Gaudete Sunday: We light the pink candle of the Advent Wreath on the third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is called Gaudete, the Latin for “Rejoice,” the first word of the Entrance Antiphon today: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”
The Jesse Tree Symbols for the Third Sunday of Advent
The seventh symbol. The prophet Nehemiah urges the chosen people to change their ways and return to God. On the ornament for today, we see a wall reminding us of the wall that was rebuilt around Jerusalem.
The eighth symbol. John the Baptist proclaims the coming of a new saviour and renewed life for all through the repentance of sins. The ornament today features a scallop shell, a traditional symbol of baptism.
The ninth symbol. The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will be the mother of our saviour, Jesus. The white lily on today’s ornament symbolizes new life and resurrection – hope for the future.
Infant Jesus Sunday: Families are invited to bring their crib figure of the Infant Jesus to Mass this weekend for blessing. After the blessing you are asked to take your figure home and gift wrap it so that on Christmas morning it is the first gift the family open for Christmas, and is then placed in your family crib.
Giving Sunday: Traditionally this third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) is when Santa will help our local St. Vincent de Paul Society. Our Santa’s Giving Tree is in place. This year instead of toys, we request non-perishable foods to help struggling families. Any of the following items – tea, coffee, sugar, Tayto, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits, soup, may be placed at the Santa Tree in the Church (no toys). The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will collect them after the Masses.
Society of St Vincent de Paul: This weekend the second collection at all Masses is the Christmas Collection for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, giving us all an opportunity to contribute financially to the support of those in need in our locality this Christmas. The Society thanks you for your continuing generosity and wishes a happy and holy Christmas to all.
Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts are available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of December.
Altar Decoration for Christmas: If you would to give a Red Poinsettia plant to decorate the Altar for Christmas, it would be much appreciated
Christmas Penitential Services: Next weekend 17th and 18th December after 6pm vigil, 10am & 12 noon Masses. A number of priests will be available for Confessions as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. God knows that deep down in our hearts we want to turn more fully 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.
Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm & 10.00 pm. Christmas Day: 9.00 am, 10.00 am and 12.00 noon (note extra Masses at 10.00 pm and 9.00 am)
The Parish Assembly: meeting this Monday 12th December in the Parish Centre at 8.00 pm.
Christmas Coffee Morning: Tuesday 12th December after the 10.00 am Mass the Parish Assembly invites us to tea or coffee with Christmas mince pies in the Parish Centre. All welcome.
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.
Deaths. We remember in our prayers Thomas (Tommy) Marrett, late of Friar’s Road and Eileen Hayes, Capwell Road, who died recently and we extend our sympathy to their families.
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards are available in the Parish Office after Masses this weekend. The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23rd, 24th, and 25th December.
Training for Parish Catechists The two year training for the Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis, will begin in Cork in January 2017. Information and registration forms are available from the Pastoral Development Office tel: 021 4537601 and must be returned by 10th January. Also open to those wishing to enhance their understanding of the Catholic faith.
FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN PREPARING FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
Learning about the Mass with Kath and Qumen
WHO DOES WHAT AT MASS (2)?
At every Mass you will notice that some members of the assembly have different jobs. We call these jobs ‘ministries’. Let’s look at some of them:
The Collectors:
The people who collect our gift of money during Mass.
The Minister of the Eucharist:
The person who helps to give out communion at Mass. They sometimes bring communion to those who are unable to come to Mass because they are sick.
Music:
Many parishes have choirs – groups of people who sing at Mass. Their singing helps the whole assembly to pray and we are all encouraged to join with the choir. Some parishes may have people who lead the assembly in singing. These are called cantors.