Fourth Sunday of Advent

Posted on 12. Dec, 2007 in Advent, Family, Feminism/Women in the Church, Seasons of the Church Year

The story of Advent is the story of a woman waiting to give birth.  Here Hilary Lyons tells an extraordinary story of another woman who waited many years to give birth.

Third Sunday of Advent

Posted on 12. Dec, 2007 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

Has Advent lost its meaning?  It was traditionally a time of great waiting and fasting, but these days it is a time of indulgence and frenetic activity.  Hilary Lyons MSHR, reflects on what advent has become and how we can still find meaning in the hectic pace of today.  She began by explaining how she […]

Music: Veni, veni Emmanuel

Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 in Advent, Music, Seasons of the Church Year

From the CD ‘Biscantorat’ – Sound of the Spirit – the Monks of Glenstal, with Noirin Ni Riain and Sinead O’Connor herald the Advent season with Veni, Veni Emmanuel.

Intro to Advent

Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

The Messenger Publications have just launched a double CD entitled ‘Advent for All’ with reflections, prayers and hymns for each day of Advent.  At the start of the CD well-known author and writer Frances Hogan gives a thought provoking introduction to the season of Advent. The CD is available from The Messenger Publications, 37 Lr. […]

Reflection: 1st Sunday of Advent

Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Advent, Christmas, Seasons of the Church Year

Dominican Fr. Joe Cullen is Head of Adult Education at The Priory Institute in Tallaght in Dublin.  In this reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent, he describes some fairly common reactions to the approaching Christmas season.

Reach Out at Christmas

Posted on 13. Dec, 2006 in Advent, Church Teachings, Community, Seasons of the Church Year

The Reach Out campaign in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin was launched in Advent 2004, and has become and integral part of Christmas in the diocese. This year the focus is on the family and Bishop Jim Moriarty told Eileen Good about the origin of the campaign and this year’s theme.

Advent “Giving”

Posted on 13. Dec, 2006 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

What is Advent all about, what is the true meaning of Advent? Eileen Good met Jesuit priest Tony O’Riordan and asked him how we should utilise the season of Advent and what we should celebrate as we head towards the feast of Christmas.

Advent “Waiting”

Posted on 13. Dec, 2006 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

The theme of waiting runs right through the season of Advent – waiting for the coming of Christ. But how practical is it for us today, in a frantically busy world especially in the run up to Christmas, to take time out to focus on waiting. Eileen Good met Augustinian priest, Fr. Tom Cooney, director […]

Advent for the Family

Posted on 29. Nov, 2006 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

Advent is traditionally a time of waiting and preparation.  But children in particular are not known for their patience.  So what can you do as a family to help children get involved in learning about waiting and expectation?  Peter O’Conor met Deirdre Sheeva who has worked liturgically in many parishes around Dublin and asked her […]

Mary in Advent

Posted on 29. Nov, 2006 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year

December 8th is one of the important feasts of Our Lady, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is celebrated during the season of Advent. Helen Gallivan is an author who has written extensively on Mary and she told Eileen Good about how we start our Advent readings with the Old Testament and go on […]