News Archive

Culture Night

This year's Culture Night takes place on Fri 20 Sept across the country, with many free events, some of which have religious and art elements. Events can be searched by location, event type etc at https://culturenight.ie/events/

Stained Glass Walking Tours
An Túr Gloine Stained Glass Walking Tours - September 21 1-2pm. Explore the stained glass of An Túr Gloine in Dublin on this tour, led by Trinity College Dublin doctoral candidate Stephen Huws. Join us to uncover the beauty and history behind these works of art with expert insight into the intricate craft of stained glass. Walking from the Gallery we will visit several churches around Dublin to view work by all of the major artists associated with An Túr Gloine.
Details and booking: https://nationalgallery.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873644527

Night of Joy

There will be a night of gospel music with Newbridge Gospel Choir in St Conleth's Church Newbridge on Fri 20 Sept. More info and booking here.

Heritage Week

National Heritage Week runs 17-25 August, celebrating Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices. Info on events here.

Joseph Musical in Kerry

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - the biblical musical will be performed in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co. Kerry, on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, 7.30pm. Info and boking here.

Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course

The 2024 Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course takes place Sun 11 Aug to Sat 17 Aug. The theme this year is  'A Place At The Table' a. The event takes place at Knockadoon Camp, Dominican Youth Camp, Knockadoon, Co. Cork, Ireland. More info and booking at https://knockadoonml.com/

Stanford at Galway Cathedral
Hungarian-born Judit Máté and her husband Gyula Nagy present an all-Stanford programme, including his wonderful "Six Biblical Songs" and "Sonata Celtica". The event will take place at Galway Cathedral Thursday, 11 July 2024, 8.00pm. More info and booking here.

Hopkins Festival
The annual Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival takes place in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare, July 19-25. More info and booking here.

Light the Fire in Mayo
'Light the Fire 2024' takes place in Ballintubber Abbey, Mayo, on Sun Aug 4th 12 noon to 4 pm. Singer Dana will sing her new song about St Patrick.

Choir Festival in Kerry
MASS WITH THE NFT CHOIR AT DINGLE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL - Saturday, 18 May 2024, 11.00am, DINGLE, CO. KERRY.
Féile cheoil an tSamhraidh is an annual choral and chamber music Festival at the end of May.
The National Folk Theatre Choir will sing during a live radio broadcast with Radio na Gaeltachta during 11am Mass on Sunday 19th of May in St Vincent's church Ballyferriter and perform a recital afterwards, also in the church, at 1pm. Venue: St Vincent's Church Ballyferriter. Dates/Times: Sun 19th May @11am & 1pm
Free to attend.

Gardiner Street Gospel Choir

Renowned and award-winning Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and its band collaborate with Mayo Concert Orchestra to bring their new high-energy ‘Spirit & Soul’ concert to The Helix . The blurb: 'Combining talents will produce a wonderfully powerful, stirring and resonant sound, and this will be something of a groundbreaking collaboration for the two groups, both of which are acclaimed in their own right. Presenting a mix of wonderfully uplifting, energetic and spirit-filled songs, with the vibrant sounds of orchestral arrangements, will certainly be an amazing treat for the senses – an unmissable concert'. Helix, 18th May 8 pm. Booking here.

Brigid 1500 - Of Earth and Heaven

Brigid 1500 - Of Earth and Heaven takes place on Sun 26 May at 4 PM in St. Brigid’s Parish Catholic Church, Kildare town. The blurb: 'Spring has sprung and the Nás Na Rí Singers Spring Concert is just around the corner. As a continuation of the Brigid 1500 celebrations, our “Of Earth and Heaven” concert will be taking place on Sunday, May 26th at 4 PM in St. Brigid’s Parish Catholic Church, Kildare Town. For those unfamiliar with The Nás na Rí Singers, we are a mixed-voice choir of nearly 70 members, based in Naas, Co. Kildare. Members are drawn not just from Naas, but from all over Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin. Among our members are singers who have been proudly singing with us from the very first day and singers who have been with us for just a few months. Booking and info at Eventbrite.

Little Nellie Film

Little Nellie of Holy God: Premiere Screening of Documentary Movie, followed by Q&A with John Donovan and presentation of Little Nellie’s personal belongings. Friday 12th April at 8pm in St John’s Pastoral Centre, John’sHill, Waterford X91HW9D. Tea,coffee and light refreshmentsserved. All welcome.

Country Gospel Event

COUNTRY & GOSPEL MUSIC FEATURING TONY KERR & THE WORKING MEN WITH SPECIAL FRIENDS - Friday 12 April | 7:45pm (Doors 7:15pm). Tickets £18 available at our Box Office on by calling 028 7776 0650. LT Promotions Invites you to spend and evening of Country and Gosptel Music featuring Tony Kerr, and the Working Men with Special Guests, Liam McLaughlin, Bernie Heaney and Marie Murnin. There will also be a raffle with proceeds to Air Ambulance NI.

St Brigid's Day Event

Saint Brigid's Day is the first of February! There will be a Saint Brigid's Day celebration in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, after Taizé on the 30th of January at 6pm. There will be live music, refreshments, and an opportunity to make (and learn how to make) a Saint Brigid's cross.

Gospel Choirs Event
Sun 28 Jan - Gospel choirs that sing at mass to join together and enhance their role through community with each other, input from speakers and song. Event presented by the Virginia Gospel Choir.Info and booking at Eventbrite.

Concert for St Brigid

There will be a concert to mark the feast of St Brigid on Mon 5th Feb 7 pm in St Brigid's Parish Blanchardstown. Tickets at Eventbrite.

November Moment 2023

As part of Catholic Schools Week 2024, there are resources for the 'November Moment' - a plan of work, a prayer service and a worksheet. The post-primary resources can be downloaded at this link.

Mission Sunday

Sun 22 Oct is Mission Sunday. The theme is 'Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move'. This year's resources can be found at this link.

