For the third year in succession the Elphin diocese has produced an Advent Scripture Sharing Group Resource booklet and over the coming fortnight 750 copies are expected to circulate within the parishes of the diocese to support the diocese’s Advent prayer initiative.

In his introduction Bishop Christopher Jones speaks of Advent as a great opportunity to stand back from the hustle and bustle of life and invites readers to mark the season by participating in the diocesan initiative. “What a pity” he remarks “when this season passes and our only recall is the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath”.

Designed for group use the booklet contains a seven-step prayer method that takes c. a half hour and that is based on the Sunday gospels of the Advent season. This method also includes the reading of beautiful reflections by Fr. Eamonn O’Connor (Tarmonbarry), Sr. Olive Flanagan (Galilee, Boyle), Fr. Tom Cahill SVD (Donomon) and Sr. Kathleen Lynch FMDM (Ballinalsoe). It also has a very striking cover, based on a Christmas Watercolour painting by Elphin priest and Boyle native, Canon Niall Ahern PP Strandhill.

The booklet received its official launch last week during the diocese’s
Advent & Christmas workshops for parish choirs. These took place in St. John’s Church, Carraroe, Co. Sligo on Monday November 10th and in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon on Wednesday November 12th.

Copies of the booklet can be requested from Ann Allen in the Elphin diocese’s Pastoral Development Office, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (ann@elphindiocese.ie / 071 9634960)

Advent Booklet Download

 

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Taking a well earned rest! Elphin Pastoral Planning Group members Mary Mulligan, Athlone (on left) and Bernie Burke, Sooey, Co. Sligo (on right) with Ann Allen, Pastoral Development Office, Strokestown after they compiled 750 Advent Scripture Sharing Group Resource booklets to support the Elphin diocese’s forthcoming Advent prayer initiative.

 

Choir members from Cliffoney, St. Anne’s, St. Joseph’s & Calry, St. Mary’s, Strandhill- Ransboro, Carraroe, Riverstown and Ardcarne parishes who launched the Elphin diocese’s Advent Scripture Sharing Group resource booklet “Discerning and Responding to God’s presence in our lives” following the diocese’s Advent & Christmas workshop for choirs which was held in St. John’s Church, Carraroe, Co. Sligo on Monday Nov. 12th. Over 700 adults are expected to participate in the diocese’s Advent initiative over the coming weeks.

 

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