KNOCK PILGRIMAGE – POSTER
Date for your diary: Our 2023 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock, which will be led by Archbishop Farrell, will take place on Saturday, April 29. Please share the date in your parish newsletters and on your parish websites. You might consider booking a bus. Please email knockpilgrimage@dublindiocese.ie if you have any queries. Poster attached.
ARCHBISHOP’S HOMILY
Archbishop Farrell’s homily at the Mass for the Association of Papal Orders in Ireland can be read at https://dublindiocese.ie/association-papal-orders-2023/.
SALLYNOGGIN TALKS
Series of Lenten talks entitled ‘Come and See’ at Our Lady of Victories, Glenageary. 02/03 ‘Deciding to Follow’ speaker: Rosemary Swords; 09/03 ‘Called to Community’ speaker: Orla Nolan. 16/03 ‘The moral life of the Disciple’ speaker: Gerard Casey; 23/03 ‘Sharing the Gospel’ speaker Gerard Hanley; 30/03 ‘Sacramental Life’ speaker Fr Conor McDonagh. It is necessary to register with the Sallynoggin parish office at 01 2854667. Poster attached.
HARRINGTON STREET LENTEN TALKS
Dublin Oratory in Formation Lenten Talks 2023. Monday, March 6: Prayer, Fr Gerard Deighan. Monday, March 13: The Desert Fathers, Fr Francis Gavin. Monday, March 20: Faith and Reason, Br Ciarán Egan. Monday, March 27: Why Latin?, Fr Gerard Deighan. All talks will take place in the parish hall at St Kevin’s, Harrington Street, at 8pm. (Devotions in the church at 7.30pm.)
YOUTH LEADER SOUGHT IN MAYNOOTH
Maynooth Parish (www.maynoothparish.org) is seeking to employ a Parish Youth Leader to lead its youth ministry and work with young people. The role will involve the resourcing, delivery, and support of a youth ministry programme in the parish including the parish schools, parish groups as well as diocesan bodies with a focus on building capacity in the local context. The successful candidate will engage with the development of youth and pastoral programmes as well Sacramental preparation coordination. The candidate will actively promote and encourage the involvement of young people in the life of the local parish community. The salary and conditions will be commensurate with the role, and experience, of the candidate. To receive an application please contact Martina at the Parish Office. Telephone: 01 6293018 Email: maynoothparishoffice@gmail.com. Closing date is March 21.
GUIDE TO THE DUBLIN DIOCESAN OFFICES
The new Guide to the Dublin Diocesan Offices can be downloaded here (PDF). In this document, compiled by the Communications Office, you will find details of the work undertaken by the various Dublin Diocesan Offices for the Archdiocese and its parishes. You may find it useful to print this guide and keep it in your parish office.
DIOCESAN DIARY FOR 2023
The Diocesan Diary for 2023 can be found at https://dublindiocese.ie/diocesan-diary-2023/.
TALKS AT BOHERNABREENA PARISH
Would you like an opportunity to come together with others to hear stories of hope, stories about coming to know God’s love, and coming to find joy even in the midst of the difficulties and challenges of life? Can you spare some time on the Monday evenings in Lent for six weeks (started Monday, February 27)? You would be most welcome to come along to a series of talks with informal discussions and a cup of tea in Holy Rosary Church, Old Court Avenue, Ballycragh, D24 X798, starting at 7.30pm. We hope you will find it a welcoming place, and that it will be a safe space for sharing something of our faith journey
NOVENA AT ST DOMINIC’S
Annual Novena of Grace to St Francis Xavier at St Dominic’s, Tallaght, D24 T262. Saturday, March 4, to Sunday, March 12, at 10am morning Mass. Sunday the 12th, Healing Mass at 3pm. Preacher: Fr Damian Polly OP.
NOVENA OF GRACE AT ST GABRIEL’S
Annual Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier in St Gabriel’s Church, Dollymount, D03 Y2T2. Saturday, March 4, to Sunday, March 12. It will be conducted by Fr Dermot Mansfield SJ, who will preach at the 10.30am Mass every day of the Novena, weekdays and weekends, and the prayers will be recited at all Masses. A box will be available for your petitions.
FINN LECTURES AT HADDINGTON ROAD
We are delighted to announce the return after almost three years of our Finn Lectures at St Mary’s, Haddington Road. Our first lecture on Monday, March 6, at 7pm will be Fr Kieran O’Mahony OSA, former head of the Scripture Department and assistant professor for many years at the former Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy. Kieran’s presentation, which will take place in the parish hall, will have an appropriately Lenten focus with the title The Christian Imagination: The ‘Camino’ of the Lent Readings. Followed by refreshments and conversations.
