Sunday, 30th November 2008

1st Sunday of Advent

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Rev John Doherty PP Tel: 028 7188 2274
Rev Paul Farren Tel: 028 7188 3247

The Significance of Advent

Once again the season of Advent is upon us. You will notice that our Advent candles and wreath are placed in a prominent position in the sanctuary. What is the significance of the candles and the wreath?

Advent is a word which means ‘coming’. It refers, of course, to the coming of Jesus Christ, and Jesus has two comings – he came on the first Christmas Day, and he will come in glory at the end of the world. Advent is a time of looking forward in hope – we look forward to the birthday of Jesus on Christmas Day, and we also look forward to the end of the world.

There are five candles on the Advent stand. One is lighted today, another next Sunday, and so on until Christmas when the white candle is lit. Three of the first four are purple or violet, and that is a sign of the spirit of penance which marks the Advent season. The one to be lit on the third Sunday of Advent is a rose colour, which is a sign of joy. That particular Sunday is called “Gaudette Sunday” from the opening words of the Mass, “Rejoice in the Lord always”.

As we begin our material preparations for Christmas by shopping, decorating the house, baking, writing cards and so on, the Advent wreath is an excellent way of bringing to our minds the true meaning of Christmas. The wreath is in the shape of a circle, and a circle has no beginning and no end. God is like that. He is eternal, he has no beginning and he has no end, and he loves us with an everlasting love. And he showed that love by sending his Son Jesus Christ to save us.

Of course, the lighting of the candles is very significant too. Jesus is the light of the world, and he asks you and me to light up the darkness around us by being good, honest, generous, decent people. He invites us to be people of faith, people of courage, people of love, people of hope.

We wish you all a happy and meaningful season of Advent.

Last week’s Collection was £1,922.00. Many thanks.

Retired Priests’ Collection

The Priests’ Retirement Collection amounted to £1355.00. Again, many thanks.

Owen Roe O’Neill’s G.A.C.

For club notes please refer to the poster on the notice-board at the back of the church.

The following are asked to assist as collectors and church cleaners during the month of December:

SACRED HEART CHURCH:
Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Brian Edwards and Declan Carlin.

Sunday 11.30am:-
Stephen Barrett, Terry McCallion and Patsy McNulty.

Cleaners: Team A

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:
Collectors:
Leon Farrell.

Altar Society & Cleaners:
Geraldine Devine, Laura Devine and Terina Devine.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN
Collectors:
Sean McShane and Domnhaill McShane.

Altar Society:
Marie Bradley and Donna Doherty.

Our thanks are due to all who served the parish in any way during the month of November.

First Anniversary Mass

The first anniversary Mass for the late Jim McCay, Station Road, will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor on Thursday 4th December at 7.30pm.

Padre Pio Devotions

Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday 3rd December with Rosary commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Presentation of Pioneer Pins

Pioneer pins will be presented after the 7.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor on Thursday 4th December.

Parish Savings Scheme

Our savers will be glad to know that their cheques are now available. We are very grateful to those dedicated promoters who have collected the savings, to our Savings Committee, and, of course, to all those who have saved with us. We would ask you to confirm with your promoter that you will again be saving with us next year.

Precious Life

Pro-Life Candle-light Rosary Procession will take place in Derry on Sunday
7th December, assembling at the Guildhall at 4.30pm. You are invited to carry a ‘Light for Life’ and pray for the protection of Ireland’s unborn children from abortion. Candles will be supplied.

West Side Story in St. Patrick’s Hall, commencing Sunday 30th November – Sunday 7th December. Tel [028] 71882483.