Second Sunday of Advent

Sat 9^th                    6:00 pm                 Mary Henry & her niece Mairead (A)

Sun 10^th                 10:00 am              Will Crosbie. (Confirmation enrolment) (M)

Mon 11^th               St Damasus I (pope)

10:00 am        Private Intention (M)

Tues 12^th               Our Lady of Guadalupe, St Finnian (bishop)

10:00 am        Private Intention (M)

Wed 13^th               St Lucy (martyr)

10:00 am        Private Intention (A)

Thurs 14^th             St John of the Cross (priest & doctor of the Church)

10:00 am        Private Intention (M)  

Fri          15^th         10:00 am              Private Intention (A)

Sat 16^th                  10:00 am              Mary Henry & all dec’d of Henry

                                                                                                family, Carrowmore (M)

Third Sunday of Advent

Sat 16^th                  6:00 pm                 Eugene Henry, Achonry (A)

Sun 17^th                 10:00 am              Eleanor & Patrick O’Brien (M)

Readers of the Word

Saturdays Dec 6pm: Tara Hosey (A)

Sundays Dec 10am: Pat O’Donnell (M)

READINGS for Third Sunday of Advent

1^st Reading Is 61:1-2, 10-11. Psalm Ps Lk 1:46-54.

2^nd Reading 1 Th 5:16-24. Gospel Jn 1:6-28.

Ministers of the Eucharist

Saturdays Dec 6pm: Maeve Fallon (A)

Sundays Dec 10am: Majella O’Donnell Spriggs (M)

Priesthood in Achonry Diocese – It is worth saying “yes” to God: For more information contact Achonry Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Paul Kivlehan 094-9860011, or 087- 3683535, E-mail pkivlehan@achonrydiocese.org

Second Sunday of Advent 10^th Dec: Focus: Prepare for the coming of the Lord. – Today’s readings speak to us of preparing for the coming of the Lord through repentance. Repentance requires us to be honest about the times we have fallen short in loving God & our neighbour as the Lord commands. Knowing that we are sinners is a necessary step in recognizing our need for the forgiveness God has graciously offered us through his Son, whose coming into the world we prepare to celebrate.

SYMPATHY: We remember in our prayers at this time: Betty McMenamin, England, (sister of the late Jack & Paddy Coleman), Eddie Rodgers, Cork, (uncle of Maeve Golden Carniara), Pat Donnellan, London, (relict of the late Rosie Kennedy, Achonry).

May the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting: In Parochial House on Wed 13^th December at 8pm.

Marian Laity: (Marist 3^rd Order) Meeting in Parochial House on Thursday 14^th December at 7pm.

Christmas Carol Service: In conjunction with the C. of I. will take place in Achonry Church on 19^th December at 8pm. Please come along, enjoy the Christmas Carols & get into the Christmas spirit. (Refreshments after).

Adoration in Achonry Church 4-7pm on Tuesdays for the month of December.

Altar Society: More volunteers are required. Could you spare an hour or two? The Mullinabreena Church Altar Society are looking for a few more people from the community to help with the upkeep of their Parish Church. If you feel that you could help please contact Roisin Healy 0879807416. Sincere thanks to those who are already involved in the Altar Society. The more volunteers, the less each one will have to do.

ACCORD, Ballaghaderreen offers marriage & relationship counselling in a secure setting, facilitating couples & individuals to explore, reflect upon & work to resolve difficulties that arise in their relationship. Please contact 094-9022214 or email accordcastlebar@gmail.com

25 Drive: In St Nathy’s Hall every Friday at 8:30pm.

Achonry Farmers Market & Café at the Hub: We would like to encourage people to support both our Community Café & our Local Farmers Market. These amenities offer ideal opportunities for people to get together & are instrumental in creating a dynamic & cohesive Community for us all to live in. Café is open Saturday &

Sunday 10am-2pm, with Market on Saturday 10am-1pm.

PTAA: If anyone in the parish would like to receive their Silver or Gold Pioneer pin or become a member of the Achonry PTAA, please email achonrypioneers@gmail.com or contact Thomas at 087-2344338 before 31^st December 2023.

Music Night. The Guitar Club will entertain guests in Cloonacool Community Centre on Friday Dec 15^th. A large crowd is expected for this pre-Christmas evening. Start time is 9pm. All welcome. 

Mary's Meals Christmas Gifts Campaign: With the cost of living crisis, times are that bit harder for us all. The Global School Feeding Movement Mary's Meals have launched our Christmas Gifts Campaign - giving gifts that have a real & tangible impact on those in need. From as little as €5.50, which will provide 50 meals for children in their place of education, we can play our part in changing the lives of those most in need. Visit marysmeals.ie to download a gift today or call 01-8535163/089-4339592.

Social Dancing in The Loftus Hall Ballymote, Sunday 17^th Dec. Music by Medicine Bow. Dance practice 7-8pm. Band onstage 8-10.30pm. Refreshments served. Tickets at the door. Adm €10.

Anam Cara supporting bereaved parents will meet Tuesday 19^th Dec at 7:15pm in T. F Royal Hotel, Castlebar. This event is free & open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. We now also offer an online support service too. Please contact us on info@anamcara.ie or 085 2888 888 for any queries.

 Medjugorje Group Pilgrimage 2024. Direct flights from Knock to Mostar. 9^th-16^th October 2024 €805. Price increases to €855 after Feb 2^nd 2024. Full religious programme operated by Marian Pilgrimages. Spiritual Director will accompany Group. To book a place call Tom Moran on 086-0815635.

You don’t have to be addicted to suffer from addiction! M-PACT supports the whole family, helping to improve relationships, understanding & communication. A FREE eight-week programme will begin on Tuesday 5^th Dec. If interested or would like further information. Please contact 071 9150578 / 085 875 9319 or email sligoleitrim@alcoholforum.com

Banada Abbey Hall Winter Classes in the Hilary Room. 7.15pm: Music lessons for all ages & abilities. Guitar, Singing Guitar, Keyboard, Whistle, etc. (Further Info: 085-1532109).

Bunninadden Community Bowls: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm (except Christmas week). New members welcome, age 16 upwards, tuition given. Tea/coffee & biscuits at half time. Nice relaxed atmosphere & a good chance to socialise.

Totus Tuus Magazine is a Catholic magazine, full of articles from Irish priests and laity, which aims to highlight the beauty and joy of our faith. It is going into its 7^th year and is run by donations. If you haven't come across Totus Tuus Magazine and would like a free copy please contact Fiona Kiely on 086 8760058.