Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin January 1st 2023

                                                                Clonmacnois Parish

January 1st 2023

Mary (Mother of  God)  (A)

Fr.  Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmaacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

This Feast is well placed, because Christmas is above all the season of the family. These are the days when we return to rest again in the cradle of our life and love. The family is a Gospel in itself. It is good news for society. It is one of nature’s masterpieces. While parents stand at the centre of family life, we are reminded, in the persons of Simeon and Anna that grandparents are a precious gem at the heart of the household too. ‘They sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children’ (Alex Haley). On the threshold of another year, we raise-up in prayer our families, young and old, living and sleeping. May our departed ones sleep in peace, and through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph may our homes continue to be circles of strength, schools of faith and communities of love. Athbhliain shuaimhneach orainn uilig.

 A Christmas Candle Prayer Help me to enter into the real experience of this special time, to let go of needless anxiety and stress To feel peace and healing enter my tired spirit .

 With this Candle I pray this Christmas For Peace in my family For children and young adults in broken families For couples going through the pain of separation For those who dread Christmas, because they have lost a loved one For those who are more lonely at Christmas For families who are fearful of violence because a father or mother drinks too much For those who are losing faith and hope For those who have to spend Christmas in hospital For those who suffer from depression For those worried about their children, about binge-drinking, drugs or violence on the streets For those who cannot come home for Christmas For those who find it difficult to come home to God, to faith and to the church

 

 First Friday Friday next is the First Friday. House Calls during the week.

Dates for 2023

Ash Wednesday – February 22nd

Easter Sunday - April 9th

First Holy Communion – April 22nd

Cemetery Sunday – August 5th 2023

  SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Saturday 31st Dec 7pm

Mon 2nd Jan 2023 10am

Tues 3rd Jan 2023 10am

Wed 4th Jan 2023 10am

Thurs 5th Jan

(8:30am Irish Time: funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI)\

Parish Mass 7pm (Eve of Epiphany)

Fri 6th Jan 2023 (see Clonfanlough 7pm)

Sat 7th Jan 7pm Joan Farrelly (2anniv)

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Sun 1st Jan 2023 10:30am John & Agnes O’Shea

Fri 6th Jan (Epiphany & First Fri) 7pm

Sun 8th Jan Ann (1st Anniv) & Jimmy Egan

CLUAIN CHIARAIN 11/1/23 @ 7:3pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 25th €1,685

BAPTISM  We welcome into our Christian Community Amelia Grace Sheridan, who received the Sacrament of Baptism in our Parish during the week

RECENTLY DECEASED : We remember and pray for Mary O’Brien (Coosan) formerly Shannonbridge. Sister of Patrica Casey May she now rest in the Home of Jesus. Amen.

FEAST DAYS FOR COMING WEEK

Jan. 2nd Ss Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen (Bishops) These two bishops ministered in Turkey in the fourth century. Jan. 6th The Epiphany of the Lord The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as messiah of Israel, son of God and Savior of the world. This great Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Masses for the Feast Day:

Vigil: Thurs. 7.00pm. (Shannonbridge) Fri.: 7pm . (Clonfanlough)

PARISH IN A YEAR

16 Baptisms 14 Funerals

9 1st Communions 13 Confirmations

.MINISTRIES

Readers: 7/1/23 @7pm Dympna O’Carroll(SB)/ 8/1/23 @10:30am Della Fitzgerald (Cf) Communion 7/1/23 @7pm Fergal Moran 8/1/23@10:30am Bridie Coughlan Church Care Dympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Linda Moran SB:Mary Guinan, Ann Guinan (Jan) (CF) Counters: Clonfanlough  (Jan)  Servers; 7/1/23 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  Liam F, James D 8/1/23 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough Ted R, Jack R, Keelan K, Kara K,  

 New Year

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring , happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

For those here we see no more;

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in Christ that is to be.

In Memorian : Alfred Lord Tennysn (1809 - 1892) poet.

Prayer for the New Year

God of all time,

help us enter the New Year quietly,

thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact

and our words carry power.

 

May we walk gently.

 May we speak

only after we have listened well.

Creator of all life,

help us enter the New Year reverently,

aware that you have endowed

every creature and plant,

every person and habitat

with beauty and purpose.

 

May we regard the world with tenderness.

May we honour rather than destroy.

Lover of all souls,

help us enter the New Year joyfully,

willing to laugh and dance and dream,

remembering our many gifts with thanks

and looking forward to blessings yet to come.

