Dear parishioners,
Beannachtaí na fhéile Padraig dhuit! St. Patrick is one of my favourite saints. During the Novena of Grace Fr. Michael Simone SJ told us that we can each become something great that allows God to be present in the world. St. Patrick is a real example of that. When he was captured as a slave into Ireland, St. Patrick says “he didn’t know the true God”. But somewhere on the Irish hills God revealed Himself to Patrick, and Patrick allowed this encounter to change him, and to gradually form him into our patron saint. St. Patrick’s statue is little bit “hidden” in our church. Where I often sit during Mass, when I turn around I can see St. Patrick ‘watching my back’. Even if at times he may appear a bit hidden, he is still interceding for us from Heaven! His message to us is that we are each truly and deeply loved by God. I leave you with a poem I wrote about Ireland. Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s weekend!
Iva
SFX Parish Manager
My Fair Land
You were my dream
From before the time began
A seed growing
Inside my heart
Like fresh blossoms
Of everlasting spring
Bursting in my core
Calling me to come
And live on your shores
I knew you by heart
Years before I set my eyes
On your green hills
I loved you
More than life itself
Before even knowing
That you were
Real
I would kiss your feet
And pour out the depth
Of my affection
In the loneliest shades
Of your heart
Yet you are the ground
On which I walk
The air that gives me life
If my love could reach
Every corner of your
Soul
I would embrace your
Heart and whisper love
To its hidden parts
I prayed for your happiness
Long before I knew
How deep your
Sorrows were
I saw God gazing at your beauty
And with the eternal kiss
That Heaven sends you
With rain
I witnessed your heart open
Like petals of a flower
Its scent was sweet
Enchanting many
With its tender touch
Yet they did not know
Your scent was coming
Straight from God’s
Sacred Heart
© Iva Beranek (dedicated to Ireland)
THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE A WONDERFUL NOVENA OF GRACE EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE.
We are deeply grateful to Fr. Michael Simone SJ. His preaching was well received and appreciated by all. We are grateful to all who were able to come to make the Novena in the Church and those who joined us via webcam. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who generously contributed to our Novena Special Collection to support H.O.P.E., which amounted just over €10.000. We also wish to thank our staff, all our volunteers who generously gave of their time, and our singers and musicians for the beautiful music at the Novena masses.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER TIMETABLE
Passion Sunday– 24TH March
Mass at 6 pm(Vigil) 9.15, 11 am & 7.30 pm.
Blessing of the palms at Vigil & 11 am Masses. Palms will be distributed at each Mass.
Holy Thursday –28th March
7.30 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper followed by Holy Hour at the Sacred Heart Chapel
NO 11 am or 1pm MASS
Good Friday-29th March
12 pm Stations of the Cross around the Parish
3 pm Liturgy of the Passion
Holy Saturday-30th March
9 pm Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday-31st March
Mass at 9.15& 11 am
Egg hunt after11.00 am Mass.
NO 7.30 pm MASS
HOLY WEEK PLAY IN ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S CHURCH
Pilate under Pressure, a new play by Sean Walsh will have a first airing in the Church on Tuesday in Holy Week -March 26 - at 7.30 pm. Asides on Good Friday. Pontius Pilate and his C O. A two-hander in several scenes. Also on webcam.
FREE ADMISSION
THE EASTER WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER
The Week of Guided Prayer will take place from 7th to 13th of April.
No prior experience needed!
To sign up click here https://tinyurl.com/EasterWeekofGuidedPrayer24
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR
8th April -20th May 2024
Mondays, 7pm
A 7-week series of evenings with a focus on the love of God and the Holy Spirit. Monday evenings, 8th April to 20th May at 7pm.
Click here for registration https://tinyurl.com/LifeintheSpirit2024
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: €1490 Share: €264
iDonate & card readers: €495
Thanks!