2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT ..LOVE
A reading from the Gospel
according to Mark
(Mark 1:1-18)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus
Christ the Son of God. As it is written in
Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending
my messenger ahead of you; he will
prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make
straight his paths.” John the Baptist
appeared in the desert proclaiming a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness
of sins. People of the whole Judean
countryside and all the inhabitants of
Jerusalem were going out to him and
were being baptised by him in the Jordan
River as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a
leather belt around his waist. He fed on
locusts and wild honey. And this is what
he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is
coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop
and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptised you with water; he will
baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
John the Baptist was an outrageous person. Not many of us would share his taste in clothes or food! However, he stands out most for his words, bravery and challenge. He calls us to look at our lives, our actions and to discover and confess our sins. He asks us to do this because it is the way to real, deep, Christian joy. Take time to think about the things that you are sorry for. Think of one aspect of your life that you need to change that might bring you closer to God. In the quiet of your own heart, pray an act of sorrow and ask that the Holy Spirit, given to each of us in Baptism, will strengthen and guide you on your path to Jesus.
Act of Sorrow
O my God, I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving others and not loving you. Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES IN ST AGNES’
PENITENTIAL SERVICE Mon 18th December 7pm
CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday 24th December 9.30am & 12.30pm
CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL 7PM
CHRISTMAS DAY Monday 25th December 9.30am & 12 Noon.
All Christmas arrangements are detailed on our Christmas Card which is available from this weeekend
PENITENTIAL SERVICES AND CONFESSIONS IN OUR PASTORAL COMMUNITY.
St Oliver Plunkett Parish- Tuesday 19th Dec at 7pm
St Michael the Archangel Parish – Wednesday 20th Dec at 7pm.
St Teresa of Avila Parish -Thursday 21st Dec 7pm
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE The collection amounted to £2056.00. Thank you for your generous financial support. You can make your envelope contribution via the donate button on the Parish website home page also at www.stagnesbelfast.com
ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE And a look to the future for our Parish. Sunday 17th December 7pm in St Agnes’ Parish Centre . Everyone welcome
CRAFT SALE In aid of Adelante Africa, Uganda will be held this weekend here after all the Masses 6.30pm, 9.30am & 12.30pm
TROCAIRE GIFTS Trócaire gifts at Christmas will now be known as “Gifts of Change” are now on sale from the Sacristy.
SVP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Amounted to £4445.00. A Sincere thanks to all those who contributed and who do so throughout the year.
ST AGNES’ PARISH CALENDER 2024 Is now available at the entrances to the Church, Please take one home.
BAMBINELLI SUNDAY: All parishioners attending Mass in St Agnes’ on 16th/17th December, to mark the 3rd Sunday of Advent are invited to bring along a figurine of the Baby Jesus which will be blessed at Mass by Fr Raymond. Then they’re invited to take it home, wrap it up in Christmas paper and place it under the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning the ‘Bambinello’ is to be unwrapped and placed in the crib, connecting the Nativity set at home, and the Church where we worship each week. It also reminds us that the baby Jesus is the best present we can receive at Christmas.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sat 09 (6.30pm): Priest’s intention
Sun 10(9.30am): Margaret Mc Garrity
Sun 10(12.30pm): Matthew Morrison, Eugene Toner, Briege & John Mc Garrity, Legion of Mary ( Aux. Members)
Mon 11(10am): Holy Souls
Tue 12: NO MASS
Wed 13(10am): Margaret Molloy
Thurs 14(10am): Mary Hanrahan, Eileen Nolan
Fri 15(10am): Gabriel Davey, Sean Robinson
Sat 16(1pm): Holy Souls
NB: In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Recently Deceased: Joseph Hughes RIP
Months Mind: Margaret Mc Garrity
Anniversaries: Colette Donnelly, Tommy & Rosina Kelly, Patrick Pettigrew, Marie Standen, Colm O’ Brien, Maureen, Michael & Emma Mc Cann, Mary & Henry Mc Keown, Teresa & Brian Compston & son John, James & Ellen Mc Fall, Margaret Hackett, Gerard Quinn, Paddy Leonard, Sally & Ned Doherty, Una Crudden, Jane Short,Johnny Purcell, Eileen Delaney, Annie Mc Callin
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
HOLY CHILD CHRISTMAS FAIR Sunday 10th December 1pm-4pm. Santa’s Grotto, Gift Stalls, Tombola, Sweets & Treats. All welcome!
HOLY CHILD P.S CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Nativity play will take place on Thursday 14th December at 1pm here in St Agnes’ & Carol Service will take place on Wednesday 20th December at 1.30pm
Anam Cara Belfast, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Monday 11th December at 7:30pm in the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast, BT10 ND. This event is free and 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 also offer an online meeting which takes place 2nd Thursday To join please contact us on 028 95213120.
“Prepare for Christmas! The Legion of Mary presents a Spiritual Preparation Retreat for Christmas for adults over 18 years. Saturday 16th December – St John the Baptist Primary School, Finaghy Road North Belfast The day will be led by the Very Rev Father Darren Brennan PP Registration 9:30am – 3pm Finish Talks and Testimonies followed by Confessions, Adoration and Holy Mass Cost is £10 – Includes Lunch For more information or to book, please contact Luke on 07955386288 Prepare your soul for Christmas!”
DRUMALIS IN ADVENT For details, t: 02828272196 or e: drumalis@btconnect.com.
At Veritas you will find devotional books or beautifully illustrated children’s books that will entertain but also fill our hearts, nativity sets, Advent candles, memorial gifts, thoughtful cards, beautiful Christmas decorations, and much more. Visit Veritas stores in Dublin Abbey Street, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Cork, Limerick, Letterkenny, Derry, and Newry—or shop online at veritas.ie
THE YEAR OF PRAYER 2024 & THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025 In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. It starts on the First Sunday of Advent. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer.
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