St. Brendan's Parish

Pilgrimage to Honour St Brendan of Birr

david — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:25:47 +0000

Thanks to all who took part in and helped to organise our pilgrimage in honour of St Brendan of Birr on Saturday 28 August. It was good to see so many turn out and we were blessed with the weather.

Parish Vision & Mission Statement

david — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:45:15 +0000

This is the text of the draft Vision & Mission Statement for our parish and Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). A sub-committee was formed following a proposal at a meeting of the parish pastoral council that such a statement be drawn up. Following a period of reflection, prayer and consultation, the following draft was presented to the June 2010 meeting of the PPC who recommended that it be published here and in the newsletter, and comments invited from the parish. It is hoped to present the final version of the Statement to the September meeting of the PPC.
All comments are welcome - contact Fr David (057 9120098) or info@stbrendansbirr.ie

Parish of Birr Vision & Mission Statement

The people of our parish, believing in and inspired by Jesus Christ, are committed to making our parish a place where each person feels welcome, accepted and valued. Together we strive to build up a dynamic, caring and Christian community that is characterised by faith, mission, worship and service.

The Parish Pastoral Council brings together lay people, religious and the ordained to ensure the fulfilment of this vision, enhancing the quality of parish life and parish activity, and will work to establish a year-round stewardship programme to make the best use of all our gifts of time and talent.

New Bishop

david — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:42:20 +0000

The appointment of Fr Kieran O’Neill SMA to succeed Dr Willie Walsh as Bishop of Killaloe has been announced. Fr O’Neill, who is currently Superior-General of the SMA order, is a native of Cork and was ordained in 1978. Please keep him and the diocese in your prayers at this time. For more on the appointment and Fr Kieran, please visit www.killaloediocese.ie He will be ordained Bishop of Killaloe on Sunday 29 August in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis at 3pm.

A Prayer for our Bishop-Elect

Gracious God, you sent your only Son amongst us so that we may come to know you. Guide Kieran our bishop to act justly, to love tenderly, to walk humbly in your way so that he may make known the message of Christ your Son. May Kieran be a faithful servant, a wise teacher, a preacher of the truth and a gentle shepherd to guide our diocese of Killaloe so that we may journey together and praise you day by day. Amen

The Coat of Arms of Bishop Elect Kieran O’ReillyThis consists of, on the left hand side, the ancient arms of the Diocese of Killaloe, and on the right, the personal coat of arms chosen by the new bishop. The arms of the Diocese consist of a latin cross between four trefoils with the emblem of the key occupying the chief position. The arms connote the guardianship of Christ’s Kingdom, with special reference to St. Peter. The personal arms of the Bishop-Elect consist of representations that reflect the Bishop-Elect’s love of Sacred Scripture and his new role as Bishop of Killaloe. The open Bible with the symbols of the A and Ω (the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet) reminding us of Christ, the beginning and the end of all we are and do. The sword is a reference to St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 6:17: “And then you must take salvation as your helmet and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the Word of God.” The fish is an ancient Christian symbol. In the Bishop’s coat of arms it recalls the bodies of water; the Atlantic, Lough Derg, the Shannon which are an integral part of the Diocese of Killaloe.

Behind the shield is a Celtic Processional Cross. The shield is surmounted by the galero (the pilgrim’s hat) with cords and fiocchi (tassels). The traditional colour of galero, cords and fiocchi for a bishop is green with six fiocchi on each side of the shield. The motto Verbum Tuum Veritas (Your Word is Truth), chosen by Bishop-Elect O’Reilly is taken from the Gospel of St. John. (Jn.17:17) and is a further reflection of the new Bishop’s love of Sacred Scripture and expresses confidence in the promises of Jesus Christ for His Church.

Polish Community - Duszpasterstwo Polskie w Diecezji Killaloe

david — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:02:23 +0000

The next Mass for the Polish Community will be on Sunday 19 September at 6.30pm.
Msza sw. w jezyku polskim w miesiacu bedzie odprawiona 19.09.2010 o godz. 1830

The Garden of Tranquility - Perfect for Reflection and Prayer at St. Brendan’s Church

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:27:47 +0000

The Garden of Tranquility or Prayer Garden is a large space behind the car park in St. Brendan’s Church and is a perfect place for prayer and reflection. The Garden has been developed over the last two years and was the concept of the late Canon John Shalloo when he was celebrating 50 years in the priesthood. The Garden has a water feature resembling a a mass rock. Another feature, which was the idea of the late Canon John Shalloo, is the carved Stations of the Cross. These were carved by Clare artist Shane Gilmore from slate that had been part of the nearby church. You can see the Stations of the Cross by clicking here.

