DearFriends,
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent
Saint of the Week – Pope Saint Damasus I (c.304 – 384) – Saturday 11th December
Damasus was a Roman deacon, son of a priest, perhaps of Spanish descent. He was elected Pope in 366 but his election was violently opposed by the supporters of another candidate, Ursinus. The trouble continued for most of Damasus’ pontificate. He also had to contend with some heresies. In 380, Christianity was recognized by the emperors Gratian and Theodosius as the religion of the Roman state. Damasus encouraged the biblical work of St. Jerome, who was his secretary for sometime; he is also remembered for his restoration of the Roman catacombs. Damasus wrote epitaphs in verse for these tombs.
Advent Reflection Morning
This will take place on Friday, 19th December in the John Sullivan Room from 11.30am -12.00noon, immediately after the 11.00 Mass. This will be a brief time to reflect together on the mystery of the coming Christmas through readings from scripture, poetry and seasonal music. This proved to be very popular last year
Times for Christmas Masses
On Christmas Eve there will be a Children’s Mass at 6.00pm
Christmas Eve Vigil Mass will be at 9.00pm
Christmas Day Mass will be at 9.15 & 11.00am
Reading Club
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 12th January 2026. We will begin a reading of The Return of the Prodigal by Henri Nouwen.
Upcoming Christmas Concert
The Choral Group, Visionaries will give a Christmas Concert here in Saint Francis Xavier, Gardiner Street from 4,00pm to 6.00pm on Sunday, 14th December. Admission will be only 10 Euro (at the door).Visionaries is a choir of some 50 voices, singing in four-part harmony. The members of the choir are visually impaired and any money raised will be for Fighting Blindness. They will sing seasonal and Christmas pieces. Please come along to support them and to enter into the spirit of the season.
Fr. Brendan
LAST WEEK’S COLLECTION
Church: € 831 Share: €147. Card reader: € 349. IDonate: € 40
Thanks for your continued support
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 place(for 15-20 minutes) in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor. Parents are also welcome. The Little 11 will pause until Sunday January 4th.
GIVE A GIFTTHAT CHANGES LIVES
This winter, thousands of children in Syria are facing the cold without proper clothing. You can help keep them warm and safe.
After years of conflict and hardship, Syrian families continue to face bitter winters without essentials. As temperatures fall below zero, children and the elderly are most at risk. Your gift will provide a warm winter jacket, hat, scarf, pants, shoes, T-shirt, and jumper, all purchased from local markets. This gift saves lives.
Your supportbrings real warmth, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Give a WinterKit today by calling Irish Jesuits International at 01 836 6509 or visiting our office at 20 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. www.iji.ie
THE PALESTRINA CHOIR CONCERT
The Joy of Christmas
National Concert Hall, Saturday 13th December at 8 pm. Tickets from €28, available fromwww.nch.ie
CROSSCARE CHRISTMAS FOOD POVERTY APPEAL
Please support Crosscare’s 2025 Christmas Food Poverty Appeal. Your donation – big or small –will help provide food, stability, and a pathway toward independence for those who need it most. Donate at www.crosscare.ie or call 01 8360011.
OUR RECENTLYDECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Kathleen Donelan
Edward Gibbons
Sylvia Degan
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen