THE LATIN CATHOLIC PARISH OF PAPHOS

(the Church by St. Paul's Pillar)

Father John wishes everyone a holy and happy Christmas and peaceful 2009. He thanks all those who have contributed in any way to the work of the parish.

SPECIAL DAYS IN DECEMBER & EARLY JANUARY

30^th Nov. St.Andrew the Apostle - Feast

30^th Nov. First Sunday in Advent Year B

8^th Dec. Immaculate Conception - Solemnity

25^th Dec. Christmas Day

26^th Dec. St.Stephen, the First Martyr - Feast

27^th Dec. St.John, the Apostle and Evangelist - Feast

28^th Dec. The Holy Innocents - Feast

30^th Dec. The Holy Family

1^st Jan. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

6^th Jan. Epiphany

PARISH PRIEST: FATHER JOHN SANSOUR

The Presbytery, 2b Agia Galatianis Street, Kato Paphos.

Tel: 26 931308; e-mail Yohannan@cytanet.com.cy

Website: www.paphoscatholic-churches.com

Website for Catholic Church in Cyprus: www.cypruscatholicchurch.org

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Cecil Doublet 26 652350

Owen Donaghy 26 961246

Tony Southwell 26 950227

Philip Backhouse 99 819891

Jan Czesak 99 276650

Mike Redford 99129757 (Polis)

William Watkinson 26 622069

Michael Munnelly 26 954116

St.Stephen, a learned Greek-speaking Jew, living in Alexandria. He was converted to Christianity and was one of the seven chosen by the Twelve to take care of the secular needs of the Hellenic Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. His success as a preacher caused some of the elders of the synagogues (unable to best him in debate) to charge him with blasphemy to the Sanhedrin; he was arrested and brought before that body. He spoke eloquently in his own defence, denounced his accusers, and then described a vision of Christ standing at the right hand of God after denouncing them for resisting the Holy Spirit, as had their fathers. Those assembled seized him, dragged him to the outskirts of the city and stoned him to death- the first Christian martyr.

St.John the Evangelist. c.6 - c.104. Born in Galilee, the son of Zebedee and Salome and younger brother of James the Greater, he was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth until, with James, he was called by Christ to follow Him. He was the youngest of the apostles. He and his brother were called "Sons of Thunder" by the Lord because of their volatile temperaments and John became the beloved disciple. That he was one of those closest to Christ was attested to by the fact that only he, Peter and James were present at such events as the Transfiguration, the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead, and the agony in the garden of Gethsemane. He and Peter were sent to prepare the Passover and were the first apostles at the tomb of the risen Christ. He was the only apostle at the Crucifixion, where Jesus placed Mary in his care. He was imprisoned with Peter and appeared before the Sanhedrin, accompanied Peter to Samaria to transmit the Holy Spirit to the new converts, and was at the Council of Jerusalem in 49. Soon after he went to Asia Minor and, in all probability, was present at the death of Mary. He was named by Paul, with Peter and James, as "these leaders, these pillars" of the Church in Jerusalem. According to tradition, he went to Rome during the reign of Emperor Domitian, miraculously escaped martyrdom and was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote Revelation. He returned to Ephesus on the death of Domitian in 96, wrote the fourth gospel and three epistles, and died there - the only one of the apostles who did not suffer martyrdom. John is often surnamed “the Divine” because of his theological brilliance and is represented in art as an eagle for the soaring majesty of his gospel.

ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT for loan are stored at the Latin Community Centre. Please ring Anne Wailes (99117519) if you wish to hire equipment or need to return it.

THE HOSPITAL VISITORS. Members of the Hospital Visitors Team are Anne Wailes (99117519), Brenda Backhouse (99804161), Ann Bains (99542290), Anna Kelis (99175755), Krys Kerr (26652321) and Maura Lourier (26422652)

THE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP, The next Monday meetings of the group will be on 1^st December and 5^th January, 2 - 4pm, at the Day Centre, Cancer Patients Support Group Paphos, Dimitriou Mavvrogenous 9, 8047 Paphos [opposite Cyta building]. For further information or help ring Sally Unsworth (26732059) or Barbara Southwell (26950227)

A MONTHLY BULLETIN IN GREEK is now distributed to all parishioners of Greek language and culture. Its aim is to present matters related to our Catholic faith, tradition and liturgy in a clear and coherent manner and to notify of our local activities and the international scene. Please contact Irene Meerman on 99 796040 to receive a copy.

