Dear Friends,
Welcome to our weekly liturgies. Today, Sunday, 8th December is the Second Sunday of Advent. Normally today would be the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary but a Sunday nearly always takes precedence over a feast.
Last Friday,6th December, we had our second 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 two sessions will take place on Friday, 13th, 20th December. This time of prayer, quiet and listening is proving to be very well-attended.
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
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The Second Candle, called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizes peace and preparation, reflecting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the peace that Christ’s birth brings.
SAINT OF THEWEEK – ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS
John was bornin Spain in 1542, became a Carmelite friar and studied at the University of Salamanca. He was ordained priest in 1567. St. Teresa of Avila asked him to join with her in a reform of the Carmelite Order. John was strenuously opposed by his fellow friars and suffered many trials and setbacks. He led a life of deep prayer which bore fruit in a number of writings that are classics of the spiritual life: The Ascent of Mount Carmel; The Dark Night of the Soul; The Spiritual Canticle; The Living Flame of Love. John is considered to be one of the foremost poets in Spanish literature of the 16th century. He died in 1591at the age of 49.
BL. JOHNSULLIVAN SJ MONTHLY MASS Blessing of the sick and thanksgiving for his life on Saturday 21st December at 1 pm.
GARDINER STREET GOSPEL 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. Tickets available from takeyourseats.ie
CHRISTMAS CARDSAND 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 The Prayer Book 2025 published by Messenger Publications.
The Prayer Book is a collection of specially selected weekly reflections, making it the perfect companion for a whole year of prayer in the Ignatian tradition.
FRIDAY MORNINGS IN 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 this Friday 13th from 11.30am to 12 noon in the John Sullivan Room.
RAMPARTS LIVEAT CHRISTMAS
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!
For more information, visit therampartschoir.com
CROSSCARE APPEAL
Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese, is once again asking for support for their Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. Anyone wishing to contribute can donate online at www.crosscare.ie, call 01 8360011, or send a cheque or postal order to Crosscare Christmas Appeal, 2 Saint Mary’s Place North, D07 Y768.
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 ourworld.
To find out more about how you can do something amazing for others and give gifts thattruly change lives visit www.iji.ie/gifts or call us on 01 836 6509 before December 15th 2024.
LAST WEEKCOLLECTION
Church: €702,Share: € 182
Card: € 279