Click on links below for photos of the Garden of Tranquility

PAYE tax back

david — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:23 +0000

PAYE Tax back scheme -If you give to the parish a total of €250 or more in a calendar year then the parish is entitled to that sum that you have already paid in tax. This applies to PAYE sector workers only. This extra money comes directly to the parish and costs you nothing! To reclaim the money from the Government, we simply need you to sign a form stating that you pay €250 or more to the parish throughout the year. This includes money paid to the priests collections, collection for diocesan needs, parish development fund and the weekly baskets.

So, for example if you paid €2 to the weekly baskets this totals €104; an average of €10 in the priests collection and other collections will easily bring you to the minimum of €250. If you fill in the form, we will do all the paperwork necessary to get the money back from Government, through the Revenue Commissioners. It is a simple scheme, costing you nothing, and of tremendous benefit to the local parish. Forms are available in the churches or parish office. You can also download the form at http://www.revenue.ie/forms/chy2cert-charity.pdf and returned to the parish office.

Adoration of the Eucharist

david — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:56:20 +0000

New opening hours for the Adoration Chapel are as follows

Monday to Wednesday 9am -9pm; Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday & Saturday 9am-6pm.

The adoration chapel is closed on Sundays.

Library

david — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:43:21 +0000

Our parish library is divided into three collections of which two are available for general lending. The first is available in the Conference Room at St Brendan’s Church, Birr. If you wish to borrow a book from this collection, you may do so through the Parish Office. The second is in the Curate’s House on John’s Mall and books can be borrowed through an arrangement with the priest on duty - contact 086 3531955 or 057 9120098. The third collection is of rare books and is not available for general lending due to the condition of the books.

Please check back from time to time as the library is an ever-changing feast!

Conference Room Library 2009

david — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:39:31 +0000

St Brendan’s Church, Birr: Conference Room Library

SHELF ONE

Video St Therese - The Irish Visit (Power Pictures, Louis & Zelie Martin Foundation & RTÉ 2001)R Rohr Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the 12 Steps (Charismatic Renewal Services, Dublin)Veritas Productions A Vision of Parish (Veritas: Dublin)

The Parish (Veritas: Dublin)

Pastoral Care of the School (Veritas: Dublin)

Theological Historical Commission: The Holy Spirit, Lord & Giver of Life (Crossroad Herden: New York 1998)

R Brady Parents, Adolescents & Their Faith (Veritas Dublin: 1984)

W Breault SJ Under the Fig Tree - Stories of Prayer-Filled Moments (Ave Maria Press: Indiana 1980)

J M Champlin Together In Peace (Ave Maria Press: Indiana 1975)

G K Chesterton St Francis of Assisi (Hodder & Stoughton: London 1960)

An t-Áth Colmcille OCSO Urnaithe Tráthnoná Trá th na hEaspala (Foilseachain Ábhar Spioradála: Dublin 1979)

An t-Áth Colmcille OCSO Urnaí na hOíche (Foilseachain Ábhar Spioradála: Dublin 1974)

Mons P Coughlan Editor A Prayer Book for Holy Year (Talbot Press: Dublin 1974)

C de Hueck Doherty Poustinia Christian Spirituality of the East for Western Man(Ave Maria Press: Indiana 1974)

also; Strannick The Call to Pilgrimage for Western Man (Ave Maria Press: Indiana 1978)

Fynn Mister God This is Anna (Collins: London 1974)

E Griffin O Carm Living Prayer (Veritas: Dublin 1996)

M Hellwig What Are The Theologians Saying? (Pflaum/Standard Publishing: Dayton 1970)

J Kelly The Wonder & Mystery of Love (Ardevin Publishing: Portlaoise 2002)

J McManus Healing in the Spirit (Redemptorist Publications 2002)

G A Maloney Inward Stillness (Dimension Books: New Jersey 1976)

F Martin, B O’Hare, M Martin Gathered in His Name Assemblies for Juniors (Mayhew-McCrimmon: Great Wakering 1973)

An tAth S Ó Duinn Amhran Coimrí Grá sanna don Teaghlach (Foilseachain Ábhar Spioradála: Dublin 1979)

F Pakenham Humility (Collins Publications: London 1969)

J Powell SJ A Reason To Live! A Reason to Die! A New Look at Faith in God (Argus Communications: USA 1972)

M Quoist Christ is Alive (Gill & MacMillan: Dublin 1971)

P Ripple Walking with Loneliness (Ave Maria Press: Indiana 1982)

L Schubert Miracle Hour A Method of Prayer That Will Change Your Life

L Sheil Pray Like this With Paul (St Paul’s: Boston 1963)

