TODAY - 9^th DECEMBER 2012
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
When God comes, he comes with power but also with compassion restoring all things. We can prepare the way of his coming with lives of holiness.

ADVENT
For the next three weeks of Advent we encourage you to form a family or neighbourhood Prayer Group in preparation for the coming of Christ.   Advent Wreaths and Prayer Leaflets for each week are available at the Cathedral entrance or in the Sacristy. Feel free to use a personal prayer format if you wish.
BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH IN THE HOME:
This Blessing might be used when the Advent Wreath is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent.
All make the sign of the Cross, one member lights the first candle on the Advent Wreath while another recites the following,
Lord God, Let your blessing come upon us as we light the candle(s) of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
ADVENT JESSE TREE - WEEK TWO
The Jesse Tree is a way of reflecting on the key people who prefigure the coming (‘adventus’) of Jesus. The symbols for the Jesse Tree have been divided over the four weeks of Advent:
This week - WEEK TWO
The Ram symbol represents ISAAC
The Ladder represents JACOB
The Water Jar & Coat represent JOSEPH
The Tablets & Paschal Lamb represent MOSES.

WAY OF GENTLENESS - ADVENT
Continues on Tuesday December 11^th and 18^th . The call to focus on Christ’s coming into our hearts and homes is the only true meaning of Christmas. Everyone is welcome to join in this hour of guided prayer, silent time and music in preparation for Christmas.

ADVENT - THE SEASON OF SERVICE
Sligo Parishes Cluster invites everyone involved in any way in the Parish to explore and reflect on your call to service in the light of the season of Advent. This is for everyone with involvement in the parishes, whether during the Mass, including all who work in the background, or apart from it, everyone from Baptism teams to Bereavement teams and everything in between. Advent the Season of Service will be held in St. Anne’s Day Chapel on Thursday December 13th at 3:30pm repeated at 7:30pm, lasting one hour only. To be led by Colette Furlong, the Sligo Parishes Cluster Catechist.  clustercatechist@sligocathedral.ie

CATHEDRAL RECONCILATION SERVICE
Friday - December 21^st at 7.00 p.m.
“Welcome Home for Christmas”
Christmas is homecoming time, journey with us towards a personal homecoming with the Christchild by availing of this opportunity for Confession.
SERVICE - 7.00pm, CONFESSIONS - from 7.15 p.m.,
BENEDICTION - 8.00pm, CONFESSIONS until 8.30pm.

SLIGO CATHEDRAL CHOIR CAROL SERVICE 

We invite all to a prayerful and joyous celebration of the gift of the Christ child to the world. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations take some time to join our Cathedral Community in a candlelit carol service on
SUNDAY 23rd DECEMBER at 8.15pm
This is always a very popular event in the magnificent surroundings of our beautiful Cathedral and for many marks the beginning of Christmas, offering a glimpse into the true meaning of the season.

ORDINATION OF DEACONS IN SLIGO CATHEDRAL
We congratulate Wando Araujo, William Gacquin, Damien Kearns, Frank McGuinness, David Muldowney and Seamus Talbot who were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate at yesterdays historic ceremony in our Cathedral and we pray every blessing on them, their wives and
families. We look forward to their future ministry in the Diocese.

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP – PARISH ENVELOPES
We thank most sincerely all our Area Reps who have delivered the Responsible Stewardship boxes in their areas. We apologise to anyone who has not received a box and invite you to please contact the Parish Office on 9162670 and we will arrange to have one sent directly.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 16th
1^st Reading: Zeph. 3: 14-18;;
2^nd Reading: Phil. 4: 4-7
Gospel: Is. 61.1 Luke: 4-18.
Please consider reading during the course of the week to prepare for next Sunday’s Mass.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK.
Dear Lord, help me to be open to you for this time as I put aside the cares of this world. Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Tuesday 11th: St Damasus I, pope;
Wednesday 12th: St Finnian, bishop;
Thursday 13th: St Lucy, virgin and martyr,
Friday 14th: St John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of:
Peter Falker, 21 Thornhill, Sligo.
May God grant him eternal rest and comfort and console his bereaved family and friends.

Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

ANNIVERSARIES 

Monday 10^th December: 8am Katie McTiernan;
Tuesday 11^th December: 8am Susan & Bernadette Murray; 10.30am Eamonn Clarke (Birthday Remembrance);
Wednesday 12^th December: 8am Nadaraja Family; 10.30am Pegnam Family;
Thursday 13^th December: 8am Janet Roper; 10.30am John & Alice Prior;
Friday 14^th December: 8am Monica Pegnam and Edward Cox; 10.30am 1^st Anniversary Maureen O’Grady
Saturday 15^th December: 8am Maureen, Michael & Colm Blee; 10.30am Month’s Mind Kitty Keaney.

SLIGO CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: Sunday December 2^nd
Parish Envelopes: €2,262
Plate and Standing Orders: €1,771
St Mary’s Presbytery 071 9162670 Sacristy 071 9161261
We welcome your comments, email us at  information@sligocathedral.ie Thank you.

DRAWING FROM THE HOLY WELL WITHIN
AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
For individuals or small groups welcome. Three 1 hour sessions arranged at your convenience. Free of charge. There is no deadline - we a re always available for this program. Contact Missionaries of Charity, Sisters of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Temple St. on 9154843.

