Sunday 28th December 2008

The Holy Family

“Meanwhile the child grew to maturity and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him”. It is always fascinating to watch children growing up. Each small stage is filled with wonder. It doesn’t take long for each child to begin to show his/her own individuality and special gifts. This is what happened with Jesus also. Mary and Joseph had to go through all the emotions of parents everywhere, wondering how this boy was going to turn out. They worried about him. In today’s world, hildren growing up have to contend with so much that get in the way of their true development. Many are being drawn away from the practice of their faith and any real knowledge of God’s love, much to the distress of their parents and grandparents. It is only by working together as parents, as couples, as community, that we can hand on this most valuable gift of faith. Make your home a place of love and prayer. And make your faith community a place of joy and welcome and God’s favour.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

THE PRIESTS OF THE PARISH WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR

How do we read biblical stories? I find the best way is to look at the scenes as a holy drama, and for me , by prayer to enter the drama. The story of Abraham and Sarah is one such drama. Abraham was called by God to leave his own country and serve God. He was told by God that he would be the father of many nations. In Gen. 18:16-33 he intercedes for Sodom but no just man can be found there. Wickedness and violence consume Sodom. This story is part of the vocation of Abraham. In his son Isaac, and those who come after him, Abraham is to be the father of a new generation who will seek God’s ways and form an alternative to Sodom.

Jesus is the son of Abraham and of David. Today he is presented in the temple in accordance with the Law. As Joseph and Mary fulfil the requirements of the Jewish Law they receive the blessings of Simeon and Anna who waited in prayer for the coming of God among God’s people. Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her heart. In a later scene, when Jesus is twelve, he tells Mary that he must be about His Father’s business. Mary has to ponder all these things in her heart. The Greek word for ‘ponder’ also has the meaning to think about, contemplate and pray over. Mary did not realize the full significance of Simeon’s prophecy but like Abraham she trusted and prayed.

We enter the story at this point. We are the new family of Jesus. In Luke 8:19-21, we are told that those who do the will of God form this new family. The Book of Revelation tells us that the new Jerusalem is clothed with the great deeds of God’s people (Rev 19:5-10). Jesus has called us to be his co-workers in building a new creation. Many of us suffer from a lack of self-esteem but, like Mary we need to spend time pondering these things in our heart and give ourselves over in faith to what, like Mary and Abraham, we might not yet fully understand. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews, ‘let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus who leads us in faith and brings us to perfection.

JUBILEE CANDLE
A commemorative Holy Family Silver Jubilee candle is on sale. The candle bears the Holy Family logo and costs £3 or 4 for £10.

 

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the parents and family of
baby Cody McCool Lindenwood Park and
Colum Canning who died during the week. May they rest in peace

BAPTISMS

Our parish family welcomes
Riain Rory Clive Barr
167 Templegrove

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Wednesday at 11.30pm there will be a half hour of prayer and praise to thank God for the year 2008 with all its joys and sorrows and to welcome in the New Year 2009. the Eucharistic Blessing of Benediction will take place at midnight and we will ask God’s protection on our homes and our parish. All welcome.

NEW YEAR’S DAY (Thursday) is the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

FIRST FRIDAY

Friday is the first Friday of January. Confession will be at the usual time on Thursday There will be a Holy Hour on Thursday from 8-9.00pm.Fr. Page will visit the sick in his care as usual. Fr. McKenna will visit the sick in his care on Thursday and Friday 8th/9th January.

SUNDAY COLLECTION
21st December amounted to £2125.40 and €152.40 Thank you

CHRISTMAS BOX COLLECTION

The priests of the parish wish to thank you for your generosity.

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER For January
Vigil Mass Sheila o Comain
Angela Cassidy, Mary Forbes
Philomena Brown

9.30 am Mass Anne Roddy
Maria Mc Geehan Joe Doherty
Liz Harvey

11.15am Mass Brian Walker
Jimmy Jennings Willie Mc Shane
Bernadette Duddy

12.30 pm Marcella Patterson
Anne Marie Duddy, Natalie Bryson
Ruth Heaney

READERS FOR JANUARY St. Matthew’s Group
Vigil Sister Paula

9.30am Michael Roddy

11.15am Joe Morrison
Lorraine Conway

12.30pm Kathleen Corrigan
Jackie Knox

THANK YOU

As we approach the end of the year we would like to express our appreciation of all those who gave their services voluntarily to the parish during 2008, our sacristans, altar servers, readers, organists and choirs, our parish sisters, stewards, Eucharistic Ministers, counters, St. Vincent De Paul conferences, finance committee, Children’s Liturgy Team, savings committee and collectors, Bereavement Group, Legion of Mary, all the members of the John Paul II award group gardeners, church cleaners, flower arrangers, and all who in any capacity contributed to the work of the parish. Special thanks and appreciation to all who, through your team work and co-operation made our recent Silver Jubilee celebrations so meaningful and memorable.

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE would like to thank everyone for taking an Advent Calendar. Please return your boxes to the church this weekend. Baskets will be provided at the entrance to leave the boxes.

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
Ecclesiastes (sirach) 24:1-2, 8-12
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 John 1:1-18

 

POPE JOHN PAUL 11 AWARD There will be a meeting on Monday 5th January at 8.00pm. for all those who wish to participate in this award in Holy Family Parish. Please leave your name with one of the priests. If you are not participating and would like to be part of our youth group please leave your name and address with one of the priests.

PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL Application Forms for entry to P1 and Nursery school in September 2009 are now available from the schools. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 21st January.

STAMP APPEAL - A collection box will be in the church over the Christmas period. Please save your stamps and bring them for collection. The stamps will be forwarded to St. Patrick’s Mission after Christmas. They will aid St. Patrick’s Missionaries in their work all over the world.

SILVER JUBILEE PARISH BOOK - This very attractive publication contains reflections by all the priests who formerly served here, photographs and articles recalling the beginnings of our parish, contributions by parishioners, children’s artwork and accounts and pictures about groups and individuals who together have woven the colourful tapestry which is the story of Holy Family past and present. The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22nd-29th July 2009 Cost €775 For details tel. Margaret 07732468511