Author: kmulally

St Brigid’s Parish, Blanchardstown -Newsletter 12th November We remember our own dead and our own sadness this November. Tears speak out our grief, but they also witness to our love and we are glad to have loved so much that we can cry. May those we have loved rest in your embrace, O Lord.
The Baptism of Our Lord
World Day of Migrants and Refugees

CURRENT SCHEDULE
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: Mass at 10am preceded by the Rosary at 9.30am , Church closes at 5pm
Monday: Area Mass at 7.30pm Wednesday: Liturgy of the Word at 10am
Saturday: Church opens at 10am Vigil Mass at 6pm
Sunday Mass at 10.30am
1st Saturday of the month– 10am Mass followed by confessions until 11am
Last Tuesday of the month-Prayer Group Mass 8pm, all welcome Bank Holidays: Mass 11am only
All services available on www.blanchardstownparish.ie/webcam Also on Phoenix Radio– 92.5FM
Eucharistic Adoration Tue & Fri 10.30am-5pm
Blanchardstown Area evening Mass Mon: Blanchardstown 7.30pm Tues & Thurs: Castleknock Wednesday: Mulhuddart Friday: Corduff

Synod Retreat
Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP is the former Master General of the Dominicans and at the Pope’s request he gave the retreat to the participants of the Synod before it began its deliberations. I thought that I would use the next 3 newsletters before the Season of Advent to give a flavour of the material used. ‘Hoping against hope’ When the Holy Father asked me to give this retreat, I felt enormously honoured but nervous. I am deeply aware of my personal limitations. I am old – white- a Westerner– and a man! I don’t know which is worse!

All of these aspects of my identity limit my understanding. So I ask for your forgiveness for the inadequacy of my words. We are all radically incomplete and need each other. So when we listen to each other during the coming weeks and disagree, I pray we shall often say, ‘Yes, and…..’ Rather than ‘No’!
That is the Synodal way. Of course, No is also sometimes necessary! In the second reading at Mass today, St Paul says to the Philippians: ‘Complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing’. We are gathered here because we are not united in heart and mind. The vast majority of people who have taken part in the synodal process have been surprised by joy. For many, it is the first time that the Church has invited them to speak of their faith and hope. But some of us are afraid of this journey and of what lies ahead. Some hope that the Church will be dramatically changed, that we shall take radical decisions, for example about the role of women in the Church. Others are afraid of exactly these same changes and fear that they will only lead to division, even schism. Some of you would prefer not to be here at all. A bishop told me that he prayed not to be chosen to come here. His prayer was granted! You may be like the son in today’s gospel who at first does not want to go to the vineyard, but he goes! At crucial moments in the gospels, we always hear these words: ‘Do not be afraid.’ St John tells us ‘Perfect love casts out fear.’ So let us begin by praying that the Lord will free our hearts from fear.
For some this is the fear of change and for others the fear that nothing will change. But ‘the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.[1]’ Of course, we all have fears, but Aquinas taught us that courage is refusing to be enslaved by fear. May we always be sensitive to the fears of others, especially those with whom we disagree. ‘Like Abraham, we leave not knowing where we are going.

But if we free our hearts of fear, it will be wonderful beyond our imagination. To guide us during this retreat, we shall meditate on the Transfiguration. This is the retreat Jesus gives to his closest disciples before they embark on the first synod in the life of the Church, when they walk together to Jerusalem. This retreat was needed because they were afraid of this journey they must make. Until now they have wandered around the north of Israel. But at Caesarea Philippi, Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ.
Then Jesus invites them to go with him to Jerusalem, where he will suffer, die and be raised from the dead. They cannot accept this. Peter tries to prevent him. Jesus calls him ‘Satan’, ‘enemy’. The little community is paralysed. So Jesus takes them up the mountain. This retreat gives them the courage and hope to set off on their journey. It does not always go well. They immediately fail to free the young lad from the evil spirit. They quarrel about who is the greatest. They misunderstand the Lord. But they are on their way with a fragile hope.
So we too prepare for our synod by going on retreat where, like the disciples, we learn to listen to the Lord. When we set off in 3 days’ time, we shall often be like those disciples, and misunderstand each other and even quarrel. But the Lord will lead us onwards towards the death and resurrection of the Church. Let us ask the Lord to give us hope: the hope that this synod will lead to a renewal of the Church and not division; the hope that we shall draw closer to each other. This is our hope not just for the Catholic Church but for all our baptised brothers and sisters. People talk of an ‘ecumenical winter’. We hope for an ecumenical spring.

