One Lord, One Faith – ecumenical conference

To mark the 500th anniversary of the year that Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Reformation, a major ecumenical conference will be held on Saturday 24th June in the Church of St John The Baptist, Seafield Road East, Clontarf.

The event will feature renowned theologians and ecumenists and allow plenty of time for discussion/questions from the floor in a bid to understand how we got to where we currently are on our ecumenical journey, and how we can all work together on the road to greater unity.

The facilitator for the day will be Philip McKinley, and there will be input from the following speakers:

  • Dr. Gesa Thiessen: Background to the Reformation – An Introduction to Luther’s theology.
    Gesa Thiessen is Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religions and Theology, in Trinity College Dublin, and an assistant Lutheran Minister. Her research interests include Ecumenical theology and ecclesiology.

  • Dr. Andrew Pierce: The Ecumenical Journey So Far – inter-church dialogue and developments.
    Andrew Pierce is an Assistant Professor in Ecumenics, Course Co-Ordinator of the M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies and Head of Department, in the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD. His areas of expertise include Ecumenical ecclesiologies and Ecumenical theologies.

  • Fr. Gabriel Daly: One Bread, One Body – an ecumenical theology of the Eucharist.
    Gabriel Daly OSA has taught and published widely in theology. Following his PhD thesis on Catholic Modernism, he lectured at the Irish School of Ecumenics as a founder member, and subsequently at TCD, of which he is now an honorary fellow.

  • Gillian Kingston: Stepping Stones Towards Greater Unity – what can be done at local level to progress things.
    Gillian Kingston is well known and respected in Ecumenical circles. She is currently Vice President of the World Methodist Council and was formerly the first Lay Leader of the Methodist Conference in Ireland.

The cost of the day is €20 per person. Patrons are invited to bring a packed lunch and tea/coffee facilities will be provided. Alternatively, there is a Coffee Shop which serves lunch a 5 minute walk from the Church.

Timetable for the Day
10 – 10.30am Registration, Coffee, Welcome, Introduction & Opening Prayer
10.30am – 11.30am Dr. Gesa Thiessen: Background to the Reformation – An introduction to Luther’s theology. (30 – 40 minutes input from speaker followed by questions/comments from the floor)
11.30am – 12.30pm Dr. Andrew Pierce: The Ecumenical Journey So Far – inter-church dialogue and developments. (30 – 40 minutes input from speaker followed by questions/comments from the floor)
12.30pm – 1.30pm Lunch
1.30pm – 2.30pm Fr. Gabriel Daly: One Bread, One Body – an ecumenical theology of the Eucharist. (30 – 40 minutes input from speaker followed by questions/comments from the floor)
2.30pm – 3.30pm Gillian Kingston: Stepping Stones Towards Greater Unity – what can be done at local level to progress things. (30 – 40 minutes input from speaker followed by questions/comments from the floor)
3.30pm – 4pm Closing Worship

Who Wants to be a Thousandaire? – fundraiser

Our major fundraiser, Who Wants to be a Thousandaire?, takes place at 8pm on 25th May in Clontarf Castle

Tickets are now available, priced €20 or four for €60.

All parishioners are being asking to support the event. The night promises to be great fun with nine lucky contestants each having the chance to win up to €1,000.

Here’s some answers to a few questions you may have in advance!
Continue reading “Who Wants to be a Thousandaire? – fundraiser”

Autumn Fair on 25th September

The 2016 Clontarf Autumn Fair takes place in the Parish Centre and grounds on 25th September.

The fun starts at 2pm and we’ll have bouncy castles, our legendary cake stall, our biggest ever book stall, monster slides, vintage cars and motorbikes, bbq, books stall, and lots more. We’ll have fun sports and prizes for all ages and admission is only €2 for adults and €1 for children – all proceeds go to Parish funds.

That’s 2pm to 6pm on 25th September in the Parish Centre and grounds on Seafield Road West.

Clontarf Autumn Fair 2015 – Sunday 27th September

The 2015 Clontarf Autumn Fair takes place in the Parish Centre and grounds on 27th September.

