ARTICLE IN THE TABLET

Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin has said the introduction of parish partnerships as part of structural changes in the Irish Church’s largest diocese is “much more than ‘managing decline’”. The archbishop announced the radical proposal for parish partnerships in early December, after a period of consultation with the Archdiocese of Dublin’s 197 parishes which began last Easter.

The full article can be read at https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/16311/dublin-plans-more-than-managed-decline-says-archbishop/.

DIOCESAN DIARY FOR 2023

The Diocesan Diary for 2023 can be found at https://dublindiocese.ie/diocesan-diary-2023/.

WEEKLY EZINE

Sharing the Good News is the newsletter of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. If you would like receive this weekly ezine, you can do so at https://catholicnews.ie/newsletter/. You are encouraged to invite others to do so too. Send articles and photographs for use in Sharing the Good News to info@catholicbishops.ie.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE

Date for your diary: Our 2023 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock, which will be led by Archbishop Farrell, will take place on Saturday, April 29. Please share the date in your parish newsletters and on your parish websites. You might consider booking a bus. Please email knockpilgrimage@dublindiocese.ie if you have any queries.

ACCORD COLLECTION

The annual collection for Accord Dublin, the Diocesan Agency for Marriage and the Family, will be made at all Masses on the weekend of February 11 and 12. Accord Dublin throughout the Diocese offers Marriage Preparation courses – online, small groups; Counselling for couples and individuals experiencing difficulties in their relationships, currently online or by phone; A Relationship and Sexuality Programme for schools. Accord Dublin needs your support this year more than ever. Please give generously on February 11 and 12.

OFFICE OF MISSION AND MINISTRY

World Youth Day 2023 is taking place in Lisbon. Details of the package are available, along with the payment schedule, and dates for programme of preparation. Payment of deposits and completion of registration forms are done online and will be available from 1st December. If you have any queries, please contact natalie.doherty@dublindiocese.ie.

OFFICE OF MISSION AND MINISTRY

Emmanuel 2023

The music books for Emmanuel 2023 have been distributed to the second level schools and copies can be ordered by emailing emmanuelschoolconcert@gmail.com. Auditions for solo parts will begin shortly building up the momentum for the Helix Concerts on February 27/28 and March 1/2. You can listen to recordings of the music of Emmanuel 2023 on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you get your online digital material.

Funeral Ministry Training

The two courses for Funeral Leaders and members of New Teams are well under way in the Mission & Ministry Centre at St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay. There is the latest AV equipment for visual presentation and the sound system has been rebooted for effective listening and interaction. Hospitality is offered which is appreciated by all. It was an important part of the tradition at Clonliffe before the Covid outbreak in 2020.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

WHAT MY CHURCH MEANS TO ME

The Dominicans at St Saviour’s Priory in Dublin have released a video in which they interview members of the congregation, asking them what their church and community mean to them. It can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaXNTNBRwew/.