Katherine Aherne

A few days after Christmas, I stood in the queue at the Aldi in Terenure when the older woman in front of me and I started to chat. She asked if I was a student. My accent and everything else about me gave away that I wasn’t from Dublin. I told her no, I had lived in Ireland for a few years though and work in Newman University Church. Her jaw dropped. She had been married there! I was also delighted by her news. I had just started collecting photos from couples who had been married in University Church. I wasn’t sure I would get any submissions and here was one falling into my lap. I told her about what I was doing, wrote down my email, and a few days later received her wedding photo.

Planning for the “Wedding Photo Display” began at the end of 2022. The idea for this new project was formed mostly from the dozens of conversations all of us on staff had, like the one in Aldi, with folks coming into University Church who told us their parents or aunt or uncle or cousin or child were married in the church. So, we set off to invite anyone who had been married there to send in their wedding photo and come to Mass near Saint Valentine’s Day to celebrate with chocolates, champagne, and a display of everyone’s photos in the church atrium.

Folks traveled from far and near to see the church where they had celebrated the sacrament of holy matrimony to submit their photo. An older gentleman took the train up from Limerick for the day to hand in his wedding photo and tell about his wife who had passed away a few years prior. Two sisters knew their parents had been married 70 years prior and traveled from Canada and England to meet in Dublin and visit. Many of our regular Sunday parishioners were also married in the church - Jackie and John, Dan and Martha, Anne and Kevin, Paddy and Catherine, and Adam and Caomhie, to name a few.

The stories contained in the photos are countless. Many were married in the church, took photos in Saint Stephen’s Green, and then walked over to The Shelbourne Hotel for their wedding breakfast. One woman told me how she and her sister were married in a joint ceremony to their two new husbands. Several more attended UCD and felt it was only right to get married in the university’s old chapel.

I consider it a great privilege to work on this wedding photo project and that the Notre Dame Newman Centre can help facilitate inviting back couples married in Newman University Church each February. My goal in 2023 was to collect 30 photos and have them displayed in the church atrium. It seems like a small goal when I look through the over 400 photos we now have on display each February.

Holy Matrimony is a gift with abundant graces. It is the only sacrament where the couple themselves confer the sacrament. There are witnesses in close family or friends and the Church’s official witness is the priest or deacon; but it is the man and woman who are ultimately conferring the sacrament and saying “yes” to this lifelong commitment in sickness, in health and for better or for worse.

As I scroll through photos from over 100 years of weddings I think about the families formed, the joy of having so many loved ones in one place at the same time and the beautiful music. I think of the mundane moments in these couples’ lives after their wedding day - coming home from work in the rain, deciding what to have for dinner, taking out the bins, scheduling appointments, and cleaning the kitchen. I think of the hard parts of life after their wedding day - losing a parent, not knowing where a job might take them, and caring for sick children. How extraordinary to say “yes” not only on your wedding day but all the days that follow.

In February 2026 I know I’ll have at least one new photo to add to our collection - my own wedding photo. My husband, James, and I were married in June 2025 in University Church. We met while singing in the choir in this church and have since made it our parish. If you or a loved one were married in Newman University Church we would love to add your photo to our collection. You can visit newman.nd.edu and select “submit your wedding photo.”

Read the entire NDNC 2025 Magazine HERE

Gary Chamberland, CSC

Preparing to leave Dublin after 5 and a half years at the Notre Dame–Newman Centre, there are so many people here whom I will dearly miss. There is one, however, that I little expected to get to know, much less find myself spending time with regularly. John Henry Newman – Catholic priest, university rector, essayist, public intellectual and devoted brother, mentor and friend to many – has become my guide and frequent companion.

Across my life as a Holy Cross priest, I have lived-in student residence halls at Notre Dame and the University of Portland. While the history of Holy Cross priests and brothers living in residence with students is rooted in the French boarding school of the 19th century, its theory and articulation was fully Newmanian by the late 20th century. In the The Idea of a University, Newman’s described the university as a “domestic establishment” where students would live and be educated in a disciplined, family-like environment, fostering both intellectual and moral growth. Newman understood the residential community as an integral part of the educative  enterprise and essential for the integrated formation of students. As a resident priest, I knew little of Newman and his articulation of residence-based learning, but I had experienced the importance and efficacy of the method.

By July 2020, my knowledge of Newman had grown only slightly. Various professors and priests over the years had spoken to his spiritual and theological insights long before his canonization in 2019. At best, I could only give a thumbnail sketch of Newman’s impact on the Church. Thus, I was bemused when Fr. Bill Dailey, CSC, my predecessor, said that he had become a regular reader of Newman and had come to appreciate his intellect and approach to the life of faith.

Some five years on, John Henry Newman has become my friend, as well. His grief and lifelong sorrow over the death of his sister, Mary, brought solace as I processed the death of my sister Cathy. Though the details of their lives and deaths differed greatly, his insights proved to be universal; his refections brought comfort and hope.

I have also come to appreciate the outsized role Newman has played in helping the modern Church to understand itself and the world around it. Converting from Anglicanism in 1845, he gave up his family, his pulpit, and his teaching at Oxford – all things he loved – in order to pursue truth. In doing so, he brought a unique understanding of scripture and renewed interest in the Church Fathers into a Church dominated by a scholastic theology. He infused linguistic nuance into a system of proofs and brought literature, poetry and apologetics, tempered by humility and charm, into his teaching. Though rational and intellectual, he believed in divine revelation, scriptural authority and the humble submission to the will of God.

