Grace in Sin out, Sin out Grace in!
This quote is from a Theology lecturer I had in the Seminary. It’s not a bad motto to live by.
This Sunday is the beginning of the Novena of Grace. The Novena of Grace originated in Naples in 1643, when a Jesuit was cured through the intercession of St Frances Xavier,(who was a Jesuit Priest) who promised that those who made the nine days of prayer in preparation for the anniversary of the canonisation of the saint would receive many graces and favours. Thus the name, Novena of Grace.
It was first held in Dublin in 1712, in the church at Mary’s Lane, now Halston St Parish. This year is the 300th anniversary. I’ve been doing a little work with Fr. Kevin from Bird Ave Parish and we hope to swap places during the Novena. Of course not every Parish has the blessing of having a Jesuit Priest (Fr. Alan Mowbray SJ), Bird Ave parish have a Jesuit House too.
As it is also the Year of the International Eucharistic Congress we hope to include Eucharist themes.
I find one phrase in the actual Novena Prayer particularly interesting and meaningful; “But if what I ask is not for the glory of God or for the good of my soul, obtain for me what is most conducive to both”. I think we could use this for all of our petitions to God.
The Novena begins on Sunday 4th and runs for nine days (as all Novena’s do!!).
Fr Philip Adm (Gracefully!)
Thank you for the €1,423 which you donated to last Sunday’s collection for the Support of Priests of the Dioceses and for the Share Collection which amounted to €986.
Mass of Enrolment: This Sunday’s 10am Mass will include an Enrolment Ceremony for the pupils from Alexandra College who are due to be confirmed this year.
The Parish Liturgy Group will meet at 8pm on this Tuesday, March 6th.
Ministers of the Eucharist are invited to attend a meeting in the Parish Pastoral Centre at 8pm on this Thursday, March 8th.
The 10am Mass on Sunday next, March 11th is part of the ‘Do this in Memory of Me’ programme for children who will be receiving their First Holy Communion in May. We welcome the children their parents and families
Mass on Bank Holidays will take place at 11am. This was the most popular time suggested by parishioners in our recent poll.
Milltown Parish Active Retirement Group
On Wednesday, March 14th, the Active Retirement Group has arranged a ‘Tour of the Abbey Theatre’. If you wish to take part in this outing please meet in the Foyer of the Abbey Theatre at 12 noon. This tour will cost €5.
Please note that the proposed visit to Aras an Uachtarain which was to take place on the 24th of March has been postponed for the present. A new date for this visit will be announced in due course.
Novena Grace Prayer: O most lovable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, I reverently adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed on you during your life and your gifts of glory after death, I beseech you with all my heart’s devotion to be pleased to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the greatest of all blessings: the grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. Moreover, I beg of you to obtain for me [mention here the spiritual or temporal favor you wish to obtain]. But if what I ask of you so earnestly does not tend to the glory of God and the great good of my soul, please obtain for me, I pray, what is more conducive for both. Amen.
Petition Forms for the Novena Grace are available at the Church entrance. Please write your prayers, enclose them in envelope provided and place them in the Petition Box..These will be included in the Novena prayers each day.
Lecture in St. Mary’s Haddington Road, Dublin 4.
Sr. Margaret MacCurtin OP will give a lecture in St. Mary’s Church, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 on Thursday 8th March 2012 at 8.00 p.m. The lecture is entitled “Whatever happened to Vatican II?” Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.
Pioneer Lenten Pledge: The Pioneer Association Appeals to the public to consider their 2012 Lenten Pledge: The Pioneer Lenten pledge is a short-term pledge that can be taken for the six weeks of Lent during which takers choose to abstain from alcohol and to recite the Pioneer prayer or reflection twice daily. For many people, Lent can be the one time of year when they stop drinking alcohol for a limited period of time. Further information on the Pioneer Lenten pledge is available from www .pioneerassociation.ie
How to book for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress:
1) Telephone the IEC2012 Booking offices on 01 2981122. .
2) Book Online on the Congress website www.iec2012.ie/registration or
3) Download a paper booking form from the Congress website at: www.iec2012.ie/registration .
Advance bookings are open until the 9th of May 2012. After that date, all bookings are onsite the RDS.
Volunteer for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress – Closing date: 17th March: Volunteers are needed for the period of Wednesday 6th June until Tuesday 19th June 2012, for a minimum of 5 days. The closing date for volunteer applications is Saturday 17th March 2012 Volunteer now and get involved! To register as a volunteer fill in the online form available on www.iec2012.ie/volunteer.
Special invitation to Young People to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress
Young people from 17 to 25 years of age from all across Ireland are invited to celebrate their faith at this summer’s International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (from 10-16 June) in an event that is being described as one of the most ambitious youth ministry programmes ever presented in this country. ‘Go! Be Church!’ is the name of the Youth Programme, where around 2,500 young people will gather and experience a lively and international Church while rediscovering the meaning of communion. Come and participate in this event with workshops, dramas, interactive catechesis, concerts, social activities, games, art, fun and much more! Booking is required and youth can register as individuals or groups on www.iec2012.ie/registration. For more information on the youth programme go to www.iec2012.ie/youth
