RCIA Groups Rite of Christian invitation of adults into the Catholic Church.  Over the past years an increasing number of adults have joined the Catholic Church in our diocese.  In our own parish this year a convert was baptised, confirmed and received into the church at the Easter vigil. if you know or are aware of somebody who is interested they may contact the priests in the parish or any member of the parish pastoral council.

Ministers Of The Word The St. Paul Missal for 2009 is now available in the Sacristy.  Readers are asked to collect same as soon as possible.  When collecting the Missal please also take a copy of the booklet "Walk with Me" - a preparation for Advent and Christmas.  The Sacristy is open each morning Monday to Friday until II am.

Bandon Community Hospital wish to acknowledge and thank all who helped and supported the hospital throughout the year in various and diverse ways.  It is wonderful to know that the local people hold their senior citizens in such high regard and are there to support their care and quality of life.

Knock Marriage Introductions Bureau The aim of the Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner.  For further info Contact the Bureau at Knock, Co. Mayo.  Phone : 094-9375960 or visit our website at www.knockmarriagebureau.com

Cope A progressive 45 card drive will be held at Jerry Crowley's Bar, Crossmahon on Friday 12th Dec. @ 9pm sharp.  Great prizes - Turkey, Whiskey etc.  Proceeds in aid of Bandon Branch of Cope - Come along early to secure your table.

Christmas Charity Event in aid of Our Ladys hospital for sick children Crumlin, at Crosspound Pub on Friday 12th December 2008 @ 9pm.  Ceol, Craic & spot prizes.  For info and donations please contact Lisa O'Flynn 087 6644630 or Maire McCarthy 087 2354353.  Admission Free.

Gaggin Community Association Wish to thank everybody who helped in anyway to make their recent Bazaar a success.  We want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Bandon Flower Club Presents a Christmas demonstration by Mary Coleman A.O.I.F.A. on Mon. 15th at 8pm in the Munster Arms Hotel.  Also sales table in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Street Children of India.  Visitors Welcome.

Gramphone Circle Monday December 8th at 8pm Gateway hall.  Everybody Welcome. Bandon Opinion Christmas Annual is Now on sale.

Cumann Seanchais Na Banndan Bandon Historical journal no.25 has been launched and is available at the usual outlets.

Bandon Scout Group - Table Quiz in Nyhan's, Oliver Plunkett St. Friday 12th Dec. at 9.30pm. All Welcome - Table of 4 - C20 . Spot Prizes.

Ted thought he'd pull a fast one on God.  So he prayed: 'Heavenly Father, for you a million years is but a minute and a million euro is but one cent.

Please hear me as I ask you for just one cent.' God heard and said: 'Sure Ted. just a minute!'

The moral of the story is that we should know what to expect from God.  Our First Reading (Isa 40:1-5,9-11) tells us what that is: tenderness.  Let that sink in. God gives us affection.  Since it's not possible for us to be on par with God, God puts himself on par with us: God becomes man.

That's the God who comes at Christmas.  But do we want to meet God?  Can we tolerate a tender God?  If we stamp others as our 'enemy', can we hear God's tender voice- especially when it's directed at those 'enemies'?  If my enemy's enemy is indeed my friend is his friend then my enemy?  How can we call God 'friend' while calling God's friend 'enemy'?

Advent is a time for thinking things through, for seeing the implications of Jesus' birth.

He came to give life in all its fullness to humanity in all its numbers regardless of who they are or where they come from.  That's the message you won't see posted in shop windows in the run-up to Christmas.  You won't hear it shouted from housetops.  You won't hear it anywhere except in God's subversive, yet creative, word.