GARDINER STREET PARISH
The Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier begins on March 4 and continues until March 12. Preacher this year will be Fr Dermot Preston SJ. Mass times: Mon-Sat: 11am, 1pm & 6pm. Sunday 11am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm.
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
Vox Hiberniae will facilitate a two-part Lenten reflection in two Dublin parishes this Lent. St Patrick’s Church, Blackcourt Road, Dublin 15, D15 WC90: Part 1 – Sunday, March 5, 4 to 5pm. Part 2 – Sunday, March 26, 4 to 5pm. St Michael’s Church, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, A96 RC98: Part 1 – Sunday, March 12, 4 to 5pm. Part 2 – Sunday, April 2, 4 to 5pm. For more details contact voxhiberniae@gmail.com.
EVANGELIUM CONFERENCE
Evangelium Ireland will host its 8th Apologetics Conference for young Catholic adults at All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, on Saturday, March 25, beginning at 9am and concluding at 6pm. Topics will include the Development of Christian Doctrine in the thought of St John Henry Newman; the Incarnation; the Persecuted Church today; approaches to Evangelisation today and the place of Art & Beauty in Evangelisation. Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon. Cost €38 including lunch and refreshments. For more information about Evangelium Ireland and to register go to www.evangelium.ie or search for ‘Evangelium Ireland’ on Eventbrite. Poster attached.
EVANGELISATION & VOCATION CONFERENCE
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
The parish of St John the Baptist, Clontarf, is holding a series of Lenten Reflections on the theme From Penny Catechism to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. See poster attached.
SACRISTAN SOUGHT IN GLASTHULE
Vacancy for Sacristan at St Joseph’s Church, Glasthule. Please contact Fr Paul Tyrrell at stjosephsglasthule@gmail.com. Job description available on request.
CHILD SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTION SERVICE NEWSLETTER
The February 2023 newsletter from the Child Safeguarding & Protection Service office is attached to this email.
NOVENA OF GRACE
St Agnes Church, Crumlin – Novena of Grace. Conducted by Fr Bryan Shortall OFMCap. From 4th to 12th March. Twice Daily 10am and 7pm. Saturday 4th & 11th 10am and 5.30pm. Sunday 5th & 12th 11am only. Theme: “Tired of all the bad news – Rediscovering God’s Healing Love”.
MEMORIAL MASS
Memorial Mass for the late Mgr John Fitzpatrick will take place in the Church of the Holy Child, Larkhill/Whitehall, on Wednesday, March 29, at 7pm. Mgr Fitzpatrick died in the very early days of the Covid outbreak when attendance at funerals was very limited. There was no opportunity for extended family, good friends, brother priests and so many others for whom he meant so much to gather at the time to celebrate his life. All are welcome to this Mass and there will be light refreshments afterwards. May his soul rest in peace. Chief celebrant will be Fr Martin Noone.
WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE
World Day for Consecrated Life took place on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2. It will be marked in the Archdiocese with a celebration on March 25.
MERCY INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, BAGGOT STREET
Spirituality Renewal Retreat: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28. Step away from the busyness of life and reconnect with who you are in God. This gentle 5-day retreat will consist of reflection on scripture; guided meditation; art journaling; personal time and space and spiritual accompaniment. Refresh your spirit, re-discovering balance and wholeness in the gentleness of silence. Sunday 23rd – Friday 28th April Residential: €575 (Accommodation & all meals provided). Non-residential: €290 (Lunch provided). RSVP: programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
Contemplative Practices Weekend: ‘Come away with me to a quiet place and rest for a while.’ Mark 6:31. Take some time away this weekend to reconnect with the silence within. This short retreat will explore a variety of contemplative practices – guided meditation; lectio divina; visio divina; centering prayer; contemplative walk – while also providing time and space for personal reflection. Spiritual direction will be available. Friday 31st March – Sunday 2nd April. Residential: 280 euro (Accommodation & all meals provided). Non-residential: 90 euro (Lunch provided). RSVP: programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS
Attached to this email can be found prayers of intercession for vocations for the Sundays of Lent. Beginning on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 30, there will be a year of prayer and events organised to promote vocations to the diocesan priesthood. The theme for the year of prayer for vocations will be Take the Risk for Christ. Parishes are encouraged to continue to pray for an increase in vocations. If anyone is interested, can they please contact the vocations team at vocations@dublindiocese.ie.
COURSES AT DCU
Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics at DCU: Open House Evening for Alumni, Friends, and Prospective Students – everyone welcome. Thursday, April 20, 6pm-9pm (drop in at any point). Refreshments served. Purcell House, Room PG01, DCU All Hallows Campus Grace Park Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Inquiries: email mary.hayes@dcu.ie / phone 01 700 6100
ST PATRICK’S TESTIMONY
A new modern version of St Patrick’s wonderful Confession has been launched. The word Confession has been changed to Testimony, which more accurately reflects what St Patrick meant in writing it. Patrick, being pre-Reformation, is a potentially uniting figure among Christians and this is demonstrated by the wide range of Church leaders from all denominations, North and South, that have endorsed this pamphlet.
