Please pray for Our Sick : Ellen Blair, Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, Michael Ritchie, Neil Boyle, John Rielly Molly Strang, James Clark, Fr. Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Henderson, Joanna Maier (Connecticut USA), Therese Gilgunn Tressy Callaghan, Suzanne McMurray, Mary Coyle,Lesley Watson (Spain) Maureen McHugh, Margaret Burke, Marie White, Kathleen Daly, John McGuire, Jill Brown, Karen Pritchatt, Louise Newton, Faith Lyndsey, Jill Brown, Marie McGuire, James Morton, Paul Kearney, Thomas Daly, Andrew McCluskey, Premature Baby Vincent McDowell, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany), Mary Mearns, and all our sick.

If you wish to get your loved ones who have died to be remembered at my Masses on Christmas Day, please hand their names in an envelope with Christmas Remembrance written on it. If you wish you can put a donation inside. If you could hand them in by Tuesday Evening Thank you.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final week of preparation before Christmas, focusing on Mary and Joseph as they await Jesus' birth, with readings often highlighting the Annunciation (angel Gabriel visiting Mary) or Mary's visit to Elizabeth (the Visitation). It's a time for themes of love, promise, and God's fulfillment, with the lighting of the fourth Advent candle symbolizing these themes, sometimes called the "Angel's Candle" or Candle of Love, as we anticipate Emmanuel, "God with us". Key Themes & Readings Focus on Mary & Joseph: Readings often center on Mary's "yes" to God (Magnificat) or Joseph's faith in accepting Mary's pregnancy as God's will. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah's prophecy of a virgin conceiving (Immanuel/Emmanuel) is a common reading, showing God keeping His promises. Love & Trust: The readings emphasize trusting God's plan, even when difficult, and celebrating His love. Symbols & Traditions Candles: The final purple candle (or sometimes a rose/pink one) is lit, often representing Love, Peace, or the Angel. Magnificat: Mary's song of praise from Luke 1:46-55 is frequently featured, celebrating God's mercy. What to Expect Masses on this Sunday feel very close to Christmas, preparing for the Nativity. Prayers focus on God's coming power and grace to help us live faithfully. In essence, the Fourth Sunday of Advent brings the Advent journey to its culmination, drawing us closer to the miracle of Christ's birth through stories of faith, obedience, and divine love.

22nd to 28th December Monday & Tuesday 22nd & 23rd Mass 10am Confessions: 9.15am to 9.50 After 10am Mass 6pm - 7pm  Christmas Eve 24th December 10am Funeral Mass Nelly Reid Masses 4pm & 7pm Christmas Day 25th December Mass 11am Boxing Day 26th December No Mass Saturday & Sunday Normal Programme

Our Recently Dead Nelly Reid, Veronica Wood, Laureen Leehy, Tom McLeish Month Minds & Anniversaries John Warnock, Jim & Annie Davies, Pat Higgins Please if you could make sure all month minds and anniversaries are handed in no later than Wednesday Night. If they come in after that they will be read out at Mass on Sunday. If the recently dead come in after the Wednesday deadline they too will be read out at Mass on the Sunday

We are looking for people to help clean the Church on Tuesday 23rd December after the 10am Mass. There will be tea coffee and mince pies in the chapel house afterwards.

The third week of Advent, marked by the third Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time of Joy, a break from the purple penitential colour with a pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle) lit to signify rejoicing that Christ's coming is near, focusing on themes of happiness, God's salvation, and being ready to welcome the Messiah, often featuring readings about John the Baptist preparing the way. Key Aspects of the Third Week: Theme: Joy (Gaudete): "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, signaling a shift from the solemnity of earlier weeks to joyful anticipation. Candle Colour: Instead of purple, the third candle on the Advent wreath is pink (rose), symbolizing this joy. Vestment Colour: Instead of purple the priest can wear a rose coloured vestment. Fr. Frank got a rose coloured vestment for his 60th Birthday and Anniversary & he will be wearing it this weekend Figural Focus: John the Baptist is a central figure, encouraging practical preparation and a joyful heart for the coming Messiah. Scriptural Focus: Readings emphasize rejoicing in the Lord, God's deliverance, and the happiness of salvation. Meaning: It's a reminder to find happiness and be awake to God's presence as Christmas approaches.

If you wish to get your loved ones who have died to be remembered at my Masses on Christmas Day, please hand their names in an envelope with Christmas Remembrance written on it. If you wish you can put a donation inside.  Thank you

If you wish to sign up for Gift Aid. It is a great way to help the parish financially, costing you absolutely nothing. If you wish to sign up contact myself or Doreen Lee and we will give you the form and hand it back as you can and we can get it organised. As I said it costs you nothing, but helps the parish so much.