Parish Office: Mon - Fri 9am– 5pm
Tel: 6472088
Fax: 6476231
Email: stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net
Web: www.stmarysathlone.org
Preparing for Christmas
This Sunday has a special name, Gaudete Sunday. This comes from the first line of the Mass which tells us; ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’. We light the pink candle this week to mark the sense of expectation that this stage of Advent wants to convey.
On Tuesday we move into the final Novena or time of preparation, from December 17th. These final nine days are much more ancient custom even than Advent itself. They were the way the people of the early church focused on the promises of the Old Testament that were filled in the birth of this child, Jesus. They used phrases like: Come O wisdom from above; Come radiant sun; Come, O king of kings.
All this was their way to try to express what it meant to experience the birth of Jesus.
St. Francis did this as well in developing the Christmas Crib. He wanted the people of his time to know just how much the Lord wanted to be apart of their lives. He included animals to express all of Creation honouring who this child was.
We today still have a special place for the crib in our homes; we still are inspired by the simplicity and beauty. Maybe when we take it out once more this year we might use a prayer like this with all the family.
Dear God, thank you for Saint Francis,
For all that he did for us and for animals and birds,
And especially for giving us his special Christmas crib.
A prayer for the Christmas tree:
Lord Jesus; you are the light of the world, may our Christmas tree help us to see the joy that you bring to our lives.
A prayer for putting the gifts under the tree:
Thank you Lord for all the good things you give to us and the love we share with our family and friends. Help us to think off and support those who have no one to give them gifts this year.
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Thank you for your contribution towards the Offertory Collection for Sunday 8th December which amounted to €4,517.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
Gertrude McArdell, England (Sister of Christy O’Connell, Clonbrusk)
Hazel Deward, (nee Sibbald), Athlone
Peter Young, Newtown, Ballymore (Brother in Law of Emily Young, Carrick O Brien)
MONTHS MEMORY MASS
Diarmuid Ryan 7:00 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Peace (Sat 21st)
We welcome into the Christian Community
Lucy Roisin Harney
Who was baptised recently. Congratulations to her parents.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
Please consider committing to a weekly hour of prayer. Adorers needed for Tues 2 a.m., Wed 6 a.m., 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Thurs 4 p.m. & Sat 3 p.m. Please contact 6498755.
CURA:
If you are concerned about an unplanned pregnancy & would you like to talk to someone, in confidence contact Cura. Lo-call 1850 622626. See www.cura.ie for local centre details. All Cura services are free & confidential. Our support service is available to women, men & all family members.
RETURN OF PHOTOS:
If you submitted a photo as part of our photographic exhibition or Jubilee booklet to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, then we invite you to collect your photo in Coosan Sacristy after Mass.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
The Vatican has issued a consultation document entitled ‘Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the context of Evangelization’ by way of preparation for the Synod of the Church next year. Pope Francis, in calling the Synod, asked for the widest possible consultation on the challenges to family life in the modern world. Copies of the consultation document are available at the parish office or you can download the document through the diocesan website, www.ardaghdiocese.com. (follow the link) You can email responses and comments to ardaghdi@iol.ie
CONFESSIONS FOR NATIONAL SCHOOL CHILDREN:
Tuesday 17th December in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church at 6 p.m.
Wednesday 18th December in St. Mary’s Church at 6 p.m.
PARISH RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Monday 23rd December at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church
MAY 2014 CAMINO:
Our Deanery of Clonmacnois plan to lead a 5 day (112km) walking pilgrimage (Camino) to Santiago de Compostela in late May 2014 for all young people (over 18). Book by Dec 22nd. Places will be limited. Contact 086 8319500 or email frtom@ferbaneparish.ie
ATHLONE METHODIST CHURCH CAROL SERVICE:
Will be held on Thursday 19th December at 8 p.m. The collection will be in aid of ‘St. Hilda’s Services’ & the Philippines.
COOSAN ART & DÉCOR GROUP:
A meeting will take place next Tuesday 17th December at 8 p.m. in Coosan Presbytery to plan for the decoration of the church for Christmas. All welcome.
DEAN CROWE THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE:
On Saturday 21st December Dean Crowe Theatre & Arts Centre is opening its doors for its inaugural Christmas Fair from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Also on Saturday a Christmas Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m.
ATHLONE ARTS GROUP:
30th Annual Exhibition will take place in the Luan Gallery on Thursday 19th December. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Launch at 7 p.m. by Aidan Dunne Art Critic with the Irish Times. All welcome.
I.H.C.P.T.:
Bagpack on Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th December in Dunnes Stores, Montree. Bag packers needed. Must be over 18. Contact 087 2735067 if you can help.
ATHLONE SUB AQUA CLUB:
Are holding their annual Christmas Craft Fair in their Clubhouse on this Sunday 15th December from 12-5 p.m. Solve all your Christmas present problems & support local craft workers.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:
Annual Collection & Flag days raised a total of €21,846.01. We would like to thank all our dedicated panel of voluntary collectors & the individual stores which facilitated our collection.
PARISH BINGO:
Special Christmas Bingo will be held on this Sunday 15th December & Sunday 22nd December in St. Mary’s Hall & Dean Crowe Theatre starting at 8 p.m. Over €3,400 in prizes. Plus Christmas spot prizes. €1,000 jackpot must be won. Books €7 & jackpots €4.
COOSAN NATIONAL SCHOOL:
The turning on of Christmas lights at Coosan National School will take place on Sunday 22nd December at 4:30 p.m. Followed by a visit of Santa at Coosan Point at 5 p.m. with fire breathers at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd December
ST. MARY’S
Mon
9:30 James, Kathleen & Padraig McGonigle
Tue
9:30 Patsy Martin
Wed
9:30 May & Gerry Berry
7:30 - - - - - - - -
Thurs
9:30 Christopher & Rose Devaney
7:30 Dec’d members of the O’Donovan Family
Fri
9:30 John Joe Quilty
7:30 Shared Mass:
Patrick McGough
Michael Heavey
Molly, Bill, Frank & Freda Young
Edward Samuels
Christopher Barr
Andy & Mary Smyth
Norman, Rita & Bertie Donoghue
Sat
9:30 Bridget & Kieran Joyce
Sun
10:00 Kieran Henson
11:30 Reserved for Months Memory
12:45 Josephine Daly
6:00 Patrick & Margaret McGovern
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon
7:00 Mary Devins
Tue
7:00 Paul Fogarty
Wed
7:00 John Egan
Thurs
7:00 Dec’d members of Eircom
Fri
7:00 Shared Mass:
Mel & Owen McGerr
Tony Flynn
Edward & Molly Griffin
Michael & Frances Dooley & Mary McGlone
Dan O’Neill
Sat
7:00 Diarmuid Ryan (Months Memory)
Sun
10:30 Madge Roche
12:00 Gerry Holohan Jnr & Gerry Holohan
FRIARY
Weekdays: 8.00 and 10.00 a.m.
Tuesday’s: 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. (St. Anthony’s Novena)
Sundays: 7:30 p.m., (Sat. Vigil) 7:30; 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.