Christening

When the parents come to the Church to book the baby's christening - they are welcomed, presented with a souvenir card and taken on a Baptism Tour in the Church by the lay leader. This helps the parents to enjoy the 'big day' more relaxed and happy. The Tour begins at the Open Door of the Church. The Open door is a sign of God's welcome. The Good Lord who makes the sun shine on all.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is when a person, acknowledges his/her shortcomings. They ask the lord for forgiveness for the times in their lives when they have failed to show love. God the ever loving father and is waiting with open arms to welcome all who are looking for reconciliation.

First Holy Communion

Communion: The children make five visits from school to the Church to learn to pray Mass together with their hands. To bless our God of three different names - to bless our forehead, lips and heart before listening to the Jesus story (Bible). To raise hands to say thanks together, to shake hands to make peace; to cup hands to welcome Jesus to our heart. On Communion day the children give support to a mission project in Haiti, and help the Lourdes sick fund. The children join a May procession in the Church and carry flags and banners naming the mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary is called the peoples Bible, and was a lifeline during difficult times of persecution in Ireland.

Confirmation

The parish helps the pupils and parents to celebrate Confirmation with three visits to the Church during the school year. Confirmation is the Second Baptism. Now the pupil understands the language of Baptism and is able to make choices in life, the first choice the child is able to make is to chose a new name, thus accepting the beginings of the transition into adult life. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. The child recieves the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pupils present art work telling their "Journey to Confirmation". During visits to the Church, they learned to Pray Mass together, to Pray alone, to Pray with the Bible. Their souvenir millenium card says Praying Mass together makes me a welcome person, a sorry person, a listening person, a singing person, a remembering person, a sharing person, a Jesus person. They give support to the children of the slums of Mukuru, Kenya.

Marriage

Marriage is the coming together of two people, who love each other and want to spend their lives together. What God has joined together let no man put asunder.

Ordination and First Mass

A young man named Michael Kelly from the area was ordained to the Priesthood on 5th July and he clelbrated his first Mass in Hartstown on Sunday 6th July at 12 noon. A first and a privilege for our Parish. The mass was well attended and was a very special occassion for all concerned.

Good Luck to Fr Michael in his ministry

Anointing of the sick

When a person is sick and in hospital the priest will anoint them with oil to give them Gods blessing to aid them in their recovery

St Brigid's Day

On St. Brigids day, the first of February and first of Spring, we bless St Brigids cross with new snow drops and give medals to children at Mass. We say: "St Brigid pray for us. Teach us to love the blessings of Springtime. To have a care for each other and the world we live in."

Mother's Day

Pupils put on a display of cards and greetings for Mother's Day at the Sunday Mass.

Easter

 

The Resurrection Garden was a highlight for Easter 2000 and was greeted with enthusiasm by the pupils who visit the Church from school.

Christmas

 School Pupils, staff and parents participate in Carol singing and drama in the Church before Christmas.

St Ciarans Feast Day

St. Ciaran's feast day is the 9th of September. Pupils and staff visit the Church to celebrate this feast and the beginning of the new school year.

The Feast of the Assumption

 Our Lady 15th August - Flower petals are blessed at Sunday Mass, and presented to each person to keep, to send to a friend or to place on our Lady Tree.

The Millenium Garden

The School Millenium Garden with fountain and patio is now in place to greet all arrivals with .