Season 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. Resources for 2023:  https://www.catholicbishops.ie/laudato-si/
Also Faitharts Resources for Creation theme: http://www.faitharts.ie/creation.html

JCT Inservice and Changes

Registration is now open for September / October 2023 for teachers who teach a second subject - a Junior Cycle subject specific workshop that will be provided by Oide Ireland, Oide, a new Dept. of Education (Ire) support service set to be established on 01.09.23 following integration of CSL JCT NIPT & PDST http://jctregistration.ie Register by Friday, 26th May.

Arts in Junior Cycle - Summer Courses

Arts in Junior Cycle has announced a range of elective summer courses in a variety of arts areas, incl music theatre, storytelling, film production, drawing and more. Check out the courses here.

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week will take place from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 January 2024 on the theme of Catholic Schools as Communities of Service. There are resources for all levels, primary and secondary with lots of useful resources for each day of this special week - check them out at this link.

Catholic Schools Week Event
To celebrate Catholic Schools Week in January Newman Church in St Stephen's Green, Dublin, is having a special Taizé for all teachers and students. All are invited on Tuesday 23 January at 6pm to come for Taizé and stay for pizza and refreshments after!

Moving Crib

The Moving Crib is now open and is in its 67th year. It's open until Jan 7th in Parnell Square Dublin 1. Check website for opening hours. At the crib on Sunday, December 10th, the Bray Gospel Choir will perform soul-stirring renditions of beloved Christmas carols and gospel songs from 12 noon to 4 pm. Visitors are invited to join in and sing along to favourite Yuletide tunes. Free admission, no booking necessary.

Remembrance

There will be an evening of remembrance, with music, prayer and song, in Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Fri 10 Nov at 7 pm, featuring the Newman Vocare Ensemble. Donations to Our Lady's Hospice.

Ascolta Concert
Ascolta will be having their Christmas Concert in University Church on 15 December at 6pm, In Dulci Jubilo, which will include an exploration of different settings of this famous Christmas text as well as carols that we all know and love! This year, they are supporting the wonderful work of OCF, the Oesophageal Cancer Fund who are bringing the good fight to a bad cancer. Their vision is that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer receives the earliest and best support and treatment possible. If you can't make it to the concert but wish to donate, please click here. Tickets are €15 online or at the door. Concession tickets at €12 will be available at the door on the night for students and over 65s.

Calling Artists of Faith!

Press Release from Catholic Communications Office: 'Are you a person of faith, with a creative gift in art, and would like to encourage vocations to the diocesan priesthood?
  Perhaps you have already created, or are willing to evoke, the beauty of a vocational calling through paint, sculpture, print, poetry and/or photography.  If so, you are invited to apply with your name, an image of your artwork or exhibit, by email to info@vocations.ie.  An exhibition called ‘Art for Vocations’ will be held at Portlaoise Parish Centre from 3.00pm to 6.00pm on 18 October, the Feast day of Saint Luke, Patron of Artists.

On the day, artist Eoin Madigan will give a talk on Finding God in Paint.  Mr Madigan said, "visual art has the ability to communicate without words.  It can inspire us, touch our emotions, reveal truths and challenge us in so many ways.  What better medium than to explore our encounters with God?  These are very special encounters that, without words, open our hearts and draw us into an awareness of God's presence"

This initiative has been undertaken by the National Vocations Office of the Bishops’ Conference, as part of the ‘Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood, 2023 – 2024’.

Advent and Christmas Events at Newman Church

Advent themed prayer in the style of Taizé will be on Tuesday 12 December and 19 December at 6pm, followed by tea and biscuits. (There will be no Taizé on Tuesday 5 December.) "A Light Shines in Bethlehem" Newman Vocare Ensemble's Seasonal Carol Service will be Saturday 16 December at 6pm. This is free and open to the public! Come listen to some beautiful music as we journey from Advent into Christmas.

Safe Home Ireland with Sean Keane

Sean Keane will perform in a concert for Safe Home Ireland, the Emigrant Welfare charity, on Sun 19 Nov 6 pm in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, City Quay, Dublin. You can also book pre-concert dinner and drinks.

Palestrina Choir

The Palestrina Choir, attached to the Pro-Cathedral Dublin have several upcoming events for the 120 celebrations. On Wed 15 at 8 pm. Nov there's a lecture on the history of the choir and a round table discussion. On Sun 19th Nov there's a new setting of the Latin Mass by Sean Doherty, at 11 am.

Dublin Diocese November Resources

The Education Secretariat of Dublin Diocese has released its blog for November - a wide range of resources, including many arts resources. Check it out here.

Resources for All Saints

The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore has produced a resource pack for All Saintys Day, Nov 1st, aimed at Post-Primary Schools, especially junior cycle classes. The pack can be downloaded at this link.

Search for Meaning Workshop

Oide RE (the official RE support service) are having an online elective event to support student engagement with CBA 2: The Human Search for Meaning on Wednesday the 6th of December. More info here. Register here: https://buff.ly/3R9HXZm

All Hallows Concert

Winter Choral Concert - Wednesday, 22 November 2023, 6.30pm
ALL HALLOWS CHAPEL, DCU 6.30-8.00pm Free Admission, all welcome. DCU Lumen Chorale, conductor Róisín Blunnie
DCU Music Society Choir, conductor John O'Flynn with guest soloists and groups. The varied programme includes Schubert's Ständchen, excerpts from Vivaldi's Violin Concerto and Gloria, choral arrangements of The Salley Gardens, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Into the West (from Lord of the Rings), John Spillane's All the Ways You Wander, Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, and a beautiful selection of traditional slow airs and dance tunes. Adm free. More info here.

Gardiner St Gospel Choir

The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir invites you to join them on Wed 13th Dec for an evening of Christmas cheer with fellow parish groups the Gardiner St Primary School Choir & Xavier Music Ministry. Online tickets available here or from the Parish Shop. This is a family friendly event with Adult tickets from €15 and Children from €5.

