Lighting the 4th Candle of 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 Christ’s 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

Pope Francis on Christmas
This was his message last Sunday afternoon when he visited the parish of Saint Joseph in Rome.   On his arrival, the Pope met with little children, the sick and families with children baptized in the course of the year. The Holy Father then heard the confessions of some penitents. Finally, he celebrated Mass.The Pontiff went on to explain three ways to have joy.     The first, he said, is to pray, noting: “To have this joy in preparation for Christmas, first, pray: ‘Lord, may I live this Christmas with true joy.’ Not with the joy of consumerism which brings us to Dec. 24 full of anguish because ‘ah, I’m lacking this, I’m lacking that …’ No, this isn’t God’s joy. Pray.”     A good confession will bring us forgiveness and joy.
Second, he said, is render thanks to the Lord for the good things he has given us.
Third, he continued, is to think “how I can go to others, to those who have difficulties, problems” and “where I can go to bring some relief, peace to those who suffer.”
The Holy Father concluded by asking Mary to accompany the parishoners and calling them to joy.

CHRISTMAS PENITENTIAL SERVICES
This weekend 20th & 21st  December after 6pm vigil, 10am & 12 noon Masses, a number of priests will be available for Confessions.  We have an 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 and offers us this most wonderful gift, the assurance that no matter how we have failed, his forgiveness is there for us all.

Reconciliation Service
Most of you are familiar with the procedure for this Communal Reconciliation Service, all you need to say to the priest when you approach for Confession is:
“I am sorry for all my sins, especially for . . . .”
Then you tell your own sins simply, in the best way you can, asking for God’s Forgiveness.
Be prepared to leave all your sins with the Lord and promise him that you will try to do better.
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 sin again.   Amen.

Confessions:   Monday & Tuesday after the 10am Mass.   Christmas Eve after 10am Mass and 11.30am to 12.30 pm.

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.

Christmas Mass Times:  Christmas  Eve: 6pm & 10pm.  Christmas Day: 9am, 10am  12noon (note extra Mass at 9am)

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 one collection at each Mass.

Christmas gifts with a difference: You can purchase a Trocaire gift  and get a card to send or give to a friend, available at the back of the Church after Mass.  This Christmas change someone’s world for the better with a Trócaire Gift

Altar Decoration for Christmas: our thanks to all who handed in plants to decorate the Sanctuary

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Christmas Eve after the 10am Mass until 11am

Advent: Public Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church for the fourth Tuesday of Advent will be celebrated on Tuesday 23rd December.  Morning Prayer (Lauds) in the church after 10.00 am Mass, and Evening Prayer (Vespers) will be celebrated at 7.30 pm in the Parish Centre, all are welcome. Biblical reflections on the Gospel Infancy Narratives conclude on Tuesday at 7.45 pm in the Parish Centre.  Presentation, tea and small group discussion, all welcome.

Credit Union:  The Annual General Meeting of Comhar Creidmheasa Chriost Ri Teoranta will be held in Bunscoil Chriost Ri (Convent Hall ) on this Monday 22nd Dec.  at 8.00 pm.