Christmas Message 2009 - Signs of the Emmanuel
Emmanuel means ‘God is with us’. On reflection over the past year we have seen many aspects of the Emmanuel in the care and love of families and the community, through sharing and caring. God’s presence is tangible through these acts of reaching out and volunteerism in our community. Our community is very blessed to have so many people of different ages giving of their time, week in and week out, in the service of the community and the life of church activities. We would like to thank you one and all for your generosity and commitment throughout the past year.
For many there has been difficulty, stress and uncertainty in the economic climate that we have and are experiencing. There are those who have been bereaved or have had sickness trust upon them. Christmas is a time to reflect and to embrace the Christmas story. Much of the time in the Holy Family, in those early days and months, there was a sense of wonder and certainly fear. The fear was overcome by the presence of God and entrusting themselves to His ways and will. With the Christmas stories there are journeys, and we too join in those journeys. The shepherds were told about the birth of Jesus and they came to see the New Born King. The Wise Men from the East followed the star which settled over Bethlehem. May we, with listening hearts this Christmas, listen to the voice of God through the varying prophets, the scriptures, the sacraments and loving people in our midst. May we be led to the stable at Bethlehem and adore the King, whose birth we celebrate at the close of 2009. With every grace blessing and good wish this Christmas and for the New Year, 2010.
SYMPATHY
We commend to your generous prayers, Bill Deegan, Kilkenny & Rosbercon, who died recently.
May he Rest in Peace.
MONTH’S MIND
Peggy O'Keeffe, Clogga.
ANNIVERSARIES
Patrick & Bridget Phelan, Portnahully; Pat Holden, Aglish; Ellen Roche, Tubrid; Billy Quinn, Main Street; Rita Croke, Chapel Street; Eily Walsh, Clogga; William Kearns, Barronswood; Ambrose Walsh, Carrigeen; Mgt & Mary Cahill, Clonmore; Michael Butler, Clonmore; Msgr. John Kenny & Rev William Kenny, Cussana; Michael & Catherine Cullen, Wexford; Walter McGrath, Ballinerla; Mary Walsh, Ballygorey; Colm Doyle, Ballymountain; Jim Grace, Portnahully; Alice Walsh, Clogga; Hannah Roche, Ballygriffin. Neddy Power, Kit Power, Old Luffany; Bill and Kathleen Quinn, Cashel; Michael Quinn, Clonmore; Tom Conway, Main Street; Jim Comerford, Clogga; Willie Purcell, Suir Crescent.