Misunderstood, and rejected in his day, Newman’s teachings, undergird much of the important work of Vatican II. His Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1845) grounds any modern understanding of a theology of development. On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine (1859) is the seminal work that informs Vatican II’s “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity “and the chapter on the laity in the “Constitution on the Church”. His thinking concerning the formation of conscience forms the basis of our teaching on conscience today.

This fall, the Centre staff was in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s declaration of Newman as Doctor of the Church and co-patron of education. This completed the recognition of the role he has played in the life of the universal Church. As a Doctor of the Church, Newman will  continue to root us in scripture and the Apostolic Church, as we develop new and powerful ways to bring the Truth of the gospel into an ever-evolving world.

This is the same Newman who regarded his newly erected University Church as a living icon of the unity of all creation and the physical manifestation of God’s love for the world. This is the Newman who verbally sparred with the finest minds of the empire, but sat quietly with students guiding them with the gentle hand of a father. This is the Newman who experienced the Divine Presence suffused throughout the world around him and who longed for every human person to experience it as well, that they may soften their hearts, and turn toward God. This is my friend found here in Dublin. I shall carry him with me always.

Read all of the NDNC 2025 Magazine HERE

Dominique Cunningham

The Church teaches that the highest and most proper role of music in the liturgy is to glorify God and sanctify the faithful. Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, states that “sacred music is a treasure of inestimable value,” meant to enhance worship and encourage the active participation of the faithful.

At Newman’s University Church we are blessed to have two wonderful choirs; The University Church Singers who sing at the 11am Mass and the Newman Vocare Ensemble who sing at the 6.15pm Sunday Mass. Our parish is in the city centre and as a result, very few people actually live within the parish bounds resulting in a substantial commute for many. Why do they do it?

‘Vocare’ is the root of the English word ‘vocation’ which means; to be called. Being a part of a sacred music ensemble is very much a vocation in itself. As musicians, we are called to offer our gifts to God and to use our voices as tools of evangelisation. According to Pope Leo, “when liturgical music is inspired by faith and shaped with skill, it engages voice, mind, and heart. It becomes a path to prayer.” On several occasions after Mass, I have spoken to visitors who tell me of how they were just walking by the Church when they heard us rehearsing and decided to come in and stay for Mass.

This year both the Newman Vocare Ensemble and the University Church Singers have seen the highest ever influx of new members and this fills me with great hope for the future of sacred music and indeed, our Church here in Ireland. Recently, I have been reflecting on how wonderfully diverse our choirs are. Each week, our gallery sees almost 50 choir members from all over Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, America, Nigeria, South Africa, India, and South Korea. Pope Francis spoke about how sacred music builds bridges and brings people closer, even the most distant. Ignoring the barriers of nationality, ethnicity or skin colour, music gives us a universal, “superior language” which unites us as one.

Both of our choirs are going from strength to strength. When I first started in this role in 2021, we often worried about who would attend our services and concerts. Was it worth it? We decided it was and we persisted. Now, we worry about not having enough seats. Our choral program is highly esteemed and in high demand. We cover a wide variety of styles, we learn a lot of repertoire in short spaces of time and at times, we feel pressure to produce the quality of music we are now known for. However, at the end of each rehearsal we finish with the simple sung prayer, ‘Calm Me, Lord’ by Margaret Rizza and this reminds us of why we do what we do.

Read the full NDNC 2025 Magazine HERE

Friends,

There is joy in the air as the Church celebrates Advent and we cycle into another Church year. Our calendar here at the Notre Dame – Newman Centre has been full and we give thanks for the many blessings we have received in 2025. As we enter into this season of watchful waiting, we call to mind the many babies and adults who have been baptised, the girls from Loreto Junior School on the Green who received first Holy Communion and Confirmation, and the dozens of couples who exchanged marriage vows at our altar through which we find signs of hope for the future of the faith in Ireland.

The Newman Centre at University Church strives to be a beacon of joy and hope in our world, and a place where thoughtful discussion about important spiritual and social matters occurs. This happens through the various services, prayers, lectures and concerts you will read about in this yearbook. It also happens through the countless small discussions, acts of support and kindnesses offered and received in this holy place. These are the acts of a people immersed in the reality of Christ; an Advent people who

live in joyful anticipation of Christ’s triumphal return in glory.

In his sermon “Watching”, first published in Parochial and Plain Sermons in 1838, St. John Henry Newman addresses the watchful waiting of a Christian.

Do you know what it is to have a friend in a distant country, to expect news of him, and to wonder from day to day what he is now doing, and whether he is well? Do you

know what it is so to live upon a person who is present with you, that your eyes follow his, that you read his soul, that you see all its changes in his countenance, that you anticipate his wishes, that you smile in his smile, and are sad in his sadness, and are downcast when he is vexed, and rejoice in his successes? To watch for Christ is a feeling such as all these; as far as feelings of this world are fit to shadow out those of another.

He watches for Christ who has a sensitive, eager, apprehensive mind; who is awake,

alive, quick-sighted, zealous in seeking and honoring him; who looks out for him in all

that happens, and who would not be surprised, who would not be over-agitated or

overwhelmed, if he found that he was coming at once.

