DEAR PARISHIONERS,

Christmastide is the time of year whenwe are especially encouraged to live inthe spirit of peace and good will to all.It is a time for renewal of spirit and innerrefreshment and for making a new start.The glow from the crib which heraldsthe birth of the Christ-Child warms thehearts of young, and the not so young,when we allow it to do so.

In the Charles Dickens novel, A ChristmasCarol, we read how even the miserableand hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, wastransformed into an entirely new person- a much more lovable person who isat last at peace with himself and theworld around him. This is a vital part ofthe Christmas message for all of us, toallow our better selves to blossom andgrow and to make the world around usa better place.

This Christmastime let us try to care forthose around us who are in any need. Itis an opportunity to spread warmth andhappiness in a world that, for many, ischallenging in these difficult economic times.

May we all hear in our hearts the songof the Angels at Bethlehem, on that firstChristmas night, heralding peace andgood-will and may we experience thecoming to fruit of what is best in eachone of us.

At this holy time, let us remember in ourprayers all those who are going througha difficult time - especially those who

are sick. We pray for our beloved Pa~ishPriest, Father Martin Clarke and wishhim a speedy recovery.

For many, Christmas IS the time forcoming home to family and friends. It isimportant to be close to those who aredear to us. Let us also come home to theHoly Family as we gather at the Crib.

For Christians throughout the world, theHoly Night resonates with the wonderof what happened on that special night

HAPPY CH RISTMASThe Priests of the Parish

and the Newsletter Team wish youa very Happy and Holy Christmas

and a Happy New Year.

www.donnybrookparish.ie

In Bethlehem so many years ago. It is anight of joyful thanksgiving.

This time can also be a moment of newdiscovery and decision, new opportunitiesas we prepare for the New Year. The loveof God, which entered ourworld in such aspectacular way at the Birth of the Christ-Child, takes on a new force. It can turnus away from the forces of darkness andnegativity and open our minds and hearts~ith a new and real'istic optimism.

The sense of eternity enters our world ofhere and now. Peace and good-will to allis the Christmas cry of the Christian atthis holy time as we gather at the Crib.

Come, let us worship!

Conor Harper S) Cc.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNINGParish Centre - September 20

Thanks to all who attended and all who

sent donations. The amount achieved

was €1500.

Thanks to our local businesses for raffle

prizes - Dunnes Butchers, Donna the

Florist, Molloys Fish, Mink, O'Briens,

O'Connell's Restaurant, Donnybrook

Fair, Hamptons Books, Black Pig,

Woodbine Pharmacy, Tony Walsh

Chemist and Health Shop, Tesco Merrion

and Hireall Catering Equipment. Specialthanks to all our helpers on the morning.

Marian Horgan and Mary McDonagh

PASTORAL COUNCILBULLETIN

CENSUSNearly 1,000 census forms have beenreceived representing about 2,000persons. These are now being analysedand volunteers will be contacted overthecoming months.

ALTAR SERVERSCouncil members are working withteachers and parents to develop aprogramme for altar servers, consciousof child safeguarding issues.

CHRISTMASFormer congestion at the ChristmasDay Family Mass should be relieved byrepositioning some church benches tofacilitate access for buggies, wheelchairsand movement generally. Underconsideration is a proposal to positionthe Christmas tree at the rear of thechurch rather than at Our Lady's altar.

COMMUNICATIONSThese brief bulletins will be issuedregularly. Ifyou want further informationplease contact us, (contact details onNotice Board).

Fred DuffYPastoral Council Secretary, Nov/Dec 2012

CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to Isabel Slater (secondyear the Teresian School) on her selectionto represent Leinster in the Irish DancingWorld Championships in Boston in theNew Year.

