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Matthew's Parish Notes |
Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, 1st January, 2006
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Questions People Ask
Q. What is the meaning of the gold, frankincense and myrrh, the gifts brought by the magi?
A. These may be regarded as items used in the pagan religions which are now handed over to Jesus as the one, true Lord. Gold is in recognition of Jesus as king. Incense sends up clouds of fragrance as a symbol of prayer, hence it signifies the divinity of Jesus. Myrrh is a costly ointment used in ceremonies of consecration, or for weddings or embalming the dead. Offered to Jesus, it signifies the wedding of heaven and earth, or Jesus the Anointed One, or his saving death.
Fr Silvester O'Flynn OFM Cap
Reflection on Feast of Mary, Mother of God
There is a beautiful, little story about a long, tedious train journey, one Christmas day, made by some elderly residents of a nursing home who were on their way to a vacation spot. They felt tired, bored and sleepy. At one station, a young mother with a two year old child entered that compartment of the train. The child smiled at all the grim faces around him and began moving from one lap to another talking, shouting with joy and chatting with every one of the elderly folk in his baby language. Instantly, the grim and silent atmosphere in the train was changed to one of joy and happiness. Today we remember with joy and gratitude, how Mary and her Divine Son Jesus transformed a hopeless, joyless and sinful world into a place of joy and happiness. No wonder why the Church celebrates the feast of Mary the mother of Jesus during this Christmas season when the image of the Most Holy Virgin Mary with her Child comes readily to our mind.
Christmas Dues
Thanks for your generosity over the Christmas time. In particular we wish to thank you who contributed so generously through the Christmas Dues. (This goes towards the support of the priests of St. Matthew’s as well as all the other priests of the diocese).
Feast days this week
Mon 2nd: Sts Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church. St Basil lived in the fourth century and was Bishop of Caesarea. St Gregory, who also lived at the same time, was a hermit before becoming Bishop of Constantinople.
Tues 3rd: The Holy Name of Jesus. This feast-day was restored to the calendar in 2002. Also St Munchin, patron saint of Limerick.
Fri 6th: The Epiphany Of The Lord. Today the Church celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah, Son of God and Saviour of the world.
Sat 7th: St Raymond of Penyafort (1175-1275), a Dominican saint, teacher of the faith and Archbishop of Tarragona.
New Year’s Resolutions
How about becoming a volunteer! Church involvement? Visit the old? Don’t give up after the first failure. Keep on trying.
New Year’s Resolution joke
Someone once said…”I made 6 resolutions last year and I kept them all year long: they are in an envelope on the top of my wardrobe.”
Website of the week - www.catholicjustice.ie
Epiphany Gifts
Ideas for unwanted gifts. For your information, please find below contact information for organisations that have expressed their willingness to accept gifts in this way. A Selection of Organisations: Simon Community 6711606; St. Vincent De Paul 8198425; The Bubblegum Club 6641799; ISPCC 6447717; Tallaght Children’s Hospital 4142179; Chernobyl Children Cork (021)4312999; Barnardos 4530355; Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin 4096308 (the hospital can only take new presents still in wrapping).
Please pray for those recently deceased
 Joan Sexton, formerly Blackditch Rd
Joseph Walsh, Gurteen Rd
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun: (Sat 6.30:) Kathleen Reddin
9.00 The people of the parish
10.30 Olive Smith
11.00 John McEvoy
12.30 Paddy Ryan
6.30 Charlie Conlon
Mon: McNamara & Trimble Families
Tue: Thomas Conroy/ Finlay & Burke family
Wed: Lily & Michael Lawlor/ Richard Kenny
Thurs: Lynch & Byrne families/ John O Connor
Fri: 9.00 Altar list of the Dead; 10.30 Doyle & Mullen families; 11.30 Seámus & James Russell; 6.30 Altar list of the Dead
Sat: Lily Morris/ Thomas Ritchie
Next Sun 8th: 9.00 Charles & Mary Venables; 10.30 Maureen Dempsey; 11.30 Patrick & Sophie Keane; 12.30 Patrick Lawlor; 6.30 Pro Populo.
May they rest in peace.
2006 Calendars
Are available on the tables to be taken away! They are at all exits from the church.Altar servers
Meeting on Tuesday @ 6.45. New servers very welcome.
Do This in memory of me – 1st Holy Communion
Reminder of the monthly Mass. January 15th @ 12.30.
 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. Please use the side door near Blackditch Rd.
Monday 2nd – Bank Holiday
10.00 am Mass only. No evening mass. Counters note count will take place on Tuesday instead.
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