Archbishop Farrell said: “As we read Saint Patrick’s Testimony we gain an insight into a man who was strong, courageous, deeply dedicated to Christ; a person not easily defeated or discouraged. By reflecting on his Testimony, let us allow ourselves to be touched, enchanted, fall in love with St Patrick’s belief in the power of prayer, the convictions of his faith, and in the closeness of God.”
100 of these pamphlets can be bought for €60 plus postage. Email info@evancat.org to order. It can also be downloaded from http://www.evancat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/st-patricks-testimony-pdf-1.pdf.
DIOCESAN OFFICES – NEW ADDRESSES
Please note that the Dublin Diocesan Offices are no longer located at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe. Below are the new addresses of the various offices. There may be some delays in the receipt of postal items due to the changes of address. Email and telephone contact information can be found at https://dublindiocese.ie/archdiocese-overview/diocesan-offices/.
Education Secretariat and Lourdes Pilgrimage Office
51 Home Farm Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 W5W4
Chancellery, Office for Clergy and Office for Religious & Extern Priests
Archbishop’s House, Drumcondra Road Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 H4C2
Dublin Diocesan Archives
204-206 Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3, D03 PD86
Dublin Metropolitan Tribunal
14A Berkeley Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7
Mission & Ministry
St Paul’s Church, 19 Arran Quay, Dublin 7, D07 KX66
Moderator, Finance, Child Safeguarding and all other offices
Dublin Diocesan Offices, 20-23 Arran Quay, Dublin 7, D07 XK85
OFFICE OF MISSION & MINISTRY
ARISE!
ARISE! is the new name for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Including prayer, pilgrimage and faith exploration, ARISE! will support young adults in their faith, as well as those in parish who accompany young people. Sign up to the mailing list to be the first to hear all that is happening with ARISE! https://forms.office.com/e/3rfLFnUXjR or contact natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie.
ARISE! Lent is a series of workshops for young adults on key areas of social justice and how we can get moving on areas that matter. Evenings take place in St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay, from 7pm each night. Details in poster and for more information, email natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie. Register interest now at: https://forms.office.com/e/rwJkixXMyi/.
ARISE! Accompaniment
An evening for those in parish partnerships looking to accompany young adults and find out about upcoming training opportunities, as well as learning about the new developments of youth and young adult ministries in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Tuesday, March 14, at 7pm in St Paul’s, Arran Quay. For more information contact youth@dublindiocese.ie. Register by 12noon on Monday, March 13, here: https://forms.office.com/e/zRUESxc0Ug
Building Hope through Servant Leadership
Five sessions on Monday Evenings in Lent to introduce you to the practice of servant leadership: February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, all 7.30pm to 9pm in St Paul’s Centre for Mission and Ministry, Arran Quay. This is especially for all those in parish ministries and pastoral councils. Led by Peter Siney and Patricia Carroll. See poster attached.
Recommended reading for Lent
The Office of Mission & Ministry recommended reading for Lent is Aidan Donaldson’s book The Beatitudes of Pope Francis. This would be a great way to journey through Lent, either through personal reflection or by gathering with others to share your thoughts, guided by the book. Its handy six chapters would provide enough manageable material for each week in Lent. Please feel free to use the graphic to promote the idea on your parish website and social media.
From the LitMus Office at Mission & Ministry
pat.odonoghue@dublindiocese.ie – 01 8087554 – www.litmus.dublindiocese.ie
A Fresh Look at Lent 2023: Attached are some ideas for Ash Wednesday and beyond inspired by the call to pray, fast and be charitable from the Gospel of that day.
Suggestions for Parish/Partnership Lenten Penance Service: Attached is a sample Penitential Service that you might find useful in the coming weeks. Have you considered locating this sacrament outside Holy Week?
Music for Lent: Attached are the music suggestions for Lent 2023. Next week there will be music ideas for Holy Week/Triduum.
Support Your Local School – Emmanuel 2023: The Emmanuel Soloists were working hard during their mid-term break so that they make their school proud at the Helix Concerts. Attached is the list of participating schools. Find the night to support your local school.
View a 30-second video promoting Emmanuel 2023: https://youtu.be/66f3xuYxJjU
Called to Hope – Confirmation Readings 2023: The current diocesan initiative ‘Building Hope’ is reflected in this year’s theme – ‘Called to Hope’ – for the celebration of Confirmation in our parishes. The readings and music suggestions attached will also complement this hope dimension.
