Easter Ceremonies

At Easter we celebrate the very centre of our faith - the death and ressurection of Jesus, our Saviour.You will be very welcome at any of the ceremonies, which are as follows:

Holy Thursday 1st April

Saggart: Mass of the Lord's Supper: 8.00pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10.00pm
Rathcoole: Children's Mass of the Lord's Supper: 4.00pm
Mass of the Lord's Supper: 7.00pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 9.30pm

Good Friday 2 April

Saggart: Solemn commemoration of the Passion followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 3.00pm
Stations of the Cross followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 7.30pm
Rathcoole: Stations of the Cross: 12 noon (outside weather permitting)
Solemn commemoration of the Pasion followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 3.00pm
Brittas: Stations of the Cross followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 6.00pm

Holy Saturday 3 April

Saggart: Confessions 12 noon to 1.00pm

Easter Vigil Mass: 9.00pm

Rathcoole: Swiecenie Wielkanocne: Liturgy for Polish Community: 2.00pm

Confessions: 11.00am to 11.45am

Easter Vigil Mass: 9.00pm

Easter Sunday 4th April

Saggart: Mass 9.00am and 11.00am

Rathcoole: Mass 10.00am and 12.15pm

Brittas: Mass 10.30am

Every good blessing of Easter on you and yours! From the Priests of the Parish and the Parish Pastoral Council

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to highlight here the first contribution to this site by someone other than Michael and myself. It was a comment by LK under the sidebar heading (the list on the right of this home-page), 'Our Churches'.

'Love the new blog, great to have all the parish news at our fingertips. Well done to everyone involved. LK.'

My reply:

'Thanks very much, LK, for your comment. You have the honour of being the first parishioner to 'post' on our site. It's great to know that people are benefiting from this venture. It's off the ground, indeed, but the next very important stage is that it gain some altitude! I'm thinking of ways to achieve that and will share them with you soon. It's important that people get involved with this project and contribute to it, as you have done in a small but, still, ground-breaking way!'

The various headings on the 'sidebar' need to be developed and I'm sure there are parishioners who would like to take responsibility for doing that. For instance, historians might like to develop the 'Parish History' section, or people in the schools the 'Education' section. The 'Parish Council' section will obviously be kept going by someone from that body, keeping parishioners informed of its business. So there is room for contributions from, how shall we say, 'special correspondents' in these various areas, liaising with the various groups in question and feeding into this site to make it an active one.

Have a good week.

Donal (McMahon), Parish Web Sec.

P.S. Sorry about the blank blue space on the right. I'll have to call in my technical expert tomorrow (formerly a parishioner of Rathcoole, now in Blessington). Anyone else with technical expertise that's willing to help out here will be very welcome.

From the Newsletter: 14 Mar

On the Gospel of today:
“You can never go home.” That old adage has some exceptions, of course. The lost can be found. Sinners can repent. Wayward children can find their way back to loving parents. I suspect many of you readers have experienced the power of family reconciliation, either as the prodigal son or as the loving father. If you have, you know the power of forgiveness. (from http://www.word-sunday.com/)

St. Patrick's Day
In advance, may we wish you all a Happy St. Parick’s Day!

Mass times for the coming week is as follows
Saggart: Wednesday 9.00 Am
Rathcoole: Vigil Mass 7.00 pm (Tuesday)
Wednesday 12.15 am
Looking forward to seeing you

The Dublin Council of Churches is organizing an ecumenical celebration on the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day to commemorate in simplicity and beauty, in word and music the coming of Christianity to Ireland and the role of St. Patrick. It takes place Tuesday, 16th March, 7pm at City Quay Church near Matt Talbot Bridge, Dub 2.

17th April: A Date to RememberRAISE THE ROOF/RAISE OUR GAME!
The Dublin Gospel Choir will be celebrating in song in aid of church funds and St. Mary’s GAA club—it will be a night to remember!

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

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

From the Newsletter: 7th March

Have you ever questioned the goodness of God in the face of evil? Have you ever been tempted to blame others for their misfortunes, whether they deserve the blame or not? This questions are at the heart of the religious dilemma. Why does evil exist, God? Why don’t you do something about evil? Jesus answered those questions with other question. How long will we wait before we turn to God in hope, despite the evil that surrounds us? (from http://www.word-sunday.org/)

Parish Pastoral Council

The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place next Tuesday on 9th March. All members are invited to attend. If any parishioners have concerns or suggestions, please pass them on to one of the members.

Alpa

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

The 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.

Holy Family National School is Going to the Dogs
Fancy a Flutter?
Then let’s go Greyhound Racing!!
Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium
Friday 12th March 2010

Adults €15 (Admission & Meal) €5 (Bus)
Kids €3 (Admission & Meal) €3 (Bus)
Bus leaves Poitin Stil/Jacobs 6:30pm sharp!!

Tickets available from the school 01-4580 570

Third Sunday of Lent
Trócaire Lenten Prayers of IntercessionO Christ you are the Word of GodWe pray for the Church gathered today: that we may be open and fearless in proclaiming your Gospel to a hungry and waiting world. A Thiarna, éist linn.

That Rock was Christ. We pray for all those who are suffering and who are feeling lost; that they may receive the gift of courage to trust in God’s steadfastness. A Thiarna, éist linn.

For further information on the wonderful work of Trocaire - please visit http://www.trocaire.org/

Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes (26th June—1st July)
This is the last call 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

International Day of Prayer 2010
Thank you to everyone who participated in and helped lead the prayers for the International Day of Prayer last Friday. In the words of the women of the Cameroon who wrote the prayers, “let everything that breathes praise God”.

Emmanuel 2010

Come to the Helix on either 24 or 25 March 2010 at 8.00 p.m. when over the two days 1200 second level students from around the Diocese will sing a programme of liturgical music accompanied by an orchestra. A project of the Diocesan Music Commission. See notice board for further details