Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Few Words from Fr Joe Mullan, Moderator of Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion Parishes

Front page pictures in daily papers often catch in a single image a life event that we can all relate too. Images often
triggers memories, touches our hearts and brings us back to a time in place in our own lives that we can never forget.
This week many photographs were taken, at home, in the school yard and in classrooms capturing an image of a
child’s first day at school. Is there anything more evocative of who we are and where we’ve come from than the
experience of where we went to school? For the Junior Infants it is exciting, scary, confusing and emotional. They are
aware of their own feelings in this new and strange environment, but are probably a bit confused by the tears and
fears of their mum and dad! The classroom becomes a new space in their lives, the teacher’s voice guides,
encourages, corrects, inspires. The other children will be classmates, friends, partners in tasks, team mates at sport
and companions on the journey to and from school. The uniform connects them to a whole school community and
from this day on a huge chunk of their lives will develop in this space.
As a parish, we have a strong connection to the local Catholic schools. We recognise their name, we admire the
principal and staff and we try to support them in every way we can. They are part of our faith community and we
want the children to deepen their knowledge of our religion, to prepare for and celebrate the sacraments, to
participate in the Sunday liturgies and to share their hopes and dreams with us. We want to support the children and
their families as they grow in faith, we want them to feel welcome and important when we gather. We welcome
their artwork, music and prayers when they come and we promise to pray with and for them. May God bless and
protect our children, their families and all who make school life rich and rewarding.