For the sixth year running the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is giving out 45,000 Christmas gifts to the people of the Diocese.The gift, a fridge magnet with Bible quote, comes with a Christmas card with a message from Bishop Moriarty and a prayer for families to pray together before their Christmas meal.
“Christmas 2009 comes to us in tough times. As this economic winter bites people are worried about money, jobs, the roof over their heads, and the future of their families. In days gone by, the feast of Christmas provided a welcome break from the dull depths of winter. This year, in these most difficult of times, it is important that we take a break to celebrate and give thanks for all that we have and for those who are dear to us,” says Jim Moriarty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, in his Christmas message.
All items in the Christmas gift envelope were sourced within the diocese, supporting the local economy in difficult times.
The Christmas gift began as part of the diocesan Christmas *Reach Out campaign. It is being distributed at the Liturgy of Hope on 3rd December and during Masses in the diocese on the weekend of 6th and 7th December.
Parishioners will be invited to take home their own gift, along with one or two more to deliver to someone who may not attend church regularly.
The “Liturgy of Hope” is being celebrated in every church across the diocese at 8pm on Thursday 3rd December 2009. Given these times of economic hardship and uncertainty, this prayer service offers communities an opportunity to come together in a spirit of hope.
Solidarity with one another and the message of hope at the centre of faith raises spirits in these dark days, according to organizers they add that this hope reminds us that the light of Christ reaches even to the darkest corners of our lives.
“We believe that our shared prayer on December 3rd can remind us that together we are stronger, that there is a future for each and every one of us and that in days to come all will be well,” say the Diocesan organizers of the event.
A resource pack has been made available to all parishes with a text of a model “Liturgy of Hope” which can be adapted locally. This liturgy includes readings, reflections, prayers and song, and lasts for around 45 minutes.
*The Reach Out initiative began in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in November 2004. It is in response to a consultation with all parishes in the diocese that revealed that people wanted the diocese to be pro-active in reaching out to young people, newcomers and to those who do not regularly attend church services.
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