W Stephenson SJ Ascending By Steps (Messenger Publishing: Dublin 1970)

V Travers OP In Touch With God (St Martin Apostolate: Dublin 2003) 2copies

Jean Vanier Do Not Be Afraid (Gill and MacMillan: Dublin 1975)

Peter Van Breemen Called By Name (Dimension Books: New Jersey 1976)

E Wolters, ed. The Cloud of Unknowing & Other Works (Penguin: London 1978)

Killaloe Diocese Forward Together Draft Handbook for Parish Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Killaloe (4 copies)

Killaloe Diocese Killaloe Diocese Pastoral Plan 2004 (2 copies)

Sr M McNamara Lenten Reflections 2007 Killaloe Diocese (Multiple Copies)

Sr M McNamara Lenten Reflections 2008 Killaloe Diocese (Multiple Copies)

M Verteuil Your Word is A Light For My Steps: Lectio Divina (4 copies) (Veritas: Dublin 1996)

Praying the Gospel of Lent A (Columba Press: Dublin 1999)

Praying the Gospel of Lent B (Columba Press: Dublin 2000)

Praying the Gospel of Lent C (Columba Press: Dublin 2001)

Celebrating Advent A (Columba Press: Dublin 1998)

Celebrating Advent B (Columba Press: Dublin 1999)

Celebrating Advent C (Columba Press: Dublin 2000)

C Kilcoyne Reading in Church - A Practical Guide (Multiple Copies) (2004)

SHELF TWO

Aid to the Church in Need God Speaks to His Children Texts from the Bible (2 copies) (Editorial Verbo Divino: Navarra 1990)

Theological - Historical Commission: The Eucharist, Gift of Divine Life (Crossroad Publg Co: New York 1999)

P Caraman SJ & J Walsh SJ, eds. The Fulton J Sheen Sunday Missal (Hawthorn Books: New York 1961)

Carmelites The New Companion to the Breviary (Carmelite Monastery: Indianapolis 1980?)

C Dodd Making RCIA Work An Anthology of Material For Use in RCIA Groups (2 copies) (Geoffrey Chapman: London 1993)

B Fitzgerald Take & Read (Dominican Publications: Dublin 1986)

S Hardegen OFM Chronological Harmony of the Gospels (St Anthony Guild Press: New Jersey 1945)

O Hirmer Our Journey Together RCIA (Lumko Publications: Lumko 1986)

O Hirmer & F Lobinger Sunday Readers Lectionary (Collins: London 1986)

A Jones, ed. Jerusalem Bible New Testament (Darton, Longman & Todd: London 1967)

Lectionary Volume 1 (Collins Liturgical Publications: London 1982)

Here’s Hope, Jesus Cares For You New Testament New International Version (Broadman & Holman: Nashville 1988)

Cardinal McRory, ed. Gospel of St John Latin (Browne & Nolan: Dublin)

J P Meier Matthew (Veritas: Dublin 1980)

Rev C E Miller Opening the Treasures: Daily Homily Meditations (Alba House: New York 1982)

P O’Fiannachta Lú cá s (An Sagart: Maigh Nuad 1983)

Diagacht don Phobal (An Sagart: Maigh Nuad 1987)

Gairdí n an Anama: Leabhar Urnaithe an Phobail (An Sagart: Maigh Nuad 1985)

K O’Sullivan The Sunday Readings 3 Volumes (Assisi Press: Dublin 1970)

Pope Paul VI Humanae Vitae The Regulation of Birth (CTS Ireland: 1968)

J Rhymer & A Bullen Companion to the Good News (Fontana: London 1971)

St Andrew’s Abbey St Andrew Bible Missal (Abbaye de Saint Andre: Bruges 1962)

T Schatten Jesus: The Gospel Told For Our Time (2 copies) (Effata Publishing: Dublin 2004)

C. Wright User’s Guide to the Bible (Lion Publishing: Tring 1984)

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “Dominus Iesus” On the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Church Declaration (CTS: London 2000)

Irish Catholic Bishops Conference Pastorals

Handing on the Faith in the Home (x2) (Veritas: Dublin 1994)

Love is for Life (Veritas: Dublin 1985)

Towards Healing (Veritas: Dublin 2005)

Caring for Life (x2) (Veritas: Dublin 1982)

Archbishop D Connell A Cry of the Heart Lent 1996 (Veritas: Dublin 1996)

Irish Theological Commission A New Age of the Spirit: A Catholic Response to the New Age Phenomenon (Veritas: Dublin 1984)

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Respect for Human Life in its Origin and the Dignity of Procreation - replies to certain questions of the day (Éditions Paulines: Sherbrooke (1987)

