This Lent, we prepare ourselves for the promise of the life of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more suffering, hardship, greed or injustice.  Lent wakes us up to the promise that Christ overcomes darkness, despair, destitution and devastation.  As our parish prepares for Easter let us actively play our part to give concrete expression to that promise every day.

Trócaire Lenten campaign 2013

There is a display at the back of the Church on the work of Trócaire and their Lenten campaign this year.  This year Trócaire celebrates 40 years of working for justice overseas. We invite you to view the display; all the materials there have been provided by Trócaire. There is a thought for the week, a reflection on the Gospel and ideas for a sacred space (which change each week).  The parish newsletter will carry reflections each week and prayers of the faithful will reflect Trócaire’s work.  There is also a special page each week for the younger children, teaching them a little more about Ambika and her family.  Copies of the children’s pages are available to take home.

TROCAIRE BOXES FOR LENT

The Lenten TROCAIRE BOXES are available in the Church.  You are invited to take one.  These boxes are only for homes that have not received boxes through the schools.

“You shall be my Witnesses…”Parish Preparation for Confirmation Programme

On next SUNDAY, 24^th February at the 10.30 FAMILY MASS we welcome the young people of the parish who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later this year.  This is the third of the special Family Masses for Confirmation.  The young people and their parents will take an active part in the Liturgy on that day.  We invite parishioners to join parents and family members to pray for and support the young people as they prepare for this important Sacrament.  We will have special cards with the names of the young people and we invite parishioners to take a card and pray especially for that young person as he or she prepares for Confirmation.  We thank all the parents, parishioners and teachers who are involved in the preparation of the Mass.  For further information contact Valerie Darby, 086 313 7850 or Barbara, Parish Office, 839 7398

NOVENA OF GRACE

This year’s Novena of Grace will commence on Monday 4^th March at 8.00 p.m.

Monday 4^th to Friday 8^th March Novena Mass each evening at 8.00pm.  Saturday 9^th March Novena Mass at 7.00 p.m.  Sunday 10^th March Novena Mass at 12noon.  Monday and Tuesday 11^th and 12^th March Novena Mass at 8.00pm.  The Novena will be conducted by  FATHER PIARAS JACKSON, S.J.

  YEAR OF FAITH - ST. FINTAN'S PARISH ANNOUNCE A GOOD VALUE PARISH VISIT TO ROME ,  30^th OCT TO 5^th NOV 2013

Price: €659.00 per person sharing, staying in Residenze Madre Pie, Rome.  This residence is owned by the Madre Pie Sisters and is superbly located just a very short walk form St. Peter’s Square – within sight of the Bernini Colonnades.

Price includes, (1) return flights Dublin/Rome (2) Return Airport transfers with assistance (3) Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis for 6 nights (4) Half day orientation tour of the city by coach.

Extras: Airport taxes and baggage fee; Insurance; Single Room supplement (€25 per night); Tourist City Tax and Entrances where applicable.  Please contact St. Fintan's Parish Office, 01 839 2001 for Booking Forms or Tour Operator, Map Travel Ltd, 01 878 3111.

 OUR DEAD

Please remember in your prayers DOREEN MURPHY who died recently.  We offer our sympathy to her family.  May she rest in peace.

SAINT VINCENT De PAUL SOCIETY

The local Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society will hold their monthly collection to-day after all the Masses.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT TALKS –

People Questioning Faith: Faith Questioning People

The third talk is Resources for the Faith Journey:  What are our resources for the Faith Journey today and how can we open ourselves to benefit from them to the full?  This Talk will take place on Thursday, 21^st February, in Saint Columbanus Hall, at 7.30 p.m. followed by discussion.  The talks will be given by Fr. John Byrne and Dr. Bernadette Toal of Orlagh Retreat Centre.  All are welcome.

Howth Parish Reform and Renewal Group

In view of Pope Benedict's decision to resign from office at the end of the month, the February meeting will focus on the Papacy - 'Some historical insights and the Papacy in the 21^st Century'.  The meeting will take place in St. Columbanus Hall at 8.00 pm on Monday 25^th February.  All welcome.

HOWTH TIDY TOWNS

Volunteers are needed to take part in a SPRING CLEAN of the village of Howth and surrounding areas.  Introductory Meeting on Tuesday 19^th February at 8.00pm in the Abbey Tavern.

Traditional Music Session Beann Éadair GAA Club

Traditional Music Session in Howth GAA Club on the last Friday of every month at 9:30pm.  Next session Friday 22^nd February in Howth GAA Club.  Enjoy the music, join in and sing a song or two.

Mindfulness Meditation continues tomorrow evening, Monday, 18^th February at

7.30 p.m. in St. Columbanus Hall facilitated by Joe Clarke.