A Parishioner writes
Last week, we announced the date for the Reconciliation Services in preparation for Christmas next weekend (4th Sunday of Advent) 17th/18th /Dec. after all the Masses. A number of priests will be here for Confessions, This prompted the following letter from a parishioner:
Do you remember your first Confession? I do clearly. It was a big thing for a small child to venture into the dark box.
The child grew up and thought about what place God and the Church should play in life. The Sacrament of Gods love and forgiveness got the thumbs up, but the practice of going on a regular basis became routine and meaningless. Somehow the intervals between Confessions became greater until I eventually stopped going altogether.
Several years passed, during which I made odd attempts to put the situation right. I was deeply unhappy without it. I shopped around for a priest who would help and finally found a kind, caring and compassionate Confessor who made me feel welcome and didnt seem to care how long I had been away, only that I was back. He also understood how very much I wanted to be at peace with Jesus and with myself. I still struggle. I dont find Confession easy. The Service of Reconciliation with so many others present and looking to meet Jesus is a beautiful time. Okay, the butterflies and the struggle are still there but somehow I manage, and the sense of the real presence of the Lord and his love, forgiveness and understanding make the effort worthwhile. I plan to be at one of the Penitential Services next weekend. I know the Good Lord will be waiting for me. Bless all who make our Parish what it is. Sincerely . . . . .
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve: 6 pm & 10 pm
Christmas Day: 9 am, 10.30 am, 12 noon.
Only a Baby
Girls of Christ the King Primary School will present the Story of Christmas in Christ the King Church on Monday 19th Dec. at 7 pm. Come and celebrate the Birth of Jesus with us. This will be presented in drama and music.
Adults 5 in aid of School and Church Restoration Fund. Everyone welcome.
Youth 2000 National Christmas Retreat
Youth 2000 will be hosting its Christmas Retreat in St. Mels College, Longford, 16th 18th December.
An attendance of over 250 (aged 1635) from all over Ireland is anticipated at this donation only event, with newcomers very welcome. Youth 2000 have arranged a bus to Longford departing from Cork Opera House at approx. 4 pm on 16th December and returning from Longford on 18th December.
Residential so please bring a sleeping bag!
For more information contact Dave: 085-7167904. Seán: 086-1651219 or check out www.youth2000.ie
St. Josephs Young Priests Society
Monthly meeting in the Parish Centre this Tuesday 13th Dec. after the 10 am Mass.
Ministers of the Word
Please collect your Missal Readings for the coming weeks in the Sacristy after Mass.
Ministers of the Eucharist
can collect their Rotas for the coming weeks in the Sacristy after Mass.
Nemo Rangers bid for 13th Munster SF Title
Nemo Rangers, who have been by far the most successful club in the history of the All-Ireland Football Championships, bid to add another title on this Sunday 11th Dec. when they take on St. Sennans, Kilkee (Clare) in the Munster Final at the Limerick Gaelic Grounds at 2 pm. We wish them the best of luck. It will be shown live on TG4. The winners will play Ulster champions St. Galls (Antrim) in the All-Ireland semi-final in February.
Christmas Raffle
In aid of the Restoration Fund. Hamper on display at the back of the Church.
Tickets on sale after Mass 1 line 2. 3 lines 5.
Senior Citizens Christmas Party
Our thanks to the Nemo Ladies for a great party last Saturday in the new Nemo Complex. We all had a great night good food, music, dance, crack!
Parish Christmas Card
The Parish Christmas Card and Triduum Mass Card are available in the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week. The Triduum Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.
Flowers
Would you like to donate a Poinsettia Pot Plant (Red) to decorate our altar for Christmas? (Not too tall. Small bushier plants last longer).
Cork Symphony Orchestra
2005 Celebration Concert in the City Hall Tuesday 20th Dec. Music by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Bocherini.
Tickets on sale at Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street.
Turners Cross Credit Union AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Comhar Creidmheasa Chríost Rí Teoranta will be held in Scoil Chríost Rí (Boys Primary School) on this Mon. 12th Dec. at 8 pm. Members are requested to attend. Please bring your passbook for identification.
Websites
Getting Married :
A new website aimed at helping couples prepare for their wedding has been launched by the Church's marriage advisory agency: www.gettingmarried.ie.
Website of the Week: www.trocaire.ie.
Details of Trócaires Global Gift Campaign for Christmas 2005
Turners Cross Parish: www.turnerscross.com updated weekly.
A Thought
We all like to give and receive gifts. They tell us though that millions are spent on unwanted gifts at Christmas time. These are gifts that are not used or not wanted by the person who gets them. God gives us many gifts each day, but especially the gift of life, the gift of forgiveness, days full of endless possibilities. It is up to us to use these gifts. It would be a shame to let them become unused and unwanted gifts.
Lord, help me to use these two remaining weeks of Advent as a gift to you. Help me to make the most of these special days giving me a chance to come closer to you and prepare for Confession this coming weekend.