St. Brigid’s Parish, Killester NEWSLETTER October 2010

Half Full or Half Empty?

Dear Friends, Those of us who are old enough remember the historic visit of the late Pope John Paul II to Ireland in September 1979. People still speak nostalgically about the open air Mass in the Phoenix Park and the incredible emotion as the Papal plane flew over them. They also remem- ber the message of the Pope to the young people in Galway, and those famous seven words which generated sustained applause and cheering lasting over ten minutes: ‘Young People of Ireland I love you’. Such days will probably never be repeated, but there are signs of hope and optimism all around us especially among our young people. Here in St. Brigid’s Parish one has to be very proud of our young people and their im- mense generosity and sensitivity in answering the call to provide practical help and companion- ship to people suffering across the world. Over the last few months we have listened to their ap- peals at the end of Mass. We have contributed generously to their collections, and I personally have been in awe of their dedication and their courage. One young man even busily planned his trip in the middle of studying for the Leaving Certificate! The challenge for all of us is to redouble our efforts to ensure that our young people know that our local Church here in Killester cares for them and is interested in them. Many may not regularly attend Mass, but they do believe in God and appreciate the Church at the pivotal mo- ments of their lives. They are living signs of hope for the future. They are the ones who daily bear witness to the practical Gospel of Christ: ‘in so far as you did it to the least of mine, you did it to me’. So the next time you hear someone being critical of the youth, remind them that the glass is not necessarily half empty, it may well be half full! Till the next time, Fr. Michael. We will remember them Next month we remember in a very special way our loved ones who have died. November can be a sad month - the trees are without their leaves, the evenings are long, and we begin the month with the annual Commemoration of All Souls. This day was first established by St. Odilo at his Abbey of Cluny in 998. The custom soon spread to the entire Church. During November our minds also reflect on our own mortality, and certain families in our parish will sadly have an empty chair at the Christmas Dinner table. The Second Book of Maccabees tells us that ‘It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed of their sins’. As you know each First Friday two Masses are offered for all those whose names are on the Parish Altar list of the Dead. This list is placed in front of the Altar on that day, as we recall in a very particular way the strong bond that re- mains between us and our beloved dead. The great German theologian of the Twentieth Cen- tury, Karl Rahner, said the following about our relationship with the dead ‘That’s why my heart is now with them, with my loved ones who have taken their leave of me. There is no substitute for them; there are not others who can fill the vacancy when one of those whom I have really loved suddenly and unexpectedly departs and is with me no more. In true love no one can replace an- other, for true love loves the other person in that depth where they are uniquely and irreplacea- bly themselves. And thus, as death has trodden roughly through my life, every one of the de- parted has taken a piece of my heart with them, and often enough my whole heart’. The Annual Parish Mass for all those who have died during the past year will be cele- brated at 12 Noon on Sunday 7th November. All are welcome to attend. Fr. Michael. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament In preparation for the Eucharistic Congress due to be held in in 2012, and in response to requests from a number of parishioners, we propose to have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each First Friday of the month after the 10 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. The Pope in his letter to Irish Catholics encouraged us to have recourse to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist in repara- tion for the sins against the young. We have already got the support of our new Parish Pastoral Council, the Eucharistic Ministers and the St. Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society for this proposal. To ensure that there is always someone praying before the Blessed Sacrament we will supply a sheet where people can add their names indicating times when they will attend during the day. We trust this proposal will be received well and we believe that it will bring many graces and blessings to our Parish.

Message from Fr. Michael Simpson

My sincere appreciation for the energy and efficiency of the excellent work you all put in to the Farewell Reception. I enjoyed the occasion immensely and will treasure the many and lasting good memories of my years in St. Brigid’s, Killester. I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the gift. Sincere Thanks from Fr. Michael Simpson. P.S. The pride held and ongoing effort put in by you all in the Resource Centre is a credit to everyone involved and supporting. Fr. Michael.

Congratulations to all our Friends and Families Who lived through the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's ! When...... We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes we had no hel- mets or shoes, not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds, KFC.

Even though all the shops closed at 6.00 p.m. and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store.

We ate buns, white bread and real butter and drank lemonade, but we weren't overweight because...... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.!

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii, X-boxes; no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY, no video/DVD films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms...... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

Only girls had pierced ears!

You could only buy Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!

Rugby and Cricket had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that! Getting into the team was based on MERIT.

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes, and bullies at times ruled the playground at school.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

Our parents didn't invent unusual names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla' We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them! - Congratulations! Recently deceased - please pray for the souls of:

June Fennelly, Road Agnes Conlon, Maryville Road Kathleen Kinsella, Maryville Road Teresa Mulligan, Killester Park John Moloney, Ennafort Park

Baptisms—We are happy to welcome in to our Christian Community: Charlotte Young, Alex McDonnell, Tyrellstown Arthur Collins, Brookwood Glen Brian Heary, The Meadows Cole Adams-McCarthy, Isaac Ryan, Maryville Road

Wedding — our congratulations to: Naomi Creevey and Edward Feeney, Donnycarney

A prayer from Blessed John Henry Newman - Peace at the last May he support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Resource Centre Notes Volunteers’ Night If you are a Volunteer in St. Brigid’s Killester, in the Church or the Centre, PLEASE let us know a.s.a.p. if you are available on Saturday 16th October at 7.30 p.m. to come to our Celebration of Volunteers. Please phone Pauline at 853 4030, or call in to the Centre to let us know. Do it now, please. We need to know numbers for the catering.

