Dear parishioners,
After the recent stormy and cold weather there is a sense that we have turned the corner and we can look forward to the Spring months ahead. Have you spotted any snowdrops?
I want to say a word in remembrance of recently deceased Fr Conor Harper SJ whose funeral was held in Donnybrook on Tuesday followed by burial in Clongowes Wood, Co. Kildare. He was a warm and kind person and a key figure in the promotion of the cause of Bl. John Sullivan. His job was to gather and record favours received through Fr John and to submit all the relevant documents etc. to Rome. Not long after Fr. Paddy Carberry had blessed him with the John Sullivan cross, Fr. Conor breathed his last and went to his reward. We remember him with great fondness and gratitude. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
A few intentions for your prayers: Fr. Richard as he recovers after a (successful) operation on a hernia; that our new website will attract more people into our beautiful church; and for an end to the cruel wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
I also hope that the bank holiday weekend in honour of St. Brigid gives you a breather.
Blessings,
Fr. Niall
ANNUAL BL. JOHN SULLIVAN MASS
Annual Mass in honour of Bl. John Sullivan will take place on Saturday, 17th February at 11am. Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will be the celebrant. Church of Ireland Archbishop. Michael Jackson will also attend. We hope to see you there!
NOTE this Mass is at 11am, NOT at 1pm. It replaces the usual monthly Mass.
A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE ON CLIMATE CRISIS
The Faber community are young adults who are inspired by life and spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. On Saturday, 10th February at 5.30pm, they are organising a talk for young adults on the climate crisis entitled, “We are all going to die, and what can we do about it?” Speaker is Fr. Nial Leahy SJ, our parish priest. For location, and other information check their Instagram @fabercompanions or email them at thefabercommunity@gmail.com.
NEW BL. JOHN SULLIVAN PRAYER CARDS
We are delighted to let you know that we have new prayer cards with prayer for Bl. John Sullivan’s canonisation. They are available in our shop.
NEW WEBSITE
We hope you had a chance to look at our new parish website.
https://www.gardinerstparish.ie
We are very grateful to Peter’s House who designed it. Explore it and let us know what you think.
FIAT 40 / EXODUS 40
This Lent, we invite young people (18-35) to enter the 'desert' alongside Jesus through daily prayer, fasting and companionship following the Fiat 40 / Exodus 40 programmes.
We will walk together in small groups of 5-7 other young men or women. There will be a daily check in with your companion, a weekly in-person meeting with your wider group on Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm, in Gardiner Street, as well as personal daily prayer and asceticism.
Please contact Stephanie (after Youth Mass) for further details or register your interest on this link. You can sign up on our website under Upcoming Events on What’s on.
http://tinyurl.com/Fiat40Exodus40-signup
TWO NEW BOOKS IN THE PARISH SHOP
Two of our Jesuits published new books and we have them available in our parish shop. Fr. Brendan Comerford SJ wrote a book about St. Francis Xavier called “The Great Dreamer”. It’s a perfect read for our parish, as we carry the name of this great saint.
Fr. Brendan McManus SJ and James Fullam coauthored Brothers in Arms”, a book about their Camino journey. We recommend both of these books to you!
OUR RECENTLY DECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Fr. Conor Harper SJ
Dolores Williams
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.