Dear Parishioners,
Warm greetings on this third Sunday of Lent. Are you craving chocolate yet? Or maybe a cold beer from the fridge? Hang in there!
A note of thanks to the little group of green-fingered volunteers who have been working in the garden on Friday afternoons. The polytunnel is now ready for planting. We are aiming to distribute small tomato plant seedlings to you again this year. Please get in touch if you want to get involved.
I also draw your attention to Archbishop Dermot Farrell’s statement and also the Irish Bishops’ statement on the upcoming referendums, and encourage you to read them before you vote on 8th March.
Every blessing,
Fr Niall
THE LITTLE ELEVEN - THIS SUNDAY
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 volunteers chosen in accordance with safeguarding policies and standards. These activities take place in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor.
All welcome
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.
BOOKS OF THE WEEK
On the eve of the Novena of Grace, we highly recommend Fr. Brendan Comerford's book The Great Dreamer. The Life and Mission of St Francis Xavier.
This book is available in the parish shop and will be on sale at the back of the church during the Novena.
If you are looking for a Lenten reading, Gerard Gallagher's book, Return to me with all your heart is an excellent choice. This is a thought- provoking selection of Scripture and reflections to accompany the reader through the season of Lent. Available in the parish shop.
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH
For families in crisis.
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.
SUPPORT FOR BIRTH MOTHERS
Information and Support for Birth Mothers whose babies were placed for adoption may be found at www.birthinfo.ie or by calling the relevant section of Tusla at 0818 445500.
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: € 665;
Share: € 118;
iDonate & card readers: € 520
All contributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.