Advent is a four week season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and it always has a theme of looking towards the future coming of Christ at the end times. One of the prayers of the early Church which is linked with the season of waiting and longing, was the Aramaic word 'MARANATHA', which means 'Come Lord'. Use this prayer often this week as one way to begin preparation for Christmas.

Advent Theme: God shows his mercy through the face of Jesus We need to be the face of Jesus in the world today. During this  Advent season we are waiting "for all the individuals and nations on earth to grow into the kind of relationship with each other that will encourage mutual help instead of competition and conflict. Then the Kingdom of God will be established!".

Advent and the wreath meaning: https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/the-advent-wreath-tradition-meaning/

Church Foyer

Lighting of the candles

Week 3 - Joy

Prayer at the lighting of the third candle

God of our waiting,
We light this candle to remind us that Mary accepted your invitation to be the mother of God.
We pray that you may deepen our spirit of joy so that we may carry the light of hope into the dark places of our world.

COME LORD, COURAGE! DO NOT FEAR!
Are you the one who is to come, or must we wait for someone else?
Matthew 11:2-11

This week, find ways to be 'good news' to others, especially those who are sick, alienated or marginalized

Week 3 Theme: Let our Church be Jesus Christ's visible face to bring joy in the world today

Mass Times: http://holyspiritparish.org.au/Mass-Times/Weekly-Servicess
Christmas Mass Times: http://holyspiritparish.org.au/Mass-Times/Christmas-Services

Previous Advent Weeks

• Week 1 - Hope
• Week 2 - Love