Sunday, 6th December 2009

Sunday Sunday of Advent.

Sunday, 6th December, 2009

Second Sunday of Advent

First Reading Baruch 5: 1-9
God will guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory.

Second Reading Philippians 1: 3-6
We are to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Gospel Luke 3: 1-6
John the Baptist preaches repentance to prepare for the coming of Christ.

 

Repent and Prepare for the Promise

“Prepare the Way of the Lord”. John’s (perhaps Jesus’ cousin) ministry beckons people out to the shores of the Jordan in flocks. He preaches a baptism of repentance. He offers a flowing forgiveness for sins. The odd, demanding prophet quotes Isaiah as his foundation. Luke’s gospel places John in the center of regional political power struggles. The Jewish historian, Josephus, also identifies John as the truth teller, who challenges King Herod’s rule. John jumps directly into the rocky, murky Jordan, to announce the future Lord. He stands on the ancient rocks and offers fresh cleansing waters to prepare for the promised one. He converts the cleaning ritual into a public bath, available for all, in full view of Herod’s corrupt system of governance.

The Jordan seems a mild meandering little stream, compared to the great rivers of the world. For America’s African slaves who escaped across the Ohio River to freedom, the size and power of the Jordan River was massive as a metaphor of promise. For all who remember their baptismal covenant, the promises may be recalled. Promises of actual freedom.

Freedom may take many aspects. There may be literal freedom from harm, from slavery, or slave wages, addictions, harmful relationships, freedom from the anxiety of fear, disease, or bondage in prison or to systems, all of which are offered release, or easing within the promises of John’s call.

The time is right to examine and decide to cast out, off, wash away, or commit expectantly to some newness. Does John know that Jesus awaits his baptism too? We do not know; but we do know that he did arrive in the river, for just that same ritual. Changed himself, Jesus could enter new ministry. Where is our new ministry calling us?

Advent Programme 2009

Dec. 5th Many Nations - One People International Mass 7.30 p.m.
Dec. 12th Youth Mass 7.30 p.m.
Dec. 13th A Christmas Choral Celebration County Choir 8.00 p.m.
Dec. 20th Service of Reconciliation 5.00 p.m.

 

FEAST OF THE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF OUR LADY

Tuesday . 8th Dec. 2009 - Mass Times will be as follows:

St. Mel’s Cathedral:

Monday, 7th Dec. Vigil 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 8th Dec. 8.00 a.m. & 10.00 a.m. 1.00 pm & 7.30 pm

Please Note: There will be no 11.30 a.m. Mass in the Cathedral and no Mass in Curry or Shroid.

Killashee:

Tuesday, 8th Dec. 8.00 p.m.

Please Note: There will be no Mass in Clondra

 

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it know that anyone who fled to they protection, implored they help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in they mercy hear and answer them, through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

STATION MASSES – It is a wonderful honour and privilege to have the celebration of the Eucharist in your home. If you feel you would like to host the Station Mass in your area please contact the priest of your area to make arrangements.

 

LONGFORD COUNTY CHOIR – The annual Christmas Celebration Concert of Longford County Choir with orchestra and soloists will take place in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday, 13th Dec at 8.00 p.m. sharp. This year all proceeds from the concert will be donated to two local Longford charities: St. Vincent de Paul & Longford Hospice Homecare. Tickets are €10 and can be obtained from any choir member or at the Cathedral on the day – family rates negotiable. Please spread the word.

 

LONGFORD PRAYER GROUP – Monthly Mass takes place this Monday evening at 8.00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Hospital. All are most welcome to this time of prayer and song.

 

GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH MOVEMENT now meets every Tuesday 7.30 p.m. in the Family Centre behind the Cathedral. Contact 057-9351124.

 

PIONEER NEWS - Art work, Essays and Poetry by Young Pioneers will be on exhibition in the Cathedral from Saturday 5th to Tuesday 8th December, inclusive. Well worth a visit.

 

 

LONGFORD WOMEN’S LINK DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES & LONGFORD COUNTY LIBRARY warmly welcomes you to the launch of We Can Break the Silence. Launch by Bishop Colm O’Reilly on Mon. 7th Dec. at 6.00 p.m. in Longford County Library, Town Centre.

 

LONGFORD FLOWER CLUB - Annual Gala on Tues. 8th Dec. at 8.00 p.m.at Backstage Theatre. Proceeds in aid of local charities. Demonstrator for the evening is the award winning Joan Lockhart. Tickets € 25 (including supper), booking at Backstage Theatre 043 33 47888.

 

COUNTY LONGFORD SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL will hold their annual Church Gate Collection in Longford, Shroid and Curry on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th Dec. ’09. Proceeds to Meals On Wheel /Transport. Your support would be very much appreciated.

 

LONGFORD LIONS COLLECTIONS - Members of Longford Lions club will be carrying out their annual collections in the coming weeks. On weekend of 18th & 19th Dec. the St Vincent de Paul/Lions Food Appeal will take place at SuperValu and Tesco. We urge the people of Longford and surrounding areas to support the Lions Club Members in their efforts to help local deserving charities particularly in these difficult times. Please watch out for and be as generous as possible.

 

CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE AND MICRO BUSINESS SEMINAR 2009 will take place on Saturday, 12th Dec 2009 in the Temperance Hall, Longford Town. Showcase: 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Micro Business Seminar at 2.00 p.m.

 

GREAT IRELAND SANTA FUN RUN – Spread the Christmas cheer and make a valuable contribution to local charities St. Christopher’s and St. Vincent de Paul. Run or walk 3 miles on 20th December 2009 at 2.00 p.m. for a good clause! Each Santa receives a 5-piece Santa suit and a participant’s medal. Entry: Adults €20, children U10 €10 (includes Santa suit and medal) Wheelchairs/buggies welcome. Entry strictly limited to 400. Entry closes on 17th Dec.) Entry hotlines: 086 3636593, 087 2683650, 086 8118550 or www.savvysportsmgt.com.

 

CAROL SERVICE IN LAUREL LODGE on Tues. 22nd December at 2.30 p.m.. All are welcome to celebrate the Christmas Season in prayer and song with our Senior Citizens.

 

We welcomed the following children

into our Christian Community:

Brooke Dowd Beirne, Park Villas

Skye Donnelly, Cloncoose

Dearbhla Gannon, Abbeycartron

Olivier Kowtica, Dun Bhrian, Glack

 

NEWSLETTER ON-LINE

at www.mylocalnews.ie & click on Longford (Town).