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)

                                                7:00 pm                 Confessions (M)

Mon 18^th               St Flannan (bishop)

10:00 am        Private Intention (M)

Tues 19^th               10:00 am              Private Intention (M)

                                                8:00 pm Christmas Carol Service (A)

Wed 20^th               St Fachanan (bishop)

10:00 am        Private Intention (A)

Thurs 21^st             St Peter Canisius (priest & doctor of the Church)

10:00 am        Private Intention (M)  

Fri          22^nd         10:00 am              Private Intention (A)

Sat 23^rd                  St John of Kanty (priest)

10:00 am        Tom Marren, New Zealand (M)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sat 23^rd                  6:00 pm                 Liam, Stephen, & Michael Doddy (A)

Sun 24^th                 10:00 am              Special Intention (M)

Christmas Masses

Sun 24^th                 6:00 pm                 Christmas Vigil Mass (M)

Mon 25^th               12:00 am              Christmas Midnight Mass (A)

Mon 25^th               10:00 am              Christmas Day Mass (A)

Mon 25^th               11:30 am              Christmas Day Mass (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)

Third Sunday of Advent 17^th Dec: Focus: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In today’s readings Isaiah, Paul, & John the Baptist rejoice because they have Good News. God is with them & working through them. They are anointed, blessed & sent to do God’s will. On this Gaudete Sunday, we, too, find reason to rejoice. Let us rejoice in sharing the Good News of Christ.

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

SYMPATHY: We remember in our prayers at this time: John Benson, Mullinabreena South & Dublin, (brother of Mary & Anthony Benson, Mullinabreena South).

May the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confessions in Mullinabreena Church on Sunday 17^th December at 7pm with a visiting priest.

BAPTISM: We welcome into the Christian community through the Sacrament of Baptism Aiden Christopher Keane, Cashel North. 

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.

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 Loftus Hall Ballymote, Sunday 17^th December 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. 

The Poor Clares in Galway have just published an updated 10^th anniversary edition of their number 1 best-selling book Calm the Soul.
"In the ten years since the original edition was published we have received many letters & feedback from people who have found the book very helpful. In view of all that has happened on a global level during that time we believe that there is definitely an appetite for this revised & updated edition & we believe that it will resonate with many people, both young & old, & help them navigate through difficult times" said Mother Abbess, Sr. Colette.
The new material in the book includes reflections & prayers for those coping with anxiety as well as prayers for young people & for those challenged by aging, family conflict, bullying, Internet use & fear of missing out. A new section on accompanying the sick & dying is also among the topics.

Drawing on their experience of the issues people are approaching them to pray for, the sisters decided to use the opportunity of a 10^th anniversary edition, presented to them by publisher Hachette Ireland, to include these new prayers & reflections that speak to the times that we are living through.

"Often, the values we encounter in the digital world are a challenge to the Christian understanding of our inherent dignity & value as human beings. We believe that connecting with God through prayer is vital to counteracting the forces that rob us of our sense of worth" the Abbess continued.

"Our intention with this updated edition of Calm the Soul is the same as the original, namely to support those who wish to nourish their relationship with God or indeed reconnect with God through prayer. This relationship enhances our humanity & equips us with the confidence & conviction that we have something to offer our fellow human beings & that we can help to make the world a better place." The book is published by Hachette Ireland in hardback & is available in bookstores. For more information see www.poorclares.ie/calm-the-soul

Saturday evening Mass at 6pm until the end of March

“The Family that Prays together stays together”