This Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete or Joyful Sunday because of the call of the introit of the Mass, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice!’ Taken from St Paul to the Philippians 4:4. The Latin word gaudete mean rejoice or be joyful. These are words of encouragement to those who are observing Advent by prayer, good works and penance. We do not know exactly when the season of Advent began in the early church, but by the 4^th century it was for 40 days, starting on November 12^th. About the 9^th century it was shortened to 4 weeks. The word rejoice seems a bit out of kilter with a penitential season, but that is precisely why it is there, we should not try to separate in a clinical way the moment of joy from those of sorrow or even failure. That’s real life so let’s live it.

• This Wednesday we have the parish Advent Penitential Rite at 8pm. For this we start now preparing our mind, our intentions and our contrition before the Lord, and as the gospel for Ash Wednesday says, ‘ and your father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you’. You will find helpful material on the blue sheets.
• Rotas for ministry at Mass, thanks for your faithful help and please collect your rota.
• Swine Flu regulations: as from next weekend we will revert to our normal customs on entry to the church and during Eucharist, regarding the sign of peace and Holy Communion under both kinds. I do wish, however, to continue with the practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand at present for those who would wish to receive on the tongue.  Any infection is much more easily transmitted through saliva etc, so as we are not yet out of the woods and we should continue to be vigilant and utterly careful with hygiene at all times on this matter. To those who have reservations about receiving from the chalice for health reasons, you must please use you own judgement. To all I would say, do not come to Mass if you have the flu or do not receive the Blood of Christ from the chalice if you have a cold or flu or any infection.
• This is a week’s notice so that Mass Co-ordinators and Eucharistic Ministers can prepare themselves for ministry. We will continue the practice at present of going to the back of the church with Holy Communion.

God Bless, Fr John.