LOUIS SMITH

Spiritual Testament of Professor Louis Smith,

a former member of our Newsletter Team

RIP November 2012

Dearest,Returning from Myles funeral makes atime to consider my own.I hope that by the time you open thisnote my basic duties as father of a familywill be complete as you are all of an ageto fend for yourselves. I am not neededbecause you can care for each other.My death, therefore, is not an occasionof great grief, I have gained promotionto a new post in the Lord's service and,while there is so much I am sorry to leave,

I am pleased. Above all I am curious. Iam looking forward to seeing the Lord.Pray that I am not presumptuous.The manner of my funeral is of noreal importance. Cremation is neat;dissection might be useful. Your attitudeis of significance. You may be sad at myabsence. But do not be falsely sentimentalabout my things or try to cling to me bypreserving things as they are. I am goneahead and looking forward to seeingyou. We have been happy together.Thank you. There is better to come.So do not be sad as those who have nohope. Congratulate me that (I intend,with God's help) all is fittingly done. Aformal ritual is a help to you. But, if themoney holds out, open a few bottles ofChampagne (Sparkling Moselle is betterin my opinion) to lift your spirits - it isfor that the Lord made alcohol. Be ascheerful as sincerity permits. Be kind toeach other.Say a prayer for my soul and have a careof your own.16.1.1976

www.donnybrookparish.ie

PARISH FINANCIAL REPORTThe Parish Finances will be presented byDavid Martin, Chairman of the ParishFinance Committee, at all Masses onthe weekend of 22nd/23rd December.During the past year parishioners have

been very generous in their contributionsto parish finances. Your continuingsupport is greatly appreciated and wewould like to thank you very muchparticularly in these difficult times.

MARY AIKENHEADDAY CENTRE

Behind large steel gates at the Conventof the Sisters of Charity in Donnybrooklies an oasis of peace. You pass throughrolling lawns and a profusion of flowersto reach the Mary Aikenhead Day Centrewhere Sr. Marie and her team of helpersprovide a wonderful service to the elderlyand the disabled. A bus delivers thedisabled to the centre and others comeby private transport.Here from Monday to Friday there arephysio exercises to music every day exceptThursday and the First Friday when Massi~said for those who wish to attend. Thisis followed by a healthy lunch at 12.30.When all the dishes have been clearedaway the visitors can play bingo or reador watch television until the bus returnsto collect them.This is a most important service to ourcommunity for many elderly peoplefind it hard to cook and indeed to fill inthe time as they may have few visitors.Twice weekly, Bernie the hairdresseris available to revive drooping locksand an occasional chiropodist relievesaching feet. The staff are most helpfulparticularly to those in wheelchairs.At Christmas time a lovely lunch IS

provided where after a glass of wine theguests may sing to their hearts' contentor recite their favourite poems! There isalways a friendly atmosphere among theparticipants.If you have an hour or two to spare Sr.Marie would appreciate your help as avolunteer. She may be contacted at theConvent or by telephone at: 2698995.Monica Henchy

!~n:;:'f'- c ..\ ~<

~BAPTISMS

We welcome the following, recentlybaptised into the Christian Community

in Donnybrook.

Adelina Elizabeth RanalowThomasJohn LawlorRory Patrick Griffin

Enzo BrennanEmmaJane Tierney

Danny Sean O'ShaughnessyCasey Patrick MayTom Patrick Crowe

Laina Hilary McElwaineSamuel Patrick HurleyChristian Joseph Walsh

FrancesJohn WardAoibheann Sarah MooreCillian Finbarr KeohaneDaniel Joseph Furlong

William Patrick SearsonEdward Thomas LeahyAvila Denise O'Sullivan

Ciaran Matteo LiepmannSamuel Joseph CosgroveAoibhinn Miriam GalvinRuby Carol CummiskeySimon KnutJansonOllie Hugo Barrett

Sarah Pascale NolanChristine Ann SpilmanHarry David HanlonLily Nora O'I<eeffe

Jean Patricia DesmondAlfonsus Benjamin McDonnell

Adam Vincent O'ReganMarkJames Hyland

Lydia Christine MasonIsaac David ButlerElise Mae MaughanRose Andrea MurphyJuliet Norah BrennanDaniel John Meijer

