Less than two weeks shy of one year on from his election as bishop of Rome, Pope Francis describes himself as, “A man who laughs, cries, sleeps well and has friends like everyone else.” In a wide-ranging conversation with an Italian editor-in-chief, the Pope lamented that popular mythology has turned him into a kind of papal superhero! He also addressed the role of retired Pope Benedict XVI and the church’s relations with China. His comments about the ongoing pastoral response to challenges for family life are clear, “The question is not that of changing doctrine, but of going into the depths, and ensuring that pastoral efforts take into account people’s situations, and that, which it is possible for people to do.” We have been reflecting on this as a Parish Pastoral Council and will continue to do so. We invite you to get a copy of Pope Francis “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) which is available in all Veritas book stores nationwide. Lent is the time for the desert experience. We can set aside a place and time to be alone daily with God, a time to distance ourselves from the many noises that bombard our lives every day, a time to hear God’s word, a time to read what Pope Francis is teaching us, a time to rediscover who we are before God and a time to say yes to God and no to Satan as Jesus did. 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.

Information posters for each parish group or ministry are on display in the prayer room of the church. All groups would welcome new members, and 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 >>