Annunciation Times Special Christmas Edition 2013

“Unto Us A Child Is Born.” Rathfarnham is one of four parishes working together, our sister parishes being Ballyroan, Ballyboden and Churchtown. The Parish Team: Moderator & Co-Parish Priest: Very Rev. Martin Noone. St. Mary’s Presbytery, Willbrook Road. Phone/Fax: 495 4554. Email: [email protected] Co-Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph Ryan St. Mary’s Presbytery, Willbrook Road. Phone: 493 2390. Pastoral Worker: Ms. Margaret Drew C/o The Parish Office Phone: 495 8695 Parish Office: Parish Pastoral Centre, Willbrook Road. Mon-Fri. 10am - 12.00noon. Phone: 495 8695 Email: [email protected] Parish Secretary: Bairbre Kane. Chairperson, Parish Pastoral Council: Mr. Mark Woods, c/o The Parish Office. Mass Times: Sundays: Saturday Vigil; 6.45pm (Folk Group); Morning: 8.30 (as Gaeilge); 9.30, 10.45 (School Choirs), 12.00 Noon. (Parish Choir). Evening: 4.30pm.

The Deep End A reflection on the Gospel of the Day Mass of Christmas Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Mind-boggling is an expression that can seem over the top when used too readily but not when applied to Christmas. The news of God becoming man is heady stuff indeed, but for the Creator and Lord of all things to be born in a stable well that is just mind-boggling! And the mind continues to boggle with gospel of THE DAY MASS of Christmas (John 1:1-18). It’s lofty. It’s sublime. It tells of the Word who was with God in the beginning and through whom all things were made becoming flesh and being rejected by his own. It’s not easy to comprehend. Far easier to face a painting of a baby in its mother’s arms. Far easier to face the cherubic countenance of a plaster cast child in a crib. Far easier to dull the mystery with alcoholic cheer, and programmed goodwill. So much easier, in fact, that we may fail to see the connection between two mindboggling events: Jesus birth and his resurrection. Jesus birth is his gateway to resurrection. Today we celebrate not just our joy at God becoming man. We thrill at our own birth too it being the gateway to our resurrection. Now that’s mindboggling too. (This reflection is from the late Fr. Tom Cahill SVD who died last January) (Published with permission from Intercom Magazine)

Working Holy Days: Vigil: 7.30pm. Morning: 10.00am, 11.30am. Evening: 7.30pm. Weekdays: Mon- Fri 10.00am & 7.30pm. Saturdays: 11.00am. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturdays: 11.30am-12.30pm. & 6.30pm. Eves of Holy Days & First Fridays: 10.30am. Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Saturdays at 3.30pm. (Preparation Meeting on the previous Thursday evening at 8.30pm in the Pastoral Centre).

WE WISH ALL OUR READERS THE JOY AND PEACE OF THIS CHRISTMAS

www.annunciationrathfarnham.ie

Annunciation Times GOES ON CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!! Our weekly newsletter, ANNUNCIATION TIMES, will not be published again until Sunday 19th January 2014. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who ensure that we have a weekly newsletter through the year.

From the Pastor’s Desk

Thank you for your generosity Last Week’s Collections: First Collection €2,571 SHARE.: €1,823 Family Offering: €1,542

“Pray Out The Old, Pray In The New” A special LAST LIGHT Ceremony will be held in the Church on Tuesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve) at 4.30pm and just as the sun sets on the last day of 2013. Please join us as we give thanks for the blessings of the year 2013 that is just ending and as we invoke God’s help for the New Year of 2014.

Diocesan Mass for Peace ~ New Years Day The Annual Diocesan Mass for Peace traditionally celebrated on New Years Day will take place in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral this year. It will be at 11.00 a.m. and the Principal Celebrant will be Archbishop Martin. The President, The Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor, members of the Government and the Diplomatic Corp will attend. January 1st is the feast of Mary, the Mother of God and our parish Mass on that day (11.00am) will also be for Peace in the World. It is fitting that we pray for PEACE on Mary’s feast day, as she is the Queen of Peace.

