Monday 25 January 2010

From the Newsletter: 31st January 2010

The Gospel Today
One of the sad lessons we learn as young adults is change. The home and family that seemed would be there for our support transforms. The young college student who returns home finds a new dynamic. The son or daughter that comes home for the holidays discovers a new environment. They soon learn what some of us already know. Once you leave, you can’t come home.
Jesus also learned that lesson when he returned to his hometown, Nazareth. He revealed his true identity and mission to his friends and relatives, but they rejected him.
(See www.sunday-word.com)

Special Haiti CollectionArchbishop Diarmuid Martin has announced that there will be a special collection at all Masses in the Archdiocese of Dublin on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th February to contribute to relief assistance and the reconstruction in Haiti.

While most of the collection will go towards relief work it is hoped it will also be possible to provide support for parishes and religious institutions which have been destroyed. This can be done through some religious communities which have Irish links.

Mass goers in Dublin will be informed of the collection this weekend and are being asked to give their support generously on the weekend of the 6th and 7th.

World Day of the Sick 2010This year World Day of the Sick will be marked on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of February in the Dublin Diocese. There will be two events over the weekend:

Saturday 6th February 2010
‘Caring for those who Care’
A time-out for people who dedicate their lives as careers
Venue: Cherith Centre, Carmelite Monastery, Firhouse, Dublin 24
10.30am to 3.30pm

Sunday 7th February 2010
Celebration of Mass with Anointing of the SickChurch of the Good Shepherd, Churchtown, Dublin 14.
3.00pm

Please remind any carers in your parish interested in taking part in the Saturday conference to register as soon as possible with Trish Conway, 37 Monastery Drive Clondalkin 087 6220349 or e-mail wds@dublindiocese.ie

Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council will be holding its regular meeting on February 2nd at 8.00pm in St. Mary's Parochial House, Saggart. All members are invited to attend. If you have any suggestions or concerns, please pass them on to any member.

ConfirmationOur blessings go to with the young adults preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation formally begin their journey with an Enrolment Ceremony this weekend We ask for your prayers for these young people.

Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Our Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be taking place next year from the 26th June to the 1st July. It is always a wonderful event, full of healing, fun and the presence of God. We are looking forward to an even better pilgrimage in the coming year. Full details are on the notice board. Forms are available in the Sacristies of the Churches and the Parish Office.

The Gospel of LukeFor the attention of Parish Pastoral Councils, Priests, Sisters and Parish Pastoral Workers. You are invited to a presentation on St. Luke's Gospel in Kilcullen Parish Centre on 13th February 2010 between 10.00 am and 12.30 pm. During the morning there will be an opportunity for Parish Pastoral Councils to reflec on their needs and opportunities for ongoing formation. For further information, contact the Office of Evangelisation at 01 8379253 ext 251 or email evangelisation@dublindiocese.ie

Fundraising for St. Mary's National School
A call for you old mobile phones. Join us in making use of your old phones. Hand them into the St. Mary's National School or place them in the box available in Saggart Church. When enough are collected, they can be transformed into interactive white boards which are invaluable for the modern classroom. Thanks for all your help.

St. Brigid's DayThe feast of St. Brigid is on the 1st of February. Considered in Ireland to be the first day of spring, it is also associated with the making of St. Brigid's crosses. Some locals enjoyed a lovely afternoon last week making these beautiful crosses. They are being sold with a donation after all masses in Saggart in aid of the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. All are welcome.

In honour of Our Lady of Lourdes - February 11th
Inchicore-Bluebell Pastoral Area: Novena: 2nd Feb - 11th Feb (10am & 8pm) in the Church of MaryImmaculate, Inchicore. This includes: Anointing of the Sick, 6th Feb, at 12 noon, and Torchlight Procession, 11th Feb at 8pm.
Celebrate St. Brigid with stories, music, dance and the making of Brigid's crosses in the De Mazenod Centre, St. Michael's, Inchicore on Sunday 31st January at 4pm.
St. Luke's Gospel & Lectio Divina with Jane Mellett: Tues 16th Feb and Tues 23rd Feb, 7.30pm - 9pm, in the Annexe, House of Retreat, Inchicore.

Dublin Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to TaizeThe Office of Evangelisation have announced details of the Dublin Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to Taize from 11th - 18th July 2010. Young adults are invited to join over two thousand other young Christians from around the world who come to this ecumenical monastery in Burgundy, France every week during the summer to experience the prayer and fellowship of the community founded by Brother Roger. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin will be taking part. Cost of return flight and coach transfers, meals and basic accommodation for the week is e440 (incl. taxes and insurance).
For further information contact: Ewelina at the Office of Evangilisation, evangelisatoin@dublindiocese.ie or at 018087538
Or Fr Damian McNeice, 018087553, taizedublin@gmail.com

PERSEVERANCE IN DIFFICULT TIMESSaturday, February 13
The theme of our monthly DAY FOR YOURSELF may find an echo in the experience of many people in these days. It is “PERSEVERANCE WHEN LIFE IS DIFFICULT” and will give those taking part an opportunity to reflect on how we can find energy, hope and enthusiasm for living in the face of difficulties. The day will be led by Fr. John Byrne and Dr. Bernadette Toal. It starts at 10 am and goes to 4.30 pm with the opportunity of staying on for Mass at 4.30 pm. Cost €50 (including a full lunch).
To book for this event contact Fr. John Byrne, Orlagh Retreat Centre, Old Court Road, Dublin 16. Tel (01) 495 8193; E-mail info@orlagh.ie