First Sunday of Advent beginning again is an invitation to look in two directions. What happened for me in the last year, both in myordinary life as a believer, a person of faith?
For what do I ask forgiveness ? For what do I give thanks? We also look forward and the new beginning gives us a chance to start again on the Way of discipleship. Both thanksgiving and renewal are to be found in todays readings. The Gospel is an invitation to wake up, to keep watch, to live fully the present moment under God in whom we live move and have our being. “Prepare a way for the Lord” is his blunt but honest message.
of Advent the call for repentance, or change of heart, is a timely message for us all in this Advent – a time of waiting and preparation for the great feast of Christmas.
The Advent Wreath
There are five candles on the wreath. They remind us of the f
our Sundays of Advent and –ˇChristmas Eve. Three are purple and one pink and one white.
The 1st Sunday Symbolizes HOPE with the Prophet’s Candle Jesus is Coming
The 2nd Sunday FAITH with the Bethlehem Candle Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem
The 3rd Sunday JOY with the Shepherd’s Candle. Joy at the coming birth of Jesus
The 4th PEACE with the Angel’s Candle The Message of the Angels: “Peace on Earth, Good will Towards Men”
The 5th The White candle is the CHRIST Candle lit on Christmas Eve.
Advent Evening of Prayer and Reflection for Parishioners and all those who serve in our Parish of Christ the King. Wed. 3rd Dec. at 7.30pm. St. Finbarr’s Hospital Chapel with Fr. Cormac Breathnach. What better way to prepare for Christmas.
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament: on the Wednesdays of Advent after the 10am Mass until 11am
First Friday: Fr. Kerry & Fr. Billy will visit the sick and the housebound next Thursday & Friday at the usual times.
Anointing of the Sick: will take place after the 10 am Mass next Sat. 6th Dec.
The Acclimation after the Consecration of the Mass for the coming months
“We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.”
L’Arch Christmas Craft Fair will be held in the L’Arch Centre Toghe on Sunday 7th Dec.
Senior Citizens Christmas Party will be held in the Nemo Complex on Sun. 7th Dec. at 3.30pm. Please give names by the 1st December.
Ministers of Eucharist can collect their Rotas in the Sacristy. Ministers of the Word can collect their Missals with readings for the coming year and their Rotas in the Sacristy
Death: We remember in our prayers Lena O’Connell, Fr. Matthew Rd. who died recently we extend our sympathy to her family.
Congratulations: Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kieran O’Reilly as the new Archbishop of Cashel & Emly. We extend our prayerful good wishes and congratulations to the new Archbishop.
A Coming, Christ in Advent: Our occasional series of Biblical reflections continues with four talks on the Gospel Narratives Preparing for the Birth of Jesus, to be held in the Parish Centre, Turner’s Cross on Tuesday evenings in Advent from 2nd to 23rd December starting at 7.45 pm. These will include presentation of material by Fr Billy followed by tea and small group discussion, all are welcome.
Christmas Fundraising Night in aid of Friends of the Residents of St. Finbarr’s Hospital & The Alzheimer’s Cafe in Nemo Rangers. Fri. 12th Dec. Music by Rainbow. Light Supper served Tickers €10. Your support would be appreciated
Youth 2000 Ireland will be hosting their annual Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College, Newbridge, from Frid. 12th to Sun. 14th Dec. Young people from across Ireland (aged 16-35) are expected at this donation only event, with all newcomers very welcome. This is a great opportunity to find out what your faith is all about in a friendly, chilled out atmosphere. Free buses available. Online booking necessary, see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690.
Hearing, Happening, Hoping: Scripture reflection for Advent
Three sessions on Tuesday’s 2nd, 9th, 16th December at the Cork and Ross Pastoral Development Office beginning with coffee at 10:30am and session from 10:45 to 11:30am. The office is located in the Parochial House in Ballyphehane. All are welcome.
Bi-Centenary Talk Series in The Parish of Douglas & Rochestown
Does God have a sense of Humour? To be given by Prof. Des McHale (Author of the Kerryman book of Jokes) on Thursday 4th December 8pm St. Columba’s Church, Douglas.
Advent: Public Morning and Evening Prayer will be celebrated on Tuesdays in Advent. Morning Prayer (Lauds) will be celebrated in the church after 10.00 am Mass, and Evening Prayer (Vespers) will be celebrated at 7.30 pm in the Parish Centre, all are welcome.
Parish Triduum & Christmas Cards: are available in the Parish Office after Masses this weekend The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.
Christmas gifts with a difference. Last year there was a very good response to the Gift with a difference. Are you searching for a Christmas gift idea? You can purchase one of the Trocaire gifts and get the card to sent or give to a friend. They will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly in the first week of December. Taking a moment to think of others is what todays Gospel and Christmas is all about and this is your chance to change someone’s world with a gift they truly need.