Local Community items of interest
Local, community and diocesan items of interest for all.
DANIEL O’CONNELL MASS
He is remembered in street names around the country and his statue dominates Dublin’s main thoroughfare, but Daniel O’Connell deserves to be better known than he is today. During his lifetime, he was the uncrowned King of Ireland and his renown spread internationally as a champion of liberty, civil rights and opposition to slavery.
Celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth this year may raise awareness of his extraordinary life and legacy, but he has never been forgotten at the heart of the city where he lived and was a parishioner. Indeed, he was the principal mover in the building of St Andrew’s Church on Westland Row in the 1830s.
Parish lore has it that the baptismal font in this church was originally a wine cooler in his home in Merrion Square. He certainly donated the impressive painting of the martyrdom of St Thomas à Becket which still hangs in the church.
With a nice touch of symmetry, his funeral liturgy in Rome in 1847 was celebrated in another church dedicated to St Andrew: Sant Andrea Della Valle.
Every year Westland Row remembers O’Connell with gratitude at an Anniversary Mass. This Sunday, May 11, at 10 am Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin. Parishioners and visitors will remember O’Connell as he would most wish to be remembered, in prayer.
For further information contact Deacon Dermot McCarthy at 087 2479010.
SONGS OF INSPIRATION AND HOPE
VOCATUS CHOIR
You are Invited to a celebration of music old and new by Vocatus Chamber Choir, accompanied by The Castle String Ensemble at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Navan Road, Dublin 7, D07 CKR7, on Sunday, May 18, from 3pm to 4pm. With Noreen O’Donoghue on Harp and Piano and Ben Cully (Baritone). Conducted by Colm Ó Foghlú. Retiring collection on the day for the Parish Development Fund.
DIOCESAN ONLINE EVENT WITH SEAI
Energy in your home: Ask the Expert: It is 10 years since the publication of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’. We are all called to “care for our common home”. One of the ways in which we might do that is to be mindful of the energy we use in our own homes. A Sustainable Energy Community has been established in the Archdiocese of Dublin to identify practical ways in which we can conserve energy (electricity and heating) and the drafting of a diocesan energy masterplan is underway. This month, on Tuesday, May 20, at 7pm, we are providing an online event in conjunction with the SEAI. The event will offer an opportunity for parishioners to find out more about how to save energy at home – both through low-cost measures and through investing in energy upgrades with SEAI grants. This online event will provide an opportunity for homeowners to ‘Ask the Expert’ on grants and retrofitting. To register for this online Zoom event on May 20 at 7pm, click HERE. https://tinyurl.com/ParishionerEnergy/.
MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS – HOMILY OF BISHOP DEMPSEY
Bishop Dempsey’s homily at Mass in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral for Pope Francis can be read at https://dublindiocese.ie/mass-for-pope-francis-homily-of-bishop-dempsey/.
PARISH SECRETARY VACANCY
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral is currently recruiting a part-time Parish Secretary. The role is offered initially on a one-year fixed term and part-time basis for 12 hours per week, 9am – 1pm, three mornings a week (flexible).
• Reporting to the Pro-Cathedral Administrator, duties include:
• Providing an administrative service to St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.
• Managing the parish office with effective use of up-to-date office systems
• Receiving members of the public and dealing with enquiries, in person, phone, email
• Recording and managing parish records
• Communications: keeping notice boards, website, publications (public notices)
Requirements:
• The successful candidate will have at least 5 years administrative experience.
• Up-to-date computer skills including Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excel with some database experience.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work well as part of team.
Letters of application with enclosed curriculum vitae should be emailed to procath@dublindiocese.ie or posted to The Administrator, Pro-Cathedral House, 83 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 TX49, before 5pm on Friday, May 23. A job description will be sent to all candidates on application or enquiry.
PRAY FOR LIFE NOVENA
The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Friday, May 23, to the Feast of the Visitation on Saturday, May 31. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland. Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily Novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders. The prayers will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena/, @PrayforLife_ie on X and @prayforlifenovena on Instagram. This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
PRIORY INSTITUTE OPEN DAY
Theology Open Day – is this for you? The Priory Institute provides online Theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Visit our website prioryinstitute.com to find out more about our Open Day on Saturday, May 24.
PALESTRINA 500 CHOIR
RADIO MARIA
Radio Maria Ireland is a Catholic Radio Station, and we seek to be of assistance to the parishes as a guide, resource, and tool, encouraging each one of us to keep growing in the faith on a daily basis. We broadcast 24/7 on three pillars being that of Prayer, and Catechesis, Music, and Human Formation.
