St. Brigid's Parish, Killester
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St. Brigid’s Parish, Killester Parish Newsletter MAY 2012 Dear friends, As we continue in these days to celebrate the great Feast of Easter it gives both Fr. Alex and me an opportunity to again thank all those who gave of their time and tal- ents so freely to enhance our Holy Week Ceremonies. We thank the Ministers of the Word, our Eucharistic Ministers, our Parish Choir and those who keep our Church looking so well not only at Easter but throughout the year. Thanks also to those who provide the Church with floral decorations, and to Tom and Larry in the Sacristy for all their hard work. We were very pleased to have the help of our young people who dramatised the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Many of these will celebrate Confirmation and First Holy Communion this month. We take this opportunity also to thank those who support our undertakings here and to all who give welcome words of encouragement. We truly have a wonderful parish. As I write this I am reminded of how Blessed Pope John Paul II described a parish as being ‘not principally a structure, a territory, or a building, but rather the family of God, a fellowship afire with a unifying spirit, a familial and welcoming home'. Let us all continue as best we can to make those words a real- ity. Until the next time, Fr. Michael. Eucharistic Congress 2012 Pilgrim Walk To celebrate the Eucharistic Congress there will be an opportunity in the week before the Con- gress and during the week of the Congress for people to undertake a ‘Pilgrim Walk’. This walk would include visiting the seven designated Churches, reciting the Congress Prayer and spending some time in Adoration. Further details are available at the back of the Church with a flyer entitled “Pilgrim Walk”. Host a Pilgrim for the Congress Congress organisers are looking for Dublin homes to host a pilgrim between Saturday 9th June and Monday 18th June 2012. Host homes would provide pilgrims with a simple clean bedroom along with breakfast each day. All pilgrims will be over 18 years of age and the host family must not include children under 18 years or vulnerable adults. If you would be willing to offer free accommodation and live in an area of Dublin along the DART line or a direct bus route to the Royal Dublin Society (R.D.S.) in Dublin 4, please contact us on 01 234 9919, or send an email to the following address: [email protected] or visit the IEC2012 website at: www.iec2012.ie/volunteer Eucharistic Congress events We are conscious that some of our more senior parishioners may not be computer literate, and consequently booking for the Eucharistic Congress events could pose problems. Ann Marie in the Parish Office (Phone 01 833 2974) will be more than willing to assist you with any queries you may have should you wish to book a place in the R.D.S. - please note the closing date for booking is 9th May. HOSPITAL VISITATION. If your loved one is sick at home or in hospital and would like Fr. Alex or Fr. Michael to visit, please don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Office. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION There is an opportunity to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation each Saturday after the morning and evening Masses and anytime on request. THE MONTH OF MARY When I was in the Seminary each Monday night the community gathered in the Oratory for Sung Night Prayer. The setting was very evocative with just a few candles providing the necessary light. The prayer always concluded with a hymn to the Virgin Mary. One of the favourites was entitled 'Blessed is the Faithful Virgin', composed by Bishop Donal Murray. The first verse of the hymn: 'You received the Word Incarnate, first of all the human race. May your faith be our example, Virgin Mary full of grace'. May is the month of Mary, and many of us will recall the May Altars of our youth. We also look forward each year to our Parish Choir leading us in the hymn 'Bring flowers of the rarest'. This hymn is very popular as it demonstrates people's great love and devotion to Mary, which is a very ancient tradition in the Church. The Apostles gathered around her as the centre and nucleus of the early church. She was and is the great model of faith. And yet Mary always points us to her Son, 'do what- ever he tells you'. The Bishops who gathered at the Second Vatican Council, decided to include Mary in the Constitution on the Church, as yet another reminder that she