Greetings from the New Parish Administrator (Pastor)

Dear Parishioners.
I am happy to be here as your new Pastor since the 1st September. To be welcomed warmly by so many people was very much appreciated.
I am native of Kilkenny and have lived in Dublin now for over 38 years. Since my ordination in 1986 the locations of my appointments have been in West and North Dublin. These previous posts were as follows, Chaplain in Crurnlin Hospital and curacies in Rowlagh Clondalkin, Laurel Lodge Castleknock, Portmarnock, St. Anthony's Clontarf and chaplain in the Mater Hospital. As my appointment to Milltown is my first South-side post I am trying to get familiar with the terrain not to mention the traffic.
I had heard on my arrival that Milltown Parish had been in Project mode over the last number of years. I know that I do arrive now when all the hard structural development is complete. In that respect I wish to pay tribute to Mgr. Tom and all concerned for the beautiful re-design of the Church and the state-of-the-art Parish Pastoral Centre. From my previous experience I know that a Parish Pastoral Centre does enhance a Parish and contributes greatly to a sense of belonging for all who live and worship in the parish community.
As the new Administrator (Pastor) it is my desire that the Parish of Milltown continues in the project mode, not in terms of bricks and mortar of course, but in the sense of the continual development of building up of the Christian community. A community where the Christ-like virtues of compassion and care are made real in the everyday lives of our people.
I know I am not on my own in that desire. I am greatly consoled in my short time here to meet many people who share that vision and who are generous in their time to make it a reality. As I make Milltown my home, I look forward to getting to know as many parishioners as possible. As I said in my first homily here, in all my years as a priest my main support has come from the people whom I am called to serve. I am certain that my time among you the good people of Milltown, it will be no different.
Wishing God's blessing on you and your families.
Fr. Gerard Deegan

Weekly Bulletin October 4th & 5th

Parish of Saints Columbanus and Gall - Weekly Bulletin

Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2008,
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Day for Life

·We wish to thank you for last weekend’s Offertory Collection which amounted to €1356 and the Share Collection which amounted to €896.

·The Parish offers its condolences to the families and friends of Mary Walsh (St. Galls Gardens), James Aylward (South Hill) and Fr. Louis O’Sullivan who was our curate here from August 2000 – June 2005. May they rest in peace.

·On this annual Day for Life, there are some novena prayer cards available on the Bookrack. Mental health is the specific theme which the Bishops have chosen for this year’s Day for Life.

·We would appreciate if all Ministers of the Word would collect a copy of their Oct. /Nov Roster from the Parish Office. Likewise, the Roster for Ministers of the Eucharist is available for collection in the Sacristy.

·The Children’s Choir requires some new members. It is our intention to re-launch the Family Mass where our Children’s choir will participate. Please contact the parish Office if your family wish to be involved in the Children’s Choir or Family Mass.

·We thank all those who attended the Morning Coffee and Baking Demonstration which took place in the Parish Centre on Monday last.

·The Milltown Parish Art Group has re-commenced their weekly Tuesday evening meetings. This group meet each Tuesday at 7.30pm and new members welcome.

·Next weekend, the annual Outdoor Collection for the Parish Centre will take place. All proceeds will go towards the day to day running expenses of the centre.

·Marian O’Gorman, who represented the Parish this summer in Sydney at World Youth Day, will address the congregation at all Masses next weekend.

·The Milltown Parish Local History Society, have invited Rev. Dr. B. Bradshaw S.M. to speak on “The Emmets and Casino”. This talk will take place in the Parish Centre on Monday week October 13th.
This week’s Calendar

Mon. Oct. 6th St. Bruno, 1033-1101, Founded the Carthusians in Chartreuse
Tues. Oct. 7th Our Lady of the Rosary
Wed. Oct. 8th Weekday
Thurs. Oct. 2nd Saint Denis, bishop, and Companions, Rusticus and Eleutherius.
Fri. Oct. 3rd Weekday
Sat. Oct.4th St. Canice, abbot.