Author: Paul - Rathfarnham Church of the Annunciation

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Reflection

Jesus did not leave us as orphans but promised the support of the Spirit of Truth in living out his message. We pray that with the help of the Spirit, we may be effective witnesses testifying to person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus spoke of the Trinity of Love, where we are in relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. As recipients of the Spirit, may we live out His gifts and give glory to God.

Rathfarnham Parish Summer Festival

17 May 2024 by Paul

As many of you will remember, we had an amazing Summer Festival last year. We’re thrilled to host another festival this year on June 9th. We invite our Parish Community and Families to join us after Mass for some light refreshments and entertainment. There’s so much to celebrate and discuss! Refreshments will be available after all Sunday morning Parish masses in a marquee on the Church grounds. The highlight will be a fantastic performance by our talented local Rathfarnham Band, playing a medley of music from 12:15 pm to 2:30 pm. Additionally, we’ll have an Ice-Cream Van and face painting for our younger parishioners. Mark your calendars and join your fellow parishioners, neighbors, families, and friends for a morning and early afternoon of conversation, great music, and a cup of tea in hand!

Christ has Risen (Thought for Today)

2 April 2024 by Paul

Saturday 18 May, John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said,

“Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” So the rumor spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Reflection

As we come to the end of the Easter Season we have the final part of John’s Gospel. Peter seemed to be in competition with the disciple Jesus loved, asking, What about him?’ Jesus brought attention back to Peter and his call to follow. May we seek to strengthen our own relationship with the Lord and not compare ourselves to others.
The author acknowledged the limits of what he could write about Jesus. It was much more than could ever be completely written down. Lord, you invite us to write the next chapter in the Gospel story and thus contribute our part in building up the Kingdom of God, as ushered in by your Son, Jesus Christ.

Inter-Faith Golf Outing

1 April 2024 by Paul

You are welcome to join us at our Inter-Faith Golf Outing (Champagne Scramble) on June 27th 2024 at THE CASTLE GOLF CLUB.

Members of the Parishes of all traditions in the Rathfarnham area are all welcome to join us on the day for a round of golf & dinner later in the evening. This will be a great fun day, a day for strengthening existing friendships and creating new ones.

Please get in touch with Jason in the Parish Office to book your spot.

Click link below to view poster:

Inter-Faith Gold Outing 2024 Poster