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Youth Mass Every Sunday at 6pm

Young people from the Parish are always welcome to join our Youth Mass Group. This Mass is organised by the young people themselves, who
Provide the music & singing.
Are Ministers of the Word and the Eucharist.
Greet people as they enter the Church.
Take up the collections.
It is a commitment of just one hour a week. It’s a team effort, to which your contribution is most welcome. You will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable with. Come along to the 6pm Mass any Sunday and meet the members afterwards at the back of the Church to join in, or just to find out more

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Taizé Prayer Around the Cross

From this month, the Taizé Prayer evening will be held on the third WEDNESDAY of each month.
Starting Wednesday 19th September 8.30 – 9.30 pm
Come and lay your burdens down at the Cross of Christ.

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We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Anne Wearen, Whitehall, and formerly of Brian Boru Avenue, whose funeral took place here on Wednesday. May she rest in peace.

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St. Gabriel’s Meals on Wheels

Urgent appeal for Drivers. If you can spare just one hour on even one day a week, would you consider helping to deliver meals around the Parish for our very busy Meals on Wheels which are prepared every weekday in the Parish Centre by Angela and her team. If you can help, or just need to find out more, please call in and talk with Angela any morning.

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Many thanks to an anonymous donor for a very generous donation for the Church refurbishment work. It is much appreciated.

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Bethany Bereavement Support

Members of the Bethany Bereavement Group will be in 187, Clontarf Road on Saturday 15 September from 10.30am. to help those who are bereaved and grieving. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a confidential chat over a cup of tea.

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Holy Hour

Sunday, 16th September at 7.30 pm
St. John’s Church, Clontarf Road.

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Lectio Divina Prayer Group

Resumes this Tues, 11th Sept. at 8.00 pm in the presbytery in St John’s Parish, 187 Clontarf Rd.
Main Meditation Group meets every Mon in 187 Clontarf Road, at 8 pm.

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Clontarf Historical Society

Three Dubliners on board the Titanic Monday 10th September at 8.l5 pm
St. Johns Resource Centre, Clontarf Road Individual Talk €4 Enquiries 8338711.

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Irish Language classes for adults

Children back to school? What about you? Learn a cúpla focal – or use the Irish you have – in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. MORNING classes for adults (3 levels) starting during week of 17th Sep Details from Honor at 8530437.

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Clontarf Gardening Society

56th Autumn Show next Sunday 16th Sept in St. Anthony’s Hall, from 2.30 pm. Adm. €2 Children free.

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Seniors Club is Back!

Tues. 11th Sep Tea/coffee morning – a time for chat and catch up with friends.
AND celebrate Raymond O’Driscoll’s 97th Birthday – Happy Birthday Raymond!
Registration of Classes will take place:
Art with Eleanor: 6 weeks – €20 – starts Tues. 18th Sep. at 10.30am.
Creative Writing: 6 weeks – €20 – starts Fri. 28th Sep at 2 pm.
Ballroom dancing – subject to numbers interested.
Go for Life Exercise classes: 6 weeks – €15 – starts Tues. 25th Sep
Trip to National Concert Hall Friday 12th Oct.
Good old Days of Music Hall. Concert with lunch in The Terrace Café & coach, €30 per person. Coach departs at 12 noon from Parish Centre. Full payment required on Tues 11th Sep
Frances 8339269; Mairead 8331170; Susan 087-2693383.

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Movies that Matter

12 & 26 Sept; 10 & 24 Oct, 7 & 21 Nov.
7.30-10pm Manresa House, 426 Clontarf Rd,
This Autumn’s selection of films is titled ‘Learning Life’s Wisdom’. Each film will be preceded by a brief introduction and followed by a discussion. More details on www.manresa.ie No need to book – just come along.

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Santa Sabina, Sutton

As part of the centenary celebrations all past pupils are invited to visit the school on Thurs 27th Sept 7 – 9.30 pm. Renew acquaintances, wander down memory lane, & enjoy some refreshments. RSVP to parents@santasabina.ie

Healing Mass with Anointing of the Sick.

Sunday 23rd September at 10.30 am
The Sacrament of the sick will be administered to anyone coping with illness – mental or physical – and those infirm with old age.

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Wedding Anniversary Mass:

Sunday 14th October at 10.30 am.
We invite all couples celebrating their 60th, 50th, 40th or 25th Wedding anniversary during 2012 to join us for this special Mass and reception after in the Parish Centre.

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Sacrament of Baptism

Last week we welcomed into our Christian Community through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Isabel Gaffney, Collins Avenue
Cousins, Effie Coyne & Isabel Canlis English, Baymount Park.

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New Seating Arrangement

New spaces have been created on the pillar side of each centre aisle which we hope will be useful for people who need extra space for buggies, wheelchairs, walking frames or guide dogs – or just to stretch out.