In a year where we celebrate Newman’s declaration as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV, let us continue to look for Christ in every world event great and small, in every encounter with a friend or colleague, in every prayer and meal shared. May we see the world suffused with the grace of God and know our lives to be supported by his loving hand.

Enjoy this brief review of our year here on St. Stephen’s Green and know that we are thankful for your encouragement and support. May the year ahead continue to be filled with his blessings. May we have the eyes to always see the Lord’s kindnesses to us and the attentiveness to ceaselessly voice our thanks.

Happy Christmas,

Fr. Gary Chamberland, CSC

CLICK HERE TO READ THE 2025 MAGAZINE

Sunday 30 November 11am & 6:15pm - First Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 1 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration & Confession

Tuesday 2 December - NO Taizé

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 7 December 11am & 6:15pm - Second Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 8 December 1:05pm - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation followed by Adoration & Confession

Tuesday 9 December 6pm - Advent themed Taizé followed by hot chocolate and churros

Wednesday 10 December 1:05pm - Sandwiches & soup lunch after daily Mass

Saturday 13 December 6pm - “A Light Shines in Bethlehem” - Newman Vocare Ensemble - Carol Service

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 14 December 11am & 6:15pm - Third Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 15 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration & Confession

Tuesday 16 December 6pm - Final Taizé of 2025

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 21 December 11am & 6:15pm - Fourth Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 22 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration & Confession

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS Wednesday 24 December 9pm with Vocare & University Church Singers

CHRISTMAS DAY MASS Thursday 25 December 11am with Vocare & University Church Singers

NO DAILY MASS Fri 26 December

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY Sunday 28 December - Mass at 11am & 6:15pm

NO DAILY MASS Mon 29 December - Fri 2 January

DAILY MASS RESUMES Monday 5 January 1:05pm

TAIZÉ RESUMES Tuesday 13 January 6pm

youtube.com/notredameneewmancentre

The Season of Creation is a time for Christians around the world to come together in prayer and action for creation. It lasts from the 1st of September until the 4th of October, Saint Francis of Assisi's feast day. We've collected appropriate hymns for your choir or congregation for this time of year. Let us know if you find this helpful or use them in your church!

All Creatures of our God and King - Lasst Uns Erfruen

“All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing. Alleluia, Alleluia! O burning sun with golden beam And silver moon with softer gleam, O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!”

The lyrics of “All Creatures of our God and King” are adapted from “The Canticle of the Sun,” a poem written by Saint Francis of Assisi during the last year of his life. The hymn praises God and His work in sustaining all of creation. Everything that He has created, everything that exists, is a testimony of His greatness! You’ll definitely hear this one at Mass in University Church during the Season of Creation.

In You Creation Finds its Joy - Ronan McDonagh

“In you creation finds its joy, you have clothed it in your beauty, Alleluia!”

In you, creation finds its joy is written by Irish composer, Ronan McDonagh. The verses joyfully praise God and His care for the earth and its creatures, “The ends of the earth stand in awe at the sight of your wonders. The lands of sunrise and sunset you fill with your joy.” He was inspired by psalm 64 and “The Spiritual Canticle” of Saint John of the Cross.

You can find Ronan's music on his website here.

Psalm 138/139: If You Find Me - Steven C Warner

“If you find me by the ocean, at the sea’s farthest end, even there, Lord, you watch over me, even there, you place your hand.”

You’ll often hear “If You Find Me” sung on Saint Patrick’s Day in University Church. The psalmist remembers the promises of the Lord that even at the “sea’s farthest end” God will be found, God will find us. The composer of the piece wrote, “Based on Psalm 138, a psalm resplendent with images richly piled one upon the other, this piece is a call to cherish the uniqueness of every human person and their dreams.”

I Will Be the Vine - Liam Lawson

Based on the words of John 15, “I Will Be the Vine” sings of the relationship between Jesus and his followers. Jesus is the vine and believers are the branches, connected to the vine and dependent on it for life and growth. Bearing fruit comes from being connected to the vine.

The Deers Cry - Shaun Davey

“I arise today through the strength of heaven. Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of the sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock.”

These lyrics are a prayer known as the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland. The Season of Creation is a time for Christians around the world to come together in prayer and action for creation. It lasts from the 1st of September until the 4th of October, Saint Francis of Assisi’s feast day

For the Fruits of All Creation - Ar Hyd y Nos

“For the fruits of all creation, Thanks be to God. For the gifts to ev’ry nation, Thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, Silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safekeeping, Thanks be to God.”

The lyrics thank God for all the blessings he bestows on us - even those while we are sleeping. We are thus called into action to make God known in the world. Thanks be to God!

Earth Song - Frank Ticheli

“Sing, be, live, see

This dark stormy hour

The wind, it stirs

The scorched Earth cries out in vain

Oh war and power, you blind and blur

The torn heart cries out in pain

But music and singing have been my refuge

And music and singing shall be my light

A light of song, shining strong

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Through darkness and pain and strife

I'll sing, I'll be, live, see

Peace”

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace - arranged by Mark Hayes

“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” is also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Pope Francis chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis was a strong advocate for creation, encouraging Christians to take the Season of Creation as a time to care for the environment and promote ecological conversion.