Howth Concert
Hallelujah Christmas is a classic Christmas concert aimed at the whole family. The goal is to bring some old-fashioned Christmas spirit and cheer to all who join in. The music has been carefully chosen to create that nostalgic, ambient Christmas mood, those of us of a certain age remember so well. Hallelujah Christmas will have the talents of Barbara Galvin (vocalist), Jeremy Morgan (vocalist), Kenneth O'Regan (vocalist), Pádraig Kilbride (pianist), Denice Doyle (violinist) and David Doyle (cellist) on show, so it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night's entertainment. Thu, 7 Dec 2023 19:00 - 21:00 Howth Catholic Church. More info and booking here.

Thanksgiving Mass
Mass on American Thanksgiving will be Thursday 23 November at 6pm at Newman Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Students from the University of Notre Dame will join us and members of the Newman Vocare Emsemble will be singing! All are welcome to come celebrate!

Kildare Orchestra
Fresh from its successful countywide tour with the Shackleton show, "South! Always South", the County Kildare Orchestra, under the baton of Musical Director Lorcan Daly, changes tack to bring you a selection of festive favourites. They will be joined by the Celbridge and Dublin members of Croí Nua under Choral Director Kathryn Smith and tenor Fr. Darragh Connolly to bring you an enchanting selection of carols and Christmas songs including the Hallelujah Chorus, the Holy City, Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride, Nessum Dorma, excerpts from The Nutcracker and much much more. With over 100 musicians and singers. Saturday, December 9 · 8 - 9:30pm. Info and booking here.

Advent Resources

The Religion Teacher is a US website offering a wide range of resources. Some material is free, some is available on subscription. The site's resources for Advent are available at this link.

Palestrina for Christmas

The Palestrina Choir, attached to Dublin's Pro-Cathedral, will celebrate the end of their 120th anniversary celebration with a Christmas concert in the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Wed 6 Dec at 8 pm. Blánaid Murphy is regarded as one of Ireland’s leading conductors. She has been Director of The Palestrina Choir since 2002. More info and booking here.

New Dublin Voices Christmas Concert
New Dublin Voices, directed by Bernie Sherlock, will perform a Christmas concert in the John Field Room of the National Concert Hall on Friday 8 Dec. Booking and info here.

Handel's Messiah
Our Lady’s Choral Society and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Proinnsias Ó Duinn and world class soloists present the ‘definitive’ performance of Handel’s Messiah at the National Concert Hall, on Tues 12 Dec and Wed 13 Dec. Booking and info here.

Ascend Advent

The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore has launched an Advent Resource full of activities and ideas for the season. It can be downloaded at this link.

Knock Shrine Arts Event

‘Seeing is Believing: Reflecting on Art as a Glimpse of the Sacred’  - These illustrated lectures are designed to make sense of Art. Indeed Nora Donnelly hopes to help not only to make some sense of Art but to make new sense by attending to what we see just for its own sake. In this way she hopes to show that God is immanent and embedded  in all things  visual and that our world is charged with the wonder of His presence.
Dates: Saturday 9th & 16th December, Time: 10.30am, Location: Taize Room, Prayer Centre, Knock Shrine
Fee: 20 per person.  More info here. Book Your Place Online on Eventbrite
There will also be Carols by Candlelight at the shrine on Sun 17th Dec - Join with the Schola Cantorum Basilicae and the choirs of Knock in celebrating the joy of Christmas with a collection of carols, hymns and festive favourites at Knock Basilica. Admission free and all are welcome.

Taizé night in Louth
Taizé music in Candlelight takes place in Bethany House Dundalk (A91WOC9) Friday 3rd November 8-9pm

Lament

On Wed 1st Nov the Event 'Lament' at 7pm in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, is an evening exploring Irish folklore, myth and music from Samhain to today by Rhona Fogarty with Mick O'Brien and Newman Vocare Ensemble.

Autumn Liturgy Seminar

On Sat 14 Oct there is an Autumn Liturgy seminar, the first since the pandemic. Venue – Ard Scoil Rís, Griffith Avenue, Marino D09 AK30 More info at this link: http://litmus.dublindiocese.ie/calendar/# and registration form is here.

Taizé Nights
Two Taizé nights coming up, with prayer and music - Louth, Fri 6th Oct 8 pm 'Bethany' 34 Point Road, Dundalk A91WOC9; Wexford - Good Counsel College Church, New Ross also Oct 6th 8 pm. Continuing first and third Fridays.

Encounter Waterford
Encounter Waterford will take place Fri 13th Oct, St John's Church, Parnell Place, Waterford. Talk, prayer, music and pizza for ages 18-35.

Les Miserables - School Presentation

A school edition of Les Miserables will take place at The Helix Theatre at DCU in Dublin, Sept 29th to Oct 1st. Features strong theme of redemption. More info and booking here: https://thehelix.ie/what-s-on/all-events/les-miserables-school-edition/

Graceland at NCH

The London African Gospel Choir, backed by live musicians, perform Paul Simon’s classic record Graceland live from start to finish, alongside a collection of African classics. The choir’s re-imagining will take us from smash synth driven You Can Call Me Al to haunting acapella Zulu folk song Homeless and everything in between. Event takes place at the National Concert Hall Wed 27th Sept 8 pm. More info and booking here.

St John Henry Newman Event

On Sun 8 Oct, to mark the feast day of St John Henry Newman, there will be Mass, tea, coffee and fellowship at Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Mass at 11 am and 6.15 pm will be enhanced by the music of the church's two choirs - The University Church singers and the Newman Vocare Ensemble.

Youth 2000 Events
The next Ulster Regional Retreat of Youth 2000 will take place on Lough Derg on the 29th of September to the 1st of October. The next Munster regional retreat will take place on the 20th – 22nd of October in Midleton, Co Cork. More info here.

