Happy Christmas 2019: On behalf of the Community at The Graan I wish each one of you a very happy and blessed Christmas. We see our work here, not merely as a duty, but as a privilege called to serve such wonderful people. We are so grateful also to the staff here who look after the day to day running of the place – their cheerfulness, and willingness to be of assistance to all is an example of what it means to be a Christian. However, The Graan would not be able to continue without your support and prayers and for this we are so grateful. Be assured of a constant remembrance in our prayers and Masses.
Fr Charles C.P
Christmas Cards and Gifts: The Community would like to thank you for all the Christmas cards and gifts they have received in the past few weeks. We promise to pray for all your intentions now and in the New Year.
Christmas Collection:There will be a special collection taken up today for the Community’s work here at The Graan.
The Eastern Church speaks about God becoming flesh -as also the beginning of our salvation.
The One who holds all creation in the hollow of a hand is born today of the Virgin./ The One who hung the earth upon the waters is hung today upon the Cross./ The One whose essence none can touch is wrapped in swaddling clothes as a mortal./ The One who rules the angels is crowned today with thorns./ God who in the beginning created the heavens lies now in a manger. /God who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in mocking purple./ The One who rained manna down on the people in the wilderness is fed on milk from a Mother’s breast. /The One who set Eve & Adam free in the Jordan is slapped in the face….Today the Church’s Spouse calls forth the Magi/Today the Church’s Spouse is nailed to the Cross. The Virgin Child accepts their gifts. The Virgin’s child is pierced with a spear. We worship your Nativity O Christ! We worship your Passion O Christ. Show us your glorious Theophany!. Show us to your glorious Resurrection!
Remembering the Dead at Christmas: We have placed all the names of your deceased relatives on the altar. They will be remembered at all our Christmas Masses today and over the Christmas period. We have also enrolled each and every one of your loved ones on our Passionist Mass Guild to be prayed for at daily Mass throughout the year.
Christmas Masses: 8pm (Vigil) Monday; Carols @ 7.30pm, Blessing of the Crib @ 7.50pm.
Christmas morning: 9am, 10.30am and 12noon. There will be no 4pm Mass on Christmas Day.
Christmas Crib: Please visit our Crib during this special season. Thanks to Gerry Murphy and the Jackson family for erecting our crib. They did a wonderful job. Donations will be handed over to St Vincent de Paul.
I also want to thank Dervilia from DD’s Flowers in Irvinestown for the beautiful flower arrangements in the church.
Scout Band: Thanks to St Michael’s Scout Band and to our choir & singers who provided the music for the holy season.
Post-Christmas Arrangements: St Stephen’s Day (Thursday) & Fri 27th Mass at 11am only.
There will be no evening Mass. The shop will be open until 12noon each day.
Saturday 28th Mass @ 6.30pm. The shop will be open from 9.30am – 7.30pm.
Sunday 29th – Masses @ 10.30am, 12noon & 4pm. The shop will be open 9.30am – 5pm.
Monday 30th & Tuesday New Year’s Eve – Mass @ 11am only. The shop will be open until 12noon.
New Year’s Day (Wednesday) – Mass @ 11am. The shop will be open until 12noon.
Confessions will resume on Thursday 2nd Jan 2020 from 2pm – 5pm . The shop will open at 9.30am – 8.30pm.
Recently Deceased: Ethna Malone, Wexford, Bridie Toughey, Greencastle, Co Tyrone, Kathleen Haughey, Carrickmore Margaret Mc Cann, nee Mc Gaughey, Boston formerly Bigh, Coa
