Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Few Words From Fr Joe……

Someone asked during the week if I was busy, to which I naturally replied, yes.  The questions continued, “Doing what?” Well this month it’s all about First Penance, First Communions and Funerals, lots of liturgies to prepare and celebrate and recover from. First Penance still generates a little bit of anxiety for the children, it gives them an opportunity for courage to be put into action and it gives expression to acknowledging faults and asking for forgiveness. We all know that it isn’t easy to say sorry and yet the very act of naming something we regret generates the positive experience of being heard, forgiven and encouraged to do better. The First Holy Communions are fascinating, age old traditions of girls in white dresses, boys in smart clothes, parents and grandparents beaming with pride and joy all through the celebration. Stepping forward with hand outstretched to receive the host for the first time, is a most special moment. Children join us at the breaking of the bread and we are delighted to welcome them to the table of the Lord.

As for funerals, three this week, very demanding indeed.  The first was the daughter of a school friend, just 33, with a hidden addiction to alcohol bringing a sudden and unexpected end to a talented, generous and gifted life. Her parents spoke at the close of the liturgy with such compassion, understanding and love, and we all wept with them. The second a woman of 52, mother of one beautiful daughter, and adored sister in a big close family. She had many health problems during her life, and her struggles had been supported by a wide circle of friends, their loss was great too. The third a lovely man in his senior years, with a life of more than four score years and ten. The three sons were his principle mourners as his siblings and friends were mostly gone before him. They personified the biblical commandment to ‘honour your mother and father’ as they spoke so tenderly of him and all the many ways he had blessed their lives. No two funerals are the same and every one matters.

Much of this significant pastoral activity is only possible because of the support of ordinary parishioners for the local church. Without you there would not be a beautiful, welcoming church, staffed and resourced so well, for those who mostly join us only for these most significant moments in their lives. Thank you for making the mission of the church possible.                                                     

Fr Joe Mullan - Moderator of Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion Parishes