GRANT APPLICATIONS
Benefact Trust: Community Impact Grants – https://benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/community-impact-grants/ – The programme is open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies, Christian charities, and schools and educational institutions with a clear Christian ethos
Koch Foundation: https://www.thekochfoundation.org/ – (closing May 1) – this fund is for evangelisation projects which are planned for 2024 – a number of parishes and dioceses have had success with this funder over the last few years. You can apply for funding 3 in every 5 years. The first step is to do a letter of request, which I can help you with.
Please contact Céire Sadlier at 086 8923336 or ceire.sadlier@iecon.ie with queries about grants and grant applications.
WEEKLY EZINE
Sharing the Good News is the newsletter of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. If you would like receive this weekly ezine, you can do so at https://catholicnews.ie/newsletter/. You are encouraged to invite others to do so too. Send articles and photographs for use in Sharing the Good News to info@catholicbishops.ie.
UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
Fr Vasyl Kornitsky is Chaplain to the Ukrainian community and curate in Donnycarney Parish. He can be contacted at 086 2359561 or ugccie@gmail.com. Ukrainian Mass (Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, Byzantine rite) is held every Sunday at 1pm in Our Lady of Consolation Church, Donnycarney.
RESPONSE TO UKRAINE CRISIS
If parishes have made offers to accommodate Ukrainian refugees with the Red Cross, or are already hosting, we ask you to inform the Archdiocese by emailing Patrick Nelson (patrick.nelson@dublindiocese.ie).
SUPPORT SERVICES
ADARE HR – PARISH CONTACT
For parish human resource queries please contact Adare HR at 01 5490450 or Tim Conway at tconway@adarehrm.ie.
TOWARDS PEACE
Towards Peace is a service offering spiritual support for anybody who has been abused, physically emotionally, sexually, spiritually, in a religious/church environment. Towards Peace was established in October 2014 by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Association of Leaders of Missionary & Religious Leaders of Ireland. (AMRI). The Towards Peace office hours are Monday and Tuesday 9am – 4pm and Wednesday 9am – 12noon. For further information phone 01 5053028 or 086 7710533 or visit www.towardspeace.ie or https://www.facebook.com/TowardsPeaceSpiritualSupportService/.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.
AWARE – SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS
If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.
(Archbishop Farrell at DCU with students including members of the college’s St Dominic’s Catholic Society on Ash Wednesday.)
Building Hope through Servant Leadership
Homily of Archbishop Dermot Farrell at Mass for the Association of Papal Orders in Ireland
Church of the Holy Rosary, McKee Barracks, Dublin
February 24, 2023
(Also available at https://dublindiocese.ie/
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” These words of the Mass, recited when the priest shows the people the Host, come from this evening’s Gospel (Luke 7:1-10). They bring us to the heart of the reality of our relationship with Jesus, and to the heart of the power that Christ has: the power to heal—to heal our soul, in other words to heal our very lives.
The centurion sent emissaries to ask Jesus to heal his slave. Even though the centurion is a person of power and influence, and is accustomed to ordering people about, he does not regard himself as worthy to command Jesus to come to him and heal his slave. As a person of power, the centurion, knows both the dynamics of power and the limits of his own power. He trusts that in Jesus another power is at work: a power that he needs for his slave, the power to heal, and he knows how to ask for it.
In the world of the centurion, the Roman world, trust—in Latin, fides—is a key value. It is the fides that soldiers have in their centurion that makes all the difference in battle. For the centurion, because of their fides in him, they “go the extra mile” even to the point of giving their lives, not for the distant emperor, but for their local commander whom they respect and in whom they have confidence.
The way fides worked provided the early Christian generations a framework that helped them understand and explain what God had done, and continued to do, for them in Christ. Christ was the one who made the difference, the one who changed their perspective, who brought them—to use the imagery of recent Sunday Gospels—to turn the other cheek, to go the second mile, to be reconciled with their sister or brother, if they had anything against them (see Matt 5:23–24, 38–48).
To have fides in Christ is to trust; it is to have hope, it is to turn one’s heart to the Lord. It means to root one’s life, to ground and centre one’s concerns in God. There are other horizons for one’s hopes, one’s trust, one’s fides: it is possible to turn one’s heart to human things, to root one’s entire life, to ground and centre one’s concerns, in the things of this world, in wealth, fame, power, honour, or pleasure.
The centurion in tonight’s Gospel trusts not only that Jesus has power to heal his slave, but he will do so on behalf of a ‘foreigner’—an agent of an occupying force, an “enemy,” if you will. He is willing to trust, to believe, to have faith. True disciples do not get caught up in their own ideas. If one has the gift of faith, then the doors of hope can open. Faith opens new spaces for God to reveal himself to us.
