Fr Peter Finnerty, PP, Ph: 01-832-3150.
Fr Séamus Connell, Ph: 087-702-5120.
Fr Cathal Price, Ph: 01-832-3683.
Janice Dornan, Parish Sec, Parish Office, Ph 01-839-0433.
Email info@kilbarrackfoxfieldparish.ie
www.kilbarrackfoxfieldparish.ie
Mass times – Mon-Wed 10am; Thurs, 7.30pm; Fri 10am. Sat 6pm. Sun 9.30am and 12 noon. Bayside– Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri &-Sat 10am; Sat 7pm. Sun 8am and 11.00am
Our parish is part of the partnership in the Howth Deanery as follows – Baldoyle, Bayside, Howth, Kilbarrack/Foxfield, Sutton. Registered Charity Number 20016166.
| Masses for the coming week | ||
| Day | Date | Time |
| James Geraghty & Mary McDonnell (A) | Thurs. 1st | 7.30pm |
| Frank and Theresa McLoughlin and their son Brian (A) | Sat. 3rd | 6pm |
| Gerard Keogh (A) | Sat. 3rd | 6pm |
| Cecil Halpin (1st A) | Sat. 3rd | 6pm |
| Michael Tierney (5th A) | Sun. 4th | 12pm |
Easter Offering Envelopes
Easter Offering Envelopes may be returned to the Sacristy or to 54/56 Foxfield St. John.
As part of the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, we include the reflection from the Dublin Diocese for today, Feast of Divine Mercy.
The Risen Jesus greets the disciples with wishes of peace on three occasions in the one day, according to John. The power to forgive is granted to them in their reception of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium, wrote: “Let me say this once more. God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy… Time and time again He bears us on His shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed on us by this boundless and unfailing love.” This continuous affirmation of God’s forgiveness has been a hallmark of this Papacy.
The booklet ‘God’s Influencer’ about Carlos Acutis, who will be canonised shortly, is available in the Parish at a special offer of €10.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held Tuesday to Friday, 11am-3pm, each week.
‘My Lord and my God!’
In the First Reading, the apostles perform great ‘signs and wonders and healing the sick. We see a thriving ministry, with people coming from far and wide to hear and witness the message of God.
The Psalm continues in the spirit of rejoicing, reminding us that God’s faithful love endures forever. We feel a sense of true resurrection; that through this love, we will always triumph over persecution and rejection.
John (Second Reading) identifies himself as a ‘brother and partner’ in our suffering. He tells us that Jesus is still very much alive so, with patience and perseverance, we will overcome all suffering.
The Gospel replays a powerful encounter between the frightened disciples and the risen Jesus who brings a message of peace, and a call to continue his ministry.
In this Jubilee year, we pray that, guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the apostles’ courage, we will act in humility and solidarity with those who are sick, lonely, fearful and marginalised. How may we bring the peace and encouragement of Jesus into our everyday encounters in this Easter season?
Come Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday
The Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated today Sunday, 27th April, starting at 2.30pm including Procession, Rosary, Confession with many priests available, Chaplet. Healing of the Generations Mass at 4.30pm. All are welcome.
In these days of mourning and hope in memory of Pope Francis RIP, an hour of music, prayer and reflection led by the Monastery Community of St Alphonsus and the Dublin Diocesan Music Group will take place on Monday 28th April, 8pm, in person or online from the Monastery.
SVDP will hold their monthly outdoor collection after all Masses this weekend.
Easter Holy Water
Please bring small bottles to the church to collect Easter Holy Water.
A Note of Appreciation
We express our appreciation to a number of people. Special thanks to the choir members who came from retirement and new volunteers who enhanced the ceremonies, the hard-working sacristans and the huge efforts of parishioners for our beautifully decorated Church. The vigil on Saturday evening was followed by a ‘get-together’ in the Parish Centre where we were treated to some of Anne Colbert’s delicious simnel cake. Following the 12 noon Mass the children had an exciting egg hunt in the Church grounds. Some parishioners visited Howth Summit at sunrise on Easter Sunday morning – wonderful – ‘He is risen indeed!’
