POPE FRANCIS and CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF FAITH

Crossing the threshold of the faith brings us to beg for everyone “the same sentiments that Christ had” (Phil. 2-5), so that each discover a new way of thinking, of communicating with one another, of looking at others, of respecting one another, of being in family together, of planning our futures, of living out love and our vocation. 

Crossing the threshold of the faith is to be active, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit present in the Church and who is also seen in the signs of the times.  It is to join in the constant movement of life and of history without falling into the paralyzing defeatism that everything in the past was better.  It is an urgency to think in new ways, to offer new suggestions, a new creativity, kneading life with “the new leaven of justice and holiness” (1 Cor. 5:8).

Crossing the threshold of the faith implies that we have eyes to wonder and a heart that is not lazily accustomed, that is able to recognize that every time a woman gives birth it is another bet placed for life and the future; that, when we watch out for the innocence of children we are guaranteeing the truth of a tomorrow and when we treat gently the dedicated life of an elderly person we are acting justly and caressing our own roots.

(extracts from Pastoral Letter of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) of Buenos Aires, October 2012)

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT de PAUL - Annual Clothing Appeal

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is seeking your help in its Annual Clothing Appeal.  The appeal is for clean, good-quality clothes, bed-clothes, curtains and shoes.  Bags will be distributed on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th July 2013.  The collection of the bags will take place on Sunday 4^th August DURING THE MORNING MASSES ONLY.  The Society is conscious of the tremendous support given by the Parishioners of this Parish over the years and thank you most sincerely on behalf of those you have helped. 

Mindfulness Meditation with Joe Clarke

Mindfulness Meditation continues in The Parish Hall (Saint Columbanus Hall), Main Street, Howth.  Tuesday mornings, 11.00 am to 12 noon.  All welcome.

HOWTH PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK

This year’s Howth Parish Pilgrimage to Knock has now been arranged for SUNDAY 1^st  SEPTEMBER.   Cost - €50 - which includes Coach, Lunch (Tea/Coffee/Sandwiches) and Evening Dinner at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.  Bookings may be made in the Parish Office/Sacristy weekday mornings.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival 15^th-18^th August

This exciting four day event offers workshops, concerts and inspiring talks from the Cistercian College, Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.  You can book on line@ www.youth2000.ie For further information contact 01-675 3690 or mobile 085-828 9231.

OUR DEAD

Please remember in your prayers ROSALEEN CAULDWELL who died recently.  We offer our sympathy to her family.  We also pray for SÍLE McNALLY who has died.  We offer our sympathy to her husband and family.  May they rest in peace.

Lumen Fidei – The Light of Faith

Pope Francis’ first encyclical “Lumen Fidei” was published on Friday 5th July.  The encyclical is available for download at www.vatican.va

 HOWTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

There are a limited number or places available for Junior Infants and other classes for the School year 2013/2014.  Contact Scoil Mhuire Tel 832 3572 Monday to Friday throughout July and August or the Parish Office at Tel. 839 7398 or email  howthns@gmail.com    

BICYCLES AND SCHOOL BOOKS FOR AFRICA

The local Dublin North Rotary Club, in co-operation with the Prison Service, is   involved in a major project to collect used bicycles, refurbish them and send    them to Africa.  The bicycles will be distributed to young school pupils from age  10 upwards.  If you are in a position to donate a bicycle you may bring it to   the Marine Hotel Car Park, on Tuesday 16th July between 12 noon and 4.00pmThe club is also sending used school books to Africa.  School text books,          irrespective of their vintage, will be most welcome and may also be dropped   off at  Marine Hotel Car Park on the same day, at the same time. 

RECENT BAPTISMS

The Parish Community warmly welcomes Isabella Fernandez, Saoirse Rooney and Jack Anderson who were baptised recently in our Church.  Congratulations and every joy to their proud Parents, Grand parents, God parents and extended family.

GREAT FREE CONCERT

Howth Parish are preparing to welcome the Birmingham Festival Choral Society later in July.  Their repertoire includes standard Choral Music, arrangements of traditional songs and songs from the Musicals.  On Sunday 28^th July, the choir will present an evening of mixed, classical and sacred music in the Church of the Assumption, Howth at 8.00 p.m.  All are welcome. 

CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Sunday 7^th July – First Collection  €890 and the Share collection    €710