Lighting the 2nd Candle of  Advent 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

            St. Mark

The Year of Mark begins this Advent, when we focus on St Mark’s Gospel on ordinary Sundays. The first words of this gospel are in our reading today: “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”  It’s an in-your-face start, a bit like John the Baptist himself bursting on the scene.  This is where the good news starts. John says I’ve plunged you into water but the one coming after me will plunge you into the Holy Spirit.  People had been waiting for the day of the Lord, but did not expect this – a call to repent!  It’s now, and you’re part of the story, get ready for him, for a new exodus to freedom.  Mark wants us to sense the shock of the wake up call: for them, then and for us, now.

Feast of Immaculate Conception: this Mon. 8th Dec, Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses at 10am & 6pm.   (no vigil on Sunday evening)

Penitential Rites: (Confessions) at all the Masses on weekend 20th & 21st Dec.  Give yourself a gift of Peace this Advent.    Visiting priests will be with us.

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays of Advent after 10am Mass until 11am

Advent: Morning and Evening Prayer on Tuesdays in Advent.  Morning Prayer (Lauds) in the church after 10.00 am Mass, and Evening Prayer (Vespers) at 7.30 pm in the Parish Centre, all welcome.

Ministers of Eucharist can collect their Rotas.  Ministers of the Word can collect their Missals with readings for the coming year and their Rotas in the Sacristy.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards are available after Masses in the Parish Office.  The Triduum of Masses will be offered on the 23/24/25 Dec.)

“Do this in Memory” Mass will be Sun. 14th Dec., Giving Sunday, at 10am,  Meeting of parent class representatives this Mon. 8th Dec. at 7.30pm in Fr. Kerry’s house.

Parish Assembly:  Meeting his Monday 8th December in Parish Centre at 8pm. Agendas in Sacristy.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society meeting next Tues. 9th Dec. in Parish Centre after 10am Mass

Giving Sunday 14th Dec. – Santa’s Giving Tree will be in the church.  Instead of toys, we request non-perishable foods, a welcome addition to many families struggling at present. Tea, coffee, sugar, crisps, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits, soup, and non perishable food items may be placed at the Tree (no toys) to be collected by St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a member of St. Vincent de Paul will speak after Masses.

Altar Decoration for Christmas: Red Poinsettia plants to decorate the Altar would be much appreciated.

Christmas Gifts with a Difference: Last year there was a very good response, you can purchase one of the Trocaire gifts and get a card to send or give to a friend. Available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly after Mass today.

A Coming Christ in Advent:  Biblical reflections on the Gospel Infancy Narratives in the Parish Centre on Tuesday evenings to 23rd December 7.45 pm  – 9.30 pm.  Presentation followed by tea and small group discussion, all welcome.

Carols and Seasonal Favourites by Benjamin Britten and Peter Warlock in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church on Wed. 17th Dec. at 8pm Full Choir, Soloist, Harp & Organ. Poster in Church.

Santa Clause at Turners Cross Community Centre Saturday 13th of Dec. at 11.00am. All welcome.

Youth 2000 Ireland Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College, from Fri. 12th to Sun. 14th Dec. Young people from across Ireland (aged 16-35) at this donation only event, newcomers very welcome.   A great opportunity to find out what your faith is all about in a friendly, chilled out atmosphere.  Free buses. Online booking necessary, see www.youth2000.ie <http://www.youth2000.ie/>  or phone 01 6753690.

‘Mass for Life’ St Mary’s, Pope’s Quay, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Monday, Dec 8th @7:30pm. Followed by a Pro-life Christmas Party. All welcome’.

Alzheimer Society Saturday Club, Christmas Carols with  Monkstown Chamber Choir  Sat. 13th   Dec. 2pm  at Bessboro Day Care Centre.  Exhibition of Art Works Produced by Clients of the Day Care Centre.     All Welcome  Contact 021 4972504

Christmas Fundraising Night in aid of Friends of the Residents of St. Finbarr’s Hospital & The Alzheimer’s Cafe  in Nemo Rangers. Fri. 12th Dec.  Music by Rainbow.  Light Supper served  Tickers €10.  Support appreciated.