Dear Friends,
Today is theThird Sunday of Lent.
We are now on the fifth day of The Novena of Grace in honour of St. Francis Xavier. It is very consoling to see all three sessions each day being so well attended. Leaflets detailing the times of Masses are at the back of the church. Let us continue to pray for each other’s intentions during this graced time together. Fr. Brian Christopher, S.J. is our preacher.
ConfessionTimes: After the 11.00am Mass on each day of the Novena, except Sunday.
SpecialCollection: The special collection during the novena will be on Tuesday 10th March.
This year weare being asked to support a school in war-torn Southern Sudan where there is adire need for funds to ensure that there will be basic buildings, textbooks,stationary and daily school meals for the students, the majority of whom are young girls and women.
Saint of theWeek – St. Frances of Rome (1384 – 1440) – Monday – 9th March
Francesca Romana was a member of the Roman aristocracy. She married at the. age ofthirteen and had several children, some of whom died young. Frances ministered to the people of Rome during times of plague. A number of Roman ladies came to help her in these works of charity and Frances organized them into a society in 1425. Eight years later, she established a community, in association with the Benedictine monks of Monte Oliveto. When she became a widow, Frances withdrew into this community and died there in 1440. She was canonized in 1608 by Pope Paul V.
Volunteers to read at Mass and for the Choir
I cannot stress enough our need for people to volunteer 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.
Margaret (our soloist) and Seamus (our organist) would welcome people to join the choir.
Rehearsals are on a Sunday morning at 10.15am before the 11.00am Mass.
Reading Club
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 16th March from 10.00am – 12 Noon. We are reading.The Sign – Reading the Gospel of John by Seán Goan. Our next book will be The Confessions of St. Augustine, edited by Benignus O’Rourke OSA. You are welcome to join.
Fr. Brendan
RETREATFOR WOMEN
Iva Beranek, our former Parish Manager, will give this one-eveningretreat on the Feast ofthe Annunciation, 25th March, ant 7pm. Christ the King Church, Cabra.
BL. JOHN SULLIVAN SJMONTHLY MASS Blessing of thesick and thanksgiving for his life on Saturday 21st March at1 pm.
LENTEN CONCERT AT ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
This Lent, experience an afternoon of beautiful sacred music at StMary’s Cathedral.
The Palestrina Choir and the St Mary’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir arejoined by members of Marlborough Baroque for a deeply moving programme of musicfor the Lenten season.
Sunday, March 15, from 3:30pm to 5pm
Tickets available on Eventbrite (€22).
CHURCHES INVITE BAPTISED BACK DURING LENT
This year, St Mary’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s, Westland Row, are collaborating in an initiative to encourage people to come back to see where they were baptised, to reflect on their baptism and their lives since, and to take a moment to reconnect with their spiritual roots. Saturdays in Lent. 12-1pm
CATHOLIC MOTHERS
Calling All Catholic Mothers in Ireland! Join Catholic Mothers Ireland – a supportive community where faith and family come together. Connect with like-minded mothers, share experiences, and grow spiritually throughprayer, fellowship, and encouragement. Be part of something uplifting – you are not alone on this journey! Visit www.catholicmothers.ie to learn more.
CHURCHCOLLECTIONS
ForChurch: € 701.
Share:€ 124.
Cardreaders: € 376
IDonate:€ 210
Many thanks for your continued support and generosity. Donations can be made through our website. Allcontributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.