Crib Service in Christ Church, Castlebar

 


Crib Service in Christ Church, on the Second Sunday in Advent

7th December 2025



Well done and thank you to all the children and young people in Christ Church who, on the Second Sunday in Advent, helped lead our worship by bringing the story of the Nativity to life so beautifully. 

We were greatly assisted in this year's Crib Service by a whole team of people preparing and helping behind the scenes, including parents, wardens, readers, LLLMs (/Parish Readers) and others. 

Mounted paper 'peace doves' which were made at the Dove-making workshop on 29th November, were on display in the sanctuary - an appropriate backdrop for this special service. 

We were grateful also for assistance with the music from Paul and Steffi from Holy TrinityWestport.

This prayer was led by Trevor (LLLM) at the lighting of the second purple candle on the Advent wreath:

Lord God, 

you spoke through your prophets and promised a kingdom of peace. 

We welcome you Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace,

and our hearts long for the establishment of your kingdom 

of justice and righteousness, in the world and in our hearts. Amen.

 






Susie Fry (LLLM) was our 'anchorwoman', 
leading the 'Stop and Pray' moments




At the the Dismissal and Blessing

May the joy of the angels, 

the eagerness of the shepherds,


the perseverance of the wise men, 

the obedience of Joseph and Mary,


and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas;


+ and the blessing of God Almighty, 

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit


be among you and remain with you always. Amen. 





Getting ready to process out 
and for the children and young people to receive gifts 



Sincere thanks too to wardens and others in each of the Aughaval Group of Parishes who help make sure week-by-week that our church buildings are attractive, clean and comfortable spaces in which to worship.


Collect of the Second Sunday of Advent


Father in heaven, 

who sent your Son to redeem the world 

and will send him again to be our judge: 

Give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming 

that when he comes again, 

we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 

This collect is said after the Collect of the day until Christmas Eve:

 

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 and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and for ever.





Pastoral care and enquiries:  


Revd Suzanne Cousins 

Aughaval Group of Parishes, 

United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland 

Tel. 083 800 3233   

Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Aughaval Parishes' Website  aughaval.tlk.ie

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AughavalParishes 



Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No.  20206867

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