THE FILIPINO MASS is 12 noon on the last Sunday of the month

THE SRI LANKAN SISTERS. Every 3^rd Sunday there is a Mass at 1pm for Sri Lankans, guided by the Sri Lankan nuns. (22 681811)

"CELEBRATION OF THE WORD" - Father John invites us all to a service of readings and carols which will be held in the Church at 6 pm on Wednesday 31^st December, followed by Benediction.

THE LATIN KINDERGARTEN, LA SOURIS VERTE, (26 653762) at Mesa Chorio is for children of all races and creeds. It will be closed for the Christmas holiday from 23^rd December - 6^th January inclusive. Despo (Manager) 99 577791, Elena Serge (Teacher) 99 950115, or Ann Sheen (Parish Representative) 26 222569.

CHURCH FLOWERS. If you wish to fund the altar flowers in dedication or memorial, ring Wendy Granville (26 723093).

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Ron Cole, recovering from surgery, Peggy O'Neil, Pauline Akers, Mary Handy, Marlene White, Elizabeth Wailes and Annie & David McEwan have been unwell..

PARISH REGISTER. Please complete the form attached to the November Newsletter, or contact Frances Dearson (26 653372) to update your details for the 2009 Register that will be published in January.

REMEMBER THE POOR AT CHRISTMASTIME. There will be a collection of food and toiletries for the poor, both in the Latin Parish Hall and Shop No.2 (near the Church), to be distributed by Father John at Christmas. Please contribute generously.

ROSARIES, RELIGIOUS GREETINGS CARDS and 2008 DIARIES sold by Marguerite outside Church on Sunday mornings. Proceeds for the Kindergarten and the Pissouri Chapel Building Fund.

100 CLUB. All Parishioners are urged to join this fund-raising club, Contact Ruth Mott (26 623563)

ST.MICHAEL'S HOSPICE

Website: www.hospiceofsaintmichael.com

Please contact Tim McGinlay (26 622760) to add items.

DAWN and PAT CUNNINGHAM, long-standing (14 years!) members of the parish, expect to leave Cyprus sometime early in January to live in Australia. They will be greatly missed and it is sad to think that "Dawn's Cards" - beautiful hand-made greetings cards which raised over CYP20,000 for the Hospice - will become a thing of the past. Dawn and Pat have items of furniture to sell - lists are in the Hospice shops or ring them on 26 910554. We wish them good health and every happiness in their new home.

BUT! Don’t forget to keep your Christmas and greetings cards for recycling. Please hand them into the Hospice shops or to Frances Dearson.

THE LATIN PARISH HALL, Tombs of the Kings Rd.

Sheila Redford (99 129757)

PLEASE CHECK WITH THE ORGANISER TO CONFIRM TIME AND DAY

Please note there will be no activities at the Parish Hall from 21^st December until 5^th January.

Line dancing - 6 sessions History - 1 session

Craft Group - 1 session Archeology - 1 session

Bridge - 2 sessions Boules - 1 session

Bingo - 3 sessions Quiz – 1 session

Alzheimers group- 1 session Whist: - 1 session

Games afternoon - Tuesdays

Indoor games – 1 session

Parkinson’s Group – 1 session

Camera Club – 1 session

Ukulele band: Saturday from 9.30am

Sunday 14^th December Parish Lunch (Please book with Brenda Backhouse (99 804161) who is taking names in Marguerite's absence. The limit is 100 and 87 are booked so far - so ring Brenda if you haven’t done so already! Donations of raffle prizes will be gratefully accepted.

Lending Library + some 200 videos and DVDs. - available when hall is open (see timetable above). Donations welcome

HOSPICE COIN BOXES. Please contact Philip or Brenda Backhouse if you do not have a coin box. (99 819891 or 99 804161).

CHRISTMAS PARTY. Friday 5^th December at the Alexander the Great Hotel. Entrance 40 euros which covers buffet and all local drinks except spirits. Just a few tickets are left so please ring Philip (99 819891 or Fitzgerald Estates (26 930345). Overnight stay in the hotel E76 for two people bed & breakfast - no single room supplement

CAR BOOT SALES- at the Duck Pond, Tombs of the Kings Road, on Wednesdays and Sundays 08.00 - 14.30. Ring Sylvia and June on 99 875217 if you have items for sale.

