Weekly Bulletin 28th November 2021

Today is the First Sunday of Advent:  Welcome to the beginning of a new liturgical year in the life of our Church. We, in the Western world, take our calendar from the Romans. January is named after Janus, the god of gateways. July and August are called after Julius Caesar and his successor Caesar Augustus. September to December are Latin names for seven to ten, septem octo, novem and decem. Until the year 150 BC the Roman year began in March, so these last months were the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth months after the beginning of the year in March. March was dedicated to Mars – the god of war. April came from the Latin word “aperire” meaning “to open”. The buds and blossoms begin to open in April. May was named after the goddess of fertility (Maia) and Juno was the goddess of the moon. We are all living in a carefully constructed world encased in pagan time. Christianity has devised an alternative year, symbolising a different way of living time. We put the mysteries of Christ’s life into the seasons and times of the year. We begin today with Advent and carry on to Pentecost, from November to June. By doing this we are opening ourselves to the full reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a new religion, it is a new form of existence. Today at Mass we bless the Advent wreath. It is made in the shape of a circle – God without beginning or end. The evergreen symbolises God’s unchanging nature and immortality. The four candles represents the four weeks of Advent and the thousands of year that the people of God awaited the promised Messiah. The purple candles are reminders of the spirit of penance and prayer that marks the Advent season. The rose candle is used on the third Sunday of Advent to symbolise the joys and hope in awaiting Christ’s birthday. As Jesus’ coming draws near, the brightness increases. This Advent we begin a year of gospels from the pen and faith of St. Luke. Advent always begins with the startling summons to shape up because we never know when the Lord will return. St Luke in today’s Gospel has Jesus issuing two serious commandments: “Be on your guard! Pray constantly!” (Luke 21:34-36). Advent actually prepares us for the Lord’s glorious second coming. During this season, we make our peace with Jesus who never really left us, who is always coming into our lives. Have a blessed Advent! 

Feasts of the Week: Tuesday: St. Andrew – from Bethsaida was a disciple of John the Baptist. In the Gospel he is always bringing people to Jesus. He brought his brother Peter to Jesus. He suffered martyrdom on an X-shaped Cross. He is patron of seven countries including Scotland and Russia. Friday: St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Jesuit. Patron saint of the Missions.

Thanks to our Ushers and Ministers of the Eucharist in helping to keep our religious services safe and secure, and assist in there smooth running. We appreciate that you give your precious time to this sacred task.

Thanks for the wonderful collection last week. It came to £1405. We appreciate your support and generosity during these financially stringent times. This week also sees the end of our Masses for those whose names were on the November Dead List. We are grateful for the many who enclosed contributions to this special time of prayer. 

Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of the Church for our annual draw. The draw will take place on the 17 December 2021 and can be viewed on our webcam. It is the only fund-raising activity that we have and we would appreciate your support as always.   

Masses – Mon to Fri @ 7pm.  Mon (29^th Nov) – Mass @ 7pm – Charles.  (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)       Tues: Brian. Wed – Victor.  Thurs – Arthur.  Fri – Anthony & Sat – Anthony.  

Carols with Caritas Choir will perform Christmas carols in the Graan church on Saturday 11^th December @ 8pm. A collection will be taken up on the evening for Action Mental Health – Fermanagh New Horizons. Covid restrictions are in operation; so please come early.

December’s Church Cleaning Group: Will meet on Wednesday the 1^st December @ 7.30pm.                                 Friday is the First Friday. Mass is at 7pm.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Fridays from 10am – 2pm.

The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles & suitable gifts for Christmas as well as Christmas Mass Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50. Mon to Sat:  9.30am – 7pm. Sun 9.30 – 4.30pm.