THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
15th DECEMBER 2013
The coming of Christ brought joy to the world as He healed every sickness and overcame human deprivation. For those who suffer, the joy of Christ’s first coming must be tempered by patience as they await their restoration at his Second Coming.

GAUDETE SUNDAY – TODAY
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent – traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday – Sunday of Joy – when we light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath as a sign of joy that the time of the birth of Christ is drawing nearer.

ADVENT IN THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACUALTE CONCEPTION

EWTN – ADVENT REFLECTIONS
This weeks schedule begins with Fr Shane Gallagher from the Diocese of Raphoe. Sunday 15, 11:30; Tuesday 17, 19:30; Thursday 19, 09:00; Saturday 21, 17:30.
UPC Channel 815, SKY EPG 589, www.ewtn-ireland.ie

WAY OF GENTLENESS  – ADVENT
The final hour in preparation for Christmas takes place in our Cathedral next Tuesday 17that 8pm. Everyone is welcome.

SLIGO CATHEDRAL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT
SUNDAY NEXT DECEMBER 22nd at 8.15 p.m.
We invite all to a prayerful and joyous service of Carols and Lessons celebrating the gift of the Christ child to the world. In the magnificent candlelit surroundings of our beautiful Cathedral this special event marks for many what is the beginning of Christmas and gives us a glimpse of the true meaning of this
sacred season.

ADVENT JESSE TREE – SYMBOLS FOR WEEK THREE
The Staff symbol represents JESSE
The Lyre Key & Star symbols represent DAVID
The Temple & Jerusalem symbols represent SOLOMON

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 pink candle on the Advent Wreath while another recites the following,
Lord God, Let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles 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.

CHRISTMAS RECONCILATION SERVICE
SLIGO PARISHES CLUSTER
FRIDAY DECEMBER 20^th 7pm – 8pm in HOLY CROSS FRIARY
A celebration of the Lord’s forgiveness in an atmosphere of calmness and peace with the opportunity for individual confession.

ADVENT IN SLIGO PARISHES CLUSTER
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Adoration takes place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
St. Bernadette’s Chapel, Rockwood Parade Wednesday Dec18 at 12:30-1pm – A half hour reflection will be held at lunchtime.  Adoration 4-5pm daily.
St. Anne’s Day Chapel Wednesday Dec 18 following 10am Mass. An hour reflecting on the meaning and purpose of the Season of Advent.
St. Joseph’s Parish Centre  Tuesday December 17 at 3pm. An hour reflecting on the meaning and purpose of the Advent Season.
St Joseph’s Oratory Adoration daily midday to 6pm.
St Patrick’s, Strandhill Monday December 16 at 8pm: ‘The Way of Gentleness’. Guided Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Advent reflections.
St John’s, Carraroe Wednesday December 18 at 7pm: Reflections based on Sunday Gospels.
Holy Cross Friary Adoration Every Saturday 11am to 12 noon.

CHRISTMAS ON OCEAN FM
We are pleased to announce that our Carol Service on Sunday next, December 22^nd at 8.15 p.m., and our 10.30 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day will be broadcast LIVE on Ocean FM.  We thank Ocean FM for this wonderful opportunity to unite with all who tune in to these services.

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL – CHRISTMAS 2013
Please note that the Chapel of Adoration will close at 6pm on Monday, Dec. 23 and will re-open after the 10.30 a.m. Mass on Friday, Dec. 27 2013.
Prayerful remembrance and thank you to all who visit this chapel.

FAMILY BLESSING
Most Rev Christopher Jones will bless families and children at the 10.30am Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family – Sunday 29^th December.

VATICAN CONSULTATION RE: PASTORAL CHALLENGES TO THE FAMILY
Together with Bishop Jones, we encourage all our Parishioners to participate in this very important worldwide consultation. Forms are available at the Cathedral entrance or online at our website and must be returned to the Diocesan Office, St Mary’s by Friday December 20th For more please visit the Elphin Diocesan website at www.elphindiocese.ie/consultations-re-family

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Weds 18^th: St Flannan, bishop;
Fri 20^th: St Fachanan, bishop;
Sat 21^st: St Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the Church.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, grant me the patience to see your presence through all trials and suffering.  Amen.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY NEXT DECEMBER 22nd
1st: Is. 7:10-14;
2nd: Rom. 1:1-7;
Gospel: Matt. 1: 18-24.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family
CORMAC O’NEILL and
LENA MULLERT
who were baptised recently in our Cathedral.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Ozanam House, John Street, wish to offer sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Church Gate collection which was held at all Churches last weekend.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
MARGARET TRAVERS late of Quay Street,
JOHN GALLAGHER, late of Collery Drive and
HILDA LANGAN late of Jink’s Avenue who died in London
May God Grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends

ANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBERANCES
Monday December 16^th: 8am MARY & GEORGE McGARRY;
Tuesday December 17^th: 8am ELIZABETH, MICHAEL & MARY KELLY; 10.30am PATRICK & MARY WATTERS;
Wednesday December 18^th: 8am Deceased Members of the BOYLE Family; 10.30am TERESA LYDON;
Thursday December 19^th: 8am KATHLEEN & CHARLIE McLOUGHLIN; 10.30am IMELDA GILMARTIN;
Friday December 20^th: 8am MICHAEL & DELIA MULHOLLAND;
Saturday December 21^st: 8am IRENE, MAEVE & JIM VERDON; 10.30am MONTH’S MIND CHRISSIE REILLY

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
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.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY DECEMBER 8^th
PARISH ENV: €2,217 PLATE/STAND.ORD €1,618
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY Tel: 071 916 2670 SACRISTY Tel: 071 916 1261

CHRISTMAS FAIR
At Castledargan Hotel on Sunday 15^th December from 12 noon. Attractions include live animal Nativity scene, Santa, Christmas Market with carols. All proceeds to St Vincent De Paul & Philippines Emergency Appeal. Contact Christy Murphy 087 247 0823.

CO. SLIGO GOLF CLUB
Male Voice Choir & Sligo Academy of Music host a “Christmas Spectacular” concert with St Mary’s Youth Choir & Summerhill College Choir in Summerhill College New Gym Thurs 19^th Dec at 8pm. Tickets €10 – Liber Bookshop. All proceeds to local charities.

CONFIRMATION DATES FOR 2014
Scoil Éoin Naofa, Thursday 29^th May 4pm.
Scoil Cnoc na Ré, Wednesday 4^th June at 11.30am.
Scoil Ursula, Pentecost Sunday 8^th June at 12 Noon.

GILLOOLY HALL BINGO – 9.00 p.m. SUNDAY
Tonight’s JACKPOT is €1,750!! Raffle prizes & refreshments.
All welcome to join in the fun!

COFFEE MORNING
In the Glasshouse Hotel ,Sligo, on Thursday 19^th December from 10.30am to 2pm in memory of Conor Brady R.I.P., Skreen. All funds raised will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.  Your support would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

NEW HOLY WELL CHRSITMAS CARDS
Available from St John’s Presbytery (Carraroe, Sligo), Liber Bookshop, O’Connell St & Veritas, Sligo. All proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Holy Well. Carraroe Parish Office Tel 6162136 Email:carraroe@holywellsligo.com.

CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
Sligo Orpheus Choir, Ursuline College Senior Choir, The Innisfree Quintet, Eunjoo Goh: Soprano with Austin McManus: conducting present “Carols by Candlelight” in St John’s Cathedral John St. Sligo Sat 21^st Dec. @8pm. Admission Free a retiring collection to the society of St. Vincent de Paul.