Dear Friends,
Welcome to our weekly liturgies. Today, Sunday, 15th December is the Third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday – Gaudete means Rejoice!. We are asked to be joyful because the Lord is near at this Advent time
Last Friday, 13th December, we had the third 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 last session will take place on Friday, 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, 13th January, 2025 (10.00-12.00)
The collections on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will go for the relief of the children of Gaza. I know that you will be generous to this urgent cause.
Many thanks for your continuing support throughout this year. I hope that you have an enjoyable rest this Sunday.
Fr. Brendan.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The Third Candle (this is the pink candle), is called the Shepherd’s Candle, and represents the joy felt at the birth of our Lord, as well as the joy we have in anticipation of His return.
SAINT OF THE WEEK – St. Peter Canisius, SJ, Saturday, 21st December
Peter was born in 1521 in Nijmegen, in what is now The Netherlands. After studying at Cologne University he joined the Jesuits and was ordained priest in 1546. He was sent to Germany, where for many years he strove to defend and consolidate the Catholic faith by writing and preaching. Among his many works, the Catechism holds pride of place. He died in 1597 at Fribourg in Switzerland, and was canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
ADVENT MORNING REFLECTION
We will have the fourth and final Advent morning reflection on Friday next, 20th December at 11.30am in the John Sullivan Room in the Jesuit Residence. It is a time to pause and reflect with the help of some seasonal scripture passages, with poetry, music and silence. Even if you haven’t attended the earlier sessions, feel free to come along.
BL. JOHN SULLIVAN SJ MONTHLY MASS Blessing of the sick and thanksgiving for his life on Saturday 21st December at 1 pm.
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS
Envelopes for the Christmas Offerings are available on the table at the back of the church. Inside each envelope you will find details of the times of Masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Your offerings this Christmas will go toward the cost of heating and lighting the church. We will be very grateful for your contributions.
RAMPARTS LIVE AT CHRISTMAS
We are hosting two concerts in the church on Wednesday 18th December and Thursday 19th December 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 7 years are free! Come along to join in festive fun!
For mor information, visit therampartschoir.com
Again, some of the proceeds of these two evenings will help with the upkeep of the church.
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 8:00 PM, we invite you to experience the magic of the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir as they spread the Christmas spirit through their powerful voices. Tickets available from takeyourseats.ie
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 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.
CHRISTMAS BREAK
The Church Office will close on Christmas Day and reopen on Thursday the 2nd of January 2024
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: €670, Share: € 119
Card: € 227.
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.