CHRISTMAS WEEK '22

"The first light of Advent is the light of stones,

The light that shines in crystals, in seashells and in bones.

The second light of Advent is the light of the plants,

Plants that reach up to the sun, and in the breezes, dance.

The third light of Advent is the light of the beasts,

It shines in the greatest, it shines in the least.

The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind,

The light of love, the light of thought, to give and understand"

CHURCH NEWS:

Christmas Mass times; Sat 24th Dec; Granagh, 6pm & Ballingarry 7.30pm. Sunday 25th Dec; Ballingarry, 9.30am & Granagh 10.30am. Remember to take the children to visit the Crib & light a Candle.

Thursday 5th Jan, 2023, Ballingarry at 7pm. Friday 6th Jan, Feast of the Epiphany, Granagh 10am.

CHOMHBHRÓN:

We extend our sympathies to the family of Tom Horgan Lisduane, who passed peacefully at home on December 15th. Predeceased by his wife Kay and sister Hannie. Sadly missed by his loving daughters Triona and Margo, son Joe, grandchildren, sons-in-law Donal and Richard, daughter-in-law Catherine, sisters-in-law Helen and Norina, brother-in-law Tony, nephew Richard, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

He was reposed at O'Grady's Funeral Home with Requiem Mass celebrated in Granagh on Sunday.

We also extend our sympathies to the family of Maura McGrath( née Moran) who died peacefully, at Milford Care Centre, on Friday 16th. Predeceased by her father Dan. Very deeply regretted by her husband Eamonn, daughter Karena, step children Leon and Kyra, grandchildren, mother Anne, sisters Tina, Ann and Alice, brothers Donal and Pat, other relatives, friends and neighbours.

She was reposed at her residence with funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Knockea, on Wednesday 21st. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí doibh.

CONCERT:

Liskennett Equine Therapy centre invited the general public - free of charge - to attend the Liam O'Connor show with special guest Brian Kennedy, last Sunday. If you haven't been to this show, then the next time it comes around, be sure not to miss it.!! Liam O'Connor is a genius on the button accordion, it is no wonder that he was asked to tour with 'Lord of the Dance' show for two and a half years. In 2008, he was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the fastest fingers in the world, on the Accordion. His three talented children accompanied him, Saoirse on keyboard & vocals, Cillian on drums and Oisín on guitar. Also performing were the O'Sullivan sisters, fantastic Irish dancers. Then we had the five 'Liskennett Ladies' who included Susan Moran and Helen Pica (Daly). They performed a set including Hallelujah and Feed the World. They sounded wonderful, the result of a lot of practice.

Then we had another world class dancer Rudy Pica who has performed here since he was very young. Needless to say, Brian Kennedy, in fine voice, gave an excellent performance which was enjoyed by all. Well done to David Doyle and all the volunteers for a fabulous evening of entertainment.

CONGRATULATIONS:

Belated congratulations to Julie & John Kelly, Doorluss on the arrival of their little girl Jenny, seven weeks at this stage. 21st birthday congratulations to Ciara Sheehy, Coolruss who was celebrating over the weekend. Also, little Rian Moloney is celebrating his first birthday.

COOLRUSS LIGHTS:

Now that roadworks have finished and frost gone we are delighted to say that we are open to public every evening from 5.00 pm up to 6th January. All donations go directly to charities. This year our charities are St Joseph's Foundation, Pieta House & Air Ambulance Services.

GRANAGH. N.S:

Enrolment for September 2023. Granagh N.S. is now accepting enrolments for Junior Infants, starting in September 2023. The Admission Notice and Admission Policy, including the Admission Form, are available on the website www.granaghns.weebly.com or through the school office by contacting Maureen at (061)399081 or emailing office@granaghns.ie. The closing date for receipt of application forms is January 27th 2023.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE:

I was reading an article by Fr. Brian Darcy and as always he makes a lot of sense. This is what he says about the spirit of Christmas " We have far more to be grateful for than we imagine. What could be better than a family, a home and food on the table. We have love & health and stories to share that make Christmas memorable. Some of the best gifts cost nothing. Give the gift of time, spending time with people is a precious gift. Welcome people into your home, make a cup of tea and a place for them in the family circle. Give people the gift of a kind word, make them feel better for having met you. Give without expecting anything in return, this Christmas do simple things and enjoy them."

As we are almost at the year end, it is time to remember and thank all those who help make our parish a better place. The many people who volunteer in our sporting organisations, those in the Granagh Players, the Dev. Assoc, those in the Church teams, those who deliver the weekly envelopes, our Teachers, Fr. Tom, our sacristan Kathleen, our parish secretary Marian, Roisín and the choir. Thanks to our local businesses , the O'Gorman family and the Twomey family for all they do for the parish. Thanks to the Observer/V. Star for giving parishes a way of advertising all the local news and events.

We have many in the parish who work in healthcare services, an area under constant pressure. We thank them for their dedication and for going above and beyond looking after people in their care.

There are people who do little acts of kindness in the quiet, maybe visiting a neighbour, caring for a relative, taking someone on a night out, stopping for a chat, helping out in a charity etc. It does take effort but know that you have made someone's day. If I didn't mention your group, everyone is included in our thanks.

Wishing all our parishioners, at home and abroad, a Christmas filled with Happiness and may the New Year bring good Health, Peace and Friendship.