His Excellency Jude Thaddaeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland visited Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish last weekend.  He was formally welcomed to the parish by Ciarán Lawless (Parish Pastoral Council) at the beginning of Mass.

The Sprinkling Rite took place at the Baptism font, blessed by Bishop Smith earlier that morning before the commencement of Mass.  Candy Querida-Maia  and Anastasija Sitova, both received into the Church at Easter assisted the Nuncio during the Sprinkling Rite at the beginning of Mass.  The scripture readings were read by Blannaid Naghten and Jim Kavanagh.  During his homily, the Papal Nuncio, asked those gathered if they were ready to welcome the Holy Father as he prepares to travel to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in August. He also spoke of the influence Irish missionaries had on his own call to the priesthood.  The Prayers of the Faithful were read in some of the languages which make up the rich tapestry of languages and cultures in Ashbourne.   Linus and Meg Offiah, and members of the Kavanagh Family presented the offertory.

The Papal Nuncio joined the parish community to posthumously present the Benemerenti Medal on behalf of Pope Francis to the family of the late John Mc Ginley.  This Papal honour, given for service to the Church, recognises John’s work and craftsmanship in creating the six stained glass windows which illumine the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ashbourne.  George Walsh, artist, who originally designed the windows was also present to celebrate and honour his late colleague and friend.  The medal and parchment were received by John’s son Robbie Mc Ginley.

John’s career took him all over the world: the cathedral in Porto, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Texas and New York.  Closer to home, John worked on the stained glass windows in OL of Victories church in Ballymun, St. Canices, Finglas and the Church of the Annunciation in Finglas West, and of course Ashbourne.

His excellency also formally launched the recently published booklet on the stained glass windows.  The booklet entitled, ‘The Story of our Stained Glass’,  preserves the past for future generations, and enlightens all who bathe in the colourful lights of the church.

Thanks were expressed to Ashbourne Church Choir who provided the music for both ceremonies, servers, those who offered hospitality and those who decorated the church.  Parishioners retired to the Parish Hall for a reception afterwards and the opportunity to meet the Papal Nuncio.

Bishop Michael visited Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish at the weekend to bless the newly installed Baptism Font and Ambry, prior to the celebration of Mass by His Excellency Jude Thaddaeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland.

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Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish played host to Clann Ceol 2018 Candlelight Concert.  Performing on the evening were Eurovision Winner Eimear Quinn, The Dublin Brass Ensemble, The Mamisa String Quartet, and Schola Hyberniae.  Congratulations to Ashbourne & District Lions Club and Will Palmer for their initiative, organisation, and tasteful repertoire, all of which contributed to a wonderful evening.

Fr. Derek’s welcoming address:

Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish is delighted to host Ashbourne Lions Club and it’s charity concert Clann Ceol 2018.  We welcome all who visit our parish for an evening of culture and music in support of two worthy beneficiaries: Special Olympics and World Meeting of Families.  The beauty and majesty of tonight’s collection of music has the capacity to unites us, move hearts and raise minds in appreciation of the creative genius of the Divine. Read the full post »

Congratulations to those who were welcomed into the Church on Holy Saturday night through the Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation.  We also congratulate their Godparents, Sponsors, and families.  Our appreciation also goes to our catechetical team who prepared candidates through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Programme in our Parish.

Transition Year students of Ashbourne Community School created this year’s Good Friday image: ‘Into the eyes of Jesus’.  It depicts the face of Jesus who in his life, ministry and suffering gazed into the eyes of many.  He now gazes into our eyes.  The eyes are made of mirrors and the image invites us to gaze into the eyes of Jesus and see the image of ourselves reflected back.  When we gaze into the eyes of Jesus, do we see ourselves as Jesus sees us?

This year the solitary olive tree on the sanctuary took us back to this night when Jesus makes his way to the olive grove in the Garden of Gethsemane, and there in the darkness he accepts his Passion, ‘let your will be done, not mine.’

After the washing of the feet, seven baskets of bread were brought to the altar representing the seven baskets collected after Jesus fed the multitude of 5,000.  The ritual formed part of our parish preparation for the World Meeting of Families, while honouring the Jewish tradition of the Passover and the Christian commemoration of the Last Supper.

The blessing recalled how the Lord nourished His people throughout history and nourishes us now, as God’s family, in the Eucharist.  Families were invited to bring bread to their homes after the Mass and at any time during the evening, they celebrate the family ritual of breaking bread.  The ritual had three elements: lighting the candles, blessing with water and the breaking of bread, all involving different members of the family.

At the end of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament was brought in procession to the Altar of Repose in the St. John Paul II Chapel.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2018

SPY WEDNESDAY

Chrism Mass         7pm         Mullingar Cathedral

HOLY THURSDAY 

Confessions                                  10am-11am

Mass of the Lord’s Supper            8pm         Ashbourne

Night Prayer                                 10.30pm

GOOD FRIDAY 

Confessions                                 10am-11am

The Passion of Our Lord              3pm         Ashbourne

Stations of the Cross                    7pm          Ashbourne

HOLY SATURDAY

Confessions           10am-11am

Easter Vigil             8pm          Donaghmore

Easter Vigil             9pm           Ashbourne

EASTER SUNDAY 

9am, 11am, 12.30pm                  Ashbourne

10am                                           Donaghmore