Dear Friend

Welcome to the December Ezine from Redemptorist Communications.

A Blessed Christmas to you!

Get More out of Sunday Mass in the Year of Matthew

Do you sometimes feel that you get little out of Mass and you don’t understand some of the Sunday readings?  If so, then our new book ‘The Year of God’s Justice’ is for you! Scripture scholar Fr Brendan McConvery provides reflections and insights into the weekly readings for the coming year. Written in a warm and accessible style, this beautifully designed book will encourage you to be a little better prepared for Mass. It is a perfect companion for those who are Readers in church or those who wish to know more about the Word of God. The book can be used by individuals, groups or families.

Special Offer: €5.95 (plus p&p)

Click here for more information or to order your copy.

Reality Magazine

In the December issue, Reality’s Editor Fr Gerard Moloney reflects on the current economic situation in Ireland:

“If one were to look for an image to sum up the economic tragedy we are experiencing in Ireland right now, Matthew’s parable of the man who built his house on sand seems especially apt:

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine” [says Jesus] “and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had” (Mt 7:26-27).

The house of the Celtic Tiger was built on the false foundations of a construction bubble and credit boom. It could not survive even the mildest economic storm. That storm blew. The house collapsed. And the people trapped in the ruins have been left devastated, humiliated and destroyed. As EU and IMF negotiators descend on government buildings to decide the terms of our bailout, we find ourselves battling a range of emotions.

There is embarrassment, for a start. Only four short years ago we were the economic poster boys and girls of Europe. And we loved it. There were countless flattering news stories about us. Aspiring EU member states were told to imitate us. Our leaders strutted around Brussels, chests out, heads held high, soaking up the praise, happy to dispense advice on how to build an economic wonderland. Now the new stories are unfailingly unflattering, and we and our leaders have become fodder for comedians. Just a few short years ago Bertie Ahern in his canary yellow suit joined the G8 leaders as an equal to discuss the great issues of the day; now the G20 leaders have been discussing how to bail us out. To be Irish today is to feel ashamed.

There is anger. We want to lash out at our politicians, bankers, builders, and regulators who got us into this mess. And with justification. But bankers and builders are in the business of making money. They don’t care what damage they do or what lies they tell so long as they can make a profit. Those really at fault are our politicians and regulators. Why didn’t the financial regulators and the town planners do their job? Where were our political leaders who should have been leading us? Why didn’t they lead? Perhaps fewer than 100 people are responsible for destroying our country for years to come; no wonder we are angry.

There is fear. Those in negative equity or drowning in debt don’t know how they are going to survive next year; those with a job are afraid they will lose it; small businesses fret about survival; families worry about being split up as younger members have to go abroad to work. People are scared of what else might be coming down the line because our government itself doesn’t seem to know. Foreboding is all around this winter.

There is self-doubt, too. For a while we thought we had made it as a nation; we had proved we could govern ourselves, that economic stagnation and forced emigration were legacies of the past. Now we’re not so sure. Now as we accept an EU/IMF bailout, we wonder if we are not a failed political and economic entity, after all. And we wonder what hope there is for us.

Hope? Advent is the great season of hope, and, as a Christian people, if ever we needed to hear the message of this season, it is now. We believe that God is with us. We believe, even in the midst of our economic despair, even as we survey the wreckage of our collapsed Celtic Tiger foolishly built on sand, that God has not abandoned us. Even when all else abandons us, God doesn’t. Hoping against all hope, clinging desperately to our faith even in face of all the evidence, we must not give up; we can go on.

Also in December’s Reality:

- In God’s Service: How Lay Ministers Are Building up the Church

- Messenger of Hope: The pope’s visit to Britain was an occasion for Catholics to celebrate what is best within the church while also acknowledging the need for renewal

- Unearthing Underground Cathedrals: Glenstal Abbot Mark Patrick Hederman believes the Holy Spirit is unearthing an underground cathedral in Ireland which could help to replace the pretentious Irish Catholic architecture of the past.

- Perfect Harmony: Reality meets up with the Discovery Gospel Choir to find out the key to their success.

- Humour Is An Engine Of Hope: Humour is one of the ways God gives us to deal with the challenges of life

- Salvador Martyr: It is 30 years this month since Jean Donovan gave up her life for the poor of El Salvador

- Don’t Let Advent Pass You By: Three easy ways to bring Christ into your preparations for Christmas.

- Unwrapping the Magic of a Global Gift: When an Irish Christmas shopper bought a Global Gift of Fruit Trees from Trócaire, it gave a Honduran family a thriving new business.

- Because We’re Worth It: Christmas serves to remind us of the goodness of God and thus of all that God has created

Click here to find out more or to order your copy.

Face Up Magazine

The December issue of Face Up has a great range of articles and features to entertain, inform and inspire teenagers:

- Stuff the Turkey!... And All The Tacky Trimmings: Discover the true meaning of Christmas without breaking the bank.

- Suicide Isn’t Painless: Life not worth living? This could be the most important feature you’ve ever read.

- Watch Out… There’s A Frenemy About: No one needs a toxic friendship. Here’s how to spot those potential problem-makers.

- Lights, Camera, Action!: Wannabe movie-makers – this is your chance to set your dreams in motion.

- A Bright Idea For Christmas: Trócaire’s Christmas Global Gifts campaign solves all those ‘what to buy?’ dilemmas.

- Freedom at A High Price: A 20-year-old squatter camp resident shares the hardships of life near the South African platinum mines.

Shape up Your Spiritual Life: Mike Daley reveals the recipe for friendship.

- Murder of a Martyr: It’s 30 years since the death of missionary worker Jean Donovan but she hasn’t been forgotten. Here’s why...

Why not order Face Up for a teenager you know or for your school or parish? Click here for more information.

Redemptorist Christmas Cards Now On Sale!

If you haven’t already bought your Christmas cards, Redemptorist Communications has produced a range of beautifully designed cards. Cards are in packs of 12 mixed designs.

Your family and friends will love to receive a Redemptorist card this Christmas!

Fantastic value....only €5.00 (plus p&p) for a pack of 12.

Click here for more information or to place an order.