December 2024 Newsletter

The December edition of the Parish newsletter.

Table of Contents

December and January Services

1 December – Advent Sunday

8 December – Second Sunday of Advent

13 December

14 December

15 December – Third Sunday of Advent

21 December

22 December – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

29 December – First Sunday of Christmas

5 January 2025 – Second Sunday of Christmas

Rector’s Address

‘This Christmas is going to be different’ are the words that may resound in many homes. Why? You may indeed ask. Is it because this year – everything is going to be perfect? Will family be coming home and helping with festivities? This year – will all needs be purchased within budget?

Whilst the trappings, customs, and traditions of how we as individuals or families celebrate the Christmas season may change, the central message of Christmas as depicted in the words of the carol, ‘Love came down at Christmas’, remains unchanged.

Sadly, this Christmas is indeed going to be different for countless numbers of individuals:
– Those who have suffered violence – domestic and otherwise.
– Those who are grieving the death of loved ones.
– Those who are ill.
– Those living in warzones.
– Those for whom the pain never ends.

We are living in and through a very turbulent period in the world. Many problems abound. Tragically, wars and conflicts dominate the news headlines. Pain and suffering are prevalent. Darkness and its shadow blanket so many lives and so much of life.

Notwithstanding the very many difficulties that exist, there is a light shining in the darkness. As we enter the season of Advent, we look forward with hope and thank God for it. The message of ‘The Word’ becoming flesh and dwelling amongst us prevails, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.

May we continue to follow ‘The Light’, and may we enrich our lives with joy as we celebrate the greatest birthday ever – that of Jesus Christ.

Wishing one and all a peace-filled and blessed Christmas.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.”
Isaiah 9:6–7

Niall
Rev’d Niall Stratford

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Harvest Donations

We are delighted to advise that a donation to ‘Christian Aid’ is being made from the Harvest Collections in the parish.

We are most grateful to all who contributed non-perishable items at each of the parish Harvest Festivals. Additionally, the pupils in Blessington No. 1 School also brought gifts of non-perishable items to their Harvest Festival Service held on 8 November 2024.

All of these contributions were donated to the local Society of St Vincent de Paul who were absolutely delighted to receive same and have expressed their gratitude for such generosity.

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Remembrance Sunday

On Remembrance Sunday we were privileged to have four members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association participate in our worship in St Mary’s. We are most grateful to them for sharing in our worship.

Members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association with the Rector.

Members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association with the Rector.

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Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to Joy and Stuart Armstrong and family on the sad passing of Stuart’s mother, Joan.

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Christmas Raffle

The Christmas Raffle will take place on:
Sunday, 15th December
St Kevin’s Hall at 12:00 PM

🎁 Prizes:

Tickets: €10 each

Thank you for supporting the raffle and helping us fundraise for the upkeep of St Mary’s Church.

Please join us for refreshments in St Kevin’s Hall on the day.

🎫 For Tickets or Collection:

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Millennium Choir

Concert in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 14 December 2024 @ 4.00pm.

We are delighted that Children from St Mary’s Senior School and Blessington No 1 School will also be singing at this concert. Proceeds in aid of Barretstown and St Mary’s Church)

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Christmas Services and Carol Services

We look forward to welcoming you to our services during December, especially our Christmas Services:

Christmas Services

Carol Services

We look forward to hearing you sing at the following Carol Services:

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