The Advent Wreath
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the 4th candle of our Advent wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christs promise to bring us salvation. Advent is a time for reconciliation. Jesus comes to us and gives us His peace and joy when we receive his forgiveness and mercy. We ask his help, guidance and forgiveness as we prepare for our Christmas Confession. Amen
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: This weekend after all masses there will be an opportunity for confession a number of priests will be with us. Confession is one of the great gifts of the Church. To get the most from this sacrament it is essential to prepare well. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is above all an act of Gods love; it is a personal moment in a relationship of love with God. It is not a routine to be gone through but very much part of the personal renewal that takes place in each person, especially at Christmas.
We are invited in the light of Gods love:
to recognise the sinfulness of our life
to have a true sorrow for our sins
a firm intention to avoid them in the future
These elements are essential to a proper and meaningful celebration of the Sacrament.
Every sin ought to arouse in us feelings of humble regret and a confident request for pardon.
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve:. 24th Dec.: 6pm (The O'Connor /OMahony Families will lead us in the singing of carols). 10 pm: (Parish Choir).
Christmas Day: 9am, 10.30am Children Mass (Parish Choir), 12 noon The O'Sullivan Family will lead us in the singing of carols)
Confessions: This week – Tues. Wed, Thurs. after 10am Mass. Christmas Eve after 10am Mass and 11.30am noon.
Christmas Triduum
The Triduum Masses will be offered be offered on 23rd, 24th & 25th Dec. Cards available at Parish Office
Flowers
Like other years would you like to donate a Red Poinsettia Pot Plant to decorate the altar for Christmas. Many thanks to those who have handed in plants.
Support of the Priests of the Parish
The collection on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is for the support of the priests of the Parish. There will be only the one collection at each Mass.
Visitation of Sick: Fr. Kerry & Fr. Charlie will visit the sick and housebound (those unable to get to Church over Christmas) with Holy Communion on Wed. 21st Dec.
New Mass Times: From the 31st Dec – 1st Jan. Sat Vigil 6pm Sun. 10am & 12noon
Holydays: Vigil 6pm. Day 10am & 6pm
Death: Our Prayers & Sympathy go to the family of Rita Barry, OConnell Ave. who died recently. May she 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.
Examination of conscience
A good way of preparing for confession is to divide your life into a few general areas, and take a look at each.
1. My relationship with God:
Do I give time to God?
Do I pray each day?
Do I attend Mass at weekends?
2. My home life:
Am I hard to live with?
Do I make my home happy?
Am I moody and selfish?
Do I cause serious problems in my home – unfaithfulness,
drunkenness, taking of drugs, violence, long cold silences?
Do I seek help?
3. My relationship with others
Am I tolerant of and unselfish towards others?
Do I respect others? Have I used others selfishly or irresponsibly?
Am I kind, in word and deed?
Do I pray for my enemies and forgive them?
4. My practice of justice:
Do I respect the needs, rights, and property of others?
Am I honest in my business dealings?
Do I pay my debts?
Do I cheat, or make false claims?
Do I pay my taxes?
Act of Contrition
O my God I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving others and not loving you. Help me to live like Jesus, and not to sin again. Amen.