Some of the latest news from the diocese

For full details see www.dublindiocese.ie

CD launch of the Palestrina Choir of St Mary’s Pro Cathedral: The Palestrina Choir of St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral will launch their new CD “O Sacrament Most Holy” tonight at 7.30pm. Tune in live as we will be broadcasting this event live from our website www.dublindiocese.ie. The new cd is now out and available to download from iTunes. For further information log on to www.palestrinachoir.com. All are welcome to attend.

B.E. Beginning Experience: B.E. is a support group for those coping with the pain of loss of their life partner, through death, separation or divorce. Do you find that you need more support than family and friends can provide? The next residential weekend will be held on 4^th- 6^th November in All Hallows College, Drumcondra. For further information please contact 01-6790556 or email bedublin@gmail.com

Volunteers urgently needed for the 50^th International Eucharistic Congress 2012
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17^th June 2012.

Volunteers will have an integral role to play in the success of the Congress. Between two and three thousand volunteers will be needed during the week of the Congress and also to assist in preparations in the months leading up to the Congress. The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles such as administration, data entry, stewards, marketing, transport, meet & greet, multimedia, pastoral preparation and much more! We need 10 people per parish from the Dublin diocese.

If you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer  and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress office. Induction training sessions will begin 19^th November in the RDS. For more information please contact the IEC2012 offices on (01) 2349900

Cemetery Mass in Sallynoggin Parish: The annual Cemetery Mass in Deansgrange Cemetery will be held on Sunday 6^th November at 3.00 p.m. All are welcome.

Parish Pastoral Council

I'm sure some parishioners are curious about what the rather grandly titled Parish Pastoral Councillors actually do at their meetings. If I wasn't on the Council, I would be wondering the same thing myself. So I thought I'd report here from now on on our monthly meetings to give people an idea of the kind of matters we discuss. This won't be a transcript of the minutes, but rather a summary of the main topics.

The current members of the PPC (2009-2012) are:

• Clergy: Fr Enda Cunningham, PP (President); Fr Aidan Kieran, CC; Fr Michael McGowan, PC
• Parish Sister: Margaret Deegan
• Parish Pastoral Worker: Sean O'Rourke
• Representatives from the Three Parish Areas:

Saggart: Sally Dungan, Mary Lawless, Donal McMahon,
John Purcell (Finance Committee)
Rathcoole: Pat Corcoran (Chairperson), Cait Jacob (Secretary), John Keaney,
Carmel Kenny, Ann Mulvany
Brittas: Michael Monahan, Patricia Redmond

The idea for a website of some kind was first proposed by Fr Michael (Shortall) at a meeting in mid-2009. He said he could only help out when he could, owing to pressure of work. Donal McMahon then volunteered to help out and, with the technical help of former Rathcoole resident, Ruairi O hAilin, got this blog going in early 2010. This is an example of a PPC initiative from proposal to implementation, with the result that you see here -- far from perfect though it be.

Another, more recent, success story has been the work devoted to maintaining the parish grave-yard. It was a group of ordinary parishioners (and not primarily the PPC) who got this going. Thanks to their efforts the graveyard looked lovely for this summer's Cemetery Sunday Mass on the 3rd July.

Committee/Council work, as we all know, is often slow and tedious. There may be a long wait between the proposal and the carrying out of it. Many people in this parish do voluntary work for the Community Council, the various charity and sporting organisations etc., and well done to them all. The PCC is another such grouping where clergy and laity work together to further (how can I put this plainly and simply?) our common pursuit of a divinely promised goal ('the coming of the kingdom', 'the building up of the Body of Christ' etc, in more religious language). I suppose it all comes down in the end to simply doing something for people, being of service. And that's what we're here for, after all, isn't it?

So much, then, by way of announcing the account to be given here from now on of the main topics of the monthly Pastoral Council meeting.

Donal, Web Sec and PPC member.

