St. Brigid’s Parish, Killester

Parish Newsletter February 2016

Dear Friends,

You will find with this February Newsletter an additional four page “Pilgrimage of Mercy” celebrating this Jubilee Year of Mercy. It is a pilgrimage you freely choose and can undertake within our own Church. Simply by entering through the Mercy Door and journeying along each of the ten stages you can celebrate God’s loving Mercy and compassion in your own life and in turn develop and deepen your own practise of this virtue with others. The ultimate grace on offer is of course celebrating the Sacrament of Merciful Forgiveness and being reconciled completely with a God who never stops loving us. Please God, you may make this pilgrimage many times in this graced year of Mercy: “I encourage you to discover anew the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to avail yourselves more frequently of the power of its grace” (Pope Benedict, 2011). This month we also celebrate the Feast of our Patron, St. Brigid. I came across an inter-esting little paragraph in the “History of the Catholic Diocese of Dublin” where I read that in the period 1920 – 40 “Marian devotion was paralleled by a devotion to St. Brigid in certain parts of Dublin. Credit for this rests primarily with a group of priests attached to St. Brigid’s Church, Kill-ester in the late 1920’s. Fr. James Mc Carroll, Fr. Michael Troy and Fr. Thomas Traynor, through the offices of the Dominicans, successfully secured the return to Ireland from Portugal of a relic of St. Brigid that purported to be a fragment of her skull. This led to an annual devotion to St. Bri-gid at Killester during which the relic was paraded through the Church grounds.” (Four Courts Press, 2000, p.340). Perhaps some senior parishioners might have memories of this. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which this year falls on the 10th February with Easter occur-ring on Sunday 27th March. As part of the Lenten preparation for our greatest Feast, there will be a series of Biblical talks in the Resource Centre on St. Luke’s Gospel, commencing on Thursday 11th February after Adoration i.e. 8.05 pm. It is hoped to cover Luke’s Gospel of Mercy and in particular the parables of Mercy such as the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, etc. You may be aware this is the Gospel that will be read at all Sunday Masses throughout 2016. Fr. Jim arrived safely in Mepkin, South Carolina, and was made most welcome. In a recent text he wished to convey his gratitude to so many but especially those who attend our daily 10 am Mass and who form the nucleus of the Maranatha meditation group. He keeps well and as-sures us all of a remembrance in his prayers, as he is in ours. Fr. Alex

February Dates for your Diary

Monday 1st St Brigid Our Patron Tuesday 2nd Presentation of our Lord Wednesday 3rd St. Blaise - Blessing of Throats Sunday 7th 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time D.T.I.M Mass 10.30 am Wednesday 10th Ash Wednesday Mass at 10 am and Distribution of Ashes Thursday 11th Our Lady of Lourdes Bible study (1) Luke’s Gospel Resource Centre 8.05 pm Sunday 14th 1st Sunday of Lent Thursday 18th Bible study (2) St. Luke’s Gospel Resource Centre 8.05 pm Sunday 21st 2nd Sunday of Lent Thursday 25th Bible study (3) St. Luke’s Gospel Resource Centre 8 pm Sunday 28th 3rd Sunday of Lent

Eucharistic Adoration During the cold spell Eucharistic Adoration will take place in the Prayer Room of the Pastoral Resource Centre on each Monday and Wednesday after 10.00 am Mass until 3.00 pm. On Thursday Adoration will be held in the church between 7.00 and 8.00 pm. If you are prepared to ‘Watch for one hour’ with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament you will be very welcome. We also invite everyone to spend some time - even a few minutes - in prayer and reflection. On Thursday nights in February we will be praying that all our parishioners prepare well during Lent for the celebration of Easter. All Parishioners are welcome.

A Time of Grace

Lent is a period of preparation when, with God’s help, we ‘get ourselves into shape’ to celebrate Easter. It is the traditional season for renewal and penance. Apart from the season of Lent, Catholics are meant to observe each Friday of the whole year as days of penance. This is something we have often forgotten. Friday remains a very special day for Catholics because of Good Friday. The link between Friday and penance is extremely ancient and is even reflected in the Irish word for Friday – an Aoine (the Fast).

Future Trends in Our Diocese

A report compiled by consultancy firm Towers Watson on behalf of the Diocesan Priests Council sets out the future trends for Ministry and personnel numbers over the period 2014 – 2030.

Projection of Priest Population: (Term ‘FTP’ to refer to priests working at 100% capacity).

