Fourth Sunday of Advent

18th December 2022

World Day for Consecrated Life

Fr. Michael, Fr. Malachy, Fr. Thomas & Fr. John would like to wish all our parishioners and all who attend Mass in Melmount a very happy and holy celebration of this Christmas time.

The Gospel speaks of how ‘God with us’ was revealed to the world in the person of Jesus 2000 years ago. I suggest that we move on from there to consider how we become aware of ‘God with us’ now in our daily lives.

It took some time for Joseph to accept the fact that, in Mary, there truly was Emmanuel – God with us. God is with us now, but at times we struggle to perceive God’s presence. Where have you unexpectedly discovered the presence of ‘God with you’? Recall those experiences and give thanks.

Joseph was confused and uncertain about what he should do. It took time, and outside help, for him to discern what his next step should be. Perhaps you have also had difficulties along the way to some decisions or commitments. Recall that journey and the moments when it became clear to you what was being asked of you. Give thanks for the angels who helped you along the way.

Mary bore Jesus within her, unseen to all, and unacknowledged by most. In Joseph she found one who believed in the treasure that she bore. We can be bearers of Jesus to others, and they to us. When have you been that kind of a bearer of Jesus to another? Who has been that to you?                                                                              

                      John Byrne OSA                                                         

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £2301.00. Thank you.

Those who pay to the weekly collection or any special collections, including Priest’s Collection, and Priests’ Christmas Collection by cheque are asked that all cheques should be made payable to ‘Melmount Parish’.

Parishioners can still leave their contributions in the Parish Office. Contributions can be made by cheque made payable to Melmount Parish or cash. If the Office is closed please use the letterbox.

We welcome into God’s Family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Eabha Patrice Callaghan

We congratulate the following couple who were recently united in the Sacrament of Marriage:

Jacqueline Kennedy and Niall McGrory

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

Desmond McGillan, Belfast formerly Strabane          

Betty Kelly, Sion Mills

Geraldine Stevenson, 195 Lower Main Street          

John O’Neill, Mulvey House

James Elliott, Artigarvan                                       

Cathal Carlin, Castlefin

Anniversaries

Margaret McLaughlin, Jim Duffy, Mary Crampsie

John Scallon, Rita Gorman, Eddie O’Neill

Marie Burns, Neil Gallagher, John Conroy

Jim Blee, Brendan Devine, Frank O’Kane

Mary O’Neill, Dominic Carlin, Anthony Boggs

Helen McDermott, Seamus McDermott, Paddy Patton

Seamus McNally, Anne McNally, James McNally

Mary Millar, Maureen McCrea, Mary McDermott

Joseph McGarrigle, Tony Conwell, Bartley McDonald

Seamus McCay, Ian Gallagher, Elizabeth McColgan

Bobby Patton, Isabel McCrea, Paddy Kerrigan

Fionnuala Henderson, Patsy Burke, Jim McGinn

Teresa Goulding, Margaret Gough, Jean Browne

Kathleen Devine, Helen Gallagher, Patrick Conwell

Jim Harte, Robert Harte, Elizabeth Reid

Susan McKinney, Collette Gallagher, John Gallagher

Betty O’Donnell, Peter Sheils, Elizabeth Sheils               

Bulletin: Please Note: Today’s Bulletin, Sunday 18 December, will be the last bulletin until Sunday 8th January 2023.  (It would be greatly appreciated if anniversaries were not emailed to the Parish Office after Tuesday 20th December until Tuesday 3rd January 2023).

Baptism Dates

January: Sunday 8; Saturday 14; Saturday 28.

February: Sunday 5; Saturday 11; Saturday 25.

March: Sunday 5; Saturday 11; Saturday 25.

Baptisms will be at 4.00pm on a Saturday and 1.15pm on a Sunday.

To book a Baptism contact the Parish Office on 71383777 during office hours.

Penitential Service and Confessions for Christmas will be held in the Church this evening 18th December at 6.00pm. Six priests will be available and the whole service including Confessions will last only 40 minutes.

Vocations: The child to be born will be called Emmanuel, a name that means ‘God-with-us’. We pray for those called to the priesthood and religious life in their mission to proclaim the Good News of God’s love and of the presence of God in and with His people.

ST MARY’S CHURCH, MELMOUNT

CHRISTMAS 2022

Mass at usual times until Christmas Eve

Sunday 18th December

6.00pm: Penitential Service and Confessions for Christmas. Six priests will be available.

Monday 19th December

1.30pm: Nativity Pageant with pupils of St Mary’s P.S.

6.00pm: Christmas Play with pupils of Gaelscoil

Friday 23rd December

10.30am: Confessions

6.15pm – 6.45pm: Confessions

Saturday 24th December (Christmas Eve)

11.00am-12.00 noon: Confessions

6.00pm: First Mass of Christmas – Family Mass (Carols – Men’s Group)

8.00pm: Second Mass of Christmas (Church Choir)    

Sunday 25th December (Christmas Day) 

 8.30am: Mass (Soloist)                                   

10.30am: Mass (Church Choir).

12.30pm: Mass (Strabane Brass).   

There will not be Evening Mass on Christmas Day.

(The Priests’ Christmas Collection will be taken up on Christmas Day. There is a special envelope in your box.)

Mass Times for the coming weeks beginning Monday 26th December

Monday 26th December 2022: 10.00am.

Tuesday 27th December 2022: 7.00pm

Wednesday 28th December 2022: 10.00am

Thursday 29th December 2022: 10.00am

Friday 30th December 2022: 10.00am

Saturday 31st December 2022 (New Year’s Eve) 7.00pm (Vigil) & 11.30pm

Sunday 1st January 2023: 10.30am & 12.30pm

Please note: There will not be evening Mass on New Year’s Day

Monday 2nd January 2023: 10.00am

Tuesday 3rd January 2023: 7.00pm

Wednesday 4th January 2023: 10.00am

Thursday 5th January 2023: 10.00am

Friday 6th January 2023: The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord & First Friday: 10.00am & 7.00pm. Confessions will take place on the Thursday after 10.00am Mass.

Weekend Masses at the normal times: Saturday 7.00pm (Vigil); Sunday 10.30am & 12.30pm.

Saturday 31st December 2022

The extra Mass on Saturday 31st December at 11.30pm is for those who would like to come along to the Church to pray as the old year comes to an end and ask God’s Blessing on 2023.