By Kathleen Mullane

OUT AND ABOUT

Well these past few days have been lovely and dry, ideal weather for going walking and airing the lungs after all the rain we have had recently. However the next few days are forecasted to bring us very cold weather with showers of hail sleet and maybe a touch of snow. However this is the type of weather we should be having in winter, and sun and heat when summer arrives. So I suppose we just have to grin and bear the cold and cover up and keep warm. And above all we should watch out for our elderly and those living alone and make sure they are safe and warm.

A very Sincere Thanks from Athea Vincent De Paul Conference to everyone who gave so generously to the Annual Pre-Christmas collection outside Paul Collins’ Shop on Saturday Morning last. The money collected will be put to extremely good use during the next few months and will aid those who are really struggling during these difficult times.

Those who took up the church gate collection last Sunday for Milford Hospice would also like to express their gratitude to the people of ATHEA on behalf of the Hospice, for their kindness and generosity. I’m sure we all know someone who has had help from the Hospice at some time .Well done to all.

This Thursday being December 8th and a Holyday Mass will be at 11am that morning. Also on this Friday there will be a MEMORIAL Mass at 7pm here in the Church for the late Jack Mahony, formerly of Templeathea, who died recently in Australia. R.I.P.

I’m sure we all realise the tremendous work that our Sacristans Siobhán and Theresa do in and around our church day after day, from opening the gates every morning to being there to lock up at night. They train the altar servers, always have the Altar beautifully adorned for every occasion and Feast, keep a check on the collections and a whole lot more behind the scenes. It’s our Duty to acknowledge their dedication and hard work and if you haven’t already given to their collection last weekend it would be nice to appreciate all they do for the community.

Meal Vouchers are now available at Brown Joe’s, ideal presents for Christmas. And as we all realise it’s good to support all our business people in our little Village that we are so lucky to have  at our convenience. And wasn’t it great to have a Christmas Buzz around last week with the discount night at our Chemist, mince pies, teas and goodies to go with it.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:-

Avoid looking forward or backward, but try to look UPWARD.