Dear Friends,
Today, Sunday 26th January, we give thanks for the ceasefire in Gaza. We might continue to pray for the safe release of the Israeli hostages and for a peaceful exchange of Palestinian prisoners. May the richer nations come to the aid of the stricken area of Gaza.
Fr. Brendan
SAINT OF THE WEEK –
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Tuesday, 28th January
Thomas was born near Aquino, Italy in 1225. He was educated by the Benedictines at the Abbey of Monte Cassino and at the University of Naples. Around 1244, Thomas joined the Dominicans. That he should want to be a mendicant friar was shocking to his noble relatives, so his brothers kidnapped him and shut him up for a year. But he would not change his mind. On his release, he went to study in Paris and Cologne. The rest of his relatively short life was devoted to teaching, preaching, and above all, writing. It was said of Thomas that ‘his wonderful learning owes far less to his genius than to the effectiveness of his prayer.’ At the end of his life he declared, ‘All I have written seems to me like so much straw compared with what I have seen and what has been revealed to me.’ Thomas was the incarnation of the Dominican ideal of handing on the fruits of contemplation to others – ‘a far greater thing,’ he said, ‘than simply contemplating.’ Thomas died in 1323 at the Abbey of Fossanuova on his way to attend the general Council of Lyons.
WOULD YOU LIKE BECOME A MINISTER OF THE WORD?
We invite you to join a training led by Gerry McArdle. February 8th, 15th, and 22 (10.30-11.30 am). Includes reading practice with the microphone at the church.
Gerry McArdle is Minister of the Word at Gardiner Street Church, retired broadcaster from RTE. Currently, actor, voiceover and voice coach.
If you are interested, please leave your details in the Office or email sfxgardinerstreet@outlook.com.
THE LITTLE 11- TODAY
Special activities for children every second Sunday at 11 am Mass. Children are led in special faith formation activities, such as guided prayer, storytelling, drawing, etc. by a group of safeguarded volunteers These activities take (for 15-20 minutes) in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor. Parents are also welcome
1ST FEBRURARY- FEAST OF ST. BRIGID
Fr. Brendan will celebrate Mass in Irish, using Eucharistic Prayer II in honour of St. Brigid. Saturday 1st of February at 11 am
Come and celebrate our co-patroness saint with us!
Happy St Brigid’s Day
Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Bríde!
THE NOVENA OF GRACE begins on 4th March and continue until the 12th March. Our preacher this year will be Fr. Sam Sawyer SJ. More details will follow.
DO YOU LOVE SINGING?
Make joining a choir your New Year's resolution! If you love singing, there's nothing like a choir for uplifting the spirit and the thrill of losing yourself in the power of voices coming together in song. Choirs embody community, and you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged all the way! There is no big time commitment during the week. Practice on Sunday mornings before 11am mass.
Leave your details at the Office, at the Sacristy or with Margaret the Cantor.
You will receive an email each week with the programme for the following Sunday.
If you know of someone who would like to sing each week, please spread the word.
''OPENING THE BIBLE''
A free six-part video introduction to the Bible for those interested in Scripture, and those unsure where to begin. Available from January 26th at: www.tarsusscriptureschool.ie
MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS
Accord now seeking marriage preparation facilitators. Might this be you? If you are supportive of marriage in the Catholic Church and have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team that supports couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage then Accord wishes to hear from you. Successful applicants will receive professional training in the Accord marriage preparation programme and be part of a team delivering programmes locally. Contact Aisling at 01 5053112 or marriagepreparation@accord.ie, and for further information see www.accord.ie.
MEDJUGORJE GROUP- PILGRIMAGE 2025
7-night Pilgrimage (14th – 21st May). Fully escorted trip. Direct return flights from Dublin. € 795 (Price increases to € 845 after the 31st of January. For mor information, visit www.marian.ie or phone (01) 878 8159).
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: € 643, Share collection: € 113
Card reader: €305