May we all continue to pray, reflect, and act on environmental issues even beyond this set season.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Full Playlist of Hymns

August 1, 2025

It was with great joy that I learned of Pope Leo XIV’s decision to declare Saint John Henry Newman, Cardinal Newman as he is perhaps better known, a Doctor of the Universal Church. This title is rarely bestowed and recognises the exceptional contribution Saint John Henry made to theological research and reflection. It puts him into the company of the greatest teachers the Church has ever had, together with such figures as Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux — now just thirty-eight in all.

Saint John Henry has a very special connection with Dublin, where he lived and worked in the period 1851 to 1858 as the first Rector of the Catholic University of Ireland, the forerunner of today’s University College Dublin. It was here in Dublin that he delivered the famous lectures on university education, later published as The Idea of a University. The beautiful University Church on Saint Stephen’s Green, built on his initiative and under his careful supervision, reminds us to this day of his presence and work among us in that time.

Newman was a highly original thinker, who combined a vast knowledge of the Fathers of the Church with a keen appreciation of the contemporary culture and a deep understanding of human nature. As a result, his works, though composed in the nineteenth century, remain relevant and thought-provoking today. His motto, cor ad cor loquitur, “heart speaks to heart”, well expresses his ability as a thinker to engage personally with those who read him. His was a lifelong and sincere searching after truth, and his words still resonate with all who are engaged in such a search. I am confident that this new honour conferred on him will lead to a renewed interest in his works, the lasting testimony to an exceptionally gifted mind.

As we come to the end of another busy year, the Notre Dame – Newman Centre gives thanks for the opportunity to serve the Church in South City Centre and to celebrate all that we have accomplished. As you look through this yearbook for 2024, I hope you will see our deep desire to bring life to the University Parish community, to create a place where thoughtful discussion about important spiritual and social matters can take place, and to be a beacon of joy and hope in the modern world.

Reading through these pages, you will see some of the major events and projects of the year. What you can’t see is the faith, dedication, and daily efforts of so many people that allow the Centre and parish to be sources of good in our world. Everyday parishioners and staff give of themselves as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans, ministry coordinators, cantors, choir members, choral librarians, laundry workers, stewards, catechists, and event coordinators. It is the silent work behind the scenes that keeps this place going. It is desire to serve God and neighbour that turns mundane tasks into ministry.

As we celebrate the many accomplishments of this past year, I want to pause and thank all of you who serve the parish and one another in some way. Though your efforts may seem thankless at times, please know that we are deeply thankful for your service and your support. Let us always strive to make God known, loved and served and may our every effort be his.

Happy Christmas,

Fr. Gary Chamberland, CSC

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL YEARBOOK

Sunday 1 December 11am & 6:15pm -First Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 2 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday 3 December -NO Taizé

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 8 December 11am & 6:15pm - Second Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 9 December 1:05pm - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday 10 December 6pm - Advent themed Taizé followed by hot chocolate and churros

Saturday 14 December 6pm - “A Light Shine in Bethlehem” -Newman Vocare Ensemble Carol Service

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 15 December 11am & 6:15pm - Third Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 16 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday 17 December 6pm - Advent themed Taizé

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday 22 December 11am & 6:15pm - Fourth Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday 23 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS - Tuesday 24 December 9pm with Vocare & University Church Singers

CHRISTMAS DAY MASS - Wednesday 25 December 11am with Vocare & University Church Singers

NO DAILY MASS - Thursday 26 December - Friday 27 December

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY - Sunday 29 December 11am & 6:15pm

NO DAILY MASS - Mon 30 December - 1 January

DAILY MASS RESUMES - Thursday 2 January 1:05pm

TAIZÉ RESUMES - Tuesday 7 January 6pm - youtube.com/notredameneewmancentre

Sunday, 3 December 11am & 6:15pm - First Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday, 4 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday, 5 December - No Taizé

Friday, 8 December Mass at 1:05pm - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday, 10 December 11am & 6:15pm - Second Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday, 11 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday, 12 December 6pm - Advent themed Taizé (followed by Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration)

Saturday, 16 December 6pm - “A Light Shines in Bethlehem” - Newman Vocare Ensemble Seasonal Carol Service

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Sunday, 17 December 11am & 6:15pm - Third Sunday of Advent Mass

Monday, 18 December 1:05pm - Daily Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday, 19 December 6pm - Advent themed Taizé

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, 24 December 11am - Fourth Sunday of Advent Mass

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve Mass - Sunday, 24 December 9pm - with Vocare & University Church Singers

Christmas Day Mass - Monday, 25 December 11am - with Vocare & University Church Singers

No Daily Mass - Tues 26 December - Fri 29 December

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Sunday, 31 December 11am (No 6:15pm Mass this evening)

No Daily Mass - Monday, 1 January

Daily Mass Resumes -Tuesday, 2 January 1:05pm

Taizé Resumes -Tuesday, 9 January 6pm

Saint John Henry Newman was born in London on 21 February 1801 into a middle-class Protestant family. An evangelical Christian, Newman converted to English Calvinism before embracing a more central role for the Church in the life of faith. As an Anglican priest in the 1830s, Newman played a central role in the Oxford Movement, which sought to restore Catholic beliefs and rituals to the Church of England.

Newman was received into the Catholic Church on 9 October 1845, and ordained a Catholic priest on 30 May 1847. Attached to the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, Newman lived in Birmingham for the rest of his life except for the years he spent here at the Catholic University of Ireland.

