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Welcome to St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Sandymount
A warm welcome to the website of St Mary’s, Star of the Sea Parish, Sandymount. Our parish was constituted in 1851 to meet the needs of a growing population in Sandymount – Irishtown. The foundation stone of a new church was laid in that year and in August 1853 the church was officially opened. Designed by J.J. McCarthy, of the Pugin neo-Gothic school, Star of the Sea has served the people well in Sandymount and Irishtown over the years and they in turn have looked after it in its beauty and prayerful atmosphere. The gatherings for the liturgy are creative of a community in touch with God and with each other. We hope you’ll find our website interesting and helpful. Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance to you. Yours sincerely, Fr. John Mc Donagh P.P 
World Meeting of Families 2018
The three day international conference on Family Life will be held just down the road from us at the RDS between August 22nd and August 24th. It is a significant historic event and important to Ireland.
Tickets for the 3-day event are selling fast but it is international purchasers who have bought the majority of tickets to date. We are reminded of the need to register and purchase tickets soon or risk missing out should we wish to attend. We have to register on line. Parishes have been asked to help their parishioners who are not computer literate to register for the events, a matter to be addressed by the Parish Pastoral Council at our next meeting on May 14th. Meantime, if there are volunteers available to assist this task for parishioners they would be very welcome indeed. Young adults who are comfortable with their computer skills would be especially welcome. Let the office know if you’re willing to help (6683316) The events need more volunteers. All parishes have been asked to announce the need for volunteers and host families for international visitors. Given our proximity to the RDS it is particularly appreciated when host families in Sandymount emerge. We thank those in our parish who have already committed to opening their doors in welcome. Schedule of events: 21st August: National Opening of WMOF2018. Simultaneously across Ireland every diocese will hold an opening ceremony. The Dublin Diocese will celebrate at the RDS AT 7pm. Alternatively parishes or parish clusters are asked to hold an evening prayer ceremony, preferably with a social event included. 22nd to 24th: 3 Day Congress at the RDS. Each Day will reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis: ’The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World’. It will include keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions; an engaging programme for young people as well as fun activities for children. There will be a daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayerful activities, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances. 25th August. Each parish is encouraged to schedule a morning Mass. There will also be a morning Mass at the RDS at 9.30am. The Pope arrives at Dublin Airport at 10.30am. His arrival and subsequent travels will be televised. At 6.30pm a Festival of Families will take place at Croke Park-A reflective concert style event. Pope Francis is to arrive at 7.30pm. It is estimated that while the event is free, only about 30,000 tickets will be issued. Anyone who registers for the 3-day congress will automatically receive a ticket. So places otherwise are not assured. Sunday 26th WMOF2018 will close with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration with Pope Francis in the Phoenix Park at 3pm. Gates open in the morning. Tickets are free. Anyone registering for the 3day congress will automatically receive a ticket. Others will have opportunity to seek tickets on line at a later date. No more than 600,000 will be allowed into the Phoenix Park that day. 
We are looking for volunteers to help with the flowers in the church. You would be working in a group and would only have to volunteer for one month – two or three times in the year.
ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY 
Pope Francis’ Visit
We rejoice in the confirmation that Pope Francis will visit Dublin in August for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). He personally chose Ireland to host this event and we look forward to welcoming him. His visit will be over two days and will see him attend a Festival of Families in Croke Park on Saturday August 25th and then lead the Final Mass on Sunday August 26th in the Phoenix Park. There will be no charge for either of these events although tickets for the Croke Park event will be limited and will only be released at a later date, along with tickets for the Final Mass.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of that week a Pastoral Congress will be held just down the road from us at the RDS. If you’d like to attend all or part of this Congress, you may register through the website www.worldmeeting2018.ie. Places for the Congress are limited but will guarantee a ticket for the Festival of Families and for the Final Mass led by Pope Francis. Registering for the Congress will give assurance of your ticket for the Croke Park Festival of Families. The Phoenix Part should hold all who come. Meanwhile you’ll find details at the back of the Church on how to become a volunteer at this significant event and on how to be a host family, offering the welcome of your home to people coming from around the world. Window and car bumper stickers made available on St. Patrick’s Day are available also at the back of the church. 
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Mass and Confession Times:Sunday
Vigil: 6.00 p.m (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. Mass 10.30 a.m Family Mass 12.00 noon Choir Mass (Choir away during July and August) Weekday 7.30 a.m. Mass 10.00 a.m. Mass Saturdays: 10.00 a.m.: Mass (6.00 p.m. Sunday Vigil) : Mass First Fridays: 7.30 a.m. Mass 10.00 a.m. Mass Confessions Saturdays: After 10.00 a.m Mass And at 5.30 p.m Open Hours: Weekdays: 7:15am to 5:30pm Saturday: 9:15am to 7:00pm Sunday: 8:45am to 7:00pm Sacrament of Marriage: Please contact the Parish Office at 668-3316. 
Click on the blue buttons below for more information
A centering prayer group will be meeting in the parish group room for 6 weeks every Tuesday 11.am to 12 noon from May 15th 2018.
If you are interested in joining this group or finding out more about Centering Prayer – you are most welcome to join this group for these few weeks. Centering Prayer is a method of quietness and contemplation in the tradition of Christian contemplation developed (among others) by Fr. Thomas Keating, a Cistercian monk. Contemplative Outreach is the spiritual network that supports Centering Prayer and more information is available on their website: www.contemplativeoutreach.ie 
The new European Data Protection law, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), is being introduced on 25th May 2018. This new law applies to any organisation, including our parish that manages and processes people’s personal information. We are now working on ways of ensuring that what we do with your information is compliant with this new law. It is a work in progress and over the next few months we will keep you informed through the parish website and in the newsletter as policies are put in place. Click on the Button below to view the Parish Data Privacy Notice:
Seeking a Catechist
There may be a Primary School Teacher in our community who would like to be involved in the classes for children attending St Matthew's School and preparing for First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. Classes are held on Thursdays, from around 3.45 to 5.15. If so, please contact the Parish Office or Fr John.
A Jesuit Publication for your homeWhy not have a look at one issue. You might find it’s like a spiritual “Readers Digest”. There’s something for everyone: chatty articles, accessible theology, out-loud thinking on spiritual questions and serious issues, comforting news, art appreciation, a kid’s page (with puzzles and jokes) gardening hints, seasonal recipes and a challenging crossword.
The Iris Charles CentreThe Iris Charles Centre is one of our local gems with a dedicated group of people running it. Senior Citizens can meet and enjoy a great lunch or participate in a range of organised activities. The Centre also hosts a Bridge evening every Thursday beginning at 7:00pm for both experienced and novice players. All are welcome. Have you ever been to the Centre? Just on the corner of Newbridge Ave. Please know you’re welcome and transport can be arranged. Lunch is served on Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri at 12noon.
If you would like to make yourself available as a volunteer on an occasional basis, please contact Phyllis 087 6225471 or Claire 087 2368548. IRIS CHARLES CENTRE MAP
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