Feast of the Holy Family

Collect Prayer

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord…

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Readings

Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24 Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 2:13-15 ; 19-23

When the Magi had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.’ And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.’

Readings Next Sunday (2nd Sunday After Christmas)

 Sirach 24:1-2 ; 8-12     Psalm 147    Ephesians 1:3-6 ; 15-18   John 1:1-18  

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Saints of the week

Mon 29 | St Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr

We 31 | St. Sylvester, pope

Thu 1/1 | St Mary, Mother of God

Fri 2/1 | St. Gregory Nazianzen, bishop and doctor of the Church.

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 The Role of Christian Family in the Modern World

Excerpt From the Apostolic Exhortation ''Familiaris Consortio'' of Pope John Paul ll

Through God's mysterious design, it was in holy Family of Nazareth that the Son of God spent long years of a hidden life. It is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families. It was unique in the world. Its life was passed in anonymity and silence in a little town in Palestine. It underwent trials of poverty, persecution and exile. It glorified God in an incomparably exalted and pure way. And it will not fail to help Christian families-indeed, all the families in the world-to be faithful to their day-to-day duties, to bear the cares and tribulations of life, to be open and generous to the needs of others, and to fulfil with joy the plan of God in their regard.

St. Joseph was “a just man,” a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. May the Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of the Church, also be the Mother of "the Church of the home." Thanks to her motherly aid, may each Christian family really become a "little Church" in which the mystery of the Church of Christ is mirrored and given new life. May she, the Handmaid of the Lord, be an example of humble and generous acceptance of the will of God. May she, the Sorrowful Mother at the foot of the Cross, comfort the sufferings and dry the tears of those in distress because of the difficulties of their families. May Christ the Lord, the Universal King, the King of Families, be present in every Christian home as He was at Cana, bestowing light, joy, serenity and strength.

On the solemn day dedicated to His Kingship I beg of Him that every family may generously make its own contribution to the coming of His Kingdom in the world-"a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace,” towards which history is journeying.

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Weekly News

Solemnity of Mary, Mother Of God

31 December

6PM - H. Mass (AK)

1 January

12PM - H. Mass (AK)

6.15PM - H. Mass (in the town of Polis)

Solemnity Of The Epiphany

6 January

10AM - H. Mass

11AM - H. Mass

12PM - H. Mass

6.15PM - H. Mass (in the town of Polis)

Youth Group ''Sacred Heart Of Jesus

Friday 2nd January (7pm - 9pm). Contact fr. Ismael.

Men's Rosary

Saturday 3rd January at 6.30pm at the presbytery’s chapel.

Caritas St. Paul's

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, food and clothes donations … we can also reuse your shopping bags. If you wish to volunteer, please, contact fr. Alessandro.

Pray For Vocations

The Latin Vicariate of Cyprus is dedicating a Year of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood, religious, married or consecrated lives. Join us! For more information contact Sister Elizabeth (95983631 / pastoralcareofvocationscyprus@gmail.com)

Parish Community Shop

Refreshments, coffee and tea. Check our religious section for rosaries, Christmas Cards, scapulars, devotionals, etc. Check also our books sections. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet other parishioners and grow as community. All funds will go to the building of the new Church. If you’d like to volunteer, please talk to Fr. Ismael.

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Mass schedule

29. December - 4. January

Mon: No Mass;

Tue, Fri: Masses at 9:00am in Agia Kyriaki

Wed, Thu: See Mass Schedule for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

Saturday: Masses at 4:30pm (AK); 6pm (town of Polis)

Sunday: Masses at 10am, 11am & 12pm (AK)

Eucharistic Adoration: No Euc. Adoration this week.

Filipino Mass on last Sunday of the month at 12pm.

Sri-Lankan Mass on 3rd Sunday of the month, 12pm (Presbytery chapel)

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Prayer for Vocations

God our Father, author of life and giver of all gifts, we thank you for the gift of the families to our Church communities. Let them be the foundation of faith, seminary of vocations and model of obedience to your will. Enlighten and guide parents to have a generous spirit to support their children’s decision and choices in life. Help them to encourage their sons and daughters to pursue your call without fear and resistance. Touch the hearts of the children with the desire and longing to know, love and serve you more with great joy wherever you may call them to follow Jesus Your Son our Lord. Teach us to love one another with patience, kindness and forgiveness so that our home may reflect the light of Christ to the world. O Holy Family of Nazareth, model of every Christian family, we entrust all the families to your loving care. Amen.