NOTE:  The telephone number of

the parish office has changed.

The new number is 538 2542

 

Greetings from the new priest in St. Patrick’s Parish

I take this opportunity to introduce myself:

My name is Kevin Rowan, I hail from the village of Rathnew, Co. Wicklow and I am one of seven children. I was educated in the De La Salle College in Wicklow town and after working for a few years with P.M.P.A insurance I began my studies for the priesthood with the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) these studies have taken me to France, London and Zambia.  I was ordained deacon in Chipata, eastern Zambia on 17th of March 1988 and ordained priest in my home parish of Rathnew on the 14th of July 1990.

As priest I have worked in Zambia with the WaTumbuka and WaChewa tribes of Chipata diocese, indeed my first parish after ordination covered a distance from Dublin to Cork (260 K.M.) which had sixteen churches and only two priests but we were well supported by Catechists and dedicated lay people.  It was only because of ill health that I was forced to leave Zambia and got the sad news that I could not return to tropical climates.  This took me on a journey to the point that is perhaps furthest from tropical climates Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada.  I had a very enjoyable and challenging time there working with the Mic Mac First Nation people on their reserve in Millbrook, Truro, Nova Scotia. However the severe winters and the long dark days eventually led me to seek the warmer climates of Dublin, my home Diocese. Since returning I have served in Templeogue, Ashford, Rathfarnham and since September the 11th Monkstown.

Since my arrival here I have found a warm and welcoming community.  It was great to get a flavour of that warmth at my predecessor’s (Fr. Michael) farewell mass and celebration. The presence of representatives from all three Christian churches and the words of appreciation spoken by all was a sign of a community bearing witness to what binds us and celebrating what we have in common.  I hope and pray that I can continue to foster these relationships as we travel together on the path of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.

Fr. Kevin

 

Farewell to Fr Michael Coady

On Friday 14th September 2018 we gathered for a farewell Mass and farewell function as Father Michael leaves for Rathfarnham after 9 years in Monkstown. There was a large attendance at the Mass, where a number of tributes were made to him.  In the Parish Centre, a pecuniary presentation was made to help him with his travels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Patrick meets the High King

Stained Glass by Michael O'Connor at St Patrick's, Monkstown

TWICE BUILT - our church's history

St Patrick's, Monkstown, opened in 1866

A foundation stone was laid on 29th June 1861, but the church did not open for services until September 1866, and it was not fully completed at that time. What happened in between?

There is a clue in the title of a new book "Twice Built" by Tom Conlon. It tells the extraordinary story of the construction of St. Patrick's, and the people who built it.

Available from Hewetts Newsagency €11.99