Welcome to the Church of St. Columba

Monday 15^th August is the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady into Heaven, a holyday of obligation.
Mass here in Iona Road will be on Monday at 10.30am. This Mass will also be a funeral Mass for Betty O’Doherty.

Our thanks to those who contribute to the maintenance of the parish through the family offering and direct debit. We are in the process of acknowledging them but because of the cost of postage we have taken the decision to only contact those who contributed over €250 and have included a tax rebate form. The tax rebate has been of huge benefit to the parish over the years.

For those who have contributed so generously but fall under the €250 over the past year, you are welcome to call to the parish office and collect an acknowledgment letter directly during the week. Under GDPR restrictions we are not permitted to have our usual volunteers distribute these letters and we trust that you can understand this.

Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage will be taking place in Lourdes this year from 7th to 12th September. However, sadly, on medical advice, it was decided that there would not be a special section for sick pilgrims staying at the Accueil in Lourdes. There are still a number of places available and last minute bookings can still be made by groups or individuals by contacting the Joe Walsh Tours Office. More information is also on their website – www.joewalshtours.ie

The Associate Membership of the Pilgrimage

The Associate Membership of our pilgrimage is a tradition that goes way back to the 1950s. Whilst the funds that come in from it are the backbone of our fundraising for sick pilgrim costs, yet another important side is the blue intention sheets that each parish will have received. These are available in the church shop. Parishioners are invited to put their name on these forms and take the pilgrimage card. The blue sheets are returned to the Pilgrimage Office by Monday 5th September and will be taken to Lourdes and the intentions of all are then remembered in the Masses of the Pilgrimage. Some parishes have already returned theirs and we have received some donations with them. Whatever funds come in this time round, will be applied to the limited help that we can offer to immobile pilgrims in the hotels and also act as a reserve for Pilgrimage 2023 when we hope and pray that once again we will have a big number of sick pilgrims from all over the diocese coming on the pilgrimage and drawing strength from the graces they receive from their visit to Lourdes.

We at the Pilgrimage Office are so grateful for any assistance in promoting the ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP.

Fr Martin Noone, Director of the diocesan pilgrimage.

PATHWAYS: EXPLORING FAITH AND MINISTRY

Application is now open for the next intake of participants for Pathways. The programme, run by the Dublin Archdiocese, begins this year on Thursday, September 29, in DCU St Patrick’s Campus. Places are limited so early application is advisable

Pathways is a two-year, one evening a week course, for adults of all ages who wish to explore their faith. It runs from late September to May each year, with breaks for Christmas, Easter and mid-terms. There are no exams and no written work. The only requirement is an openness to listening to others and to participate. The cost is €400 per year which may be paid in instalments throughout the year. This cost is part funded by the parish here in Ballygall if we are contacted in advance of booking.

For more information visit www.missionministry.ie or contact Pathways director Eileen Houlahan, CHF, PhD, at 01 8087594 or pathways@dublindiocese.ie.

NATIONAL NOVENA AT KNOCK

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock takes place from this Sunday, August 14, to Monday, August 22, offering nine days of reflection and prayer and a chance to connect with your faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine. This year’s theme is ‘A Journey in Hope’. For more information and the programme of events, visit knockshrine.ie.

LEGION OF MARY CENTENARY CONCERT

To mark the 100th year anniversary of the Legion of Mary, a concert will take place in the historical surroundings of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, on Saturday, September 3. Special guests include award winning soprano Celine Byrne, the Dublin Concert Band, Lorraine Mathews. Book at Eventbrite. Tickets are €30 (premium – seating in reserved area) and €20 (general admission).

Please click on image to view Webcam for this service. Mass times may vary.