From the Newsletter: 28th February

Let everything that has breath praise God
International Day of Prayer
Written by the women of Cameroon5th of March 2010
Rathcoole Church at 7.30pm
(Thank you to our Adoration Group for facilitating us by moving their prayer to 6.30—7.30pm.)
Come along and join in prayer with our friends in the Church of Ireland and the throughout the world. Look forward to seeing you Friday.

The women of Cameroon tell us, "In the Cameroonian context people praise God even in and especially during difficult times in their lives. This is because generally we consider life to be God’s greatest gift to us. As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will be better."
In this statement we become aware of the inseparable connection and creative interplay between two key words of the theme: breath and praise. While the mechanisms will vary among all the species that inhabit the earth, nonetheless, everything that is alive breathes.
Mostly we do not notice our breathing until we have difficulties. Then we say, “I need to catch my breath.” When we sing we use our breath to make music. When we are in acute pain, we cry out. Whatever sound we make, it is linked to our breath, to our very life which is a gift from God. In English the word praise has its root in the verb to prize, to value. Our sisters from Cameroon remind us that with every breath we renew the gift of life and for this we praise God.

Alpha: Is there more to Life than this?
Explore the meaning of life from a Christian perspective.
Every Thursday from 7.30-8.30pm Rathcoole Church. The format is simple: a short film, small group discussion, cup of tea. Alpha is a relaxed, low-key, friendly, enjoyable. So come along and explore the bigger picture

Envelope Collection
New envelopes for the coming year are available at the back of the church.
Please take your own or if your household does not have one, please take a free one.
This collection supports the Parish—your generosity is greatly appreciated.

St. Joseph's Young Priest Society
St Joseph’s Young Priest Society will have its monthly meeting on Friday in Rathcoole Church at 6.30.
All are welcome

Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes (26th June—1st July)
To all those thinking of joining us on Pilgrimage. A 200e non-refundable deposit is required before the end of the month. It may be left into the Parish Office or the Sacristies. It is always a wonderful event, full of healing, fun and the presence of God. Full details are on the notice board. Forms are available in the Sacristies of the Churches and the Parish Office.

Dublin Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to Taize
The 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

Alpha: Come along and learn more about us

For the six weeks of Lent there will be an Alpha programme running in Rathcoole Church beginning on the 25th February - and every Thursday for the following few weeks. It is a wonderful way of learning and discussing a little more about the faith we share in a warm and hospitable way. It doesnt take long. Quite simply, it involves watching a video introducting a topic followed by some light discussion based on some simple questions. It couldnt be easier - and it couldnt be better. You will always be welcome!

The e-Good News

As part of the Year of Evangelisation and the reading of The Gospel of Luke. To download the new regular e-Good News

click here

From Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

On Monday and Tuesday last (15th and 16th February) Pope Benedict XVI met with the Diocesan bishops of Ireland. Ten senior Vatican Officials also attended the meeting.

The idea of such a meeting was broached by Pope Benedict when he met with Cardinal Brady and me in December last. On that occasion the Pope expressed his regret, outrage, betrayal and shame on what had been chronicled in the Murphy Report. He also announced that he intended to write a pastoral letter to the Church in Ireland.

The aim of this week’s meeting was to listen to the Irish Bishops and to the reactions they had garnered from survivors and from Catholic faithful to the tragic events of abuse which were chronicled in the Murphy and to the “failure of the Irish Church authorities for many years to act effectively in dealing with such abuse”. It was recognised that in addition to the terrible harm done to survivors, this failure had damaged “the Church’s spiritual and moral credibility”.

Pope Benedict challenged the bishops to address the problems of the past with determination and resolve.

Texts which had been given to various bishops from survivors groups and individual survivors were given to Pope Benedict.

Before going to Rome I met with various survivors and I had also read carefully the reactions sent to me by Parish Pastoral Councils and by thousands of individuals.

Pope Benedict is now working on his promised Pastoral Letter. This Letter will not be a systematic examination of events, but a pastoral reflection of the Pope, whose office in the Church is to confirm and strengthen the local Churches. The Letter will be one of many steps to be taken in the months and years to come especially within the Irish Church.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

From Newsletter: 14 February 2010

From Today's Gospel
What makes us happy? What makes us unhappy? If we wish to have some sense of fulfillment in this life, these questions are important. Jesus answered these questions in a way that defied common wisdom in his time, and today.

Problem with Alcohol?
Alcoholics Anonymous will hold an open meeting on Tuesday 23 February 2010. Members will share how to recover from alcoholism.
Location
The Health Centre, Main Street, Rathcoole. (Its next to the Garda Station)
Phone: 01 8420700
Al-anon will also attend.
Remember "Alcoholism kills families"

Special Haiti Collection
Our sincerest thank you to all who contributed to the 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.


