 Young Church – Thoughts for our young people
Mark 1:1-8 (Today’s Gospel)
Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, helps us prepare today. What was John’s message? What did he do? How was he dressed? What did he eat?
Activity: Draw a picture of what you think John looked like!
Questions people ask
Q. Could you please explain for me the connection between St Nicholas and Santa Claus.
A. Klaus is an abbreviated form of Nicholas in German and Santa is a corruption of Sancta, meaning saintly. So, Santa Claus literally means Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was a bishop in Turkey in the fourth century, renowned for his generosity to the poor. One legend relates that he paid the dowry for three girls who were being sold by their father. The custom grew of giving sweets to children on his feast. The sweets eventually became toys. This custom was later linked with Christmas, when we celebrate the generosity of God in giving his Son as the dowry for our redemption. Nicholas’ feast is celebrated on 6 December.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Feast days
Tue 6th: St Nicholas. A third century Bishop whose legendary generosity inspired the Santa Claus tradition!
Wed 7th: St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. A fourth century catechumen, who was later made Bishop of Milan. Famous as a theologian and preacher, he received St Augustine into the church.
Thur 8th: The Immaculate Conception of the BVM. Today we celebrate Mary, preserved free from sin from the first moment of her existence ‘by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God’.
Fri 9th: St Juan Diego Cuahtlatoatzin. A sixteenth century saint, associated with the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Guadalupe.
Pope Prayer Intentions For December
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention is: "That an ever deeper understanding be spread of the dignity of men and women according to the Creator's plan."
Mission intention: "That, on earth, search for God and thirst for truth may lead every human being to meet the Lord."
St. Vincent De Paul – Advance note
Next weekend 10/11th the special collection will be taken up in aid of the St Vincent de Paul society. This collection replaces the usual Share Collection.
This is the main source of funding for the society.
Joy Sunday/ Toy Sunday
Next weekend (10/11th) December. An appeal is made to all especially the young to donate new or even good quality toys that could be shared with children who otherwise would have nothing this Christmas.
Immaculate Conception – Thursday 8th
We celebrate Our Lady’s special place in God’s plan for our salvation. Because she was to become the mother of the Son of God she was conceived free from sin. Thursday 8th is a holy day of obligation.
Mass times: (Wed 6.30pm)Thursday: 9.00; 10.30; 11.30 & 6.30pm.
Plenary Indulgence For Immaculate Conception
According to a decree made public, Benedict XVI will grant the faithful a Plenary Indulgence for the upcoming Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2005).
"December 8th marks 40 years since Pope Paul VI, in closing Vatican Council II dedicated great praise to the Virgin who, as Mother of Christ, is Mother of God and spiritual Mother to us all.
"On this Solemnity, the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, when he renders public homage of praise to Mary Immaculate, has the heartfelt desire that the entire Church should join with him, so that all the faithful, united in the name of the common Mother, become ever stronger in the faith, adhere with greater devotion to Christ, and love their brothers with more fervent charity. From here - as Vatican Council II very wisely taught - arise works of mercy towards the needy, observance of justice, and the defense of and search for peace."
For this reason, the decree continues, the Holy Father "has kindly granted the gift of Plenary Indulgence which may be obtained under the usual conditions (sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer in keeping with the intentions of the Pope), with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin, on the forthcoming Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, by the faithful if they participate in a sacred function in honor of the Virgin, or at least offer open testimony of Marian devotion before an image of Mary Immaculate exposed for public veneration, adding the recitation of the Our Father and of the Creed, and some invocation to the Virgin."
The document concludes by recalling that faithful who "through illness or other just cause," are unable to participate in a public ceremony or to venerate an image of the Virgin, "may obtain a Plenary Indulgence in their own homes, or wherever they may be, if, with the soul completely removed from any form of sin, and with the intention of observing the aforesaid conditions as soon as possible, they unite themselves in spirit and in desire to the Supreme Pontiff's intentions in prayer to Mary Immaculate, and recite the Our Father and the Creed."
Navan Road Retreat – Sun 11th
The Bus leaves St. Matthew’s Church next Sunday at 10.15am for the day’s retreat in “Daughters of Charity”, Navan Rd.
Advent Meditations - How to actually meditate
Each Monday from 8.15 – 9.15 in the Council Room with Fr. Roy; a way to get ready for Christmas. All welcome.
House Prayer Groups for Advent
Again our thanks to all those who have agreed to host the prayer groups throughout the parish. Reflection sheets will be available each week at the back of the church.
Sale of Work – in aid of the Parish Centre
In the parish centre next Saturday and Sunday all day. Plants and many other items of interest including raffle tickets with fantastic prizes available.
Tickets “5 for a Euro”. Great value!
Please pray for those who have died
 Maureen Griffiths, Gurteen Ave
Ann O Keeffe, Ballyfermot Rd
Catherine Maher, Claddagh Rd
Tom Burke, Oranmore Rd
Robert Mulligan, Croftwood Dr
Sarah Woodlock nee O Connor, Spiddal
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun: (Sat 6.30:) Mary Hannon
9.00 The people of the parish
10.30 William Talbot
11.00 Susan & Alan Kearney
12.30 Christina Mitchell
6.30 James Brien
Mon: Henry Goff/ Eddie Cleary
Tue: Kathleen & John McKeon/ Patrick & Sheila Barnes
Wed: Joe Dineen/ Mary Carroll
Thurs 9.00 Vincent Ward/ 10.30 Free/ 11.30 Philip & Catherine McNevin/ 6.30 Matt Carpenter
Fri Maureen & Carmel Fallon/ John McMahon
Sat: Eddie O Brien & Billy French/ Mary & Susan Brennan
Next Sun 11th: 9.00 John Dooley; 10.30 Pro Populo; 11.30 Henry Nolan; 12.30 Michael & Ann Keogh; 6.30 Thomas Carthy.
May they rest in peace
 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Continues on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10.30 – 9pm. Remember to sign the book, even if it’s for a short time that you are there. Remember to use the side door near Blackditch Rd.
Website of the Week:
www.thegoodnews.co.uk
Cross-section of Christian news, features and events from Ireland and the UK.
|