Reminder re Oide Deadline

Oide is currently recruiting for Associates to work on a part-time basis with Oide for the 2023/24 school year. Applications should be made by submission of the completed online application form. The application form is available in both Irish and English, however applicants should only submit one application form.
The closing date for applications is 31st August 2023 at 5.00 p.m.
https://oide.ie/recruitment/

Season of Creation Prayer Service
Season of Creation is from 1 September - 4 October. Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 will have a prayer service celebrating the season on Thursday 14 September at 6pm. See website for a plethora of resources for the season. 

Book Club
The faith themed book club is back 1 September at 4:30pm in Trinity City Hotel for anyone interested. All are welcome!

Newman Vocare Ensemble
Newman Vocare Ensemble will sing at a special Mass in Dublin Castle Sat 26 August 11 am, prior to the Notre Dame football game in Aviva Saturday evening. There are no tickets necessary.

Poet Convert at All Hallows

Catholic poet and Convert Sally Read is on of the speakers at a young adult conference, 'Under Mary's Mantle', in All Hallows, Drumcondra 19-20 August. There will be talks, workshops, Mass and more. Other speakers include Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and Michael Kelly, editor of the Irish Catholic. Booking information at Eventbrite.

Hopkins Summer School

The annual Gerard Manley Hopkins International Festival will take place in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare July 21st - July 27th. More info and booking here.

Gospel Brunch

There will be a Sunday Gospel Music Brunch at Captain America's, Grafton Street, Dublin 2, on Sunday July 30th from 11 am, featuring Mobo Award winner Rachel Kerr. The blurb: 'This exclusive event will take place in the heart of Captain Americas, where you'll be treated to a feast for both your taste buds and your ears. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as Rachel Kerr takes the stage, enchanting the audience with her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. Booking at Eventbrite.

Organ Recital

Sunday 2nd July - 8:00pm Professor Gerard Gillen will give his annual recital as part of Dún Laoghaire Summer Organ Concerts. This is the 49th recital of this series which Gerard founded in 1974. Gerard will be performing works by J. S. Bach, César Franck, Max Reger and more. Venue: St Michael's Church Dun Laoighaire.

Knockadoon Music and Litury Course

The Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course takes place 13-19 August at Knockadoon Camp, Co. Cork. Bookings close Thurs 22nd June. To request a bursary email bookings@knockadoonml.com Web: https://knockadoonml.com/

ICMA Summer School

The Irish Church Music Association (ICMA) has its 2023 Summer School “Come and Journey with Me” taking place from July 5th to 7th in Maynooth, Co Kildare.  The blurb: 'Are you ready to embark on a musical adventure that will take you to new heights of creativity? ... Come and journey with us through a series of workshops and classes focusing on church music. Whether you are new to the genre of liturgical music or an advanced musician looking to develop your skills, ICMA’s 2023 summer school is the perfect place for you!' Info here.

Visual Thinking Strategies

An exciting from Junior Cycle Arts to develop skills of learning to look. Those who attended the Ways of Seeing event may remember VTS being modelled. The event is on Sat 13 May at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin. Presenter is artist and educator Clare Halpin. More info and booking here.

Youth 2000 Retreat
There will be a Youth 2000 Retreat 5th-7th May for ages 16-35 in Ashbourne Co. Meath. Music, prayer, worship and fellowship! Booking here.

Concert

UCD Choral Scholars: Concert Thursday 27th April 8:00pm Haydn Missa in Angustiis (Nelson Mass): The Choral Scholars and the UCD Ad Astra Chamber Orchestra, together with soprano, alto, tenor, and bass solorists will present a performance of Joseph Haydn's Missa in Angustiis ('Mass in Time of Affliction'). The performance will be conducted by Professor Harry White. Ticket information at Eventbrite.

Dana
Dana, former Eurovision winner, gospel singer and presidential candidate will sing at the Connacht Fleadh Mass in St Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Sunday 12 July at 11 am.

ChatGPT and Religious Education

The use of ChatGPT and other AI tools in Religious Education will be explored in an online workshop on Thurs 4th May at 7.30 pm. This will be done through Blackrock Education Centre - register at this link.

St John's Passion

St John's Passion by Bach will be performed at the National Concert Hall on Good Friday at 3.30 pm, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Hill, and also with the National Sympnohy Chorus. Booking and more info here. This work will also be performed on Palm Sunday, April 2nd at 3:30pm in Saint Andrew's Church, Westland Row. Tickets can be purchased here.

Tenebrae

Thursday 6 April 9pm: The choir and assembly at Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, wait in prayer for Easter’s first light singing songs and lamentations as the light is gradually extinguished during our Tenebrae service. Latin for “darkness”, Tenebrae was originally a service combining the prayers of the Office of Readings (matins) and Morning Prayer (lauds). The full Holy Week schedule is at Newman Church website.

Trad Night
The Legion of Mary are holding a trad night in Presentata Hall, 263 North Circular Road on Saturday 9 September at 7pm. All are welcome!

National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week 2023 takes place 12 Aug - 20 Aug. Some events have an arts and faith perspective. This year’s theme invites you to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations. There are over 1700 events. Check out https://www.heritageweek.ie/

Poet Convert at All Hallows
Catholic poet and Convert Sally Read is on of the speakers at a young adult conference, 'Under Mary's Mantle', in All Hallows, Drumcondra 19-20 August. There will be talks, workshops, Mass and more. Other speakers include Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and Michael Kelly, editor of the Irish Catholic. Booking information at Eventbrite.

Catholic Film Club


A Catholic Film Club takes place Sat 24 June at 7 pm in 263 North Circular Rd, Dublin. The film is The Sacrifice by Andrei Tarkovsky.
IMDB Entry Description: 'At the dawn of World War III, a man searches for a way to restore peace to the world and finds he must give something in return.'

