At this time we pray with all our students who are sitting exams. See the special prayer for students further up the page.

Pope Francis is urging all Catholics to understand that they are called to be missionary disciples. This calls for a different vision of what it means to be Church. In this course – ideal for members of parish pastoral councils as they look ahead – we wish to explore together this new vision through reflecting on the signs of the times, the teaching of Pope Francis and a biblical understanding of faith. Our presenters have a wide range of experience in pastoral ministry as well as being theologians, missionaries, and teachers. The course is jointly organised by Spiritan Mission Ireland and the office of Mission and Ministry in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Early registration is advisable as places are limited. For more details, and to register contact Sean Goan smi@spiritan.ie

Message from Mgr. Joseph McGuinness, Executive Secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference: Sincere thanks to all who contributed so generously to the recent Special Collection for Ukraine. Nationally, this collection has raised to date over €3.25 million. The war in Ukraine, and the terrible suffering which has resulted, has seen a tremendous outpouring of compassion and generosity from our parish communities. Your contributions will bring much-needed relief to those in the region whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated. The funds raised will be used by the international Catholic Church agency, Caritas Internationalis, which is currently operating on the ground in Ukraine and its surrounding areas. We continue to keep the people of Ukraine in our thoughts, praying for peace and an end to this appalling humanitarian crisis.

As a result of the Dalkey Interchurch Lent Talks on "Caring for Creation" in March this year, it is hoped that St Patrick's and the Church of the Assumption will be able to agree a joint programme to foster an eco-friendly environment in and around Dalkey, in our streets, parks and gardens. One suggestion is for both churches to affiliate to Eco Congregation Ireland, a step which has already been taken by Holy Trinity Killiney church, headed by Canon Gary Hastings. The current issue of the ECI newsletter, featuring Holy Trinity Killiney, can be found at www.ecocongregationireland.com. Fr Liam Lacey of Church of the Assumption is currently considering possibilities and a decision is awaited from St. Patrick's Select Vestry.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin, as President and Vice-President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, have published the following statement to thank the parishes across Ireland for their extraordinary generosity in raising to date of over €3.25 million in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Click to read the full statement.

In his Pastoral Letter, Archbishop Dermot Farrell explains how the risen Lord is always at work among us, bringing something new to be experienced, embraced and lived. Click to read the full text.

Pope Francis has requested that a special collection be made on Good Friday to support Christian communities in the Holy Land who are suffering a loss of income due to the reduction in the number of pilgrims/tourists in the last couple of years. Contributions may be put in the envelopes or in the baskets in the Church on Good Friday.

We extend our very best wishes to Rev. Bruce Hayes who will be leaving Dalkey this week to take up a new appointment as Dean of Waterford and rector of Waterford Union of Parishes in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. We also thank Rev. Bruce for his ministry and his friendship during his time as rector of Dalkey parish.

Archdiocese of Dublin Statement of the Spring 2022 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered in-person this week for their Spring 2022 General Meeting at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Click for full statement from the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The Irish Bishops have requested that a special collection be taken up at Masses on the weekend 26-27 March to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and especially the families and children who had to flee their homeland in advance of the Russian invasion. The proceeds of this Special Collection will be directed to Caritas Internationalis, which is the helping hand of the Church on the ground in the Ukraine and the surrounding region. This collection will replace the Share collection and the envelopes for the second collection can be used for the special Ukraine collection. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you.

Archbishop Dermot Farrell expresses his shock and dismay at the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine. He says the rule of law and the need for a stable international system must command the support of all right-thinking people. In this spirit and in communion with Pope Francis he invites everyone "to make Ash Wednesday a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day."

January 2022 newsletter is now available

With the rising concern about the spread of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus we are being asked to reduce our social contacts. With this in mind we are taking steps to ensure the safety of our parishioners and visitors. Click here for further details.

Renovation of Our Lady's Hospice in Blackrock will commence this month. It will cost €6.5 million. To learn more or donate please call 01 2064000 or email fundraising@olh.ie.

The Crosscare annual appeal will take place online this year. You can support the appeal to end food poverty by giving what you can online at www.crosscare.ie/donate or call 01 8360011.