Eloise Annabelle GuilbaudGeorgia Ann WoodsJulia Elise HeaphyEimear Aisling Byrne

Isabelle Bridget RobinsonSamuel David HigginsLucy Jane O'Grady

Annabel Grace MurphyFionn William Sisk

Savanna Ashley NolanHarry James O'DonnellSebastian David Forbes

Robyn Grace DoyleMichael Peter Prendeville

Shane Colm CumminsTalan Avery MaloneSophie Ellen DowlingAndrew John McNallyCharles James NultyNiall Richard Farrell

Adrianna Maria McEnroeKayleigh Martin

Imogen Nancy DoranCharlie Rowan BennettRachel Emily Williams

Lucy Mary KeaneEmilie Maria Dillon

Lauren Ellen GeraghtyEmma Christine DolanTeyla Lara Waldron

Harry Joe BayneJames Thomas GriffinJames Victor Stafford

Robyn KissaneAnnabelle Mary Lillis

Isabella Francesca ShieldsGrace Ella DawsonJames Daniel Ferris

Daniel Cornelius LuceyCharles John Carney

Leanne Ysabelle PachecoElla Sophia MullinsHelen Mary Bueckert

Isobelle Rose McCarthyLouise Maloney

William Isaac MasonChristina Ryan

Olivia Cate RyanMaria Gill Bonilla Snchez

Isaac Leo CoadyMolly Aisling ThompsonSophie Emilia Walsh

Sophia Elaine Alejandro

A BIG THANK YOU!To all who supported and also to all who made

it possible.Our annual fund raising sale for the

Teresian Association Social Projects in

Villa EI Salvador, Peru took place on

Sunday 18th November, 2012.

Thanks for your great generosity again

this year. The amount raised was €1 ,065

which will go directly to Villa EI Salvador.

THANK YOU Inez Neira

CURA CARESFree & confidential one-to-onecounselling for those affected afterabortion. Phone 671 0598 for anappointment. See our list of services onour posters on the Church notice boards.

www.donnybrookparish.ie

ORDRE DES ARTSET DES LETTRES

On Friday 30th November MadameEmmanuelle d'Achon, the FrenchAmbassador, hosted a reception Inhonour of Father Conor Harper SJ who

was to receive the medal of Chevalier desArts et des Lettres. The Ordre des Arts etdes Lettres was established by PresidentCharles de Gaulle and the Minister forCulture to acknowledge the significantcontribution of recipients of thedecoration to Arts, Letters and the French

language. Fr, Harper was decorated forhis work over many years as a teacherof French in Belvedere and ClongowesWood College, as a member of the Boardof Management of the Alliance Francaise,a prestigious establishment set up for theteaching of French throughout the world,and for h is work as Chaplai n to the French

speaking Community in Dublin for morethan 30 years. .

Before decorating Fr. Conor, the FrenchAmbassador spoke at length abouthis long career and his tireless workpromoting French culture. Madamed'Achon also mentioned Fr Harper's

involvement with the Joutes Oratoires, adebating competition in French, the finalsof which take place in Paris every year, andhis work in our Parish of Donnybrook.Responding, after he had received themedal, Fr Harper told those who hadgathered to congratulate him how movedhe was by this award of the French

Government; he thanked his friends, familyand parishioners for their support andloyalty. Speaking in French, Father Conoralso thanked his Jesuit Confreres for theirgreat support throughout his career.The reception which followed wasattended by the Director of the Alliance

Francaise, by some ofFatherConor's paststudents, members of the DiplomaticCorps, relatives and Friends.The Parish of Donnybrook wasrepresented by Monsignor RichardSherry, Pastor Emeritus.Jean Bertrand de Villeneuve-Bargeman

CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMEMonday 17th DecemberPenitential Service in preparation forChristmas at 7.30pm with opportunityfor individual Confessions

CHRISTMAS EVE - Mon 24th DecUsual morning Mass at 7.30 a.m. &10.00am6.00pm - Vigil Mass for Christmas12.00am- Midnight Mass (preceded byChristmas Carols from 11.30pm)

