Second Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 6 th December 2015 Vol 26 No 2 Second Sunday of Advent The Advent Wreath Fr. Tom Little Fr Sean Hyland Sr. Joan Pierse Emergency Priest on Duty Development 1,873 Offertory 1,418 Askea Parish Community Centre Phone Mass Times: Askea 9.30am Mon-Fri; Sat 7pm; Sun 9am, 10.30am & 12 Noon. Bennekerry Sun 11.30am; Tinryland Tues 9.30am & Sunday 10am ************ Deadline for items for Newsletter is 5pm on Wednesday by phone to or to office@askeaparish.ie Website: Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way for Christian families to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas, and for parents to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas. Another Advent tradition that can be very meaningful and fun for children is to celebrate with the Jesse Tree. On the Second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger. This candle typically represents love. Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit.

2 St Mary s Parish, Bennekerry First Sunday of Advent Sunday 6 th December 2015 The Advent Wreath Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way for Christian families to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas, and for parents to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas. Another Advent tradition that can be very meaningful and fun for children is to celebrate with the Jesse Tree. On the Second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger. This candle typically represents love. Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit. ********** The Bennekerry Parish Newsletter celebrated its 29th Birthday and publication on the Monday 30th November. We remember Fr. Gary Doyle RIP, Kathleen Brennan RIP and Pat Nicholl RIP at this time. Many thanks to all who are involved each week in the various aspects of news items being inserted, Lotto results, readers for the weeks etc.

3 St Mary s Parish, Bennekerry Fr Tom Little PP Phone Fr Seán Hyland CC Newsletter Items Deadline for News items: - 9pm Wednesdays Emergency Number for the Priest on Duty Parish Office Website: office@askeaparish.ie Sunday 6 th December 2015 at 11.30am Anniversaries Denis O Grady, Moyle, Carlow James Reid, Bennekerry David Kane, 46 Kernanstown, Bennekerry Kathleen Pender, Ardnahue Patrick and Elizabeth Cullen, Bennekerry and Rutland Terrace Elizabeth (Lil) Wall, Palatine Collection last Sunday: Development 212 Offertory 316 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Church gate Christmas appeal collection will be held this year at the 11.30am Mass on Sunday next 13 th December. The Society thanks everyone for their ongoing support.

4 Kildare & Leighlin Weekly Lotto Results For Wed 2 nd December Numbers drawn were 10, 19, 25 and Match 3s win 40 each. No Jackpot winner. Askea/Bennekerry had 5 Match3s. Next week s Jackpot 11,000. Winner Promoter Adrian & Jacinta Woods Mary Woods Majella O Reilly Marie Nolan The O Reilly Gang Marie Nolan Frank O Brien Frank O Brien Eveleen Lawlor Eveleen Lawlor Tickets 2 each available from Askea Parish Centre. Please note the draw takes place on Wed at 4.30pm in Portlaoise. Tickets must be returned by 5pm each Tuesday to Askea Parish Centre. In Memoriam We ask the Lord to grant eternal rest to: Patrick Whelan, New Oak Estate and Baltinglass Nora Smyth (née Condron) Mount Clare Court, Graiguecullen and Rathnapish and we offer our sympathy and the support of our prayers to all who have suffered the loss of a loved one at this time. Everything for Christmas Christmas trees, jam and chutney hampers, wreaths, reindeer, hamper making service (bring products we make up your hamper) all at Boltons, Springhill (out Killeshin Road and right at the Mall) and follow the signs. Phone Christmas Shoe Box Appeal Thanks to everyone who donated to this cause. Over 4,000. Shoe boxes left Carlow last week going to children in Africa and Syria. This was the best year ever for the Shoe Box appeal. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped pack and prepare the boxes for transportation.

5 Carlow College of Music celebrating 25th Anniversary with 'A Christmas Extravaganza' on Saturday 5th Dec at 7pm in St. Mary's Church, Castle Hill. Solos, duets, choirs & orchestras with special guests 'West Wicklow Voices'. Tickets available from CCM Also new Music Makers class for 3-6 year olds Wed Askea Parish Centre at 2.15pm. Contact Carlow College of Music Try out our new OBOE lessons. Instrument provided. Supported by IAYO & Music Generation, Carlow. Vocations Views - Second Sunday of Advent: John the Baptist cried out and made ready for the Lord. Promote the Gospel in our community. Luke 3:1-6. Pan Celtic Festival meeting on Wed 9 th Dec at 7.30pm in Carlow College Information Centre, Tullow Street. Ceád Míle Fáilte. Carlow Active Retired Christmas Party in Seven Oaks Hotel on Wed 9 th Dec starting at 2pm. Annual General Meeting at 2.30pm on Wed 13 th January Line Dancing Line dancing takes place in Askea Parish Centre on Thursday mornings from 11.00am to 12.30pm. Contact Kathleen at Society of St. Vincent de Paul shop in Tullow Street Carlow are having a good as new "Christmas Corner " in the shop this year and if you have any unopened gifts at home why not donate them to the shop in the coming week where they will be gratefully received. Thank you. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Church gate Christmas appeal collection will be held this year on the weekend of the 12th and 13th December. This special collection replaces the normal monthly collection. The Society thanks everyone for their ongoing support.

