Advent 2023
![Advent1stSunday.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_dfaeef05eafa4162933be28f1f5f936f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_145,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Advent1stSunday.jpg)
December 3rd - First Sunday of Advent
The first candle is a symbol of the kindly light and of hope that gives us ‘the resolve to run forth to meet Christ’ whose presence dispels darkness.
![Image by Michael Rosner-Hyman](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5a416d586a394371472d34~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Michael%20Rosner-Hyman.jpg)
December 4th, Monday
When we remove all obstacles to Christ’s presence he will come, at any hour or moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts.
![Image by Paul Zoetemeijer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6671613779766e78323830~mv2_d_6159_4111_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Paul%20Zoetemeijer.jpg)
December 5th, Tuesday
I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my Saviour.
![Saint-Nicholas-of-Myra-and-Bari_edited.j](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_4c7921df05a846f6be21aaacd31d5fbe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_141,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Saint-Nicholas-of-Myra-and-Bari_edited_j.jpg)
December 6th, Wednesday
The feast of Saint Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas was especially devoted to the poor. We ask Saint Nicholas to intercede for all who need his help. Amen.
![Image by Ben White](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5265457148773247796549~mv2_d_6016_4016_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Ben%20White.jpg)
December 7th, Thursday
The Lord is my light and my help.
![Image by William Gullo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_cc7439a4e04a4c678fef5ccad94255cf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_108,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20William%20Gullo.jpg)
December 8th, Friday
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady, overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance.
![Image by Jonathan Borba](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_644a7a4a6b4e6470397763~mv2_d_4160_6240_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_107,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Jonathan%20Borba.jpg)
December 9th, Saturday
We ask Mary to watch over all those who are sick this Christmas and to support those who care for them at home and in hospitals. Amen.
![2ndAdventIMG_0377.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_e89b424768f24264a6ced21f258f60a7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/2ndAdventIMG_0377.jpg)
December 10th - Second Sunday of Advent
We ask God for strength to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord.
![Image by Eric Ward](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5315e870a3224643ac4ca6a89dcb848d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Eric%20Ward.jpg)
December 11th, Monday
Lord, we ask you to hold closely young people who are struggling with everyday life. Let them see how much they are valued and loved. Amen.
![our-lady-of-guadalupe-4542831_640.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_b54b6a9072d84ab28f19a1c48de211cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_120,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/our-lady-of-guadalupe-4542831_640.jpg)
December 12th, Tuesday
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Feast of Saint Finian of Clonard.
![SaintLucy.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_9035705a72164c5dbb72ff2ba2fcf038~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_109,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/SaintLucy.jpg)
December 13th, Wednesday
O glorious Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr who gave her life for the church, we venerate your sacrifice for our faith.
![Image by Levi Meir Clancy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_bea3df5c3845451fbf49a721c44137d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_107,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Levi%20Meir%20Clancy.jpg)
December 14th, Thursday
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady, overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance.
![Image by Ev](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_49574a482d6c2d7662346b~mv2_d_2510_1650_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_105,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Ev.jpg)
December 15th, Friday
We pray for those who are struggling and we ask the Lord to keep them in his care. Amen.
![6 WhatsApp Image 2022-02-18 at 14.01.28.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_3ed89dc2afa54a9b82b4766342a896cc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/6%20WhatsApp%20Image%202022-02-18%20at%2014_01_28.jpg)
December 16th, Saturday
Pray for all missionaries around the world, who are working to bring God’s love where it is needed.
![3rdAdventIMG_0388.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_ab9830a0ab3349bd89b988112857ea8e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_143,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/3rdAdventIMG_0388.jpg)
December 17th - Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday.
Rejoice! For the Lord is near!
![Image by Rene Bernal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6630726448783550387351~mv2_d_4670_3408_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_117,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Rene%20Bernal.jpg)
December 18th, Monday
Lord Jesus, look after the children of the world, protect them and hear their prayers.
![Image by Martijn Baudoin](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_347a302d326d514537696f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Martijn%20Baudoin.jpg)
December 19th, Tuesday
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us be mindful that many people will be struggling to put food on their tables.
![Image by Danie Franco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_43655a79704b4463655163~mv2_d_4000_6016_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_106,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Danie%20Franco.jpg)
December 20th, Wednesday
Today we pray for all who are housebound and for all those in care facilities. Amen.
![Image by Ann](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_ec8acaefd7e74bf3a7ea8e4b96f1c380~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_120,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Ann.jpg)
December 21st, Thursday
We thank you, Lord, for all that we have: move us to give of our plenty to those who have little.
![Image by Tyler Nix](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_574492bcb5e24330af58a52e987960cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Tyler%20Nix.jpg)
December 22nd, Friday
We give thanks and praise for mothers and fathers, young and old. We remember those who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen.
![PopeFrancis.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/152e05_72f23efd231b49fd835323cb50078f5b~mv2_d_3447_2669_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_124,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/PopeFrancis.jpg)
December 23rd, Saturday
“Peace is possible.
It takes goodwill.”
Pope Francis, Nov 2023
![4th Advent IMG_0391.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_d633136ff9de44b888043739eb31928e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_129,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/4th%20Advent%20IMG_0391.jpg)
December 24th – Fourth Sunday of Advent
May the light of Christ enter our hearts so that we may share the warmth of God’s love with those we meet.
![4086846-1 INIS CD6 low-1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_8886cb1eb92643e8a8365d6a1e340193~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_160,h_114,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/4086846-1%20INIS%20CD6%20low-1.jpg)
December 25th, Monday - Christmas Day
May Jesus light in our hearts, love, hope and peace. With Mary and Joseph we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Christ as they did. Amen.
Happy Christmas.
![2023AdventCalendar.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa9ae2_af967258a9ff4d999d042ce6f5109da4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_259,h_180,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/2023AdventCalendar.jpg)
In preparation for Christmas, we have prepared an Advent Calendar for you to follow at home.
To download a copy to print, please click here.
Online Advent Evening Prayer Service
This year our online Advent Evening Prayer service takes place on Wednesday, December 20th at 4pm (Irish time). This short prayer service will be led from Tefé in Amazonas, Brazil by Fr Vitalis Inyang SPS, with an introduction from Fr Seán Cremin SPS, Assistant Society Leader.
We hope you can join us as we prepare for Christmas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC4a6oD9ODY&ab_channel=SPMSMEDIA