Friday 30 December 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Wishing you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2012!
May this new year brings you everlasting happiness, joy, love, peace, good health and most of all success in whatever you are pursuing!

Saturday, December 31, 2011  
Mary, The Holy Mother of God - Year B
5.30pm Novena to Our Lady                             
6.00pm Mass in English
First Reading
NUMBERS 6:22-27
The Priestly Blessing
                                                  
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, "This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel.  Say to them:  "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upo you, and give you peace." "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."

"The Word of the Lord"




PSALM 66:2-3, 5, 6 and 8
Praise to God for His Awesome Works

Sing out the honour of His name; make His praise glorious.  Say to God, "How awesome are Your works through the greatness of Your power.  Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.  Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot.
There we will rejoice in Him.  Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard.


Second Reading
GALATIANS 4:4-7
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"

Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

"The Word of the Lord"

Gospel Reading
LUKE 2:16-21

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which as told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Then the shepherds retruned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was concerived in the womb.

"The Gospel of the Lord"

St. Joseph Church News:

Catechism class holidays started on 19th Nov 2011 and resume on 7th Jan 2012.
Today Renewal of Marital Vows for all married couples. 
22nd February, 2012 Wednesday,  Ash Wednesday is a day of penance of the whole Church of Roman Rite, to be marked by fasting and abstinence from the eating of meat (cf. P. 27)

Holy Day of Obligation 2012

1.  The Ascension of the Lord (Thursday) 17th May.
2.  The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monday) 15th August.
3.  All Saints (Tuesday) 1st November.
4.  Christmas Day (Sunday) 25th December.

Training Programme in Counseling Skills 2012

The MJCM is having a Training Programme in Counseling Skills 2012, it is a 2 years programme commencing April 2012 to March 2014. For details of this program please refer to the poster at the parish bulletin board. For further inquiries please call Martine Lai (016-2197040) or Fr. Norris (010-8984353)

Petrina Lazaroo (MA in Counselling) is giving a one-day session entitled “RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Date: Jan 15, 2012 (one-day session )
Venue: Good Shepherd Seminary, Melaka.
For details please refer to the poster. The registration forms are available in the church office. For further inquiries please call Mr. Francis Soh (07-3861625), Ms. Angeline carol (0127881515) or Fr. Norris Seenivasan (010-8984353).

Retreats at Maranatha Retreat House, Janda Baik
Date: 12th – 15th January,  2012 (3 nights)
Co-heirs with Christ. Joyous discipleship is based entirely on the ‘wondrous exchange’ effected daily at the Holy Eucharist. All of this is the context of membership in the Body of Christ and in our mission of service to humanity.
Retreat Master : Dr. (Fr.) Fiorello Mascarenhas S.J.
Register with Margaret 017-6686429 (SMS during the day). For more information, please check out our website: www.maranatharetreathouse.com

Introduction to Spirituality Course by:
Rev. Fr. Dr. Norris Seenivasan, S.J.
Date: January and February of 2012. (The course involves weekly lectures on Thursdays)
Time: 8pm- 9.30pm            Venue: Majodi Centre.
For further inquiries please call Mr. Francis Soh at 07-3861625.
The registration forms are available in the church office. Please register as soon as possible as the course is limited to 30 participants.

2012 Catholic Marriage Preparation Weekend
There will be a Marriage Preparation Weekend for all those who intend to get married.
Date: Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th March 2012
Venue: Good Shepherd Seminary, No. 44, Jln Laksamana Cheng Ho, Melaka
Registration fee: RM 250.00 per couple inclusive of lodging and food.
Closing Date: 19th February, 2012
Please take note that stay-in is compulsory.
Forms are available at the Parish Office.
Contact person: Feona Petrus (016-7222642)

Thursday 22 December 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES

Wishing all Christians Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
May the coming of Jesus Christ brings us hope, love and peace always and forever!






Saturday, December 24, 2011
Vigil Mass of Christmas - Year B
9:30 pm Christmas Musicals
10:00 Midnight Mass in Multi-Lingual

First Reading
ISAIAH 62:1-5
Assurance of Zion's Salvation

For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns.  The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory.  You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.  You shall also be a crown of glory in the hands of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hands of your God.  You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land anymore be tyermed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married.  For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

"The Word of the Lord"

PSALMS 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
Remembering the Covenant with David, and Sorrow for Lost Blessings

Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.In your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favour our horn is exalted.
Also I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
His seed also I will make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

Second Reading
ACTS 13:16-17, 22-25

Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:  "The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.
And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.  From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior - JESUS - "after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel."  And as John was finishing his course, he said, "Who do you think I am?  I am not He.  But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose."

