Dear Parishioners,
This Wednesday, 31st July, will mark 50 years of Gardiner St Parish and the day when we become part of the Pro-Cathedral Parish. The church will revert to being a non-parish Jesuit church as was the case prior to 1974. It also happens to be the feast of St Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. So it is quite a moment in history for us.
I hope many of you can come to the Mass on Wednesday evening at 7pm with Archbishop Dermot Farrell and the Provincial of the Irish Jesuits Fr Shane Daly. There will be refreshments and finger food afterwards in the Pope Francis Corridor. The parish’s long-time cantor Margaret Brennan will lead the singing.
The occasion also coincides with a ‘changing of the guard’ or sorts. Fr Richard and I will be stepping down from our roles as parish clergy and Fr Brendan Comerford and Fr Donal Neary will betaking up the reins. I know they are both looking forward to their new roles and they will be a blessing for Gardiner St for the years to come.
As I prepare to go to Sri Lanka and Richard prepares to go to Galway, we are both very grateful for all the support and encouragement we received in our time here. It was my first job as a priest, and I will be eternally thankful for how you showed me the ropes and broke me in so charitably!
We invoke the prayers of St Ignatius for God’s guidance and wisdom for the coming years. May they be blessed.
With a grateful heart,
Fr Niall
NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome Finn, Ian and Lex into the Christian Community through the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated at St. Francis Xavier’s Church.
May the Holy Spirit be with them and guide them always.
GREETINGS FROM OUR PARISH MANAGER
Dear parishioners,
I wanted to write to you in this last newsletter as a parish church and let you know that I will unfortunately miss the celebrations next week. I will be on holiday in Italy, which I plannedin January before knowing that we will have a special Mass on 31st July marking the end of a chapter in our church. I will be in San Giovanni Rotondo, whereSt. Padre Pio lived. I assure you of my prayers from there. I hope it is a blessed day here on 31st July, and I look forward to hearing about it when I come back. God bless.
Iva
SHOP OPENING TIME (AUGUST)
From Tuesday 6th to Friday 17th of August, the Shop will be open only Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.It’ll be closed on Mon. 5th, Sat. 10th, Sunday 11th And Monday 19th of August.
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: € 916, Share: € 162
IDonate & card readers: € 178
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 Parish Office.
CELEBRATION OFTHE 50 YEARS OF GARDINER STREET AS A PARISH.
Also, on 31st July at 7pm we will celebrate the past 50 years as a parish with a Mass, presided over and preached by Archbishop Farrell, followed by refreshments and finger food in the Pope Francis Corridor.
30th JULY - WORLD DAY AGAINSTTRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. In order to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights, July 30 was proclaimed by United Nations as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme focuses on reaching every victim of trafficking, leaving none behind.
The Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation (RENATE), strives to rehabilitate victims, free the world of sexual and labour exploitation, slavery and forced organ harvesting. To mark the World Day against trafficking in persons, RENATE will be holding a prayer service on Tuesday 30th July at 16.00. Sr. Eilis Coe, member of the Parish team, will be leading one of the prayers. You can follow RENATE online self-directed prayer pilgrimage, marking the lead up to July 30thacross RENATE Facebook and social media accounts.
https://www.facebook.com/renateurope/
https://www.instagram.com/renate_europe/
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME MINISTEROF THE WORD?
New Ministers of the office the Word are always required. Training can be provided if necessary.
Please contact Sonia atsfx@jesuit.ie or 01 8363411.