As of June 2014, there are 386 (276 diocesan and 100 religious) priests under the age of 75. There are also 33 (19 diocesan and 14 religious) priests between 75-80 years. This leaves a total priest population of 419 (or 369 FTPs). The Priest population will reduce from 369 to 144 FTPs by 2030, representing a 61% reduction. If religious orders relinquish current parish responsibilities, the FTP popu-lation would fall to 111, representing a 70% reduction. Given declining numbers and high age profile this scenario is increasingly likely. Let us all “Pray to the Lord of the harvest for labourers for his vineyard.”

At the same time let us have courage, for Our Lord has told us to “Be not afraid. Behold I am with you to the end of the age”.

Suggested Forms of Friday Penance for Lent

1) Abstaining from meat or some other food. 2) Abstaining from alcoholic drink or smoking. 3) Making a special effort at involvement in family prayer. 4) Making a special effort to participate in Mass on Fridays. 5) Visiting the Blessed Sacrament. 6) Making the Stations of the Cross. 7) Fasting from all food for a longer period than usual and perhaps giving what is saved to the needy. 8) Helping the poor, sick, old or lonely. 9) Making the Pilgrimage of Mercy in our church.

A couple of parishioners were discussing their priest’s preaching. “well” said one, “at least he always seems to have a surprise ending.” “What surprises me” answered another “is that just when you think that its about to end, it doesn’t”.

Recently Deceased - Please pray for the souls of:

Anne O’Brien – Brookwood Antoinette Kirwan – Furry Park Road Katherine Coogan – Killester Avenue Bridget Fagan – Killester Park Euphimia Crampton – Abbeyfield

Parish contact details: Monsignor Alex Stenson, P.P. 126 Furry Park Road 087 6118697 01-833 3793

Parish Office 01-833 2974 Parish email: killesterparish@eircom.net

Parish Website: www.killester.dublindiocese.ie Resource Centre Ph. 01-853 4030 email: resourcekillester@gmail.com

Resource Centre News

BIBLE STUDY Bible Study for Lent will commence in the Pastoral Centre on Thurs-day 11th February at 8.00 pm for four weeks. The topic will be St. Luke’s Gospel as the text is the Gospel for Sunday readings in 2016. It is particularly appropriate in this Year of Mercy. Luke’s Gospel includes the great par-ables of Mercy i.e. the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. All are welcome.

COFFEE DOCK The Coffee Dock is thriving and we are so lucky to have a wonderful team of volunteers who keep our ship afloat. Why not drop in to sample some of the delicious home bakes and treats on offer. We have a lovely morning planned for Pancake Tuesday (February 9th) with really tasty treats on offer. Treat yourself to one last splurge before Lent!!

LOCAL ARTISTS The Coffee Dock is now taking names of local artists who wish to exhibit their art in the Coffee Shop. We would love to see some of the local talent have their work displayed on our walls. All Inquiries to Karol in the Centre on 853 4030. Karol

St. Brigid's Parish Shop, Killester

There is now in stock a large selection of religious items including Mass cards, Mass bouquets, pictures, angel pins, St. Brigid’s crosses, crucifixes, holy water fonts, candles and Christening candles, medals, rosary beads, prayer leaflets and a lot more. There are also in stock birthday, retirement, good wishes and get well cards. Some attractive CD’s are also available including “Good Old days of Music Hall” from Gerry Noonan, and a recent CD issue ‘’Beautiful Dreamer’’ from David Kelly (tenor) and Eugene Dolan (piano). Newly arrived is the Magnificat: Year of Mercy Companion Booklet celebrating the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. Why not call into the shop and see for yourself the large array of goods available. The shop is open after all the Masses at weekends and is located at the side of the Church nearest car park. At back of Church there is now a large selection of Prayer and Reflection booklets including ‘’The Power of an Hour with Jesus’’ which is especially appropriate for use during Eucharistic Adoration, and CDs covering our Catholic faith, life and truth for all. All proceeds go to Parish funds.

Baptisms—We are happy to welcome into our Catholic Community: Teddy Costello – Killester Park Emma Burgess – The Orchard

This Newsletter and previous archived issues can now be viewed on the Parish Website

at www.killester.dublindiocese.ie

Killester School of Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance

R.A.D. Ballet and I.S.T.D. Modern for all levels. “Ballet for Babies” – 31/2 – 5-yr. olds on

Saturdays 11.30 – 12.00 noon. Strictly by appointment.

