See the joy that is coming to you from God

Advent Sunday
29th November 2020
 A message from the Dean
On behalf of the chapter and parish I welcome you to Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick.
You are very welcome, whether you are visiting for the first time or for the 1000th
time! We share in worship which has been offered here for 850 years.
Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to
celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to
his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us
towards Christ’s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the
theme of divine judgement.
In the northern hemisphere, the Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year,
and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout
Advent and Christmas. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was imported into
Britain from northern Europe in the nineteenth century, and is now a common
practice. At the beginning of the service the church is cast into darkness symbolising
the theme of this morning’s service light out of darkness.

The Very Rev’d Niall J. Sloane,

Dean.
 Devotional Prayers
Before Service
O Lord, open our Lips, that our mouths may proclaim your praise, and purify our
hearts that we may worthily magnify your glorious Name; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Spirit of God, without Your presence our worship is in vain.

May each one of us feel You near, may we be uplifted, may our worship be true, may
we go from this place with Your presence in our hearts. Amen.

Lord God You are here, may we come to You with a mixture of humility and joy.
May we feel Your nearness and learn from You. Amen.

Lord, it is not easy to be humble; but in this service we ask for humility, so that it is
You who may be seen by each person here.
May Your will be done. Amen.

Before a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Cleanse us, O Lord, and keep us undefiled, that we may be numbered among those
blessed ones, who, having washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of
the Lamb, stand before your throne, and serve you day and night in Your Temple.
Amen.

Father in heaven, you have made us for yourself; our hearts are restless until they rest
in you. Fulfill this longing through Jesus, the bread of life, so that we may witness to
him who alone satisfies the hungers of the human family.
By the power of your Spirit lead us to the heavenly table where we may feast on the
vision of your glory forever and ever. Amen.

After Celebration
O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament
left us a memorial of your Passion:
grant, we implore you,
that we may so venerate
the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood,
as always to be conscious of the fruit of your Redemption.
You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

After Service
Grant, O Lord, that what we have sung with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and
may always steadfastly fulfil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 Order of Service

Please stand for the entry of the Clergy

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

Hymn 135: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

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O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
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O come, Desire of Nations, bring
all peoples to their Saviour King;
thou Corner-stone, who makest one,
complete in us thy work begun:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Tune: Veni Emmanuel Words: J.M. Neale, 1818-66

BIDDING PRAYER AND INTRODUCTION

It is time for us to wake out of sleep, for deliverance is nearer to us now than it was
when first we believed. It is far on in the night; day is near. Let us therefore cast off the
deeds of darkness and put on our armour as soldiers of the light.

The Grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and also with you.

My brothers and sisters, we enter today the solemn season of Advent in which the
Church bids us prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ; a coming that we recall in the
Child of Bethlehem; a coming that we experience in the gift of his Spirit, in the bread of
the Eucharist, in the joy of human lives that are shared; a coming we wait for when God
gathers up all things in Christ. Let us in this holy season reflect on the coming of Christ
who brings light to the world. Let us leave behind the darkness of sin, walk in the light
that shines on our path, and renew within ourselves the hope of glory to which he
beckons us. And as we turn towards the light, let us have on our hearts all those who see
no light, for whom all is darkness and despair. Let us pray that they too may be illumined
by Christ who is our light.

The congregation prays silently, after which the Minister draws the prayers together in the Collect
of Advent Sunday
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour
of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in
great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to
judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will
be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us
our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn 323: The God of Abraham praise

The God of Abraham praise,

who reigns enthroned above;
ancient of everlasting days,
and God of love;
to him uplift your voice,
at whose supreme command
from earth we rise, and seek the joys
at his right hand.
Tune: Leoni Words: Thomas Olivers, 1725-99
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The Lighting of the 1st Candle on the Advent Wreath
God of Abraham and Sarah, and all the patriarchs of old, you are our Father too. Your
love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of David. Help us in preparing
to celebrate his birth to make our hearts ready for your Holy Spirit to make his home
among us. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who is coming into the world.
Amen.
Lord Jesus, light of the world, born in David’s city of Bethlehem, born like him
to be a king: be born in our hearts at Christmas, be King of our lives today.
Amen.
The Candle is lit
People of God: awake! The day is coming soon when you shall see God face to face.
Remember the ways and the works of God. God calls you out of darkness to walk in the
light of his coming. You are God’s children.
Lord, make us one as we walk with Christ today and for ever. Amen.