Jesus is astonished at the centurion’s trust in him—his fides, as we might say his faith; “I tell you, not even in Israel, have I found such faith”—such trust, such confidence. The high praise of Jesus for the centurion reminds us that faith resides in both Jew and Gentile, in friend and opponent. It also says to us that the centurion understood that genuine authority and power are from God, and God’s authority transcends the artificial divisions that we set up between ourselves as servants and commanders, or Jews and Gentiles. God has authority over all of us. We are called to trust in him. It is this trust that transforms.
In many ways becoming a disciple of Christ, answering his call to “come after him” (Matt 4:19), was—to use the words of one scholar—“throwing in one’s lot with Christ; [it is] an act of trust; an act of hope; a risk.” This demands much more than accepting a new set of beliefs or concepts: it requires commitment to God and Christ, in thought, emotion, and action. The faith that saves—and this is what we see in this evening’s Gospel—demands the “forging of a [new] relationship.” It is this new relationship with God, with Jesus, with the slave, and with the community that we see in action in the story of the Centurion and his slave.
This new relationship—brought about by God in Christ—is the manifestation of a new life. The gospel has a name for this new life: it calls it salvation. Salvation is an expression of the transformation wrought by this new relationship, a relationship with Christ and God that necessarily must be a living one. Our call as disciples is not just to exist, but to embrace a life that welcomes the gifts of God, and shares the life of Christ that has been given us.
The centurion and his confidence in Jesus are not without import for anyone invested as a Papal Knight. Ask yourself, what is the most important thing in your life as a Papal Knight? What is your ultimate concern? The Scriptures consistently set this out as an either/or. For example, when Joshua lays it on the line for the people of Israel: “Do you serve the Lord or some other gods? (Joshua 24:15). Jesus—another Joshua—challenges his disciples, “Either you are with me or you are against me” (see Rev 3:15, Matt 12:30). Each person has to answer with clarity the question, whom do I serve?
The heart of Christian mission is communion with the Lord who, in the Spirit, and through his Church, continues to speak to our lives, from the inside out, as the Gospel of Ash Wednesday so strongly underlines (see Matt 6:1–6, 16–18). Without this rootedness in the life of Christ which is given us, our activity—no matter how well intentioned, is in danger of being reduced to diffuse activism. As Pope St John Paul II put it, “working for the kingdom means acknowledging and promoting God’s activity, which is present in human history and transforms it” (Redemptoris Missio, 15). The Church’s charitable work is guided by faith that works through love (see Gal 5:6), not inspired by ideologies or strategies aimed at improving the world. The Church’s charitable work is the work “of a heart that sees … that sees where love is needed and acts accordingly” (see Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 31 and 33). The challenge for Knights is to maintain a careful balance between the work of God and your work, between the kingdom and your responsibility of acting for justice, for peace and for environmental sustainability. This—to use the memorable phrase of Pope Benedict—is “the Christian’s programme—the programme of the Good Samaritan, the programme of Jesus.” (ibid.) This is what being a disciple of Jesus entails.
The first task then for Papal Knights and Dames is to witness to the life of Christ, with its hope, tenderness, and good news, for all people, especially the fragile, the “crushed reed and the faltering wick” all around us (see Isa 42:3). In other words, be attentive to those who may be broken in body or in spirit. Like the servant of the Lord in the First Reading (Isa 42:1-4. 6-7), you embody the compassion of God. Isaiah speaks of the gentle manner of the “chosen one”; he does “not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the street.” Where there is a spark of justice that is in danger of being snuffed out, it is gently fanned back into a flame.
So, like the Servant be champions of the poor and be promotors of justice and mercy. Here I am not thinking of detached justice. For the Christian, justice must be leavened with love, and equity, complemented by gratuitous giving (Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in veritate, 36 and 39). The bestowal of a Papal Knighthood is not only a recognition of all that you have accomplished, but also an important reminder or your responsibility to demonstrate in your lives what God’s justice looks like.
In a world where the things of God are more and more forgotten or marginalised, or deemed insignificant, let us discover anew our unity in faith, our oneness in “throwing our lot in with Christ,” for the sake of the little ones, the invisible, and indeed—in our weakness and unworthiness—for our own sake. “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Dermot Farrell
Archbishop of Dublin
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE – POSTER
Date for your diary: Our 2023 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock, which will be led by Archbishop Farrell, will take place on Saturday, April 29. Please share the date in your parish newsletters and on your parish websites. You might consider booking a bus. Please email knockpilgrimage@dublindiocese.ie if you have any queries. Updated poster attached.
DAY OF PRAYER FOR SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF ABUSE
The Annual Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse is an initiative of Pope Francis and is held on the first Friday of Lent, which falls on February 24 this year.