is one of us and continues to be present in the heart of the Church of today. And like all mothers she has a special concern for all her children. May she show us at all times how to be faithful to her Son. Fr. Michael DATES FOR YOUR DIARY. May 12th Saturday Boys’ First Communion May 19th Saturday Girls’ First Communion May 20th Sunday The Ascension of the Lord May 24th Thursday Boys’ Confirmation May 27th Sunday Pentecost (Last day of Easter) May 31st Thursday Girls’ Confirmation (Feast of the Visitation) Parish Pilgrimages 2012 Lourdes: September 22nd - 27th with Fr. Michael O'Grady C.C. Holy Land: October 25th October - 2nd November with Monsignor Alex Stenson P.P. Further details from Anne Marie in the Parish Office at 833 2974 Our Road to Emmaus All through life’s day, you walk with us, Lord. In that moment we pray, But often we don’t recognise you, that, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, for we are downcast by work and worry, our eyes will be opened, doubt and fear, and that we will recognise you in the Scriptures and so you remain a ‘stranger’ to us. and the Breaking of the Bread. And before the day’s end And you will not vanish from our sight, we will ask many questions, but stay with us to guide us experience many sorrows and disappoint- to the Father’s house: ments, while at times our hearts may burn within us! And then, suddenly, whether we are young, middle-aged, or old, we will find that night is approaching. Reliquary returned I am delighted to tell you all of the wonderful news of the safe return of our St. Brigid’s Casket which was stolen on 30th January. Thanks to a tip-off from the North of Ireland the Gardai in Buncrana received the casket. It was then delivered to the detectives in Raheny and returned safely to us. We hope to have it on display again in the very near future. Thanks to all those who helped secure its safe return. Fr. Michael. Recently deceased - please pray for the souls of: Fr. Michael Larkin Patrick Keating, formerly Dunluce Road Carmel Daniels, Vernon Avenue Rita Cannon, Killester Park Billy and Vera Eviston, Killester Park Joan Frawley, Killester Park Anne Cooney, Killester Park Baptisms—We are happy to welcome into our Christian Community: Sophie Bobbi Moore, Abbeyfield Ella May Kearney, Clonee RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS The Peace Garden We wish to say a big THANK YOU to Tom O'Regan and Hugh O'Neill who have retired after almost ten years dedicated work in our gardens. They achieved the highest awards in the Dublin City Council competitions. Thank you Tom and Hugh, you have always kept a very high standard, but you can retire in the knowledge that this will continue in the capable hands of Maura Murphy and Brian Whelan, who will carry on with enthusiasm and flair. The Garda Band Concert What a wonderful night’s entertainment was provided by the Garda Band and Choir with the glorious voice of Elizabeth Woods. There was a good turn out for this joint venture between All Saints Church and St. Brigid’s, and it was a very rewarding event. Our thanks to all who supported this worthy cause. Variety Show Our Local Talent Variety Show run by Carol Nash and Maggie Egan was another sell out success. Brian Hoey was the M.C. and Tenor. Much praise was expressed at the new staging supplied and designed by Maggie Egan and Brendan McBride. Dress Dance Band Does anyone remember the Dress Dances? Well here is a walk down memory lane with the MOOD SWING BAND, an eight-piece live orchestra with music from the Big Band era. Music from the "Titanic” era On May 27th at 7. 30 p.m. there will be a concert presented by Gerry Noonan and friends with music and song from the "Titanic" Era, sure to be another great musical night. Coffee Dock Our ever popular Coffee Dock welcomes our regular and our newcomers for a chat and a cuppa. See you there!! St. Brigid’s Art Group are holding their Art exhibition on 8th May at 7.30 p.m. in the Coffee Dock; this new and affordable art exhibition will be opened by Harrie McManus and is sure to be a great success. Frank Welsh One of our much loved and valued volunteers has had a little health setback and is in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to hearing and enjoying his wicked wit very soon again! St. Brigid's Parish Shop There is now in the Parish Shop a large selection of First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Baptism cards together with a wide range of rosary beads, prayer books and other items associated with these sacraments on dis- play.