Parish Contacts: V Rev Fr. Michael Carey: 8213660 Rev Jim Adams(Deacon) 0862232411 Rev Michael O’Connor(Deacon) 0872941729 Sacristy: 8238354 Parish Finance Christine Carleton / Parish Secretary Jean Rogers: 8115412 email: office@blanchardstownparish.ie website: www.blanchardstownparish.ie https://www.facebook.com/St-Brigids-Parish-Blanchardstown-44438662375848/

From the Pastor’s Desk
November Mass for Deceased
On Thursday last, 2nd November we celebrated our annual Remembrance Mass and it was a beautiful liturgy. The comforting Liturgy of Remembrance after the Gospel was accompanied by uplifting music and song. It gave all present space to remember their loved ones who died during the past year and perhaps provided some comfort. The evening was a huge undertaking with weeks of preparation. Thanks to everyone involved - for the spotlessly clean Church, beautiful flowers, the décor, the list of names in front of the altar, and invitations. Not forgetting the Ministry Teams – The Liturgy Team, Ministers of the Word, Ministers of the Eucharist, the volunteer Sacristans, and the Parish Choir. And thank you to the Hospitality Team for the beautiful reception afterwards which I’m delighted to say, many attended.
Prayer for Vocations
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Our first reading tells us that “Wisdom is found by those who look for her” and the psalm responds: “For you my soul is thirsting, O God, my God”. In the Gospel Jesus tells us to “Stay awake”. We pray for those who are discerning a vocation, that they ‘thirst for God’ that like a dry weary land without water, they pine for God, that they look for Wisdom and that they “stay awake” to watch for the signs of God in their lives.
Fr Michael Carey PP

Exploring the Teachings of Jesus
What is Christian Morality?
St Brigid’s Pastoral Centre, Blanchardstown
This Wednesday (15 Nov) 7:00pm to 8:10pm
Questions for discussion this week: How do we honour life and fidelity?

A Reflective Sentence
It is no part of our duty to judge others, so let us not torment ourselves about their doings.. Edel Quinn, Words of Life.

Children’s Corner:
A Prayer to Say:

IN THE GOSPEL

Scoil Bhríde Enrolment ‘24/’25
Applications for enrolment in Junior Infants and ASD Special class, will be accepted from Monday 6th to 27th November. Scoil Bhríde Cailíní will have an open evening on Monday 13th November from 6.30-7.30pm for girls and their parents.

Friday17th November Teen Hope - The teenagers are invited to gather at 7.00pm in the Pastoral Centre. Pizza, chat, games, reflection and prayer and FUN.

St. Vincent de Paul The outdoor monthly collection for St. Brigid’s Blanchardstown, St Vincent de Paul, will be taken up THIS weekend at all Masses.

Table Quiz! Castleknock Tennis Club Friday November 17th - 8pm Contact John Mitchell for information 086 264 5861

Saints in the Church’s calendar: St. Laurence O’Toole, bishop, patron of Dublin – Thursday 14th November, born in Castledermot in 1123. Became abbot of Glendalough in 1148 and in 1162 chosen as the first native Archbishop of Dublin. He lived simply and returned to Glendalough every Lent. He worked for peace and reconciliation and died on a mission of mediation with King Henry II and the Irish rulers in Eu in Normandy in 1180 . THIS IS THE DIOCESAN FEAST DAY

Altar List of the Dead
Thank you to all who have returned their altar list of the dead. There are still envelopes around the church if you would like to complete one. The Mass is ‘offered’ for all names on these lists on the First Friday of every month and the lists will be in the Sanctuary area in front of the altar for the month of November.

Mass intentions for the week
Saturday Vigil	Marie Tone / Helen Collins (MM)
Sunday 10.30	Joseph & Christina Wall / Christopher & Myra Wall / Pat & Mary Kate O’Reilly
Tuesday	Michael & Brigid Scallan

St Brigid’s Church of Ireland Castleknock Ecumenical graveyard service with blessing of the graves. Sunday 12th November 3pm. All welcome.

Confirmation Enrolment Mass
This Mass will take place on Thursday 16th November at St Brigid’s Church at 7.00pm.
It is for all the Confirmation candidates and their parents/guardians.