Dear Friends, As you read this it is already into the Christmas Season, but as I write it there are still a few days to go. There are lots of people in these last few frantic days who would like most for Christmas, a couple more weeks to prepare for it. But now the day has arrived. How have we all prepared for it? What is the day all about? Central to any Christmas celebrations is the Child, whether it is a child ripping open presents under the tree or the CHILD who lies in a manger. These images of the Child at Christmas must cause us to pause and to reflect on why God gave us that wonderful image of ‘Mother and Child’. What does it mean for us? How do we react to it? We all react in differing and yet similar ways at Christmas. There is a much good will around. There are lots of people in the Church today who would not normally be here. Incidentally if you are one such person who has ‘come home’ to God and Church for Christmas perhaps you would consider ‘staying home’ with Him through the year that lies ahead. I know God would love to have your company and so would we – the community of the Annunciation Parish. Christmas does strange things for us – if only we could bottle all that goodness and keep it alive through the days, weeks and months of 2014. And it’s all because of A Child. ************ The preparation for the Birthday of Jesus and Christmas has come once again. It’s time for me to say a heartfelt thanks to so many people who have helped in lots of different ways to make the Church building and our Celebrations in it, truly special this year. More special than other Christmases too since it is our first back in a beautifully refurbished church. I am not going to single any one person or group out – there are just so many people who do so much for us. I really believe that the hard work helps to make our visits to the Church today and all through the Season more prayerful and more reflective – bringing out for us the real meaning of the birth of Our Saviour – Jesus Christ. I hope to be able to greet many of you personally after the Masses on this Christmas Morning, but to everyone I want to wish you all the joys, blessings and peace of this Christmas, and may that peace remain with you all through 2014. Happy Christmas. Fr. Martin. P.S. As the four candles of our weeks of preparation for Christmas disappear, there remains in our Advent Wreath – now our Christmas Wreath – just one white candle for Christ – the Light of the World is among us once again to brighten those dark corners of our lives. The final symbol to be brought to the Jesse Tree is called ‘Chi-Rho’. It is the letters P-A-X criss-crossed speaking Peace and telling us that this Christ who is born is the fulfilment of all of the Old Testament – all of the other symbols brought over the last few weeks.

Questions People Ask Art Competition of The Year of Faith

Q. St. Joseph was part of the Christmas story but then disappears from the gospel. What happened to him? R. He was still there with Mary and Jesus 12 years later on their pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. Since he was not present during the public ministry of Jesus, we assume that he had died. But maybe he wasn’t long dead, because Jesus was still identified as the ‘son of the carpenter’. The brothers and sisters of Jesus who are mentioned in the gospel may have been Joseph’s children by a previous marriage. Unlike Jesus, these are never called the children of Mary.

Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap (Published with permission from INTERCOM)

Christmas Dues Website of the Week www.bethlehem.org Website of Bethlehem– City of Jesus

The Christmas Dues is, if you like, your Christmas gift to the priests of the parishes of the dioceses and to sick and retired clergy, as paid into the central or “Common Fund”. If you have not received a dues envelope with the Christmas pack, there are plenty of spare envelopes at the doors of the Church. Please return your Christmas Offering to your Weekly Church collector, to the sacristy, or to any of the priests’ houses. Many thanks to all in anticipation of your unfailing kindness.

Masses through the Christmas Season Thursday - Saturday 26th/28th December: Saturday/Sunday 28th/29th December: Monday 30th December: Tuesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): (Last Light Ceremony at 4.30pm)

Mass at 11.00am. Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses as usual including Sunday Evening Mass at 4.30pm. Morning Mass at 11.00am. Morning Mass at 11.00am

Wednesday 1st January 2014. (New Year’s Day) Feast of Mary, Mother of God Annual Mass for Peace at 11.00am only Thursday – Saturday( 2nd - 4th January): (No Evening Mass from Wednesday to Friday)

Mass at 11.00am

Saturday/Sunday (4th/5th January): Vigil & Sunday Masses as usual including Sunday Evening Mass at 4.30pm. Monday 6th January ~ Feast of the Epiphany (Holy Day of Obligation) Masses at 10.00am; 11.30am and 7.30pm.

Looking Ahead To Next Sunday’s Readings Feast Of The Holy Family First Reading: (Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6. 12-14). This reading could be seen as a brief commentary on the commandment to honour one’s parents. This entails not only obeying them when we are young, but looking after them when they are old. Second Reading: (Colossians 3:12-21). This stresses the atmosphere of love that should reign in a Christian family. It places special emphasis on mutual forgiveness. Gospel: (Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23). We see the love of Mary and Joseph for the Child Jesus. They willingly uproot themselves and go into exile in order to protect him from Herod.

