Third Sunday of Advent
Webmaster • December 12, 2025
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.
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, Faith Lindsay, Paul Kearney, Kathleen Daly, Thomas Daly Jnr, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Mary Mearns, and all our sick.
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.
22nd to 28th December Monday & Tuesday 22nd & 23rd Mass 10am Confessions: 9.15am to 9.50 After 10am Mass 6pm - 7pm Tuesday Evening 23rd December Fr. O'Farrell will be here for confessions. I will be in Our Lady & St. Anne's. Christmas Eve 24th December No Morning Mass Masses 4pm & 7pm Christmas Day 25th December Mass 11am Boxing Day 26th December No Mass Saturday & Sunday Normal Programme
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. Thank you
Our Recently Dead Theresa Purdie, Jenny Wison, Nan Cartwright, Carol Ann Binnie, Andy Madiem Month Minds & Anniversaries Elizabeth Hughes, Christine Archivald, Ann & Hugh Rodgers, Annie Crossar, Jim Cox 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 sign up for Gift Aid. It is a great way to help the parish financially, costing you absolutely nothing. If you wish to sign up contact myself or Doreen Lee and we will give you the form and hand it back as you can and we can get it organised. As I said it costs you nothing, but helps the parish so much.
After 6 years St Peter’s Parish is heading to the panto! Are you coming? Jock and the Beanstalk at the Glasgow Pavilion Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7pm Price: £36 for adults, £33 for under-16s and over-60s. Price includes transport from St Peter’s Church. Bus times: 17:30 – depart St Peter’s 22:00 – depart Pavilion (Timings to be confirmed) How to sign up: A sign-up sheet is available in the porch. You can also scan the QR code or use the link below to register: Jock and the Beanstalk Panto Friday 2nd of January 2026 – Fill in form
Christmas Foodbank Appeals Christmas Shopping List Mince Pies, Tinned Ham, Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake, Box of Biscuits, Selection Box, Box of Chocolates, Bar of Chocolate, Snacks & Nibbles, Christmas Crackers, Mash Potatoes, UHT Milk, Tea bags, Coffee, Diluting Juice. Christmas Toiletries List Shampoo, Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Mouthwash, Bar of Soap, Liquid Hand Soap, Disposable razors, Ladies Deodorant, Mens Deodorant, Shaving Foam or Gel. Christmas Toy Appeal New Board Games, New Jigsaw Puzzles, New colouring books & Crayons New Books. Thank you for your kindness again.
We have three weeks till Santa Claus comes. More importantly three weeks till the Messiah, the Baby Jesus comes. Are we prepared for his coming that is why we have Advent to get ready for this great celebration The Second Sunday of Advent is a Christian observance focusing on preparing for Jesus's arrival through reflection and repentance, led by the message of John the Baptist. Key traditions include lighting the second purple candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing peace, and reading scripture from Luke about John the Baptist urging people to "prepare the way of the Lord". Key aspects of the Second Sunday of Advent: Preparation and Repentance: It is a time for Christians to examine their hearts, repent for sins, and make a conscious effort to make space for Jesus in their lives. John the Baptist's Message: The readings focus on John the Baptist's call to repentance and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. This includes his message that the ax lies at the root of the trees and that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. Symbolism of the Advent Wreath: The second purple candle is lit, representing peace. Some traditions also call this candle the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith. Theme of Peace: The theme for the day is peace, and the message includes preparing for the coming of Christ's kingdom, which is a kingdom of justice, harmony, and peace. Universality of Salvation: The gospel readings highlight that Jesus's salvation is for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
On Saturday morning (6th Dec) we will celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. Here is a wee bit about him: Saint Nicholas is known for his generosity, kindness, and legendary miracles, such as secretly giving gold to a poor father to save his daughters from slavery. His reputation for giving and compassion made him the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and his stories are the foundation for the modern figure of Santa Claus. He was a 4th-century Greek bishop who lived in Myra (modern-day Turkey) and is celebrated for his devout Christian life and care for the poor.
