Sunday: Mass, 11.00am, Glenock

CONFESSIONS: 6.00pm, Oratory (Visiting priests)

MASSES FOR CHRISTMAS

Monday 24 December (Christmas Eve) – No morning Mass

Glenock – First Vigil Mass, 6pm Oratory – Candlelight Vigil Mass, 9pm

Tuesday 25 December (Christmas Day) – Glenock, 11.00am

Wednesday (St Stephen’s Day) – Mass, 7.30pm, Oratory

Thursday – Mass, 7.30pm, Oratory (6:30 Adoration, 7pm Confessions, 7.15pm Rosary)

Friday – Mass, 12.00noon, Oratory. Adoration 12:30pm - 9:00pm

Saturday (29 Dec): Vigil Mass, 6pm, Oratory (Anniversary: Joseph McMenamin, RIP) Confessions on Saturday at 5.30pm

Sunday (30 December – Feast of the Holy Family): Mass, 11.00am in Glenock

Monday 31 December – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Mass, 12noon, Oratory

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THE VISITATION GOSPEL OF ST LUKE (1:39-45)

Today’s Gospel recounts the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. It's a magnificent moment in God’s plan for salvation. 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb’ (Vs 42). These are Elizabeth’s words of greeting to her cousin, Mary. The words are familiar to us from one of the first prayers we learn, the Hail Mary. Elizabeth, who is also with child, in her old age (and will give birth to John the Baptist), greets Mary in full recognition of the unique roles that they and their unborn children will play in salvation history. If we read the verses that follow in Luke's Gospel, we would hear Mary respond to Elizabeth's greeting with a song of praise to God, known as the Magnificat.

Mary and Elizabeth share the good news of their pregnancies. We pray today for all expectant mothers, that our Blessed Mother will watch over and protect them and their unborn children. We ask that the beauty and joy of the life that mothers bring into the world may always be cherished as a miraculous gift of God. As Creator, He makes us in His own image and likeness. Each person is an eternal treasure.

Ark of the Covenant, pray for us. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Our prayers are asked for the souls of those whose anniversaries occur at this time:

Rose Hogg, Michael Dunn McKane

John Harkin, Eddie Patton

George Kerrigan, Lee Kelly

Tommy Devenney, Sarah McNamee

Brendan Corry

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SUNDAY COLLECTION: £807.

World Meeting of Families collection: £241. Donations – Oratory Oil Tank: £70, Glenock: £20. Thank you very much!

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PROJECT FOR THE WEEK – New oil tank in the Oratory. Our sincere appreciation goes to Raymond Houston for the excellent plumbing at no cost to the parish.

ROSARY LESSON – 15 minute class on how to use the Rosary beads. Thursday 6:45pm, Sacred Heart Room, Oratory.

STAPLER NEEDED – Would you like to donate a stapler (used or new) to the parish office? Thank you for the staple donation!

CHARITY DANCE – Knockmoyle Hall, on St Stephen’s Night, Wed 26 December. Proceeds to Air Ambulance NI. Dancing from 9.30pm to “Sprig of Heather”.

RESTORATION OF CHURCH 

The Parish Finance Council continues to plan for the vital repair of St Eugene's, Glenock. In January the architect will present his findings to the parishioners. The project will take time and money but should leave the church in excellent condition for generations to come. Thank you for your loyalty to our parish church.

TROCAIRE CHRISTMAS APPEAL

'Do not let the downtrodden retreat in confusion, give the poor and needy cause to praise your name.' Psalm 74:21. Millions of people have had to flee conflict in South Sudan and Yemen. In one area alone in northern Uganda, 33,000 people, mainly women and children from South Sudan, have taken refuge. They have witnessed and experienced the worst kind of violence and have arrived traumatised and broken. Trócaire’s Christmas Appeal aims to help these people and many others rebuild their lives. Visit www.trocaire.org.

Catholic Television – EWTN on Sky 588, including all the Masses of Christmas.

GAA: Alphalotto: D, M, X, Y. Seventeen people with two letters: five names drawn – Brian McConnell, Damian O’Hagan, Rosemarie Devenny, Darragh McNamee, Michael & Sadie O’Hagan. Each receive £20. Jackpot £3,200. Thanks to all who supported the Bazaar. Draw winners: £50 Martin Mc Guigan, £50 Darren Mc Lennan, Carolann Hannigan, £1,000 Angelica Sang. Congratulations!

Humour – How does Rudolph know Christmas is near? He looks at his calen-deer!

Humour – If you swallow Christmas decorations you get tinsilitis!

Prayer for Families

Lord Jesus, You chose to enter the world

as a member of a family, the Holy Family.

Take care of all families.

May they be sources of love and security for where each person is valued

and all are given a chance to flourish and grow in faith, hope and love all their days.

Jesus, I trust in You.