Sing with Joy

Posted on 17. Dec, 2019 in Advent, Christian Values, Christmas, Community, Music Therapy

Our final piece of music for Advent/Christmas from Sister Marie Dunne is “Sing with Joy”. In it she celebrates the coming arrival of the Lord to “set us free”. Marie has been a composer of liturgical and religious music for over 30 years. She has composed a number of Mass settings, in addition to music […]

Waiting – Advent Music

Posted on 05. Dec, 2019 in Advent, Community, Music, Seasons of the Church Year

Our piece of music for Advent comes from Sister Marie Dunne, a native of Dublin, and member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Faith. Entitled “Waiting” it sums up the feelings and expectations that all surround the Advent Season. Marie has been a composer of liturgical and religious music for over 30 […]

The Celebration of Advent

Posted on 27. Nov, 2019 in Advent, Seasons of the Church Year

As we approach the season of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  In a world where the commercial side of Christmas starts earlier each year, the idea of waiting and preparing becomes a greater challenge than ever before. Perhaps this year more than ever it is time to reflect on this wonderful […]

Appreciating Advent

Posted on 13. Dec, 2018 in Advent, Christian Values, Community, Seasons of the Church Year, Vocation

The season of Advent is full of contradictions, so says Dr Kevin Hargaden, Social Justice Theologian at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and Presbyterian Elder. Advent is filled with light and darkness, optimism and hope, and happiness and joy – but ultimately, he said it’s about time coming to its fullness. Dr Hargaden […]

2nd Sunday of Advent

Posted on 01. Dec, 2016 in Advent, Christmas, Seasons of the Church Year

Sunday December 4th is the second Sunday of Advent  – another candle lit on the Advent wreath, in the countdown to the Feast of Christmas. Still in the season of ‘Waiting’. Dominican priest Fr. Joe Cullen examines how we deal with the past and how we can respond to God’s grace as we face the future. […]

Advent and Expectation

Posted on 17. Dec, 2015 in Advent, Christian Values, Christmas, Church Teachings

Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The word Advent means “coming” or arrival and it symbolises the spiritual journey of waiting. It was also traditionally a time of fasting. Prof Siobhán Garrigan, the Loyola Chair of Catholic Theology and Director of the Loyola Institute, […]

First Sunday of Advent

Posted on 29. Nov, 2012 in Advent, Seasons of the Church Year, Uncategorized

December 2nd is the first Sunday of Advent. Miriam Gormally spoke with Rev Darren McCallig, Church of Ireland Chaplain with Trinity about what that means and the kind of things we can do to in preparation for Christmas. Miriam began by asking Darren if there were similarities between Advent and Lent.

Advent 4

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Advent, Seasons of the Church Year

  The last Sunday in Advent is particularly special, as there is particular excitement in the air. The waiting is nearly over and Christmas is in sight. Miriam Gormally met Helen Gallivan, author of Dawn without Darkness and The Temple Within, who has always had a particular love of Advent. She explains to Miriam Gormally […]

Advent 3

Posted on 26. Nov, 2008 in Advent, Christmas, Seasons of the Church Year

Christmas is less than two weeks away, the 3rd candle will be lit and we start hearing something of the joy of Christmas on this Sunday, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice Sunday. For many people it can seem almost impossible to rejoice in these difficult times, so can we enter into the spirit of […]

Advent 2

Posted on 26. Nov, 2008 in Advent, Seasons of the Church Year

As we approach the 2nd Sunday of Advent, the run up to Christmas has well and truly taken root in the shopping centres.  Yet, as the second candle is lit, we can still take some time out to think about the great feast we will be celebrating.  Is it possible to do this in the […]