Advent Song

Light the Advent Candle one

Now the waiting has begun
We have started on our way
Time to think of Christmas Day
Candle, candle, burning bright
Shining in the winter night
Candle, candle, burning bright
Fill our hearts with Christmas Light
Tune: Humility

PATTERNS OF READINGS - LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT

Reading: Genesis 1: 1-5 ~ And God said: Let there be light

Music: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 599 (from Orgelbuchlein) … J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

Reading: Isaiah 45: 2-8 ~ I form light and create darkness

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Hymn 121: Creator of the starry height

Creator of the starry height,

thy people's everlasting light,
Jesu, redeemer of us all,
hear thou thy servants when they call.
Words: J.M. Neale, 1818-66

Reading: Baruch 4: 36 – 5.9 ~ Look to the east

Variation on Hymn 128: Hills of the North rejoice

Reading: Isaiah 9: 2, 3, 6, 7 ~ The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light

Music: Chorale prelude on Christe, redemptor omnium … C. H. H Parry (1848-1918)

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, 23, 34 ~ You are not in darkness, for you are all children of light

Music: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme……………… J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Reading: St John 3.16-21 ~ I am the light of the world

Hymn 132: Lo! He comes

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Lo, he comes with clouds descending, Yea, amen, let all adore thee,
once for favoured sinners slain; high on thine eternal throne;
thousand thousand saints attending Saviour, take the power and glory,
swell the triumph of his train: claim the kingdom for thine own:
alleluia! O come quickly,
God appears on earth to reign. alleluia! come, Lord, come!
Tune: Helmsley Words: John Cennick, 1718-55

INTERCESSIONS

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 CONCLUSION
The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Come, O Lord, comfort the soul of your servant.
Even so, Lord, come.
O Lord Jesus Christ, come
at evening time, with light,
and in the morning, with your glory,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
He who receives our prayers says:
Surely I come quickly. I am the root and offspring of David, I am the bright and morning
star.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

BLESSING
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your
path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God
almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Organ Voluntary

Final (Symphony II) … Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

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 SAINT MARY’S CATHEDRAL – GENERAL INFORMATION

Opening Times
The Cathedral is open every day except the 26th, 27th December and 1st January. No charges
are made for those who come to join our worship or who wish to pray privately, and everyone
is welcome.
Supporting the Cathedral
Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a registered charity, and we do not receive state aid. In 2016, the
running costs of the cathedral and its ministry to the city were €3,581 a week. By purchasing a
ticket or making a donation or legacy, you are contributing towards the maintenance of Saint
Mary’s Cathedral and helping preserve it for future generations. Thank you!
The Cathedral Choir
Whilst Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a church in the full tradition of the Church of Ireland,
membership of that church is not a pre-requisite for joining the cathedral choir. If you love
singing, church/choral music and historic buildings, then why not get in touch with us? We’d be
pleased to hear from you. You don’t need to be an expert singer. What we are looking for are
young people with a pleasant singing voice, who are able to sing in tune and who have an
interest in, and commitment to, this kind of music-making within the context of this magnificent
medieval cathedral. Potential choir members should please contact the Organist and
Choirmaster to arrange an informal meeting at the cathedral. Contact:
[email protected] / 061 310293
Become a Friend
The Friends of Saint Mary’s exist to support the Dean & Cathedral Chapter in maintaining and
enhancing the Cathedral and its surroundings. Assisting and supporting the Dean and Chapter in
maintaining and improving the services, music, fabric, fittings, furniture, ornaments, monuments
and facilities of the Cathedral. Encouraging the interest and participation of young people
through education and activities. Stimulating and maintaining public interest in the Cathedral.
Supporting the needs of the Cathedral’s mission in the modern world.
There Friends are united in their desire to support and maintain this 850-year-old Cathedral.
Joining the Friends helps ensure that we can continue this important work.
Please visit the website for full details – www.cathedral.limerick.anglican.org
Facilities
Car parking is available in the grounds of the Cathedral or in the adjacent Car Park
There are toilets on site.
There is a small gift shop located within the Cathedral where visitors can purchase souvenirs of
their visit.
Guided/Public Tours are available. School Groups can be accommodated.