The Sixteen

The Sixteen, one of the world’s finest and most renowned choral ensembles, returns to the National Concert Hall with its pioneering founder/conductor, Harry Christophers with a special programme Song In The Wilderness marking the 400th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest composers of the Renaissance, William Byrd. Hallmarked by its tonal richness, expressive intensity and compelling collective artistry, The Sixteen has been acclaimed worldwide for performances drawn from well over five centuries of sacred and secular repertoire delivered with precision, power and passion.  Their innovative and imaginative work, which speaks to so many, has made a profound impact on the performance of choral music and attracted a large new audience. They will perform Tues 20 June in the National Concet Hall. More info and booking here.

Eternal Rebels

Cantigas Women's Choir (USA) with Diva Voces Female Choir will premiere Seán Doherty's Eternal Rebel and a variety of other musical works. The event will take place Fri 7 July 7.30 pm at St. Andrew's Parish Church 44 Westland Row D02 W274 Dublin 2 (Booking) , and on Sun 9 July 3 pm at Saint Mary's Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick Bridge Street V94 E068 Limerick (Booking)

Camp Creideamh
Camp Creideamh is CampCreideamh: Catholic Faith Camp for Teenagers. 6 nights full-board camp. €175. Knockadoon, Co. Cork . A week of fun, friendship and growing in faith. The camp activities include Mass, prayer, catechesis, various sports, hillwalking,
music,quizzes, movies, etc. Sunday 11thJun 2023 – Saturday 17th June 2023.Moreinfo on https://campcreideamh.ie

Vocare Ensemble

Vocare Ensemble's Summer Concert "Heart Speaks to Heart" will take place on Saturday 17 June at 7pm in Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. The concert will the end of a year of liturgies and music. The concert is free but donations for a local charity will be welcome.

Ecumenical Bible Week

Ecumenical Bible Week 2023 takes place Sun 28th May - Sun 4th June in a variety of locations. Check out the events at https://www.bibleweek.ie/ The closing event on Sunday 4th June 2023 at 7pm is a Taizé style worship. Venue: Castleknock Roman Catholic Church. Presenters: Fr Damien McNeice and Rev Alan Boal.

Joyfest

Joyfest is on Sat 3rd June in UCD Astra Hall. The blurb: 'Come celebrate your faith and meet other young adults at JoyFest! With inspiring talks, fun workshops, uplifting music, and more, this one-day festival is the perfect way to deepen your relationship with Christ and connect with other like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to grow in faith and joy!'Register at Eventbrite

Dana in Concert

Dana will perform live at the Veritas store, Main St. Letterkenny, on Wed 31 May 7 pm.

Gregorian Chant
Gregorian Chant introductory course takes place Mon, May 22, 6pm – 8pm at Dominican Priory, St. Saviour's, Dominick Street, Dublin 1. Mr. Ronan Reilly, composer and member of the Australian Sacred Music Association will be visiting Dublin and giving abrief introductory course, two hours long, on Gregorian Chant.

JCT RE Workshop

On March 30th JCT will be joined by special guests Dr Patricia Kieran and Jenny Siung to explore Ways of Seeeing and Learning in JCRE as part of JCT's Festival of Learning. Sign up here to join us: https://buff.ly/3Zang0G

Night of Music and Reflection

On Tues 28 March 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Sr Marie Dunne CHF will lead an evening of reflection with music, 'Keep Watch With Me', at the Margaret Aylward Centre, Glasnevin. It's free but limited to 25 participants. More info and booking here.

JCT Workshop
The 'Exploring the Research Rich Classroom in Junior Cycle Religious Education' webinar will focus on developing your understanding of research in the Junior Cycle Religious Education Specification. The webinar will explore how the elements of Enquiry, Exploration and Reflection and Action can come to life in the Religious Education Classroom.  This webinar will be delivered by Maeve Tierney and Emily Sexton Considine, who are both Associates with J.C.T. Religious Education. It's on Wed 22 March 7-8 pm. Register at this link.

Kerry Gathering
Ceiliúradh no nÓg takes place Tues 14 March in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee - celebrating the faith of young people in Kerry Post-Primary schools.

Webinar for RE

JCT Associates are hosting a webinar, 'Exploring the Research Rich Classroom in JCRE', on Monday 27th of February at 7 pm in collaboration with Kilkenny Education Centre, Wexford Education Centre and Waterford Education Centre.  Please use the following link to register: https://buff.ly/3XHhXEB 

Pancakes after Taize
Tues 21 Feb is Shrove Tuesday. The usual Taize prayer services takes place in Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, 6 pm - 7 pm and will be followed by pancakes until 7.30 pm. 

Patrick Concert

A Celebration of Ireland’s patron saint with members of the New Irish Choir and Orchestra: Patrick - Music and stories to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. New Irish Choir & Orchestra, directed by Jonathan Rea. An informal, fun presentation, good for the whole family, with high quality music, presented in The Grand Hotel Malahide (Tara Suite), with additional outdoor filming. Sat, 11 Mar 2023, 19:30, at Grand Hotel, Malahide. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Belfast Festival

The 4 Corners Festival in Belfast Jan 29th to Feb 5th seeks to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all. It consists of innovative events designed to entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas, and new friends. The festival will celebrate the city through music, prayer, storytelling, discussion, and more. Organisers Martin Magill and Rev Steve Stockman chose the theme: 'Dreams ... Visions for Belfast'. More info here.

St Brigid's Day Celebration
Saint Brigid's crosses, food, drinks, trad music and more! All are welcome for a celebration on the eve of Saint Brigid's Day, at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, 6 pm - 8 pm, after usual Taizé prayer.

St Patrick's Day

There will be a Mass for St Patrick's Day at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 at 10 am, with the University Church Singers and the Newman Vocare Ensemble.