"The Word of the Lord"

Gospel Reading
MATTHEW 1:1-25
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and hezron begot Ram.  Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse and Jesse begot David the king.

David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.  Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa.  Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah.  Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.  Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. 

Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.  And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.  Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.  Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.  Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob.

And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.  So all the geneerations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until Christ are fourteen generations.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:  After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.  But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."  "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to himhis wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn.  And he called His name JESUS.

"The Gospel of the Lord"


CHRISTMAS D
December 25, 2011 - Year Bunday, December 25, 2011
10:00 am Christmas Day Mass Multi-Lingual

First Reading
ISAIAH 52:7-10
God Redeems Jerusalem

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see yee to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.  Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem!  For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has made bar His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

"The Word of the Lord"


PSALMS 98:1-6
A Song of Praise to the LORD for His Salvation and Judgment

Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!  For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. 
He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, with trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.

Second Reading
HEBREWS 1:1-6
God's Supreme Revelation

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  For to which of the angels did He ever say:  "You are my Son, today I have begotten You"?  And again: "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"?  But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."

"The Word of the Lord"

Gospel Reading
JOHN 1:1-18
The Eternal Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and thw world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me."  And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

"The Gospel of the Lord"

St. Joseph Church New:

* Catechism class holidays started on 19-11-2011 and resume on 07-01-2012.
* If you would like to receive the parish bulletin by email, please write to
   stjoseph@ymail.com also state your name, contact number, resident address and  
   email address.

Yearly Event: Renewal of Marital Vows For all married couples: Date: 31-12-2011 Saturday Time: 6:00 pm during the Mass, after delivery of the Homily. Venue: All the Churches. For further details, please refer to the notice board. A letter from Bishop Paul Tan.

Training Programme in Counseling Skills 2012
The MJCM is having a Training Programme in Counseling Skills 2012, it is a 2 years programme commencing April 2012 to March 2014. For details of this program please refer to the poster at the parish bulletin board. For further inquiries please call Martine Lai (016-2197040) or Fr. Norris (010-8984353)


Christmas Open House
Date: 25th Dec.2011
Time: 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Christmas Musical Repertoire.
1.00 pm Lunch
Venue: Majodi Centre.
All are welcome!!

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Petrina Lazaroo (MA in Counselling) is giving a one-day session entitled “RELATIONSHIP SKILLS”
Date: Jan 15, 2012 (one-day session )
Venue: Good Shepherd Seminary, Melaka.
For details please refer to the poster. The registration forms are available at the church office. For further inquiries, please call Mr. Francis Soh (07-3861625), Ms. Angeline carol (0127881515) or Fr. Norris Seenivasan (010-8984353).

Retreats at Maranatha Retreat House, Janda Baik
Date: 12th – 15th Jan. 2012 (3 nights)
Co-heirs with Christ. Joyous discipleship is based entirely on the ‘wondrous exchange’ effected daily at the Holy Eucharist. All of this is the context of membership in the Body of Christ and in our mission of service to humanity.
Retreat Master : Dr. (Fr.) Fiorello Mascarenhas S.J.
Register with Margaret 017-6686429 (SMS during the day).
For more information, please check out our website: www.maranatharetreathouse.com

Introduction to Spirituality Course by:
Rev. Fr. Dr. Norris Seenivasan, S.J.
Date: January and February of 2012.
(The course involves weekly lectures on Thursdays)
Time: 8pm- 9.30pm            
Venue: Majodi Centre.
For further inquiries please call Mr. Francis Soh at 07-3861625.
The registration forms are available in the church office. Please register as soon as possible as the course is limited to 30 participants.

Marriage Banns
There is a promise of Marriage between:

Manjeev Singh A/LJ ugar Singh &  Sandy Geraldine Maman
on 26th December, 2011 @ 11.00 am (Monday)

Michael Ng Tee Kiang & Veronica Quek Siew Hoon 
on 31st December, 2011 @ 11:00 am (Saturday)

If there is any impediment to these marriages, all Catholics are
bound in duty to inform the Parish Priest (Canon 1069).









