Where are we going
Each of us stands at the fork of a road in life. This season of Advent coming into Christmas is no exception. I can travel the Advent road or as some people call it, the road less traveled. Or I can travel the main road to Christmas, the dual carriageway of busyness, rushing here and there, deadlines, parties, running out of time, to the point of exhaustion. The Advent road invites us to take a closer look at our lives, to see what areas in our life we could change but also what areas where more growth could take place. The Advent road is making time to prioritise what is essential and important in my life. All main roads are attractive and important but the Advent road, even if it is less travelled, gives us many options. It could be the road to confession next weekend. www.2u.ie
Today Gaudate Sunday
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent – traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday – Sunday of Joy – when we light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath as a sign of joy that the time of the birth of Christ is drawing nearer. Let us prepare for this sacred and happy event.
Advent Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a way of reflecting on the key people who prefigure the coming (adventus) of Jesus. The symbols for the Jesse Tree have been divided over the four weeks of Advent:
This week – week three
The Staff symbol represents JESSE
The Lyre, Key & Star symbols represent DAVID
The Temple & Jerusalem symbols represent SOLOMON
Baptisms
We welcome to the Christian Community: Conor Matthew Kane who was baptised recently.
Christmas Penitential Services & Confession Times
Next weekend 20/21st Dec. after 6pm vigil, 9am, 10.30am & 12 noon Masses. A number of priests will be available for Confessions. We have an ideal opportunity of preparing 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.
Confessions after Mass each morning and Sat next from 12noon to 1pm.
Celebration of Christmas
with Christ King Girls Primary School
and Guest Choir – Wilcollane Singers
In Christ the King Church Wed. 17th Dec. at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Flowers
Would you like to donate a Red Poinsettia Pot Plant to decorate the altar for Christmas (Not too tall, bushier plants last longer). Many thanks to those who have handed in plants.
Thank You
Again our sincere thanks for your Autumn Dues and to the Area Collectors. We appreciate your generosity and help.
Give yourself a gift of Peace this Advent
Again this week it was good to see the number making their Advent Holy Hour on Wed. It will continue this coming Wed.17th Dec. after the 10am Mass. Silence and prayer are the key to peace. Why not give yourself this gift? Prepare a way for the Lord.
Walk With Me
There are a few copies left of the excellent little book: Walk with Me. It is available (Cost 2) at the back of the Church. A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2008.
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve: 6pm and 10pm Christmas Day: 9am, 10.30am & 12noon
Catholic Papers
The Irish Catholic (the sale of this paper has increased in recent weeks), The Universe, The Catholic Times are on sale at the back of the Church
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards
The Parish Christmas Card and Christmas Triduum Mass Card are available in the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week after the 10am Mass. The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.
Carol Singing
The children from 4th and 5th classes, Christ King Girls Primary School, will be carol singing in Douglas Court Shopping Centre on Sat next. 20th Dec. 3pm-4.30pm in aid of School Funds.
Offertory Collection
Last weekend offertory collection came to 2,480 Thank you for your generosity
Tory Top Library, Gramophone Recital
Tuesday 30th December at 3.00p.m. Presenter: John OLeary. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Christmas gifts with a difference.
There continues to be a great response to the Gift with a difference. If you are still searching for the perfect Christmas gift idea? Well, you just found it!
A Trócaire Global Gift conveys the true meaning of Christmas and your friends and family are sure to appreciate the thought! Choose from nine life-changing gifts below and help change someone's world this Christmas.
Today after Mass you can purches one of the gifts listed below and get the card to sent to a friend instead of a gift. Christmas Gift Range :School Lunch( for a year) 10, Olive Tree 20, Seeds & Tools 35, Goats 45 Mother & Child 60, Grandparent Support 80, Food 100, Water 150, Land 200.
Vincent de Paul
Please support their Christmas Church Gate Collection this weekend
Deaths
We remember in our Prayers – Peg OConnor, Ashdale Pk.. and Mary OSullivan, late of Evergreen St. who died recently. We extend our sympathy and prayers to their families.
Thank You
We thank Nemo Ladies for organising a great Senior Citizens Christmas Party last Sunday evening in Nemo Rangers Complex, A great evening was had by all. Well done.
Holy Land
All places are now filled for the Parish Pilgrimage to Holy Land next October. A number are on the waiting list.
Our empty Crib – Advent Crib Prayer
God our Father, as we come before our empty crib, we ask you during this time of waiting to fill each one of us with hope and new promise, so that this time of preparation for Christmas will be guided by your Spirit and help us to give central place to Christ as we wait in eager longing for His coming. Amen.
The empty crib in our Church awaits the coming of Christ. As you visit here during this time of Advent waiting please pray for the coming of Christ more deeply into our hearts at Christmastime.
Sincere thanks to our Team for their dedication and artistic endeavours in the construction of our Crib.