Dear Parishioners,
Monday 4th March will be the first day of the Novena of Grace. (Where is the time going?) The Novena is one of our great traditions—it has continuously drawn the crowds since this church was built in 1832. This year’s guest preacher is Fr Michael Simone SJ from Chicago. Some of you might remember him from his short time here in 2022. He was delighted to be asked back. Choirs from Belvedere College and Gonzaga College will also sing at two Masses, so there is lots to look forward to.
We do our best to publicise the Novena but nothing is as good as word of mouth. Please spread the word that the Novena is on and that St. Francis Xavier is ready to hear our prayer!
Every blessing,
Fr. Niall
THE NOVENA OF GRACE
The Novena of Grace in honour of St. Francis Xavier’s begins on 4th March and continues until the 12th March.
Please take flyers at the back of the Church and spread the news.
Mass times:
Monday - Friday: 11am, 1pm & 7.30pm
Saturday: 11am, 1pm & 6pm
Sunday: 11am, 3.30pm & 7.30pm
Our preacher this year is Fr. Michael Simone SJ.
Fr. Simone is a Jesuit priest of the USA Midwest Province and is associate pastor of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago. From 2013 to 2021, he was assistant professor at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, where he taught Scripture and preaching, served on the core faculty of spirituality studies, and was chair of the Education Policy Committee. Fr. Simone is a contributing editor at America magazine where he has also served as a regular columnist.
He has given retreats and talks on biblical and spiritual themes to parishes, religious communities, and diocesan gatherings. He is active in a 12-step fellowship of recovery and often gives talks at hospitals and institutions.
From 2021-2022, Fr. Simone lived in Dublin, Ireland, where he served on the staff of Morningstar Hostel for the Homeless and presided regularly at the Jesuit parish of St. Francis Xavier, Gardiner Street.”
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 7th-14th AUGUST 2024
For young people 16 years and older. If interested, please contact Fr. Niall.
IS THERE A HYMN OR A SONG YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR?
Feel free to let us know if you have any suggestions for hymns or songs that you would like to see included in our Choir’s Sunday programme.
NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome Clayton, Ollie, Talia and Hazel into the Christian Community through the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated in St. Francis Xavier’s Church.
May the Holy Spirit be with them and guide them always.
CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME DURING LENT
In Laudato si, Pope Francis calls us to undergo an ecological conversion.
Lent is a good time to make small changes in our routine to contribute to the care of our common home. Here are some suggestions. Why not put one of them into practice for each week of this Lent?
MONASTIC EXPERIENCE DAY FOR YOUNG WOMEN
The Poor Clares in Galway are holding a Monastic Experience Day for young women who might be interested in their way of life. The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday the 2nd of March. The day is designed to help those who may be exploring the possibility of a religious vocation to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life. Anyone wishing to book a place should email vocations@poorclares.ie
EXPLORE THE MASS’ COURSE FOR LENT
What is Mass? Is the Mass biblical? What is transubstantiation?
A faith formation series ‘Explore the Mass this Lent’ will take place over four Thursdays in the lead up to Easter in Rathmines Parish Centre.
Delivered by Eoin McCormack STL, MA Theology. Thursday 29 Feb, 7, 14 % 21 March. 7-8.30 pm.
Rathmines Parish Centre. Registration: eoin@rathminesparish.com.