Sacramental Preparation Mass
We welcome the children and their parents to this month’s preparation Mass this Saturday at 6pm.
Marianne, Finola, Mary & Jenny for the Parish Team
Spiritual Thought For The Week – www.2u.ie
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, we know we have lost a truly special person – he was some man for one man! – a true shepherd of the people. He was such a good pope, down to earth with a beautiful, practical and simple faith. He had a practical outlook on everything and had no time for pomp and those who tried to complicate the beautiful message of Jesus. Like a compass he has guided the Church through some very difficult and turbulent times. He will be remembered as a reforming Pope who brought many good changes to the Catholic Church. He also had such a beautiful smile which reflected the beautiful person within. May his gentle soul rest in peace
St John’s Corner Book Stand
Books are for sale on the stand in St John’s Corner which will be replenished every few months. A particular book can be ordered in the office if requested. Prices are on each book. Please put money in the safe on the wall beside the book stand or give it to Janice or Aishling in the Sacristy/Parish Office.
Repository Shop
Communion Prayer Books, Cards, Rosary beads and bracelets are available in our Repository Shop. Open after Morning Mass or on request.
What’s On
- Following the Easter break, Gospel evenings will resume each Tuesday at 7.15pm from 29th April, in the Parish Centre. All welcome.
- Zoom reflections resume Monday 29th30-8.30pm. Contact Phyllis 086 890 9488.
- Local artist has stained glass exhibition. Red Stables. 25th-27th April 10am-5pm. Please support.
- Chairobics will resume on Tuesday 29th April at 11.30am in the Parish centre.
- Blood Donation Clinic. Wed 30th 6-9.30pm. Gaelscoil Míde. To check eligibility/book, call 1800 731 137 or see www.giveblood.ie.
- Community Showcase for over 55s. Wednesday, 7th May St. Benedict’s Resource Centre, Swan’s Nest Rd, 10am – 12pm. Understanding your rights and entitlements etc. See poster. No Booking.
- Step aerobics classes. 6-7pm Wed and Fri. Foxfield Special School Briarfield Villas. €10 per class. One free if signing for 10. Contact Sharon 086 059 3810/email scfitcoach5@gmail.com.
Francis, Our Shepherd, Has Left His Flock
Our shepherd has left his flock. A vital voice has been silenced in a world yearning for it. Yet, what a remarkable voice it was. He spoke not only from Saint Peter’s balcony but also from the world’s fringes: refugee camps, prison chapels, damaged churches, and the hushed prayers of the marginalised. His voice bridged divides, speaking of a God who shows no partiality, a Christ who shared meals with outcasts, touched lepers, and chose a tax collector as a disciple.
He envisioned a Church without barriers, a sanctuary filled with diverse languages, a table where everyone belonged, regardless of background, status, identity, or beliefs. He urged us not just to worship but to welcome, not merely to pray but to embrace.
Now, in this holy season of resurrection and new beginnings, we face loss. The tomb is empty, but so is his chair. Easter morning dawned with a profound absence. The man who knelt to wash the feet of the forgotten has returned to the One whose feet were pierced for us all.
He did not fear death, having long reconciled with its presence. In his final sermons, he described the afterlife as a reunion, a grand homecoming, saying, “Heaven is where no one asks why you are there, only who you are there to love.”
But we, the bereaved, now grapple with the silence. His absence is not just ecclesiastical but deeply personal. A fractured world needed his unifying words; a divided humanity needed his grace. Yet perhaps, like Christ, his true ministry now begins within us.
He planted seeds in unexpected places. Our sacred duty is now to nurture them, to live out the gospel of gentleness, courage, and universal welcome. His death at Easter is a powerful symbol, a divine reminder that every ending precedes a new beginning.
Let us rise in his memory.
Let us carry his light into our places of worship and our communities, into the quiet spaces of loneliness and the noisy arenas of debate. Let our actions speak where his voice is now silent.
And as we offer our prayers to the night, may we find solace in imagining him at the heavenly table, among saints and sinners, gently smiling and saying:
“Yes, all are welcome here.”
Amen.
Thought for the Week
Nothing kills you more than your own mind. Do not stress over things out of your control.
