Advent:  This weekend marks the beginning of the Church’s year and the beginning of the season of Advent as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child at Christmas.  We look forward to the celebration of God made man, of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
In this parish we begin with our “Advent Mini Retreat” on Wednesday evening in St Finbarr’s Hospital Chapel at 7.30 pm..  We pray that this evening of prayer and reflection will be a source of grace for all in the parish and indeed in the wider community.
Jesus tells us in today’s gospel to be alert, to be ready for his coming at a time we do not expect.  St Paul tells us that the Day of the Lord is near at hand, and we live as it were in the dawn of that day.  We are children of the day, of the light and not of darkness, and are called to live accordingly.  This is an opportune time for new beginnings as we prepare for Christmas and renew our commitment to a life of Christian service to others, a time to enter into the joy of the Lord.

Advent Mini Retreat: There will be an evening of Prayer & Reflection in the Chapel of St.Finbarr’s Hospital on Wednesday next 30th November at 7.30pm for Parishioners and all those all who serve and help in our Parish.  Fr. Mike Carroll, retired Pastor of St Theresa of Avila Parish, Auburn, California, and now living in Turner’s Cross, will guide us through the evening.

The Advent Wreath
There are five candles on the wreath, reminding us of the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas. Three are purple, one is pink and one white. The first is  a symbol of HOPE, the second of FAITH, the third candle is pink and is lit on “Gaudete Sunday” and is a symbol of JOY, the fourth candle is  a symbol of  PEACE and the fifth (white) candle symbolises CHRIST and is lit at Christmas as we welcome the Christ Child.

The Jesse Tree Symbols for the First Sunday of Advent
The first symbol is a dove, recalling the peace and harmony of creation as God intended.
The second symbol is an apple, representing original sin. Christ is called the new Adam who ushered in a new creation, forgiving sin and restoring humanity to God’s grace.
The third symbol of the ark reminds us that although God was displeased with the wickedness of the men and women he had created, he also sees the best in us and renews his covenant with us through forgiveness and mercy.

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament: after 10.00 am Mass to 11.00 am on Wednesdays of Advent.

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent:  Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) after 10.00 am Mass on each Friday of Advent.

Anointing of the Sick on Saturday next 3rd December after the ten o’clock Mass.

Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of December.   You can buy a gift and get the card to send or give to a friend.

Deaths: We remember in our prayers Kitty Spillane, Ard na Gaoithe, South Douglas Road who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to her family.

Turners Cross Senior Citizen’s Party will be held in Nemo Rangers H&F Club on Sunday, December 4th at 3.00pm.  Please hand in names before Tuesday, November 29th

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards  will be available in the Parish Office after Masses from next weekend   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 Dec.

Ministers of the Word may collect their copy of the 2017 St Paul Sunday Missal from the sacristy. Many thanks.

Christ King Secondary School present A Christmas Celebration in the School Hall, Monday 5th December at 7.30 p.m. in aid of Marymount Hospice. Special guests, Sopranos Fiona O’Reilly, Eimear Collins, Sinead Ni Mhurchu and The Barrack Street Youth Band. Conductor: Shauna McCullough. Master of Ceremonies: Evelyn Grant.  Tickets €10 Available daily at School Reception

East Cork Choral Society, Handel’s Messiah in aid of Marymount Hospice at the Church Of The Real Presence, Curraheen, Sunday November 27th @ 8pm. Tickets from Pro Musica, Marymount Shop and at the door on the night.

Christmas In The Cathedral: Liam Lawton in concert Thursday 8th December at 8.00 pm.  Tickets €20 from Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street, Nolan Butchers, Shandon Street, Cathedral Presbytery 021 4304325, Cathedral Sacristy 021 4210717.

Christmas Market in Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane on Sunday 4th December from 2pm to 6pm.  A great family day out and all welcome. €2 per adult and no charge for children. Local crafts, confectionery, Santa, a lucky dip and much more.

Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its next monthly Parent Evening on Wednesday 7th of December from 19:30 to 21:00 in Brú Columbanus, Cardinal Way, Wilton, Cork. This event is open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether the death was recent or not.

Advent Retreat: Saturday 3rd Dec 10am to 4pm Sisters of Bon Secours Convent, College Road, Cork, with Fr Damian Polly OP. Donation only. Booking essential. Contact Anne-Marie Whelan at eavopost@gmail.com or 0872209994

Blarney GAA Christmas Craft Fair at the Blarney GAA Pavillion. On Saturday December 10th from 12.00 noon  to 6.00 pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome.