Catholic Parish of
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD:
31st December 2016/1st January 2017

---

Dear Parishioners,

The Solemnity of the Mary, Mother of God (1st January)

In the first centuries of Christianity, the birth of Jesus was celebrated within the context of the manifestation of Christ's divinity to the world. In the East this happened on the feast of the Epiphany. It was in the fourth century that the feast of Christmas appeared in the west as a celebration of the birth of Christ. In celebrating this feast, the Christian community confesses God's humble presence among the poor and those in need throughout the world. May each one of us continue to do this.

God bless you

Deacon Kevin

---

Deacon Kevin and Cath
would like to wish all parishioners a very Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas and many blessings for 2017.
Thank you all very much for your continued support, love and prayers.

---

Notices:

• ECUMENICAL COUNCIL We are hoping to start again The Ecumenical Council in the New Year. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with our friends from other communities. Anyone interested please contact Karen Seeman.
• THE AUGUSTINIAN We are preparing the next edition of "The Augustinian" for publication early in the New Year. We will welcome any contributions for it, fact or fiction, serious or frivolous, short or long. Please send them to Chris Thompson click here to Email

---

Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died

Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Cyril Shepherd
Tuesday: Michael McIntosh
Wednesday: Fr Patrick McKenna
Thursday: Fr Francis Heenan
Saturday: Fr John Bloomfield

---