18TH AUGUST, FEAST OF ST. HELENA
St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great, who legalised Christianity in the Roman Empire. She embraced Christianity following her son’s victory over Maxentius. Her devotion was so great that one would easily believe her to have been a follower of Jesus Christ from birth.
Her influence and power enabled her to spread the Christian faith throughout Rome's dominions. She had churches built over the sacred spots in Palestine. During her journey to Holy Land, she had two special churches constructed, one in Bethlehem, near the Grotto of the Nativity, and the other on the Mount of the Ascension. She is also known for her charitable works through entire communities of poor and destitute people.
St. Helena is the patron saint of difficult marriages, divorced people, converts, and archaeologists.
READING CLUB
Fr. Brendan has had some requests from parishioners about starting up a reading club next September. One parishioner said, I need to have an intelligent faith.” With this in mind, Fr. Brendan proposes a group reading of Who is Jesus? – An Introduction to Christology by Fr Thomas P. Rausch, S.J. This book is available for purchase onAmazon.com. No prior knowledge of theology is required! This is a very accessible book. Think about it over the summer. More news about this in early September.
INTRODUCTION TO THE MYSTICS
Last year Fr. Brendan ran a very successful course on some Christian mystics. This year, he proposes giving a course on eight further mystics. Again, no prior knowledge of these mystics is required. The course will begin on Saturday, 21st September and will continue until Saturday, 9th November. There will be a further reminder in early September.
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: € 638, Share: € 114.
DONATIONS FOR MISSIONS
The mission slot in the donation box at the entrance of the Sacred Heart Chapel is currently unavailable due to maintenance. If you would like to donate for missions, please contact the Shop.
THE MESSENGER | SEPTEMBER 2024
For the Cry of the Earth, Elder versus older and What is this thing called Love? – the September Messenger opens the door to take a peek at just some of them.
Available in the Shop
SHOP OPENING TIMES
The shop will be closed on Monday19 August and will reopen at its usual hours on Tuesday 20 August.
ST JAMES’S HOSPITAL - WIDE PATIENT VOLUNTEER SERVICE
The hospital is delighted to announce the launch of a new hospital wide Patient Volunteer Service. The service, which will commence in September, will provide personal and practical support to patients and visitors attending St James’s Hospital. From simply helping someone check in for their clinic appointment, or guiding a patient to their clinic destination, the service aims to have a positive impact on our patients and visitors experience in the hospital. Over the next two months, the hospital will be recruiting volunteers for the service. If you know anyone who would interested in volunteering please ask them to contact the team for a friendly chat on 087 499 5792 or email teamvolunteer@stjames.ie.
SUPPORT FOR BIRTH MOTHERS
Information and Support for Birth Mothers whose babies were placed for adoption may be found at www.birthinfo.ieor by calling the relevant section of Tusla at 0818 445500.