Parish Pilgrimage to LourdesTo all those thinking of joining us on our Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes. A 200e non-refundable deposit is required before the end of the month. It may be left into the Parish Office or any of the Sacristies. 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.

Alpha
For the six weeks of Lent there will be an Alpha programme running in Rathcoole Church beginning on the 18th February – the day after Ash Wednesday. It is a wonderful way of learning and discussing a little more about the faith we share in a warm and hospitable way. Anyone who recently did the Alpha programme, can you please contact Sean O’Rourke, Parish Pastoral Worker, at the office.


AccordThis week, the second collection, ordinarily taken up for the SHARE fund, will be replaced by a special collection in support of ACCORD, the Catholic Agency which supports Marriage and Relationships. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.


Fundraising Concert – Haiti Appeal
A team of musicians and singers from home and abroad will spend St. Valentine’s Day “singing for Haiti” in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin. Funds raised will go help fund medical supplies for nurses working with the Camillian Order in Haiti – among them Irish nurse, Anita Ennis.

Music on the day will be lead by Fr. Marino Nguekam CSSp from Cameroon. Fr. Marino was featured recently on Joe Duffy’s Christmas Show and again on Spirit Level, the Sunday evening spiritual programme

Also taking part is the Romanian Opera singer, Michaela Loredana-Chirvase along with Mary Flynn, Patricia Bourle and Susan Kinsella from the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. Owen Lynch, a composer and singer from Newbridge will also take part with members of his Paradisum Choir. Tickets at the door on the day or from Pro-Cathedral Office.

The Pioneer Youth Weekend: The Pioneer Youth Weekend for 12-17-year-olds has been a highlight on the Pioneer calendar since 1998. This year it takes place in Gormanston College Co.Meath from the 2nd - 4th of July. The event is organised by the Meath Diocesan Youth Committee PTAA.

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.

Dublin Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to Taize
The 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

By Fr. Sean Corkery

A kind parishioner asked me to put the homily from today's (7th February) Mass on our blog. I am delighted to do that. In these times in which we live, we need to be encouraged by one another in the faith for together we go to God:

Homily: 5th Sunday in ordinary Time, Yr, C: Saggart/ Rathcoole

What does a carpenter know about fishing – perhaps that is what they are wondering - at least that’s how I imagine it. Simon, later known as ‘Peter’ (the Rock), and his brother Andrew just like the Zebedee brothers, John and James, are fishermen by trade. They know the work. They know when and where to fish in order to be successful. Jesus hardly knows anything about a fisherman’s life. He has grown up inland at Nazareth. He has a quite different trade. What does a carpenter know about the work of a fisherman? But here is the amazing thing. Jesus, having climbed into the boat, urges them to put out into the deep and drop their nets. Against all their professional experience, they give it a try and make an inconceivably great catch of fish. Peter’s reaction is quite profound: in spite of the jubilation of such a great catch – Peter doesn’t start jumping around in great excitement but rather falls at the knees of Jesus saying ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ And even more profound is Jesus’ reply which takes the entire episode to a new level: ‘Do not be afraid Simon; from now on it is men you will catch.’ The encounter with Jesus is like the successful conclusion to a crunch talks process on Christian vocation because ‘bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.’ So indeed Jesus knows about fishing but his focus clearly is on the animals of the deep, but in fact on the children of God, you and I.
So why did Peter react as he did to the good news of so successful a catch of fish – humbled to the point of recalling his weak and corrupt disposition? Well today, in fact three great instances of being chosen are placed before us, as examples of invisible callings – for each believer is one who has been called to an assignment. Isaiah comes before the lofty throne of God and is immediately sent reeling: ‘What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man with unclean lips.’ But there is no more room for thoughts of worthiness or unworthiness, rather God needs someone and so ‘Here I am, send me.’ St. Paul seems no less humbled: ‘I am the least of the apostles; in fact, since I persecuted the Church of God, I hardly deserve the name apostle.’
The truth of the Word of God today is that mission always begins with an experience of utter distance, of absolute unworthiness. I am not saying that I am in the same league at the prophet Isaiah or St. Paul but the call from God always begins with those terrible feelings of inadequacy and hesitation. I remember when I first thought I was being called to the Priesthood. I thought ‘No it couldn’t be me. There are so many fine men about who are much more talented and gifted than I am.’ The self-doubt, the consciousness of my own inadequacies was suffocating. But the persistence of Jesus was overwhelming and by many signs which I couldn’t help but notice, I knew I had to give it a go.
Jesus needs people in every new generation to step forward and become messengers of Truth, of Hope and of Love. And, my God, the need for such brave people is so real today that all I can think of are the World War One military posters of King George V who, with hand extended proclaimed that ‘Your country needs you.’ In the time in which we live, so fragile and fearful, what I believe needs to be said loudly and clearly today is ‘God needs you! Jesus Christ needs you! The Church in Ireland needs you!’ For all who believe in the goodness of God, it is time to cast off our self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness. The Father looks at each of us with a love beyond words and when he calls, we should answer without fear or favour. The signs of the times are that Christian faith in Ireland is going through an amazing period of death and rebirth. I believe that God needs us all, those called to be priests, religious, parents, parish pastoral workers, faithful Catholics all, living the best lives we can: God needs witnesses who believe in the power of love to be ready with our lamps lighting.
The readings today say that the time for doubting God or ourselves is over. Ireland needs the message of hope and the presence of self-less love. It requires very little ability to find fault. That is why there are so many critics in Ireland. God however is asking for witnesses today. Irish society is virtually overrun by professional critics who make a profit criticizing the daily lives of other people but the power of the kingdom of God speaks a very different language – it lives by the courage of people every day in our country who are humbling trying to learn the art of loving.
The call of Christ is being made to very one in this Church today. I believe it is important that each one of you today is encouraged by me in your faith-life. It is worth saying that the very decision to come to Christ today and celebrate him in our midst is your answer to the call of God which is made today. Where else God will call you I do not know. But if you find yourself echoing Isaiah saying ‘What a wretched state I am in! I am lost’ or you are in the same boat as Peter who is overcome by emotion crying out ‘Leave me Lord; I am a sinful man,’ then you can be watching out for God is much closer to you that you may realise. All I would ask you, is to look around at the desolation which can happen within a society that tries to deny the love of God, and when God calls you to be a daily living witness to him in the Church, at work, in the home and on the streets, ‘don’t ask for a light burden – ask for a strong back.’ The paradox of faith is that, even though an authentic experience of God makes us aware of our nothingness, it is also the very moment when God makes it known that he needs us.

