YEAR OF MARK In this Church year, which began last Sunday, we focus on St Mark’s Gospel. 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.
The Jesse Tree Symbols for the Second Sunday of Advent:
The fourth symbol is an ornament depicting the tablets on which the ten commandments were written.
The fifth symbol is a trumpet, reminding us of the rams’ horn trumpets blown before the walls of Jericho when Joshua led the children of Israel to victory.
The sixth symbol is a shepherd’s crook reminding us of David, the Shepherd King, and of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.
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.
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.
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available in the Parish Office after Masses from this weekend The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 December.
Altar Decoration for Christmas: If you would like to give a Red Poinsettia plant to decorate the Altar for Christmas, it would be much appreciated.
Death: We pray for Mary Keneally, Fr. Mathew Road, who died recently. We extend our sympathy to her family.
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 parish this Christmas. The Society thanks you for your continuing generosity and wishes a happy and holy Christmas to all.
Ministers of the Word: Missals for 2018 are in the Sacristy, and some current rotas have not yet been collected.
Next Weekend (Third Sunday of Advent, Joyful Sunday):
Giving Sunday: gifts may be placed at our Santa’s Giving Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary. 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). Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will collect them after the Masses.
Bambinelli Sunday: next Sunday is Infant Jesus Sunday when families are invited to bring their crib figure of the Infant Jesus to Mass for blessing. After the blessing you are asked to take the figure home and gift wrap it so that on Christmas morning it may be the first gift opened and then placed in your family crib.
Christmas Penitential Services will be held after all Masses next weekend 16th and 17th December. 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.
Do this in Memory: meeting with the parent class representatives in the Parish Centre on this Monday 11th Dec at 7.30pm. Next mass on Sunday next 17th December, at 10.00 am.
The Holy Land Pilgrimage October 2018:
If you are interested in traveling with our Parish group give your name to Fr. Kerry 087 2202022, kerrymoc@eircom or to Jack in the Sacristy.
Autumn Dues – Sincere thanks to all those who have contributed already. Envelopes are available at back of the Church if you didn’t have an area collection.
Ministers of the Eucharist & Word : some current rotas have not yet been collected from the Sacristy.
SS Peter & Paul’s Church, Cork City. Handel’s Messiah with Soloists, Choir and Full Orchestra, Saturday 16th December, 2017 at 8.00pm. Tickets €20, in aid of Cork Simon Community and Penny Dinners. Full details on Church Notice Board.