Padre Pio Concert

Pat Egan presents, A concert in aid of the Capuchin Day Centre. Celebrating Irelands favourite Saint, Padre Pio. His life on the big screen with narration by Aonghus McAnally. An evening of spiritual Christian and inspirational classics. Featuring Red Hurley, Donna Taggart with special guests  MD is Eugene McCarthy his musicians and strings. A unique uplifting concert experience. National Concert Hall Sat 11th March. More info and booking here.

Maynooth Chapel Tour

On Mon 20 March Fr John Paul Sheridan will give a tour of Maynooth Chapel, with exploration of the buildings architecture and iconography. The event is free - reserve a place via Eventbrite.

Emmanuel 2023

The music for this year's Emmanuel concerts is now available on YouTube at this link, and on Spotify at this link. The concerts take place at The Helix in the week of 27 Feb.

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week will take place on 22-29 January 2023 on the theme of the process of synodality, with three features of synodality being identified as helpful to exploring ‘Walking Together in Faith & Love’. Resources and flyers are available at this link.

Ukrainian Icon Exhibition
An icon exhibition by a Ukrainian iconographer, Ulyana Krekovet, entitled 'Christ under the fire of rockets' opened on Dec 11th in Our Lady of Consolation Church Malahide, Co. Dublin. Ms Krekovet is a teacher in the Ukrainian Catholic University. The exhibition closes on 20th December.

Global Nativity 2022
Global Nativity 2022 is a series on Twitter showing nativity scenes around the world. Check it out at https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalNativity22 - the curator is Claire Lotrier (@OhLottie)

Epiphany/Magi Workshop

Epiphany/Magi - Online Workshop Mon 12 Dec 7.30 pm on Zoom. Exploring the themes of the feast day - journey, gift and more. Several classes worth of materials for 1st week back! Curriculum links will be suggested. Free, with tips welcome.
Register at this link.

Hail Mary Competition
From Notre Dame Centre for Faith and Reason: Musical Competition 2022 - Hail Mary: 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! More information below and on website.

Gardiner Street Concert
Christmas Concert at Gardiner Street Parish Tuesday 13 December at 7pm featuring Gardiner St. Gospel choir, Michael Aherne, Lynn Hilary, Gardiner Street Primary School, and more!

Advent Taizé

There will be a Taizé night with Advent theme on Tuesday 29 November, 6 December, and 13 December 6:00pm, with tea and biscuits to follow. Venue: Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.

Big Christmas Sing
Come along for some festive cheer and join in the fun with the Big Christmas singing group celebrating the end of series of workshops for our annual Big Christmas Sing Concert with a range of old, new and wacky seasonal favourites all led by Elizabeth Drwal. Also featuring the Wexford Festival Opera Children's chorus 2022 and Parkinson’s Singing for Health Choir.
https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873631406

Christmas Retreat
The National Youth 2000 Christmas retreat will take place the 9th -11th of December in Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co Kildare
https://youth2000.ie/

Rejoice! A Musical Christmas Celebration

National Concert Hall: THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER, 2022, 8:00pm - Main Stage, Tickets €20, Concessions: €15.Rejoice, Shout for Joy – Jauchzet, frohlocket – are the first words sung by the choir in JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. During Christmas season this is a particularly fitting title for a concert of classical choral favourites, particularly celebrating notable anniversaries of Heinrich Schuetz (1585-1672) and Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722), Bach’s predecessor as Kantor at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. Presented by the Goethe Choir. Info and booking here.

Nativity Sets

A range of nativity sets is available from Veritas, incl some Black Friday bargains. The children's nativity sets are suitable for home and the classroom while they include all of the most important characters from the nativity. Veritas’ range of kids nativity sets are available in fun and vibrant colours to make the characters more engaging and wooden nativity sets are also available so the children can play without breaking the nativity scene. Browse the range here.

Come Away and Rest
Come Away and Rest - A Guided Day Retreat for Catholic Religious Education Teachers organised by the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference. Tue, December 13, 2022, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT St Dominic's Retreat Centre Ennismore Retreat Centre Montenotte CorkFr Stephen Cummins OP and the Dominicans of Ennismore Retreat Centre welcome current Primary and Post-Primary Religious Education Teachers in Catholic schools for this guided-day retreat in the beautiful surroundings of Ennismore House. This retreat is hosted by the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference. Overnight accommodation is available upon request for those who require it. For accommodation and for specific dietary requirements for lunch please contact in advance Johanne Ridgeway at info@ennismore.ie. Booking at Eventbrite.

Palestrina Choir Christmas Choir

National Concert Hall Sat 10 Dec 8:00pm - Main Stage Tickets €35, €32, €28. For many years, the Palestrina Choir’s Christmas concert has delighted audiences. The special sound of boy choristers and engaging selection of carols has ensured that this annual Christmas concert at the NCH is always a special evening in the run -up to Christmas. This concert launches the Palestrina Choir’s 120-year celebrations. More info and booking here.

Arts in Junior Cycle

The vision for Arts in Junior Cycle is to inspire, support and empower Junior Cycle teachers to engage with and be enriched by the arts and learning. There is a variety of workshops available that may be of interest to RE teachers. https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/

The Church and the Arts

The Dominican Congregation will organise a meeting of artists, and those interested in the Christian arts, on Saturday 10 December next.  The meeting will take place from 2.00pm to 5.00pm in Saint Saviour’s Priory, Upper Dorset Street, in Dublin city centre. According to organiser Father Michael Dunleavy OP, “The purpose of the meeting is to consider various challenges facing contemporary Christian artists.”  The conversation will focus on a pertinent question posed by Pope Saint John Paul II in his 1999 letter to artists Does the Church need Art? For further details please see flyer here: Artists Meeting Dublin or contact Father Dunleavy on michael.dunleavy@dominicans.ie.

