Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
Red sky in the at night is the shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning shepherd’s warning. Well if the sky this Monday morning was anything to go by then we are in for some mighty bad weather ahead. I got a phone call soon after 8am to see if I was up to see the wonderful sight that was lighting up our skies to the East. My iPhone did little to capture the splendour before me. Any regrets about bad days/nights to come didn’t enter my head. I just marvelled at the scene above me. All too soon the blood red clouds and skies faded into their usual winter coats, as I got on with the task of dressing myself for the day ahead. The day ahead is different for us all, and I suppose it’s up to each one of us to live it as best we can, depending on our own individual circumstances. Not everybody was born with a silver spoon in their mouth and it is wonderful that we have so many good-living people who do so much to make Christmas/life better for those who are down in their luck. Our local branch St. V de Paul Society did very well in the annual Church Gate collection again this year ,and we can be happy in the thought that the little we gave will be wisely spent on the cause that we gave for. Others organised food collections and further to that I know that there are people who look after the needy in private.
Well the race is on now at any rate to cram as much as possible into the last few days before the Festive Season kicks in in earnest. It’s a joy to see all the homes in the countryside lit up . They even outdo the bright moon at the moment. Office parties ,are rampant and voluntary bodies are winding down after another busy year, Our Community Council held a very informative meeting on Tuesday night, followed by some welcome refreshments which were enjoyed by all . And a special representation was made to Noel Buckley for his outstanding work as Chairman for the Council for many years. Their annual Church Gate collection which was held last weekend realised a very encouraging E1,283.28 They still have lots to do but their young and vibrant membership , is ready to take on what needs to be done. Right now their energies are focussed on the work at the Cinema. This fine building where we enjoyed many a spinechilling Cowboys & Indian extravaganza and where many a romance began, will now swing into action as a place of fitness and energy for the foreseeable future. But all of that is on the back burner for now , until after Christmas.
Likewise our vibrant Lotto committee will take their usual few days off for Christmas returning on January 12 2025.
Meanwhile the Church year moves on. The third Advent candle was lit at Mass last Sunday .one more to go before the central one will herald the Birth of Christ on Christmas night. The full list of our Church services is at the end of the church . Please take a copy and give some around to others.
In preparation for Christmas, we are invited to penitential Services which takes place in our Church tonight (Tuesday) from 7.30 & 8.15. And in Dromagh on Tomorrow Wednesday at 7.30.
Eucharistic Adoration Every Tuesday, in Millstreet Church from 10.30 am to 7.30pm. Please support it well. Legion of Mary every Tuesday night at the Parish Centre from 7.30 all welcome. Please pray for all those who are sick at home or in hospital or worried about their health or the cost etc. of Christmas.
Our Town is looking wonderful with all the lights and the Crib at the Church gate giving a new look to it all. Our shops and stores are full of gift ideas ,and please shop at home. We need them and they need us. It is so important that we all work together. As a result of our Text Alert project our Gardai send us messages from time to time alerting us to suspicious happenings in our area. Please be extra vigilant especially at Christmas time. Lock your car when you are not in it and lock all doors and please stay safe. And watch out for scams on the mobile phone . Messages can be so convincing be careful always.
Here are the results of this week’s Lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 5,8,14,18 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Catherine Jenks. The Seller was Eily Buckley and she got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Liam Kane, Killowen c/o Colemans. €20 each to Make-Up Artist , c/o M. Wheelan. Paula Healy, Murphy’s Tce, c/o Self, Susan Murphy, c/o Joan Casey, Catherine Buckley ,c/o Joan Casey, Fionn Lehane , c/o Noreen Tarrant. Clare Gibbons. c/o Capabu, Breda Kelleher c/o McCauls. and Pelatto Nascosto, c/o The Mal Paso. Next Draw December 22. Jackpot €7,200.
Our ARA enjoyed a complementary coffee morning and tasty goodies at the Kall & Dynne Thursday last. Many Thanks Sharon. Coffee and scone again on this Thursday from 11 am.
Last week the children of our Presentation School put on a beautiful Christmas recital in our church and was enjoyed by all both in the church and those on line. This Monday night it was more of the same with the pupils of the Boys National taking to the Alter steps to treat us to over an hour of beautiful Seasonal entertainment. Singers, instrumentalists, solos, readers, everything that put us in a real Christmas Spirit for next week. Many thanks to both schools for treating us to such meaningful entertainment at this special time of year.
Tomorrow Wednesday night the members of our Men’s Shed along with their wives and friends, will pile into our lovely West End Cafe for their Christmas Dinner. They have much to celebrate, having provided our parish with no less than two beautiful Christmas Cribs one at the local hospital and the other at our Church Gate. Plus a kindling service and garden ornaments and plans for expansion. We hope they have a great time.
Because of the recent passing of my precious Great Grand Daughter (LeahMay) I will not be sending Christmas Cards this time. I’d like to thank all those who have sent and still send messages of condolence etc. May God reward your kindness.
Sinn a bfuil a Cairde. Slan.
