Where are we going
Today Gaudete – Joyful Sunday, the opening words of the Mass 'Rejoice in the Lord always'. 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, 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. 
Lighting the 3rd Candle of Wreath
Prayer: (Pink Candle the Joy & Shepherd Candle)
O Lord We beseech you to listen to our prayers, and by the grace of your coming enlighten our darkened minds: You who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Christmas Penitential Services
Next weekend 17th/18th 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 we have failed his forgiveness is there for us all.
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
Do this in Memory
We welcome the children preparing for their First Holy Communion and their parents to our Do this in Memory Mass today.
Deaths: Our Prayers & Sympathy go to the families & Parishioners of Fr. John O'Callaghan (age 52) former Parish Priest of Drimoleague, Walter Neville, Doyle Rd. and Caolan Mulrooney, Rochestown, who died recently. May they be at peace with God.
Mass times: Christmas Eve 6pm & 10pm. Christmas Day: 9am 10.30am & 12 noon
The Vincent de Paul Christmas Church Door Collection is being taken up this weekend,
We ask for your continued support, their needs of those depending on the Society are greater than ever.
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.
St Josephs Young Priests Society
Monthly meeting on Tues. 13th Dec. after the 10am Mass in the Parish Centre. (note change of time)
Parish Assembly: There will be a meeting of the Parish Assembly in the Parish Centre this Mon. 12th Dec.at 8pm. If not on email collect agenda in Sacristy
Flowers:
Like other years would you like to donate a Red Poinsettia Pot Plant to decorate the altar for Christmas
There will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Wed. after the 10am Mass until 11am.
Pariah Calendars: Our sincere thanks to the Area Collectors who distributed the Parish Calendars.
The 2011 Annual General Meeting of Comhar Creidmheasa Chriost Ri Teoranta will be held in Bunscoil Chriost Ri (Girls Primary School Hall) on Mon.19th Dec. at 8 pm. The election of 5 Directors, 1 Supervisor and an Auditor will take place at the meeting. Please bring your passbook. It may be required to establish your voting rights
Carol Service:
The Parish Assembly express the thanks of all of us, – to those who organised the Carol Service here in our Church last Tuesday. To Paula Murphy and the Parish Choir, The Teachers, the Choirs and Pupils from Bun Scoil Chriost Ri. and the Pupils from Christ King Girls Secondary and Colaiste Chríost Ri who were the narrators. It was a great team effort and got us all in the right spirit for the Feast we are about to celebrate. Well done to all.
Eucharistic Congress Bell: There was a great turnout to welcome the Bell to Turners Cross on Friday evening. To all the Communities of our Pastoral Area – South Parish, Ss.Peter & Pauls, Holy Trinity, St. Francis & St. Augustines who participated in the liturgy and to Fr. Sean Donoghue OFM Cap who preached the homily and gave us all food for thought we offer a sincere thank you. To Sr. Karen Kent of the Pastoral Development office who prepared the liturgy a special word of thanks.