“A new language of racism, mostly opportunistic, understated, but no less toxic, has emerged in our public and political discourse, stoking hostility towards the ‘other’ and testing our own sense of hospitality for the first time,” warned Fr Michael Mullaney.
This weekend, the third Sunday of Advent, the faithful in Kildare & Leighlin are invited to take home from church a Christmas card with a greeting from Bishop Denis Nuty and a trolley coin keyring with the message ‘Share with the hungry’.
"We encourage all Catholics to make time during the season of Advent to celebrate and receive the gift of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation” – Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Archbishop Michael Neary explained that many families, though under pressure with work and life demands, had asked for something to help them to pray.
“Very many are under great strain because accommodation and housing is scarce or beyond their reach. A new political impetus is required along with real determination to make inroads into this critical need in so many people’s lives” – Bishop William Crean, Cloyne.
"Advent also prepares us for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. As Christians, we must always be prepared for the coming of the Lord." – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Schools and families can enjoy an Advent calendar for children, Advent teaching resources for schools and homes, and enter a Christmas-themed colouring competition.
An opportunity to “reflect on the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland last August when he invited us to welcome Christ in the bits and pieces, the ordinary moments of everyday life” – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Put Christ to the centre of our Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season
The Presentation Brothers are really trying to re-engage with their mission, which is to form Christ in the young, and the way that they do that is through youth ministry and evangelisation.
"Events from the past must be commemorated with mercy and never with arrogance, triumphalism or victimhood” - Bishop Donal McKeown.
175-year-old Church of Ireland parish hosts display of 49 trees, each of which represents a verse from the Bible, telling the Christmas story in a “unique and enchanting way”.
“This year, the beginning of our Catholic new year will coincide with our preparations for a Jubilee Year of Mercy."
Interest among university students in short-term pledge welcomed by Pioneers as country reels over death of four-year-old Ciaran Treacy.
Homiletic directory gives guidelines for preaching but the most important thing is 'authenticity of preaching' says Director of Priory Institute, Fr John Littleton.
"Unfortunately we live very much in a drink-fuelled society and it is a constant battle to win the hearts and minds of people, young people especially.”
Parishioners invited to take a packet of chamomile seeds for their home and one for someone they would like to reach out to.
Saint of the Gutters had a great love of Christmas and Advent in particular.
New choir was formed just over seven weeks ago to meet the challenge of learning the music for a performance on 29 November.
“Family and home go together.”
Archbishop notes churches are increasingly filled and parishes have a renewed enthusiasm.
"Meet everyone, include them, welcome them," Bishop Denis Nulty urges local parishes.
Faithful urged to make time to pray alone and with loved ones during Advent.
Church leader expresses “horror” at brutal killing in the Phoenix Park.
Those affected include people in low-paid employment and the self-employed.
ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF ADVENT
Vincent Ryan OSB
When the feast of the nativity of the Lord was introduced to Rome in the early years of the fourth century, it was celebrated as a simple memorial and was not preceded by a period of preparation. It was not until about the [...]
Anne Thurston explores the season of Advent using the themes of waiting and longing, hope and expectation. Pregnancy is the potent symbol here, along with stories of annunciations and visitations.
Again this year the Cloyne Commission for Liturgical Formation, in conjunction with Fr. Patrick Jones of the National Centre for Liturgy, editor of the Liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2009, has produced a beautifully coloured and comprehensive liturgical wall calendar.
It displays at a glance all the liturgical feasts and saints days for the [...]
Fr Thomas O’Loughlin offers a treasure trove of extra resources, insights and practical suggestions for the liturgy of every Sunday and major feastday in the seasons of Advent and Christmastide for the three-year cycle. It is ideal for celebrants, coordinators of liturgy and interested layfolk.
Written by Steven Croft, this evolving Advent tale can be read on many levels and is suitable for adults and children alike. It is packed with codes and secrets and invites the reader to explore the deeper meanings of Advent and Christmas.
