Canon Paul Willoughby, the Rector of Kilmocomogue Union of Parishes, covering  Bantry, Durrus and Castletownbere, has recently produced a booklet called ‘Presence and Presents. The real meaning of Christmas’.

It was  launched at an Ecumenical pre-Advent gathering in Durrus Community Hall. The Reverend Anne Skuse did the illustrations which are also available on their parish website. The pictures are available to download for children to colour in.

Canon Willoughby says

This book has been on my mind  for many years. It is a booklet for parents and children. It was inspired by my ministry to children and their wonderful questions.   The growing secularisation of Christmas has happened, in part, because people of faith have been silent and not spoken out about the wonderful gift that God has given us.   A simple Christmas does not mean a worse one!

The book costs €5 and is available from the Bantry Bookshop, Wisemans of Durrus, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the Sunday School Society in Dublin. Copies can be posted and  are also available directly from Canon Willoughby at Durrus Rectory, Bantry, Co. Cork or by email: paul@durrusfete.ie