Third Sunday of Advent
PARISH PHONE NOS.
Fr. Liam O h-Icí: House: 4871180
Emergency No.: 087 0956190
Parish Centre / Sacristy: 4289768
Ring for bookings : Baptisms & Marriages etc.
WEEKEND MASSES
Vigil Masses on Saturday will alternate between Ovens & Farran at 7pm.
Ovens:
1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays (when it occurs)
Farran:
2nd & 4th Saturdays. (On next weekend, 16h/17th December
the Vigil Mass will be in Ovens at 7pm.)
MASSES THIS WEEK
Ovens:
9.30am: Monday Weds & Friday.
Farran:
9.30am: Thurs. No 9.30am Mass on Tuesday.
RECONCILIATION SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS
On Sunday, 18th December at 6.00pm in Ovens Church.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Christmas Eve:
Ovens: 6pm & 9pm.
Farran: 7.30pm.
Christmas Day:
Ovens: 8.30am & 11.30am.
Farran: 9.30am.
ANNIVERSARIES NEXT WEEKEND 17TH/18TH DECEMBER
Ovens:
7.00pm: Bill O’Mahony, Knockane
11.30am: Jackie Lucey, Classis
Farran:
9.30am: Sheila & Séamus O’Reilly, Farran.
May they Rest in Peace.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Teresa Crowley, Aglish
Margaret Holland, Farran
Nuala Mulcare, Beverly
Peig Cooper, Knockshanawee.
ADVENT
This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice.
This Sunday we are invited to reflect on the joy we have access to because of our faith in Jesus. Let not the struggles of this year steal from the great joy we have because of Jesus. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near”. (Philippians 4:4-5).
During this Advent, we pray that the joy of the Lord be evident in our hearts and homes. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time of holy anticipation, preparing our hearts as we joyfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our king.
This week we light the pink candle on the Advent Wreath. The pink candle symbolises joy and is called “The Shepherd’s Candle”. The Priest wears Rose coloured vestments at Mass this Sunday.
As we enter the third week of Advent we see God revealing himself to His Chosen People through their kings & prophets.
Seven more symbols are hung from the Jesse Tree: The Shepherd’s Crook, The Stone Altar, the Empty Tent, Fire tongs with hot coals, Tears. Stone Watchtower and the City Wall.
MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST (OVENS)
A new Rota for the Ministers of the Eucharist
(11.30am Mass only) now available in the Sacristy.
CONFIRMATION 2023
This week in Confirmation Preparation we reflect on the Gift of Knowledge.
When we speak of Knowledge, we immediately think of man’s capacity to learn. The knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit, however, is not limited to human knowledge, it is a special gift, which leads us to the greatness and love of god. The knowledge which is given to us by the Holy Spirit leads us to discover how everything speaks to us about God and His Love. Now, this is the gift of knowledge that allows us to see the beauty of creation, therefore we praise God, giving thanks to Him for having granted us so much beauty. In the eyes of God we are the most beautiful thing, the greatest, the best of creation, The Lord favours us!
This should make us think and should make us ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of knowledge in order to understand better that creation is a most beautiful gift of God. We must give thanks to Him for this.
Book Club
The December meeting of the Ovens/Farran Book Club on this Monday, 12th December at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
Please note change of time for this month only.
A SCRIPTURE REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK
Use what you’ve got
It’s easy to use our limitations as an excuse for doing nothing productive with our lives. But God wants you to develop your strengths and fulfil your life’s purpose. So instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, start using what you have.
For Further Reflection Ephesians 2:10
Offertory Collection Boxes 2023
Offertory Collection Boxes for 2023 are now available in the porches of both churches for those who wish to use them.
Tax Back System: Participants are asked to please collect their named 2023 boxes in the sacristies or Parish Office. Members who wish to verify if their subscriptions to date are in line to reach the minimum €250 by the end of December can contact Fr. Liam.
New members (Tax payers) are most welcome to join the system.
Thanks to all who contribute in whatever way you do.
FARRAN FOLK GROUP
Farran Folk Group would love to have some new singers. They sing at the 7pm Farran Mass on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month. Practice before Mass at 6.30pm. Please come along.
PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING
The December meeting of the Parish Assembly on this Monday, 12th December at 8.30pm in the Parish Centre. Please note change of time for this month only.
BINGO
Bingo continues every Tuesday night during Christmas at 8pm in the Éire Óg Pavilion. €2,500 in prizes.
TRÓCAIRE GIFTS
Trócaire Gifts of Love are practical, ethical & life-changing gifts that support some of the poorest communities in the world to work their way out of poverty. All gifts are sourced locally. Gifts include seeds & tools, solar lamps, school kits & many more. For more information on Gifts, visit Trócaire, 9 Cook Street, Cork www.trocaire.org/gifts or phone: 1800 408408 or 021 4275622.
ÁR dTEANGA FÉIN
Tá Siad Fite Fuaite Tríd a Chéile
They are totally intermingled. Literally, they are woven (fite) and sewn (fuaite) into each other. A total tangle!