Our daily Mass schedule returns to normal on Tuesday 7th January

This Week’s Calendar Of Feasts Thursday 26th

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Friday 27th

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Saturday 28th

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St. Stephen – First Martyr He was one of those in charge of the poor and needy. He is patron of deacons, stonemasons and bricklayers. St John, Apostle and Evangelist. St John, brother of James, son of Zebedee, the disciple who Jesus loved, is traditionally said to have died at Ephesus. The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Today we remember the children who were killed at the command of King Herod. The holy family escape into Egypt and live there as refugees.

Reflection on the Year from our Parish Pastoral Worker What a wonderful year this has been, the Year of Faith announced by Pope Benedict. We as a parish came together as a community of Faith and celebrated that Faith through the many liturgies, services and events that were organised. So many people have walked, prayed, sang, and broke bread together in many different forms. There are so many memories which have left a lasting effect on me; here are just a few of these memories: In March we walked the Labyrinth in Abbey house, a time of finding peace, healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. The Children’s Workshop in May saw the children explore the Blessed Trinity through art and prayer. It was so enriching to see these young people engaging with their faith in a very active and creative way. The Art Competition for young people which illustrated the Nicene Creed in many different forms of art. Little did we know that we had such talented young artists in our midst! The Penal Mass House Mass and Picnic brought many people of all ages together and we were blest yet again with a warm sunny day. From Fr. Martin’s BBQ we fed what felt like the ‘feeding of the 5000’, the magician and ice creams brought a smile not only to the children! The pilgrimage to Lough Derg in September was truly a spiritual experience and one which brought to mind the early Christian communities. (‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:45, 47) New friendships have been formed this year and our lives have been transformed and nourished by what we have experienced in faith and friendship. Next year we will continue to come together and support each other on our journey of faith. Thank you to all who have made this year a very special year for our parish. Have a very blessed Christmas and I look forward to working with you all through 2014. Margaret Drew

Community Friendship Community Friendship is a group within the parish who visit the elderly and the housebound. Over the last year they have been visiting people in their homes for an hour a week. At a recent meeting they reviewed the year and many of the volunteers said their visits to people had been wonderful and fulfilling experiences. The people they visit have also found that the company of these ‘friends’ has been very enriching for them.

A Prayer from Bethlehem at Christmas The violence and conflict which still haunts the place where Jesus was born and walked two thousand years ago affect us all today. As we remember the birth of Jesus in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem, we cannot but remember the people of Bethlehem today that suffer poverty, a lack of housing, unemployment, fear and isolation. As we prepare for Christmas, we have received a short prayer from the Parish Priest in St. Catherine’s Parish of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

‘Lord you know all who are suffering here because of the political situation and the climate of war. You know also that everything can be resolved if there is peace. Dear Baby Jesus, through the intercession of your holy mother and Saint Joseph, send us peace as soon as possible.

The Year Past in pictures of Parish Life

efully The new website being car in the h nc lau examined after the B.N.S. s ry' Ma St. Computer Room of

alled by Children with Fr. Joe enthr ! the magician after Mass!

beneath Fr Joe with Altar Servers the Year of Faith Banner

A real stage co mes in handy fo r these children at Fam ily Mass in Beau fort

Parishioners chatting excitedly at the CUPPA after the Ceremony

A stark reminde

Fr. Martin from behind within the Penal Mass House offers Mass with the gathered crowd on a Sunny Trinity Sunday afternoon

First Communion children at Corpus Christi Procession for Year of Faith in Clonliffe

r of church clos

ure

The Loreto Abb ey Graveyard – such a part of the faith in Ra thfarnham

Home from Home

During refurbishment Daily Mass was celebrated in the Pastoral Centre, on Sundays in Beaufort and on Holy Days in St. Mary’s B.N.S for which use we were so grateful

Church of the Annunciation re-opens in December 2013 after major refurbishment

The Sanctuary of Annunciation Church at a wedding in 1973

nt The relocated Baptism Fo

The Parish Team cut the "Re-opening C ake" after the Blessing Cerem ony

The Alter and Apse

The same Sanctuary exactly forty years on in 2013 during the re-opening ceremony with Archbishop Martin

ent ceiling A close-up of the magnific ed panels beautifully restor

mber agnif icent ti m e th d n a n work on The orga beauty. More r e rm fo to one. restored s yet to be d the organ ha

Archbishop Martin receiv es symbols of the history of our Parish at the Re-opening Ceremony

The Ambry of Holy Oils placed at the Baptism Font

The Original Sa nctuary Lamp back in its righ tful place afte r nearly forty ye ars.