In 1879, Newman was made cardinal by Pope Leo XIII, choosing the motto "Cor ad cor loquitur," in English "heart speaks to heart." Newman died on 11 August 1890.

John Henry Cardinal Newman was beautified in Birmingham by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 and canonised by Pope Francis in Rome on 13 October 2019.

Music

Cor ad Cor Loquitur by Ephrem Feeley

When Saint John Henry Newman became a cardinal in 1879 he chose the motto "heart speaks unto heart" to go on his coat of arms. “Heart of Life, Heart of Love, Heart Divine. Cor ad cor loquitur: Heart speaks to heart!”

May the Lord Support Us by Steven C. Warner

based on the prayer of Saint John Henry Newman

“May the Lord support us all the day long,
Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging,
and holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.”

Praise to the Holiest - Tune Billing

Comes from John Henry Newman's dramatic poem The Dream of Gerontius (1865) “Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise; In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways.”

Lead, Kindly Light by Audrey Assad

“Lead, kindly Light, amidst the grey and gloom

The night is long and I am far from home

Here in the dark, I do not ask to see

The path ahead-one step enough for me

Lead on, lead on, kindly Light.”

Lead, Kindly Light by Steven C. Warner

Based on the poem “Pillar of the Cloud” by Saint John Henry Newman (June 16, 1833)

“Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom

Lead Thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home-

Lead Thou me on!

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene- one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou

Shouldst lead me on.

I loved to choose and see my path, but now

Lead thou me on!

I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,

Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still

Will lead me on,

O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and forrent, till

The night is gone;

And with the morn those angel faces smile

Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.”

Podcasts and Lectures

The Crisis of Faith - Listen Here

Catholic Stuff You Should Know Podcast

Newman’s Notes - Listen Here

Catholic Stuff You Should Know Podcast

Newman Conference 2022

Panel discussion on John Henry Newman's Idea of a University hosted by the UCD Newman Centre for the Study of Religions and the Notre Dame Newman Centre for Reason and Faith in the Museum of Literature Ireland/UCD Newman House, 19-20 October 2022

Journeying with Newman: A Podcast Series - Listen Here

Jesuit.ie -John Henry Newman: a saint for the times - Listen here

In interview with Pat Coyle, historian Dermot Roantree describes Newman’s personal development from evangelicalism to high Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism in the first half of the 19th century. 

Reading

The Idea of a University

John Henry Newman

Newman A Short Biography

Michael Collins

Sunday, 24 th September, is Diocesan Safeguarding Sunday. This year we mark
the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Child Safeguarding and
Protection Service. The service was set up by Cardinal Connell, initially as the
Child Protection Service, on the advice of the Diocesan Panel on Child Protection.
An anniversary such as this provides an opportunity not only to look back and
consider what has been done but also to look forward at what remains to be
done and the challenges of the future.
It is possible to divide the history of the Service into two distinct ten year
periods. For the first ten years the emphasis was very much on support for
victim/ survivors and ensuring that allegations of abuse against clerics were
dealt with in accordance with both national child protection guidelines, Children
First, and with the Church’s own guidelines. This work, dealing with the
consequences of the past, was accompanied by measures to improve the safety
of children involved in church activities. However, it was only with the
establishment of the diocesan Safeguarding Committee in 2013 that the work of
safeguarding, the proactive work of creating and maintaining safe environments,
initially for children and then also for vulnerable adults, came to have the same
prominence as dealing with cases and supporting those who were harmed.
We have learned, then, that dealing with the consequences of the past vital
though it remains, has to be accompanied by steps to ensure that what
happened then is not happening now and will not happen in the future. That is
part of the debt we owe to victims and survivors. Many of those who have
disclosed abuse have given as their primary reason for doing so that they want
to ensure that no child will ever again suffer as they did.
We have learned too that the lay faithful have taken this matter to heart and are
determined to rid the Church of the scourge of clerical child abuse. A recent
article in the Irish Times by columnist, Breda O Brien, noted that there has been
real progress in the Church, mostly due to an army of faithful lay volunteers and
dogged persistence by campaigners. We owe a great debt to the campaigners,
even if they sometimes tell us things we would rather not hear. I want to take
this opportunity to pay tribute to the campaigners. Also, I want to thank all of
you who have attended training, implemented safeguarding practices in our
parishes, served as parish safeguarding representatives and sat on our various
committees at both parish and diocesan level.
We must look to the future with hope, including the hope that children can be
brought back to the Church. We are more likely to succeed in doing so if we can
convince their parents that the safety of their loved ones is our utmost concern.
We need also a realistic understanding that threats to the safety of children can
come from the most unexpected sources and that we can only protect them if
we remain alert and vigilant.
Finally, I ask you to remember in your prayers all those who have suffered
abuse.

+ Dermot Farrell

“The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.

This year’s theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” taking inspiration from the Prophet Amos who declares: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24). And so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice.”

Listening

Catholic Social Teaching: God’s Creation Sons of Ignatius Podcast - Fr Dave and Fr Niall catch up after Easter and dive into Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the care of creation. If we are going to be disciples that care for the Earth, then we need to see clearly, judge wisely, and act justly.