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Legion of Mary

Please remember in your prayers members of the local Legion of Mary who are travelling to Germany this weekend for a week of Evangelisation work.
The Legion meets every Monday at 7.30 in the convent on St. Gabriel’s Road and new members are always welcome.

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Our Local Paralympian

As we go to print Ellen Keane has clocked a personal best time to qualify for the finals on Thursday evening in the 100M Butterfly event.
Her next swims will be next Thurs. 6th & Sat. 8th Sept. both at 9.40 am with finals at 17.45 each day. Hope she does really well!.
Best coverage is on channel 4, Setanta Freeview (UPC 105 / Sky 423) or online at www.paralympics.ie

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We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bill Jones, Dollymount Park, whose funeral took place here on Friday.
May he rest in peace.

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Monday Maintenance

The ladies who work in the Church on Monday mornings urgently need more help as they now have our beautiful new floor to look after.
If you can spare an hour after the 10am Mass on Monday mornings for some light cleaning please come along any Monday and have a chat with Rosemary.
And Pearse says there’s plenty work for the Monday evening guys this week, both inside and outside the Church, so please come along, even if it is raining!

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The Ballad of Father Gilligan

The old priest Peter Gilligan was weary night and day
For half his flock were in their beds or under green sods lay.
Once, while he nodded on a chair at the moth-hour of eve
Another poor man sent for him, and he began to grieve.
‘I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace, for people die and die’
And then cried he, ‘God forgive, my body spake, not I!’
He knelt and leaning on the chair he prayed and fell asleep;
And the moth-hour went from the fields and stars began to peep.
They slowly into millions grew and leaves shook in the wind.
And God covered the world with shade, and whispered to mankind.
Upon the time of sparrow chirp when the moths came once more,
The old priest Peter Gilligan stood upright on the floor.
‘Mavrone, mavrone! The man has died, while I slept on the chair’;
He roused his horse out of its sleep and rode with little care.
He rode now as he never rode, by rocky lane and fen;
The sick man’s wife opened the door: ‘Father! You come again!’
‘And is the poor man dead?’ he cried. ‘He died an hour ago.’
The old priest Peter Gilligan in grief swayed to and fro.
‘when you were gone he turned and died, as merry as a bird.’
The old priest Peter Gilligan he knelt him at that word.
‘He who hath made the night of stars for souls who tire and bleed
Sent one of his great angels down to help me in my need.
‘He who is wrapped in purple robes, with planets in his care,
Had pity on the least of things, asleep upon a chair.
W.B. Yeats

Gathering / Baptismal Area

Thanks to the many people who expressed their delight and approval for the work. It has been great too to see many blessing themselves from the Baptismal Font.
We look forward to the seating for the Baptismal Area and also the Memorial Board for our loved ones who have died. They are promised for the end of September.

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Painters

Well done, lads, on the fabulous job on the railings. I shudder to think what it would have cost if we had employed someone. Well done too on the lovely job non the church doors.
I believe you are now going to work on our shrine area!

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September

It’s time to begin again with the schools opening – we look forward to our choirs resuming to add so much to our Eucharistic celebrations.
Irish Mass: As promised it will resume next Sunday, 2nd September at 9 am.
Healing Mass with Anointing of the Sick: Sunday 23rd September at 10.30 am
Refreshments will be served after Mass in the Parish Centre
Wedding Anniversary Mass:
Sunday 14th October at 10.30 am
We invite all couples celebrating their 60th, 50th, 40th or 25th Wedding anniversary during 2012 to join us for this special Mass and reception after in the Parish Centre

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Sacrament of Baptism

Last week we welcomed into our Christian Community through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Ava McDonald, 77 Conquer Hill Road
Milo Eyre Jonathan Kelly, Park Lawn

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Mass for the Sick

Every Monday the 10am Mass is offered for those people who are sick or in distress and whose names are entered in our special book.
This book is then brought to the Altar as part of the Offertory Procession.
The book, and accompanying Prayer cards, are available on the Offerings table at Weekend Mass times and on Monday mornings.

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Prayer for Older People

Take my hand, O Blessed Mother, hold it firmly lest I fall,
For I’m nervous when I’m walking so today I humbly call.
Guide me over every crossing, watch me while I’m on the stairs,
Help me in my undertakings, lessen many of my cares.
And when evening comes upon me, and I fear to be alone,
Once again, O Blessed Mother, take my hand and lead me home.

