Please pray for Our Sick : Ellen Blair, Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, Michael Ritchie, Neil Boyle, John Rielly Molly Strang, James Clark, Fr. Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Henderson, Joanna Maier (Connecticut USA), Therese Gilgunn Tressy Callaghan, Suzanne McMurray, Mary Coyle,Lesley Watson (Spain) Maureen McHugh, Margaret Burke, Marie White, Kathleen Daly, John McGuire, Jill Brown, Karen Pritchatt, Louise Newton, Faith Lyndsey, Jill Brown, Marie McGuire, James Morton, Paul Kearney, Thomas Daly, Andrew McCluskey, Premature Baby Vincent McDowell, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Mary Mearns, and all our sick.

Last week I saw picture in a newspaper of the First Christmas Tree to be in Bethlehem since the war in Gaza. For me, it was a little light shining in the darkness of war. In the last month nearer home I saw a glimpse of light in the darkness. First of all the Breakfast with Santa and seeing all the children happy and smiling. Then the kindness shown to Hamilton Food Bank which was amazing. St. Peter’s community shining a light in peoples lives. Thank you! On Thursday we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. He came to bring light to the darkness. He also came to bring love, peace and joy to the world. That message is as important today as it was 2000 years ago. We just have to look at Ukraine, Gaza & Sudan we pray that peace will reign in these conflicts. In our own communities, families we have to continue to bring light into darkness. We do this by following the example of the baby by bringing love, peace and joy into our own wee world. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your prayers for me. For all your generosity throughout the year. And as we look forward to 2026 we pray that we will continue to be a light in the darkness. I wish you all a Holy and Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. With My Prayers  Fr. Frank

The birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated at Christmas, is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke as a miraculous event where the Virgin Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and he was born in Bethlehem to Joseph, a descendant of King David, with divine purpose to save humanity. While the exact date is unknown, scholars estimate it was around 6-4 BCE, with December 25 adopted later by the Church, possibly to align with Roman pagan festivals. The Nativity stories emphasize Jesus' humility, divinity, and universal significance, welcoming shepherds and wise men as his first visitors. Biblical Accounts (Matthew & Luke) Divine Conception: Mary was engaged to Joseph but found to be with child by the Holy Spirit, confirmed by an angel to Joseph. Location: Born in Bethlehem, a town in Judea. Parentage: Mother Mary, earthly father Joseph (of David's lineage). Significance: The angel stated he would be named Jesus (Savior) and would be called Emmanuel (God with us). Historical & Dating Context Year: Most scholars place his birth between 6 and 4 BCE, referencing the reign of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BCE. Date: The actual day and season aren't in the Bible; December 25 was chosen centuries later, possibly to coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival, "birthday of the unconquered sun,". Themes & Significance Humility: Born in humble circumstances (a stable/manger). inclusion: Visited first by poor shepherds, symbolizing his message for all people. Divinity: Marks the start of Christianity, with Jesus as the Son of God and promised Messiah.

Our Recently Dead Nelly Reid, Veronica Wood, Laureen Leehy, Mark Roger, Rose Rooney, Melissa Ann O'Hara Month Minds & Anniversaries Tracey Archibald, Jean Hail, Gerard Kane, Sadie & Johnny McGowan Please if you could make sure all month minds and anniversaries are handed in no later than Wednesday Night. If they come in after that they will be read out at Mass on Sunday. If the recently dead come in after the Wednesday deadline they too will be read out at Mass on the Sunday

If you wish to get your loved ones who have died to be remembered at my Masses on Christmas Day, please hand their names in an envelope with Christmas Remembrance written on it. If you wish you can put a donation inside. If you could hand them in by Tuesday Evening Thank you.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final week of preparation before Christmas, focusing on Mary and Joseph as they await Jesus' birth, with readings often highlighting the Annunciation (angel Gabriel visiting Mary) or Mary's visit to Elizabeth (the Visitation). It's a time for themes of love, promise, and God's fulfillment, with the lighting of the fourth Advent candle symbolizing these themes, sometimes called the "Angel's Candle" or Candle of Love, as we anticipate Emmanuel, "God with us". Key Themes & Readings Focus on Mary & Joseph: Readings often center on Mary's "yes" to God (Magnificat) or Joseph's faith in accepting Mary's pregnancy as God's will. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah's prophecy of a virgin conceiving (Immanuel/Emmanuel) is a common reading, showing God keeping His promises. Love & Trust: The readings emphasize trusting God's plan, even when difficult, and celebrating His love. Symbols & Traditions Candles: The final purple candle (or sometimes a rose/pink one) is lit, often representing Love, Peace, or the Angel. Magnificat: Mary's song of praise from Luke 1:46-55 is frequently featured, celebrating God's mercy. What to Expect Masses on this Sunday feel very close to Christmas, preparing for the Nativity. Prayers focus on God's coming power and grace to help us live faithfully. In essence, the Fourth Sunday of Advent brings the Advent journey to its culmination, drawing us closer to the miracle of Christ's birth through stories of faith, obedience, and divine love.

22nd to 28th December Monday & Tuesday 22nd & 23rd Mass 10am Confessions: 9.15am to 9.50 After 10am Mass 6pm - 7pm  Christmas Eve 24th December 10am Funeral Mass Nelly Reid Masses 4pm & 7pm Christmas Day 25th December Mass 11am Boxing Day 26th December No Mass Saturday & Sunday Normal Programme

We are looking for people to help clean the Church on Tuesday 23rd December after the 10am Mass. There will be tea coffee and mince pies in the chapel house afterwards.

The third week of Advent, marked by the third Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time of Joy, a break from the purple penitential colour with a pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle) lit to signify rejoicing that Christ's coming is near, focusing on themes of happiness, God's salvation, and being ready to welcome the Messiah, often featuring readings about John the Baptist preparing the way. Key Aspects of the Third Week: Theme: Joy (Gaudete): "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, signaling a shift from the solemnity of earlier weeks to joyful anticipation. Candle Colour: Instead of purple, the third candle on the Advent wreath is pink (rose), symbolizing this joy. Vestment Colour: Instead of purple the priest can wear a rose coloured vestment. Fr. Frank got a rose coloured vestment for his 60th Birthday and Anniversary & he will be wearing it this weekend Figural Focus: John the Baptist is a central figure, encouraging practical preparation and a joyful heart for the coming Messiah. Scriptural Focus: Readings emphasize rejoicing in the Lord, God's deliverance, and the happiness of salvation. Meaning: It's a reminder to find happiness and be awake to God's presence as Christmas approaches.