Announcements

Harvests: it was great to see a large crowd at all the Harvest Festivals. We welcomed Tim Irvine from the Christchurch Cathedral Group at Mulhuddart, while our good friend and neighbour Fr Eugene Kennedy from Laurel Lodge came to Castleknock and Clonsilla. The churches looked better than ever; a big thank you to everyone who decorated them. Thanks also Hazel McClean for once again hosting the post-Mulhuddart party.

World Peace Day: Rev. Andrew and Rev. Elaine joined representatives of many other faith communities at the new Fingal County Council offices to celebrate UN World Peace Day. All major world religions, and some smaller ones, were represented. The Blanchardstown Interfaith Round Table goes from strength to strength and is leading the way in Interfaith dialogue in Ireland. Much of this is due to the hard work of Sheikh Dr. Shaheed Satardien, a resident of Blanchardstown, who, as Chair of the Supreme Muslim Council of Ireland, is seeking constantly to build bridges between Islam and other faith communities. Tune in to Phoenix FM on Wednesday nights between 8-9 p.m. to hear more.

Mothers’ Union Council: It was good to welcome the Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Council to Castleknock Parish centre once again for their Biannual meeting. A big thank you to all those who helped with the organisation and catering.

More visitors: A very enjoyable meal was provided by Clonsilla parishioners for members of Carnmoney parish in North Belfast following their day trip to Dublin. Thanks to all the caterers!

Farewell to Edward: Our temporary organist, Edward Holden, finished playing with us on Sunday 2nd October. Edward stood in for Raymond Russell in the year, and we were very fortunate to obtain the services of a musician of his calibre. We wish Edward well as he completes his Ph.D. in Maynooth. We are delighted to welcome back Raymond with us on Sunday mornings.

National School Service: Most of 6th class went to the Diocesan National School service in Christ Church Cathedral and had a great time, including a visit to McDonald’s afterwards! Many thanks to Elaine who arranged free minibus transport from the Gardai.

Safeguarding Trust: We welcome Bernard Neary to the parish panel along with Rachel Devlin and Rev. Andrew. Training continues, with almost all leaders now trained.

Coming up in November and December:

Sunday 6th November at 3 p.m. Grave Blessing
Sunday 13th November at 12.30 p.m. Parish Open Day
Each Wednesday night in Advent at 8 p.m. Advent services in St. Brigid’s
Saturday 3 rd December Christmas Fair

Bits and Pieces

Remedial work in St. Brigid’s
At present we are awaiting a report on St. Brigid’s internal roof with regard to an outbreak of dry rot which has been discovered. It will be treated in November, and it may mean the closure of the church for one or more Sundays. Watch the announcements for details.

Scientific study confirms that pews are safe…..
A major scientific study has found that the pews around the centre aisle of St. Brigid’s are absolutely harmless. They are not poisonous; they are not inhabited by strange alien life forms; they will not collapse.

Indeed, sitting in these pews enhances your participation at the services: it’s easier to see the clergy, especially at Communion; the organ music is louder and clearer; and the clergy respond to having a full looking church, instead of rows of empty pews in the middle and full sides.

So live a little next Sunday. Try the middle: it could change your Sunday morning for ever…….

Bookings for the parish centres
Gordon Hill has become the Parish Centre Manager for Clonsilla. Meanwhile, Castleknock Parish Centre is in between managers, following Ada Lawson’s retirement. Many thanks again to Ada for all her hard work. However, please note that all bookings for both Parish Centres can now be taken only by the Parish Office. Please contact Jenny between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for bookings, not the Centre managers.

Pastoral visiting team
A few months ago, we ran an article saying that we would be looking for good listeners who would be interested in becoming part of a team in the parish who might visit some of our elderly and housebound parishioners. We want to bring that team together now and run some training before Christmas. If you are interested in part of this team please contact Andrew (821 3083) or Elaine as soon as possible.

Advent services
During Wednesdays in Advent, we will be holding a short night service in St. Brigid’s to help us reflect on the themes of the Advent season. These will short reflective services with the haunting, meditative music from the Taize community. The services will be held in the Sharing Space in St. Brigid’s at 8 p.m.

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