St. Paul's, Mount Argus

In mid-October we celebrated Bro. Vincent's Golden Jubilee of Profession. Fr. Frank was the celebrant and homilist at the Mass and afterwards there was a celebration with the people in the Blessed Charles Centre, during which Vincent and his brother delighted the assembly with a bagpipe duet.

On Saturday 22nd October we hosted the second gathering of former Passionists and invited Fr. Michael Drennan SJ to provide facilitation.

Our association with the IMU was highlighted in October when they provided the preacher for Mission Sunday, and then the following Sunday when we hosted the national Mission Alive Mass, which this year commemorated all those Irish Missionaries who died abroad, especially those who died violently. The church was packed for a 1.30pm celebration. The main celebrant was Archbishop Sean Brady. An exhibition and refreshments followed in the Blessed Charles Centre.

The month of November was marked on the first three Saturdays respectively by the Service of Light, commemorating the deceased of the parish; the Annual Mass for deceased members of An Garda Siochanna; and the Annual Mass for deceased Passionists. The mass for deceased Passionists was particularly poignant this year following the three deaths in Mount Argus, and of course the death of Brother Pascal, in the past 12 months. The families of our deceased brethren have come to appreciate this occasion as a time of gathering for themselves, as well as an opportunity to remember.

On Monday 21st November Fr. John celebrated the Annual Mass for those who died in the Hospice, and then joined Bertie Ahern for the Light Up a Life ceremony in the Hospice on the 2nd Sunday of Advent. "Who's that with Fr. John?" the huge crowd cried.

The highlight of November was the celebration of Fr. Andrew's 90th birthday on the 14th, and fresh and well he's looking too. A couple of week's later he joined the rector in a community celebration of the Feast of St. Andrew.

Fr. Herman is now in his 6th month in St. James' Hospital. He was making great progress with his walking until he picked up a chest infection mid-November, which is now well on the mend. He remains in good spirits and we hope he will be home with us soon.

As part of its Advent Programme, the parish welcomed Fr. Peter McVerry to give a talk in the Old Choir. Many community members also attended a very beautiful and powerful reflection on the God who has a passion for all his children, but especially the most vulnerable.

Visitors to Mount Argus Church during Advent will be able to follow the progress of a star which, thanks to our parish artists, is travelling from the back of the Church to eventually settle over the Baptismal Font, where we are going to assemble this year's Christmas Crib.

And finally of course, the community and the people have received with delight the news that a miracle has been approved that will lead to his canonisation. Praise the Lord!

From the Mount Argus Community, we extend to all of you a very happy and holy Christmas. Fr. Frank.