E Beck I Believe - A Little Catholic Catechism (Kirche in Not: Königstein im Taunus: 1998)

E La Verdiere Year of the Eucharist: Ecclesia Eucharistia Explained (CTS: London 1984)

E Yamold SJ The Pope Answers: The Mission of Christ the Redeemer (St Paul Publications: Slough 1992)

W Dalton Parish Pastoral Councils A Handbook Including A Formation Course for Members (Columba Press: Dublin 1989)

D Harrington Parish Renewal Volume 1 (Columba Press: Dublin 1997) (x3)

Dublin Diocese Parish Development & Renewal - Presenting the Dublin Experience (Veritas: Dublin 1993)

Dublin Diocese Come & See A New Vision of Parish Renewal (Veritas: Dublin 1993)

E Lyons Partnership in Parish A Vision for Parish Life, Mission and Minstry (The Columba Press: Dublin 1987)

M Tierney Cults, Sects and New Religious Groups (Irish Messenger Publications: Dublin 1984)

Pray for Peace (Veritas: Dublin)

Special Section on Pope John Paul II

A Nowak John Paul II 1920-2005, Illustrated Biography (Kluszczynski: Krakow 2005)

Pope John Paul II The Pope in Britain Collected Homilies & Speeches (St Paul Publications: Slough 1992)

The Pope in Ireland: Addresses & Homilies (Veritas: Dublin 1979)

Casa Editrice Bonechi John Paul the Great (Bonechi Books: Florence 2005)

Newsweek The Pope’s Historic Trip October 8, 1979

Pope John Paul II

Introducing Redemptoris Missio (Society for the Propagation of the Faith: Rome 1991)

Dies Domini - On Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy (Family Publns: Oxford 1998)

Catechesi Tradendae - Catechesis in Our Time (St Paul: Boston 1979)

Centesimus Annus (CTS: London 1991)

Christifideles Laici -On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and the Modern World. (CTS: London 1988)

Dominum et Vivificantem - The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World (St Paul: Boston 1986)

Familiaris Consortio - The Christian Family in the Modern World (CTS: London 1981)

Fides et Ratio - Faith and Reason (Veritas: Dublin 1998)

Novo Millennio Inuente - At the Beginning of the New Millennium (CTS: London 2001) (x2)

Redemptoris Missio - On the Permanent Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate (CTS: London 1990) (x2)

Tertio Millennio Adveniente - The Jubilee of the Year 2000 (Médiaspaul: Sherbrooke 1994)

Ut Unum Sint - Commitment to Ecumenism (CTS: London 1995)

Veritatis Splendor - The Splendor of Truth (É ditions Paulines: Sherbrooke 1993)

SHELF THREE

3.1

Sami Amwad The Holy Land in Colour (Golden Printing Press: Jerusalem 1994)

C Brady editor Céad Bliain Faoi Rath: The Story of Cistercian College, Roscrea 1905-2005 (Cistercian Press: Roscrea 2005)

J Deharbe SJ Catechism of the Catholic Religion (Burns & Oates: London 1885)

J Duffy & J McEvoy The Churches of Kildare & Leighlin 2000AD (Strasbourg: editions du Signe 2001)

A C Emmerich The Dolorus Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ from Meditations of Anne Catherine Emmerich (Burns, Oates & Washbourne: London 1948)

Fr G Fitzgerald Most Rev Dr J Rodgers Co-Adjutor Bishop of Killaloe 1948-55 Bishop of Killaloe 1955-1966 (No publishing details)

E J Hardy How to Be Happy Though Married (Collins: London 1913)

WJ Hayes & J Kennedy The Parish Churches of North Tipperary: Commemorating a 200 Year Heritage (Lisheen Publications: Roscrea 2007)

T Á Kempis The Imitation of Christ (Laverty & Sons: Leeds 1926)

R A Knox A Spiritual Aeneid (Longmans, Green & Co: London 1919)

National Museum of Ireland Early Communion Vessels (Nat. Museum: Dublin 1985)

W McDonald Reminiscences of A Maynooth Professor (Mercier Press: Cork 1967)

L Maher I Remember Neil Kevin (L Maher: Roscrea 1990) 2Copies

I Murphy Diocese of Killaloe in the Eighteenth Century (Four Courts Press: Dublin 1991)

also; Diocese of Killaloe 1850-1904 (Four Courts Press: Dublin 1995)

C M O’Brien Life of St Finn Barr Founder and Patron of the City and Diocese of Cork New Printing (Killarney Printing Works: Killarney 1985)

Sr P O’Brien RSM The Sisters of Mercy of Birr and Nenagh (Congregation of Sisters of Mercy: Ennis 1994)

