St Colmcille Partnership of Parishes
St Brigid’s, Cabinteely & Cherrywood,
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Johnstown / Killiney,
St Alphonsus & Columba, Apostles, & St Stephen’s, Ballybrack / Killiney,
St. Columbanus, Loughlinstown,
Our Lady of Victories, Sallynoggin / Glenageary
St Anne’s, Shankill
Our new Parish Partnership known as St Colmcille Partnership of Parishes is our response to the Building Hope Project initiated by Archbishop Dermot Farrell. We are getting to know our neighbouring parishes and, with co-operation and regular contact, we will be able to meet the future challenges while maintaining the individual identities and churches we know and cherish.
It is very clear that the future will not look like the past. Our world has changed: God is bringing forth something new among the precious treasure (Matthew 13:52 – bringing out of the storeroom new treasures as well as old). At the beginning of 2023, Parish clergy and members from the Pastoral Councils from the six Parishes came together to form a Partnership Pastoral Council (PPC) with the intention of sharing ideas, resources and services. The role of Lay Ministry is vital as we move forward and the PPC will work with the Parish Pastoral Councils to provide training and encourage participation. We want to encourage a spirit of inclusivity between our Parishes and encourage our Parishioners to avail of the Masses, Faith Resources and activities across the Partnership.
The Time Has Come
Archbishop Dermot Farrell,
Advent Pastoral Letter, 2022
I am struck by the phrase from the Letter to the Romans offered to us in the First Sunday of Advent liturgy: ‘You know “the time” has come: you must wake up now; our salvation is even nearer than when we were converted.’ (Romans 13:11). Jesus in the Gospel, reflecting on the second coming of the Son of Man, asks us all to stand ready (see Matthew 24:44).
In every generation we are asked to be ready, recognising the salvation offered in Christ Jesus, on fire with his Spirit, proclaiming the Gospel in every season, finding new ways to witness to the presence and power of Christ in our own lives and to the people of our time.
Over the past year and more, our parishes have been asked for their thoughts on the future direction of the Church in the Archdiocese. We have much to do: supporting people to deepen their faith and relationship with God; creating the structures that support vibrant communities of faith; advocating for those who are on the margins (see Statement of Mission, February 2022).