Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 18th Dec 2011 – 4 Adv B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €588. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Ministers of Holy Communion: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Group 3, Sarah, Alisa, Jack, Katie
Masses for Christmas: Sat eve @ 9pm; Sun @ 12noon

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €274. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Halligan, M.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: E.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Minister of Holy Communion for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Masses for Christmas: Sat eve @ 7pm; Sun @ 10.30am
Mass on next Sun for the late Michael Kelly (Lakefield)

Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wed 21st Dec, in Clonfanlough @ 7pm; & Shannonbridge @ 8pm, preceded by a Carol Service

Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. The religious meaning of Christmas seems to mean less to me every passing year. Any suggestions on how I can rediscover the religious excitement of my younger years? A. Do you have a crib at home? Read the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke and like Mary ponder on these things in your heart. Take time to reflect on the Angelus, or at least the Hail Mary, this week. Attend a Carol service. Bring Christmas cheer to somebody who needs it. Be moderate in spending and do not overindulge in eating and drinking. Each day welcome Jesus into your life and your home. Bring Christ back into Christmas.
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SEVEN WAYS WE KNOW THE GOSPEL IS IMPORTANT
• We stand. • We sing or say an acclamation to welcome the Gospel. • The reading can only be done by the priest or deacon.
• The priest or deacon greets us again with the same words used at the beginning of Mass. • The priest or deacon makes the sign of the cross four times. First on the Book of the Gospels and then on his forehead, his lips and his breast. • We do the same on our foreheads, lips and breast. We do this to remind us that God’s word should always be on our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. • At the end of the Gospel the priest/deacon says: ‘The Gospel of the Lord’ and we answer: ‘Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.’ The priest/deacon kisses the book.
Reflection on today’s Gospel
2 ‘Do not be afraid.’ Mary was perplexed by the words of the angel. Perhaps you too have sometimes been perplexed by life’s path and wondered what it all meant. Perhaps at times you have doubted if God was really with you? 3 Mary was taken by surprise by the invitation, but she did not tell the angel she was not ready, nor ask him to return later. She was prepared to go with the invitation even though it was not the ‘right moment’. ‘Here I am Lord.’ What invitations have come to you at the ‘wrong time’ and how have you responded? ¨¨¨¨
“Children's Christmas Party, Shannonbridge Hall @ 3pm Sunday 18th December. Santa, Present and Picture.
Family Entrance €5 Light Refreshments Served. All Welcome"