Advent Retreat Day

On Saturday 26th November 2022 there will be an Advent Retreat day: “Longing for Light – a waiting people” This will be a day retreat of music and reflection with Avila’s Carmelite Community and Vox Hiberniae. Free of charge, suggested donation €25
10am to 4pm. For further information and booking contact us on info@avilacentre.ie or call 01 6430200
Book now at events@avilacentre.ie See also https://www.avilacentre.ie/retreats/

Moving Crib

The traditional Moving Crib in Parnell Square, Dublin 1, runs from 24 Nov - 8 Jan. School bookings are available. The Bray Gospel Choir will perform at the crib on Sun 4 Dec. Check out all the details here.

The Chosen in Cinemas

'The Chosen' is a life of Jesus as a TV series (on YouTube). The first 2 episodes of Season 3 will get a release in cinemas. For general information check out https://www.angel.com/the-chosen-3 and info on an Irish release should be available soon at https://www.fathomevents.com/

Remembrance Event

The Newman Vocare Ensemble will lead the music at a service of Remembrance in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Fri 18 Nov at 7 pm.

Youth 2000 Retreat
Youth 2000's Munster Retreat takes place on the weekend of Nov 18th-20th, in Coláiste Chríost Rí, Cork City.

Autumn Online Course: Spirituality, Story & Imagination

This course will take place Wednesdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th November 2022 on ZOOM. 'Story is our only boat for sailing on the river of time'. (Ursula K. Le Guin). Spirituality, as part of the search for meaning, helps us to make sense of our experience. Among its sources are song, story, symbol – which feed the imagination, inspire courage and hope. These sessions are an invitation to explore their capacity to surprise, or – as Seamus Heaney expressed it – 'catch the heart off guard and blow it open.' Cost for full Course: €50. Facilitated by Dr Brian Dooney. More info here.

Life is Short - Art is Long
'Life is Short - Art is Long' is the title of a talk about the art and architecture of Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, by Aoife-Marie Buckley. The talk will be held in the church on Wed 23rd Nov at 6 pm. More info here.

Carol Service at Knock

SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 8PM Carol Service Bring peace and joy into your heart with our festive oering of Christmas Carols for all the family to enjoy! Brought to you by Schola Cantorum Basilicae, directed by Úna Nolan, with the ConTempo String Quartet and Organist Mark Keane. The evening will include a collective of classic Christmas Carols such as ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Joy to the World’, ‘In the Bleak mid-Winter’, ‘Christmas Lsullaby’ and many more well-known festive favourites.

Christmas Retreat
Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat: 9 - 11 December, Newbridge - save the date!

Evangelium Conference

One of the talks at this year's Evangelium Conference is 'The Art of Faith - Beauty and Truth in the Transmission of Faith' by Fr Marcus Holden. Evangelium is a one-day Apologetics Conference for young adults at All Hallows’ College, Drumcondra, Dublin on Saturday 25th March 2023. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Events at Newman University Church

Saturday 3 December 6:00pm: Ascolta Christmas Concert - All proceeds go to charity. Buy your ticket here.
Tuesday 20 -Thursday 22 December 8:00pm: UCD Choral Scholars Christmas Concert. Tickets here.

Music for Advent

Tempro Ensemble and organist David O'Shea present a special programme of Renaissance and Baroque music for the start of the season of Advent at Whitefriar St Church, 56 Aungier Street D02 YF57 Dublin 2, Sun 27 Nov. Free event, reserve here.

Wexford Sinfonia
The Wexford Sinfonia winter concert takes place Sun 27 Nov 4 pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rowe Street. Adm €20.

World Youth Day Mass
St Mary's Pr-Cathedral, Dublin 1 is holding a World Youth Day Mass on Sun 20 Nov, the Feast of Christ the King, at 6 pm, followed by music, testimony, hot chocolate and snacks. Pope Francis has nominated this day as Youth Sunday. World Youth Day takes place 1-6 Aug 2023 in Lisbon.

Organ Recital
The Orly Watson organ recital tour will visit Armagh Cathedral on Sun 6 Nov at 2 pm. Adm free, voluntary donations.

Holy Family Mission
There will be a family fun day in Glencomeragh House, Co. Tipperary, on Sun 6 Nov, with Mass, music, fun and games. Email info@holyfamilymission.ie for details.

Encounter
Next Encounter night for 18-35 year olds: 11 November, 8pm, St John's Church, Waterford. Prayer and music.

Celtic Calling

Victoria Johnston's music is infused with spiritual themes and she wil be performing as part of Celtic Calling at the Whale Theatre Greystones on Thurs 27 Oct 8 pm. More info and booking here. Celtic Calling consists of award-winning & grammy-shortlisted performers that have come together to share their passion for Celtic music. The group have performed alongside world-renowned acts such as Celine Byrne and at prestigious venues and events ranging from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin to being a headline act for National Irish Heritage Week 2022. They perform nationally across their native Ireland as well as touring internationally delivering their unique and captivating take on Celtic classics and their own Celtic-inspired compositions. Celtic Calling members include singers Eilís Dexter, Victoria Johnston, Rachel Nic Thomás and guitarist Chris Comhaill. www.celticcalling.com

Palestrina Choir
This Friday, October 14, St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral welcomes the Friends of Cathedral Music to Ireland. To mark the occasion, the Palestrina Choir will sing a choral vespers on Friday at 6pm. Music to include Exsultate Deo by Palestrina, Magnificat Octavi Toni by Morales, Ave Maria by Bruckner and Salve Regina by Villette. Following this service, the Pro-Cathedral choirs will resume singing weekly evening prayer services on Tuesday and Friday at 5.30pm.

Glenstal Conference

The Glenstal Liturgical Conference, with the theme “Recovering Liturgical Space”, takes place from October 29 to 31. The conference will explore different aspects of the community’s liturgical experience when gathered in locus iste, the space of worship. Find out more here. 

Youth 2000 Ulster Retreat

The next Youth 2000 Ulster retreat will be taking place in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Lough Derg, Co. Donegal between 14th-16th October 2022. More info and registration here.