The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go Catholic Stuff You Should Know Podcast - The Spirituality of John Muir

Day 48: Creation in Order Catechism in a Year (with Father Mike Schmitz) Podcast - God created all of the visible world in richness, diversity, and order, and everything owes its existence to God. Because all of creation comes from God, every creature has its own goodness and perfection. God created wills the interdependence of all creatures, all of creation is placed under the dominion of human beings. God gave us the world for our use, but not for our abuse. Man, made in the image and likeness of God, is the summit of the Creator’s work, and we are charged with caring for the natural world and all of its creatures. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 337-343

Reading

Laudato Si’ Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis on Care for our Common Home

The Parish as Oasis: An Introduction to Practical Environmental Care by Kevin Hargaden and Ciara Murphy A practical and accessible introduction to how local churches can contribute to healing the environmental crisis. By focussing on practical ‘experiments’ that any parish can explore according to their own context and capacities, this book seeks to equip people with a hands-on understanding of the ideas unpacked in Laudato Si’. It is a book that aspires to inspire congregations to get their hands dirty, but also plants those initiatives within a coherent eco-theology.

Creation Walk: The Amazing Story of a Small Blue Planet by Fr Brian Grogan SJ This book offers a unique presentation of the unfolding of our universe. It interweaves the insights of contemporary science with Christian faith, and reveals the divine orchestration of the Creation Story in a dramatic, fresh and appealing way.

Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth by Ilia Delip, OSF, Keith Douglass Warner, OFM, and Pamela Wood Three of the greatest minds in Franciscan theology come together to discuss one of the greatest crises of our time--the destruction of the Earth. This book takes both a theological and practical approach to developing a Franciscan spirituality of the earth. Four sections highlight the distinct relationships creation has with the world: incarnation, community, contemplation and conversion. In this meticulously researched book, the authors propose ways in which we can all understand our own roles in relationship to the Earth and ways in which we can make it better.

Events

Celia Deane-Drummond, director of the Laudato Si’ Research Institute and senior research fellow in theology at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, will be giving. lecture at the Notre Dame Newman Centre for Faith and Reason (87b St Stephen's Green, Dublin) on Wednesday 21 November. This event is free and open to the public!

Who are we?

This parish is part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin.  The parish is a registered charity Registered Charity Number: 20016166, Parishes Revenue Number CHY7424.  The Parish Priest/Administrator/Moderator is the data controller for the parish, in other words he is the person responsible for making sure your data is safe and secure.

• Baptism Registers

The Archbishop is the sole controller of the personal data and special category data contained in the Baptism Registers held in Parishes of the Archdiocese with respect to storage and retention of data, standard and special annotation of data and alteration of data. The Archbishop, along with the Parish Priest/Administrator/Moderator assigned to the Parish which holds the Baptism Register, are each a joint controller of the personal data and special category data with respect to collecting and recording of data in the Baptism Register.

Your personal data – what is it?

Personal data relates to a living individual who can be identified from that data.  Identification can be through the information alone or in conjunction with other information in the data controller’s possession or likely to come into such possession. The processing of personal data is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation or the GDPR and the Data Protection Act (2018).

Who does this Privacy Notice apply to?

This Privacy notice is for all those whose personal information is dealt with in any way by the parish including parishioners, clergy, staff, volunteers, contractors, suppliers and visitors and there may be others. 

What is the lawful basis for processing your personal data?

The GDPR requires specification in the Privacy Notice of the lawful basis for processing personal data.  Below are the lawful bases which are relevant to our processing activities;

• Where consent has been obtained.  This can be withdrawn at any time.
• Compliance with a legal obligation
• Performance of a contract, or to take steps to enter into a contract
• To protect a person’s vital interests
• Legitimate interests – this includes any activities that involve advancing and maintaining the Roman Catholic religion.
• Where processing is carried out by a not-for-profit body with a religious aim provided: -
  • the processing relates only to members of the congregation or former members (or those who have regular contact with it in connection with those purposes); and
  • there is no disclosure to a third party without consent.

Baptism Registers held in Parishes of the Archdiocese

Where personal data and special category data is processed in the Baptism Registers held in Parishes of the Archdiocese, the Archbishop relies on the legitimate interests in preserving the information contained in Baptism Registers because such registers consist of a record of the administration of certain sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. It is essential that the Archbishop maintains a record of certain sacraments which may only be administered once in the Roman Catholic Church. As personal data contained in the Baptism Registers is special category personal data, the Archbishop must have an additional lawful basis for processing. The Archbishop relies on processing carried out in the course of his legitimate activities with appropriate safeguards and the processing relates solely to members or former members of the Roman Catholic Church, and personal data is not disclosed outside the Roman Catholic Church without the consent of the member/former member concerned.

What personal data do we process?

The parish will process some or all of the following types of data, where necessary to perform our duties;

• Names;
• Contact details – telephone numbers, addresses, email addresses;
• Information about the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders;
• Information relating to donations as required for audit purposes and the Charities Act (2016);
• Safeguarding information on staff, clergy and volunteers as required by the National Safeguarding Office;
• Information relating to gender, age, date of birth, marital status;
• Information gathered for the furtherance of faith development supports and services;
• Information relating to education/work histories, academic professional qualifications;
• Some of the personal data we process will fall under the category of sensitive personal data as it will identify your religious belief.  There may be other categories of sensitive personal data processed including information on health (e.g. pilgrimage requirements), details of injuries (e.g. legal claim), trade union membership (for a staff member).

