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 St. Vincent de Paul, Share, Trocaire, Concern, Goal, Bothar and the gifts children and adults bring today and place in Santa's basket. 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 God's gifts, not arrogant owners of our resources or talents. It is a challenge to realise that other people's need to simply live must come before my longing for luxury and show. May I as a follower of Jesus make a difference to someone's life in the run up to this Christmas.
"Live more simply so that others may simply live".
Christmas Raffle This is the last chance to get your lines for the lovely Christmas Hamper Raffle in aid of the Church Grounds Fund. Tickets are on sale after Mass today and during the coming days until the draw takes place on Wed.19th Dec. after the 10am Mass One line 2, 3 lines 5. Thank you for your support.
Parish Christmas Card The 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.
Congratulations to Nemo on winning the Munster Club Senior Football Final last Sunday
Children's Hospital Crumlin The organisers of the Coffee Morning in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin would like to thank all for their support – 1,500 was raised.
AGM – Credit Union The annual General Meeting of Comhar Creidmheasa Chriost Ri Teoranra will be held in Scoil Chriost Ri (Boys Primary School) on Mon. 17th Dec. 2007 at 8pm. Each member is earnestly requested to attend. The election of 3 Directors, 1 Supervisor and an Auditor will take place at the meeting. Please bring your passbook for identification.
Senior Citizens Party Our thanks to The Ladies of Nemo who organised a most enjoyable Christmas Party last Saturday – a great night was had by all.
Christmas Masses
Vigil Masses Mon.24th Dec.: 6pm (The O'Connor Family will lead us in the singing of carols). 10 pm: Mass & Blessing of Crib. (Parish Choir). Tues. 25th (Christmas Day) 9am, 10.30am Children's Mass (Parish Choir), 12 noon.
Death
We remember in our prayers Mrs Ellen Kiely, Kiely's Shop, Turner's Cross who died during the week in her 100th Year. May she rest in peace. We extend our sympathy to her family.
Christmas Penitential Services & Confession Times
Next weekend 22/23rd Dec. after 6pm, 9am, 10.30am & 12 noon Masses. A number of priests will be available for Confessions. We have an ideal opportunity of preparing our lives for the birthday of Jesus. We come together in faith as a community to celebrate God's 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 God's 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. John the Baptist says "Prepare a way for the Lord" There will also be Confessions on Mon. 24th (Christmas Eve) after 10am Mass and 12 noon
"Do this in Memory"
We welcome the Children preparing for first Holy Communion & their Parents to our Advent "Do this in Memory" Mass. We thank the Parent Class Representatives who help to organise the Mass and to their Teachers for their co-operation.
Ministers of the Word
Can collect their Missal with readings for the coming year (A) in the Sacristy after Mass.
Flowers
Would you like to donate a Poinsettia Pot Plant (Red) to decorate the altar for Christmas (Not too tall, bushier plants last longer).
Prayer around the Christmas Tree
When you and your family are ready to light your tree for the first time why not first say the following prayer, and then switch on the lights: Lord our God, The heavens are the work of your hands, the moon and the stars you made; The earth and the sea, and every living creature came into being by your word. And all of us, too. May this tree bring cheer to this house through Jesus Christ your good and holy Son, Who brings life and beauty to us and to our world. As we light this tree, we hope in his promise. The lights are illuminated and a advent hymn or carol may be sung.
Go to the Parish website www.turnerscross.com and you will find these prayers