Second Sunday of Advent

Sat 3^rd                    8:00 pm John & Mary Brennan, M.breena Sth (M)

Sun 4^th   10:00 am              Eleanor & Patrick O’Brien (A)

                                                11:30 am                      People of the Parish (M)

Mon 5^th                  10:00 am              Harry McCarrick (M)  

Tues 6^th                 St Nicholas (bishop)

10:00 am        Holy Souls (M)    

Wed 7^th                  St Ambrose (bishop & Doctor of the Church)

                                                10:00 am              Holy Souls (A)

The Immaculate Conception of the B. V. Mary

Wed 7^th                  8:00 pm                 Bridgie Connolly & dec’d. family (A)

Thurs 8^th               11:30 am              People of the Parish (M)

Fri          9^th                           St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

10:00 am        Special Intention (A)

Sat 10^th                  10:00 am              Frank & Pat Gannon (M)

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

Sat 10^th                  8:00 pm Special Intention (A)

Sun 11^th                 10:00 am              Eugene Henry (A)

                                                11:30 am                      People of the Parish (M)

READERS of THE WORD

Wednesday 7^th 8:00 pm Martina Brennan A)

Thursday 8^th 11:30 am James McCarrick (M)

1^st Reading Gn 3:9-15. Psalms Ps 97.

2^nd Reading Eph 1:3-6, 11-12. Gospel Lk 1:26-38.

Saturday 10^th 8:00 pm Anthony Benson (A)

Sunday 11^th 10:00 am Sinead Johnston (A)

Sunday 11^th 11:30 am Donal Fallon (M)

1^st Reading Is 35:1-6. Psalms Ps 145.

2^nd Reading Js 5:7-10. Gospel Mt 11:2-11.

READERS of Universal Prayer

Sunday 11^th 11:30 am Laoise Gannon (M)

December: Saturday Vigil Mass in Achonry 8pm.

Second Sunday of Advent 4^th December: Focus: We are called to prepare the way for Jesus. – John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He did this by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Similarly, each one of us is called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. We do this whenever we assist someone in need, visit someone who is sick or lend a listening ear.

The Immaculate Conception 8^th December: Focus: We celebrate the unique place of Mary in God’s plan of salvation. – With the coming of Christ into our world, God enters into humanity in a new & dynamic way. Mary’s role in this great drama as mother is essential, & yet another example of how God has chosen & blessed the people who belong to him. With this Christ-filled blessing comes God’s peace, & our adoption as his sons & daughters.

SYMPATHY: We remember in our prayers at this time: Walter Kivlehan, Cloondrihara.

May the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Prayer & Planning (Parish Pastoral Council): Meeting on Tuesday 6^th December at 7pm in Parochial House

Marian Laity: Meeting in Parochial House Thurs 8^th Dec. 7pm.

25 Drive in St Nathy’s Hall every Friday at 9pm. Card Game cancelled on Friday 2^nd December as a mark of respect to the late Walter Kivlehan who was ever present at the game until his recent illness. The Card School extend their sympathy to the Kivlehan family. Cards as usual again next Friday 9^th December.

Christmas Carol Service: In Achonry Church on Friday 15^th Dec at 8pm with the local Church of Ireland community. All are invited.

Set Dancing in St Nathy’s Hall every Thursday 8:30-10pm.

Ceili: In St Nathy’s Hall on Thursday 15^th Dec 8:30- 11:30pm Music by the Laighney Ceili Band. Adm €10 Raffle & refreshments. All welcome.

Social Dancing; St. Nathy’s Hall for beginners, Mondays at 8:30

Children's Christmas Party Sunday 11^th Dec. in St. Nathy’s Hall 4-6pm. Fun for all the family, proceeds to Achonry N.S. Volunteers kindly welcomed.

UCC Online Certificate in Autism Studies: Registration for this part-time online course (Level 6 Cert) before Friday 16^th Dec. Full details & registration at www.ucc.ie/en/ace-caus/, or 0214904700.

Elves Christmas workshop & party, St Nathy's Hall, Sun Dec 18^th 1:30-5pm. Fully supervised fun in aid of Crumlin Childrens hospital. Details/book by email breegemcguinness@yahoo.com

I.C.A. Reunion: All former members of Mullinabreena branch of ICA interested in a Reunion are asked to contact Mary Keane at 0863703846.

Get ready for Christmas with an Evening of Pampering in Mullinabreena Hall on Wednesday 7^th Dec 7.30- 9.30pm. Fundraiser for Annual Christmas Party. Come along, relax & get a few ideas & tips on beauty, hair & relaxation. Adm €10.00.  Raffle on the night.

Mature Adults Christmas party Sunday 11^th Dec. (We are updating our listing for the Mature Adults Christmas party. If you wish to have your name included contact Roisin 0879807416 or Casey 0873945612.

South Sligo AC hosting a 5K fun run on St. Stephen's Day in aid of SHOUT. Registration in St. Brigid's hall Tubbercurry at 11:30am, all donations go to SHOUT. The run commences at midday. Walkers, joggers & runners welcome to this family friendly event. Christmas jumpers encouraged!!! Tea & refreshments afterwards in St. Brigid's hall. Look forward to seeing you all there.

The Cloonacool 25 Drive every Monday at 8:30pm. All welcome.

Flower arranging Workshops for /Nov/Dec in Cloonacool Community Centre: A Christmas Center-piece Workshop Wednesday 14^th Dec 7-9pm. For info call Martina: 0872403005.

