It was the great desire of Jesus, the night before his Passion and Death, that all his disciples be united as one, and each year from 18-25thJanuary, the Church prays in particular for this desire of Jesus. This year the…
I bumped into three mums outside the school one day during the week. They were chatting, keeping an eye on their kids playing nearby and waiting for the others to finish school. I’ve often found this to be a fantastic…
At every funeral Mass, we pause and welcome the remains of the deceased at the Baptismal Font as we enter the church. Standing there with the family around and the friends and neighbours gathering in we recall the beginning of…
Capodanno, is the word you might see in Italy on posters advertising the New Year celebrations. Until I spent one end of year holiday in Amalfi I had no idea what an exuberant and joyful celebrations the Italians enjoy. I…
Thanksgiving Prayer Service with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Drop in and spend a few moments of quiet time with our Lord. 31st December 2021 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm
The last days of the year will follow our Christmas celebrations and soon 2022 will begin. It’s impossible to say farewell to 2021 without first saying a strong word of thanks to all who have given time, energy and support…
Thank you for the invitation to lead the Advent Reflection and Reconciliation Service this year. I’ve been asked to speak about migration during this reflection – in truth all I can share with you is what I have learnt from…
The decoration of the Church for Christmas is centred on the crib, the tree and the all the festive colours. Nothing suggests that we are serious about this celebration more than the bright red Christmas flower, the poinsettia. The parish…
When I was in Clonliffe College, studying for the priesthood, my dad asked me to call into a fishmongers, in Chatham Street, and bring home a side of smoked salmon for Christmas. I did that year after year and always…
One evening after Mass a parishioner slipped me an envelope, with the brief comment, ‘something nice for yourself.’ I was delighted to open it when I got home and find inside a single ticket for “Jack B Yeats: Painting and…
11th & 12th December – Bambellini Sunday bring your Baby Jesus figurine from your crib at home to have it blessed here in the Church during Mass. 20th December – Service of Reflection & Reconciliation Mount Merrion at 7.30pm 26…
Turn on the lights! Well, as we are now into December, and it is so dark and cold, I for one love to see the seasonal lights appearing. The big bright lights which transform the city centre, ripple through the…
Energy! Every parish needs plenty of energy. The energy that comes from the sun certainly gives us a lift and makes the church building and environment more pleasant, the energy that comes from the Spirit leads our hearts and minds…
I can’t remember the last time a week passed by and I didn’t say at least one funeral Mass. Free from that obligation I’ve been busy this week with some of the practical things that need to be attended to…
I don’t often catch the bus early in the morning when students are on their way to school. Yet there I was the other day, just after 8, waiting and watching as bus after bus disgorged boys and girls, all…
I have a grandniece called Cleo, a beautiful girl, with long curly hair, a magic smile and a happy disposition. When I heard that a little girl with the same name had disappeared from a camping site in Australia, during…
Still time to sign the petition … https://thecatholicpetition.org/
Parish Advent Wreath Project This year we are offering candles or candles and a floral ring to help people construct their Advent wreath, or just replace the candles from last year. All orders will be “online only” to parishadventwreath@gmail.com. The…
I walked up to the front door of a house during the week, I was about to knock when, out of the corner of my eye I noticed, half hidden by the hedge, a skeleton on the grass and gasped.…
During the week, I was preparing a homily for the opening of the year Mass in a boy’s secondary school. Moments like this are a great opportunity to speak to young people who little by little are coming to identify…
