St. Joseph's, Helensburgh

​ADVENT

The fourth, purple, candle of Advent represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. Called the “Angel's Candle,” the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth.

 

The themes for this last Sunday before Christmas focus on God's presence (Emmanuel) with readings from Isaiah, Romans, and the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting Joseph's role in accepting Mary and Jesus. 

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“May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women.” 

– Pope Francis

 

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

Another Christmas is here. This is a season of profound hope and love. In the quiet of the stable, God whispered his love to the world, reminding us that even in the darkest of winter, His light remains ever bright. Like our patron, St. Joseph, may we welcome Christ with open hearts and a spirit of faithful service

As we approach the final days of this year, my heart is filled with profound gratitude. Looking back on the months we have shared, I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support, faith, and dedication you have shown.

To all our volunteers, - PPC, Fabric and Finance Committee, catechist, sacristan, choir, welcome ministry, mass servers, SVDP, cleaners, florists, Safeguarding officers, Eucharistic ministers, Liturgy group, Readers, - and those who work quietly behind the scenes: thank you! Your sacrifice of time and talent is the heartbeat of this parish. You have not just helped out, -you have lived the Gospel, and I have been sustained by your commitment.

As we transition into the new year, we gradually end the special Jubilee Year which has been anchored on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,”. In a world that often feels uncertain, we are reminded that our journey is not aimless. We are traveling together toward the light of Christ. May this coming year be a time for us to renew our trust in God’s promises and continue to be beacons of hope for one another.

While this is a season of celebration, we also hold in our hearts a "sacred silence" for those seats that will be empty at the Christmas table this year. We commend to the infinite mercy of God the souls of all our parishioners who have passed away during this year. May they rest in the eternal peace of Christ, and may their families find comfort in the hope of the Resurrection.

I wish you and your loved ones all the joy, peace, and wonder that the Nativity brings. May the Word made Flesh dwell in your homes and your hearts today and throughout the coming year.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!  Fr. Greg

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​​​​​​​​​​​SVdP ​CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

A huge thanks to parishioners for the tremendous response to the SVDP Christmas Giving Tree. Every gift so generously provided will be delivered locally before Christmas Day to children of families needing help this year. Thank you!

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​​​​​​SECOND COLLECTIONS

Future second collections are as follows:​

• 24/25th December: For the Carmelite Sisters in Dumbarton.

• 17/18th January: White Flower Appeal (Society for Protection of Unborn Children)

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CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

The masses of Christmas will be celebrated as follows:

• Vigil mass - 24th December at 8.30pm in St. Joseph's

• Christmas day - 25th December at 9am in St. Gildas and at 11am in St. Joseph's.​

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WEEKDAY MASSES

There will be mass at 10am in St. Joseph's on Monday and Tuesday only this week.

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​​​​​​​​​​​DEVOTIONS

There will be a time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament starting at 9am on Tuesday this week.

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​​NOTICES​​

If you have any notices for the bulletin or noticeboard, please send them to parish email address (see above) or give to Fr Greg no later than Thursday of each week.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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FOOD BANK
Grateful thanks to parishioners for the very generous food and cash donations received in December and throughout the year. Thanks also to the members of our parish community who volunteer their time helping at the Food Bank and Food Store. It is anticipated that around 130 single and family households, all struggling with food poverty, will visit the Food Bank for special Christmas Food Bags during the coming week.

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We remember in our prayers:​​

• the sick, including Janice Keeper, Margaret Cavana Mckechnie, Mgr. John Hughes, Anne Cunningham, Paul Letters, Louie Sims, Maxine Widdop, Mary Campbell, Nicola Maruyama, Gerald McGoldrick, Sabina Kosovyck, Ian O'Donnel, Anne Kelly, Christopher Hendrick, Shaun Hendrick, David Lonnen.

• the recently deceased, especially: Katrina Irvine, Raymond Steward, Iain Campbell, Jimmy Mulholland, Mary Morley, Maureen Langtry.

• all those whose anniversaries occur about this time, especially:  Henry Mullen, Bridie McCann, Andrew Garry, Roddy Pringle Paterson, Connie Mullen, Maureen Harkin, James Gunn, Janet Turner, Hilda Tremain.

 

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