Irish High Crosses: The Cross with the Cats

Dear Parishioners,

It's time to close the Competition to name the Irish High Cross with the cats on it. You may remember that there was an exhibition in the National Museum (Collins Barracks) over the summer (it may still be on!), featuring replicas of various Irish High Crosses. Above is a photo of the Cross in question, reproduced here by kind permission of The Irish Catholic and photographer Lucia Ribagarda.

The Cross is Muiredach's Cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth. This dates from the 9/10th century. The person pointing out the cats here is Dr Peter Harbison, the well known scholar and archaeologist. On the panel above the cats, you can make out the Taking of Christ in the Garden. As I say, it made for a very nice trip for me early this summer.

I'm sure you have some interesting stories to tell about your trips, about, say, visiting some church abroad. If you have, please feel free to tell us about them here. Or you can mail me at donalpmcmahon@gmail.com.

Donal (McMahon)

Welcome!

We welcome Fr. Aiden Keiran to our Parish and wish every good blessing for his future ministry in our Parishes. As you see him over the next few weeks, be sure to welcome him personally and make him feel at home.

Some of the Latest News of our Parish

seeing your life through the lens of the gospels


1 The first of the faults attributed to the rich man is his insensitivity to the abject poverty of those around him. When have you discovered that it is when you are aware of the needs of those around you and seek to make some response that you bring out the best in yourself?

2 The second fault attributed to the rich man is the way he ignored the word of God coming through Moses and the prophets. How have the Gospels, the scriptures or your faith opened you up to a deeper and more satisfying perspective on life? the world around you? John Byrne OSA (intercom)

Children's Choir is resuming its wonderful singing on the 26th September at 1.30 in Rathcoole Church. New members are always welcome.


John Henry Newman- Dublin Events: Please see http://www.dublindiocese.ie/ ‘the latest news’ section for Dublin events to celebrate the Beatification of John Henry Newman.


Emmaus Vocation Journey: Wondering where God is call you in life? Ever thought about a vocation to the diocesan priesthood? Why not give one Satruday morning a month for the next sic months looking at these questions. The Emmaus Vocation Journey is an opportunity for those between the ages of 19 to 35 or so to pray together, to discuss and to learn more. For more details contact: Fr. Eamonn Burke. 0868346071 or vocations@dublindiocese.ie

"The Charity Walk Team would like to invite you to try the Zorbs again in Rathcoole Park on Sunday 26th September, from 10am to 6pm. This is to mark the unveiling of our World Record Plaque in the Rose Garden at 3pm. There will be a small charge to cover costs and any surplus will go to the Irish Cancer Society. Its €2 for children and €3 for Adults. We look forward to seeing you there."


Patricia Molloy would like to thank everyone who helped or attended the coffee morning in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation on 16th Sept in Rathcoole. 1300e was raised. Thank you again.

ORLAGH RETREAT CENTRE
Saturday, October 9
The theme for the DAY FOR YOURSELF on October 9th is Living Life Gratefully.  A sense of gratitude for life can do wonders to lift our spirits even when life seems full of problems.  This day, which will be led by Bernadette Toal and John Byrne, will encourage participants to keep gratitude in their hearts at all times.  The day runs from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm with the opportunity of staying on for Mass at 4.30.   Cost €50 ((including lunch).
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
This is a two-hour introduction to the theory and practice of meditation for people who have thought they would like to start this practice but don’t quite know how to get started.  In order to make the introduction available to as many people as possible we are running it on Sunday 10th afternoon (3.00-5.00pm), Tuesday 12th morning (11.00am-1.00pm) and Thursday 14th evening (7.30-9.30pm).  It will be run by John Byrne and Bernadette Toal and there is no charge.
To book fofr either of these events, contact Fr. John Byrne OSA, Orlagh Retreat Centre, Old Court Road, Dublin 16.  Tel (01) 495 8193, Email info@orlagh.ie.

