St Columba's Church Newsletter 29 November 2020

First Sunday 28th/29th November 2020

Masses this week

Due to Diocesan/Government Regulations there will be no public Masses this week. The Church will be open for private prayer. Fr Pat Davis will continue to offer Mass Intentions during the week.

Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expecation. There are two stages in Advent: the first runs until the 16th Dec and the second which is mainly directed to the Christmas feasts runs from the 17th December until 24th.

It is also a time of waiting, coversion, and of hope.

Waiting, the memory of the first coming of the Lord in our mortal flesh, we could today reflect on his coming at the end of our lives, how are we preparing for that.

Conversion, to which the liturgy at this time often refers quoting the Prophets, especially John the Baptist, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This year due to the Covid Virus Advent could be a time for more prayer in our homes, and a gesture of fasting once a week for good health in our family.

Joyful hope, that the salvation already accomplished by Christ will be ours one day, as scripture says “we shall become like him because we shall see him as he really is.”

People ask “Is Advent supposed to a penitential season, a sort of, “mini lent” “

Although the purple vestments of penance are used during Advent, the season is more about hope which comes from reflecting on the nearness of the Lord to us at all times. However, a bit of penance or self-denial would be good for soul and body in the run up to Christmas. Saint Paul tells us to rejoice for the Lord is near, Come Lord Jesus come.

Cuimhneacháin Báis

Died Recently

Seamus Dooley, Teelin/New York

Anniversaries

Mae Mc Laughlin, Clogher, Mass Sat 28th Nov 6.30p.m

Frankie McDevitt, Clogher, Mass Fri 4th Dec 7p.m

Ann Marie Byrne, Cappagh, Mass Sat 5th Dec 6.30p.m

Thanks: Fr Denis G wishes to express his sincere thanks to Fr Pat Davis  for his work in the Church and Parish during his absence. Fr Davis has been very kind and generous to the Parish. On behalf of myself and the parishioners we are very thankful to him. We wish Fr Davis good health and Gods blessings and a promise of remembrance in our prayers always. Go raibh maith agat.

"Childrens Flu Vaccine available at Carrick Health Centre

The children's Flu Vaccine is given via nasal spray and is free of charge to all children aged 2-12 years.  Please ring Carrick Health Centre 0749739380 for more information or to make an appointment."

Food for Christmas: Fr Eddie Gallagher P.P Kilcar and Mary Anderson will be sending cargo of non perishable foods to Brother Kevin Crowley OFM in Dublin for the Homeless before Christmas. Anyone wishing to donate can leave their donations in the Prayer Room in Kilcar  Church between Sunday 6th December and Sunday13th December.

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot receive you now in Holy Communion, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never let me be parted from you. Amen

An Tobar Domhain  continues to be livestreamed on the Raphoe Diocese Facebook Page each evening at 9.15pm.  You are cordially invited to join Bishop Alan for this time of prayer and reflection.  It is also livestreamed on the Cathedral Webcam at www.churchservices.tv/letterkenny

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