Local Retreats

ORLAGH

Saturday, 12th November, 10.00am-4.30pm

The monthly DAY FOR YOURSELF in Orlagh on Saturday, November 12th has the theme Enriching our lives and the lives of others.  It will explore the potential and opportunities we have to develop our own gifts and in doing so make a difference to those around us.   The day will be led by Dr. Bernadette Toal and Fr. John Byrne.  There will be an opportunity for Mass at 4.30pm.  (€50 including a full lunch)

Sunday, 13th November 2011, 10.00am-5.00pm

SCRIPTURE DAY: Sean Goan will conduct his annual introduction to the gospel of the following year under the heading The Eucharistic Community in the Gospel of Mark.  All who have heard Sean know that they will get an informed, enlightening and entertaining day.  Mass will be included in the day.  (€55)

For further information and booking contact

Fr. John Byrne OSA, Orlagh, Old Court Road, Dublin 16.  

Tel: (01) 495 8190  Email: info@orlagh.ie   Website www.orlagh.ie

Some of the Latest News from Around the Diocese

The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir: will be in concert in Church of St Laurence O’Toole, Baldoyle, on Wednesday, Oct 19th at 8 pm. The concert is in aid of Baldoyle Family Resource Services. Admission is €10 (concessions €8). Full details on www.bfrs.ie

St. Mochta’s Concert: Mary Flynn, Soprano, together with Harpists Mary & Teresa O’Donnell have come together with friends for ‘Songs for a Winters Evening’ II. All proceeds will be donated to the Dublin 15 Hospice and The Rise Foundation. The concert will take place in St. Mochta’s Church on Friday 21st October at 8pm. Tickets €15 available from the Parish Office between 9.30am and 12.30pm Mon-Fri, from the Sacristy after all Masses or please contact Sally at  085 2869380 or Mary at 087 2585398.  

Trip to the Holy Land: Due to late cancellations a number of places are available on the St. Fintan's Parish Sutton trip to the Holy Land taking place from the 28th of October to 5th November.  Spiritual Director: Fr. Liam Lacey.  Cost: €1,249 plus taxes and insurance.  Please contact Map Travel on 01 8783111.

New notices:

Cursillo Retreat for Young Men: Cursillo is a movement within the Church that helps people to encounter God and to follow Him by deepening their faith and commitment to the Gospel. Bishop Eamonn Walsh and Fr. Martin Hughes, school chaplain in St. Mark’s Tallaght are looking for young men aged between 25-40 to consider a Cursillo retreat. The first retreat will take place in Los Angeles from 19th to 22nd January and will involve a group of approximately 10 men from Dublin leaving on the 14th January and returning 24th and who then will help run the later retreat in Dublin. The Dublin retreat will take place from the 8th to 12th March for a group of 30-40 young men. If you are able to identify someone who might be interested, all queries can be made with Fr. Martin on 086 3253430 or animcara@gmail.com . The deadline is end of October 2011 for the January retreat. More information is available from the Office of Evangelisation on www.evangelisation.ie

Gardiner Street Church: 'Gathering of Missionaries' - Eucharist Celebrations, takes place on Sunday October 23: Celebration of Mission Sunday. Mass 11am -Parish Mass. Celebrant: Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Mission Sunday at Mass 7.30 pm with Gardiner Street Gospel Choir, Mass Celebrant PP; Homily Mr Ronan Barry (Mission Alive).

Frank Duff and the Eucharist: A lecture by Dr. Finola Kennedy on 'Frank Duff and the Eucharist' takes place on Wednesday 19^th October at 8.30pm in the Iona Centre, Knocklyon, Dublin 16. All are welcome to attend.

Some of the Latest News from the Diocese

Avila, Carmelite Retreat Centre: A reminder of a very special concert coming up in the Avila Carmelite Centre Monday October 10th at 8.00 p.m. This is an opportunity to hear these two extraordinary performers, Deirdre Moynihan and Alec O'Leary, in the intimacy of the Retreat Centre.

Milltown Parish Pastoral Centre: Invite you to an evening of Radharc films on Monday, October 10th at 7.30pm.  Two films relating to the Synod of the Laity 1987 will be screened; Fr Bernard Haering. CSSR and Up to the Synod- Future Tense. All are welcome and post screening discussion is also welcome.