Friday 16 December 2011

Fourth Sunday Of ADVENT Year B - December 18, 2011

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Year B
December 17, 2011 Saturday
5:30 pm Novena to Our Lady
6:00 pm Mass in English







First Reading
2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
God's Covenant With David

Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies all around, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains."  Then Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."  But it happened that night that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, "Go, and tell My servant David, "Thus says the LORD: "Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?"

Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel.  And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on earth.  Moreover I will appoint a place for My people of Isreal, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, "since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies.  Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house."  When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.  If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.  Your throne shall be established forever.

"The Word of the Lord"


PSALM 89:2-5, 27, 29
Remembering the Covenant with David, and Sorrow for Lost Blessings

For I have said, "Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in he very heavens."
I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant, David.
Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.
And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.
Also I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
His seed also I will make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
Second Reading
ROMANS 16:25-27
Benediction

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith - to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

"The Word of the Lord"


Gospel Reading
LUKE 1:26-38
Christ's Birth Announced To Mary

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  The virgin's name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"  But when she saw him, "she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS."  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.  Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore , also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month of her who was called barren.  "For with God nothing will be impossible." Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word."  And the angel departed form her.

"The Gospel of the Lord"


St. Joseph Church News:
·  Catechism class holidays started on 19th Nov 2011 and resume on 7th Jan 2012.
·  If you would like to received the parish bulletin by e-mail. Please write to stjoseph@ymail.com  your: Name, contact number, resident address and e-mail address.

X 2011 Dec. Penitential Services


Date
Venue
19th Mon
Holy Family, Ulu Tiram
St. Elizabeth, Kota Tinggi







December 2011 Liturgical Events


Events
Date
Time
St Joseph Christmas Musical
24th(Sat)
9.30pm
Christmas Eve Mass
24th(Sat)
10.00 pm
Christmas Day Mass
25th (Sun)
10.00 am










The Melaka-Johor Counselling Ministry has organized a series of one-day session, entitled Dance of Intimacy, for 2012. The program is an awarenesss, enrichment and relationship skills program on various themes of interest such as managing disharmony in the family, addictions, improving and strengthening marriages, etc. For details of the program please refer to the poster. For further inquiries please call Mr. Francis Soh (07-3861625) or Ms. Angeline Gomez (012-7881515). The registration forms are available in the church office.

The Melaka-Johor Counselling Ministry hotlines:
Please call or SMS to 016-7099465 (Melaka) or 010-7135894 (Johor).



Yearly Event: Renewal of Marital Vows
For all married couples. 
Date: 31st Dec. 2011 Saturday
Time: 6:00 pm. During the Mass, after the delivery of the Homily.
Venue: All the churches.
For details please refer to the notice board. A letter from Bishop Paul Tan.


Christmas Open House
Date: 25th Dec.2011
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Venue: Majodi Centre.
All are welcome!!


RESTORING THE VISION OF OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of Vatican II Council with an 11-day FORMATION Pilgrimage to Italy. Daily Mass and Formation provided.
Extension available to Portugal, Spain & France.
Travel date: 23 April to 3 May 2012
Deadline of Registration: 15 Dec. 2011 with deposits. Itinerary and Booking Form can be obtained at the Church main entrance or call John @ 012-7040948
A Pilgrimage cum Formation
Portugal, Spain & France
Date: 2nd May to 13 May 2012
Please call John @012-7040948 for further information.
       
2012 Marriage Encounter:
There will be a Marriage Preparation Weekend for all those who intend to get married.
Date: Friday 02 March, 2012 @ 7:45 pm to Sunday 04 March, 2012 @ 4:00 pm.
Venue: Good Shepherd Seminary 44, Jln Laksamana Cheng Ho, Melaka.
Fee: RM250/= per couple              
Closing date: 19th Feb. 2012. For details please contact Feona 016-7222642/Carol 07-3326831 (office hours). Registration forms can be obtained at the parish office.


Marriage Banns
There is a promise of Marriage between:
Michael Ng Tee Kiang & Veronica Quek Siew Hoon
on 31-12-2011 @ 11:00 am
If there is any impediment to these marriages, all Catholics
are bound in duty to inform the Parish Priest (Canon 1069).