The Messenger
I think the most significant of the many themes that run through todays readings is the notion that the messenger is sent:
to bring good news to the poor,
to bind up hearts that are broken,
to proclaim liberty to captives, and
freedom to those in prison.
This is the cutting edge of the Christian message, and the one in which most of us fail spectacularly. But if we dont live in it, we are diluting the message of Jesus beyond recognition. It calls for a humble lifestyle, acknowledging the difficulty of the teaching, and our own failure as a Church and as individuals.
John is a witness to speak for the light; he is attempting to make a straight way for him. For the millions who live in poverty worldwide, and the deprived in our own society, the coming of the light will be meaningless unless his followers are involved in building a better world for every human being.
This week may I think before I speak and give a little to those less fortunate than I am. It is in giving that we receive.
Confession
When were you last at Confession? There will be an opportunity to receive Gods love and forgiveness next weekend after all the Masses, when we will have our Penitential Services (Confessions). Anumber of priests will be available for the confessions. We hear John the Baptists call today: A voice cries in the wilderness: make a straight way for the Lord.
The Story of Christmas
presented by the Girls of Christ the King Primary School in aid of the School Development Fund
Christ the King Church Monday 16th December at 7.30 pm
Admission: Adults €5, Children €2
The children will help us to relive the story of our salvation in a most beautiful way. It is well worth seeing.
For your Diary
Mon. 16th Dec: Story of Christmas in Church at 7.30 pm
Weekend 21 & 22 Dec: Penitential Rites after 6 pm, 9 am,
10.30 am and 12 noon Masses.
Christmas Eve 24th Dec. no 8 am Mass. 6 pm Vigil Mass.
10 pm: First Mass of Christmas / Blessing of Crib.
Christmas Day: Masses at 9, 10.30 am & 12 noon.
St. Stephens Day Thursday 26th Dec.
No Mass at 10 am.
11 am Mass for all those away from home.
LOTTO DRAW Dec. 9th
Numbers drawn: 10, 16, 17, 20.
€2,300 Jackpot Winner: E. Carroll
€35 CASH
C. Murphy, A. Cronin, J. Cramer, G. Sheehan
THIS WEEKS JACKPOT : €1000
Last weeks net take €3,207
Last weeks second Collection €1,265
There will be two Lotto Draws on Monday 23rd Dec. for that night and the 30th Dec. The first Lotto Draw of the New Year will be on Tuesday 7th January.
Parish Christmas Card
Packets of 6 cards €4 from the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week.
A TRIDUUM of Masses will be offered in our Church on 25, 26, 27 Dec. A card is available €2.50.
Old Money still welcome. Box at back of Church.
Christmas Day Swim
in aid of the Church Restoration Fund
Myrtleville Beach at 12 noon
If you would like to support Fr. John and his fellow swimmers, Sponsorship Cards can be obtained in the Sacristy & Parish Office after Mass today and during the week.
Three in a Row !
Congratulations to Nemo Rangers on
winning the Munster Club Senior Football Championship Final in Killarney last Sunday.
Like to Quit Smoking?
A 6 week support group will begin on Frid. 17th Jan. at Togher Family Centre, 6 Maglin Grove, Deenrock Estate, Togher, 12 pm 1 pm. The free of charge course will be delivered by a Southern Health Board resource officer. The programme offers support & practical advice using approaches and techniques to suit different people.
If you would like to kick the habit in the New Year, then book you place by phoning Togher Family Centre at 4316766. All are welcome. Go on, give it a go!