A new home fo r the shrines of St. Anthony and St. Joseph

gious Goods The REPOSITORY or "Reli ture Shop" - another new fea

The Light of Bethlehem A Christmas Reflection by T.C. I’m sure none of us remember being born, but for a baby it must be a traumatic experience. The first trauma, I would imagine must be the instinct to start breathing, and, after that, seeing light for the first time. Just imagine opening your eyes for the very first time and seeing a series of blurred faces looking at you. Then, behind the faces are the lights of the delivery room. Later, as we mature and grow into childhood, light becomes very important. Indeed, we reach a stage as a toddler when we want our parents to leave the light on in our bedroom. We become scared of the dark. We associate light with sunshine, happiness and playing with our toys. But when we read the New Testament account of the birth of Jesus it seems as if there was very little light in the stable behind the inn. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that he was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. A helpless baby, wrapped tightly so he couldn’t move and put to lie on straw in an animal feeding trough. Maybe it was as well that there was very little light there. Yet, there was light. There was a light outside, a light which drew the three wise men to set out on a journey, attracted by this new baby saviour. But while the wise men were saddling up and selecting their gifts to bring with them, the shepherds minding sheep nearby saw the same strange light in the sky. Then they were frightened by the appearance of an angel who told them – “I bring you news of great joy. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” These shepherds were ordinary working people, just like us, yet they were the first to visit the new-born Jesus, who was born to lead us to the kingdom of God. They would have turned up in smelly working clothes and would have been familiar with sounds, smells and darkness of a stable. Yet, they listened to the angel and followed the light Today, we, as ordinary people of God, are invited to come with our imperfections and to follow the light which will lead us to the infant saviour. That light is to be found whenever and wherever we seek it. We were promised that light by the prophet Isaiah when he wrote “The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow, a light has shone”. T.C.

(T.C. is a regular columnist with Annunciation Times and also with SPIRIT RADIO. We thank him for his reflective pieces through the year. The Editor)

The Twelve Days Of Christmas Most of us don’t take the song – ‘THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS’ too seriously and in recent times parodies of the same song have appeared. But hold on for a minute! A priest friend of mine gave me this little piece which I never knew and which I find very interesting. This is the real and true background to the song which gives it a whole new meaning. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written in the sixteenth century. Moreover, it was written by a couple of wily Jesuits who were playing a dangerous game. For you see, this was sixteenth-century England and in Sixteenth-century England anything Catholic was prohibited and, if found out, was punishable by imprisonment and death. As a result, the Catholic faith was forced underground. Still, there was, as you can imagine, a desperate need to encourage the faith and, above all, to instil it into the next generation. So these Jesuits came up with a way to teach the outline of faith – but in code. And the code was our song. It sounds harmless enough to us, but let us look at it more closely. The twelve days of Christmas as everyone knew, was the nativity celebration from Christmas Day to Epiphany. ‘My true love said to me; is God speaking to the anonymous Catholic. “Twelve lords a-leaping” are not, as you might guess, the twelve Apostles, but rather the twelve beliefs outlined in the Apostles’ Creed. The “eleven pipers piping” are the eleven apostles (Judas having left) who pipe the faith in an unbroken tradition. The “ten ladies dancing” are the Ten Commandments. The “nine drummers drumming” are the nine choirs of angels The “eight maids a-milking” are the eight beatitudes. The “seven swans a-swimming” are, of course, the seven sacraments. The “six geese a-laying” are the six precepts of the Church. The “five golden rings” are the Pentateuch, the first books of the Bible. The “four calling birds” are the four Gospels which sing the Good News; The “three French hens” are the three gifts the Magi brought; the “two turtledoves” are the old and the new testaments and, finally of course, “the partridge in the pear tree” is the resplendent Christ reigning from the cross. Now, for the uninitiated sixteenth-century Protestant Englanders, the song was a simple holiday pleasantry. But for those who were playing hide-and-seek with their faith, it was a coded outline from which one could unfold the truths of faith, a kind of catechism chapter headings which teachers could secretly use to hand their teachings on.