The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir: will be in Concert in Church of St Laurence O’Toole, Baldoyle, on Wednesday, Oct 19th at 8 pm.  The concert is in aid of Baldoyle Family Resource Services. Admission is €10 (concessions €8). Full details on www.bfrs.ie

New Notices:

The New Child Protection Training Modules: for Priests, deacons, parish pastoral workers and Child Safeguarding Representatives, devised by the National Office for Safeguarding Children will be delivered to the parishes, deanery by deanery, throughout the diocese beginning on the 3rd of October.

Date: 8 October 2011, Venue: Monkstown Parish Centre, Deaneries: Donnybrook & Dun Laoghaire.

Date: 15 October 2011, Venue: Dominican Retreat & Pastoral Centre, Tallaght, Deanery: South Dublin

Date: 22 October 2011, Venue: Dominican Retreat & Pastoral Centre, Tallaght, Deanery: Tallaght.

If you haven’t already registered please call Geraldine Tierney at 01 8360314. Further dates to follow.

Trip to the Holy Land: Due to late cancellations a number of places are available on the St. Fintan's Parish Sutton trip to the Holy Land taking place from the 28th of October to 5th November.  Spiritual Director: Fr. Liam Lacey.  Cost: €1,249 plus taxes and insurance.  Please contact Map Travel on 01 8783111.

B.E. Beginning Experience: B.E. is a support group for those coping with the pain of loss of their life partner, through death, separation or divorce. Do you find that you need more support than family and friends can provide?

The next residential weekend will be held on 4th- 6th November in All Hallows College, Drumcondra. For further information please contact 01-6790556 or email bedublin@gmail.com

Major Truths Course: This course based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the truths of the Catholic Faith laying the foundations for a deeper and richer faith. Starting on Saturday 29th of October 2011 from 10.00am to 3pm and every last Saturday of each month for 6 months (excluding December) at the Faith and Family Centre, Dal Riada House, Avoca Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Cost:  €100. To register and for more information please contact: Faith and Family Centre,  Tel. 01 2889317or   email: faithandfamilycentre@arcol.org

Marriage Enrichment Day: Attend a day that will re-energize your marriage and deepen your faith.   Put the world’s pressures on hold for a few hours and focus on the most important person in your life-your spouse! The Marriage Enrichment Day takes place in the Faith and Family Centre, Dal Riada House, Avoca Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin on Sunday 23rd October 2011 starting at 9am and ending with Mass at 5pm.  Cost per couple: €40 euro including lunch.

To register and for more information please contact: Faith and Family Centre, Tel. 01 2889317; email: faithandfamilycentre@arcol.org

Woman’s Guided Silent Retreat: Preached by Fr Michael Mullan, LC, takes place from

28th – 31st October 2011, 7.30pm Friday evening until 3pm Monday.

Held at the Orlagh Retreat Centre, Old Court Road, Dublin 16.

To book a place, or for more information, please contact the Faith and Family Centre, 01-2889317 or faithandfamilycentre@arcol.org

  

St. Mochta’s Concert: Following last years very successful concert, Mary Flynn, Soprano, together with Harpists Mary & Teresa O’Donnell have come together with friends for ‘Songs for a Winters Evening’ II. All proceeds will be donated to the Dublin 15 Hospice and The Rise Foundation. The concert will take place in St. Mochta’s Church on Friday 21st October at 8pm. Tickets €15 available from the Parish Office between 9.30am and 12.30pm Mon-Fri, from the Sacristy after all Masses or please contact Sally at  085 2869380 or Mary at 087 2585398.   The Rise Foundation is a registered charity, founded by the singer Frances Black in 2008, focused on the family of those in addiction.

Day for Life

The theme for Day for Life 2011 is A call to solidarity and hope in difficult times. Day for Life this year reflects on what it means to lead a full and happy life. Please click here for more. 

In his 1995 Encyclical Letter, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), the late Pope John Paul II proposed that “a day for life be celebrated each year in every country”. The primary purpose of this day should be “to foster in individual consciences, in families, in the Church, and in civil society, a recognition of the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition” (EV #85).  The Bishops of Ireland responded to this invitation by announcing an annual celebration of the Day for Life. Since 2001, the bishops have published a Pastoral Letter every October celebrating a different theme for each Day for Life.