Maranatha!
The expression “Maranatha!” was an important prayer among the early Christians. It is an Aramaic word which is a combination of two words “marana – tha” which literally mean “the Lord comes” or in the imperative case “Come, Lord!” St. Paul used this Aramaic word at the end of his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 16, verse 22: “Come, Lord!”
We use this expression especially during the Advent season. While many Christians today celebrate Advent in the weeks preceding Christmas, the early Christians used the expression “Maranatha! “Come, Lord” as a regular prayer throughout the year, especially during their weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist.
Why did Paul and the early Christians regularly use this watchword – “Maranatha!? This prayer is related to the prayer Jesus gave his disciples: “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 5: 10; Luke 11:2). When we pray for the Lord’s kingdom to come, we ask God to send his Son, the Lord Jesus, to come and reign over us as King and Lord of All.
How does the Lord Jesus reign over us here and now? Through his Word and Spirit. God’s kingdom comes to those who submit their lives to him – who obey his word and yield to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the likeness of Christ. The distinctive mark of the disciples of Jesus is their love for one another. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
The Advent season reminds us that we are a sign of God’s kingdom – his redeeming presence and merciful love. God bless you all!
Father Sibi
Ready your Way during Advent:
1st Sunday of Advent – 28 November 2021
15:00 – 17:00 – Religious Education for the classes postponed from last week
17:30 Mass
We will start our Advent season supported, as usual, by our choir and today also with a small orchestra to musically enhance our Liturgical celebration.
After Mass our Confirmation candidates will offer a warm drink, cakes, & chocolate hearts outside at the entrance to the Church…not quite our traditional Pot-Luck dinner but hopefully a step on our journey to normality. A Collection Box will be available, with donations in aid of the Children’s Hospital in Bethlehem (our annual Xmas collection).
Advent Extra……copies available at Mass …your journey to Christmas with daily reflections and prayers. A limited number of copies of Celebrate Advent for children aged 7-12 years are also available.
Our deceased Sisters and Brothers – Father Sibi will also offer Mass for all the deceased members of our families & friends. Please email names by Saturday of your family/friends if you wish them to be included – sibi.cs@yahoo.com
2nd Sunday of Advent – 5 December 2021
16:30 – 17:15 – Advent Reflections – A discussion on preparing for Advent with one of the Carmelite priests – will take place In the Church
17:30 Mass
3rd Sunday of Advent – 12 December 2021
15:00-17:00 – Religious Education
16:45 – 17:15 – Confession – Father Sibi is available for Confession in the Chapel downstairs
17:30 Mass
4th Sunday of Advent – 19 December 2021
16:45 – 17:15 – Confession – Father Sibi is available for Confession in the Chapel downstairs
17:30 Mass
Christmas Mass – Saturday 25 December 2021 Mass @ 17:30
As always, our collection taken at Christmas Mass, as part of the Bishop’s Appeal, is in aid of the Children’s Hospital in Bethlehem, this year together with the donations made on the 1st Sunday of Advent. We thank you in advance for your generous support for this worthy cause. Glühwein and Stollen will be served after Mass in the Hall.
Feast of the Holy Family Mass – 26 December 2021 Mass @ 17:30
Welcome to our new Community members.…
We are so glad you are here and have chosen us as your Catholic Home in Basel! We hope we can enrich and support your faith journey.
Thank you…….
After 12 years’ service, Lisa Falcigno, is laying down her “notes” as Music Coordinator for the Community. The Council sincerely thanks Lisa for her commitment and dedication in organising the choir and music for our weekly Liturgy.
Consider serving in our community…..
God calls on us to think outside of ourselves and use the gifts He has entrusted to us to grow His kingdom and serve others. There can be no doubt about our ability to help when we are working on behalf of the Lord – He has prepared us for this mission (Jeremiah 1:4-8)! We must ask ourselves today, “How am I joyfully and generously using my gifts to be a good steward for Christ?” –
As a Community of Volunteers, we are always in need of members to support the functioning of the ESRCCB. Currently the following ministries need volunteers:
RE Teachers; Altar Servers; Music Coordinator; Choir Members; Liturgy coordinator (council position), Adult Faith Coordinator (council position)
If you are interested in serving as a Volunteer, please contact info@ESRCCB.org or approach the Hospitality Ministers on duty, a Council member, or Father Sibi after Mass.
Not forgetting…
3G Rule…. In line with current Federal Office for Public Health regulations attendance at Mass is only possible for Vaccinated, Recovered or Tested persons (so-called 3G rule in German). Please remember to bring your certificate and an Identity Document along to Mass. This rule currently valid until 22 January 2022
The ever-present virus… as always, in line with current BAG recommendations, please disinfect your hands on entering the Church and continue to maintain distance to your fellow parishioners during Mass i.e., in the pews and when receiving Communion. We recommend the wearing of masks during Mass and if you feel unwell to stay at home.
Dress warmly… to ensure sufficient fresh air in the Church during Mass the large doors will remain open during the winter months.
Happy Holidays… We wish all community members a Blessed Advent and Christ-filled Christmas. Go well, travel safely, stay healthy and take time to slow down and rest.
Looking ahead…….
New Year Mass times… On Saturday 1 January 2022 – Feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Mass will be celebrated at 17:30. On Sunday 2 January 2022 – Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, Mass will be celebrated at 17:30