This year the Office of Mission & Ministry has produced a leaflet – attached to this email – with prayers and hymns that can be used either on their own or as a complete (short) service. We ask parishes to announce the Day of Prayer the Sunday beforehand (February 19) and to include a prayer for survivors in the bidding prayers on that Sunday.
Please also find attached to this email a letter and resources from the office of the Irish Synodal Pathway.
CHILD SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTION SERVICE NEWSLETTER
The February 2023 newsletter from the Child Safeguarding & Protection Service office is attached to this email.
GUIDE TO THE DUBLIN DIOCESAN OFFICES
The new Guide to the Dublin Diocesan Offices can be downloaded here (PDF). In this document, compiled by the Communications Office, you will find details of the work undertaken by the various Dublin Diocesan Offices for the Archdiocese and its parishes. You may find it useful to print this guide and keep it in your parish office.
TERENURE SEEKS MUSIC DIRECTOR/CANTOR
St Joseph’s Church, Terenure, Dublin 6, is looking to hire a new Music Director/Cantor for our Family Mass at 10am and 11.30am Adult Choir. If interested, please send your CV to Fr Philip at frphilipbradley@gmail.com by February 26.
TALKS AT BOHERNABREENA PARISH
Would you like an opportunity to come together with others to hear stories of hope, stories about coming to know God’s love, and coming to find joy even in the midst of the difficulties and challenges of life? Can you spare some time on the Monday evenings in Lent, for six weeks starting from Monday, February 27? You would be most welcome to come along to a series of talks with informal discussions and a cup of tea in Holy Rosary Church, Old Court Avenue, Ballycragh, D24 X798, starting at 7.30pm. We hope you will find it a welcoming place, and that it will be a safe space for sharing something of our faith journey
NOVENA AT ST DOMINIC’S
Annual Novena of Grace to St Francis Xavier at St Dominic’s, Tallaght, D24 T262. Saturday, March 4, to Sunday, March 12, at 10am morning Mass. Sunday the 12th, Healing Mass at 3pm. Preacher: Fr Damian Polly OP.
GARDINER STREET PARISH
The Novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier begins on March 4 and continues until March 12. Preacher this year will be Fr Dermot Preston SJ. Mass times: Mon-Sat: 11am, 1pm & 6pm. Sunday 11am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm.
EVANGELISATION & VOCATION CONFERENCE
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
“Towards A Lenten & Loving Responsibility for Creation” by Dr Ciara Murphy. Saturday, February 25, 12 noon to 1.45 p.m at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Community Centre. Talk and refreshments – all are welcome. Poster attached.
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
The parish of St John the Baptist, Clontarf, is holding a series of Lenten Reflections on the theme From Penny Catechism to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. See poster attached.
CABRA AND CABRA WEST PARISH SECRETARY
The Parishes of Cabra and Cabra West wish to take on a Parish Secretary. For further details please contact Fr Paul Thornton at 087 7404729 or pauljoseph.thornton@dublindiocese.ie. The closing date is February 28.
TERENURE SEEKS MUSIC DIRECTOR/CANTOR
St Joseph’s Church, Terenure, Dublin 6, is looking to hire a new Music Director/Cantor for our Family Mass at 10am and 11.30am Adult Choir. If interested, please send your CV to Fr Philip at frphilipbradley@gmail.com by February 26.
SACRISTAN SOUGHT IN GLASTHULE
Vacancy for Sacristan at St Joseph’s Church, Glasthule. Please contact Fr Paul Tyrrell at stjosephsglasthule@gmail.com. Job description available on request.
NOVENA OF GRACE
St Agnes Church, Crumlin – Novena of Grace. Conducted by Fr Bryan Shortall OFMCap. From 4th to 12th March. Twice Daily 10am and 7pm. Saturday 4th & 11th 10am and 5.30pm. Sunday 5th & 12th 11am only. Theme: “Tired of all the bad news – Rediscovering God’s Healing Love”.
MEMORIAL MASS
Memorial Mass for the late Mgr John Fitzpatrick will take place in the Church of the Holy Child, Larkhill/Whitehall, on Wednesday, March 29, at 7pm.
DIOCESAN DIARY FOR 2023
The Diocesan Diary for 2023 can be found at https://dublindiocese.ie/diocesan-diary-2023/.
WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE
World Day for Consecrated Life took place on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2. It will be marked in the Archdiocese with a celebration on March 25.
