Third Sunday of Advent - Year A

16th December 2007

Reflection

The Gospel for this weekend puts before us a sobering lesson. Speaking to his disciples Jesus lets them know that they will experience persecution, imprisonment, betrayal, the hatred of many and some will be put to death. This will be on account of him and his name. But despite the opposition they will face, Jesus reassures them that ‘not a hair on your head will be lost’. He invites them and indeed us all to see that there is always the loving care of God for us in each and every situation of our lives. Our Father’s care and concern for us reaches into the most difficult and darkest situations that we are undergoing. We are never alone or indeed left alone by God. In the face of all that life throws at us, God goes before us smoothing our path and directing our steps in the way of His peace.


THE PARISH BINGO
The bingo continues in the Parish Hall @ 9.00 pm on Friday evening.

Masses during the coming week
Monday to Friday 10.00 am each day

Weekend Masses:
Vigil Mass Saturday evening 8.00 pm
Sunday morning 9.00 am & 11.00 am

Confession Times: Saturday Evening after Vigil Mass

Mass Intentions for this week:
Monday 10.00am - Anv. Mass John James Byrne
Tuesday 10.00am - Anv. Mass Charlie & Sarah McNamee
Thursday 10.00am - Deceased Members of Derry Diocesan Society
Friday 10.00am - Month Mind Charlie Lunney
Saturday 8.00pm - Anv. Mass Patsy McHugh

Legion of Mary meetings continue every Thursday at 8pm in the parish hall. New members welcome.

Aghyaran Community Playgroup
Application forms are now available from the playgroup to enrol children in their pre-school year (children born between 2nd July 2004 and 1st July 2005) Forms can be collected between 9.30am and 12 noon until Wednesday 19th December.

Penitential Service.
On Tuesday 18th December there will be a Penitential Service at 8.00pm here in the church for adults and children wishing to get to Confessions for Christmas. There will be a visiting priest with us to give you a choice of Confessor.

This Week’s Calendar
Monday 17 Advent Weekday. During this week the Church prepares in a special way to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tuesday 18 St Flannan, bishop. He lived in the 7th century and was son of a king of Thomond. He was abbot of Molua’s monastery at Killaloe and is remembered as a great preacher.
Wednesday 19 Advent Weekday.

Thursday 20 St Fachanan, bishop.A strong tradition links Fachanan with the founding of a church or monastery in Kilfenora.

Friday 21 Advent Weekday

Saturday 22 Advent Weekday.

St. Davog's Primary School will stage their Annual Christmas show on Tuesday 18th December, 2007 at 7.30p.m. The children will present The Nativity and everyone is welcome to come along and get into the Christmas spirit! Refreshments served. Many prizes to be won in our Raffle afterwards.

Aghyaran Development Association are hosting a Christmas Family Aftermoon in the GAA Centre on Sunday 16th December from 4pm-6pm. Activities include the Christmas Crib, magician, face painting bouncy castle & santa. Light refreshments served. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Adm. £2.50 per child.

Naomh Dabhog Achadh Ui Arain
AGM
The following officers were elected for 2008:- Chairperson Patrick McSorley, Vice-Chair James McMenamin,Secretary Paddy McSorley, Treasurer Ally McSorley, Social Centre Secretary Mark Connolly, Social Centre Treasurer David McHugh, PRO Ann-Marie Meehan, Youth Officer Michael Anderson, Co. Committee Rep. Liam Lynch, Irish Language/Cultural Officer Caroline McHugh, Development Officer Kieran McGuire, Players Rep. Owen Devine, Intergration Officer Ann-Marie Meehan.

Lotto Last week's lotto numbers were 8, 20, 32, 34, 36. No winner of £10,000. £100 consolation prizewinner- John McGlynn, Kilcurragh Park.

Cards
25 Card Play every Thursday @ 9.00pm Everyone welcome. Childrens Christmas Party takes place this Sunday 16th December from 4-6pm. with Santa & magic show. Children attending must be accompanied by an adult

Dinner Dance
A small reminder to keep free 19th January for the clubs annual dinner dance. Tickets will go on sale the first week in January.

Killeter Heritage Centre
Christmas Lunch will be served on Wednesday 19th December at 1.00pm in the Heritage Centre Party and music will follow. Cost £6 per person. To book please contact Edel on 81678860 on or before Tuesday 18th December.

St. Caireall's Primary School will host their Christmas Show on Tuesday 18th December 07 in the Assembly Hall at 12.30pm sharp Everyone welcome! There will be no admission fee but a collection for Castlederg Patient Comfort/Terminally Ill Fund will take place. Free draw for Christmas Hamper. Refreshments served afterwards. All cars must be parked in the school playground.

New Year - New Challenge North West Regional College, Derry/Limavady & Strabane is now offering an exciting range of new part-time courses, beginning this month. So, if you’re looking for something new call 028 7127 6000 or visit www.nwi.ac.uk

CHRISTMAS CLEANUP
In order to have the church look its best for Christmas it is planned to have a cleaning blitz on Wednesday 19th December from 11.30am. If you can spare an hour (or two) then come along. All help would be greatly appreciated. Remember: many hands make light work!

Questions people ask
Q. Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Isn’t this a contradiction? Was Jesus setting up John before slamming him down?
A. This is not a comparison between the holiness of John as an individual and anybody else. Jesus is saying that the Messianic age (the time of the kingdom) surpasses the era of preparation. John is called the greatest in the sense that the time of preparation reached its climax in his mission. The Messianic age has been brought by Jesus. It is like saying that the slowest jet-plane is incomparably faster than the fastest bicycle

Marriage Preparation Courses.

2008

January 25th & 26th,
February 22nd & 23rd,
April 4th , 5th, and April 25th & 26th,
May 23rd & 24th,
June 13th &14th.
Numbers on courses are limited. The fee of £80 per couple must be included with completed application form and forwarded to the Accord office