Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Gospel tells the story of Mary, now expecting the birth of Jesus the Saviour, going to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who herself is looking forward to the birth of her son, John the Baptist. It is tempting to see this as a human interest story where mutual congratulations will be exchanged. However, Luke does not see it that way. This is a religious story carrying weighty meaning about God and God’s dealings with humans and in particular about the imminent coming of the Messiah, the Saviour. This is good news for all people and Mary is in effect a preacher spreading the word. Elizabeth recognises immediately the presence of the Lord, coming as it were in the new Ark of the Covenant, and she declares both Mary and her child blessed. Elizabeth also praises Mary’s faith, thus portraying her as a woman of faith, a true disciple of her Son. The child leaping in Elizabeth’s womb is an anticipation of what happens later in the ministry of John the Baptist. He recognises and bears witness to the Messiah and points him out to his listeners as the one who is to come after him and who is greater than John. At the coming of the Saviour, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. This anticipates the work of Jesus, which results in the coming of the same Spirit, not just at Pentecost but for all people in the era of the Messiah and the Church he established. After this one would expect Mary to bless Elizabeth. However, Luke inserts the hymn we call the Magnificat in which Mary praises God for the great things God has done for her and others. Today’s Gospel does not contain this hymn, but it is appropriate to mention it, nonetheless, as it shows Mary interpreting the good news of God’s love and care for his people as Jesus did later in his ministry.

Copyright: Fr Tom Cahill (Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Christmas Arrangements

St Oliver Plunkett –St Matthew’s

Ecumenical Group

All parishioners are invited to a Christmas Carol Service in St Matthew’s Church of Ireland, Woodvale Road on today Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm.

St Oliver Plunkett –St Matthew’s Ecumenical Group

St Oliver Plunkett’s Ecumenical Group has been invited to St Matthew’s Church of Ireland, Woodvale Road, and Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm. This very warm invitation has been extended to all of our parishioners, so please feel free to join us at this Service.

Parish Calendars & Newsletter

Parish Calendars and Newsletter are being distributed to all homes in the parish.

Rathmore Grammar School Reunion 2010

The class of 1978-1985 is having a reunion.  If you belonged to this year group please come and meet all your old friends on Friday 9th April 2010 at Belfast Boat/Tennis Club, Stranmillis. All proceeds donated to charity - the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. To register online and for further information go to   www.rathmorereunion2010.co.uk

Parish Radio

If you are interested please phone
028 9061 8590 or 028 9022 0961.

There are two models available which are marked to receive broadcasts from St Oliver Plunkett Church.

Model 1 costs £25 including VAT and batteries (short range). Model 2 costs £60 and is mains powered – no batteries required. This has a longer range and provides better quality which is more suitable for areas where there are electrical power lines nearby.

Apostolic Work Society

We wish to thank sincerely everyone who so generously supported our sale of work last week. We raised £1860. We are very grateful to you.

Parish Suggestion Box

The Parish Pastoral Council is interested in hearing Parishioners views on any aspect of parish life. Suggestions Boxes and comments slips are now available in both porches for you to let us know of any comments or suggestions you wish to make.

The Irish Catholic

Volunteers are needed to help sell The Irish Catholic after all the weekend Masses. If you are interested please drop your name and contact number and the Mass you can help out at into the Suggestion Box.

Mass Times