6 Christmas Carol Service Bennekerry Parish Choir and School will hold a Carol Service in St Mary s Church, Bennekerry on 15 th December at 7pm. Jingle Bell Jog It's that time of year again and everybody here at Carlow Regional Youth Services is getting ready to don their Santa hats for our 3rd Annual 5km Jingle Bell Jog Fundraiser on Sunday 6th December at 11 am at the Carlow Rowing Club. So why not register today at popupraces.ie or contact Carlow Regional Youth Services on Full details of the run is on the next page. We d love you all to come along and join in the fun!! For Sale Christmas Cards in aid of Saplings School for Children with Autism are on sale in Askea Parish Community Centre. 8 child friendly cards for 5. Beautiful quality Christmas cards for 12 assorted cards are now on sale in the Alzheimer's Day Care Centre Bethany House Barrack St Carlow. Please call in or contact Caroline at Thank you for your continued support. Carlow Choral Society celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a special performance of Handel's Messiah by candlelight in Carlow Cathedral on Saturday, 12th December, at 8.00pm. Conducted by Niall Kinsella, with the Irish Choral Sinfonia and soloists, Sandra Oman, Raphaela Mangan, Julian Hubbard and Gyula Nagy. Tickets are 18 / 15 (concessions) and are available on and onwww.carlowchoralsociety.com and from choir members. PAN CHEILTEACH 2016: Céad Míle Fáilte to an open meeting in preparation for The International Pan Celtic Festival All are welcome on Wednesday, 9 th December at 7.30pm in the Carlow College Information Centre, Tullow Street.

7 Delta Christmas Fair and Outdoor Lights Display December 11:00 am - December 7:00 pm Traditional gifts, decorations, folk craft and much more. Light lunches, tea/coffee and cakes served each day, with full traditional Christmas Lunch on Sunday 6 th December (booking essential). A colourful display of outdoor lights will be on display in the sensory garden plus Christmas competitions and much more each day. Santa s grotto, Elves workshops and festive face painting will be available from 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays (online booking essential). Opening Hours: Monday Friday 9.00am to 7.00pm Weekends 11.00am to 7.00pm Admission: Adults 5 Concessions 4 Children free to visit the gardens Santa visit 5 (online booking essential) Other activities 3 Duckett s Grove Christmas Fair and Fireworks Spectacular Sunday 6 th December. On Sun 6 th Dec from 12 p.m. 6 p.m. Craft stalls feature a wide range of ceramics and knitwear, hand crafted enamels, art, jewellery, embroidery, Christmas cards and decorations. Christmas cakes, puddings and pies, locally produced artisan goods, hot food stalls and tea, coffee and light snacks. Visit Santa Claus in his Grotto who has a free surprise for each child and there s lots of bouncy fun in the 50ft Inflatable Dragon Obstacle Course and Giant Snow Globe. Free face painting throughout the day and why not design some very special Christmas decorations to bring home in the Make and Do workshops.christmas storytelling for the little ones takes place at 2pm and 4pm. Traditional weaving and blacksmith demonstrations are on offer a glimpse into past times and the Falconry Display by Woodlands Falconry is sure to delight audiences. Performances by Carlow based musical and entertainment groups complete the perfect Christmas ambience. Visit T: Admission is 7 per car with free car parking. 12 noon 6 p.m.

8 BRONNTANAS AS GAEILGE: This Christmas season Give a Gift as Gaeilge promotes the sale of Irish language products including games, books and gifts. Easons of Fairgreen and Lamberts of Dublin Street are taking part in the promotion. Display stands include Scrabble and Monopoly board games, puzzles, jigsaws and books as well as Giob and Geab Pandas as Gaeilge. Why not drop in and check out the stand. Count down to the EIST Celebration of Christmas Variety Concert (only a few days left) in Arboretum Garden Centre Leighlinbridge on Friday 11th December at 8pm. Special Guest Orla Fallon (Celtic Women fame) Musical Director Ollie Hennessy & Askea Gospel Choir and many more performers Compere John Candy. Wine Reception For further details please contact the Eist Cancer Support Centre which opens at am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and am to 1.00 pm of Fridays. Telephone Number Or check out our Facebook page or web site. Save the date Askea Boys National School are holding a Christmas fair on the 18th of December 2015 at 1.30pm in the school. The highlight will be a visit to Santa Grotto to meet the head Elf and her team of elves followed by a visit to Santa, tickets for this experience will be available in the school office from the 5th of December and are limited in number so please buy early to avoid disappointment. Every child will receive a gift and parents are welcome to take photos of their own children. Tickets cost 5 per child for the first two and 4 for every chid after that. Children of all ages welcome. In the main hall we will have all the fun of the fair to include a cake stall, bottle stall, Raffle and many more stalls. The fair in the hall is free entry and we will have lots of prizes to give away.