PAPANTONIOU'S SUPERMARKET SUPPORTS THE PAPHOS HOSPICE OF ST.MICHAEL Don't forget to donate your bonus points to the Hospice account, No.52014925 at the checkout.

THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE PAPHOS HOSPICE OF ST.MICHAEL

Chairman: Teresa Mears (26 653558), Deputy Chairman: Ray Wailes (26 622872), Treasurer: Ian Stephen (26 653819) Secretary: Frances Dearson (26 653372)

The meetings of the Association will be held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Latin Community Centre - the next being at 10.15 am on Tuesday 16^th December.

CHRISTMAS FAIR. 3,403.17 euros was raised at the Fair in the Latin Community Centre on 22^nd November. All those involved - parishioners and friends of the parish who worked or supported - are thanked and congratulated. This was achieved without any outside sponsorship.

MARKS & SPENCER BONUS CARD LOYALTY POINTS SCHEME. Don’t forget to donate your bonus points to the Hospice account - St.Michael's Hospice (Anne Wailes)" at M & S stores in Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia. These points are being used to purchase raffle prizes, etc. Ring Anne (26 622872) for more details.

200 euros was donated to the Building Fund, being the balance from the collection for Lourdes.

"LIGHT UP A LIFE" - this service of Advent music will be held in the Church at 6pm on Wednesday, 17^th December, when the remembrance candles will be lit. Mary Ingram is collecting the names of those whom you wish to be remembered and our donations of 7 euros.

THE LATIN COMMUNITY CENTRE (26 930952)

All profits from the Centre go the Building Fund for St.Michael's Hospice.

DAILY: Bar 11.30 - 16.00

Restaurant open daily except Wednesday

Mon: 7.pm Dart practice

Tues: 19.30 Paphos Darts League

Wed: 10.00-11.00-Greek for beginners with Irene 4 euros

11.30-12.30- More advanced Greek (26 930952)

Thurs: 11.00-14.00 Latin Parish of Paphos Youth Catechesis

Cynthia Challenger 99 306443

19.30 – 22.00 Quiz nights (Contact Peter on 26 930952)

Fri: 19.30 Bingo - food available from 17.45–19.15

21.15 Open the Box

Sat: From 09.30 Latin Parish of Paphos Youth Catechesis Centre’s Variety Nights - see notice board

Sun 14.30 Open the Box:

Monday evenings are free for private hire.

Latin Centre Brunch Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 12.00 - 16.00. Sunday lunch - 12.00-15.30 - bookings needed for Sundays.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Tues 2nd Dec. - Shopping Trip to Nicosia - 12 euros each - 3 seats left

Sat. 6^th Dec. - 7 pm Mike Mondeo Cabaret Magician €2. Restaurant

Open from 7pm.

Tues.9^th Dec. - Shopping Trip to Nicosia - full

Sat.20^th Dec. - Stan the Man Guitarist - easy listening - 2 euros each

Restaurant open 7pm

Wed.24^th Dec. - 12 noon till late: Christmas Eve Party, music by The Fredster. 25 euros each for 3-course buffet. Plus 2 games Bingo, stand-up comedy and cabaret magician. Ticket-only event.

Wed.31^st Dec. - 8pm - 2.30am New Year's Eve Party - music by Rudi, 30 euros each - 3 course buffet + bottle of wine between 2. Ticket-only event.

GRAND CLEARANCE SALES: 3.30pm 7^th, 14^th, 21^st December

QUIZ NIGHTS:

First Thursday in Month: Cancer Patients Support Group

2^nd & 3^rd Thursday: St.Michael's Hospice

4^th Thursday: Margarita Liasidou Foundation

Entrance tickets E3; Restaurant open from 7.30 for your orders

BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR ALL EVENTS (26 930952).

The coming of God's Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it over centuries. He makes everything converge on Christ; He announces Him through the mouths of the prophets who succeeded one another in Israel.

St.John the Baptist is the Lord’s immediate precursor, sent to prepare His ways. John, "Prophet of the Most High", surpasses all the prophets of whom he is the last. From his mother's womb he welcomes the coming of Christ and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom" whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year the faithful share in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming and renew their ardent desire for His second coming.

Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family; simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest and the Church never tires of singing the glory of this night: "The Virgin today brings into the world the Eternal and the earth offers a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels and shepherds praise Him and the magi advance with the star, for You are born for us, Little Child, God eternal".

Catechism of the Catholic Church