May we welcome your lavish love.

In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Vinita Hampton Wright

 

 OFFALY PRO-LIFE - Are organising a baby shower to coincide with Nollaig na mBan. We are asking supporters to donate their excess baby clothes, baby necessities and maternity wear etc. for mothers in need. We will have a van parked in the public car park outside the Heritage Centre in Ferbane from 11am to noon on Saturday 7th January where these items can be dropped off.

EMPLOYABILITY MIDLANDS - Do you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job? If the answer is yes, you can contact Liam on 086 387 3047 or Patricia on 086 145 1074 and we will be happy to tell you more about EmployAbility Midlands. For further information visit www. employabilitymidlands.com.

 ARE YOU, OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, LIVING WITH A LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITION? - If so, then you may be interested in the ‘Living Well Programme’. Living Well is a Free ONLINE, 6 week group self-management programme for adults living with long term health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke and others to name but a few. The Living Well Programme supports people to develop the skills and confidence to live with their health condition. There are spaces available on our January programmes. To book your place please contact Áine (041) 6850676 / (087) 1140371 or Joanne (041) 6860710 / (087) 4308735 or visit www.hse.ie/ livingwell.

DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of Dec 27th  2022. Numbers drawn 4-7-23-31.  No Winner. Five Match 3 Next draw 2/1/23

2023 CALENDARS available in Porches

2023 BIBLE DIARIES  in stock. Cost price €12.50. contains reading texts for year & short reflection

2023 SUNDAY MASS READINGS book available (freely) for Parish Readers

School returns 19 April 2005 and ended on 28 February 2013  Jan 5th Thursday 2023

Official Opening Walking Track Wed 11th Jan at 7pm

Community Dinners return Jan 9th

 A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: (1927-2022)

Pontiff 19 April 2005 to 28 February 2013 

Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict, who governed your Church with love. May your Son welcome him into eternal glory. Amen

 THE NEW YEAR As the dawn breaks on a New Year let us give thanks for all that we hold dear, our families, our health, our friends. The year ahead is our next chance at the art of living. It is an unspoiled page in our book of time. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honour rather than destroy. May we laugh and dance and dream. May we place our hands in in the hand of God who makes all things new

 

Wishing All a Happy New Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin Dec 25th 2022

 

Clonmacnois Parish

December 25th  2022

Christmas Day (A)

Fr.  Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 

FEAST OF CHRISTMAS

 When Jorge Bergoglio ascended the throne of Peter on 13th March 2013 and assumed the name of Francis, we all looked again at the life of the man from Assisi, how he loved nature, cared for the poor and renewed the Church. His most enduring legacy was surely the creation of the crib, when in 1223 he gathered some local people in a cave in the small town of Greccio to depict the stable scene. From those humble beginnings people have erected cribs down the ages in all kinds of shapes, sizes and places. The Italian city of Naples is a case in point. In the heart of the ancient city lies the much-visited ‘Via Gregorio Armeno’, which for obvious reasons is known as ‘Christmas Alley’. From early in the year artists and craftsmen spend hours in their workshops along that street designing cribs with a difference. They have come up with the ingenious idea of placing the Bethlehem scene in ordinary settings. Consequently, their unique cribs contain not only the figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, but also the figures of ordinary people going about their everyday chores. The message is strikingly clear. Jesus is to be sought and found in the ‘bits and pieces’ of every day. When the celebration of Christmas ends and the work of Christmas begins, we need to be aware of His presence in ordinary people and places and in surprising people and places too.

Christmas is tenderness for the past, courage for the present and hope for the future.

 

CHRISTMAS GREETING We offer our Parish family, at home and abroad, a blessed and joyful Christmas. We thank you most sincerely for your unfailing kindness, warm friendship and generous support during 2022. On the threshold of a new year we turn to Him, to whom all time belongs and all seasons. May He bless us, may His face shine on us and may He grant us His peace. Beannachtaí na Nollag agus na hÁthbhliana.

THANK YOU A very full, enjoyable Carol Service. Funds raised by the Parents for Clonmacnois N.S. was €5,803. Thank you to all.

  SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Sat 24th  Christmas Eve 5pm & 9pm

Sun 25th Christmas Day 12 Noon

Mon 26th  Mass 12 Noon

Tues 27th Mass 7pm

Wed 28th Mass 10am

Thurs 29th Mass 7pm Kieran Kelly (Leharrow) 2nd Anniv.

