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.

At Christmas this year we will bring to a close the Jubilee Year of 2025, so let us give thanks for the blessings received and the Spirit of Hope renewed. Through Advent that same Hope has been stirred up as we look forward with expectancy to the Celebration of Our Saviour’s Birth, and to the Lord coming again in glory and majesty. The Advent liturgies have called on us to be ready and watching so that we “may inherit the great promise in which now we dare hope”. Yes, we are indeed “Pilgrims of Hope”, and each Christmas is a mile-stone on our earthly pilgrimage and an opportunity to be refreshed and renewed in our personal faith and its practice in the community of the Catholic Church. It was the 1700th Anniversary recently of the Council of Nicea, whose great proclamation of the Christian faith we profess at Sunday Mass. We will do also with special fervour at the Christmas Masses, emphasising in particular the Lord’s Incarnation, his birth at Bethlehem – “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man”. We are a people of faith in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and we are proud to profess it, particularly on Christmas Day. So let us be at Mass to do so! Of course, we need to put our faith into action through our works of charity, our love for our neighbour, and Christmas is a time of generosity and sharing with those we love. Let us try also to extend our kindness to those who are more in need, both locally and further afield, recognising that the Lord asks us to do so in his name and with his compassion and self-giving. The Word did become flesh, and continues to dwell among us through those who show his love.  I wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Christmas, praying especially that the Peace sung of by the Angels at Bethlehem may reign within and among us, and throughout the whole world. May the Lord bless you, your families and friends, and keep you strong in faith, hope, and charity. With my prayers and best wishes Yours in Christ, + Joseph Toal

The birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated at Christmas, is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke as a miraculous event where the Virgin Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and he was born in Bethlehem to Joseph, a descendant of King David, with divine purpose to save humanity. While the exact date is unknown, scholars estimate it was around 6-4 BCE, with December 25 adopted later by the Church, possibly to align with Roman pagan festivals. The Nativity stories emphasize Jesus' humility, divinity, and universal significance, welcoming shepherds and wise men as his first visitors. Biblical Accounts (Matthew & Luke) Divine Conception: Mary was engaged to Joseph but found to be with child by the Holy Spirit, confirmed by an angel to Joseph. Location: Born in Bethlehem, a town in Judea. Parentage: Mother Mary, earthly father Joseph (of David's lineage). Significance: The angel stated he would be named Jesus (Savior) and would be called Emmanuel (God with us). Historical & Dating Context Year: Most scholars place his birth between 6 and 4 BCE, referencing the reign of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BCE. Date: The actual day and season aren't in the Bible; December 25 was chosen centuries later, possibly to coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival, "birthday of the unconquered sun,". Themes & Significance Humility: Born in humble circumstances (a stable/manger). inclusion: Visited first by poor shepherds, symbolizing his message for all people. Divinity: Marks the start of Christianity, with Jesus as the Son of God and promised Messiah.

Our Recently Dead Nelly Reid, Veronica Wood, Laureen Leehy, Mark Roger, Rose Rooney, Melissa Ann O'Hara Month Minds & Anniversaries Tracey Archibald, Jean Hail, Gerard Kane, Sadie & Johnny McGowan 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

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

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.