RECENT BAPTISMS Adam John Anthony O'Callaghan-Silvester 16 Oliver Plunkett St. Oisin Cathal O' Leary 13 st.  Brigids Terrace.  Niamh Ellen Walsh Gaggin.  Orla Juliette Weblin Carhue West.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD The St. Paul Sunday Missal for 20 1 0 is available in the Sacristy this week-end.  It would be appreciated if Ministers would collect them asap as well as being available at the week-end.  The Sacristy is open'Monday to Friday after 9.30 mass until Ila.m.

ANNUAL SERVICE OF CAROLS AND READINGS 2009 Our annual service of carols and readings in preparation for Christmas will be held in this Church on Sunday 20th December 2009 at 5pm.  Everyone is warmly welcome.  Let us get ready for Christmas together.

STATION MASS for the following areas will be held in St. Patricks Church on Mondy 14th Dec at 7.30pm. Dangan, Cripple Hill, Danganmore, Gaggin, Cashelbeg, Killountin, Tullyland, Curravreeda, Lissaphooca, Gurranebeg, Knockanrea, Monarone, Clashafree, Ballylangley, Carrigcannon,Curraclough, Callatrim, Derrycool, Carhue South.

THE OPINION CHRISTMAS ANNUAL is out now.  The January issue will be published on Monday 2 1 st December.

CHOIR PRACTICE in Our Lady chapel Gaggin on Monday 21st Dec at 8pm all choir members please attend and new members always welcome.

COFFEE EVENING/CAKE SALE on Wednesday 16th Dec 7-9pm in aid of Bandon Branch of Cope at Julia Slyne's Knocknagallagh Bandon.  Come along and support this worthy cause.

ST.  BROGANS PARENTS ASSOCIATION are holding their monthly meeting in St. Brogans on Monday 14th Dec at 8pm.  Everyone is very welcome.

BANDON CHRISTMAS COAL FUND committee acknowledges the generosity of all who contributed to our recent collection, enabling us to fulfil our commitments for this year.  A special thank-you also to the collectors.

KILCOLMAN NATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT'S ASSOCIATION are holding a Xmas disco for all children in the area in Gaggin hall on Sunday 13th Dec from 2.30pm - 5pm.  All are welcome and there will be coffee & mince pies for parents.  Please join in the festive fun 

BANDON FLOWER CLUB Presents a Christmas Demonstration by Breda Crowley A.O.I.F.A. on Monday 14th Dec at 8pm in The Brogan Inn, Kilbrogan Hill, no competitions on the night.  There will also be a Christmas sale table.  Visitors welcome.

CHRISTMAS YOUTH 2000 RETREAT A National Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat for young people aged 16-35yrs takes place at Newbridge Collge, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from Friday 18th - Sunday 20th Dec.  An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.  Contact youth 2000 office 0 1 6753690 or 086 3025442 for info.  No charge-donation only.  Special buses available from some locations.  See poster at back of the church or www.youth2OOO.ie

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION An afternoon of talks & meditation in preparation for Christmas on Sunday 20th Dec 2 - 5pm in Ursuline Seconadary School, Blackrock, Cork.  Donation IEIO.  Led by Donagh O' Shea.  Further info contact Anne 021 4312413 or Rita 021 4292404.

Had there been footballers in the days of John the Baptist what would he say them if they came to him for advice, as those in today's Gospel do? "Play the man and k eep your courage high" or ,depending on translation) Or, 'Leave your knives at home'?  Maybe not en, but today he might have to if a recent newspaper reports is true.

Footballers in France's amateur leagues are being encouraged to leave their knives, scissors and even pistols at home because of a riot of on-pitch violence.  Of the 700,000 matches played in the 2007-08 season 12,000 had serious incidents of physical or verbal abuse.  Hot-headed players, aka warm-hearted sportsmen, were response 'ble for 90 percent of the violence, involving kicking (not the ball), punching and brawling.

Being a sportsman isn't easy, it seems.  Being a thug comes easier.  Doing what a Christian does isn't easy either: sharing food with those who have none, acting honestly in dealing with others, respecting them and never bulling or being greedy.  John the Baptist makes no extraordinary demands.  Unburdened by degrees in theology, philosophy or psychology, or by diplomas from courses in spirituality, dream analysis or tree hugging he, knows instinctively - as most of us do what's needed: generosity, honesty and gentleness.  These bring peace.