Parish Groups
What is a Parish Group Council
and What Purpose Does It Serve?
PARISH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP – SUMMER TIMES
If you are bereaved or experiencing loss of any kind and would appreciate talking to trained listeners in a supportive, confidential setting, you would be very welcome to attend.
Weekly meetings Thursday 14th & 21st July from 11am -12.30pm.
There is no bereavement support on Thursday 28th July.
There is also no bereavement support for the month of August.
Evening meetings return on 7th September. Usual Meetings starting back on Thursday 1st September, and the first Wednesday 7th September. All support sessions are free & completely confidential
Bereavement Support
Any questions with regard to Bereavement support can be answered by contacting the Parish Office at 012956414
Also, you can contact “AnamCara” Parental & Sibling Bereavement Support located at The Sunshine Home, Leopardstown Rd. Dublin 18 website: www.anamcara.ie
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month in St Mary’s, Sandyford during the 11am Mass. Children follow the readings of the day in a child centred way – and also have time for some music and a little art work before rejoining Mass for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. A group of dedicated parent volunteers lead this prayer time with the children – more parent volunteers most welcome. Further information from parish office – 01 2956414
Music Ministry
We are blessed here in the Parish of Sandyford, Kilternan and Glencullen to have such a varied and vibrant music ministry. The music ministry consists of Choirs, folk group, cantors, organists and instrumentalists.
Our Principal two choirs are the “Glencullen Choir” and the “Sandyford 11am Choir” led respectively by Renee Roe and Sr Finbarr Muckley OSU. These choirs are always open to new members and keep their repertoire fresh and varied, always thematic and appropriate.
Both of these choirs sing every week of the academic year and work hard rehearsing on a weekly basis. On big occasions in the life of the Parish we have seen the choirs merge to form a mega choir.
Our Folk Group is a trio of professional singers and musicians whose contemporary, lively and varied songs and hymns greatly enhance our liturgies and draw many mass goers into deep appreciation for the place of music at mass. The group is hugely popular for its beautiful harmonies and modern sound. The Folk Group provide music at the Sunday 6pm Mass in St Mary’s, and monthly in Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Kilternan.
Music Ministry is all about leading the people to praise God in song and for that our team of Cantors are an invaluable gift to our parish. St Mary’s have at present six cantors. These cantors take turns, according to a rota, to lead the congregation in song at the Sandyford Vigil Mass and work closely in alignment with the liturgy of the day. Our Lady of the Wayside Church gratefully retains some of its long standing cantors and is seeking some new recruits, especially musicians.
Music Ministry is about more than fostering congregational participation; it is also about providing a space where people can be drawn closer to God through music. Where language fails, music may still have the power to reach. All of our choir leaders have introduced new material with this in mind and make great efforts to enhance and highlight the beauty of God’s Word through song.
Visiting musicians, choirs and groups are always welcomed here in the parish and they include the Rosemont Secondary School Choir, the Creidim Young People’s Band and of course our Primary School Choirs.
The music ministry is valued greatly here in the Parish as the pulse of liturgy and warmly welcomes anyone who would like to make a contribution.
Contact the Parish Office to express your interest 2956 414
Church Choir
We have a number of choirs in the parish that sing at various liturgies at the weekend. All choirs would welcome new members!
So if you feel that you would like to become involved with one or other of the choirs please contact any one of the following.
Glencullen choir: 10am Sunday Mass (Beginning of Sept to Mid June) – Renee Roe – 012954398
Sandyford choir: 11am Sunday Mass – Sr.Finbar – 012956881
Sandyford Young Adult Music Group: Ruth Fitzsimons – 087-9271890
Parish Sisters
The Parish of Sandyford have in residence a team of Ursuline Sisters. The Ursulines came to Sandyford Parish in the mid 1980’s and live across the road
from St.Mary’s Church in the village.
The Sisters have a long tradition of working as teachers, givers of retreats and many have contributed enormously to the music ministry down through the
years.
The Ursuline Order is spread all over the world and the sisters are engaged in many ministries. Their sisters have engaged in teaching at all levels, in nursing, counselling, retreat giving, prayer groups, parish ministry etc.
