Dear Friends,
Welcome to our weekly liturgies. I will be away this week giving a retreat on Poets and Prayer in a retreat centre in Llandudno in Wales. Please pray that I will survive unscathed from any literary experts who may be among the retreatants!
Our Reading Club is thriving! We are studying Paul – A Biography by the scripture scholar, N.T. Wright. It is a very accessible read. Next meeting Monday, 25th November (10.00-12.00).
Fr. Brendan
SAINT OF THE COMING WEEK
Saint Columban (Columbanus) [c.543-615]
Columban was born around 543. He was a monk of the Monastery of Bangor and later principal teacher there. In 591, desiring to ‘go on pilgrimage for Christ’, he set out with twelve companions and came to Burgundy. He established monasteries at Annegray, Luxeuil, and Fontaine. Later,he founded the Monastery of Bregnez in Austria and his greatest foundation was at Bobbio, near Genoa, where he died in 615. He is remembered as one of the greatest of the Irish missionary monks.
ADVENT FRIDAYS MORNINGS
Find the Joy of Jesus in peace and quietness as we prepare for Christmas. Each Friday, at 11.30 AM, Fr. Brendan and Fr. Donal will offer a quiet space nourished by music, meditation and prayer to prepare and to mull over the meaning of Christmas.
Join us from 11.30 am to 12 m am in the John Sullivan Room, starting on the 29th November
GARDINER STREET GOSPEL CHOIR CHRISTMASCONCERT
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with soulful melodies and joyful harmonies at O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College. On Friday, December 20th 2024, starting at 8:00 PM, we invite you to experience the magic of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir as they spread the Christmas spirit through their powerful voices.
OUR RECENTLY DECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Kathleen Kay Scott
Joan Mckeon
Patricia Hanney
May their souls and the souls of all thefaithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
CHRISTMAS CARDS AND SEASONAL GIFTS
Our Shop has a large selection of Christmas cards, calendars and seasonal Gifts. You can also find a varied range of publications, magazines and books which would make an ideal present for Christmas.
This week we recommend Veronica’s bookstore, by Iva Beranek. This is a story about Matthew, age 8, and a mysterious gift that his grandmother Veronica left him before she passed away. It’s a book about friendship, family and the beauty of childhood. It will enrich young and older readers with its charm and wisdom. On sale in the Shop
DECEMBER MESSENGER
Christmas is a joyful celebration for Christian across the world – we say of it “‘tis the season to be merry.” But what exactly does that mean to us? Does it signify a time of spending, indulgence, and expensive gifts? Or does the richness of the season come from sharing food and spending time with those we love? From reaching out with a helping hand and a listening ear to those who are in need? From stepping back from the noise and business of our commercial world and reflecting on the ‘good news of great joy’ brought by the Christmas angel on that first Christmas night?
Contributors to the December Messenger consider these themes during the days leading up to Christmas.
MINISTERS OF THE WORD FOR WEEKDAYS
Ministers of the Word are required for 11 am and 1 pm Mass on weekdays. Training can be provided if necessary. Please leave your details in the Sacristy or in the Shop
MASS IN TAMIL, HINDI, MALAYALAN, KONKANI ORSINHALA
Fathers Arun, Seiji, Elil and Shawn, Jesuits currently residing in the Gardiner Street Jesuit Community, are willing to celebrate mass in these languages at a day and time to be arranged. If you are interested, please leave your name and contact details at the reception desk.
THE LITTLE 11- TODAY
Special activities for children every second Sunday at 11 am Mass. Children are led in special faith formation activities, such as guided prayer, storytelling, drawing, etc. by a group of safeguarded volunteers These activities take (for 15-20 minutes) in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor. Parents are also welcome
SHALOM HOPE CONCERT
SHALOM are a group of International young Catholics based in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral who evangelise through scripture, prayer, music, song and dance. They will put on their annual Hope Concert onNovember 23 at 7pm. St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1
ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT.
The Priory Institute is delighted to offer a FREE OF CHARGE online retreat ''Keeping Vigil for the Vulnerable God.' Visitprioryinstitute.com to register/find out more.
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: €632, Share: € 112
Card: € 330