ADVENT 3 GAUDETE

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday because that’s the first Latin word in the liturgy. The full line is: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Today Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn read the Gospel, preached and led the Intercessions. In his sermon father Mervyn reminded the congregation about the jingle “ Happiness is a things called Comfort” which he sang (rather badly)~ Happiness was not some soap powder nor was it the acquisition of great wealth and worldly possessions. True happiness came from what St. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians:" “I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord.”   True happiness can never be found in worldly goods or in terms of wealth, true happiness is to know Jesus and to follow him. In fact, most of the message of the Gospel, is the reverse of acquisition; it is in giving away goods and money to those who need them.

This time of the year we are reminded about the poverty in our world both in the Third World but here in the UK, in Romford in Rush Green People who do not have enough to eat or somewhere to stay the night. On this forthcoming great festival of Christmas we should remember that Jesus was born in a homeless situation, we have to go, in heart and mind, to Bethlehem and find Jesus and give him our hearts, our minds, our whole self and take him into our lives and to love and care for our neighbours.

During the Intercessions we prayed for those who are mourning in Connecticut for the children and teachers murdered at Newton Sandy Hook Elementary School and for the repose of all those who had died.

YESTERDAY’S SATURDAY SHOP TOOK OVER £200

Monday 17th  7.30 p.m. THE ROSARY

Tuesday 18th   6.00 p.m.  CAROL CONCERT by Rush Green Junior School

Wednesday 19th  7.30 p.m. MASS followed by The Exploratory Group with Christmas Refreshments

Saturday  22nd CAROL SINGING in Queen’s Hospital with the Chaplaincy Team. Meet in the Atrium at 2.00 p.m.