Where are we going
Today Gaudete Sunday as we light the pink candle on the Advent Wreath we are invited to rejoice and be glad for the goodness we experience in life. Despite the gloom and doom after the Budget, as well as the revelations in the Murphy report, we need to value the positive aspects of living. Particularly, as we approach the feast of Christmas, we could well reflect on the giftedness of family, friends, neighbours and voluntary workers. For many, this Christmas could well be a time of sadness or setback in their living situation. However, being Christ-like enables us to be enriched by our caring for one another. The question posed to John in todays Gospel what can we do is very relevant for each of us. The Advent road – the less travelled road – is making time to prioritise what is essential and important in my life. It could be the road to confession next weekend, or going out of my way to help those less fortunate than I am.
the one thing that the greed of the world cannot conquer is the generous heart.
Christmas Penitential Services
Next weekend 19/20th 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.
Gift with a difference:
There has been a good response to the Gift with a difference. Are searching for a Christmas gift idea? You can purchase one of the gifts listed below and get the card to sent or give to a friend instead of a gift. They are available at the back of the Church. Christmas Gift Range :School Lunch (for a year) 10, The Gift of Chickens 15, Gift of a Vegetable Garden 25. The Gift of Life-Saving Food 35. Gift of a Goat 45. This Christmas change someone's life for the better with a Trócaire Gift. Taking a moment to think of others is what Christmas is all about and this is your chance to change someone's life with a gift they truly need.
Carol Concert – Prepare a way for the Lord
The Parish Choir, Choirs from Scoil Chríost Rí & Christ King Girls NS and pupils from the Secondary and Primary Schools of the Parish will be part of a Carol Concert in Christ the King Church on Tues. 15th Dec. at 7.30pm. The Call of John The Baptist to prepare, The Annunciation, The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, The Birth of Jesus, and the coming of the Kings will be dramatised.
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards
The Parish Christmas Card and Christmas Triduum Mass Card 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.
Santa Giving Tree – Santa to help St. Vincent de Paul Society If you could bring any of the following items – Tea, coffee, sugar, tayto, selection boxes, minerals, biscuits, soup, jam, baked beans, peas, cornflakes, gloves, socks, pyjamas, custard, crackers, shampoo, tinned fruit and place them at the tree. After Mass we will give them to the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who are so good in helping those in need. We have until Tuesday the 15th to give. Many thanks,
Flowers
Like other years would you like to donate a Red Poinsettia Pot Plant to decorate the altar for Christmas
Advent Holy Hour:
Again last week it was good to see the number making their Advent Holy Hour on Wed. It will continue this coming Wed.16th Dec. after the 10am Mass.
Death: We remember in our prayers Mimi Clofford, Congress Rd, Catherine OSullivan, South Douglas Rd. and John Cotter, Greenhills Court. who died during the week. We extend our sympathy to their families. May they rest in peace.
Loop System: for those with impaired hearing, the system has been repaired. We apologise for for the inconvenience caused while out of action.
Parish Assembly: will meet this Monday 14th Dec. in the Parish Centre at 8pm
Nano Nagle: The year of jubilee marking the 225th anniversary of Nano Nagle death ends Dec. 2009. A celebration to mark it will begin in the North Cathedral at 12.00 p.m. on Mon. 21st Dec. At 2.50 p.m. there will be a closing ritual at the Presentation Centre, Evergreen Street. It was here that Nano established the first convent of the Presentation Congregation and her grave at Douglas St. is a favourite place of devotion for the people of Cork. All are welcome to these two events.
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve 6pm & 10pm. Christmas Day 9am, 10.30am & 12 noon
Christmas Retreat for Young People National Youth 2000 Retreat (16-35 yrs) takes place at Newbridge College 18th – 20th Dec. No charge. Contact Youth Office 01 6753690 or 086 3025442. See Poster at back of Church. www.youth2000.ie
Marymount Hospice: Monster Christmas Bazaar in aid of Marymount in the City Hall, Cork on Sat. 19th Dec. from 7pm to 9pm. Santa arrives at 7.30.Great fun and games for all including sppiner, glass bank tombola and many more. Great night assured all welcome. We would appreciate your support.