Dear friends,
Welcome to our weekly liturgies. Today, Sunday, 1st December is the First Sunday of Advent.
In bygone days, Advent was a time of fast and abstinence in preparation for Christmas! We have tended to forget that aspect! How might I prepare, spiritually, for Christmas this year?
Last Friday,29th we began the first of four Fridays in preparation for Advent. This involves coming along to the John Sullivan Room in the Jesuit Residence (via Parish Office) at 11.30am for a half-an-hour of poetry, scripture, music and silence – all with an Advent theme. The next three sessions will take place on Friday, 6th, 13th, 20th December.
Tuesday, December 3rd is the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier. Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, will be the main celebrant at our weekly Mass at11.00am. If you’re free, please do come along.
Our Reading Club continues to thrive! We are studying Paul – A Biography by the scripture scholar, N.T. Wright. It is a very accessible read. Next meeting Monday, 9thDecember (10.00-12.00)
Fr. Brendan
SAINT OF THEWEEK – St. Francis Xavier 3rd December
Patron of our Church! Francis was born to a Spanish noble family in 1506. He became one of the First Companions of St. Ignatius Loyola during their studies in Paris. He was ordained priest in Venice in 1537. He was sent to the East in 1541, and, for ten years, preached the Gospel in India and Japan with great vigour, converting many to the faith. He died within reach of China in 1552. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The First Candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ’s coming, recalling the prophecies about the Messiah and the hope He brings to the world.
GARDINER STREETGOSPEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT
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 8:00PM, we invite you to experience the magic of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir as they spread the Christmas spirit through their powerful voices.
FRIDAY MORNINGSIN ADVENT
Find the Joy of Jesus in peace and quietness as we prepare for Christmas. Every Friday in Advent, at 11.30am, Fr. Brendan and Fr Donal will offer a space of silence, seasonal music, meditation and prayer to prepare and reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
Join us from11.30am to 12 noon in the John Sullivan Room, starting on 29 November.
UPCOMING CONCERT DATES
We are hosting two concerts in the church on Wednesday 18th December and Thursday 19thDecember at 7.30pm. The concert features Ramparts Live at Christmas a choir /concert of seasonal music and song.
Price of Tickets: Adults: 20 euro; Concessions (OAPs/Students 10 euro; Children below 7years are free! Come along to join in festive fun!
OUR RECENTLYDECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Tom Gallagher
Martin Cumberton
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest inpeace.
Amen.
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.
MAKE ADIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS
This Christmas YOU can do something amazing by supporting communities facing the unimaginable from extreme poverty to refugee families fleeing war.
Explore our range of 18 meaningful gifts from pigs and chickens that will help mothers feed their families to school kits supporting children’s education!
These gifts not only bring joy to your loved ones but will support the most marginalised of our world.
To find out more about how you can do something amazing for others and give gifts that truly change lives visit www.iji.ie/gifts or call us on 01 836 6509 before December 15th 2024.
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.
LAST WEEKCOLLECTION
Church: €640,Share: € 112
Card: € 287