Service Notes
- Services will be recorded and may be viewed online on: www.churchservices.tv and the
Cathedral website (www.saintmaryscathedral.ie) within the 90 days following the service.
After that time recordings will be destroyed however exceptions may apply and recordings
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 could last longer if the Cathedral required it. Occasional services may be recorded and will
be advertised on both websites www.churchservices.tv and www.saintmaryscathedral.ie
and/or other communication channels of the Cathedral). If you would like further
information on a particular event, please contact the Cathedral office.
- The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of
Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States
of America
- Material in this service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer under licence,
copyright © RCB 2004
- CCLI Licence number 500384

THIS WEEKS NOTICES

A letter from the Dean:

Dear Parishioners,
Today is Advent Sunday, the beginning of a new Church year. It marks the beginning of the
preparation for the feast of Christmas. This year more than others we have a lot of preparing
to do!
Advent & Christmas in LCP
As you will have seen in the media, etc. it is anticipated that churches will reopen during the
week. Therefore, from next Sunday public worship will resume in churches (with a limit of 5o
persons) with services being held in Saint Michael’s at 10am, the Cathedral at 11.15am and
Abington at 11.30am. The clergy plan to run a service for young families and a ‘Blue’ Service
(for those for whom Christmas may not be a joyful time) – more details on this and the pattern
for services on Christmas Eve and Day will follow in due course. In the meantime, may I draw
your attention to the online Advent course which commences on Tuesday 1st at 8pm, to join in
please email [email protected].
Thank you
As we near the end of a very challenging financial year for everybody, I want to thank each one
of you for your continued support of the parish. I fully understand the other financial demands
that everyone is facing at this time. Thank you for your online donations, cheques and
stewardship envelopes. Our churches may have been closed for public worship, but our work
and ministry continue and we still have to pay our bills. Our parishioners and friends have been
most generous and supportive and I thank you most sincerely for remembering our parish in
these difficult times.
With every good wish for a blessed Advent,
Niall.

Prayers about the Coronavirus outbreak: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your
mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and
lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can
separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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Advent Sunday: In addition to the 11.15am service this Sunday, there will be a short service
of Holy Communion livestreamed from the Cathedral at 10.30am.

Music for Advent Sunday: The Cathedral Choir have produced a piece of music for this
Sunday. Please view it at https://youtu.be/Asc4AD2Ut08. Thank you to the Director of Music
for organising this.

Advent Course in LCP: The clergy intend running a short weekly course during Advent
entitled ‘Finding meaning in Advent’. The course will be run at 8pm for four Tuesdays beginning
on 1st December. Each week will last a max of 30 mins and will be conducted via Zoom. A
guest speaker will talk on a chosen piece from Art, Music, Drama and Poetry and its relationship
to the Advent story. Each talk (which lasts a max of 15mins) will be followed by 15 min group
discussion/comment. If you are interested in joining this, please email
[email protected]. Please see attached notice for more information. A link for the
course will be emailed to all interested parties on Tuesday afternoon. Attendance at all sessions
is not a requirement for signing up.

Family Service: We are exploring the idea of holding a short (20 mins) on-line family service
during the month of December. We would love for as many children and parents in the parish
to be involved. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please email the Dean.