Enquiries to Ann Coffey Tighe 831 4535 or 086-804 6790

TOOLEN ELECTRICAL 360, Howth Road, Dublin 5 Domestic and Commercial

House re-wiring - Fuse Boards - Grant work Additional Sockets

Lights - Shower installations - Outside Lights Connecting New Appliances

Free estimates - Emergency call out 30 years Family Business - Fully insured

Des: 087 266 1843 and 01 831 5682

John Quill F.A.O.I. Ophthalmic Optician Complete spectacle service Registered for P.R.S.I. and

Medical Card holders Large selection of budget

and fashion frames 157a Killester Avenue, Dublin 5

Phone 831 2558

Best Start Creche/Afterschool Playgroup TEC-CETS,ASCC.CEC. Free ECCE 8.30 AM-11.30 AM /11.40 -2.40 PM. Curriculum: Aistear, standard:Siolta

Drop off and Collection Service Hot dinners, outdoor area. Qualified staff. Insured.

New opening hours: 7.30 am – 6.15 pm. 087 9662609/8465507. 26 Killester Park

www.beststartcreche.com

English Grinds St. Brigid’s Resource Centre

Every Friday evening 5 – 6 pm – Junior Higher 6- 7 pm – Leaving Higher

Contact: Mary Rose Dowling 087 202 5481

Now taking bookings for Sept 2015

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE “To us it’s personal”

Professional Home Care From 1 hour to 24 hours a day.

Personal care, errands, meals, etc. Expert dementia care Tax relief available Ph 01 853 5048

www.homeinstead.ie

Bill and Ben Gardening Services

Complete garden maintenance Landscaping services

Tree felling can be arranged We are fully insured

Contact: Sean 8481146 0872287371 Joe 833 5768 086 893 7350

STAFFORDS Funeral Homes

Telephone 855 0555

15 Maypark, Malahide Road, Donnycarney

Trust our family to take care of your family

LANIGANS Funeral Directors

A Professional Service at a reasonable cost

Tel: (01) 837 3586

Scoil Rince Cill Easra Adult Ceili Classes every Thurs

8.30 pm in Resource centre Children’s Dancing Classes

Venue 126 Abbeyfield Monday -Thursday 3.30 p.m. onwards Contact Jacqueline

at 831 8654 and 086-256 1000 MURPHY Funeral Directors

Park House, Edenmore Park, Raheny, D5 Here to serve you at your hour of need

Ph. 848 4444 24 hours — 7 days

murphyfuneraldirectors@eircom.net www.murphyfuneraldirectrors.ie

PIERRE HANDYMAN SERVICE Contact us for all your DIY needs

including painting, furniture assembly, shelving, flooring, garden maintenance,

general household repairs. Free quotation

For more information visit:

www.pierre.ie Phone Pierre or Sarah 087 353 1527

Counselling & Psychotherapy English, Ukrainian & Russian

H/Dip in Counselling & Psychotherapy,

MA in Integrative Psychotherapy. Ctc: Ruslana Verkhola

086 843 4979 Website: www.ruslanaverkhola.ie

Georgina Ryan, Tax Consultant A personal and efficient service

for all Accounting and Tax. PAYE Tax Claims Self Employed

Income Tax Rental Income Tax Returns Capital Gains Tax

01-515 8101/ 086 6007434

mail@georginaryan.ie

Maths Classes George Humphrey 087- 9787380

St. Brigid’s Resource Centre Every Wednesday Evening

17:00 - 18:00 Junior Higher 18:15 - 19:15 Leaving Ordinary 19:30 - 20:45 Leaving Higher 20:45 - 22:00 5th Year Higher

The Orchard Preschool and Montessori Free Preschool Year

Morning session: 8.45 am - 12 pm Midmorning session: 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm

(Optional extra hour available). Purpose-built premises with qualified staff

For more information contact: Mandy Stephenson BA (Honours)

Degree in Early Childhood Education 01-831 6848 / 087 775 8149 www.theorchardpreschool.ie

O’Connell’s Musical Society 2016 pantomime

“Little Red Riding Hood” St. Brigid’s B.N.S. Howth Road, Killester

Fri 15th Jan – 8pm, Sat 16th Jan - 3pm & 8pm, Sun 17th Jan - 3pm

Fri 22nd Jan – 8pm, Sat 23rd Jan – 3pm & 8pm, Sun 24th Jan - 3pm

Tickets ; Adults €11, Children €7 Bookings: 089 4323 478

Running for Beginners 8 weeks course

Starting 7th March 2016 Check out www.run4fun.ie for details

Or contact 087 233 7280 Learn to run 5K in 8 weeks Get fit for the new year

QUALIFIED LOCAL CARPENTER and Property Maintenance Service

Floors, Doors, Locks, Decking. All maintenance work on Domestic and

Commercial properties Repairs, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling,

Roof repairs Soffit and Fascia Free quotes & personal service. Contact: Phill 087 631 5899