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31 December 2022 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas

31 December 2022 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional memorial: Saint Sylvester, pope. Sylvester (250-335) was born in Rome in the mid-3rd century and served as a priest under pope Marcellinus before the persecution under Diocletian (303). After the victory of emperor Constantine in 312 he succeeded Melchiades as bishop of Rome in…

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Bidding Prayers for 1st January 2023 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God)

Bidding Prayers for 1st January 2023 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on New Year’s Day Introduction (by the Presider) God graciously blesses all of humanity, so we can bring forward our needs with confidence: That the world may have peace in 2023 (pause for a moment). Lord, hear us That God may be…

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30 December 2022 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas – Feast of the Holy Family

30 December 2022 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas Feast of the Holy Family Theme: Family life can be severely challenged, from various causes. This feast invites us to renew our commitment to family life. 1st Reading. Book of Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 A practical application of the fourth commandment, to honour our parents…

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29 December 2022 – Thursday, 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas

29 December 2022 – Thursday, 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional Memorial: Saint Thomas a Becket, Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) from Cheapside in London, was appointed first as chancellor and then archbishop (1162) by order of his friend, King Henry II. As archbishop he sided with the pope on the respective authority of…

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26 Dec 2022 – Monday, St Stephen, First Martyr

26 Dec 2022 – Monday, St Stephen, First Martyr 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen the deacon, according to Luke Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia,…