Welcome to our four weeks of reflection in Advent.
Unfortuanely, due to the 'circuit breaker', we are unable to deliver Weeks 1 and 2 via webcam, but please join us for Weeks 3 and 4.

Whether you can come for a little time each week, or only for one or two weeks. we hope you will find a space in your heart to prepare for the coming of the Infant Jesus. Advent is normally such a ‘busy’ time for families so it’s good to set aside a little time each week to ‘breathe’.

Thank you for your presence, whether in the church or via webcam.

First Sunday of Advent

Hymn: O come O come Emmanuel

Welcome

Advent Wreath

As we light the first candle, let us ask, that the light of the Messiah will illuminate our home and hearts.

All: Father of all creation, Lord of light, all the earth rejoices before your Son who draws near as a radiant light to shine upon those lost in the darkness of selfishness, prejudice and sin.

Filled with hope at his dawning, we have prepared this wreath of candles and evergreen and ask your blessing upon it.

May our hearts reflect the light of these candles, that Christmas will find us joyfully ready to receive our Saviour, Jesus Christ, your Light to the nations, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

Amen

Pause for reflection          

Hymn: Come to me

 Reflection:           Sr Anne Murphy

What are our expectations this Christmas?

Pause for reflection

What do I want to be re-born in me this Christmas?

Pause for reflection

How can we prepare to meet Christ when he comes in glory?

Pause for reflection

A Reading from the Letter of James 5: 7-8
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Pause for reflection

Advent Mysteries in a time of Pandemic

1^st Mystery: The Annunciation:
Mary waited for what the angel Gabriel had to say and she waited for her cousin Elizabeth to confirm her news. Later, she would wait by the cross. Waiting was part of Mary’s life and it’s part of our lives too.

We remember all who are waiting this Advent, waiting to see their loved ones, waiting for test results, waiting for appointments, waiting to start work again.

2nd Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
Mary waited for news of her Son . . . Waited to hear the news from others telling her Jesus healed the sick, healed the lame, calmed those who were afraid, taught with authority. We remember all whose plans have been affected by the corona virus – waiting to reschedule their weddings, holidays, special occasions.

3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Mary trusted the guidance of the Holy Spirit in her own life and knew that same Holy Spirit would guide her when the sword of sorrow pierced her soul. Even in sorrow she trusted in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

We remember all who are in a position of power. May the Holy Spirit guide the politicians, leaders and scientists as they continue to try and find a solution.

4th Mystery: The Crucifixion
Mary knew the pain of separation when her Son was arrested. She knew the pain of sorrow when He was crucified to the cross and she had to depend on another’s generosity to find a place where He could be buried.

We remember families who have been separated from their loved ones in hospital, unable to be with them in their final hours and prevented from having a public funeral.

5^Th Mystery: The Coronation of our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God who is our God too. We entrust to her care all who are suffering from coronavirus, all those who care for the sick in hospital, in care homes, in the community and at home. We remember all front line workers who ensure our lives continue as normally as possible. We ask Mary to carry our prayers to her Son.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech You, that meditating upon these Mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

       Prayer to Venerable Catherine McAuley for a Sick Person

God of love and mercy,
you inspired Catherine McAuley to serve your Son
by responding to the needs of her time.
Moved by her care for the sick, we ask that, through her prayers,
you reach out with your healing love and restore ............................
to full health.
We ask this in complete confidence through Jesus Christ your Son, Amen.
Catherine McAuley, Pray for Us.

Hymn: Suscipe - Catherine McAuley’s Personal Prayer of Consecration
Composed by Sr. Elaine Deasy and sung by Sr. Marie Cox.

My God,
I am yours for time and eternity.
Lord, I am yours forever.
It is you who must teach me
to trust in your providence, loving Lord.

You are a God of love and tenderness
I put my faith in You,
and I ask that you grant me acceptance of your will.
loving Lord.

Take from my heart all painful anxiety.
Let nothing sadden me but sin
and then let my delight be
hoping to see your face, God, my all.

My God, I am yours for time and eternity…..

Final Blessing

May the Lord bless us and keep us.

May the Lord’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us.

May the Lord look upon us with kindness and give us peace.   Amen

Come Lord Jesus.

Come Lord Jesus.

Come Lord Jesus, come

Closing Hymn: The Peace of God