Art and Craft Fair Our Annual Fair will take place on 6th and 7th November in the Centre. Our usual high standards will ap- ply. The Coffee Dock will be open with lunches on the menu. Why not make a day of it? Meet friends and enjoy some retail therapy!

Activities All our activities have resumed in the Centre. Call in and pick up an information leaflet—we have activities to suit all ages. Why not do a Beginner’s Course in Computer—it’s easy and enjoyable. Email and Internet brings you up to date with friends and family. You can even book that holiday at the right price!

Weight Loss on your Doorstep �� In the privacy of your home �� Tailored Nutrition plus Exercise Plan �� Be taken through a step-by-step programme by a qualified Personal Trainer Phone 087 289 3675

St. Brigid's Parish Shop, Killester The Parish Shop which is located at the side of the Church nearest the car park has in stock a large selection of religious items including Mass cards, Mass bouquets, pictures, angel pins, crucifixes, holy water fonts, candles and christening candles, medals, rosary beads, prayer leaflets and a lot more. There are also birthday, retirement and get well cards. A new CD by Bryan Hoey called ”Just for Today and Always” has been released and includes “Una Furtiva Lagrima” , “M’appari” and “Caro Mio Ben” - just some of the selection on this magnificent CD. There is also a small glass holy water bottle which is suitable for taking on holidays or for a car or handbag. Catholic papers and magazines are supplied on a weekly and monthly basis and are located at the back of the Church. Payment for these should be deposited in St. Anthony’s Shrine box. Why not call into the shop and see for yourself the large array of religious goods available. The shop is open after all the Masses at weekends. Please note that all proceeds from the sales go to Parish funds.

Parish contact details:

Parish Office Ph. 01 833 2974 Parish email: [email protected] Parish website: www.killester.dublindiocese.ie Resource centre Ph. 01 853 4030 Resource Centre email: [email protected] TOOLEN ELECTRICAL 360 Howth Road John Quill F.A.O.I. Ophthalmic Optician Balloons & Bouncy Castles Dublin 5 Complete spectacle service Balloons for All Occasions Domestic and Commercial 20 year ESTB Registered for P.R.S.I. and Beautiful First Communion Displays Family Business. Personal Quality Service guaranteed. Medical Card holders House re-wiring - Fuse Board replacement - Grant work Free Delivery in the Parish Additional Sockets and Lights - Shower installation - Large selection of budget www.DublinBalloons.com Garden Lights and fashion frames Super Bouncy Castles for Hire Connecting New Appliances – Maintenance 157a Killester Avenue, Dublin 5 www.DublinBouncyCastles.com Emergency Call out Phone 831 2558 Tel: 087 9444 849 Fully insured ECSSA Free estimate Phone: 831 5682 Des: 087-266 1843 Roy: 087-211 1406 Raheny Carpets House Buyer requires Killester School of Ballet and 8 Main Street, Raheny, Dublin 5 unrenovated Modern Theatre Dance end-of-terrace house Tel: 831 9340 R.A.D. Ballet and I.S.T.D. Modern for all levels. “Ballet for Babies” – 31/2 – 5-yr. olds on in St. Anne’s Estate Saturdays 11.30 – 12.00 noon. Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Strictly by appointment. Call 087 995 8011 Enquiries to Ann Coffey Tighe Monday to Saturday 831 4535 or 086-804 6790 BEST START PRESCHOOL Kirwan’s AND MONTESSORI Stafford's – Family Funeral Directors Infants / Toddlers - Montessori / Project Over three generations Funeral Directors Bubbles. Playgroup age: 1-3 (9am-12.30 pm / 1pm-4.30pm) Full time / Part time Telephone 855 0555 24 Hour Service - After school care (Collections / Hot 24 Hour Service meal/Snack / Fitness classes) H/Q 60 Opening Times 8 am -6 pm Tel: 833 4444 Branch office: Maypark, Road 26 Killester Park D5 Contact Lina 087 9662 609 / 846 5507

Home Instead Senior Care. Scoil Rince Cill Easra Evening Funerals Contact Jacqueline We help older people stay at home by pro- The Resource Centre is offering at 831 8654 and 086-256 1000 viding light housekeeping, meal preparation, a Catering Service transportation, post–hospital care, personal Ceili Class restarts in the Coffee Dock. care and Alzheimer care. Thursday 16th September at 8 p.m. for families who wish to cater for the Further details from: Peter Taylor Evening Funeral Ph. 01-853 5048 Mobile: 087-298 3555 Irish Dancing Classes restart Telephone Vivienne www.homeinstead.ie Monday 20th September 087 213 7365. email: [email protected] from 3.30 p.m.

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Georgina Ryan, Tax Consultant Ladies Aerobics - 12 week course Car Servicing A personal and efficient service Registration Monday 6th Sept. Full Service from €145 10—10.30 a.m. for all Accounting and Tax. Oil change from €28 Tuesday 7th Sept. PAYE Tax Claims Self Employed Anti-freeze replenished from €24 Income Tax Rental Income Tax Re- 7.30—8.30 p.m. Course begins: Pre N.T.C. Inspections turns Capital Gains Tax Free local collection and delivery 01-8310543/ 086 6007434 Monday 13th Sept. 10 - 11 a.m. Tuesday 14th Sept. 7.30 — 8.30 p.m. Fully insured [email protected] Contact Olive 087 265 3296 Ph. Anthony 833 8533 085 725 6667