Fri 30th Mass 10am Steven Kenny (Months Memory)   Rita Kenny (5th A)

FEAST DAYS FOR COMING WEEK

Mon. 26 Dec.: St. Stephen’s Day.

Tues. 27 Dec.: St. John the Evangelist. Wed.. 28 Dec.: The Holy Innocents.

Thurs. 29 Dec.: St. Thomas Becket.

Fri.30 Dec.: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Sat. 31 Dec.: St. Sylvester1.

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Sat 24th Dec Christmas Eve 7pm

Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day  10:30am

Sun 1st Jan 2023 10:30am John & Agnes O’Shea

CLUAIN CHIARAIN 11/1/23 @ 7:3pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 18th €585

DEATHS - We pray for the repose of the souls of Tommy Flaherty  (Ferbane) brother of Eilish Kelly, Leharrow  May he rest in peace.

2023 Parish Envelopes are delivered thanks to our wonderful organiser & distributors.  A very big thank you to all who contribute to the Parish. Like everywhere costs have risen steeply. It is reassuring to see such solid support for Clonmacnois parish in these uncertain times.

.MINISTRIES

Readers: 31/12/22 @9pm Kieran O’Connor (SB)/ 1/1/23 @10:30am Noelle Daly (Cf) Communion 31/12/22 @9pm Sinead Ryan 1/1/23@10:30am John Mitchell  Church Care Marian McManus, Catherina Slattery, Ann Corbett SB:Helen Darcy, Kathleen Norton (Dec) (CF) Counters: Clonfanlough  (Jan)  Servers; 31/12/22 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  H. Mitchell, O. Kenny, J. O’Duffy 1/1/23 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough H. Guinan, A Hennessy, R. Daly, H. Maloney 

DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of Dec 12th  2022. Numbers drawn 15-16-23-26.  No Winner . Three Match 3 . Five x €50 Christmas Draw winners . Next draw 27/12/22

CHRISTMAS MASSES

Shannonbridge  Sat Dec 24th  5pm & 9pm/

Sun Dec 25th 12 Noon

Clonfanlough Sat Dec 24th 7pm Sun Dec 25th 10:30am

 

2023 CALENDARS available.

2023 BIBLE DIARIES  in stock. Cost price €12.50. contains reading texts for year & short reflection

2023 SUNDAY MASS READINGS book available (freely) for Parish Readers.

OFFALY PRO-LIFE - Are organising a baby shower to coincide with Nollaig na mBan. We are asking supporters to donate their excess baby clothes, baby necessities and maternity wear etc. for mothers in need. We will have a van parked in the public car park outside the Heritage Centre in Ferbane from 11am to noon on Saturday 7th January where these items can be dropped off.

EMPLOYABILITY MIDLANDS - Do you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job? If the answer is yes, you can contact Liam on 086 387 3047 or Patricia on 086 145 1074 and we will be happy to tell you more about EmployAbility Midlands. For further information visit www.employabilitymidlands.com.

ARE YOU, OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, LIVING WITH A LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITION? - If so, then you may be interested in the ‘Living Well Programme’. Living Well is a Free ONLINE, 6 week group self-management programme for adults living with long term health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke and others to name but a few. The Living Well Programme supports people to develop the skills and confidence to live with their health condition. There are spaces available on our January programmes. To book your place please contact Áine (041) 6850676 / (087) 1140371 or Joanne (041) 6860710 / (087) 4308735 or visit www.hse.ie/livingwell.

Christmas Greetings

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Parishioners a very happy and peaceful   Christmas and I pray that 2023 will be a year filled with opportunity for you all.

During the past twelve months we have had many happy times in our parish, new births, children receiving the sacraments, weddings, momentous anniversaries of marriage and many other happy times. We give thanks to God for the ability to celebrate and for the gift of family and friends.

The past year has also brought great challenges for many as they have laid a loved one to rest, as relationships broke down, as serious illness visited your home, as your family members moved to far away shores, these examples and many others can make celebrating Christmas seem a little difficult. Despite the rushing about that comes with Christmas please be assured that you and your cares are held in our minds and in our prayers at this very sacred time.

May the joy of the birth of Christ fill your hearts and your homes with hope, happiness and the knowledge of Gods infinite love for each one of us.

May you have a very Happy and Blessed Christmas.

