Dear Friends,
Today is the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Saints of the Week – Saints Cyril and Methodius – Saturday, 14th February
Cyril and Methodius were brothers. They are known as ‘apostles of the southern Slavs’. Cyril taught in the imperial university of Constantinople, while Methodius was governor of a province. They both became priests, and, about 863 AD, were sent to preach the gospel in Moravia. They were helped greatly by their knowledge of the Slavonic language. In 869, Cyril and Methodius were in Rome, where Cyril died. Pope Adrian II ordained Methodius bishop. Methodius was given permission for his priests to celebrate the liturgy in Slavonic. Cyril’s working out an alphabet,the one now called Glagolitic, for writing Slavonic, enabled the brothers to translate much of the Bible, thus laying the foundation of Slavonic literature. The so-called Cyrillic alphabet is perhaps the work of their followers, but Cyril may have invented it. Cyril and Methodius are revered by Czechs, Croats, Serbs and Bulgars. Pope John Paul II declared them to be joint patrons of Europe in 1981.
Blessed John Sullivan Mass
The annual John Sullivan Mass will take place on Saturday, 21st February at 11.00am. Archbishop Dermot Farrell will be the chief celebrant of the Mass. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Archbishop Michael Jackson, will deliver the homily. We will be joinedby family relatives of Blessed John who are coming from England for the occasion. There will be tea and coffee after the Mass and a chance to meet ourguests. All are welcome.
Volunteers to read at Mass and for the Choir
We are badly in need of people to become Ministers of the Word at weekday Masses and on a Sunday. Please give this your consideration and have a prior chat with me.
Seamus (our organist) and Margaret(our soloist) would be delighted to welcome new members to the choir. I knowthat you appreciate greatly Margaret’s singing with the choir each Sunday morning. ‘He/she who sings prays twice’. (Saint Augustine)
Reading Club
Our next meeting will be tomorrow, Monday, 9th February from 10.00am – 12 Noon.. We are reading. The Sign –Reading the Gospel of John by Seán Goan. You are welcome to join.
Fr. Brendan
OUR RECENTLY DECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Christopher Verdon
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
BL. JOHN SULLIVAN SHRINE
Please light only the candles provided in the shop, and refrain from placing flowers on the coffin as they may wilt andcause lasting stains. Should you wish to place flowers at the shrine, consult a staff member; we will ensure the flowers are appropriately arranged in a vase.
ASH WEDNESDAY
February 18th is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Season of Lent – 40 days in preparation for the great Feast of Easter. Masses at 11.00 am, 1 pm & 6 pm. Ashes will be distributed after Mass.
THE NOVENA OF GRACE
In honour of St. Francis Xavier’s begins on 4th March and continues until the 12thMarch. Our preacher this year will beFr. Brian Christopher SJ.
Please take flyers at the back of the Church and spread the news.
Mass times:
Mon-Fri: 11 am, 1 pm & 7.30 pm
Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm & 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am, 12.30 pm & 3.30 pm
CHURCHCOLLECTIONS
For Church:€ 706
Share: €125
Card reader: € 376
IDonate: €40
All contributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.