Notices for December 14th 2025
Services for December 21st 2025, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Carol Service at:
9.30am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
11.00am St Paul’s Church, Collooney
4.00pm Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
Collect for Today
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Services for December 14th
Welcome to Luke Pratt taking the services in Ballisodare and Collooney and also to Victoria Pringle taking the service in Ballymote.
Reverse Advent Calendar
For harvest we collected food for the Foodbank and I remarked on the other items also needed such as toiletries, nappies, cleaning equipment, first aid items etc. So for Advent we are doing a sort of reverse advent calendar where rather than opening a calendar and finding a little bit of chocolate we bring in these items for the Sundays of advent. Toiletries are quite often a Christmas gift and it would be great to “gift” them to those less fortunate. The suggestion is to bring: lady’s toiletries, men’s toiletries, kid’s toiletries and cleaning stuff. Items include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs, shampoo, nappies, wipes, bathroom/kitchen/toilet cleaners washing up liquid, cleaning cloths and brushes etc.
The Scribe Subscriptions
If you would like to receive the Scribe magazine for 2026 please complete the available form and return to Andrew by the end of the year.
Christmas Services
Carol Services – Sunday 21st December
9.30am, Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
11.00am, St Paul’s Church Collooney
4.00pm, Emlaghfad Church Ballymote
If any Ballisodare or Collooney parishioners would be willing to read at these services please take a reading from those available and let Andrew know which reading you are doing.
Wednesday 24th December, Christmas Eve
11.30pm First Communion of Christmas, Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
Christmas Day
Services of Holy Communion at:
9.30am, Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
10.45am, Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
Noon, St Paul’s Church, Collooney
Sunday December 28th
First Sunday of Christmas, United Service in St Paul’s Church Collooney at 10.45am
Service Plan – Advanced Notice
Please note that from January 2026 all services will move forward one slot. The new pattern will be:
9.30am St Paul’s Church, Collooney
10.45am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
Noon Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people,
walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Service Plan – Advanced Notice
Please note that from January 2026 all services will move forward one slot. The new pattern will be:
9.30am St Paul’s Church, Collooney
10.45am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
Noon Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
MU News
“Souls of Our Shoes” reception which is being held in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Belfast on Tuesday 25th November 2025.
Twenty-eight women have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020 by someone known to them. Mothers’ Union has actively participated in the “16 Days of Activism” initiative for more than 10 years, raising awareness of, and campaigning to bring an end to domestic abuse and gender-based violence. One of the initiatives which we use to raise awareness is the “Souls of Our Shoes” exhibition which has been displayed in many locations throughout Ireland since 2018. We are delighted to bring it to Stormont to mark the 2025 “16 Days of Activism”.
This exhibition is a thought-provoking and effective method of displaying the powerlessness and fear of those facing domestic abuse, as well as inspiring the strength and courage needed to escape it.
We hope that you will be able to attend, please remember to rsvp to allireland.mothersunion@gmail.com by the 28th October.
Thought for the Future
I recently opened a box that contained some old holiday slides only to discover I had packed space fillers including my father’s wallet. In his wallet was this called ‘One Voice’
In 1645 one vote gave Cromwell control of his country.
In 1649 one vote decided the execution of Charles 1
In 1776 one vote gave America English instead of German as a language.
In 1923 one vote made Hitler leader of the Nazi Party.
Don’t say one voice is never heard.
Leaving a Gift for the Church in your Will
Legacy gifts or ‘gifts in will’ are an important source of income for churches, allowing us to make long-term plans. They are also a way of enabling you to continue to support the church after you’re gone.
By remembering us in your will, you can help ensure the church’s presence will continue to benefit many generations to come.
Further details on how to do this are on our website along with answers to some of the questions you may have. A paper version can be provided on request.
Irish Hospice Foundation
Bereavement Support Line available Mon-Fri, 10.00am-1.00pm 1800 80 70 77
Bank Transfers and Standing Orders
If you would like to make donations via bank transfer or by standing order please contact the Rector or the local treasurer who will provide appropriate details.