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March 2008 Newsletter
A New Book by Donal Harrington During the Year of the Eucharist – 2005 – a feature of the Newsletter was a series of specially written articles on the theme of the Eucharist. The appreciative response of our parishioners encouraged Donal to expand on the theme, the result being this book. To misquote well known advertisement, ‘Exploring Eucharist’ does exactly what it says on the cover. This, however, is no dull academic text book. As Donal says in his introduction, it is aimed at the people who do go to Mass, however regularly or sporadically, and what they make of what is going on at Mass. The hope is that if we who go can enrich our understanding, that deeper understanding will feed into transforming our celebration. At a personal level enrichment of our understanding and appreciation and participation in the Mass is surely something we all strive for. But Donal’s hope goes beyond that. Our transformed celebrations of the Mass should be found attractive, nourishing and challenging, not only for us but for other people not currently participating. A feature of all great explorations is the variety of terrain covered and this is a feature of this book. Rather than trying to scale the heights in one great drive which is only feasible for the extremely dedicated and prepared, we are offered a variety of terrains. These may be small scale challenges which give us time to relax and quietly think about simple familiar phrases – often almost taken for granted. These can be dipped into at the moment suits us. The structure of the Mass can be difficult to appreciate and so there is a section where thirty different windows are opened, like an Advent calendar, each scene is briefly considered and a question offered for reflection (or discussion). Again these windows may be opened as the spirit moves us! The third section is made up of four short essays looking at the four main parts of the Mass, the Gathering, the Word, The Eucharist and the Sending. A further challenge is offered here with some practical suggestions for enhancing the celebration of each of these parts of the Mass. This book, available in the Parish Shop is highly recommended and Donal Harrington is to be congratulated and highly commended for a most readable exploration. February is a month of great importance for many of our young people as it is the time of Confirmations. While m Marchost of the parishioners can not physically take part we are reminded of this great celebration by the displays mounted on the walls of the church. These incorporate special declarations by each of those to be confirmed. It is very moving to take the trouble to thread through the benches and to read these personal testaments. They should also remind us to pray for these young people that their current enthusiasm will be encouraged by our commitment to prayer, the Mass, our parish and the church and not be dimmed by the secular world in which they move. Congratulations to the 82 young people, their teachers, parents, guardians and the clergy who all put so much time, commitment and expertise into the preparation and the reception of the Sacrament.
The Pastoral Council are to be commended on the great effort they put into a campaign recently to encourage greater participation in the parish community. To remind us or stimulate our thinking, they put up a colourful and varied display round the church at the beginning of Lent. This consisted of posters and cards each referring to a current activity undertaken by our core of volunteers. There is always more to be done or more hands needed and so we were asked to consider giving some time at intervals of our choice and to fill out a leaflet or leave our name / number in the Parish Office. It is great to report than a good number of names have been submitted and are being processed by the Council. Even so there is always more to be done whether in a formal group or quietly on an individual basis whether at a regular fixed meeting time, or flexibly as it suits one or ‘on call’ or for a short campaign. No matter how busy you are there may well be an opportunity that suits – think about it.
The annual ecumenical weekly Lenten reflections organised by the Taney, Holy Cross and the Dundrum Methodist Church have been taking place with a topical theme based on the environment. Sadly, despite the interesting theme, the attendances, like at so many such initiatives is distinguished more by quality rather than numbers!
NEWSNOTES
‘Gathering’ is actually the original word for the church. The New Testament word for church is ekklesia (as in our ‘ecclesiastical’). The ordinary meaning of the word was assembly, people who had been called together. For the Christians, it meant those who were gathered to celebrate the Eucharist in a particular place. [From Exploring the Eucharist by Donal Harrington.]
The Christian Community welcomes with great joy
DEATHS Suaimhneas sioraí dá n-anamnacha and sincere sympathy to all the bereaved
The presence of over forty participants on the night of the 26th February in Holy Cross School Hall, for the Spring meeting of the Parish Forum on the topic “Issues Facing the Family” was a great encouragement to the organisers. However, in the event, despite their careful meticulous planning and checking to ensure all went well, the organisers and the assembly were to be disappointed by the non-arrival of the speaker with the inevitable result of the meeting being abandoned. Nevertheless, the good news is that they are currently hoping to have a meeting in early May on the general topic of Christian morality. They look forward to those who were disappointed having faith in them and coming along in even larger numbers. The Parish Forum is establishing itself as meeting a need of people who are concerned to discuss and clarify and inform their opinions on the problems, challenges and possible solutions confronting Christians in today’s environment. Not every topic will be of interest to everyone but it is the aim of the organisers to identify a range of topics which will be of interest to a cross section of our faith community. As the name Forum indicates, all are welcome to come along and participate and suggestions of topics are most welcome.
The next newsletter will be issued on 5th / 6th April. The deadline for submission of material for the April newsletter is 16th March. You may email the Parish Office at: parishofficedundrum@eircom.net Parish Office is open weekdays 9.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. Phone 2983494
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