28th November 2021

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.

MASSES THIS WEEK
Ovens:
9.30am: Mon Weds & Friday (1st Friday)
Confessions before 9.30am Mass.
Farran:
9.30am: Tuesday & Thursday.

ANNIVERSARIES FOR 4TH/5TH DECEMBER
Ovens: 7.30pm: Cathal Lehane, Springville 3rd Anniversary
11.30am: Marie McSweeney, Lisheens 10th Anniversary
Farran: 6pm: Mary Lehane, Roovesmore
9.30am: Ted & Cathy O’Leary & their son Tony, Knockanemore.

Recently Deceased:
Flor Crowley, Currabeg
May they all Rest in Peace.

FIRST FRIDAY
This Friday, 3rd December is the First Friday of the month. Holy Communion will be brought to the sick and housebound at the usual times.

PRAYING THE PSALMS: NO. 119
Open my eyes that I may see the wonders of Your law.
I am a pilgrim on the Earth, show me your commands.

Psalm 119: 18-19.
This day sets before us time to accept, discover, affirm,
delight in the uniqueness, giftedness that is ours, the unique beauty of all life.

ADVENT
This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. It is a time of preparation for Jesus “coming” at Christmas. It is vital that we use this time spiritually and well. The Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath have been closely associated with Advent and preparation. Both will be in our Churches from this weekend.
Thanks to those who provide them.

ADVENT WREATH, WHERE DID THE TRADITION COME FROM
Origins in Germany
Like many beloved Advent traditions, the modern-day tradition of the Advent wreath originates in Germany.
The story goes that in 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern a pastor in Germany, built a wreath out of an old cartwheel to help the children in his mission school count the days until Christmas. He added small candles to be lit every weekday and Saturday during Advent and on Sundays a large white candle was lit. Although it wasn’t widely popular until the 19th century, German immigrants brought the tradition with them to America in the 20th century.
What does the Advent Wreath mean?
Usually the Advent Wreath is made of 5 candles, three purple, one pink and one white which is lit on Christmas night. The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical colour which signifies a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice. The first purple candle will be lit this week and it symbolises hope.
As we light the candles each week we are made aware of our journey through this season. Placing the candles in a circle is symbolic of God’s love for us, a love that has no beginning or end. The use of the evergreen leaves around the candles reminds us that God’s love is everlasting.

THE JESSE TREE
The Tree of Jesse was a common symbol in medieval and Renaissance art. It represented the family Tree of Christ from Jesse, Father of David. This tree is decorated each week with symbols that represent Old Testament events from Creation to the Birth of Jesus. The Tree is used to emphasise the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.
The six symbols for this week are: The Dove, symbolising the story of Creation, The Apple, the fall of Adam, the Rainbow, symbolising Noah and the Ark, The Field of Stars, Abraham’s descendants as numerous as the stars, The Bundle of Wood, the offering of his son Isaac and Jacob’s Ladder, symbolises our journey to Heaven.

MINISTERS OF WORD & EUCHARIST, FARRAN
Some more Ministers of Word & Eucharist required for Farran Church.
Please contact Fr. Liam by this weekend.
Sincere thanks to all our Ministers of Word and Eucharist for your dedicated service & ministry.

9 DAY ROSARY NOVENA FOR IRELAND
Beginning on this Tuesday, 30th November and ending on Wednesday, 8th December, you are invited to join in a 9 Day Rosary Novena for Ireland.
On the final evening at 9pm on Radio Maria the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Éamon Martin will lead the final Rosary live.

Triduum of Rosaries
Triduum of Rosaries in Ovens Church from 6th to 8th December, inclusive, at 2.30pm in honour of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

OVENS/FARRAN PARISH ASSEMBLY ANNUAL TOY COLLECTION IN AID OF EDEL HOUSE
In the past Ovens & Farran has been exceedingly generous in supporting this appeal.
New toys are very much appreciated as are new pyjamas for children or ladies.
Toys etc. can be left at the Parish Centre on Friday next, 3rd December between 2pm to 3.30pm or after the 7.30pm & 11.30am Masses on Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th December.
Your support will be very much appreciated.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM of Éire Óg GAA will be held in the Éire Óg Pavilion on Wednesday, 8th December at 7.30pm.
ALL WELCOME.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Pat Malone, Chairperson of Éire Óg Hurling and Football Club, who last weekend received a special reward from the GAA at the National Scór Finals, held in the Connaght GAA Dome and Centre of Excellence, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
This is in recognition of his many years of dedicated service and involvement in Scór with Éire Óg, Cork County, Munster & National Levels.
Comhgheardais Pat & Mary.

TG4 UNDERDOGS
Congratulations to Áine Cronin, Éire Óg Ladies Football Club, on being selected on the Underdogs TG4 Ladies Football Panel.
This series is broadcast by TG4 each Thursday night at 9.30pm. We wish her well.

Reminder: Cork Lions Club Drive in Bingo at 2.00pm on this Sunday at Curraheen Greyhound Stadium.
Gates open at 1.20pm.

RECENT BAPTISMS
Seán Adrian Galvin, Grange Manor
James Patrick Meaney, Gurranes
Katelyn Marie Cronin, Fergus, Dripsey
Ross Richard Falvey, Grange Manor
Tomás Tadhg O’Keeffe, Knockanemore
Tess Rosie Brennan, Blackrock
Teddy Jeremiah MacSullivan, Ballincollig
Welcome to the Parish Family