041 / 6854146     Drumconrath Parish Bulletin     January 8th, 2012.       Baptism of the Lord             Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, the Sinless One, who joined the queue of sinners, and was baptised by his cousin, John, in the waters of the Jordan. He did so in order that he might free us from the power of sin. Let us call to mind our sins, and our need for purification and liberation.               First Reading:     Isaiah weaves a colourful and thought-provoking cloth to show us that God reaches our deep inner thirsts and needs. Using the imagery of food and drink, he reaches beyond passing satisfaction to the everlasting rich food we require. The Lord will provide this in his Holy Word which will seep into our lives, like the rain and snow goes into our earth, succeeding in what it was meant to do. The grace of our baptism life will open our hearts to this Holy Word.               Second Reading:         The Holy Word of God is good news brought by Jesus Christ. This bringing of the good news was intensified by the Holy Spirit he received at his baptism at the hands of John the Baptist, when God anointed him Christ. The Acts of the Apostles, in this extract, inspires us to see that Baptism gives power to do good- in God's name - and to keep out of the realm of evil. Jesus, baptised by John, guides us to fear God with a holy fear and to do what is right and acceptable to him.             Gospel:         This tells how Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the river Jordan, and the signs that accompanied that baptism.               MASSES:                 Sunday Meath Hill Drumconrath 10.00 am 11.15 am   Monday No Mass     Tuesday Meath Hill  8.00 pm   Wednesday Drumconrath  8.00 pm Thomas & Peggy Conlon Thursday Drumconrath  8.00 pm Thomas & Mollie Carry Friday Drumconrath  8.00 pm Gerry Irwin Saturday - Vigil Drumconrath  8.00 pm Maura Griffin         Communion Calls - this week. Thursday, Meath Hill;  Friday,  Drumconrath             Requiem:  Kindly remember in your prayers Noel Reilly, Rathrasna, Ollie Carey, De Valera Park and Jim Gallagher, father of Mags Reilly, who died during the week. May they rest in peace.             St. Vincent De Paul Society: If you need help or support, don't hesitate; call SVP on 087 / 2591648 in complete confidence.           Poker Night: The next poker night is on Friday Jan 20th at 9.00 p.m. €10.00 incuding supper. Everyone welome.               Meath Hill / Drumconrath G.F.C. Senior Citizens Party in Cabra Castle on Sunday 15th January at 1.00 p.m.  Anyone requiring transport should contact any committee member.               Meath Hill G.F.C: Blotto resumes this Tuesday January 10th               Meath Hill Community Development:  Meeting re Meath Hill Community Development will be held this Wednesday in Meath Hill Centre. All groups / individuals in Meath Hill community are welcome to attend with ideas. Grants are currently available for new / existing facilities and for projects to improve our area.             Christmas Draw winners: Paul Daly,  Martin Breslin,  Val Byrne,  Paddy Boyle,  Olive Young,  Sean Cunningham,  Larry and Attracta Ward,  O’Malley family,  Mathew Boyle, John Leggatt,  Betty Walsh,  Maureen Carry,  Thomas Lynch,  Pat Kieran, Francis and Bernadette Byrne,  Patrick and Delma McGahan,  Paddy Boyle, Jim and Cella McMahon,  Eugene Daly,  Paddy and Valerie Reilly, Patrick Doran,  Paschal Tinnelly and Amanda Hickey,  Pat and Marie Carolan, Thomas and Freda Tighe,  Jim and Maureen Crosby.