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Mass Intentions

Sunday 26th Aug
Sat 6.00 Con Sheehan, (3rdA)
NO 9 am Mass
10.30 Barney McGrath (6thA)
12 pm ALTAR LIST OF THE DEAD
6.00 pm Eileen Kennedy, (MM)
Mon 10am MASS FOR THE SICK
Tues. 10am
Wed. 10am Pascal O’Neill (A)
Thurs. 10am
Fri. 10am Catherine & Jackie Malone (A)
Sat 10.30
Sunday 2nd September
Sat 6.00 Eileen McGrane, (1stA)
Sun 9 am
10.30 Paddy Jennings (A)
12 pm Edward & Florrie Barry (A)
6.00 pm Kieran Sweeney, (4thA)

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Suicide Awareness Week 10th–17th Sept

Pieta House, Lucan Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Phone 01-6010000, www.pieta.ie
Pieta House, the Centre for the Prevention of Self-harm & Suicide, seeks to create awareness of the unique service they provide, and of the need to support those in crisis, with their accessible counseling service which is free of charge.
They also need to raise much needed funds to continue to give this support.
Pieta House Ladies Night out –
5th October in the Lucan Spa Hotel. Tickets available on 01-6282111

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Reflection for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Lord, You alone have the words of eternal life.” So answered Peter. The words of Jesus truly brought life to people.
“Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.” With these words he set sinners free.
“Fear not, it is I.” With these words he calmed the fears of his apostles when they thought they were lost.
“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” With these words he challenged Peter to try again after a long night of failure.
“This day you will be with me in Paradise.” With these words he brought light into the dark world of a condemned man.
Jesus truly had the words of life. Yet many of his followers refused to believe in him and left him.
We live in a world that is full of contradictory voices and false prophets. May we not be led astray.
Jesus alone can give us eternal life if, like Peter, we stay with him even when many forsake him.
Flor McCarthy SDB

At Last!
We hope you like our new Gathering/Baptismal Area. As you come in, you cannot but be struck by the words of St Gabriel to Mary:
“With God nothing is impossible”…………….

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Sacred Heart Statue
Having listened to people over the last two and a half years, a karge majority were in favour of the statue to its original place. I know that soe people will be disappointed and miss it from the room at the back. The room needs to be looked at- how we can make it more prayerful and comfortable – ideas welcome.

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Parish Visitation:
This week I hope to finish visitation on Clontarf Road, with thanks to all I have visited so far.

A Bit of This; A Bit of That !

Refurbishment of the Baptismal / Gathering Area – Just two weeks to completion (hopefully!). it is beginning to shape up and I hope you like it. We will have a few spare benches and so far I have failed to find a suitable home for them. I have tried the Missions but shipping costs make it prohibitive. Any help would be welcome.

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Monster Sale –

Thanks to all who made it so successful last weekend –
Anne McHugh and all the team
Those who contributed items for the sale and the raffle
A special word of thanks to Frank Foley for his beautiful woodturnings
To all who came along and made it such a happy event
So far the Sale has raised €4,405 which will help greatly with the refurbishment along with the many generous donations already received.
Painters – Thanks to our Painters who have done such a marvelous job on our Railings. It was a mammoth undertaking. Well done lads!

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Clustering –

The Parishes of St. Anthony’s, St. John’s and St. Gabriel’s were clustered by the Diocese in 2009 to better answer the pastoral needs of our area. We hope to set up a small working group from the three parishes to see how we can best support each other and work together in bringing the “Good News” to Clontarf/Dollymount. While it is important that each parish keeps its own individual identity, it is desirable also that we work together and share our talents and resources. When the Archbishop asked me to be Moderator of the three parishes last year he suggested that we
See what needs to be done
See what can be done
Look for new ways
Some people see the shortage of priests as a crisis but it can be an opportunity for us to look for new ways. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that lay people are not collaborators with their priests but co-responsible for the running of the Church. There are many things that priests do at the moment that do not necessarily have to be done by them. We need to look for new ministries and opportunities and train people for them.
Eucharistic Services – Already St. Anthony’s Parish has trained people to preside at Eucharistic Services and St. John’s are exploring the issue. This is in case there is not a priest available for Mass. While this is not an issue for us at the moment – it might be sooner than we think.
Perhaps we should follow the example of our sister parishes?

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Sacraments –

While we are fortunate to have excellent Catholic schools in Belgrove who help prepare our children for the Sacraments, the primary responsibility rests with the parents. In the past few years we have developed very successful parish programmes for First Communion and Confirmation – “Do this in Memory” & “You shall be my Witnesses” which involve the parents and children.
Youth – My thanks to our young people who organise the 6pm Sunday Mass – readers, singers, greeters and Eucharistic ministers.
They hope to be back in September and will be recruiting for more young people to join them.
Young People, this is Your Mass – please get involved.
New Wine, New Wineskins – The Christian message does not change but the way it is communicated needs to be constantly renewed. Christ ‘s final message to us was “Go therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time”, (Matthew 28.19-20) God Bless, Fr. Pat

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Sacrament of Baptism

Last week we welcomed into our Christian Community through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Emily Kate Mitchell,
Mt. Prospect Park

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Parish Visitation

This week Fr. Pat will continue visiting on
Clontarf Road

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We extend our deepest sympathy to the family, neighbours and friends of Anne Phillips, Kincora Court, whose funeral took place here on Thursday, and also the family and friends of Rev. Derek Sargent, and the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church Seafield Road, where his funeral service was held on Thursday. May they rest In peace