Bits and Bobs

News from the Dublin Diocese

Diocesan Role

Faith Development Co-ordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries – North Side

The purpose of the role is:

• To develop an integrated approach to the development of youth and young adult ministries informed by the vision of Christus Vivit in the North Side of the Archdiocese.
• To develop a Youth Ministry Leadership programme based on new practices arising from Christus Vivit.
• To recruit and support new Youth Ministry Leaders in the North Side of the Archdiocese.

Full details about this vacancy can be found on the diocesan website

Applications should be made by email to afitzpatrick@adarehrm.ie.

Diocesan Advisor Role

Post Primary Diocesan Advisor: The Diocesan Advisor, reporting to the Episcopal Vicar for Education, supports religious education (RE) in post-primary schools. This work involves liaising and working with school principals, teachers, chaplains and Diocesan Agencies and dealing with any queries/problems while keeping the Episcopal Vicar informed of issues that arise at post-primary level.

Full details about this vacancy can be found on the diocesan website

Applications should be made by email to afitzpatrick@adarehrm.ie.

Palestrina Choir Concert

The Palestrina Choir Returns to the National Concert Hall for Its Annual Christmas Concert The Wonder Of Christmas.

A Dublin Christmas tradition, performed by one of Ireland’s most distinguished cathedral choirs, the celebrated Palestrina Choir. The Choir will present its much-loved Christmas Concert at the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, on Thursday, December 10, at 8pm.

Renowned for the purity and beauty of its sound, this prestigious choir of boys and men has long been a highlight of the Irish musical calendar. Its Christmas concert is an annual sell-out, and for many Dubliners it is the defining moment of the festive season.

Audiences can look forward to an evening of much-loved carols and seasonal favourites, in an evening featuring James Whitbourn’s resplendent “Missa Carolae”, Joy to the World, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Good King Wenceslas, Adeste Fideles and much more. The Palestrina Choir will be joined by Dublin Brass, the charming Mary Kennedy as Compere and this year’s training boy and girl choristers from both Cathedral Choirs.

“The Palestrina Choir’s Christmas concert at the National Concert Hall is always a particularly special evening: with joyous uplifting carols, intimate quiet moments, and lots of fun and surprises. Above all this is an evening about the very essence of the Christmas spirit appealing to all members of the audience.” — Blánaid Murphy, Director of the Palestrina Choir

With demand traditionally high, early booking is strongly advised. Visit www.nch.ie.

Vocations

We are delighted to share some very encouraging news from the Vocations Team: there are now six people studying for the Archdiocese of Dublin in 2026 — four in Maynooth, studying Philosophy and Theology, and two beginning their Propaedeutic Year in Valladolid, Spain. We give heartfelt thanks to their families, friends and, especially, to the parishes and communities who have supported and encouraged these young men throughout their journey of discernment and continue to accompany them as they prepare for priesthood.

We ask all our parishes and communities to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and if you know someone who may be considering a vocation, please encourage them to get in touch with the Vocations Team. Fr Seamus McEntee or Fr Bill O’Shaughnessy would be delighted to meet with them, listen to their story and accompany them on their journey of discernment. You can contact us at vocations@dublindiocese.ie or bill.oshaughnessy@dublindiocese.ie

Young Adult Ministry

Registration is now open for the next intake of the Diocesan Certificate in Young Adult Ministry – #YML. Running over 10 Saturdays, the aim of this Diocesan Certificate is to build up the capacity of Youth Ministry and Youth Ministry Leadership throughout the Archdiocese of Dublin. It is a highly practical course where participants are given new experiences and key resources, including gaining vital skills to put into practice in their local context, while also being grounded in key church documents such as Christus Vivit. For more information and to send on any queries, please contact natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie. Registration is open and can be accessed here

Outdoor Crucifix Sought

The parish of Moone is appealing for the donation of an outdoor Crucifix for the cemetery at Kilmead Church, Co. Kildare.

A new steel cross has recently been made for the cemetery, and we are hoping to find a suitable figure of Christ to complete it. Or, ideally, we would love to give an existing outdoor Crucifix a new home, perhaps from a convent, religious community or church that may be closing or no longer require one.

If anyone knows of a suitable Crucifix that might be available, we would be delighted to hear from you. Any help, suggestions or contacts would be very much appreciated.

Please contact Fr Séamus McEntee, Parish Priest, Athy, Narraghmore and Moone, at seamus.mcentee@dublindiocese.ie.

St Anthony Statue Sought

Ballybrack-Killiney Parish is seeking a 3ft statue of St Anthony, even if the statue requires some repair. Please contact ballybrack.killiney@gmail.com. Thank you.

Whitefriar Street

The Magic of Christmas Concert – Sunday, December 13, Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin. Join international Chart topping and Classical Brit winners, soprano Margaret Keys, Fr Eugene and Martin O’Hagan (From the award winning group The Priests for a night of festive celebrations. Having all topped the UK Classical Charts, performed with Andrea Bocelli and performed for Pope Francis and the Royal Family, they will once again combine their talents and perform with String Orchestra, guests choirs and musicians. A night not to be missed! Tickets available (Eventbrite, Margaretkeys.co.uk or call 0147588

Journey to Bethlehem

Journey to Bethlehem is an activity book for Children and families, compiled by Deacon Gerry Malone, for use during Advent, Christmas and up to the Epiphany. It is available free to and is print ready. It can be printed locally or professionally from the link provided and is intended to be given at no cost to children. It is available at this link.

Our Lady’s Choral Society

Abide Women’s Conference

Abide Women’s Conference, November 20 to 22: Join hundreds of women at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, for our third Abide Women’s Conference. Speakers include Sarah Swafford, Danielle Noonan, Kimberlee Woo Ling, Fr Oisín Martin CFR, Fr Barry Braum, the Nashville Dominican Sisters, Fr David Nugent and Fr Mark Wharton, with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin. A beautiful weekend of faith, celebration, healing and joy! Register on Eventbrite.

Manresa

Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality (426 Clontarf Road, D03 FP52) – Advent 2026 Retreat Offerings

Advent Triduum Retreat, Mon-Fri, 30 Nov-4 Dec / Mon-Fri 14-18 Dec. This guided silent retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the busyness of the season and spend time with the themes of Advent – a time of waiting, watching and preparing for the mystery of Christ’s coming.

Advent Weekend Retreat, Fri-Sun, 4-6 Dec. Themed around the core themes of Advent, the weekend includes time for personal prayer and reflection, prayer with others, and the opportunity to meet with a spiritual director. It is a chance to step away from the many demands of the season and make space to notice where God’s Spirit may be moving.

For more information, check our website www.manresa.ie or contact us at reception@manresa.ie / 01 5529448.

Marriage Encounter Weekend 2027

Catholic Marriage Encounter Weekend, St Mary’s, Knock, Co. Mayo, Friday 9th to Sunday 11th April 2027. This residential Weekend starts at 7.30pm on Friday and finishes at 4.30pm on Sunday, and is open to all married couples. Online booking only at www.marriageencounter.ie.