Dear Parishioners,
The announcement of new appointments for Irish Jesuits is traditionally made on 21st June, the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga. This year a number of changes for Gardiner Street were announced.
In August I will go to Sri Lanka to do tertianship, a six-month formation programme that all Jesuits do to prepare for final vows. (You might remember Fr Ted from Canada – his placement here was part of his tertianship programme). As Arnie said, “I’ll be back!” but I don’t know what I will be doing when I return. Fr Richard is also set to move—he will go to Galway to be the superior of the Jesuit community there and to help in the local parish.
Fr. Brendan Comerford has been rewarded for all his hard work with a promotion! From 1st August he will be the Co-ordinator of the Church. He will be assisted by Fr Donal Neary who returns to Gardiner St and who is well known in these parts.
As we prepare to go to our next missions, Fr Richard and I take comfort in knowing that this church community is very much alive. It is a church where people of all ages and cultures feel welcome and we know that Frs. Brendan and Donal will also breathe new life into Gardiner St.
We wish the local children of Arkins Dance Academy—especially the talented daughters of our cleaning staff Michelle and Melinda—the best of luck and every success as they go to the Czech Republic this week to compete in the Dance World Cup. Let’s hope they have a great time and come home celebrating!
Last Sunday the Joyce and the Jesuits event was very well attended. I have never seen a 20-minute homily on hell and damnation be so enthusiastically applauded! Thanks again to Gerry McArdle and everyone who made it such an entertaining and enjoyable gathering.
A reminder the summer schedule comes into effect on 1st July—no Friday 6pm or Sunday 7.30 pm Mass for the months of July and August.
FYI I won’t be around next weekend as I will be at All Things New, the new Jesuit young adult retreat in Gonzaga College. Then I will be on holiday for 10 days so see you all in July!
Every blessing,
Fr Niall
YOUNG ADULT RETREAT- ALL THINGS NEW
The Irish Jesuits are launching a new Young Adult Retreat (18-30 years old) that will take place in Gonzaga College between 28-30th June, called All Things New. There will be talks and workshops discussing faith and social issues facing young people in Ireland, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who are either practising or rediscovering their faith. Tickets: For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/AllThingsNew24
THE LITTLE ELEVEN- TODAY
Special activities for children every second Sunday at 11 am Mass. Children are led in special faith formation activities, such as guided prayer, storytelling, drawing, etc. by a group of volunteers chosen in accordance with safeguarding policies and standards. These activities take place in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor.
This is the last Little 11 before the summer break. The Little 11 team will be back in September.
Take a leaflet at the back of the Church and spread the word.
WE LOOK BACK IN THANKSGIVING TO LOOK FORWARD IN HOPE
St. Francis Xavier’s Church became a Parish Church 50 years ago. We are parish for another 38 days before we become a public church run by the Jesuits and join the Pro-Cathedral Parish.
If you have memories or photos of the Parish from the last 50 years send us a few by email sfx@jesuit.ie. We may post a selection on social media (with your permission).
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: € 789. Share: € 138
IDonate & card readers: € 375
OUR RECENTLY DECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Daniel Sampson
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Do you want to keep up-to-date with the what’s going on in the Parish? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter through our website gardinerstparish.ie