Congratulations
- to Trevor and Tracey Lyttle on the recent birth of their second grandson Oisín Trevor Lee.
- to Avril Condell on celebrating a special birthday recently.

Bishops Appeal
Please see the attached newsletter from Bishops Appeal.

Newslink 2021
As you are aware, the Newslink magazine covers news and information from the churches and
schools around the United Dioceses of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert, it’s a bright colourful
magazine which is full of news and events.
Advance Notice: This year we have an option in how we receive the Newslink 2021:-
COST : €40 for the Magazine this includes delivery ‘to the pew’ for 10 issues in 2021.
Or €30 for the new e-Newslink (PDF) for 10 issues in 2021.
Booking forms will be sent out with the December edition to our regular subscribers, if you
need more information or would like to receive Newslink 2021 please contact Gillian Cheatley
(LCP Local Distributor) or The Dean.
The Newslink team of Ros, Janet and Gordan are working very hard to improve the magazine,
please continues to support them.
Consider a Gift Voucher for an annual subscription to your person of choice, If interested,
Contact Janet Bray on [email protected] – it’s a great Christmas Gift for someone
special.

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Gifts from An Post:
- For the duration of the lockdown parishioners will be able to give their stamped letters to
their postman/woman instead of taking them to a post box. Especially useful for those
cocooning again!!
- Recognising the increased restrictions in nursing homes across the country, An Post will
ensure FREE delivery of all card and letter mail addressed to residents of Nursing and Care
homes in the State until 31st January 2021. Just write FREEPOST where the stamp would
normally be affixed. So, why not bring a little joy to someone you know in a Nursing/Care
home!!
Livestreaming: Log onto www.churchservices.tv/limerickstmarys Services will be on air at
11.15am on Sundays and 10.30am on Thursdays.
Remembrance Book: Please remember those whose anniversaries occur at this time among
them: Ann O'Reilly, Elma Mc Millen, Gabrielle Hanrahan, Denis Leonard, Anne Reidy, Alice
Hanley, Edward Mc Conkey, Jonathon White and James Howes.
Cycle of Prayer: Church of Ireland: The Diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross and Bishop Paul
Colton. Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Lusitanian Church and Rt Revd Jorge Pina Cabral, Bishop of
the Lusitanian Church. Diocese: Growth, unity, and service in the future united dioceses of
Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe.
Prayers for the Sick: Your prayers are asked for the sick in our community, especially, Rose
McNamara, Andrew Prior, Anne Greenaway, Dean Sandra Pragnell, Harold Armstrong, Lorraine
McCarthy, John Nix, Archie Brown, Terry Cusack, Sylvia Martin, Norman Lynas, Joe Boyle, Pat
Fogarty, Frank Sheahan, William Morrisey and Alice O’Connell.

NOTE ABOUT PRAYER LIST: If you wish to place a name on the list, please email your prayer request
to [email protected]. Under GDPR regulations please ensure you have the consent of
the named person(s) before submitting a name. For confidentiality reasons the clergy would appreciate
NOT being asked on the status of people. Whilst we appreciate people are showing care and concern,
it can compromise the relationship between pastor and parishioner. Thank you.

CONTACT DETAILS
• The Very Rev’d Niall J. Sloane (Dean): The Deanery, 7 Kilbane, Castletroy
Email: [email protected] ; Tel: 061-338697. Day off: Friday
• The Rev’d Bernie Daly (Dean’s Vicar): The Vicarage, 50 Ballinvoher, Fr Russell Road, Limerick
Email: [email protected] ; Tel: 061-302038. Day off: Monday
• Clergy Emergency Number: Tel: 087-3524046. (Strictly Emergency Calls Only).
• The Parish Office: Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick, V94 E068.
Email: [email protected] ; Tel: 061-310293.
____________
LIMERICK CITY PARISH ~ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Deadline for notices 12 noon every Wednesday.
To be added to the email circulation list: Please email [email protected]
www.lcp.limerick.anglican.org

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