On Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of advent, Crib figures of Baby Jesus were blessed at all Masses in the parish, a beautiful advent tradition instituted by Pope John Paul II known as Bambinelli Sunday.

Bishop Fintan was joined by the Doherty family from Letterkenny at the vigil Mass and on Sunday morning Bishop Ger Nash, on his first visit home since his ordination as Bishop of Ferns, celebrated the 9.30 am Mass and blessed the baby Jesus figures brought to Mass by the congregation which included the Honan family from Portarlington who were visiting family in Ennis for the weekend.