CHRISTMAS DAY - Tuesday 25th DecMasses: 9.00am,1 0.30am (Family Masswith Parish Choir),12.00noonNo evening Mass on Christmas Day

Wednesday 26th December toSaturday 29th DecemberOne morning Mass only at 11.00am

Saturday 29th December/Sunday 30th DecemberSaturday Vigil Mass at 6.00pmSunday Masses at 9.00am, 10.30am,12.00noon & 5.30 pm

Monday 31 st December/Tuesday 1stJanuary 2013One morning Mass only at 11.00am

Wednesday 2nd January 2013Normal Mass times resume7.30am and 10.00am

CONFESSIONSMonday 17th December:Service of Reconciliation at 7.30pm

Saturday 22nd December:10.30am to 12.00noon

Monday 24th December:10.30am to 12.00noon

MARRIAGESWe congratulate

Damien I<eogh & Shuyan XieMary Cannon & Ken Courtney

Deirdre Wadding & Robert O'ReillyCaithrfona Tierney & Noel Carr

Sorcha Polly & David KellyJennyTrundle & Ronan NearySiobhan Murray & Paul Brady

Patricia O'Loan and Fergus D'Arcyand wish them every happiness.

DECEASEDWe extend the sympathy of the parish to

the families of the followingwho died recently

Kathleen ButlerPatrick Cox

William (Willie) WalshAnne Keane

Agnes McManusHenry (Harry) O'Caliaghan

Maire McGovernJohn Daniel Collins

eillf BaconChristine ByrneMairfn Nf Eithir

Aindriu 6 hHeithirSheila Smith

Ellen (Eileen)JohnEsme McCannFrank HarteEva Briscoe

Patricia O'ConnorMargaret QuinnRonan SherryCecilia Wall

James (Seamus) O'BrienMaurethe JacksonCarmel KeoghSean DillonRose Lennon

Tommy MurphyKatheryna (Kate) McGonigal

Brian DevlinAnn McCloskeyAgnes ClearyDoreen Callan

Rosemarie MulcahyMaura BeltonColm Dixon

Joan Murray-HaydenLuke O'ReganEamon KennanNora Buckley

William (Billy) O'BrienDr Peter FahyRegine MurrayElizabeth Lyons

Cecily MacMenaminEdward Valken burg

Margaret (Peggy) MooneyRose Brady

June O'ConnorProf Louis Smith

Paul William HarveyFr John Moylan SJRichard Sullivan

www.donnybrookparish.ie

PRIESTS OF THE PARISHFr. Martin Clarke, Parish Priest,E-mail: mclarke@donnybrookparish.ie

Fr. Conor Harper S.J., Curate,Tel: 2180244E-mail: charper@clongowes.net

Fr Noel O'Meara CssP PCEmail: omearanoel@gmail.com

Fr. John Boyers, Parish ChaplainTel: 6684356

Monsignor Richard Sherry,Pastor EmeritusTel: 269 2102

PARISH OFFICEParish Centre (behind the church)

Office Hours:Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pmClosed for lunch (1.00 pm to 2.00 pm)

Parish Secretary: Oonagh O'TooleTel 2693926E-Mail: secretary@donnybrookparish.ie

PARISH TEAMPastoral Sister: Sr. BerthaTel: 269 3926

Pastoral Sister: Sr. FionaTel: 086 169 7677

Director of Music: Catherine KilloranTel: 086 060 0000

Organist: Michael QuinnTel: 085 362 3128

NEWSLETTER TEAMCoreen Dennis 2694852

Mary McDonogh 2692338

Niall Loftus 2692063

Daragh Mulvagh 2694482

Mary Plunkett 4454973

Margaret Whitla 2600329

Correspondence to the Parish Centre.email: newsletter@donnybrookparish.ie

SPONSORThanks to Michael G and Ann O'Connorwho have kindly sponsored this editionof the Newsletter. We are most gratefulfor their generosity.