Have A Green Christmas Did you get a real Christmas Tree? Buy your drinks in bottles where possible and take note of the recycling areas (Rathmines and Rathgar Bring Centres and the Shopping Centres). The Bring Centres will also take all your old wrapping paper and boxes. Keep all your stamps and bring them along to the Church for the Missions.

Fr. Joe Reflects on the Year Past in our Parish Looking back over 2013 it is hard to think that a full year has passed and another Christmas is upon us. This time last year I was learning. Now I fully realise that I'm still learning but can no longer use that as an excuse. The first joyful memory of the welcome I have been given by the people of Rathfarnham was when on the 1st of February my father died. Firstly the attendance of many parishioners at his funeral in Knockavilla, Co Tipperary and at the month's mind Mass here in Rathfarnham and tea in the Parish Centre. That meant so much to me and to my family. Your care and support was a great source of strength at that time and during the year. The Easter Ceremonies were so well organised with military precision. The altar servers whom I am linked with put me to shame with the knowledge that they have picked up from their parents and past priests in the procedures for serving at the main ceremonies as well as the regular Sunday Masses. The team of parents that are involved in their training and support is a source of inspiration and it was with great joy that we commissioned 10 new servers recently in the parish church. During this Year of Faith 2012 - 2013 many different events have been happening. Some that come to mind was the wonderful art competition organised by Margaret in the primary schools inviting the children to reflect on the Creed and to submit paintings and other art forms. A great link was forged for some of the parishioners who went in to the school to judge winners of the competition. A difficult task indeed as there was so much fantastic work done by the children. Pilgrimage was a strong theme for the Year of Faith and it was great to head off to Knock and Lough Derg with a group. The pilgrimage to Lough Derg was extra special as we took our time and in a relaxed manner reflected on our Christian heritage based on St Patrick and his journey of faith. I love going places and look forward to going on pilgrimage next year. Perhaps to Kildare or Faughert (associated with St Brigid) or Glendalough (associated with St Kevin and Laurence O Toole, patron of the Dublin Diocese) or indeed anywhere!! Weddings, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are a big part in the parish calendar and it was great to be so included by many couples who got married in or from the parish. Some had to relocate because of the work in the church and in the great Rathfarnham tradition took it all on board. Parents of the sacramental classes have a great respect for the church, school and each other and I take my hat off to you. The prayerfulness of the different ceremonies was quite evident and the preparation that is done in advance by all is noticeable. May you continue the great work that you have started and build a deep foundation for the faith of the future. The refurbishment work in the church took over a big chunk of time in the calendar. (July to early December). The support of so many was fantastic to see. Cleaning the church, then when the move to Beaufort took place setting up the hall etc. A lesson that I learned over the time out of the church was the willingness of people to take part in new ways. I like singing in church and it was terrific to see in the Parish Centre during weekday Mass Benny and others leading and everybody joining in a hymn or two. Long may that tradition continue now that we have returned to the church. There is no need to comment on the fantastic job done in the church. The 7th/8th December was a proud day for so many and long may the church be a place of gathering in joy and sorrow, in comfort and light. These are but a few very quick musings on 2013. I'm sure if I sat and thought about it there would be pages and pages to write about my memories in Rathfarnham. One of my many failings is leaving things to the last minute and this note is written just before the printer screams looking for the final draft of this year’s newsletter. Thank you, firstly to my colleagues Fr Martin and Margaret for encouragement and support, to Harry, Brid, Bairbre for your patience and to all who give of their time and talents in the parish. To those I have met and forgotten thank you for your patience. Wishing you every blessing over the Christmas time and may 2014 bring you closer to the Lord who is our friend, brother and Saviour. Fr. Joseph Ryan.