Cloonacool Players take to the stage in the New Year in Jimmy Keary's hilarious comedy "Mother Knows Best".

Buninadden Commmunity Centre: Circuit training Tuesdays 8-9 pm. Badminton Wednesdays 8-9 pm. Social dancing Fridays 9.30 pm. Contact Pauline Scanlon 0872304815

Coolaney / Mullinabreena GAA Club - A.G.M. Sunday 4^th Dec at 6pm, in St. Nathy's Hall. All members are welcome.

The Fr. Peyton Centre Attymass is open 9.15 to 5.30 Monday to Friday, our restaurant is available for group bookings, for parties and family occasions. Our Bakery, bakes fresh every morning. You can contact us on 096 45374. Or better still come and visit.

Sligo Cathedral Annual Christmas Bazaar - The countdown is on to Sligo Cathedral Christmas Bazaar in GILLOOLY HALL on Saturday 10^th Dec 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can make room for CHRISTMAS by donating good quality items, Christmas crafts, homewares, gifts etc. We also appeal to all the many Housewife of the Year nominees for delicious, homemade goodies, mince pies, Christmas puddings, cakes, meringues, jams, breads, chutneys & biscuits - all welcome. Come & join us in our CHRISTMAS CAFÉ serving winter warming soup & rolls, teas, coffees & a variety of tasty treats. You can donate directly to Gillooly Hall on Thursday 8^th from 2-4pm and Friday 9^th from 4-6pm. If you can donate or contribute in any way please contact the Parish Office team. Thank you.

Drummartin Indoor Country Market: (9km from Tubbercurry beside Joe Dan’s Pub) Every Saturday 10.30 to 12.30. Coffee shop: New coffee machine so people can enjoy Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte, or Hot Chocolate. Great selection of Home Baked Goods, Free Range Eggs, Organic Dexter Beef, Organic Lamb, Organic Vegetables, Bacon & Pork Products, Crafts, Honey,& Handmade Wicker Baskets. If anyone wishes to sell at market please contact Erin on: 086 3703145. Upcoming workshops (11 to 12) – Dec 10^th Anja making X-mas icicles & more, kids. Dec 17^th Sylvia making X-mas decorations, kids. All workshops €5pp. Christmas Markets on 3^rd, 10^th & 17^th Dec 10.30-1.30. Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrummartinCountryMarket.

Safeguarding of Children Policy: Information for Young People.

Each child in precious & shall be cherished & affirmed as a gift from God, with an inherent right to dignity of life & bodily integrity which shall be respected, nurtured & protected by all.

What should I do if someone hurts me? If someone hurts you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, you should always ask them to stop. - Say No, Run away from them, Phone for help, Tell an adult you trust or the leader of your activity. - It is never your fault if someone hurts you & you should never keep secrets about it. You can always contact any of the following:               Fr Joseph Gavigan, Ballaghderren: 094 9860797. Mrs. Teresa Curley, Edmondstown, 094 9860797/ 087 2208242. Confidential Garda Síochána Line.: 1800 666666. Barnardos: 1850 222300. The Samaritans: 1850 609090. HSE Duty Social Worker: Sligo 0719155133. Tubbercurry: 071 9120062. Castlebar: 0949042283 / 094 9042284. Swinford: 094 9042283. Ballina: 09621511 Boyle: 0719662087            Castlerea: 0906637851 Roscommon: 090663781

The Garda Síochána are to be contacted after office hours.

Abuse is a serious matter & there are 5 main types of abuse.

Physical: Hitting, kicking, shaking, or hurting a person physically

Emotional: Making a child feel unloved, stupid or scared

Sexual: Anyone using a child to satisfy their own sexual needs or those of others. It may be touching or exposing private parts or images.

Neglect: Depriving a child of food, warmth, affection, or love.

Bullying: Repeated physical abuse, verbal of psychological aggression directed by an individual or a group against others or attempts to exclude a person from a group.

CONFESSIONS: During the season of Advent, there are usually many opportunities for the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is offered so that people can truly be prepared to fruitfully celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as to prepare for his coming at the end of time. Now is the time to prepare. We can use this time to reflect on what we have done & what we still need to do so we may be reconciled with God.

    Let us take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some may wonder why this is so important. In this Sacrament our sins are forgiven & we are reconciled to God & our brothers & sisters in Christ. What could be more important?! This is exactly what Jesus points out to us, in some of the Gospel passages. The parable of the Lost Sheep shows how the shepherd rejoices when one sheep that was lost is found & brought back into the fold.

    Advent is an ideal time to reconcile ourselves with God. We are preparing to celebrate anew the birth of the Lord-a time that signaled a new day for humanity; the day of salvation. The promise & hope of this day is renewed each time we participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us avail ourselves of this wonderful & grace-filled Sacrament to help prepare within ourselves a more welcoming home for Jesus.

Family Carers Ireland will run Care of the Older Person as part of the QQI FETAC Level 5 in Sligo, for further information please contact the Training Unit on 0579370221

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Group Leader: Tom Moran. 23^rd August 2017, 7 nights half board in Guesthouse close to St. James’ Church. €719 per person inclusive. €100 discount if paid by 9^th Dec 2016. Includes full religious programme. Day flights from Knock Airport – Mostar. Including return airport transfers to Medjugorje. Joe Walsh Tours Further info. from Tom Moran 086 0815635