The fun starts at 2pm and we’ll have bouncy castles, our legendary cake stall, our biggest ever book stall, monster slides, vintage cars and motorbikes, bbq, books stall, and lots more. We’ll have fun sports and prizes for all ages and admission is only €2 for adults and €1 for children – all proceeds go to Parish funds.

That’s 2pm to 6pm on 27th September in the Parish Centre and grounds on Seafield Road West.

Christmas Concert on 3rd December

The DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama presents A Christmas Concert featuring seasonal carols and readings, with excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2014 in the Church of St John The Baptist, Seafield Road West, Dublin 3.

Admission €10 – for bookings and information contact 087 9091561.

Clontarf Autumn Fair – 28th September

Clontarf Autumn Fair takes place in the Parish Centre and grounds on 28th September.

The fun starts at 2pm and we’ll have bouncy castles, our legendary cake stall, monster slides, vintage cars and motorbikes, bbq, books stall, and lots more. We’ll have fun sports and prizes for all ages and admission is only €2 for adults and €1 for children – all proceeds go to Parish funds.

That’s 2pm to 5pm on 28th September in the Parish Centre and grounds on Seafield Road West.

Celebrate Parish Life at Back to Church Sunday – 21st September

We have a great parish here in Clontarf and we plan to celebrate this on Sunday 21st September, the weekend which coincides with the first anniversary of the Institution of Revd Lesley as our Rector.

There will be a service of worship at 10.30am as usual followed by a social tea / coffee / biscuit and a display of opportunities for activities on offer to parishioners. Please make an extra effort to come along and also invite a friend/relative/neighbour to come with you. A warm welcome is assured!

Regular church attendance strengthens us personally and builds up the life of our community – it’s a great habit to be in but an easy habit to get out of. This is a great opportunity to get back into the habit, especially if you haven’t been for a while

Family Treasure Hunt on 24th August

Prizes AND Hot Dogs!

On Sunday 24th August, immediately following the Family Service at 10.30am, everyone is invited to join in a fun walking Treasure Hunt starting in the church and ending at the Parish Centre where hot dogs will be served.

The route follows clues from the church to Clontarf Road via Vernon Avenue and returns via Belgrove Road and Kincora Road – 2 km in total. Entry fee is €2 per entry form which includes prizes and hot dogs. Fun for all the family!

President Higgins to attend ecumenical service in Clontarf Parish

Read the press release

Clontarf Parish is honoured to host an Ecumenical Service of Peace & Reconciliation in commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf on 23rd April, the 1000th anniversary of the day of the battle itself.

It has been confirmed by Áras an Uachtaráin that the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, will be attending the Ecumenical Service, the theme of which will be Peace and Reconciliation. The service will be attended by representatives of the six Christian churches in Clontarf, as well as representatives of local business, sporting, educational, leisure and political interests.

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Michael Jackson will be present, and the address will be given by the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Eamonn Walsh, representing Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

The Danish Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Niels Pultz, and the Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Ronald Names, will also be in attendance, along with representatives of the Irish Defences forces.

This unique service takes place at 12 Noon on Wednesday 23rd April in our Church of St John the Baptist, Seafield Road West, Clontarf.

All warmly welcome

Lenten Ecumenical Study Evenings

*A message from Rev’d Robinson* –

Fr Martin Hogan and myself have organised an ecumenical Bible study over five Wednesday evenings during Lent, beginning on **Wednesday 12th March, from 7.30 – 8.30pm**.

We will be looking at Gospel readings for Lent each evening in an effort to deepen our relationship with God through his Word. No previous study or expertise is required and all are welcome. **The venue will alternate** between our parish centre and the parish centre of St John the Baptist, Clontarf Road, beginning on Seafield Road on 12th and there will be tea/coffee served.

It would be my hope to see our regular discussion group members present along with some new faces. If you are new to this kind of event you might be surprised at how enjoyable and valuable it can be.