ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PARISH? WELCOME!
Welcome to those who want to make our parish their faith home. You may have come from other places. You may have been “away for a while”. Be assured that we love to have you among us. We would appreciate it very much if you identified yourself at Mass. It would also help if you would take the time to fill out a registration form. The next time you are with us, you may leave it in the collection basket or give it to one of the ushers or to the priest. Thank you and welcome.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – Year ‘A’ HE’S HERE ! He is here! Emmanuel! God with us! Open the door; let the Lord enter! On this fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas – Christ coming again – is just around the corner. This is what we have been waiting for. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, come! The Lord gives us a sign: the maiden will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel. This son, according to the flesh, was the shoot from the stock of Jesse, that is, he was the descendant of David, son of Jesse. His resurrection revealed that he is the Son of God in all his power, living among us. He has pitched his tent among us. We belong to Him. In Him we can live in grace and peace; He saves us. Come on in, indeed!

WELCOME!
The Advent season is a special time that invites us all to re-visit our dependence on God, to re-visit our desire for God and to discover that God indeed “is come”. And what a way for God to come: as one of our own, right here in the messiness & blessedness of life. For if the coming of Christ (not of Santa) is the focus for us as Christians, then we need to be aware of what Jesus Christ has come for and, in many ways, still needs to come for: A world that cries out for justice, for peace, for light. Here then are some of the reasons why we have worked to provide the reflections, the images displayed in the Church, the various inserts in the bulletin and the “Food for the Week” reflections on the front of the bulletin, week after week. (For previous bulletins, go to www.stmalachyolv.com/archives.asp.) Hopefully our Advent project Advent now has us ready to touch base again with the awesome mystery that we are privileged to live from: clothed in Christ by our baptism, loved & cherished, sent forth to share the Good News. So let us open the door wide!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
My Christmas and New Year wishes to all parishioners of St. Malachy and Our Lady of Victory! (Signed Fr. Gyan)

BEFORE YEAR END, WE THANK YOU!
Heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who has played a part in our community’s life this past year. A Blessed Christmas and Bountiful New Year! (Signed, the joint Parish Pastoral Council and both Wardens’ groups of St. Malachy and Our Lady of Victory)

MORE REFLECTIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WHICH BEGINS ON DECEMBER 25TH
For all who may find a moment or two, the insert in this week’s bulletin are included as a potential means for reflections on what the Christmas season is all about. We offer this here and now as there will be no Weekly Bulletin next week and of course because Christmas time is an essential season for us Christians! Happy reading!

FOLLOW-UP TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Chairs of the Parish Fabriques and PPC are presently finalizing a report outlining the results of the General Assembly which was held in October. The report will be accompanied by a short note outlining some next steps, challenges and changes the parish will be facing in the near future. The letter and report will be forwarded to all parishioners in January.

INVITATION TO FAITH SEEKING UNDERSTANDING, FAITH NURTURING MEANING…
Once again Saint Paul University is offering its Winter 2008 evening program. For details on the courses, please see the poster at the entrance of the church (OLV) or call 613-1393 extension 2247.