December 14th 2003 – Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday December 14th 2003
3rd Sunday of Advent

Mary’s Dream
“I had a dream, Joseph.
I don’t understand it though,
but I think it was about a birthday party for our Son.
The people in my dream had been preparing for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought lovely new clothes.
They had gone shopping many times and bought lots of elaborate gifts.
It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren’t for our son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and stacked them under a tree.
Yes, Joseph, a tree right inside their homes.
They decorated the tree with sparkling lights and ornaments, and a figure of an angel at the top. Everyone was laughing and happy. They gave out gifts to each other — but none for our Son.
I don’t think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. I had the strangest feeling that if our Jesus had gone to this celebration he would have been intruding.
How sad for someone not to be wanted at his own birthday party!
But I’m glad it was only a dream.
HOW TERRIBLE IF IT HAD BEEN REAL”

The Story of Christmas and The Snowman
presented by the Girls of Christ the King Primary School
in Christ the King Church
on Tuesday 16th Dec. at 7.30 pm
Admission: Adults €6; Children €2
Music with Carol and Stephen O’Connor
The children will help us to relive the Story of Christmas in a most beautiful way. It is well worth seeing. Proceeds in aid of the School and the Church Restoration Fund.

Confessions
When were you last at confession?
There will be an opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness next weekend (4th Sunday of Advent) after all the Masses, when we will have our Penitential Services (Confessions). A number of priests will be available for confessions.
In our Second Reading today St. Paul says: `I want you to be happy, always happy.’ What better way — a good confession. Be at peace with God and with one another. Be happy!

Christmas Day Swim (in aid of Restoration Fund)
If you would like to support Fr. John and his fellow swimmers, Sponsorship Cards can be obtained in the Parish Office after Masses.

Christmas Cards
A Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.
Cards are available @ €2.50 in the Parish Office.

Deaths
We remember in our prayers
Seán Lynch, Greenhills Estate,
Kay Collins, Bellvelly, Cobh,
Sheila Dunn, Maiville Terrace,
and extend our sympathy to their families.

Baptisms
We welcome into the Christian Community:
Twins Sofia Antonia and Megan Ann Murphy-Crea of Listowel Avenue, and Jack Richard Duane, Quaker Road.

Ministers of the Eucharist
Please collect your Rota List in the Sacristy after Mass.

Tramore Athletic FC – Thank you
A big thank you to everyone who supported the U-13s recent Charity Match v St. Francis Training Centre to raise funds for Marymount Hospice. A sum of over €400 was raised for this worthy cause.
Christmas Party — The U-12s Christmas Party takes place on Sat. 20th at the Leisureplex 12.30 pm – 2 pm.

Dates for your Diary

* Tuesday 16th Dec.
Story of Christmas in the Church 7.30 pm
* Weekend 20/21 Dec.
Penitential Rites at 6 pm, 9 am, 10.30 am & 12 noon Masses.
* Christmas Eve 24th Dec.
No 8 am Mass.
Mass at 10 am.
6 pm Vigil Mass.
10 pm: First Mass of Christmas. Blessing of Crib.
* Christmas Day
Masses at 9 am,
10.30 am (Children’s Mass)
and 12 noon.
* St. Stephen’s Day 26th & 27th Dec.
Mass at 11 am.
No Mass at 10 am.

LOTTO DRAW Dec. 8th
Numbers drawn: 13, 16, 19, 27.
NO WINNER
€35 CASH
B. Cremin, A. McCarthy, D. O’Shea, B. Murphy
Turkey Winners K. Porter, K. Moloney
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT : €1975
Last week’s net “take” €2,859
Last week’s Collection €1,227
Anonymous Donations €20, £280 = €356
Old Money still welcome for the Restoration Fund.
Box at the back of the Church.
There will be two Lotto Draws on Mon. 22 Dec. for that night and 29 Dec. The first Draw of the New Year will be on Mon. 5 Jan. 2004.