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MASS SCHEDULE
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Dec. 8 - 15, 2019
*Updated - Dec. 10, 2019 -
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Third sunday of advent
December 15, 2019
Matthew 11:2-11
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John's arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today's Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater.
Jesus' message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.
Fr. Dave
© Printed with Permission of Loyola Press
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Reading 1 Is 40:25-31Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10Gospel Mt 11:28-30
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CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Click here to access the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Adults.
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CODE OF ETHICS (REV. 2016)
Click here to access the Diocesan Code of Ethics (Rev. 2016). -
PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN
Follow this link to access a variety of useful material and resources including:
· Details about the Office of Child & Youth Protection and the
Protecting God’s Children program· A variety of safe environment forms and applications for parishes, parents, schools, employees and volunteers
· How to file a sexual abuse report
· Information about the Office of Professional Responsibility
· Diocesan policies on counseling assistance
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Links
- REBUILT
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Catholic Young Adult Ministry of Maine
- Dailyscripture.net
- Catholic Youth Ministry of Maine
- Nathan's "Biblical Catholicism"
- Divine Office
- Dynamic Catholic
- New American Bible
- The Presence Radio
- Vatican
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
- The Porn Effect
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**POSTPONEMENTS**
* PPB FINANCE COUNCIL
will postpone the Dec. 3rd meeting
until Tues., Dec. 10th.
*Daughters of Isabella in Caribou
are postponing their Christmas Party
scheduled for Tues., Dec. 3rd until Weds.,
Dec. 11th. -
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