VATICAN SURVEY ON THE FAMILY

As you are probably aware, in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family to be held 5^th – 19^th October, 2014, the Vatican has introduced a historic initiative to consult the People of God and seek their opinions on a number of Church teachings including contraception, same-sex marriage and divorce. 

Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops, asked the bishops’ conferences to commence a survey “immediately as widely as possible to deaneries and parishes so that input from local sources can be received.”

Information sheets and the Questionnaire are available in the Church for your attention.  We are inviting our parishioners to fill in this questionnaire, or as many sections as they wish, from their awareness and experience of the topics included, so that we can accurately respond to the Vatican. Parishioners can fill it in either as individuals, families or as groups.  The important thing is that it represents the lived experience of as many people, single, couples, families, in our Church.

This is a survey on pastoral experiences and a chance for people to have their say.  Pope Francis has made it clear that the voice of every Catholic matters in the Church, “no matter how often they practice the faith, there’s a home for them here and we want to re-invite them”. Please note that inserting your name on the questionnaire is totally optional. All opinions are welcome.  All responses will be treated with total confidence.  Questionnaires should be returned in a sealed envelope to the Parish Office by 15^th December, 2013.

SPECIAL NOVEMBER MASS

ANNUAL MASS FOR THOSE WHO DIED IN THE PAST YEAR

This Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 28^th November at 8.00 p.m. in the Church.

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.

ADVENT CELEBRATIONS AT THE FAMILY MASS

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas and we have plans to celebrate the four Sundays of Advent in a special way at the Family Mass.  We invite all families to come along and be part of these celebrations as we lead up to Christmas.  We invite all the children to put their names on to our Advent Board and to watch the advent wreath being lit each week, we will have special prayers for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love (the themes of Advent) and on Sunday 15^th December we will sign our Birthday card for Baby Jesus (to present to the crib on Christmas Day).  There are also special hymns just for Advent!

If you would like to be involved in parts of these Masses please contact Mary Clavin on 086-602 3313 or to join with our singers for Advent and Christmas please contact Anne Sorohan on 087-632 2727.  Alternatively you can speak to any member of the Family Mass team after 10.30am Mass each Sunday.

DUBLIN DIOCESAN FOOD APPEAL

Hundreds of people in our communities are in urgent need of help.  For the past number of months, the Crosscare Food Bank has not been able to keep up with demand for food from people in need in Dublin.  In response to this growing need, Crosscare is asking you to bring non-perishable food items to your Parish Church every Sunday of Advent.  A receptacle will be in the Sacristy for the next five weeks.  All donations will be collected by Crosscare.  Types of food urgently needed include pasta/rice, fruit juice, tea/coffee, soup, sugar, powdered milk, tinned meat/fish, tinned veg/fruit, packaged dessert, biscuits and hygiene products.  Please do what you can to support those most in need in our communities at this difficult time for so many.

OUR DEAD

Please remember in your prayers GARY MAHONY who died during the week. We offer our sympathy to his family.  May he rest in peace.

HOWTH PENINSULA HERITAGE SOCIETY NOVEMBER LECTURE

On Tuesday next, 26^th November at 8.00p.m. Prof. Colm Lennon, NUIM, will deliver a lecture in the Howth Sea-Angling Centre, West Pier, Howth on ’The History of Clontarf’  Admission to non-members of the Society is €4.00   All welcome. 

TABLE QUIZ - A NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY

Howth Sutton Lions Club is holding its Annual Table Quiz for charity in the Marine Hotel on Thursday 28^th November beginning at 8.00 pm.  Tables of 4-6 are €12.00 per person.  Great fun and great prizes.  Please come along on the night or contact Tom at 832 4365.

TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA VISIT

Santa will be making time in his hectic schedule to visit Howth next Sunday.  He will light up the Christmas Tree outside the Church and there will be the usual singing of Christmas carols and good fun.  Gather in the village next Sunday, 1^st December, at 5.00 p.m. and lets light up the Christmas spirit together!

PARISH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, BALDOYLE

The Annual Irish Choir Carol Service this year will be held at 3.00pm on 22^nd December.  Rehearsals for this Service will take place in the hall beside SS Peter and Paul's Church, Baldoyle, each Thursday evening at 8.00pm.  Perhaps you would like to play an instrument and/or sing - You will be most welcome.

HOWTH PARISH REFORM AND RENEWAL GROUP

The Howth Parish Reform and Renewal Group will meet on Monday 9^th December in St. Columbanus Hall at 8.00 pm.  The Topic for discussion will be the Vatican Survey in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family to be held 5^th – 19^th October, 2014.  All are welcome.

CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Sunday 17^th Nov. – First Collection  €645 and the special collection for Trocaire Syria/Philippine Fund €6,675

CHARITY TABLE QUIZ

A Charity Table Quiz will be held in Howth Golf Club on Friday 29^th November at 8pm with all proceeds to go to Bro Kevin at the Capuchin Centre for Homeless People in Bow Street.  This Centre provides free breakfasts, dinners and food parcels to over 600 people six days per week.  They welcome all people in need of food aid, whether homeless, socially excluded or just in need, in a non judgemental manner respecting their dignity and with no questions asked. Tables of 2 - 3, €10.00 per person. 

BEANN EADAIR GAA

Congratulations to ‘The Bens’ on their Duffy Cup success against St Columcilles in their recent Final.  The lads put an end to a 27 year silverware drought in fine style.  A special word must go to Byran Campbell, Goalkeeper. Amazingly Bryan played in the previous cup success a mere 27 years ago.  It must be the Howth air!  Hearty congratulations too to the U13 girls on their success in the shield and runners up position in the league.

Dublin Orchestral Players present ‘Raise the Roof’ a Fund-Raising Concert at St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Deerpark, Howth.  All proceeds go towards the Church Roof Fund.  Saturday 7^th December at 8.00pm. Tickets €12 from Brenda 087-220 9086