Advent begins and we prepare to welcome the Christ Child at Christmas. Christmas is a time of giving, presents to those we love, gifts to those in need, a time of sharing, to ensure others have the basic necessities of life. We wish each other Happy Christmas, and the promise of Jesus is: my peace I leave you, my own peace I give you. When we find our joy in the Lord, we experience a peace beyond human understanding, the peace of God. And as we rejoice in his peace at Christmas, it is good to remember that God rejoices in us.
BISHOPS PASTORAL LETTER ON THE YEAR OF FAITH
Bishop Buckley has issued a Pastoral Letter on the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict. The Bishop reminds us that the core of our faith is our relationship with Jesus Christ and that renewal of the Church in Ireland can only take place in the context of prayer. Suggestions are made to strengthen our faith and our witness to the faith, including parish activities and activities we may be able to undertake at home. The letter is readable and attractively presented and we encourage everybody to read it. Copies will be issued to homes in the parish with the 2013 calendars.
Parish Calendars: We would appreciate if the area collectors would collect the 2013 Calendars together with copies of Bishop Buckleys Pastoral Letter on the Year of Faith to distribute to their area.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8th Dec.
Vigil Mass Fri. at 6pm, Holy Day Mass Sat 10am
First Friday: Fr. Kerry & Fr. Billy will visit the sick and the housebound this coming Thursday & Friday at the usual times.
Baptism: From this weekend Baptisms will be celebrated on Saturdays at 4.30pm.
Biblical Reflections on the Eucharist continue in the Parish Centre at 8 pm on Wed. 5th Dec. All welcome.
Give yourself a gift of Peace this Advent
On Wednesdays of Advent there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10am Mass until 11am. Including our Mass we will have an hour with the Lord, silence and prayer are the key to peace.
Walk With Me: Copies of an excellent little book: Walk with Me are available after Mass at the back of the Church (Cost 1.30). A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide
Advent Prayers of the Faithful: Parents of teenagers interested in saying the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass during Advent may give names and home phone numbers to the sacristy. We welcome new readers and reassure older readers that they will be contacted during Advent. Thank you.
YOUCAT: is the new Youth Catechism. It has been published in many languages and has been developed with the help of young Catholics and written for students and young adults. YOUCAT is an accessible, contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith. The appealing graphic format includes question-and answers, highly-readable commentary, Bible citations and inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from saints reliable teachers of the faith and many others. Whats more, YOUCAT deals with the entire Catholic Faith, as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
It explains
* What Catholic believe and why (doctrine)
* How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
* How Catholics are to live (moral life)
* How Catholics should pray (prayer and spirituality)
YOUCAT is certainly the go-to place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic Faith.
The Parish Assembly will be ordering copies from Veritas (10 reduced rate). Give your name to the Sacristy. An excellent book that will last you a lifetime.
Christmas gifts with a difference.
Last year there was a very good response to the Gift with a difference. You can purchase a Trocaire gift and send or give a card to a friend. They will be available at the back of the Church next weekend. This Christmas change someone's world for the better with a Trócaire Gift.
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available after Masses next weekend 8/9th Dec.
Whats happening? An information pack is being compiled outlining the groups and societies active in the parish. This will help parishioners who wish to contact these groups for any reason. Groups /societies that wish to be included may submit a contact number and a brief account of their activities to the Sacristy.
9th Dec. is Giving Sunday, and the St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Collection will be taken up. Non perishable foods are acceptable and are preferable to toys.
Do this in Memory: the next Mass has been brought forward to Sun. 9th Dec. Giving Sunday at 10am, Meeting of parent class representatives on this Mon. at 7.30pm in Fr. Billys house.
Dates for your Diary
6th Dec. At 8.00 pm in Christ the King Church Liam Lawton in Concert with Ballinora Church Choir. Special guests Christ the King Church Choir and Bunscoil Chriost Ri Choir. Tickets 20 available from Parish Office after Masses this weekend and from Bunscoil Chriost Ri.
7th Dec Christmas Party to raise funds for the Penny Dinners will be held in Nemo Rangers on Friday, from 8pm – Band; Rainbows. 20 Please support.
9th Dec. Turners Cross Senior Citizens Christmas Party in Nemo Rangers at 3.30 pm. Names to the Sacristy, Nemo Rangers or Credit Union by today.
10th Dec. Parish Assembly Meeting 8pm
22nd 23rd Dec. Penitential Rites (Confessions)
TURNERS CROSS ADVENT TRIDUUM FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH
10th, 11th and 12th December
Please join us for Evening Prayer of the Church (Vespers) followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church of Christ the King from 7.30 pm to 7.50 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (second week of Advent).