St. Brigid’s Parish, , 5

Parish Newsletter Christmas 2018

THE BEST IS STILL TO COME! We have begun our celebration of Advent and our preparation for Christmas. However, we are not just waiting for Christmas, we are also called to reawaken our expectation of the glorious return of Christ – when he will return at the end of time. God promised to help his people. And he is true to his promises. God kept his promise when Jesus came among us. God became one with us so that we could become one with Him. Jesus comes to save us, He shows us how much God loves us, the God we cannot see is our loving Father. Pope Francis has said recently that during these weeks we are called to leave behind a way of living that is routine, and to go out nourishing hopes and dreams for a new future, avoiding being wrapped up in a self-centred and hectic lifestyle. At this time Jesus invites us to keep watch and pray: as we await Christmas we do both of these. Watch. Watch out for others and for Jesus. Advent invites us to a commitment of vigi- lance, looking outside of ourselves, widening our mind and heart to open ourselves to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire of a new world. This is what the poor, the weak, and the abandoned hope for. This is a time for each one of us to open our heart, to ask ourselves concrete questions on how and for whom we spend our life. Pray. The second practice in waiting for the Lord is prayer. It’s about getting up and pray- ing, turning our thoughts and heart to Jesus who is about to come. We get up when we expect something or someone. We are awaiting Jesus; we want to wait for Him in prayer and vi gi- lance. However, as Pope Francis has said, if we think of Christmas in an atmosphere of consum- erism, of seeing what can I buy or do for a worldly celebration, Jesus will pass by and we won’t meet Him. That is why we want to wait for Him in prayer. May the Virgin Mary, woman of wait- ing and prayer who brings us Jesus, help us to prepare for what God brings us, and help us open our hearts to new peace and love.

December Dates for your Diary

Sunday 16th 3rd Sunday of Advent Do This In Memory Mass 10.30 am with blessing of the crib figures of the infant Jesus

Sunday 23rd Confessions after 10.30 & 12 noon Mass

Monday 24th Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Children’s Christmas Mass 6.30 pm 8.00 pm Christmas Carols

8.30 pm Christmas Night Mass Tuesday 25th December Christmas Day 10.30 am & 12.00 Mass Wednesday 26th Dec St. Stephen’s Day 11 am Mass Thursday 27th Dec & Friday 28th Mass at 10 am th Sunday 30 December Feast of The Holy Family. Masses at 10.30 and 12.00 noon (Saturday 29th Vigil 6.30 pm)

2019 Tuesday 1st January Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, New Year’s Day. Mass 10.00am Saturday 5th January 10.00 am & Vigil Mass of the Epiphany 6.30 pm Sunday 6th Jan Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord 10.30 & 12.00 noon Mass

*Confessions every Saturday at 5.30pm – 6.15pm. The (unattested) History of the Twelve Days of Christmas

The popular song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Some believe that someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The “True Love” one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girl- friend but Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning in- jury to draw away predators.

The Underground Catechism of The 12 Days of Christmas

1 Partridge: Jesus Christ 2 Turtle Doves: Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens: Faith, Hope and Charity 4 Calling Birds: The Four Gospels 5 Golden Rings: The Pentateuch 6 Geese a-laying: Days of Creation 7 Swans a-swimming: 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit; 7 Sacraments 8 Maids a-milking: 8 The 8 Beatitudes 9 Ladies dancing: 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords a-leaping: 10 Commandments 11 Piper’s Piping: 11 Faithful Apostles 12 Drummers drumming: 12 Doctrinal points in the Apostles Creed

St. Vincent De Paul’s wish list Unwanted Christmas presents for those most in need in our Parish

The essence of this initiative is the fact that most of us receive much more than we need [on Christmas Day] and just one unwanted gift donated to the local Conference of the St. Vincent De Paul will bring much happiness to the least fortunate amongst us.

These presents/gifts which you received over the holiday period, which you may not need will be distributed to the less well of in our Parish by our friends in the St. Vincent De Paul.

Gifts of new clothing including jeans, jumpers, shoes etc. together with gift vouchers and toys, boxes of sweets and biscuits will be very much appreciated.

Phil Mc Bride at 085-1457323 and Louis Gillick at 087-2428438 together with members of the local confer- ence of the St. Vincent De Paul will collect any items you have after all the Masses beginning Saturday 29th and Sun- day 30th December and also on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th January; and finally on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th January. Many thanks.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Please note that Eucharistic Adoration now takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10.30am until 3.00pm each day in the Adoration Chapel on right hand side of Church near Saint Brigid’s altar. Adoration on Thurs- day night takes place in our Church from 7.00 pm until 8.00 pm. If you are prepared to “watch for one hour” per week you will be very welcome. We also invite you to spend some time – even a few minutes — in our Church in prayer and reflection. Each Thursday night for the coming months we will be praying for peace in the Middle East and for the Pope’s intentions. All parishioners are welcome Recently Deceased—please pray for the souls of:

Paul Boothman – Road Ann Carroll – Ayrfield Drive Mary Coghlan – formerly Ennafort Park Bridget McAuliffe – Harmonstown Road

Baptisms—we are happy to welcome into our Catholic Community:

Alice Quealy – Kerry Pike Co Cork Christopher O’Neil – The Orchard Roisin Cullen Mahon – Dunluce Road Darragh Callaghy – Brookwood Avenue Benjamin Courtney – St. Samson’s Court Harry Moore – Abbeyfield

Tweet from Pope Francis PontifexPope Francis@Pontifex

Advent is a time for renewing the faith, for purifying it, so that it can be more authentic.

POPE FRANCIS’ INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

Evangelization – In the Service of the Transmission of Faith that people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time.