Some of the Latest News of our Parish

seeing your life through the lens of the gospels

Luke 16:1-13
1 As often with the parables of Jesus, this one is intended to shock in order to make us think. Jesus is not praising the injustice of the servant, but his purposefulness in preparing for the future. In your experience what difference does it make when you are purposeful and energetic instead of lethargic?
2 It was his master’s call to account that galvanised the servant into action. What have been the experiences, or people, that have galvanised you into action when you had been somewhat half-hearted in your efforts?
3 ‘No servant can be the slave of two masters.’ When have you experienced the truth of this statement?
John Byrne OSA (Intercom)

On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council, our thanks go to all those who celebrated with Fr. Enda Cunningham, his Silver Jubilee. We thank those who were helped organise the Eucharist and Refreshments afterwards. It was a wonderful evening. Our blessings go with Fr. Enda as he begins another twenty-five years of priesthood.
 
Emmaus Vocation Journey: Wondering where God is call you in life? Ever thought about a vocation to the diocesan priesthood? Why not give one Satruday morning a month for the next sic months looking at these questions. The Emmaus Vocation Journey is an opportunity for those between the ages of 19 to 35 or so to pray together, to discuss and to learn more. For more details contact: Fr. Eamonn Burke. 0868346071 or vocations@dublindiocese.ie

Charity Ceili In aid of our Lady’s Hospice, Harolds Cross
St. Mary’s GFC, Saggart, Co. Dublin
Sunday 26th September 3.00pm—7.00pm
Admission 10e Mucis by Annaly Ceili Band

National Ploughing Championships: As part of the Year of Evangelisation, the Dublin Archdiocese will have a stand at the National Ploughing Championships which take place in Athy 21-23 September 2010. It will be jointly hosted with the Church of Ireland and the focus of it will be on Prayer – Together. It will be located in Row L number 231. All are welcome. More information on www.yearofevangelisation.ie or follow on Facebook /yearofevangelisation.



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

The Parish Pastoral Council

cordially invites

all our parishioners

to a special mass in celebration of the

Silver Jubilee

of the Ordination to the priesthood of

Very Rev. Enda Cunningham PP

In

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saggart

on

Saturday 18th September at 7.30pm

Refreshments afterwards in St. Mary’s GAA Club, Saggart

Please not that there will be no 6.30 evening mass in Holy Family Church on Saturday 18th.

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

Some of the Latest News of our Parish

seeing your life through the lens of the gospels

Luke 14:25-33
1 The passage is a call to both radical and practical discipleship. When have you found that in order to achieve a certain objective you had to make it a priority, and then take the practical steps necessary to reach your goal? What were the benefits to you when you did this?
2 ‘Hate’ is prophetic exaggeration for the uncompromising loyalty Jesus seeks in disciples. There may be times when people make demands in conflict with fidelity to another relationship. This can be painful. When have you found that being clear about your priorities helped you in that situation?
John Byrne OSA (Intercom)

The Parish Council cordially invites

all our parishioners

 to a special mass in celebration of

the Silver Jubilee of the Ordination to the priesthood of

Fr. Enda Cunningham.

It will take place in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saggart on

Saturday 18th September at 7.30pm

There will be refreshments afterwards in St. Mary’s GAA Club, Saggart.

Please not that there will be no 6.30 evening mass in Holy Family Church on Saturday 18th.

The Parish Pastoral Council: The next meeting of the Councill will be on  on Wednesday 8th September in St. Mary's Parochial House at 7.30pm. If you have any suggestions or concerns, please pass them on to any of the members.

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)


Orlagh Retreat Centre: ‘Be the Change’ Saturday, September 4th, 11am-4pm. A symposium led by members of the Be the Change Team. This symposium helps people to come to a deeper understanding of where we are as a society, how we got here, and what we must do if we want to see an ecologically sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling life. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee provided. Donations accepted.


 To book for this event please contact Fr. John Byrne OSA, Orlagh Retreat Centre, Old Court Road, Dublin 16.  Tel (01) 495 8193; E-mail: info@orlagh.ie

Day for Yourself: The monthly Day for yourself in Orlagh Retreat Centre will be held on Saturday, September 11. The theme is Love that will not give up and will be led by Dr. Bernadette Toal and Fr. John Byrne.  It will have the usual relaxing combination of guided meditation, food for thought, time on your own, gospel reflection, and prayer.  It will run from 10.00am to 4.30pm, with the option of staying on for Mass at 4.30pm.   Cost €50 (with lunch)


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