MERCY INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, BAGGOT STREET
Spirituality Renewal Retreat: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28. Step away from the busyness of life and reconnect with who you are in God. This gentle 5-day retreat will consist of reflection on scripture; guided meditation; art journaling; personal time and space and spiritual accompaniment. Refresh your spirit, re-discovering balance and wholeness in the gentleness of silence. Sunday 23rd – Friday 28th April Residential: €575 (Accommodation & all meals provided). Non-residential: €290 (Lunch provided). RSVP: programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
Contemplative Practices Weekend: ‘Come away with me to a quiet place and rest for a while.’ Mark 6:31. Take some time away this weekend to reconnect with the silence within. This short retreat will explore a variety of contemplative practices – guided meditation; lectio divina; visio divina; centering prayer; contemplative walk – while also providing time and space for personal reflection. Spiritual direction will be available. Friday 31st March – Sunday 2nd April. Residential: 280 euro (Accommodation & all meals provided). Non-residential: 90 euro (Lunch provided). RSVP: programmes@mercyinternational.ie.
PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS
Attached to this email can be found prayers of intercession for vocations for Ash Wednesday and the Sundays of Lent. Beginning on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 30, there will be a year of prayer and events organised to promote vocations to the diocesan priesthood. The theme for the year of prayer for vocations will be Take the Risk for Christ. Parishes are encouraged to continue to pray for an increase in vocations. If anyone is interested, can they please contact the vocations team at vocations@dublindiocese.ie.
COURSES AT DCU
Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics at DCU: Open House Evening for Alumni, Friends, and Prospective Students – everyone welcome. Thursday, April 20, 6pm-9pm (drop in at any point). Refreshments served. Purcell House, Room PG01, DCU All Hallows Campus Grace Park Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Inquiries: email mary.hayes@dcu.ie / phone 01 700 6100
UNIVERSITY CHURCH, ST STEPHEN’S GREEN
February 23 at 6pm: A lecture called “Knit! The Making of Aran Jumpers as Domestic Art and Cottage Industry” as part of the NDNC Irish Culture Series. Anne Ó’Máille will speak about knitting as not only an art form, but as means of financial support for women and their families across the 20th century. This event is free and open to all.
ST PATRICK’S TESTIMONY
A new modern version of St Patrick’s wonderful Confession has been launched. The word Confession has been changed to Testimony, which more accurately reflects what St Patrick meant in writing it. Patrick, being pre-Reformation, is a potentially uniting figure among Christians and this is demonstrated by the wide range of Church leaders from all denominations, North and South, that have endorsed this pamphlet.
Archbishop Farrell said: “As we read Saint Patrick’s Testimony we gain an insight into a man who was strong, courageous, deeply dedicated to Christ; a person not easily defeated or discouraged. By reflecting on his Testimony, let us allow ourselves to be touched, enchanted, fall in love with St Patrick’s belief in the power of prayer, the convictions of his faith, and in the closeness of God.”
100 of these pamphlets can be bought for €60 plus postage. Email info@evancat.org to order. It can also be downloaded from http://www.evancat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/st-patricks-testimony-pdf-1.pdf.
DIOCESAN OFFICES – NEW ADDRESSES
Please note that the Dublin Diocesan Offices are no longer located at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe. Below are the new addresses of the various offices. There may be some delays in the receipt of postal items due to the changes of address. Email and telephone contact information can be found at https://dublindiocese.ie/archdiocese-overview/diocesan-offices/.
Education Secretariat and Lourdes Pilgrimage Office
51 Home Farm Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 W5W4
Chancellery, Office for Clergy and Office for Religious & Extern Priests
Archbishop’s House, Drumcondra Road Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 H4C2
Dublin Diocesan Archives
204-206 Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3, D03 PD86
Dublin Metropolitan Tribunal
14A Berkeley Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7
Mission & Ministry
St Paul’s Church, 19 Arran Quay, Dublin 7, D07 KX66
Moderator, Finance, Child Safeguarding and all other offices
Dublin Diocesan Offices, 20-23 Arran Quay, Dublin 7, D07 XK85
OFFICE OF MISSION & MINISTRY
Rite of Election 2023 – Sunday, February 26, Pro-Cathedral
This year’s Rite of Election takes place on Sunday, February 26, at 3pm in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Thank you to all those parishes and teams who have sent in their forms. Those who are taking part should be in place no later than 2.30pm with their godparents or sponsors and their parish team. This is to make sure everyone is seated in their allocated space and prepared beforehand. This year we have 35 adults, a growing group of catechumens and candidates. For further information please contact patricia.carroll@dublindiocese.ie.
ARISE!
ARISE! is the new name for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Including prayer, pilgrimage and faith exploration, ARISE! will support young adults in their faith, as well as those in parish who accompany young people. Sign up to the mailing list to be the first to hear all that is happening with ARISE! https://forms.office.com/e/3rfLFnUXjR or contact natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie.
ARISE! Lent is a series of workshops for young adults on key areas of social justice and how we can get moving on areas that matter. Evenings take place in St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay, from 7pm each night. Details in poster and for more information, email natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie. Register interest now at: https://forms.office.com/e/rwJkixXMyi/.
