by Kathleen Mullane

WHAT A GREAT LITTLE VILLAGE

Well as Fr. Tony said at Mass on Sunday last, and I quote “One might think on passing through the village these days that a spaceship might have landed on the front lawn of the church but, no,  it’s the beautiful Advent Wreath that has taken pride of place with the gathering of many on Sunday evening to light the first candle showing that Xmas is fast approaching. There will be a gathering each Sunday evening at 5pm up to Xmas to light another candle each evening during Advent.  For our small little parish another great achievement and well done to all those who put this extraordinary spectacle together, many hands in cold weather congrats.

Sincere thanks yet again to all who gave so willingly  to the church gate collection on Sunday last  in aid of Milford Hospice, a very deserving cause in light of all people who have to deal with Cancer at the moment. A total of  €952 was donated by you all .

Thanks is also extended to Paul Collins who allowed us  to have our Annual Xmas Appeal  in aid of Athea Vincent De Paul Conference, outside the shop on Saturday  last. All the money raised will be put to extremely good use throughout the parish during the year ahead and will help families in need. We always say to families and people who may need a helping hand to approach us in extreme confidence and the conference will see what help they can  give. These are difficult times for many and sometimes it can be the middle Income families we find that are struggling who need 2 cars for work, have to pay a childminder maybe and may be paying college fees and accommodation with no grants. We are there to help and you can contact any conference member and your situation will be looked at. Thanks to everyone who gave again so generously down to the young kids who came along and gave us their little bit of change, bless them.

If one read the article in last weeks Observer  entitled —Shopping Smart this Xmas, it was very good, urging everyone to shop local and support small business shops in as far as possible and not the big multinationals We are so lucky here in Athea to have our local shop, our chemist, our, nurseries, our garages, our hall, our takeaways, our pitches and a whole lot more, but you know what, its far from sleepy now as Fr. O Hanlon used to call it -Sleepy Valley.

Thought for the week

NO MATTER HOW YOU FEEL

GET UP-DRESS UP—SHOW UP and  NEVER GIVE UP.