How does the Parish process personal information?

We use your personal data for purposes included among the following;

• to enable us to meet all legal and statutory obligations;
• to deliver the Church’s mission to our parish community and to carry out other voluntary/charitable activities for the benefit of our parish community;
• to minister to our parishioners and provide you with pastoral and spiritual care (such as visiting the sick or the bereaved);
• to organise and facilitate ecclesiastical liturgies for our parishioners, including funerals;
• facilitate the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmations and Marriage;
• to promote and assist the mission and growth of the Church in the Diocese of Dublin;
• to carry out comprehensive Safeguarding procedures in accordance with best; safeguarding practice with the aim of ensuring that all children and vulnerable adults are provided with safe environments;
• for those involved in the management of the parish we use the personal information you provided to enable both the parish and you to carry out your role effectively (e.g. members of the pastoral council, finance committee etc.);
• for lay people who assist in all aspects of parish life including the creation of rosters, being involved in parish sacramental teams etc., we use your information to assist you in your various roles.  Without such information it would not be possible for you to function effectively in your role in our parish;
• To fundraise and promote the interests of the parish and process donations e.g. information supplied by donors to use in supporting our work
• To maintain our own accounts and records e.g. putting agreements in place, invoicing and making payments.  Personal data held in this regard forms part of our contractual arrangements with you;
• To send you the parish newsletter;
• To deal with your request; 
• To manage our staff, volunteers and contractors; 
• Our processing may also include the taking of photographs, live streaming via the webcam, or capturing images in our CCTV; 
• On occasion the parish has to share your personal data with the Diocesan offices. To enable this to happen compliantly a Data Processing Agreement has been put in place which is signed by the Parish Priest/Administrator/Moderator and counter-signed by the Archbishop. Examples of this sharing include contact with Chancellery in relation to sacramental issues; HR in relation to employment issues; Finance in relation to tax on donations and other areas affected by the Charities Regulation; Child Safeguarding for Vetting and Safe-guarding issues.  This list is not exhaustive.

Sharing your personal data
Your personal data will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be shared where appropriate;

• Information may be shared with statutory or church bodies for tax relief purposes or for law enforcement agencies for the prevention and detection of crime;
• Information may be shared with third parties who assist us with our work;
• We reserve the right to release personal data without your consent where permitted by law or to meet a legal obligation.

How long do we keep your personal data?
We keep your personal data for as long as it is need and in line with our Retention/Disposition schedule.  Some records are permanently kept and these will be placed in the Parish/Diocesan Archives. 

In relation to the Baptism Registers held in the Parishes of the Archdiocese, personal data and special category data are retained in perpetuity, in order to achieve the purpose of correctly administering certain sacraments that may only be undertaken once in a person’s lifetime.

How is our information kept safe and secure?

We comply with its obligations under the “GDPR” by keeping personal data up to date; by storing and destroying it securely; by not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data; by protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure and by ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.

Baptism Registers are annotated upon administration of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Marriage or Holy Orders to an individual. Where an individual receives any of these sacraments, a note will be made in the Baptism Register entry for that individual. Annotations are necessary as it ensures the sacraments of Confirmation, Marriage or Ordination may only be undertaken once during a person’s lifetime.

Your rights and your personal data 

Unless subject to an exemption under the GDPR you have the following rights with respect to your personal data: -

• Right of Access – you can request a copy of your personal data from the Parish;
• Right of Correction – you have the right to request that the Parish corrects any personal data if it is found to be inaccurate, incomplete or out of date;
• Right of Erasure – You have the right, in certain circumstances, to ask for the data we hold on you to be destroyed.  This is known as the Right to be Forgotten;
• Right to Restriction of Processing – where certain conditions apply, you have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data;
• Right to Data Portability – you can request that the Parish transfer your data directly to another data controller where we hold the data in an electronic format;
• Right to Object –you have the right to object to certain types of processing;
• Right to Lodge a Complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commission.

When exercising any of the above rights and in order to facilitate your request, we may need to verify your identification for security purposes.

Transfer of Data Abroad

We do not transfer personal data abroad. 

Further processing

We reserve the right to review and amend this statement at any time without notice.

Contact Details

Please contact the Parish if you have any questions about this Privacy Statement or the information we hold about you or to exercise all relevant rights, queries or complaints or email dataprotection@dublindiocese.ie.

The diocesan privacy policy can be accessed on http://dublindiocese.ie/privacy-policy.

You can contact the Data Protection Commissioners Office on 00353 57 8684800 or Lo-Call 1890 252 231 or by email at info@dataprotection.ie. 