ARISE! Accompaniment
An evening for those in parish partnerships looking to accompany young adults and find out about upcoming training opportunities, as well as learning about the new developments of youth and young adult ministries in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Tuesday, March 14, at 7pm in St Paul’s, Arran Quay. For more information contact youth@dublindiocese.ie. Register by 12noon on Monday, March 13, here: https://forms.office.com/e/zRUESxc0Ug
Building Hope through Servant Leadership
Five sessions on Monday Evenings in Lent to introduce you to the practice of servant leadership: February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, all 7.30pm to 9pm in St Paul’s Centre for Mission and Ministry, Arran Quay. This is especially for all those in parish ministries and pastoral councils. Led by Peter Siney and Patricia Carroll. See poster attached.
Recommended reading for Lent
The Office of Mission & Ministry recommended reading for Lent is Aidan Donaldson’s book The Beatitudes of Pope Francis. This would be a great way to journey through Lent, either through personal reflection or by gathering with others to share your thoughts, guided by the book. Its handy six chapters would provide enough manageable material for each week in Lent. Please feel free to use the graphic to promote the idea on your parish website and social media.
From the LitMus Office at Mission & Ministry
pat.odonoghue@dublindiocese.ie – 01 8087554 – www.litmus.dublindiocese.ie
A Fresh Look at Lent 2023: Attached are some ideas for Ash Wednesday and beyond inspired by the call to pray, fast and be charitable from the Gospel of that day.
Suggestions for Parish/Partnership Lenten Penance Service: Attached is a sample Penitential Service that you might find useful in the coming weeks. Have you considered locating this sacrament outside Holy Week?
Music for Lent: Attached are the music suggestions for Lent 2023. Next week there will be music ideas for Holy Week/Triduum.
Support Your Local School – Emmanuel 2023: The Emmanuel Soloists were working hard during their mid-term break so that they make their school proud at the Helix Concerts. Attached is the list of participating schools. Find the night to support your local school.
View a 30-second video promoting Emmanuel 2023: https://youtu.be/66f3xuYxJjU
Called to Hope – Confirmation Readings 2023: The current diocesan initiative ‘Building Hope’ is reflected in this year’s theme – ‘Called to Hope’ – for the celebration of Confirmation in our parishes. The readings and music suggestions attached will also complement this hope dimension.
Music and Liturgy Workshop from Knockadoon Team:
GRANT APPLICATIONS
Benefact Trust: Community Impact Grants – https://benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/community-impact-grants/ – The programme is open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies, Christian charities, and schools and educational institutions with a clear Christian ethos
Koch Foundation: https://www.thekochfoundation.org/ – (closing May 1) – this fund is for evangelisation projects which are planned for 2024 – a number of parishes and dioceses have had success with this funder over the last few years. You can apply for funding 3 in every 5 years. The first step is to do a letter of request, which I can help you with.
Please contact Céire Sadlier at 086 8923336 or ceire.sadlier@iecon.ie with queries about grants and grant applications.
WEEKLY EZINE
Sharing the Good News is the newsletter of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. If you would like receive this weekly ezine, you can do so at https://catholicnews.ie/newsletter/. You are encouraged to invite others to do so too. Send articles and photographs for use in Sharing the Good News to info@catholicbishops.ie.
UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
Fr Vasyl Kornitsky is Chaplain to the Ukrainian community and curate in Donnycarney Parish. He can be contacted at 086 2359561 or ugccie@gmail.com. Ukrainian Mass (Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, Byzantine rite) is held every Sunday at 1pm in Our Lady of Consolation Church, Donnycarney.
RESPONSE TO UKRAINE CRISIS
If parishes have made offers to accommodate Ukrainian refugees with the Red Cross, or are already hosting, we ask you to inform the Archdiocese by emailing Patrick Nelson (patrick.nelson@dublindiocese.ie).
SUPPORT SERVICES
ADARE HR – PARISH CONTACT
For parish human resource queries please contact Adare HR at 01 5490450 or Tim Conway at tconway@adarehrm.ie.
TOWARDS PEACE
Towards Peace is a service offering spiritual support for anybody who has been abused, physically emotionally, sexually, spiritually, in a religious/church environment. Towards Peace was established in October 2014 by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Association of Leaders of Missionary & Religious Leaders of Ireland. (AMRI). The Towards Peace office hours are Monday and Tuesday 9am – 4pm and Wednesday 9am – 12noon. For further information phone 01 5053028 or 086 7710533 or visit www.towardspeace.ie or https://www.facebook.com/TowardsPeaceSpiritualSupportService/.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.
AWARE – SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS
If you or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, consider using Aware’s phone-in and Zoom support and self-care groups, support line or support mail. For more information, visit www.aware.ie.
