Simplicity
This last week of Advent will see more extravagance and waste than any other time of the year? Is it to celebrate the coming of the Son of God to share my human nature and live among us? Hardly.
True enough, these days will see extraordinary generosity and self sacrifice, often channelled through Share, Trócaire, Concern, St. Vincent de Paul, Goal, Bóthar and the gifts children and adults bring to Mass today. Such generosity relieves so much deprivation and is to be greatly welcomed, nurtured and appreciated. But the fact remains that extravagant spending, alcohol excess, food wastage, will dominate our advertising and our socialising and, perhaps, our homes.
The call of the gospel is different. It is a call to respectful simplicity and sincerity. These last days of Advent are a summons to recognise that we are only temporary stewards of Gods gifts, not arrogant owners of our resources and talents. It is a challenge to realise that other peoples need to simply live must come before my longing for luxury and show. May I as a true follower of Jesus make a difference to someones life in the run up to this Christmas. LIVE MORE SIMPLY SO THAT OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE.
Christmas Penitential Services & Confession Times
This weekend after 6pm, 9am, 10.30am &12 noon Masses. A number of priests will be available for Confessions.
Thurs., Frid. & Sat. after 10am and Vigil Masses.
Sun. 24th (Christmas Eve) Confessions after all Masses.
Vigil Mass Sun. 6pm (The OConnor Family will lead us in the singing of carols).
Sun. 10 pm: First Mass of Christmas & Blessing of Crib. (Parish Choir).
Mon. 25th (Christmas Day) 9am, 10.30am (Childrens Mass (Parish Choir), 12 noon.
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.
Parish Christmas Card
Parish Christmas Card and Christmas Triduum Mass Card available in the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week.
The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.
PRIESTS COLLECTION
The Collection taken up on Christmas Eve Sun. 6pm, 10pm and Christmas Day is for the Priests of the Parish.
There will be only one collection. This collection, with the Spring & Autumn Dues, are the primary source of income for the priests of the Parish.
Christmas Raffle
Thanks to the generosity of a few parishioners, a Monster Hamper has been put together in aid of the Church Grounds Fund. Tickets are on sale after Mass today and during the coming days. One line 2, 3 lines 5. The draw will take place on Wed. after the 10am Mass
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve: 6 pm & 10 pm
Christmas Day: 9 am, 10.30 am, 12 noon.
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).
Gods Word for 4th Sunday of Advent 23/24 Dec.
1st Reading: Prophet Micha 5:1-4, Psalm 79, 2nd Reading: Hebrew 10:5-10. Gospel: Luke: 1:39-44.
Prayer around the Christmas Tree and Crib
Go to the Parish website www.turnerscross.com and you will find these prayers.