Updated 24 March 2023

Parishes in Partnership

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Whitefriar Street

Sunday Masses: 8am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 4pm (Sat. Vigil at 6pm)

Weekday Masses: 8am, 10am, 11:30am, 1:10pm, 3pm

Confessions: Mon-Fri 10:30-11:30am & 3-4pm

Saturday 10:30-12:30pm & 2-4pm

WHITEFRIARSTREETCHURCH.IE

Saint Andrew's Westland Row

Sunday Masses: 10am & 11:30am (Sat. Vigil 6:30pm) 12:30pm (Chinese-2nd & 4th Sun of the month) & 2pm (Lithuanian)

Weekday Masses: 10am & 12:45pm (Sat. 10am)

STANDREWS.IE/PARISH

Saint Kevin's Harrington Street

Sunday Masses: 12pm (Sat. Vigil 6pm)

Weekday Masses: 10am

Confessions: Sundays 10-12pm or by request

STKEVINSDUBLIN.IE

Newman University Church St. Stephen's Green

Sunday Masses: 11am & 6:15pm

Weekday Masses: 1:05pm

Taizé Prayer: Tuesday 6pm

NEWMAN.ND.EDU

Saint Teresa's Church Clarendon Street

Sunday Masses: 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm (Sat. Vigil 6pm)

Weekday Masses: 7:30am, 8:30am, 11:30am, 12:45pm, 5:30pm

Saturday Masses: 7:30am, 8:30am, 11:30am, 12:45pm

Confessions: Mon-Sat 11am-1pm & 4pm-5pm

Immaculate Heart of Mary City Quay

Sunday Masses: 11:30am (Sat. Vigil 6:00pm)

Weekday Masses: Tues-Fri 8am

JOCITYQUAYPARISH@GMAIL.COM

Click the photo to the below or view the album by clicking here.

Record a video of you, a choir, or a group of friends performing the Hail Mary (written by Steven C. Warner.) The performance may be sung, instrumental, or both. Though the melody of the song should remain the same, we encourage you to be creative and use your own artistic expression when putting together your rendition. You can add harmonies, instruments, and more! The musical score is attached below.

Recording and Uploading your Rendition

Before pressing "record" make sure your audio is working and your camera is filming horizontally or landscape. Begin your recording with a brief introduction of the performers before starting your rendition of the Hail Mary. When you are happy with your take, upload it to YouTube and name it, 

NDNC Hail Mary Music Competition - YOUR NAME

This competition is open to all in Ireland and abroad and all lovers of music everywhere. Winners will be chosen based on musical interpretation, quality of performance and overall presentation. 

Each entry must be accompanied by a release form (and parent/guardian form where appropriate). Fill out your release form and officially submit your rendition HERE.

A PDF of the musical score can be found here. - Hail Mary

Prizes

FIRST PRIZE: € 500

SECOND PRIZE: € 250

THIRD PRIZE: € 100

Questions?

Email notredamenewmancentre@gmail.com

You can view entries from our last competition on our YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHQop_tIzCqAzzHBRIAvurQZdME58jp7

Listen to our choir sing our version of the Hail Mary 

(note - our choir sang it three times but you don’t have to!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=137hMFPy6EU

Whether it was 6 months, 6 years, or 60 years ago, we want your photo! We are collecting couples’ photos from their wedding at our church to display beginning just before Saint Valentine’s Day and ending around Saint Patrick’s Day. To be included in our display, please submit your photo by 7 February by filling out this form online. 

If you submit your photo after 7 February you will be added to the online edition of the album so please still send your photo in!

Photos due: Tuesday 7 February

Display in the a church begins: Sunday 12 February

Display ends: Sunday 19 March

When Jacques Berthier wrote "Nada te Turbe" he was inspired by Saint Teresa of Avila's writings. Saint Teresa of Avila was a Carmelite who lived from 1515-1582 in Spain. She was recognised as the first woman doctor of the church by Pope Paul VI because of her reform work in the church and mystical ideas on mental prayer. 

Nada te turbe, nada te espante todo se pasa, Dios no se muda, la paciencia todo lo alcanza, quien a Dios tiene nada le falta solo Dios basta.

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who has God Finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola and "These Alone Are Enough"

This song by Dan Schutte is based on "Suspice" Prayer by Saint Ignatius. Saint Ignatius was a Spanish Catholic priest who lived from 1491-1556 and founded the Jesuits.

Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. Whatever I have or hold, You have given me; I restore it all to You and surrender it wholly to be governed by Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.

Saint John Henry Newman and "Lead, Kindly Light"

Though he spent most of his life in England, in 1856 Saint John Henry Newman founded University Church in Dublin during the few years he spent here. Steven Warner (our former music director) wrote "Lead, Kindly Light" based on John Henry Newman's poem "The Pillar of the Cloud."

Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home --
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, -- one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
Should'st lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

Saint Patrick and "Deer's Cry"

Our choir sang "The Deers Cry" on Saint Patrick's Day. The lyrics of which are taken from Saint Patrick's Breastplate.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

Venerable Catherine McAuley and "Take from My Heart"

Venerable Catherine McAuley was an Irish Catholic religious sister who founded the Sisters of Mercy. "Take from My Heart's" lyrics are taken from her "Suspice" prayer.

My God, I am yours for all eternity.
Teach me to cast my whole self
into the arms of your Providence
with the most lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity.
Grant, O most merciful Redeemer,
that whatever you ordain or permit may always be acceptable to me.
Take from my heart all painful anxiety;
suffer nothing to afflict me but sin,
nothing to delight me,  but the hope of coming to the possession of You
my God, in your own everlasting kingdom.

Amen.

Saint Teresa of Avila (again!) and "Christ Has No Body Now But Yours"

The lyrics for "Christ Has No Body Now But Yours" are inspired by a poem attributed to Saint Teresa of Avila.

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Saint John Henry Newman and "May the Lord Support Us"

We love our Saint John Henry Newman related hymns around these parts. This song is based on a prayer written by John Henry Newman and is often used at the end of someone's life.

May the Lord support us all the day long,
Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging,
and holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.