Palm Sunday -- When a conquering hero of the ancient world rode into town in triumph, it was in a regal chariot or on the back of a stately stallion.  Legions of soldiers accompanied him in the victory procession.  Triumphal arches, festooned with relief sculptures, were often erected to immortalize his valiant victory. After driving out demons, healing the sick, and raising the dead, it was time for the King of Kings to enter the Holy City.  But to do so, he rode not on the back of a warhorse, but a donkey. His companions accompanied him brandishing not swords, but palm branches.  The monument to his victory, erected a week later, was not an arch, but a crucifix. His earthly beginning was humble - and his earthly end would be no different.  The wood of the manger prefigured the wood of the cross. Earlier this week Pope Francis mourned the death of a Jesuit priest working in Syria. Fr Frans van der Lugt was a 75 year old Dutch Priest who has stayed in war torn Homs to stand beside his people. In moving words the Holy Father said “please silence the weapons, put an end to the violence. No more war. No more destruction. May humanitarian laws be respected, may people who need humanitarian assistance be cared for and may the desired peace be attained through dialogue and reconciliation.”  As we journey to Holy Week we carry in our heart all who walk in the shadow of the cross.  Bearing in mind the world is saved by the crucified one and not the crucifiers. Fr David

Pastoral Challenges to the Family - Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelisation is an extraordinary document which has sent by the Vatican to all National Bishops Conferences across the world. Pope Francis is asking parishes, people, dioceses, countries to reflect on the questions and make submissions in advance of the Synod of Bishops next year. Find out more by clicking here >>

We are keen to enrol and train a new group of altar servers over the next few weeks. Those who have recently celebrated their First Communion are particularly welcome. Training for new altar servers will be provided by Josephine Bennett and Lester Barlow, who have both participated in Diocesan child safeguarding training. Parents of children, who would like to become altar servers, are invited to pick up a parental authorisation form from the parish office or the sacristy.

We urgently need volunteers for church cleaning, Web Committee, Youth Initiative Group and drivers for meals on wheels.

Find out ways in which you can be involved more in your parish!

To download a directory of all the Community Organisations and Charities in the Rathmines Area compiled by the Parish and by World Missions Ireland Click Here>>

Read a Guide to this week's Gospel here >>