NEWSLETTERS On behalf of Fr. Liam and myself I would like to say a very sincere thank you for the very valuable work you carry out each month delivering the newsletters to every home in the parish, without you we couldn’t do it. Please keep up the good work. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and joyful Christmas and a wonderful new year Kathleen. School Enrolments – for September 2019 Applications for September 2019 for both St. Brigid Boys’ National School and St. Brigid Girls’ National School will be accepted between 7th and 31st January 2019. The Enrolment Policy for St. Brigid’s Boys’ National School was reviewed and updated on 28th November 2018 and is available to view on the school website www.stbrigidsbns.ie. Similarly, the Enrolment Policy for St. Brigid’s Girls’ National School may be viewed on www.stbrigidsgns.ie

St. Brigid's Parish Shop Christmas 2018 There is now in stock a large selection of Christmas cards from Divine Word Missionaries and St Martin De Porres together with a very special card depicting St Brigid's Church and its history. Also in stock are many other items that would make lovely Christmas gifts and include miniature nativity sets, resin nativity globes, cribs, Christmas candles, medals, holy pictures, angel pins, crucifixes, holy water fonts, rosary beads and lots more. We also have “Down Through The Ages” a history of St Brigid’s Church and Parish from 1926 to 2006 which would make a lovely read over the Christmas period together with a CD from Gerry Noonan/Dara MacMahon with Pauline Cooper on Piano called ‘’ Good Old Days of Music Hall’’ together with a variety of other CD’s which may be of interest and would make a nice KK. So why not call into the shop which is located at the side of the church [Car Park side] and see the array of goods available. It may save you an unnecessary trip into town. All proceeds from shop go to Parish funds.

Parish contact details: Fr. Liam Ó Cuív 126 Furry Park Road 01-833 3793 086 234 2170

Parish Office: 01-833 2974 Parish email: [email protected] Parish Website: www.killester.dublindiocese.ie Resource Centre Ph. 01-853 4030 email: [email protected] Maths Classes TOOLEN ELECTRICAL 360, Howth Road, Dublin 5 Domestic and Commercial George Humphrey 087- 978 7380 St. Brigid’s Resource Centre STAFFORDS House re-wiring - Fuse Boards - Grant work Every Wednesday Evening Additional Sockets Funeral Homes Lights - Shower installations - Outside Lights 17:00 - 18:00 Junior Higher Connecting New Appliances 18:15 - 19:15 Leaving Ordinary Free estimates - Emergency call out 19:30 - 20:45 Leaving Higher Telephone: 855 0555 30 years Family Business - Fully insured 20:45 - 22:00 5th Year Higher Des: 087 266 1843 and 01 831 5682 15 Maypark, Road, Best Start Creche/Afterschool Playgroup TEC-CETS,ASCC.CEC. Free ECCE Killester School of Ballet and 8.30 AM-11.30 AM /11.40 -2.40 PM. Modern Theatre Dance Curriculum: Aistear, standard:Siolta Trust our family R.A.D. Ballet and I.S.T.D. Modern for all levels. Drop off and Collection Service to take care of your family “Ballet for Babies” – 31/2 – 5-yr. olds on Hot dinners, outdoor area. Saturdays 11.30 – 12.00 noon. Qualified staff. Insured. Strictly by appointment. New opening hours: 7.30 am – 6.15 pm. Email: [email protected] Enquiries to Ann Coffey Tighe 087 9662609/8465507. 26 Killester Park Ph. 086-804 6790 www.beststartcreche.com Weight loss & Fitness John Quill F.A.O.I. Ophthalmic Optician LANIGANS Complete spectacle service Funeral Directors Guaranteed results Registered for P.R.S.I. and Medical Card holders A Professional Service Large selection of budget Get into the best shape of your life and fashion frames at a reasonable cost Phone Kevin: 087 289 3675 157a Killester Avenue, Dublin 5 Tel: (01) 837 3586 Phone 831 2558

Five Element Acupuncture Dublin HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE Reclaim your “To us it’s personal” Health and Vitality! Professional Home Care Side Garden Entrance, From 1 hour to 24 hours a day. 41, The Demesne, Killester. Personal care, errands, meals, etc. Expert dementia care For Appointments Tax relief available tel: Seán O’Neill on 086 087 2098 Ph 01 853 5048 www.5elementacupuncturedublin.ie www.homeinstead.ie The Orchard Preschool and Montessori Place your Ad here Free Preschool Year Morning session: 8.45 am - 12 pm Midmorning session: 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm (Optional extra hour available). Contact Cathy Purpose-built premises with qualified staff For more information contact: Mandy Stephenson BA (Honours) Degree in Early Childhood Education at 01 833 2974 01-831 6848 / 087 775 8149 www.theorchardpreschool.ie QUALIFIED LOCAL CARPENTER Patrick P. Geaney, Solicitors Scoil Rince Cill Easra and Property Maintenance Service 01 8531400/087 2308797 Adult Ceili Classes every Thurs Floors, Doors, Locks, Decking. Making a Will/ Application for Probate/Letters 8.30 pm in Resource centre All maintenance work on Domestic and of Administration Children’s Dancing Classes Commercial properties Estate Planning Venue 126 Abbeyfield Repairs, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Enduring Power of Attorney/Wards of Court Monday -Thursday Roof repairs Soffit and Fascia House Sales and Purchase 3.30 p.m. onwards Free quotes & personal service. Niall Geaney BA LLB 51 Clontarf Rd, Clontarf Contact Jacqueline Contact: Phill 087 631 5899 www.geaneysolicitors.ie at 831 8654 and 086-256 1000

Killester Men’s Shed is a friendly and welcoming place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities. The Shed is open to all men

regardless of age 10.00 – 12.00 every Thursday in the Resource Centre www.hamill.ie New members always welcome, Valuations, Sales, ph. Colm on 087 907 8257 Letting & Management