St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Missions and Missionaries, Dec 3

 St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Missions and Missionaries, Dec 3

1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 / Mark 16:15-20 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St Francis Xavier, the Co-patron of India and of all missions and missionaries all over the world.

1st Week of Advent: Nov 29-Dec 4:

 1^st Week: Nov 29-Dec 4:

 Nov 29 Monday: 

Context: Jesus’ healing of the centurion’s slave, described in today’s Gospel, shows us how God listens to our Faith-filled prayers and meets our needs. Centurions were reliable, commanding, brave captains in charge of 100 soldiers. They were used to giving and receiving commands.

Advent 1 Sunday C - Liturgical Prayers

Introduction by the Celebrant:

A. Happy New Year! Yes, advent marks the beginning of the Church’s calendar. The Church once again invites us to a period of waiting, hope and expectation.

B. Waiting in Tension:  "Stand erect, hold your heads high." This is the message the Lord speaks to us on this First Sunday of Advent. There are terrible civil wars, there is famine in many parts of the world, and there are millions of refugees seeking safety. Yet our Lord assures us that we should keep up our hope and expectations, for he is still with us and near to us. Be attentive to his presence, not only here in the Eucharist but also in the life of every day. 

34th Week: Nov 22-27:

 34th Week: Nov 22-27:

Nov 22 Monday (St. Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr) 

Christ The King - 34th Sunday B - Liturgical Prayers

Greetings (see Second Reading)

All blessings to you from Jesus Christ,
our saving Lord and king,
the beginning and end of all that is,
who is and who was and who is to come.
His peace and grace be always with you. R/ And also with you.

Introduction by the Celebrant

Advent 1 Sunday C: Signs, Be Vigilant

Michel DeVerteuil

Textual Comments
The gospel readings for Advent each year invite us to meditate on the mystery of waiting, and they do it by presenting us with stories of great people who knew how to wait. On the first Sunday, Jesus himself is the model as he taught his followers the spirituality of “waiting in joyful hope”.

33rd Week, Saturday, Nov 20

 33rd Week, Saturday, Nov 20

1 Maccabees 6:3-13 / Luke 20:27-40

Antiochus dies grief-stricken; He paid dearly for his sins against Israel.