A Message from Fr Denis:
My dear people, it’s with great sadness I’m writing these words. I am unable to continue in the parish because of failing health. I haven’t been well for some time. I’m left with no choice. I just haven’t the strength or energy.
The parish of Our Lady Mother of the Church has been my home for almost 25 years and the people have been family to me. With all my heart I wish I could continue on and be at Fr Damian’s side and lighten the burden of looking after these three parishes. Fr Damian has been a brother to me; it a joy and a blessing to labour beside him in this part of the Lord’s vineyard.
Also I’m leaving with great thankfulness and a sense of how blessed even lucky I am, and have been, to be appointed to this parish so many years ago. For ever, as long as I live, I will give thanks to God. I give thanks for the goodness, love and care I received day after day and especially this time of failing health. I know people are very concerned I’m leaving and very upset I’m not well. My next step on life’s journey will be in St Joseph’s Monastery in Dundalk. A warm welcome and care from my confreres and friends awaits me there. Deep in my soul for ever is the thankfulness for the happy, lovely years I laboured in the Lord’s vineyard in this parish of Our Lady Mother of the Church. You have always supported me with your prayers continue to keep me in your prayers into the future. I will always remember you in my prayers.
Our Lady Mother of the Church Pray for us
St Brigid Pray for us
St Laurence O’Toole Pray for us
St Alphonsus Pray for us
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Pray for us
Fr Damian adds: It’s the end of an era: 25 years of Fr Denis’ sensitive, deeply kind, devoted priestly ministry here in Castleknock Parish, serving the mystery of God among us for generations, now approaches an end. Fr Denis will be with us, please God, until July. Dear Lord, how we will miss him in a way that goes way beyond what words can express.
We will have a Mass of Thanksgiving for him at 10am on Sunday 21st June. Bishop Paul Dempsey will join us for the celebration as well as some of Denis’ Redemptorist brothers. Mark the date in your diary.
As of yet, there are no signs of a replacement priest for Fr Denis; or for Fr Brendan in Laurel Lodge who is also now retired. This will, of course, impact the Mass schedules across our Parish partnership.