9 CBS Carlow Christmas Fair takes place on Thursday 10th December in the school gym. Come and meet Santa as well as variety of home baking, crafts and entertainment on the night. Your support would be appreciated. Songs at Christmas in St. Mary's Church, Carlow with Anuna on Wednesday 9th. December at 8pm Tickets 20 Free Day and Evening Classes: Feel your reading / writing/computers or maths skills need a brush up? Free day and evening classes in Carlow Adult Learning Centre, Tullow Road. For details contact Tara on General invite to all parishioners to the official launch of the RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA presenting the music of Liam Lawton. The event takes place in Carlow Cathedral in March but the launch takes place on Monday 7th December at 8.00pm Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow. All welcome. Carlow Bingo at the Youth Centre, Green Lane, Carlow on Sunday 6 th Decemb er at 3pm. 10,000 in Prize Money. 6 Panel Book 5 / Double Book 10 Plus Bumper Lotto Jackpot. Enquiries or Don t Miss It!!! Carlow Rotary Tree Of Remembrance People are welcome to write their personal message of remembrance on a yellow ribbon and this will be placed on the tree. The Remembrance Tree will be attended from 10am- 6pm every day starting Friday 11 th December until Christmas Eve While there is no charge, donations are welcome, with funds raised going - St Vincent de Paul, Carlow Hospice, Eist (Cancer Support Group). Alzheimer s Bethany House Carlow.

10 Éire Óg Lotto WINNING NO s Mon Nov 30th ***One Jackpot Winner*** Man Utd c/o Tony Noctor wins 12,050 3 x Match 3 received 50 each.colm Hayden c/o C. Hayden, Bridget c/o Postman, Marion Costigan c/o Tony Noctor.Next week s Match 3 win or share 150 Tickets may be purchased from the Club and Riverside Stores in Hanover. NEXT WEEK S JACKPOT 6,050. Congratulations to our Jackpot. Winner who won 12,050. Draw takes place every Monday night in Teach Asca at 9.00pm. Éire Óg s AGM takes place here in Teach Asca on Wed Dec 7.45pm. Bingo takes place every Thursday 8.30pm. Live music every Saturday night with no cover charge. St Vincent de Paul non-perishable food and money collection takes place at all Masses next weekend 12 th and 13 th December 2015 Tuesday 8 th December The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day Masses as follows: Mon 7 th Dec No Vigil Mass Tues 8 th Dec Askea 9am, 10.30am and 7pm Please note there is NO Vigil Mass on Monday. Bennekerry 11.30am Tinryland 10am

11 Deeds of Kindness Suppose the little cowslip Should hang its tiny cup, And say, I m such a little flower, I d better not grow up. How many a weary traveller Would miss the fragrant smell? How many a little child would grieve To miss it from the dell! Suppose the glistening dew-drop, Upon the grass, should say, What can a little dew-drop do? I d better roll away. The blade on which it rested, Before the day was done, Without a drop to moisten it, Would wither in the sun. Suppose the little breezes Upon a summer s day, Should think themselves too small to cool The traveller on his way: Who would not miss the smallest And softest ones that blow, And think they made a great mistake If they were talking so? How many deeds of kindness A little child may do, Although it has so little strength, And little wisdom, too. It wants a loving spirit, Much more than strength, to prove, How many things a child may do For others by his love. Anonymous

12 Little by Little Little by little, an acorn said, As it slowly sank in its mossy bed, I am improving every day, Hidden deep in the earth away. Little by little, each day it grew; Little by little, it sipped the dew; Downward it sent out a thread-like root; Up in the air sprung a tiny shoot. Day after day, and year after year, Little by little the leaves appear; And the slender branches spread far and wide, Till the mighty oak is the forest s pride. Far down in the depths of the dark blue sea, An insect train work ceaselessly. Grain by grain, they are building well, Each one alone in its little cell. Moment by moment, and day by day, Never stopping to rest or to play, Rocks upon rocks, they are rearing high, Till the top looks out on the sunny sky. The gentle wind and the balmy air, Little by little, bring verdure there; Till the summer sunbeams gayly smile On the buds and the flowers of the coral isle. Little by little, said a thoughtful boy, Moment by moment, I ll well employ, Learning a little every day, And not spending all my time in play. And still this rule in my mind shall dwell, Whatever I do, I will do it well. Little by little, I ll learn to know The treasured wisdom of long ago; And one of these days, perhaps, we ll see That the world will be the better for me ; And do you not think that this simple plan Made him a wise and useful man? Anonymous.

13 CALENDAR Monday 7 th :-St Ambrose, , became governor of the Roman province whose seat was in Milan. In 374, the Laity insisted on him becoming bishop though he was not baptised, He defended orthodoxy in brilliant preaching and through his writing. Patron of Milan, beekeepers and domestic animals. Tuesday 8 th :- The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday 9 th :-St Juan Diego Cuahtlatoatzin, , saw the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December Friday 11 th :-St Damasus 1, born. c.304, and died on 11 December in 384. He was pope from He insisted on the apostolic foundations of the Roman See and was active in suppressing Arianism and other heresies. He commissioned St Jerome to prepare the Vulgate version of the Bible. Saturday 12 th :-Our Lady of Guadalupe is patron of the Americans. This memorial recalls the apparitions in December 1531 to Juan Diego Cuahtlatootzin on Tepeyac Hill, near Mexico City.