 REFUGEE

We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cosy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.
For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.
Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.
But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.
~Malcolm Guite “Refugee”

CHRISTMAS GRACE AT MEALS

As a family or sitting on your own at dinner on Christmas Day, it would be nice to think of Jesus and invite him to the table with you. We encourage you to say this little pray together.

Our Father in Heaven, For this Christmas meal you have given We want to say thank you from our hearts. Bless the ones who prepared it And Lord as we share it Will you stay with us And be our guest of Honour.

Christmas Scene.

Waiting for Christmas  /mundane and rain

no winter Israel sun /no camels or star from afar

 

trust that he knows best /amid addled minds of war and love/unthinkable suffering

and moments of sheer joy

the roughness of the pogues  /the Eider down of silent night / lights without a source

are shiny worthless things

memories good and those of shame /rebellious youth-insane / a Mother who forgives

and prays for her kids

no constant peace here or there /until he comes on snow white mare / blinding rays and shining blade / justice to his enemies blaze

 

have we tossed him from the bath / have we hurt him so / have we thought of every excuse

to love him no

have we succumbed to hate his store /have we forgotten all before / can we change like Paul

the persecutor

why not love his cuts and bruises /why not sooth his throbbing head/kiss his holy swollen feet / his breast for all of us  a bed.(from a parishioner)

 

 

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Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin December 18th 2022

 

Clonmacnois Parish

December 18th  2022

4th Sunday of Advent  (A)

Fr.  Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 The exact birthday of Jesus is unknown. Pope Julius I who was Pope (337-352), is credited with selecting the 25th December to celebrate the coming of the Saviour into the world. It was a pagan festival in honour of the ‘sun god’, and since we believe Jesus to be the ‘Light of the World’, the date seemed especially appropriate. Take Christ out of these days and we are back in the pagan space. We should guard against returning to where we were! Let us, rather, be possessed by the mystery and message of these days. Our God is with us. As we stand before the crib, may we find there again the gentle reassurance of His presence, and may we understand with utter confidence, that we are loved. Then, let us fall silent and rest secure in the heart of God. Céad fáilte romhat, a Linbh a rugadh sa stábla.

 

Christmas Invitation/ Cuireadh an Nollag: An open invitation to all to join us in  our parish for Christmas Masses, especially if you have drifted a bit, or got out of the habit of going.

A thought from Pope Francis for Christmas 2022 'It is nice to celebrate Christmas and have parties but let's lower the level of Christmas spending a bit. … Let's have a more humble Christmas, with more humble gifts. Let's send what we save to the Ukrainian people, who need it.'

Putting up the Christmas Tree When the tree has been prepared, the household gathers around it. All make the Sign of the Cross. This tree is a blessing in our home. It reminds us of all that is beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light, that we might promise such beauty to one another and to our world. It stands like that tree of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus. God of all creation, we praise you for this tree which brings beauty and memories and the promise of life to our home. May your blessing be upon all who gather around this tree, all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights. We wait for the coming of the Christ, the days of everlasting justice and of peace. You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever. Response: Amen

 

 

 SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Sat 17th  7pm Eileen Higgin (Ann.) 5th A

Mon 19th  No 10am Mass (Church closed due to School Carol Service rehearsal 9:20-11:10am approx.)

Tues 20th 10am Mass (Confessions)

Wed 21st 10am Mass (Confessions)

Thurs 22nd 10am Mass

Fri 23rd 10am Mass

Sat 24th  Christmas Eve 5pm & 9pm

Sun 25th Christmas Day 12 Noon

Mon 26th  Mass 12 Noon

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Sun 18th Dec 10:30am People’s Intention

Wed 21st 7pm Mass & Confessions

Sat 24th Dec Christmas Eve 7pm

Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day  10:30am

CLUAIN CHIARAIN 11/1/23 @ 7:3pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 11th €455

DEATHS - We pray for the repose of the souls of Liam Coolahan  (Glebe)  May he rest in peace.

2023 Parish Envelopes are delivered thanks to our wonderful organiser & distributors.  A very big thank you to all who contribute to the Parish. Like everywhere costs have risen steeply. It is reassuring to see such solid support for Clonmacnois parish in these uncertain times.