BINGO - GILLOOLY HALL - CONTINUES TONIGHT DECEMBER 9th - 9PM
TONIGHT’S JACKPOT €950!!
Refreshments available at the start of Bingo and at the interval.
Busses will stop at the following pick up points:
8.00pm                 ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL
8.05pm                 CARROLL’S SHOP
8.10pm                 RIVERSIDE
8.15pm                 GILMARTIN’S SHOP
8.20pm                 CRANMORE COMMUNITY PARK
8.25pm                 SHOP AT CALTRAGH
8.30pm                 COMMUNITY CENTRE MAIL COACH ROAD
8.35pm                 CENTRA and MOONEY’S BAR, MAUGHERABOY
8.40pm                 JINK’S AVENUE, OLD POST OFFICE.
Everyone welcome.

ADVENT IN GALILEE COMMUNITY BOYLE
Fireside chat on Tuesday, December 11th at 8pm.
Christmas experience the Stations of the Crib on Thursday, December 13th at 8pm
Further details from 071 9664101  galileecommunity@gmail.com

FR. FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUP
Next Meeting Tuesday, 11th December at 7.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Presbytery. Please note the earlier time due to other events on Tuesday nights in the Parish. All are most welcome.

DATES TO REMEMBER 

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY Next meeting will take place tomorrow - Monday, December 10 immediately after the 10.30am Mass in the Upper Room of the Cathedral Sacristy. New members welcome.

HSE RETIREMENT GROUP Sligo Branch Festive Lunch in Sligo Park Hotel on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 1.30pm. Please contact Kitty Kilfeather on 9142579 or any committee member to confirm attendance. Thank you.

SLIGO ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Monthly meeting at 2.30pm in the Dominican Friary Hall on Tuesday 11th Dec. New members welcome.

CO. SLIGO GOLF CLUB Male Voice Choir & the Sligo Academy of Music Celebration of Christmas Carols in St Anne’s Church, on Thursday 13 Dec at 8pm. Tickets €10 from Keaney’s, High St, Sligo or contact 9143150. All welcome.

"CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT" presented by Sligo Orpheus Choir, with St. Mary's Community Youth Choir, orchestra, & soloists on Sun Dec 16 at 8pm in Holy Cross Friary Sligo. Celebrate the festive season with an evening of Christmas Carols. Retiring collection to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES Christmas Cards. A selection of 10 for €6.50 for sale in the Thrift Shop, Harmony Hill. All proceeds go to providing services in our community. Your support is greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT FOR SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES A feast of Christmas songs and carols will be performed  by students of Anne-Marie Keaney on Saturday 22nd December at The Southern Hotel, Sligo at 8pm.  All proceeds from this concert will go to Sligo Social Services.  Tickets (€10 {Children €5}) will be available for purchase on the door or from Sligo Social Services.

YOUTH 2000 CHRISTMAS RETREAT - CHRISTMAS YOUTH RETREAT
Youth 2000 Ireland will be holding their annual Christmas Youth Retreat in Newbridge College, Co Kildare from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th December 2012. Over 500 young people aged 16-35 are expected to attend this donation only event, with all newcomers welcome. This weekend consists of an action packed programme including prayer, workshops, drama, inspirational talks, testimonies, music, games and chill out time. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about your Catholic faith and to meet other young people. Please book online if you are interested and bring a sleeping bag if you wish to avail of on-site accommodation. All are welcome to attend at any time over the weekend. Retreat starts with registrations on Firday at 8.00pm. Free buses also available. For more info check out www.youth2000.ie or call 01 675 3690 / 07598 876 399 and see us on facebook.

SLIGO ORPHEUS CHOIR "CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT" AT THE FRIARY 16TH DEC
Sunday the 16th December at 8.00 pm at Holy Cross Friary Sligo. Celebrate the festive season with an evening of traditional Christmas Carols. Presented by Sligo Orpheus Choir, with St.Mary's Community Youth Choir, orchestra, and soloists. There will be a retiring collection to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The program will consist of old favourites’ that we can all sing together, a chance to listen to the wonderful voices of the choirs and a selection of Christmas readings. By the time you leave the Friary we hope you will feel suitably festive and full of the Christmas spirit! Money’s raised from this wonderful concert will go to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul for distribution by the Society
Admission to concert is Free

INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY - International Animal Rights Day - Torchlit Dog (and People) Walk in Sligo on Dec 10th. Part of national events organised by ARAN (Animal Rights Action Network). Meeting at 7pm at the Car Park on The Mall. 25 min walk, meet other dog owners and people who disagree with cruelty to animals. All dogs should be on leads and please bring your own wet gear, hi-vis stuff and pick-up bags! In association with ARAN - Animal Rights Action Network.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Sligo-based drama group, “For Your Soul Productions”, is planning a Christmas Nativity Drama entitled, “Gift of God”. It will take place outdoors at Sligo’s beloved Holy Well, Carraroe on Sunday December 16th at 5pm. The drama will be a simple and prayerful narration of Christ’s birth with music and song and a mince pie and mulled wine reception to follow. If you think you might be interested please phone Eileen at 087-2690014.

SLIGO CHRISTMAS FAYRETakes place this weekend, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of December in Stephen St car park from 10am to 6pm, with something for all the family. Santa Claus, kids ice skating, choirs, Christmas carols, original Christmas gifts from stalls run by local traders, festive food, face painting and much much more. So come along and join in on the fun.

SLIGO LEADER PARTNERSHIP Have you an Alternative Farm Enterprise Business or Tourism Business in Co Sligo and require help in establishing this Business and finding Supports available?  Sligo LEADER Partnership invite you to apply for a position on our special “Next Move” Business Start Up Entrepreneurial Skills Programme if you are eligible for a FÁS Community Employment Scheme?   This scheme will run for six months January to July 2013.  Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 12 Dec 2012.  Application Form from 071 91 20636,  nextmove@sligoleader.com, or can also be down loaded  the “Next Move” page on:  www.sligoleader.com 

For further information please see our website at www.anamcara.ie email us at  info@anamcara.ie or call 01 4045378.