Sunday 7th December 2008

The 2nd Sunday of Advent.

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH Larry Duffy P.P. 047-51048 John Kearns C.C. 047-51064 Owen Gorman C.C. 048 67751231

Priest on duty this week Fr Kearns

“Welcome Lord Jesus” - The Greatest Gift

Waiting until Christmas Eve to buy Christmas presents is not a good idea. It causes panic and often, poorly judged purchases. Presents require more thought if they are going to “hit the spot”.

Christmas presents have great symbolic meaning. They can sum up the previous months or years and they can carry a powerful promise for the future. They can disclose our understanding of the person to whom we are giving them. Not surprisingly gifts can go wrong!

The greatest gift is Jesus Christ. In coming among us he sums up and heals our past. He becomes a reliable promise for the future. And the way in which he comes to us—hidden in daily events, humbly in a stable—shows how deep he understands our innermost feelings and fears. Let’s welcome him with joy.

Penance Service for Christmas on Sun 21st Dec

Magherarney 2pm
Roslea 3pm
Aghadrumsee 5pm
Clones 7pm

Mon 22nd Dec - Lisnaskea 7pm

“Come to me all you who are weary Connons 4pm and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11: 25)

Baptisms: We welcome into God’s community: Ellen Christina McKernan

Marriage: We wish God’s blessing to newly-weds: Barry Leonard & Melissa McIntyre
Barry McKenna & Liz Tolan.

Choir Practice: On Tues 9th, Mon 15th , 9pm in Church

Cairde Activation Centre Christmas Collection: This weekend, please give generously.

Monaghan Charismatic Prayer Group Monthly Healing Mass: In St Louis Convent Chapel on Mon 8th Dec @ 8pm. Celebrant—Fr Stefan Park. Holy Rosary @ 7.40.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Next weekend, Sat13th & Sun 14th. Need is greater than ever, please give generously.

St Alphonsus Church, Connons has closed for renovations and will re-open in Spring 2009.

Connons Church Renovation: Work is proceeding at pace with the renovation of the roofing these days. Thanks to all who have supported the work. There is still time to make your contribution.

SACRED HEART CHURCH , CLONES

Weekend Masses: Sat 7 pm (Vigil) Sun 9.30 am and 11.30am.
Confessions: Sat 10.20am; Sat 6.30—6.50; 1st Fri. 9.40am
Baptisms: By arrangement with the priest on Baptisms for the month
Marriage: By arrangement. Three month’s notice is required
Anointing Sick: At any time.
Adoration : Wednesday 10.30am—10pm

Masses for the Week

Sat 7.00pm All for whom Anniversary Masses were celebrated during the week

Sun 9.30am Mass
11.30 People of the Parish

Mon 10.00 Feast of Immaculate Conception,

John Smyth & Dec Relatives, Lisnaroe
7.00pm Special Intention

Tues 10.00 James Mc Carthy & Deceased Relatives, London

Wed 10.00 Patrick Freeman, McCurtain St
Adoration 10.30 — 10pm

Thurs 10.00 Kathleen King, Edanforan

Fri 10.00 Deceased Members Moore & Reynolds Families
Evening Mass in Aghadrumsee at 8pm

Sat 10.00 Elizabeth Monaghan & Deceased Relatives, Cherry Pk
7.00pm (Vigil) All for whom Anniversary Masses were celebrated during the week

Sun 9.30am Months Memory Seamus McCabe, McCurtain St

Sun 11.30 People of the Parish

Altar Society: M Beggan, S Lynch, C Monahan, G Cunningham, B Cassidy

ST. MACARTAN’S, AGHADRUMSEE

Masses: Sat 8pm(Vigil); Sun 10am. Fri 8pm;
Confessions: First Sat 7.30 pm. 1st Fri 7.30 pm
Baptisms: By arrangement with priest on Baptisms for month (See above)
Adoration : Wednesday 7.30pm—9.30pm

Masses for the Week

Sat 8pm Sarah McDermott, Doon

Sun 10am Deceased Members Aghadrumsee G.F.C.

Mon 8pm Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Fri 8pm Ambrose McElroy, Knockmacarooney

Sat 8pm Mary O’Hara, Cortrasna

Sun 10 Months Memory Pat Boyle, Knockmacarooney

Eucharistic Adoration: S Mulligan, W McGinnity, McCabe Family, A & J Kearns

Eucharistic Ministers: M Maguire, M O’Neill

Servers: Team C Shannen Flanagan, Shauna Donohue

Altar Society for Dec: Mary Toye, Nuala McCabe, Ann Beggan

GFC Lotto: No Winner. Winning No’s 3, 5, 7, 24, jackpot now £1,300, thank you.

