First Sunday of Advent

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS

Advent is waiting for the birth of Jesus,
but it’s a strange waiting;
we are waiting each year for someone we know is here!
We recall in Advent
that the Lord Jesus has come among us,
is present all the time
and will come again in glory.

He is the child, who is born each year,
for the world always needs its God and saviour.
He is the child awaited each year,
for our lives are new each year,
and we need him
in different ways at different stages of life,
and the world has different needs of God
at different times.

We need the child of peace to be born
in our wars and violence,
the child of wisdom
in our search for truth and meaning,
the child of gentleness
in a world which can be harsh and greedy.
We need to know in Jesus
that birth and life
are the most precious gifts of God,
and that in the birth of Jesus each year,
is the everlasting promise of God
to be with us.

And Advent looks ahead,
letting us see that the life of Jesus is never over,
that the truth of Jesus is always spoken,
and that he will one day be seen in glory.
For we are people of Advent and Easter,
of waiting and of resurrection;
we are people of earth and Heaven,
as he is the Son of God and Son of Mary,
and leads us through our life on earth
to the eternal glory of Heaven.

Advent Programme 2009

Nov. 29th Bereavement Ceremony 5.00 pm

Dec. 5th Many Nations - One People International Mass 7.30 pm

Dec. 12th Youth Mass 7.30 pm

Dec. 13th A Christmas Choral Celebration
County Choir 8.00 pm

Dec. 20th Service of Reconciliation 5.00 pm

STATEMENT ON THE DUBLIN REPORT – The Report from the Dublin Commission of Enquiry into child abuse by clergy brings home once again the extent of the suffering caused to innocent children by priests who abused them. What makes this criminal activity most abhorrent is that it was perpetrated by people with a sacred calling who betrayed the trust placed in them. It must be accepted that church leaders put the good of the Church as Institution before the welfare of the abused and failed to act in an appropriate manner. A great wrong has been done which I find revolting and shameful. I again express my apologies to all who have suffered by Church personnel and encourage anyone who still has need to be heard in this regard to approach the civil authorities or the Diocese. +Colm O’Reilly

Please pray for our departed:

Padraig Sheahan, St. Patrick’s Terrace

Patricia Kavanagh, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
and formerly Templemichael Tce.

LONGFORD PRAYER GROUP – continues 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.

CARING FOR CARERS IRELAND – Are you a Family Carer? If so, you are invited to a support/information evening the Temperance Hall, Longford on Tues. 1st Dec at 8.00 p.m. For further information contact Junette Dolan 086 6055207 or Mary McMahon 065 6866515.

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS’ SOCIETY – Monthly Meeting will take place on Wed. 2nd Dec. at 3.00 p.m. in the Family Centre. New members always welcome.

HOLY HOUR on Thurs. 3rd Dec.

commencing at 3.00 p.m. in St. Mel’s Cathedral.

Please come and join us in prayer especially for Vocations

FIRST FRIDAY - Friday next is the First Friday of the Month. Confessions will be available on Thursday from 12.00 – 1.00 p.m. and from 7.00 – 8.00 p.m. The Priests will do their usual communion calls to the sick and elderly of the Parish.

ANNUAL MASS - for deceased staff of C.I.E. on Friday, 4th December at 8.00 p.m. in the Stationhouse, Longford.

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 SuperValue 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.

LONGFORD COMMUNITY RESOURCES LTD – To commemorate the UD Day for People with Disabilities we are organising an information morning on 3rd Dec. from 11.30 a.m. until 2.00 p.m. in the Sylvia Dawson Building, St. Christopher’s, Battery Road. Information will be presented by Leisure Buddies, Irish Wheelchair Association, Centre of Independent Living, Rural Transport Programme amongst others. Guest speakers on the day will commence at 12.15 p.m. and will include Victor Connell, Liam Lynch and Tom Chambers (Mayo Centre of Independent Living). Refreshments will be served at 1.00 p.m. All welcome – this is a free event.

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. The following station Masses will be celebrated:

Wed. 2nd Dec at 8.30 p.m. Ann Bury Royal Canal Ave.

Fri.4th Dec at 8.00 p.m. Annetta McVeigh Knockloughlin

ST. JOSEPH’S CARE CENTRE, LONGFORD – Mass for Holy Souls will be celebrated on at 8.00 p.m. on Tues. 1st Dec. ’09 in St. Joseph’s Hospital Chapel for souls of all who died at St. Joseph’s Care Centre in the past year, for deceased staff members, deceased relatives of staff, and all whose removals took place from St. Joseph’s. All welcome.

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.