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(Part 2 of 4)
The astronaut in outer space, looking down on earth, was not unaware of
the
troubles and the comforts of his life on earth. Yet, he knew it as home and
could
say: "That's where the good stuff is...... the drama and the comedy." We
all have
a deep longing in our hearts to be known and loved by some person who
fully
understands and accepts us. This is what we looking for when we search
for the
real meaning of "home."
In a very mysterious way the church is home too, a home away from home,
a
place where God is found. A God who is present in his people. A God who
has
always known and loved us. A God who created us, not for his sake but
for ours
so that we would be the focus and centre of his unconditional love. There
is an
empty space, a sort of hole-in-the-heart that no human being can meet.
Indeed,
how can we expect that anyone will fully understand us when none of us
fully
understands our own self? That is why our relationships are fragile and so
filled
with risks.
The void in the human heart can only be filled by God and any attempt to
fill it
with something other than God must give rise to serious problems. God
can satisfy
our deepest desires and yearnings. The immortal words of the great
Augustine
express this profound truth when he writes: "Lord, thou hast made us for
thyself
and our hearts are restless until they find rest in thee."
I want to invite you, you who may have wandered away from the Church,
to come
home at Christmas.
We dare to believe that the Church, in general, and the local parish Church
in
particular, is God's family as far as each of us is concerned. As a Church
we are
under no illusions. We are not all we are cracked up to be. We are a mixed
bag.
We are a church of all sorts. Only one thing is certain - we cannot make it
on our
own - from here to eternity. We need God's help and the support and
encouragement of each other.
THOUGHT PROVOKING
A famous concert pianist told a television interviewer about the sacrifices
necessary to succeed in his profession. "When you decide to give your life
to
music, you must never look back. You must simply say: 'If I am not in
music, there
is nothing.' " That is breathtaking. But it is also inspiring.
"All my life I have been haunted by God." ~ Dorothy Day
A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.
Bank
Robber with gun to Jack's head: "Your money or your life?"
Jack: "I'm thinking. I'm thinking!"
"Those who wish to sing always find a song." ~ Swedish Proverb
When the teacher asked the class what thoughts might have passed
through Sir
Isaac Newton's mind when the apple dropped on his head, one student
had a quick
response: "I guess he felt awfully glad it wasn't a brick."
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAT WORDS
You cannot have celebrations without preparation.
A Service of Reconciliation in preparation for the feast of Christ's birth will
take
place on Thursday 21st December at 7.30pm. It will take the place of the
usual
evening mass.
Jesus teaches us clearly that God calls us, not just as individuals, but as a
Community and that how we relate to each other is just as important
religiously as
how we relate to God. Or, more accurately, how we relate to each other is
part of
how we relate to God.
Sin is not merely a private affair between me and my God. The service of
reconciliation emphasizes the social aspects of sin and the awful effect sins
have
on the lives of those around me.
Actions have consequences. Common decency demands I own up and
apologize.
Mature people apologize explicitly and we become mature by apologizing.
If it's not broken, don't fix it. If it is broken, do what you can to repair and
mend.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Bulletin is, first and foremost, addressed to our sisters and brothers
who are
not attending Mass or out of touch with the Church. We want you to know
you
are in our thoughts and we are concerned. You may have given up on us
but we
will never give up on you. The Church that causes you difficulties is still a
sign to
the world that God will never leave us.
NOTICE BOARD
The Dominican Choir would like to invite members of the congregation to
sing with
them for the Christmas Eve Mass. We hope to fill the gallery with a host of
voices
to make the celebration even more special.
On Christmas Day, children are invited to join with us on the altar for the
10.30am
Mass.
A practice session for both Masses will take place beforehand and will be
advertised in upcoming newsletter.
Those interested may give their names in advance at the Dominican shop
or may
approach choir members after Masses on Saturday or Sunday evening.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL WEEK
The week Dec 2nd to 10th is designated nationwide as St. Vincent de Paul
week.
The Society appeals to the public to support their fund raising activities.
During
the weekend Dec 9th - 10th the Annual Christmas Church Door Collection
takes
place after all Masses at this Church.
"Unless we get help we can't give it."
"Please give a little, it would help a lot."
DOMINICAN BUREAU
Full selection of Cribs, Christmas Cards, Candles and 2001 calendars now
on sale.
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