Christmas Penitential Services and Confession Times
This weekend after 6 pm, 9 am , 10.30 am and 12 noon Masses.
A number of priests will be available for Confessions.
Wed., Thurs., Frid. & Sat. after 10 am Masses.
Sat. 24th (Christmas Eve) 12 noon 1 pm.
After 6 pm Mass.
Mass Times
Sat. 24th Dec. (Christmas Eve) Mass 10 am.
Vigil Mass 6 pm (The OConnor Family will lead us in the singing of carols).
10 pm: First Mass of Christmas & Blessing of Crib.
Sun. 25th (Christmas Day):
9 am, 10.30 am (Childrens Mass), 12 noon.
PRIESTS COLLECTION
The collection taken up on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is for the priests of the Parish.
There will be only one collection. This collection, with the Spring and Autumn Dues, are the primary source of income for the priests of the Parish.
Death
We remember in our prayers Roger Power, Mercier Park, and Kitty O'Neill, Doyle Rd.who died during the week and extend our sympathy to their families.
Nemo Rangers win 13th Munster SF title.
Congratulations to all. They now play the Ulster Champions, St. Galls (Antrim) in the All Ireland Semi-Final in February.
Tramore Athletic FC send their congratulations to Ephie Fitzgerald and Nemo on their great win.
Only a Baby
Girls of Christ the King Primary School will present the Story of Christmas in Christ the King Church on this 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.
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.
Draw will take place after 10 am Mass on Wed. 21st Dec.
Anonymous Donation
250 towards Church & Grounds Restoration Fund.
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).
A Thought
We sometimes dont realise just how good we have it. As we approach Christmas we have access to so many shops with seemingly endless limits of credit and loads of money being spent. Yet many parts of our world live in misery. For them, Christmas will mean little or nothing. Today we can be grateful for having so much when others have so little.
Lord, I can so easily forget that not everyone has what I have.
As much as I would like equal access to goods, I know I can also change the world.
But I can be grateful for all you have given me, especially in the run in to Christmas.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
We come together in faith as a community to celebrate Gods forgiveness. None of us is without sin. We are all in need of forgiveness. God knows that deep down in our hearts we want to turn back to him.
There is no sin beyond the power of Gods forgiveness. God offers us this most wonderful gift, that is, the assurance that no matter how big our sins are, no matter how far we have strayed away from his way, his forgiveness is there for us all.
Have you noticed the famous Rembrant painting in the sanctuary: the Father welcoming home the Prodigal Son? That is how God will welcome us.
Examination of Conscience
Have I kept in touch with God,
by praying regularly and going to Mass?
Have I fallen out with anyone, have I kept up resentment, hatred, for them? Am I bitter and unforgiving towards anyone? Did I try to make it up?
Am I jealous and envious of others?
Do I gossip and injure others good name?
Am I sensitive to the needs of every member of my family? Am I concerned for others in need? Would I put myself out for them?
Am I faithful to my commitments?
Am I sexually disciplined? Responsible? or Selfish?
Do I respect others? Have I used others selfishly? or Irresponsibly?
Is justice important to me?
Am I honest? Truthful?
Have I squandered money badly needed at home on drink or gambling or drugs? Or wasted it in other ways?
Have I been slothful or lazy?
A few practical words about the actual Confession:
Most of you are probably familiar with the procedure for this Communal Reconciliation Service
All you need to say to the priest when you approach for Confession is:
I am sorry for all my sins, especially for . . . .
Then you tell your own story simply, in the best way you can.
If its hard to put words on your sins simply say:
Then I ask for Gods Forgiveness.
Be prepared to leave all your sins with the Lord and promise him that you will turn over a new leaf.There will be joy in heaven over one sinner who does repentance (Luke 15.10)
ACT OF SORROW FOR SIN
O my God, I thank you for loving me.
I am sorry for all my sins,
for not loving others and not loving you.
Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.