Our Parish on the web Many of you will be aware that in conjunction with the re-opening of the church following its refurbishment, we also launched a new website for the parish.The web address is www.annunciationrathfarnham.ie where you will find lots of information regarding what happens in this community. But being on the web and having placed a “webcam” in the church as part of the refurbishment, it is now possible to “tune in” to a ceremony in the church from anywhere in the world. For example, you may have family members or friends from this parish living abroad. If they have access to the internet, they can go to our website, and on the home page, just click the WEBCAM button and they will be able to listen and see. We hope this new technology will be a boon to those parishioners who are housebound through illness or old age but who may have access to the internet. We also believe it will bring families and friends together at important times like Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, Confirmations and First Communions. If not able to travel home to be physically with loved ones at such important times, they will at least be able to link in with them in our church from anywhere in the world. For those who have not got internet facilities, our ceremonies will continue to be broadcast on our Parish Radio System (also upgraded in the refurbishment) by switching to a new channel on their receiver ~ CHANNEL 12.

A WALK OF FAITH through old Rathfarnham in THE YEAR OF FAITH

Tony Duffy gives some and Paul information at St. Peter lage Vil the in old Graveyard

Listening attentively to a History Lesson!!!!

Gathered at Ra thfarnham Cas tle on The Walk of Faith

Fundraising for Church Refurbishment Many of you have had an opportunity to visit the church over the last week or so and many more will see it for the first time at Christmas Masses. I am very heartened by the reaction of those who have spoken to Margaret, Fr. Joe and amazingly it has been 100% positive. We have had a few comments from people who have pointed out defects and these are welcome for there will be a lot of snagging (as they call it in the trade) to be done in the early days of January. But all have appreciated the over-all result. I would be lying if I didn’t say that they have been worrying months trying to make sure that everything done would be in accord with such a beautiful old church. I suppose there has to be a sting in every tail and in this case its now the worry to be able to pay the bills!!!! Whilst I won’t have the final account for another little while, the indications are that we will have to find in the region of €200,000 over the next couple of years. I got together a Fundraising Committee as advised by the Parish Finance Committee back in late summer. They carried out a survey of parishioners and asked that I might write to everyone in the community advising you of their plans following on from that survey. The letter will be going out to all homes with a copy of this Christmas Times Newsletter. A number of parishioners have already sent in donations, some of them very ‘handsome’ indeed and I am overwhelmed by such generosity. You have already done your bit ahead of the fundraising and it is so much appreciated. And in saying thanks, I take this opportunity to thank this new Fundraising Committee for their work to date and also the members of the Finance Committee and Pastoral Council who have had much extra work to do and many more meetings to attend than normal over these past few months. I am very aware that these are difficult financial times that we live in, albeit that we are as a nation free from the grip of “Europe” again. I believe that if everyone who has a love of our beautiful old church, (whether you are a regular visitor or not), takes at least a little of the strain, then together we will be able to “climb the hill of fundraising”. In the meantime, let us enjoy prayerfully over the Christmas period, all the facilities that our beautifully refurbished church building now offers to all in the community, whether it be each day, each week, for a Baptism, a Marriage or a Funeral, or at special times like Christmas and Easter. Fr. Martin

God bless you for this Christmas Season.

P.S. A number of people have told me that they have family returning to visit at Christmas and who were maybe, baptised, received First Communion and Confirmation and/or were married in this church. It has a special place in their hearts. They feel that such persons might like to make a contribution. Whilst I am loathe to use the Christmas Season for refurbishment fundraising, we will make available special envelopes at the doors of the church for visitors who wish to take one.

The Parish Office Many of you will know that our Parish Office – the heart of the community so to speak, is located in the Parish Pastoral Centre (the Old Court House) on Willbrook Road. It is to this office and to our ever helpful Parish Secretary, Bairbre, that you as parishioners come (or phone or email) to when you want a baptism cert or to book a baptism, to get information about getting married, when you want to book the Centre itself, ……………. and one hundred and one other things pertaining to the parish and beyond. As from Tuesday 7th January, when the Office re-opens after the Christmas Holidays, Bairbre will be available at the office – Monday to Friday - for personal callers and on the telephone from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. The phone number is 495 8695. Outside of these times you can leave a voice message or email Bairbre at any time ~ [email protected] Don’t forget our new website www.annunciationrathfarnham.ie where you will also be able to get lots of information about what happens in the parish. On behalf of all of us, I thank Bairbre for her ever helpful disposition with all who make contact for whatever reason.

Parish Mission Statement Our Mission is to be a means of making present the Kingdom of God in Rathfarnham. We endeavour to do this with lay people, religious and th e clergy taking the responsibility to work together in promoting and supporting existing and new initiatives which will deepen the faith and community life of all worshippers. To help us to do so we pray through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Patroness of our Parish.

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