Welcome to Our Readers/Visitors

Dear Parishioners,

This morning's Newsletter announced the publication of this site. This is a new departure which, we hope, will stimulate interest in the local parish community, its affairs, history, churches etc. You are very welcome to contribute to this joint venture by way of comments and suggestions. Fr Michael and I, Donal McMahon, have taken this on for the moment.  It's important that this site not be just a notice-board, though it is that too.  We'll be thinking of ways to develop it as we go along, with input from you.

Donal

From the Newsletter: 7 February 2010

Special Haiti Collection
Archbishop 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 2010
This 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:

Sunday 7th February 2010
Celebration of Mass with Anointing of the Sick
Church 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 Pilgrimage to Lourdes
To all those thinking of joining us on our Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes. A 200e non-refundable deposit is required before the end of the month. It may be left into the Parish Office or any of the Sacristies. 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.

Alpha
For the six weeks of Lent there will be an Alpha programme running in Rathcoole Church beginning on the 18th February – the day after Ash Wednesday. It is a wonderful way of learning and discussing a little more about the faith we share in a warm and hospitable way. Anyone who recently did the Alpha programme, can you please contact Sean O’Rourke, Parish Pastoral Worker, at the office.


Accord
Next week, the second collection, ordinarily taken up for the SHARE fund, will be replaced by a special collection in support of ACCORD, the Catholic Agency which supports Marriage and Relationships. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.


Fundraising Concert – Haiti Appeal

A team of musicians and singers from home and abroad will spend St. Valentine’s Day “singing for Haiti” in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin. Funds raised will go help fund medical supplies for nurses working with the Camillian Order in Haiti – among them Irish nurse, Anita Ennis.

Music on the day will be lead by Fr. Marino Nguekam CSSp from Cameroon. Fr. Marino was featured recently on Joe Duffy’s Christmas Show and again on Spirit Level, the Sunday evening spiritual programme

Also taking part is the Romanian Opera singer, Michaela Loredana-Chirvase along with Mary Flynn, Patricia Bourle and Susan Kinsella from the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. Owen Lynch, a composer and singer from Newbridge will also take part with members of his Paradisum Choir. Tickets at the door on the day or from Pro-Cathedral Office.

The Pioneer Youth Weekend: The Pioneer Youth Weekend for 12-17-year-olds has been a highlight on the Pioneer calendar since 1998. This year it takes place in Gormanston College Co.Meath from the 2nd - 4th of July. The event is organised by the Meath Diocesan Youth Committee PTAA.

The Gospel of Luke
For 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.

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 Taize
The 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 TIMES
Saturday, 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