Advent
We begin our second week of Advent with a call from John the Baptist to prepare. It is time with a deep spiritual significance which could go unnoticed. Its starting point is always darkness and despair. This is a place where many people live today. From time to time all of us have been there, this past week has been difficult. From darkness and despair there is a call to hope and light. Its what makes Advent and these coming weeks before Christmas significant. We bring our darkness, hurts, despair and frustration to God and we simply ask for guidance, direction, light, hope and blessings. In these difficult times, with the the coming Budget the season of Advent will help all of us priorities whats really important. What is really important to me at this time?.
Lighting the 2nd Candle of Wreath
Lord God, you chose John the Baptist to prepare your people for the coming of the Saviour. He greeted Jesus, the Lamb of God, and showed the world its Redeemer. As we prepare for Christmas help us to straighten out our lives. With your grace may we renew our hearts, overcome our sins and give greater welcome to Jesus who is among us. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Advent Wreath
The Second Candle Symbolizes FAITH the Bethlehem Candle Mary & Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
The Third Candle Symbolizes JOY the Shepherd's Candle Joy at the coming birth of Jesus
The Fourth Candle Symbolizes PEACE the Angel's Candle The Message of the Angels:
"Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men"
The White candle is the Christ Candle
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8th Holy Day of Obligation.
Mass Times: Tues. 7th.- Vigil 6pm Wed. 8th. 10 am, 12 noon & 6 pm
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
Advent Giving Tree – Santa to help St. Vincent de Paul Society
Santa, whose real name is St. Nicholas, is probably the best loved saint of children. His feast day is this Mon. Dec. 6th. Next weekend He has asked us to have our Christmas Tree in place, and call it the Santas Giving Tree. If you could bring any of the following items – tea, coffee, sugar, tayto, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits, soup, jam, gloves, socks, pyjamas, childrens underware, shampoo, pyjamas, hats, scarves and gloves, and place them at the tree (no toys). We will give them to the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who are so good in helping those in need. That will be next weekend 11th/12th Dec.
Do this in Memory
Meeting of the Coordinating Parents Group will take place in Fr. Charlies house on this Mon. evening 6th Dec. at 7.30pm. to prepare for next Sundays Giving Mass at 10.30am
The Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection
The members of Christ the King conference of St Vincent de Paul would like to thank sincerely all those who contributed so generously to their church gate collections in Christ the King during the past year, 15,000 was collected. The amount spent in our Parish exceeded that, the shortfall came from central funds. This money is used for family relief in the parish including food vouchers, fuel and help with bill payments, education etc. The Vincent de Paul Christmas Church Gate Collection will be next weekend 11th/12 the Dec. We ask for your continued support.
Parish Assembly Nomination Forms:
At all Masses this weekend completed Nomination forms should be returned and placed in the box at the altar rails on put in the baskets at the collection time . If you have forgotten your form they are available in the Church today. The closing day for nominations is Wed. 8th Dec. Members of the Parish Assembly will speak at Masses this weekend.
Deaths: Our Prayers & Sympathy go to the families of Paddy Comerford, South Douglas Rd and Sean OReilly, Fr. Matthew Rd who died recently. May they be at peace with God.
Christmas gifts with a difference.
Last year there was a very good response to the Gift with a difference. Are you searching for a Christmas gift idea? You can purchase one of the Trocaire gifts and get the card to sent or give to a friend. They are available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly. This Christmas change someone's world 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 world 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. 14th 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.
Important December Dates:
Sat. 4th Dec. Handels Messiah at 8pm
Sun. 12th Dec. Do this in Memory and Gift Giving Mass 10.30am
Mon. 13th Meeting of Parish Assembly 8pm
Tues. 14th Dec. Parish Carol Service,
Sat.18th & Sun.19th Dec. Penitential Rites.
Santa is coming to Turners Cross Community Centre on Curragh Road on Saturday 18th December at 11am. Children and their parents are welcome. Free admission music, small gifts, and refreshments, Great festive fun for all.