.MINISTRIES

Readers: 24/12/22 @9pm Pattie Corbett (SB)/ 25/12/22 @10:30am Kathleen Guinan (Cf) Communion 24/12/22 @9pm Sinead Ryan 25/12/22@10:30am Kay Kelly Church Care Eileen Quinn, Dolly Deeley, Veronica Hynes SB:Helen Darcy, Kathleen Norton (Dec) (CF) Counters: Shannonbridge  (Dec)  Servers; 24/12/22 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  Liam Fitzpatrick, James Darcy 25/12/22 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough Eva Seery, Daragh Seery, Oisin Shrahan, Ella Shrahan

 

 CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS

Confessions “General approach with individual absolution” Tues 20th/Wed 21st @10am Mass (Shannonbridge) also Wed 21st @7pm Mass Clonfanlough

 Christmas Eve Sat 24th Individual  Confessions: 12:30-2pm (Shannonbridge)  

CHRISTMAS MASSES

Shannonbridge  Sat Dec 24th  5pm & 9pm/

Sun Dec 25th 12 Noon

Clonfanlough Sat Dec 24th 7pm Sun Dec 25th 10:30am

 The Blessing of the Bambinelli (Baby Jesus) As already explained, if you care to bring along the Christ figure from the Family Crib for blessing, bring it home & get the children to wrap the baby Jesus figure for under the tree as the first gift to be unwrapped come Christmas. Come Christmas parent/grandparent can pray the following. .

Blessing of the Bambinelli

God, our Father you so loved humankind that you sent us your only  Son Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you.  We pray that with your Blessing these images of Jesus,  who is about to come among us, may be a sign of your presence and love in our homes.  Good Father, give your Blessing to us too, to our parents, to our families and to our friends.  Open our hearts, so that we may be able to receive Jesus in joy,  always do what he asks and see him in all those who are in need of our love.  We ask your blessing on our Bambinelli and the children who

present him in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (A sprinkle of Holy Water may be used at the time of the blessing).

We ask you this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son who comes  to give the world peace and lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

POINSETTIA THOUGHT  Every Spring I give out  about Christmas Holly Wreaths being left on graves in Clonmacnois which parish volunteers pick up for months afterwards But the thought struck me… why not invite people to “donate” (temporarily) a Poinsettia in remembrance of deceased family members, relatives and parishioners. They can be placed beside the Crib (label if  you prefer). They will be prayed for & remembered at our Christmas Masses. Feel free to then bring it out to Clonmacnois Cemetery

2023 CALENDARS  shortly available. Features the latest members of our local community from Ukraine. A resilient, noble people whom we welcome.  May peace reign there soon.

Dear Fellow Traveller,

This may be the last chance I have to use this page (no pre-printed bulletins available on Dec 25th only the booklets with Carols/Readings/Mass texts) to say a Huge "Thank You" to all our parishioners and friends for their  immense help. A parish is about Community and community is about people. Coming together to support and keep each other going. A very big thank you to all who help in our parish. A very Happy and Blessed Christmas to one and all.

 DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of Dec 12th  2022. Numbers drawn 2-24-25-32.  No Winner . Two Match 3 .Jackpot now €2,800  Christmas Draw Mon 19th with additional 10 x €50 bonus prizes

Sun Dec 18th CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: Carol Service in Knock Basilica this Sun 18th Dec. at 8pm. Featuring Schola Cantorum Basilicae, together with ConTempo String Quartet and organist Mark Keane. All welcome. The service is free of charge and can also be viewed online on www.knockshrine.ie

Mon Dec 19th CLONMACNOIS N.S. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE (Re-scheduled) on Monday  19th December  6.30pm  in Shannonbridge Church, Tea, refreshments & raffle with lots of spot prizes to be won in hall afterwards. Special guest from North Pole scheduled to drop in! All welcome

A Christmas Vision

If I decorate my house perfectably with streamers, twinkly  lights and shiny balls but do not show love to my family, I am just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of mince pies , and arranging a beautiful adorned table , but do not show love to my family, I am just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, sing carols in the church and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family it profits me nothing.

If I decorate the tree with fairy lights and attend a myriad of pre- Christmas parties but do not focus on Christ, I have  missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to listen to love ones.

Love is kind though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated  Christmas  china and table linen.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is  thankful that they are there to be in the way.  Love doesn’t give to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t. The gift of love will

endure. (Author unknown) Based on 1 Corinthians 13.

MARY’S MEALS:  International school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals, are inviting you to join their Big Family Christmas celebrations. A range of gifts are available,  a wonderful Christmas gift, but will also provide life changing school meals for a child living in poverty.  Gift cards are available to download at www.marysmeals.ie or  by calling 01 853 5163.

 

 

 

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