We begin this season of Advent with the call to stay awake, to open our hearts, and to return to God.

PENITENTIAL LITURGY – In preparation for Christmas, there will be a Penitential Liturgy on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30 pm. Priests will be available for individual confessions.

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK - You are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Potluck on Saturday, December 13 after the 5 p.m. Mass.  Please indicate the dish you wish to bring on the sign-up sheet at the back of the church. 
Anyone who can assist at this event, please contact Hilda/John Chow at

 

2009 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES – The 2009 Contribution envelopes will be available in the gathering space this weekend and the weekend of December 6th & 7th.  Those who contribute through a direct payment, please pick up your envelopes as well.

ADVENT EVENING PRAYER AND EXPOSITION, December 3, 10 and 17 - As daylight begins to fade, the Christian community is invited to come together to praise and thank God for the gifts of the day. Joining with the Church throughout the world, our parish will offer evening praise on Wednesdays during Advent. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the half-hour liturgy of music and prayer will be followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
CONTEMPLATION & ADVENT, December 6
Silent contemplation is a powerful means of enriching and deepening the expectation and preparation associated with Advent. Join other parishioners for morning prayer and a screening of the film “Into Great Silence” on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The film is a visual reflection on life at La Grande Chartreuse monastery through the changing seasons of the year. Please confirm your attendance by December 4 with Deacon Ron  so we can prepare sufficient refreshments.
Liturgy of the Word for Children - Advent Charity - The children of the parish may bring these special food items to Liturgy of the Word for Children on three Sundays in Advent to add to Christmas dinner for needy families in our area:
CHRISTMAS CAKES – Christmas Fruit cakes will be sold in the gathering space after Mass on December 13 and 14. The proceeds will benefit Campaign Life.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - As part of their 'Keep Christ in Christmas' campaign, The Knights of Columbus invite everyone to join them, on Saturday, December 6th at 5pm, in a celebration to signify the birth of the light of the world.  Join us as we Light up for Christ!
CATHOLICMOM.COM - GOSPEL ACTIVITY – CELEBRATING OUR CATHOLIC FAITH WEBSITE – CatholicMom.com is a free website that offers activities for parents and children.
YOU AND YOUR AGING PARENT/RELATIVE - An educational/support program for family members who are caring for older relatives. These sessions will take place at the Amica at Bearbrook Retirement Community. 2645 Innes Road from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, November 26th – Challenges of Caregiving
Wednesday, December 3rd –   The Aging Process
Wednesday, December 10th – Community Resources
For information and to register, please contact Nicole at 741-6025 ext. 127. Registration is limited to 15 participants. Offered by the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre.

MARYVALE ACADEMY & SACRED MUSIC SOCIETY:
Present Handel's Messiah & other Christmas favourites. Sat., Dec. 13, 1:00 p.m., St. Patrick Basilica.  Tickets: Adult $20, Students $10, at St. Patrick's bookstore or (613-321-2186).

JUBILEE YEAR IN HONOUR OF SAINT PAUL – AT SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY: To honour its patron saint, Saint Paul’s University intends to organize a number of activities during this jubilee year.  Info: (http://www.ustpaul.ca/index_e.asp).

23rd ANNUAL CAROLS AND BRASS CONCERT – Saint-Joseph d’Orlėans Parish Choir and Friends. Including the exceptional Regimental Band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 7:30 pm. Saint-Joseph Church, 2757 St-Joseph Blvd. Admission is free.
CORO VIVO OTTAWA – Presents “Rhythms of Christmas World of Carols with CVO”. Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th, 7:30 pm at the Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd. Tickets $15, children 14 and under free. www.corovivoottawa.ca
HELP FOR MOTHERS & FAMILIES:  You have a low income? You do not have a job? If you are pregnant or if you have children 4 and under and you need clothes, call Miriam Centre. You need someone to talk to? We are there for you. Free and confidential.  You can reach Miriam Centre at (613-830-8623).
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: With Prayers for Life on the First Friday of each month following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Annunciation of the Lord Parish 2414 Ogilvie Rd.  Next date: Dec. 5.  Benediction at approx. 12:00 noon.  Info & prayer schedule: Maureen Ward (mtward@magma.ca).  All welcome!
THE SHEPHERDS OF GOOD HOPE has requested volunteers from our parish to prepare and serve the noon meal on Sunday, February 15th. 25 people, over the age of 16 are needed from 8:30 am to 12:45 pm. Sign up next weekend and you will be called in February to remind you. An early commitment is needed for planning purposes. “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me”.

SUNDAY MISSILES – You can pick up a Sunday Missals during office hours, Monday to Friday. The cost is $7.00.
Announced Masses
Saturday, November 29 – 1st Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm       †Margaret Gorman req by Bob and Sheila Morin         Sunday, November 30 – 1st Sunday of Advent
9:00 am For our Parishioners
11:15 am †Michael Tonner req by the Family
 †Aimé Groulx req by Francois and Lorraine Belanger
 †Victor Zapotoczny req by Bernadette Zapotoczny
 †Paul Connelly req by Patricia Tonner
 †Ruby Lynch req by Robert and Margaret Roy and Family
Tuesday, December 2
9:00 am Special Intention for Margaret Conway req by Joe and Margaret McGlade
Wednesday, December 3 – St. Francis of Xavier
9:00 am Intention of Robert Lamont Pittson req by Carmen Valere
Thursday, December 4
9:00 am †Jeannine Therrien req by Henri and Yvonne Lemay
Friday, December 5
9:00 am        †Monique Byrnes req by Judy Yuen
Saturday, December 6 – Second Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm †Denis Cyr req by Patricia Hirrel-Cyr
Sunday, December 7 – Second Sunday of Advent
9:00 am For our Parishioners
11:15 am †Victor Zapotoczny req by Bernadette Zapotoczny
 †John MacPhee and Caroline MacPhee req by John and Lorraine MacPhee
 †John Kingston req by Jean-Pierre and Patricia Clément
 †Deceased members of the Knights of Columbus

Please pray for our sick: John MacDonald, Monica Groulx, Judy Glover, Robert Lamont Pittson, Suzanne Charbonneau, Agatha Constance. Ellen Sharf, Leina Mollo, Nancy Mian, Lauren D’Acunto, Barry Lenney, and John Ferguson.
Please pray for our deceased,

CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE ST. CECILIA SINGERS – Monday, December 15th at 8:00 pm at Good Shepherd Parish. Details will follow.
CHRISTMAS MATINEE IN SUPPORT OF YOUVILLE CENTRE: Sun., Dec. 14, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Canadian Martyrs Church, 100 Main.  Cost: $15 (kids under 12 free).  Tickets at the door
17TH ANNUAL CONCERT ‘ALTA VISTA CAROL SING”:  Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1758 Alta Vista. Sun., Dec. 7, 3:00 p.m.  Free admission and parking.  Info: Francine

Three Wise Women would have…
Asked directions,
Arrived on time,
Helped deliver the baby,
Cleaned the stable,
Made a casserole,
Brought practical gifts and
There would be Peace on Earth.