First Sunday of Advent
Parish Phone Nos. (021) 4871180.
Emergency No: 087 0956190
Monsignor Kevin O’Callaghan: (021) 7336053
Parish Centre/Sacristy: (021) 4289768
Ring for bookings: Baptisms & Marriages etc
WEEKEND MASSES
Ovens:
Vigil: 7.30pm. Sunday: 11.30am.
Farran:
Vigil: 6pm. Sunday: 9.30am.
WEEKDAY MASSES
Ovens: 7.30pm: Mon.
9.30am: Weds & Fri (First Friday).
Confessions before 9.30am Mass.
Farran: 9.30am: Tues & Thurs.
RETURN OF MASSES WITH A CONGREGATION
From this Tuesday, 1st December, our Churches will be open for Masses with a congregation. The capacity of both our Churches remains at 46. Stewards will be present at the weekend Masses to show people to their seats, which are clearly marked. As before, please observe social distancing and wear a face covering in the Church.
Masses will be Live Streamed from Ovens Church and, of course, there are outside speakers in both Ovens & Farran Churches.
WE REMEMBER
Over the years we have gathered on the first Sunday of November in our cemeteries, Cemetery Sunday, to remember and to pray for our dead. Unfortunately, it was not possible to do so this year.
In place of our Annual November gathering, on this Monday, 30th November the 7.30pm Mass will be offered for the dead of our cemeteries, Athnowen, Eaglais, Kilcrea & Ovens and for the Priests who are buried at Ovens and Farran Churches. The Mass will be Live Streamed from Ovens Church.
It would be fitting that, as we were unable to gather together in our cemeteries in November this year, we can link together in prayer and remembrance from Ovens Church through the Mass. churchservices.tv/ovens.
ADVENT
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and the first Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
Advent is the name of the season in which we prepare for the celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas. The word Advent comes from the latin phrase “Adventus Domini”, meaning the arrival of the Lord.
The start date of the Advent Season changes every year. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which can fall between 27th November and the 3rd of December and ends on Christmas Eve.
Practices associated with Advent include keeping an Advent Calendar and, of course, the Advent Wreath.
ADVENT WREATH
The concept of the Advent Wreath originated in Germany in the 16th Century. At one time Advent was a time of fasting during which people’s thoughts were directed to the expected second coming of Christ. Nowadays many have forgotten this meaning and it has instead been seen mainly as the lead up to Christmas, so the Advent wreath serves as a reminder of the approach of the feast.
Advent wreaths are circular, representing God’s infinite love and are usually made of evergreen leaves, which “represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ.” Five candles, 3 purple, one pink and a white one, are placed within the wreath, to represent the four weeks of the Advent season as well as “the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ”. The first candle to be lit this weekend will be the purple candle and it is called the Hope candle.
During the Sundays of Advent the Priest wears purple vestments, except on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the Rose colour vestments are worn.
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER FOR PROTECTION FROM CORONAVIRUS
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, know what we need.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus asks.
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the Resurrection.
Amen.
DIOCESAN & PARISH NEWS
Our Dioceses of Cork and Ross, in conjunction with Parishes, is developing an on-line Parish Donation System. It is now nearing completion. Information Packages will be circulated to all households in the coming weeks. The existing envelope system will, of course, continue as will the cash donations when Masses resume.
Sincere thanks to all who contribute so generously and in whatever way you do so.
TAX BACK SYSTEM
Offertory Collection envelopes for 2021 are now available in the main porches of both our Churches.
The envelopes for those participating in the scheme will be available shortly.
To date for this year €4,605 has been received back from the Revenue Commissioners.
Thanks to all who contribute to the upkeep of our parish.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
During these difficult times, St. Mary’s, the local Conference of St. Vincent de Paul are here to support anyone who might need help with food, fuel and clothing or are just struggling to make ends meet.
If you are living alone or lonely and would like to talk, we can be contacted on our confidential Tel. No. 087 0695560 and give us your Tel. No.
Alternatively, you may call our Head Office in Tuckey St. 021 4270444 and they will pass your number to us. We will then call you to talk and make whatever arrangements are allowed at this time.
Parishioners, who may be aware of any needy situation should also contact us and be assured that these matters will be followed up in total confidence. We are very much aware that in these strange times many more families are struggling to make ends meet. We are here to help.
St. Mary’s Conference, Ovens/Kilmurry.
MINI ADVENT RETREAT ON ZOOM
For three sessions, during Advent, you are invited to take part in a mini-retreat that will explore the themes of Faith, Hope and Love. The retreat will be led by Fr. Billy Swan, St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy and will take place from this Tuesday, 1st December to Thursday, 3rd December, beginning at 8pm.
To take part, all you need to do is send an email to thehookoffaith@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
Come and join us to prepare for Christmas.
HOLY HOUR
Holy Hour in Ovens Church each Tuesday night, 8pm to 9pm. (Live Streamed).
HOLY ROSARY
Rosary recited in Ovens Church on Friday mornings at 9.10am, before the 9.30am Mass. Rosary also Live Streamed.
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
Office hours resume this week.
Tuesday: 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Thursday: 9.30am to 10.30am.
RECENT DEATH
Kathleen Keane, Classis
May she Rest in Peace.