Parishes Working Together for Mission

In a new diocesan plan the parishes of Johnstown, Cabinteely and Foxrock are being grouped together in one Pastoral Area. While each parish will retain its identity there will be greater cooperation and planning between the parishes. Ultimately there will be one Parish Priest or Moderator for the Pastoral Area. At present regular monthly meetings take place between the three parishes involving parish clergy and members of the Parish Pastoral Councils.

Here are the parishes with which we have links:

Faith Development activities next month in St Brigid's Cabinteely Parish.

MEDITATION

Are you felling stressed? Is life going too fast for you? Would you like to learn how to slow down? If your New Year resolution is to slow down then maybe you need to learn to meditate. There will be a FREE 4 week introduction to Christian Meditation on Mondays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th February from 7.30-8.30 in Cabinteely Pastoral Centre. All are welcome. Further Information

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The World Day of Prayer service will be held in Cabinteely Church on Friday 2nd March at 10.45. In preparation for this service there will be a morning Bible Study from 10.30-12.30 on Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th February in a parishioners home. All are welcome. Further information

New Alpha Course for Lent

Wed 1st Feb. 2012: 8.00pm – 9.30pm

(Continuing every Wednesday for 8 weeks)

Who is Alpha For?

Anyone interested in exploring the claims of Christianity or who would like to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. Come along on the first night and see what you think. This is our second Joint Alpha course held by Johnstown Parish and St Matthias' Church. Our first course was held in St Matthias Church in Sept. 2011 and was attended by 60 people from both COI and RC local churches. Many people were really blessed and new friendships were formed.

What is Alpha?

It is a 8 week course covering such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? and Why and How do I pray? Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Alpha can help you to deepen your relationship with the Lord. For more info see www.alphacourse.ie.

What is Involved?

Enjoy refreshments, watch a DVD for 20 minutes, then break into small groups to ask questions and discuss the topic. Participants will each be given an Alpha Manual.

How much does it Cost?

The Alpha Course is free. An offering will be taken to cover expenses.

To register:

Due to the success of the first joint Alpha last September, demand for this course is likely to be great. Please download a Booking Form and leave in or post to the Parish Office asap.

Article from Irish Catholic and the Church of Ireland Gazette Read more.....

Youth Alpha Training day on Sat 24th March 2012

Great news about Youth Alpha! Along with Scripture Union and Catholic Youth Care we are running our second Youth Alpha Training day on Sat 24th March 2012 in Dunshaughlin Parish Centre.

Last July, Alpha Ireland joined with CYC and Scripture Union in appointing Jonny Somerville as Youth Alpha Coordinator. In the Autumn, Jonny, along with School Chaplains and RE teachers, ran 13 Youth Alphas for 272 students in 11 Secondary/Community Schools mainly in Transition Year. This included schools in Tullamore, Sligo and Dublin. It is wonderful to see young people enjoying these courses and many coming alive in their faith. It is also wonderful to see many of the chaplains/R.E teachers excited as we are about facilitating the students to engage more with the Scriptures and enabling them to explore the person of Jesus.

You may be asking how does Youth Alpha differ from the original Alpha?

It's a more informal version of the Alpha course using the same teaching content but adapted in a way to better engage with teenagers. Youthalpha shares the same important elements as any Alpha course – food, a talk, and small groups (except with a lot more fun and many more games!). Youthalpha is presented 'live' and doesn't have a video set. This allows for an impactful relational approach and leaves room for continual improvements to maintain its relevancy.

See below a flier for the upcoming Youth Alpha Training day being held in the Dunshaughlin Parish Centre in Co. Meath. RE teachers, School chaplains and Youth/Parish workers should gain a lot from this day.

You can book online at our Interim Youth Alpha Website – Youth Alpha Booking Form

To ensure your place please book ASAP