Notices, readings for the week and possibly future eventsHere are some things to know about Gaudete Sunday It can fall on any date between December 11 and 17. On Advent wreaths, a pink or rose candle is lit on Gaudete Sunday to represent joy and anticipation. The introit to the mass on Gaudete Sunday begins with the phrase "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice" from Philippians 4 v 4–6.
The Archbishops in this country have condemned the attack on Ukraine as an act of evil and called for Sunday to be a Day of Prayer and Peace and the Anglican Diocese in Europe will have a live Prayer Gathering on their Youtube page for anyone to join on Tuesday at 6pm.This is the text of Archbishop of Canterbury's Thought for the Day broadcast on BBC Radio 4 a few hours after news broke of the invasion in Ukraine. We also pray for the situation in Ukraine with this prayer from 24-7 Prayer:Father God, King of all nations, we cry out to you now for the people of Ukraine. We ask you to rescue those who are vulnerable from the hands of their enemies that they may live without fear before you all their days [Luke 1:74-75]. Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. Lord of lords and Prince of peace, our politicians are predicting the biggest war in Europe since 1945, and we simply cry out to you urgently to write another story in our time. Thwart the dark machinations of evil men. Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to peacemakers seeking an equitable and less violent way. May politicians exercise the wisdom from above, which is peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy [James 3:17].Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