Their principal work here in Sandyford is in assisting in any way they can from involvement in Social Justice Groups, to engaging in various liturgical contributions when called upon by the Parish Priest. They have long been a kind presence willing to offer a listening ear in times of distress and bring a great deal of pastoral experience to the Parish. They also serve as a contemplative gentle presence whose prayers provide invaluable solace for all in need.
The Order was founded in 1535 in Italy by Sr.Angela Merici. She named her nuns Ursulines in honour of St.Ursula, an early martyr, to whom she had great devotion.
The Irish Ursulines have a number of convents in Ireland, Wales and Africa where a vibrant group of young Kenyan Sisters carry on the tradition of St.
Angela. The Community welcome enquiries from those who are interested in religious life.
Their feast day is January 27 th .
For more information about the Ursulines visit www.ursulines.ie
Church Collectors
If you would like to get involved as a collector at Liturgies of the Parish you can contact the Office or read more about this important ministry on our Finance page.
Church Cleaners
We are truly blessed to have 3 beautiful Churches in which to Worship here in Sandyford Parish. If you or anyone you know could offer a few hours per month to help maintain them with light cleaning it would mean so much to all who attend the daily and weekly liturgies. You can speak to the Sacristan or enquire at the Parish Office for more details.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee play a vital role in the daily running of the Parish from a monetary standpoint. You can read about those involved, sign up to support and find additional information about what their work entails on the Finance Committee page.
Ministers of the Eucharist / Ministers of the Word
Would you like to help Minister during the Sacred Liturgy?
The parish is always looking for more people willing to become Readers or Ministers of the Eucharist. For information about becoming a Reader for any of our three churches please contact the following people and they will be happy to assist you.
Contacts for Readers & Eucharistic Ministers
St. Mary’s Church Liz Donnelly 01-295-5157
Our Lady of the Wayside Angela McDonald 01-295-5623
St. Patrick’s Church Parish Office 01-295-6414
Graveyard Committee
Any questions with regard to the Glencullen graveyard can be answered by contacting Jimmy Mulvey at 012955594
Scripture Study (Bible Group)
A group of people meet to reflect on scripture. If you are interested in participating please
contact the number below.
TIME: Monday morning after 10.am Mass
LOCATION: St. Ursula’s Convent (opposite St. Mary’s Church)
CONTACT: Sr Kitty 2956881
Faith Formation
- The Parish Faith Formation group is a group of dedicated lay people and clergy who meet to discuss aspects of the faith and discern creative ways to impart the faith to others. Past Initiatives have included the Robert Barron “Catholicism” Series and the inviting of well known catholic speakers to deliver lectures of interest. Contact Paul Coleman
- The Parish Sacramental Preparation Co-Ordinator Gillian O Dwyer works closely with the Parish Priest and Parish staff to liaise with the schools in advance of the sacrament of communion and confirmation. The Parish Sacramental Programme is “Do This in Memory of Me”. This programme seeks to foster greater inclusivity and involvement from Parents, Children , Teachers and Parish. The programme includes a monthly school Mass in the Parish Church
- Pupils who do not receive Catholic Instruction in school and who wish to receive First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation are invited to attend the Parish Class on Sunday Mornings in the Parish Centre. Our Catechist is Rosemary Swords and uses stories, artwork and discussion to further explore the foundations of the faith for our young people.
- Children’s Liturgy Group. Each Sunday at the 11am Mass families with young children are invited to attend a family friendly Liturgy of the Word in the Parish Centre. This group finds creative ways to impart the Gospel of the day through role play, song and other fun activities. Families return to the church after the homily to join the community for the liturgy of the Eucharist. All are welcome
Sandyford Social Justice Groups
The Vincent De Paul: The Sandyford Conference of the Vincent de Paul serve the needs of the most deprived of the parish through the allocation of vouchers and food supplies to families in great need whilst assisting with utility bills and education costs. The Conference allocate according to need, making prudent use of the offerings entrusted to them by Parishioners who donate. The Conference make an appeal for support monthly and meet
weekly.
Visit the Wise: The Visit the Wise group is a team of trained volunteers who offer friendship and a listening ear to those who may be lonely, isolated or in need of a chat. The team regularly updates their knowledge of helping skills such as active listening and understanding the needs of those who are vulnerable. The team also partake of a lively monthly social group which provides tea, coffee, cakes and a wonderful sing a long session! Access to transport for those unable to attend is offered by volunteers also.