We pray for our recently deceased;
MAX WEBSTER
ANDY EDDERY
Always loved, never forgotten

Sunday Mass Collections
Many thanks for your continued support of these collections which are vital for the support of the priests of the diocese. You can contribute to the Mass collections by:
Putting your offerings in the ‘white boxes’ around the Church or by leaving your Envelope into Parish Office during the week. Using the ‘Tap and Go’ machines. Many parishioners find this quite handy – especially in these ‘cashless’ days. Using the online ‘Donate’ facility on the Parish Website.
See www.blanchardstownparish.ie where you can select both one-off and recurring payments. The Mass collections are divided – 60% to the 1st – Common Fund for Priests; 40% - to the 2nd – Share. Thank you so much for your generosity

Strawberry Beds Quiz in The Wren’s Nest
Quiz is held on the first Wednesday of each month. Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday 6th December at 8.30pm sharp for our Christmas Quiz. Please wear your Christmas jumper! All Welcome.

We welcome those baptised in the month of October ; Zoe, Rían, Alan, Leo, Patrick & Jack, Oliver, Dara, May they continue to grow strong in body, mind and spirit.

Easter Dues Envelopes If you did not receive Easter Dues envelope and would like to contribute to the Priests of the Parish, please take one from the tables around the Church. A sincere thank you to all who have returned their Easter Dues. Your continued generosity is very much appreciated. If you have not made a return and would like to there are dues envelopes available in the Church. If you are not a regular contributor to the Parish and would like to do so, please leave your name and contact details with myself or in the Sacristy or Parish Office.

Car Park
APCOA, the church car park management company, have had cause to clamp a number of cars recently. To prevent further instances of clamping please abide by the following:
- Attending church services (Mass, Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms) - no parking charge.
-Attending Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays and Fridays - enter your car registration in the book in the porch.
-Attending other meetings/gatherings—a permit is required unless otherwise advised (you can get one from the office). At all other times please do not be tempted to park and nip off to the shops or indeed into the Church to light a candle without paying the parking charge, that way you will not be clamped.

Summer Dues envelopes are still available if you would like to make a contribution. Monies from these envelopes go to the Diocesan Common Fund (income for priests & retired priests).

Sunday Mass Collections
Many thanks for your continued support of these collections which are vital for the support of the priests of the diocese. You can contribute to the Mass collections by:
Putting your offerings in the ‘white boxes’ around the Church or by leaving your Envelope into Parish Office during the week. Envelopes are provided on seats or you can have an Envelope supply in your home for convenience.
Using the ‘Tap and Go’ machines. Using the online ‘Donate’ facility on the Parish Website. See www.blanchardstownparish.ie
where you can select both one-off and recurring payments.
The Mass collections are divided – 60% to the 1st – Common Fund for Priests; 40% - to the 2nd – Share.
Thank you so much for your generosity

Croi Mhaire Foodbank is based in St Ciaran’s Church in Hartstown and covers all of Dublin 15. They work in partnership with St Vincent de Paul, and alongside the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living and Empower. Croi Mhaire currently delivers food parcels to 65-70 households every two weeks. The number continues to rise weekly. This is the type of non-perishable food items that are suitable: Cereal, porridge, pasta, rice, noodles, soup, tinned fish such as tuna/salmon, tinned vegsuch as beans, peas, sweetcorn and carrots, biscuits, crackers, miwadi, cereal bars, rice cakes, chocolate spread or food suitable for school lunch, jam, marmalade, pasta sauces, sauces for meals (curry, sweet and sour and stir fry), tinned fruit, custard, creamed rice and ..chocolate and crisps

What is the Laudato Si Award? The Laudato Si Award is a new Parish based award for young people to engage with ecological action, education and spirituality. It is based on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. The goal is for young people to learn, lead and inspire the whole parish and community. Takes place with a group of 3+ people ages 13—17. Monthly meetings on Tuesdays at 4.30pm to 5.30pm from October 11th 2022 to 18th of April 2023 in St Brigid’s Pastoral Centre
If you are interested in participating please contact the team at this address: mairin.keegan@dublindiocese.ie
*Parental Consent forms will need to be completed in advance

Wanted—volunteer Church cleaners! Are you—a dab hand with a duster? Magic with a mop? Handy with a hoover? Or, would you just like to be part of a parish team? If you have up to an hour to spare once a month, we would love you to join our group of Church Cleaners! If interested, please leave your name in the sacristy or the parish office. Thank you!