Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Advent calls us to stop and think. But for nearly everyone the season of Advent is also the busiest time of the year. There is so much to be done to prepare for Christmas; cards, presents, the planning of meals, hospitality in general. Leaving aside whether we actually need to do all this and whether it could not all be simplified, the actuality of most lives during Advent is emphatically not one of contemplation. We can benefit from moments each day, that we set aside just to keep ourselves grounded in faith. It is Jesus and his birth that we celebrate, not just togetherness. Can we still enter into the spirit of Advent, this holy season? Sr Wendy Beckett
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Anniversaries This Weekend 14th December 2025
Borris-in-Ossory Mass 11.00 a.m.
Breda Campion,
Josephine and Patrick Sweeney and all the Sweeney Family
Tiernan Hunter McGowan
Knockaroo Mass 9.30 a.m.
Dick and Johanna Fitzpatrick,
Jim Delaney and deceased members of the Delaney Family
Anniversaries Next Weekend 21st December 2025
Borris-in-Ossory Mass 11.00 a.m.
Teresa Campion,
Patrick and Mary Barry
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Christmas Carol service
The Carol Service for Christmas is on this evening at 7.00 p.m.
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A little reminder to those of you who haven’t sent in your weekly Envelope contributions or your contributions for the six priest’s collections, there are just four weeks left in which to do so as our financial year comes to an end on the 31st December 2025
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A gentle reminder for those of you who have not returned your CHY Certificates (eligible tax) please do so as soon as possible.
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Santa Claus visit
Borris-in-Ossory Santa Claus & Youth Club’s Santa’s visit this year will take place at St Joseph’s National School, Borris-in-Ossory on Sunday 21st December from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Santa will have special surprises for all, so it promises to be a very exciting day. Santa is set to arrive at 2.00 p.m. sharp. A €5.00 admission fee will be taken up on the day and a portion of this will be donated to Borris-in Ossory Social Services. All are welcome, so please come along.
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Social Dancing
Killasmeestia Social Dancing will take place in Killasmeestia Community Hall on Saturday 20th December from 9.00 p.m. to 12.00 p.m. Music by Declan Aungier. Refreshments served, all are welcome.
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Cathedral Draw
December St Mary’s Cathedral Draw will take place next WEDNESDAY 17th December.
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Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend 21st December
Borris-in-Ossory Mass SUNDAY 11.00 a.m.
Sheila Phelan,
Gail Maher,
Noreen Hanrahan,
Pat Kelly
Killasmeestia Mass SUNDAY 9.30 a.m.
Paul Hogan
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Church Readers Next Weekend 21st December
Borris-in-Ossory Mass SUNDAY 11.00 a.m.
Eileen Daly
Killasmeestia Mass SUNDAY 9.30 a.m.
Canice Sheeran
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Through the lens of the Gospel
Even John the Baptist experienced doubt in prison we hear in the Gospel today. Jesus doesn’t condemn him but offers evidence of the Messiah’s work. Can I bring my own questions and disappointments to God with similar honesty, trusting that He can handle my doubt? Jesus points to His deeds – the blind see, the lame walk, and the good news is preached to the poor. God’s kingdom is often revealed in acts of healing and liberation. Where do I see this healing and liberating work in my life and community? How can I be a part of it? Jesus warns his followers against being a ‘reed shaken by the wind.’ Following Christ requires conviction, not just fleeting enthusiasm. Is my faith and moral compass firm, or do they easily shift with cultural trends or personal challenges? Jesus calls John the greatest of prophets yet clarifies that the least in the kingdom is greater. True greatness in God’s eyes is not about status but about humble closeness to and imitation of Christ. Does my pursuit of being great match with Jesus’ definition – found in servant hood and intimacy with Him?
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