E E O’Donnell Fr Browne A Life in Pictures (Wolfhound Press: Dublin 1994) 2copies

C Ó Murchadha The Diocese of Killaloe - An Illustrated History (Booklink: Ireland 2008)

Editor unknown Complete Texts of John F Kennedy’s Visit to Ireland (Grafton Advertising: Dublin 1963)

L Power Kevin A Portrait of Archbishop Kevin McNamara (Blackwater Press: Dublin 1993)

M Harding, ed. Luceat 1999 (St Patrick’s College: Thurles 1999)

N Keskin Ephesus - Guide Book (Keskin Color: Matbassi 2005)

Sr S Kennedy Now is the Time Spiritual Reflections (Townhouse: Dublin 1988)

R Butler, ed. St Flannan’s College 1881-1991 (St Flannan’s: Ennis 1981)

Author Unknown St Flannan’s College Photograph Collection

K Waldron Archdiocese of Tuam: An Illustrated History (Booklink: Tuam 2005)

3.2

D Bianco-Pepi Merisio I Am With You Always (Editions Pauline: Quebec 1978)

P Collins CM Me You and God (All Hallows: Dublin 1990)

H Exley A Special Gift of Peace and Calm (Exley Books: Watford 2001)

A Special Gift of Wisdom (Exley Books: Watford 2001)

Derek Fanning The Tunnel An Epic Poem (2006)

M Fishback-Powers Footprints Scripture with Reflections For Men (Inspirio: Michigan 2004)

E Fischer Maybe A Second Spring - The Story of the Missionary Sisters of St Columban in China (Crossroad: New York 1983)

TW Greene Scars (Parkmore Press: Roscrea 1988)

B Hoban The Lisnagoola Chronicles Musings on the Clerical Life (Columba Press: Dublin 1995)

P Hoctor Life and the Way You Might Look At It (P Hoctor/IWA: Birr 2000)

Francis Johnston Fatima The Great Sign (Augustine Publishing: Devon 1980)

C Kehoe Canticles of Word & Colour (Sr Carmel Kehoe: Wexford 1995)

Fr L Kondar SVD, ed. Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words (Fatima: 1998)

P Lamborn Wilson The Little Book of Angels (Element Books: Dorset 1993)

R Laurentin Bernadette of Lourdes: A Life Based on Authenticated Documents (Darton, Longman & Todd: London 1979)

O Murray The Welcome Rain (Derg House: Dublin 1991)
E O’Connor editor Sums, Not Sticks An anthology of Stories by 5^th Class at St Brendan’s Primary School, Birr. (Blackwater Press: Dublin 2004)

N Ní Domhnaill Feis (An Sagart: Maigh Nuad 1991)

An t-Ath D Ó Ríordáin Gobnait, Teachtaire Dé (Unknown Publication details)

E Ó Tuairisc Lux Aeterna (Allen Figgis: Dublin 1964)

Fr A Pangrazzi Your Words in Prayer in Time of Illness (Alba House: New York 1982)

G Rouault & P de Brún Miserere (Gill & MacMillan: Dublin 1971)

Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes Way of the Cross

A R Smith, ed. ‘Renewal of Our Faith Series’

Book 1: The Boy Who Nearly Died … and More

Book 2: The Real Christmas Love Story

The Re-Opening of Carrig Church

david — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:16:46 +0000

On Sunday evening there was the re-opening of the church in Carrig. The Bishop, Willie Walsh did the ceremony. There was a lot of priests there too. Six pupils from Carrig School played the Tin-whistle before Holy Communion was given to the people. After the Mass everyone went back to the hall for Tea and Coffee and sandwiches for the adults and crisps and buns and fizzy drinks for the children. The Mass started at 6 o’clock and ended at 7.30. The children had lots of Fun outside and most people came home at around 9 o’clock. (By Niamh Killeen)
I went to the opening of the church in Carrig last Sunday evening at 6 o’clock. Our Bishop Willie Walsh was there to say the Mass. And the servers were great and so were the readers. The choir was very enjoyable. But the whole mass was excellent. And after, there were lovely refreshments in the hall and everybody loved it. (By Lisa Hoctor)
Sunday 12th October Bishop Willie Walsh came to the re-opening of Carrig Church. It was a beautiful ceremony. The singing was lovely and the readings were very well done. There were eight priests who all had a part in the mass and all were very good. After the mass we all went to the hall for tea. It was lovely and the food was lovely too. The kids had great fun playing outside the hall with their friends. It is really nice for people to go into the church and pray and to light a candle. (By Ellen Cashen. Aged 10).