedule for St Matthews Church Hillcrest
SUNDAYS
- Sunday 8:30am
Vaccine Pass IS required for those aged 12+
(Unlimited seats - St Matthews)
Booking NOT required
WEEKDAYS
Mon & Thurs 9:15am Online Booking not required
Proof of Vaccine NOT required
Thank you for all your continued support and patience as we navigate this new traffic light system.
Synod
Synod 2023 Update
Thank you to those that have registered to participate in small groups as a part of Synod 2023. We have had over 200 people register to take part in these groups both online and in-person (where possible) which is a great start! There are many more people organising groups locally at parish level, in schools right across the diocese.
Extension of diocesan phase into 2022
The diocesan phase of the synod has been extended. Therefore, it is our hope to hold more small group gatherings in the first part of 2022. We want to involve as many people as possible. This change of dates from the Vatican has come as a result of feedback from local dioceses, particularly here in New Zealand and Australia asking for more time, so already the Church is becoming more synodal.
Online Response Tool
There is now an online response tool available for those unable to gather and who would still like to contribute to the synod. This is available on our website synod.cdh.nz People are welcome to contribute both here and then via a group in 2022 when we are hopefully able to gather again. This response tool will remain open until Easter 2022.Organising your own group If you want to organise a group in your home (or outside), you are very welcome to! Contact brigidc@cdh.org.nz so that we can support you in how to lead a group the synodal way.
Advent Companion 2021 - FREE Download
The Diocesan Pastoral Services Team have collated this special Advent Companion to help guide us through the season of Advent. Featuring reflections from some of our priests around the diocese, prayers of blessing, and a note from Pope Francis.
CALLING ST JOHN’S OLD BOYS FROM 1962-1965
St John’s College Hamilton is inviting our very first pupils to a special 60th celebration on 2 February 2022. Please help us connect with those Old Boys that started at our new College from 1962 – 1965. More information is on the College website to register your interest, or please phone us at the office www.stjohns-hamilton.school.nz or phone 07 856 7091
Columban Calendars 2022
Youth Worker Job Opportunity 2022. Expressions of interest to pastor@cathedral.cdh.nz
A BIG thanks to all who have gifted to us via online banking
If you are not on our parish roll and would like a tax receipt for a donation made online please email Shelley - admin@hamcathedral.co.nz
Also, if you would like to consider joining our regular planned giving email Shelley at the above address. Alternatively you can talk to the office staff or phone 856 6486.
Donations to the Parish
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 02 0342 0050016 05
St Matthews: 02 0342 0050016 06
Your continued support during this time is very much appreciated.
Parish to Parish Bed and Breakfast - a note to holiday travellers seeking accommodation
Pope Francis Monthly Intention: 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.
Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank
Our local churches and groups have not been able to meet and bring along food donations, which usually include Christmas treats. We are therefore asking for your support of a financial donation to enable us to provide these extra treats.
We are extremely grateful and thankful for your support.
Our bank account details are as follows:
Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank Trust
Account: 12 3122 0122595 01
Reference: Christmas
If you require a receipt for your donation, please email Steph at office@hccfb.org.nz
Aotearoa New Zealand Bible Diaries 2022
The Bible diary consists of daily prayers, readings, short reflections, Saints of the day and short quotes for the whole year. It is available in New Zealand. Please make an order now with the link below… https://www.cognitoforms.com/AlexBailey1/AotearoaNewZealandBibleDiaries2022
it is a greatest gift for you and for your family and friends in New Year 2022.
“Sponsor a Family’s and Whanau Christmas Dinner” Through the Catholic Family Support Services
Christmas doesn’t come easy for many families and whanau. You can make a difference today by sponsoring a Christmas Hamper for families, whanau and children going through tough times.
Small Hamper—$50
Larger Hamper—$100
Make a pledge by contacting Catholic Family Support Services (07) 856 3760 or Catholic Family Support Services Account number: 02-0342-0008002-00
Please provide your name and contact details.
Readings for next Weekend:
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-44
Contact Us
Assistant Priest: Fr Isaac Fransen frisaac@hamcathedral.co.nz
Email: newsletter@cathedral.cdh.nz
Website: https://churchwebsite.co.nz/hamcathedral/
Location: 494 Grey St, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 856 6486