Christmas 2012

Once again we enter the season of Advent.  Most of us recognize this season as the time during which we prepare for Christmas.  The hectic pace of our lives seems to increase rapidly each year.  Yet the liturgical year gifts us with the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the significance of what and whom we will celebrate on Christmas and throughout the Christmas season.  This opportunity is the season of Advent.

Advent has three dimensions.  It is the season to prepare for Christmas when we remember Christ’s first coming long ago, also Christ’s coming in our hearts today, and waiting in joyful expectation as we ponder our belief in Christ’s second coming in glory at the end of time.

Christmas is more than just one day, it is an entire season.  The duration of Christmas demonstrates how sacred the memorial of Christ’s birth and early 

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manifestations as Saviour of the World are to believers.  Next to the yearly celebration of the Paschal Mystery during the Sacred Triduum and Easter season, these days are the most sacred.  The lights and decoration of the church are bright around the crib to reflect the brightness of the Lord’s glory shining throughout the world.    Through his birth, life, death and Resurrection Jesus has once and for all overcome the darkness.  He calls and invites us especially during this Year of Faith to assist Him by proclaiming anew His saving Word of light, reconciliation peace and joy.  Have a Happy Christmas.

Advent Events

Family Advent Service of Light--
Led by the Children’s Choir 
Sunday 2nd December at 3.00 p.m

Advent  & Christmas Seasonal Music--
A concert with the Kelvin Choir 
On Sunday 16th December at 3.00 p.m. in the Church

St. Andrew’s Primary School Carol Service--
At the Church
on Friday 21st December at 10.00 a.m.

Advent Penitential Service--
At the Church
With visiting Confessors on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30 p.m.

Soup Run—Friday 7th December -

Special Advent Appeal for Christmas Gifts
 for men in homeless accommodation
(gents toiletries, soup, toothpaste, deodorants, shaving foam, socks, 
underwear, hats, scarves etc)
Please label contents and leave at box at the church porch

Parish Children’s Christmas Party
Saturday 15th December 
2.30—4.30 at the Upper Hall
Family Tickets £6.00
Please donate a gift for a poor child.  
Contact Elizabeth Flanigan 07714241092 
Or the Toddlers’ Group on
Thursday 10.00—1.30 p.m. 
At the Lower Hall for Tickets

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve—Monday 24th December
Vigil of Christmas  - 6.00 p.m.
Midnight Mass preceded by Carol Service 
Procession, Blessing of the Crib from 11.15 p.m.

Christmas Day —Tuesday 25th December
Mass 10.00 a.m. (for children and families)
Mass 12 noon

Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve)
Mass at 10.00 a.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament—7—9 p.m.

Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day)
Solemnity of Mary Mother of God—Mass at 10.00 a.m.

Happy Christmas and Every Blessing for 2013