4th Sunday of Advent

Sunday, 20th December 2009

Sunday 20th December 2009

4th Sunday of Advent

First Reading Micah 5: 1-4
Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over Israel.

Second Reading Hebrews 10: 5-10
Here I am! I am coming to obey your will.

Gospel Luke 1: 39-44
Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?

 

ADVENT

Throughout Advent we have heard many names in the Gospels, such as Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Mary. The gospels hold significant meaning for us today as they did for the First Christians. Jean Danielou wrote “Since the coming of Christ goes on forever, he is always he who is to come in the world and in the church there is always an Advent going on.”

We are the people of Advent, for Advent is now and not just back then. Therefore we can see all the characters of the Advent that was “then” in our Advent which is “now”. Where in our lives is John the Baptist, provoking us to become aware of new things happening in our lives? Where is Zachariah in our lives, not immediately open to what is so new, so hard to understand? Where is Elizabeth so ready, through the wisdom of living, to appreciate the coming of the Lord? Where is Joseph, so gracious when all was so strange? And where is Mary in us, trusting in the providence given to her, welcoming the word in her heart? For, where we find Mary in ourselves, there we find Christ being born in our souls.

This Christmas may we make the gospels present in our own lives let the brightness of our wreath reflect the glory of the coming of Jesus Christ.

 

 

LAUREL LODGE

on Tues. 22nd Dec at 2.30 p.m.

All are welcome to celebrate the Christmas Season
in prayer and song with our Senior Citizens

LONGFORD PRAYER GROUP

Mass for Christmas this Monday evening at 8.00pm in St. Joseph’s Hospital Chapel. All are most welcome.

 

PARISH GIVING - During these weeks, new boxes of envelopes for the various Parish Collections are being distributed to the homes of our Parish.
We are very grateful to you for your continued generous support which enables us to sustain the life of the parish, maintain its buildings and meet the many expenses a parish of this size carries.

Thank you to all who helped in the task of distributing approximately 2,500 boxes. We also thank our team of weekly counters.

In recent years we have been able to claim significant funds through the Tax Relief Scheme for Charities. Your use of the envelopes is important for us in the tasks of recording contributions which in turn enables us to claim this Tax Relief.

Therefore we would encourage you to use the envelopes for your contributions. It is also helpful to us if you write the amount of your contribution in the space provided.

As our Parish continues to grow, please understand that mistakes and omissions will inevitably happen. If you have not received your new envelopes by the end of December, extra boxes are available at the Presbytery. Thank You.

PARISH REVIEW

The Parish newspaper are available in the porches of the Churches this weekend. You are invited to take one home and to read of the good work undertaken by so many in our parish community. Thank you to all who were associated with the production and to all who helped in any way.

CHRISTMAS BINGO

in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul in the Temperance Hall on Sunday, 20th December. at 8.30 p.m. Extra prizes on the night. Please support.

 

 

CO. LONGFORD VEC - Family Learning Scheme.

If you wish to improve your reading, writing, spelling or other skills in a supportive, friendly atmosphere contact Grainne or Angela on 043 3345609. Programmes are free and start in January 2010.

 

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE SCHEME

OPEN FOR FLOOD CLAIMS

Details of the Government’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for those households affected by floods was published recently.

The scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to eligible households who have suffered major flood damage to their homes. It is particularly intended to assist those households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following the flooding. What is covered by the Scheme:

Application forms and further info on the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available at www.welfare.ie and the Community Welfare Service.

 

GREAT IRELAND SANTA FUN RUN

Run or walk 3 miles on 20th Dec. at 2.15 pm for local charities! Each participant receives a 5-piece Santa suit and a participant’s medal. Entry: Adults €20, children U10 €10 (includes Santa suit and medal). Wheelchairs/buggies also welcome.

 

 

LONGFORD CHRISTMAS DAY GOAL MILE

The Longford GOAL Mile will take place on Christmas day at 12 noon from Connolly Barracks. Longford Roses, Lisa Duffy and Gráinne Fox, as well as Sean Prunty, Alan Kirby, Michael Lee and a host of other sporting stars would love you to join them in making Christmas really special for the poorest of the poor in the developing world. Even if you can't run, pick up a sponsorship card at Fuchsia, Matt O Brien’s or Billy the Barber. Please do join us, walk, run or jog and remember every single cent does make a difference.

 

 

Please pray for our departed parishioners:

Brendan McCarthy, Boyle & formerly Kennedy Parade

Maisie Farrell, Newtownforbes & formerly Teffia Park

Bridie Ghee, Lisduff