Saturday 11 September 2010

Some of the Latest News of Our Parish

The fundamental mission of a Parish is to spread and deepen the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet parishes are also influenced by the cultural factors beyond their immediate control. As Irish society has been transformed, so too our Parishes have been undergoing changes. Among those changes is the decline in the number of Priests. We now reach another crossroads and require your participation in helping chart a way forward.


In order to meet the challenges of the future, the Parish of Saggart, Rathcoole and Brittas and the Parish of Newcastle have been invited to work more closely together. If managed successfully, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.

Of particular urgency is the availability of priests. Diocesan requirements state that a priest should only celebrate the Eucharist twice in one day. In effect, there will only be two full-time priests to serve the two parishes – Fr. Enda Cunningham and Fr. Aiden Kieran. Fr. Michael McGowan is retired and Fr. Michael Shortall holds a full-time position in Maynooth College.


As a result, the most direct and immediate requirement is to restructure the celebration of the sacraments, in particular the Sunday Eucharist.


This process will rely very much on your generosity but I appreciate that it may discommode some. I thank the Parish Council and the Parish Team for debating and proposing possibilities.


Fr. Enda Cunningham PP


Crosscare: The Annual Collection for Crosscare—the Social Agency of the Dublin Diocese—will be at all masses next weekend (18/19th Sept) It will replace the normal Share collection. Your support is greatly appreciated.

PAB Tours: Papal visit to Birmingham to see the Canonisation of Cardinal Newman.
Sailing at 06:45hrs on September 18th and returns at 23:45hrs on September 19th. Cost- €269 which includes Luxury Coach Transfers, Pilgrim Pack, Entrance to Cofton Park for Mass, Overnight Hotel, Dinner, Packed Breakfast on Sunday and Fully Escorted by PAB Staff. For further details phone: (01) 8733411or sales@pabtours.com. (approx. 23 seats left on this program)

Year of Evangelisation – E-zine: Read and learn more about the Gospel of St. Luke http://www.yearofevangelisation.ie/

Commercials Hurling Club: Quiz Night in aid of the Commercials Hurling Club, Juvenile Section, Friday 17th September in An Poitin Stil Teams of 4 = 10e per head (40e per team) Big Prizes, Rafflle
 
ORLAGH RETREAT CENTRE—Saturday, September 25th: Where do I want to go in life?   How will I get there?   These are questions we all ask and have been asked by countless people in the past.  The restless heart of St. Augustine led him to explore many roads in his search for happiness.  In his writing he shares with us the lessons he learned, the insights experience taught him, and the questions he wrestled with–which are as relevant in the 21st century as they were in his day.  In the workshop/retreat from restless heart to mindfulness Fr. John Byrne will lead participants to explore their own search for happiness using quotations from St. Augustine.   The day runs from 10.00am to 4.30pm and will cost €50 (including lunch).

ORLAGH RETREAT CENTRE—Tuesday, September 28th: THREE SCRIPTURE EVENINGS (Sept 28, Oct 5 and 12, 7.30-9.00pm) Over three evenings Kieran O’Mahony will explore three questions that arise for people interested in the Bible: Are the gospels true? How do I read the gospels as an adult? Do the gospels help?Cost €30 for the series—To book please contact Fr. John Byrne OSA, Orlagh Retreat Centre, Old Court Road, Dublin 16.  Tel (01) 495 8193;  E-mail: info@orlagh.ie

Time Out Weekend Retreat for Young Adults: The YCW Time Out Weekend Retreat will take place from Fri 24th – Sun 26th of September 2010 in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. This retreat promises to be a lively and uplifting experience and has been especially designed for young adults 18-30 years be they students, young workers or unemployed. Cost: Participants are asked to make a donation (no matter how big or small) towards the event depending on their means. Bookings can be made through the YCW website: www.ycw.ie Further details available from Vicky Rattigan at the YCW National Office, email: vicky@ycw.ie or call 01-8780291

Workers for the Vineyard: The Office of Evangelisation is supporting a training initiative in response to the repeated requests from many parishes regarding theological pastoral training for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of theology. Parishes are invited to nominate parishioners who might be interested in participating in the programme – which will then lead to an interview with Mater Dei prior to admission.  Further information regarding content, timetable, costs etc – call Mater Dei 8086500 or email mary.jones@dcu.ie or evangelisation@dublindiocese.ie