Radio Maria serves as a valuable guide, resource, and tool for spiritual growth, offering prayers, teachings, and music to deepen one’s faith. We believe that by introducing Radio Maria , we can encourage listeners to discover the spiritual benefits that our programs provide.
To listen, click HERE.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGES
organised by St. Oliver Plunkett Pilgrimages, commence in June. See poster for details.
PILGRIM WALKS IN GLENDALOUGH
At the Glendalough Hermitage Centre we are delighted to offer parish groups from all localities a pilgrim experience in the beautiful valley of Glendalough, visiting the sacred sites associated with the sixth century saint Kevin and the monastic settlement which flourished through the “Golden Age of Celtic Christianity”. Our project was initiated in the Jubilee Year 2000 by the Archdiocese of Dublin at the beginning of the third millennium, with the purpose of ‘restoring Glendalough as a place of pilgrimage’ and during this Jubilee Year 2025, we invite all ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ to experience a life-giving day in the Valley of the Seven Churches. Our own parish church, St Kevin’s of Laragh, has been designated an additional Jubilee Church during this year. More details and bookings available by emailing failte@glendaloughhermitage.ie.
CALLED TO MORE
Called to More is a Catholic media company based in Ireland. They run the largest Catholic YouTube channel and Instagram account in Ireland & the UK where they publish videos, podcasts and articles to help young people live their faith in the world today. Called to More can be found on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
RETREATS
The Practice of the Presence with God with Carmelite Brother Lawrence. Sunday 20th July 2025, 10am-4.30pm (including Mass at 11.30am) At Avila Carmelite Centre, Dublin.
In the Belly of the Whale: A Retreat on Spiritual Transformation. Thursday 24th July 2025, 10am-4pm. At The Sanctuary, Dublin.
The Woman Who Anointed Jesus. Saturday 26th July 2025, 10.30am-4.30pm At Avila Carmelite Centre, Dublin.
Exploring Themes from Creation, with Wisdom from Christians from Celtic Saints to Pope Francis. Saturday 2nd August 2025, 10am-4pm. At Avila Carmelite Centre, Dublin.
ST THERESE NOVENA
The 100th anniversary of the canonisation of the much-loved St Therese of Lisieux, ‘The Little Flower’. is May 17. From Thursday, May 8, to Friday, May 16, between 8pm and 8.30pm, we join in spirit with the official novena of the Lisieux Sanctuary, honouring Therese & the Holy Face on www.youtube.com/theholyface and www.facebook.com/theholyface. Each night a different speaker will give us their insights on Therese and the Holy Face of Jesus.
100TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE:
On May 17, ‘St Therese and the Holy Face, A Conference’ takes place in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan Road. Dublin, with talks/testimonies and refreshments between 1.30pm and 6pm. Guest speaker and author Mary Jane Zuzulo will speak on the lessons we can learn from Carmelites St Therese and Sister Marie of St Peter, followed by a concert from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Book early. Entry €10. Details from HLI Ireland at 0852525612, 0949375993, sttherese100@gmail.com or www.theholyface.com/events/conference/.
KNOCK EVENT
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.
SUPPORT SERVICES
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.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY
Italian Catholic Community Dublin. Masses in Aughrim Street Church on the second Sunday of the month at 12.30pm and fourth Sunday of the month at 5pm (followed by community gathering). Other Activities: Biblical Catechesis (online); Pre-marriage Catechesis: Rosary (online); Book Club (online). Facebook: https://facebook.com/italiani.cattolici.a.dublino/. Contact: Fr Coriolan Muresan. cattolici.dublin@gmail.com / coryolan26@yahoo.it / 012447995.
JIGSAW WICKLOW
Jigsaw offers goal focused brief interventions, maximum eight session, to young people aged 12 to 25 years of age experiencing mild to moderate Mental Health issues.
We offer face to face sessions with young people.
Should you have any queries about our service, please feel free to contact Jigsaw Wicklow on 01 5240796
SUPPORT FOR BIRTH MOTHERS
Information and Support for Birth Mothers whose babies were placed for adoption may be found at www.birthinfo.ie or by calling the relevant section of Tusla at 0818 445500.
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 to 4pm and Wednesday 9am to 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.
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Bethany Bereavement Support Group is a voluntary community and parish-based service. Our objective is to support the bereaved through the grieving process and our services are totally free of charge and confidential within the law. The name Bethany is derived from the story of Jesus’ friends Martha & Mary who lived in a village called Bethany and grieved over the death of their brother Lazarus. Visit https://bethany.ie/.
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.
Hearing From You!
We would love to hear from you – what are your doing within the faith community in the Greystones and Kilquade Pastoral Area.
Let us help get the word out there for you! Go tell everyone – but tell us by Tuesday so we can include it for you in the weekend newsletter!
