Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath

6 December 2009

Opening hours for the Parish Office: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9.30am– 4.00pm

Congratulations to Evan Tyrrell (The Village Green) and Michael Kelly (Castleknock)  

who were baptised recently.

Please pray for Patsy Smith (Fairyhouse Road) who died during the week. May she rest in peace.

Tuesday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The vigil Mass is on Monday evening at 7.00pm and the Masses on Tuesday are at 9.00am & 11.00am

Carol Service.

A  Carol Service will take place next Sunday 13^th December in the Parish Church at 7.30pm. It will be led by the Children’s choir, the newly formed Youth Choir and Suantri. All are welcome to attend.

St Vincent de Paul: Church Gate collection this weekend 5^th -6^th December and a collection at the local supermarkets on Saturday 12^th December.

You can contact St Vincent de Paul on 087 987 5641.

The Liturgy Committee will meet on Monday next 7^th December at 8.30pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre.

The Children’s Liturgy Committee will meet on Wednesday 9^th at 8.00pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre to prepare the liturgy for the 11.00am & 12.15pm Masses next Sunday.

Parents who have children for baptism in the near future will meet members of the Baptismal Team on Wednesday 9^th at 8.00pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre

A meeting of the Board of Management of Ratoath Junior National School will take place on Wednesday 9^th December at 7.30pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre

St. Paul's National School. The school will hold its Christmas Fair on this Sunday  6^th  December from 11.30am - 2.30pm in the school hall. There will be a cake stall, book stall, face painting, the children can visit Santa, a raffle and lots more. Please come and join us.

Christmas Youth Retreat: (16 -35 years) 18^th – 20^th December Newbridge College, Co Kildare. Contact Youth Office 01 6753690  email: youth2000.ie  for more information. Bring a sleeping bag no charge donation only, free buses.

Ratoath GAA Drama Group is staging their Christmas Play Mama Mia on Friday 11^th & Saturday 12^th December at 8.00pm. Tickets €10 available from Veronica. Phone 086 3845933.

A Budget Breakfast in association with the Ulster Bank in As You Like It, Ratoath Community Centre at 8.00am on Thursday 10^th December. A leading economist from Ulster Bank will give an overview of the 2010 budget.  All proceeds in aid of St. Vincent de Paul. Admission €20.

Tickets available from the Community Centre  6895600

Ratoath Annual GAA Dinner Dance in the GAA Clubhouse on Saturday 5^th December at 8.30pm. Inquiries to Monica on 087-6493639 or Ger Dowd on 8027744

Adult Education in the new year in Ratoath College. The College iscurrently looking for tutors for the evening classes. Please contact Caroline Barry Director of Adult Education  Ratoath College Tel 01 8254102 ext 121 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

SPD Drama Society presents 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th of December.

Tickets €8 (€5 concession).

Ratoath Garden Club “Christmas Gala Festivities in Foliage and Flowers” in Ratoath GAA Clubhouse on Monday 7^th December at 8.00pm. Proceeds go to the St Vincent De Paul.

All welcome. Admission €10.00 supper provided.

Christmas Fair and Santa will be on this Sunday 6th December at Dunshaughlin Community Centre. Santa will be in his grotto from1pm-6.00pm. Dunshaughlin Community Centre are holding a Christmas Dinner Dance on Friday 11th December.  With a full four course Christmas dinner.  Please phone 01 8258863.

Ratoath PULSE (a safe venue for teenagers to socialise): Christmas cards with view of Ratoath painted by local artist are available from Ratoath Books & Gifts. A percentage of sales from card and original screen prints will be donated to PULSE.

                                                           Monday          Special Intention (9.45am)                            Patrick & Catherine O’Brien (7.00pm Vigil)

      Tuesday        Christy & Kathleen Martin (9.00am)              Christopher & Kathleen Hartford (11.00am)

      Wednesday   Special Intention                            Thursday           Michael Benn

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                         Prepare  - Second Sunday of Advent

Today’s Gospel exhortation “Prepare a way for the Lord” provides us with an appropriate motto for the Advent season. We must remove the obstacles, the sinful ways and the selfish attitudes that prevent the growth of the divine life within us. He who is the way will guide us on the paths of salvation only if we prepare the way for him.

Our Gospel ends with the words of the prophet: “All mankind shall see the salvation of God” That promise was fulfilled in Jesus who came to offer salvation to all peoples. At Christmas we shall celebrate his coming with joy.