Aghadrumsee Altar Society: Next “ Clean Up” takes place on Sat 13th Dec from 10am—12 noon. The ladies who are on duty from July to Dec months are responsible for this clean up. The next time it will be the ladies from Jan—June inclusive. Thanks to all who helped in 2008. Contact Irene on 028 677 37101 if needed.

Roslea Credit Union A.G.M: On Dec 10th @ 8pm. Everyone welcome.

Santa will be in the Community Centre, Roslea

on Sun 14th Dec @ 3pm.

ST. ALPHONSUS, CONNONS

Masses: Sun 11.00 am.
Confessions: 1st Thurs. 6.30pm; 1st Sun 10.40
Baptisms: By arrangement with priest on Baptisms for the month

Sun 11am. (7th Dec) Willie Connolly, Cloniston

Mon 11am (8th Dec) Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Sun 11am (14th Dec) Mass

Altar Servers (14th) Michaela Maguire, Rebecca Gavin, Damien Connolly

Reader (14th) Pat McAdam

Currin Lotto: No Winner. Winning No’s: 13, 14, 16, 22, jackpot now €13,250, Thank you.

Irish Catholic on sale today.

St Comgalls N.S. Parents Association Christmas Draw & Cake Sale: On Sun 14th Dec. Tickets on sale now.

Collectors for Dec:

(Vigil) Tom Kelly, Michael Fox (Snr) Danny Morgan, Marie Flanagan
(9.30) Atty Cunningham, Raymond Hickey, Elizabeth McDonald, Frank Farrell
(11.30) Patrick Maguire, Sean McNaughton, Alphonsus Killen, Martin Holland

Knock Marriage Introduction Bureau: The aim of the Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co.Mayo. Tel: 094 9375960 or visit the website www.knockmarriagebureau.com

Christmas Youth 2000 Retreat: A National Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat for Young People aged 16—35 takes place at Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co.Kildare from Fri 19th to Sun 21st Dec. An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith & meet new friends! Contact Youth 2000 office 01 6753690 or Mark 086 8550417 for information. No charge—donation only. Special buses available from some locations. See poster at back of church. Website: www.youth2000.ie

Christmas Floral Arranging Classes: Are taking place in Cassandra Hand Centre on Wednesday 10th & 17th Dec from 8—10pm. Places still available, contact 52997 to book your place.

Santa Clause is coming to Town: Come on boys & girls & welcome Santa to Clones! Have your picture taken with Santa in his Grotto in the Cassandra Hand Centre on Sat 13th Dec from 2—5pm. €5 per visit.

Clones Social Services Centre AGM: Will be held in the Senior Citizens Centre, Roslea Rd, on Mon 8th Dec @ 8pm. Organisations are invited to send along a representative to this meeting.

Afternoon of Storytelling & Music: Hosted by Clones Community Forum for senior citizens on Tues 9th Dec @ 2.30 in the Day Care Centre, Roslea Rd, Refreshments served. For more details contact 047 20626/52997.

Ionad Na nOg: Drop in tea party in the Youth club on Wed 16th Dec from 10.30, also a Floral Demonstration with a Christmas theme by Sandra Irwin. Everyone welcome.

Largy College Annual Carol Service: On Thurs 11th Dec in the school @ 7.30pm. All families are welcome to attend.

Monaghan Sub Aqua Club: Are running a Try a Dive Open Night in Monaghan Leisure Centre on Thurs 11th Dec @ 8pm. Its FREE!! Come along & Try a Dive with us. Persons under 16 must be with an adult. Further information from 087 2475708/086 2209480.

Christmas Gospel Concert: Will be held in the Protestant Hall, Clones on Sat 13th Dec @ 8pm. Artists include—Margaret Johnston, (Ballinamallard) Revelation, (Larne) Linda Hamilton, (Enniskillen). Proceeds to Orphanages in India. Tickets including supper €10. Everyone very welcome.

Church of Ireland Annual Christmas Fare: In Creighton Hotel on Sat 13th Dec @ 10.45.

Helplines:

Alcoholics Anonymous 01 4538998
Aware 1890303302
Samaritans 1850 60 90 90
Teenline 1800 833 634
Women’s Aid 1800 341900
Accord (Marriage Guidance) 047 83359

One friend, one person who is truly understanding, who takes the trouble to listen to us as we consider a problem can change our whole outlook on the world.