Verdi Requiem

The magnificent Verdi Requiem featuring Our Lady's Choral Society with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and wonderful soloists conducted by Proinnsias Ó Duinn. This concert will be dedicated to the many families and friends of those who died from Covid 19 during the Pandemic. Fri 21st Oct at the National Concert Hall. Info and booking here.

Renewal Conference
The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore is having a conference for RE teachers and school chaplains in the diocese Thurs 29 Sept 9.50 am to 3.15 pm in Glencomeragh House, Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary. Among the topics is 'Creating Prayer Spaces'. Keynote address: Sr Kathryn Press. Those interested should register by 16 Sept. Check out www.waterfordlismore.ie/education

JCT RE Day
JCT is looking forward to meeting RE teachers from Monday 19th September next for a Second Subjects CPD day. Here is a preview of the day. https://youtu.be/9QkMDCwpdMA

Season of Creation

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. Resources are available here. Faitharts creation resources here.

James Kilbane Concert

Join James Kilbane for his Irish Folk, Country and Gospel concert at the Hotel Kilmore, Co. Cavan on Friday 23rd September at 8 pm. This concert is in support fo Cootehill Church, Co. Cavan, fundraising for church upkeep. Ticket: €20 and are available from concert organisers and the Hotel Kilmore reception.

A Song for Dee

Celebrating the life of Deirdre Moloney Carter. A spectacular evening of music under the musical direction of Owen C. Lynch. Featuring all of Owen's choirs, select soloists and The Classix, close to 200 performers will be singing on the night accompanied live by an 18 piece orchestra. Please save the date, spread the word and support if you can. All profits will go to the deserving Barretstown Children's Foundation in Dee's Memory.St Brigid's catholic Church, The Curragh, Sun 25 Sept 7.30 pm. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Retreat with 'The Chosen'
"Get used to Different" - Weekend Retreat based on "The Chosen" TV Series: Sept 30th – Oct 2nd. Glencomeragh Retreat Centre. Full Board Accommodation €195. To book (052) 6133181 or email info@holyfamilymission.ie / For more info on the retreat 087 4042784 / www.waterfordlismore.ie

Legion of Mary Concert

To mark the 100th year anniversary of the Legion of Mary, a concert will be taking place in the historical surroundings of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. With very special guests including award winning soprano Celine Byrne, the Dublin Concert Band, Celtic Calling, Lorraine Mathews and other guests on the night. More information and tickets at Eventbrite. It's on Sat 3 Sept at 8 pm.

Thurles Cathedral Concert
The Celtic Brothers (formerly The Willoughby Brothers) will perform in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Fri 30 Sept, for the 'Raise the Roof' project. Tickets from the parish office and Bookworm, Liberty Square.

Chant Workshop
Heritage week activities will include a workshop on medieval Dominican chant. This will take place on 21st August 2-4 pm at Sligo Abbey and will be led by Dr Eleanor Giraud.

Nightfever Dublin

Nightfever Dublin will take place 24 September at St. Teresa's Church, Claredon Street (off Grafton Street) Mass begins at 6pm, Nightfever at 7:30pm, Nightprayer at 11pm. More information can be found on the website here. 

Hopkins Summer School

The Gerard Manley Hopkins Summer Festival takes place in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare July 22nd - July 28th. Guests include musicians Noel Hill and Frankie Gavin, and actor Barry McGovern. For full details check out this link.

Vacancy Spirit Radio
Spirit Radio is on air ten years and has built a significant listenership in all 5 main cities and 20 major towns across Ireland. They have a vacancy for a Breakfast Show Presenter beginning late Summer 2022. The Show is largely music driven but includes some upbeat breakfast show banter. More info here. (Deadline not clear)

National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week takes places 13th - 21st August. Events of a religious and artistic nature are often included. Check out events near you at https://www.heritageweek.ie/

Culture Night
The seventeenth edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday 23 September 2022
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people's lives, today and every day. It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through our media partners. Over 1.1 million people engaged with Culture Night in 2021. Events of a religious nature always feature - check out the website as events are added over the summer. https://culturenight.ie/

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

The Youth 2000 Summer Festival includes inspiring talks, music, prayer, concert, workshops, dramas, share groups, reconciliation and healing service and Mass. It is a packed program but there is also time for chatting, sitting, relaxing, soccer and generally chilling out. This year it takes place at Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare 11th - 14th August. More info here.#

Parable for the Planet

Tuesday 3 May 7:30pm: Annual Newman Lecture "A New Parable for the Planet" with guest speaker, Mark Lyons (rescheduled from November 2021) This event will be in person at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 and will be live streamed here. More info here.

Encounter

Encounter: Gathering for young adults aged 18- 35. Talk - Music - Prayer - Refreshments. Fri 17th June - St John's Church, Waterford @ 8pm. More info: www.waterfordlismore.ie/youth-ministry

Palestrina Choir in Knock

The Palestrina Choir will return to Knock Basilica for Music for a Midsummer’s Evening on Saturday 11th June at 7.00pm. Soprano Rachel Croash, Mezzo Soprano Anne Marie Gibbons, the Marlborough Sinfonia & Organist Aleksandr Nisse join Conductor Blánaid Murphy for a wonderful evening of inspiring Irish and choral music, with classics including Danny Boy and The Minstrel Boy centred around the uplifting Vivaldi Gloria. Read more.

Beyond the Song

Beyond the Song 2022 is a worship Music event based in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Bringing charismatic and contemplative prayer together through music and then going "Beyond The Song" to that place of encounter with Jesus.
Worshipping God and God alone!  Now in its third year, Beyond the Song will this year feature music by Pure and Humble Heart, KerrieSmith and SonLight, as well as Holy Mass being celebrated as part of the event. It is open to all and admission is free. It takes places Sun 29 May. Event Page.

Monthly Movie Night at Newman Church

The monthly movie night at Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 will feature 'The Shack' and will take place Mon 9th May 6.30 pm. This the story of one man's encounter with God after tragedy strikes his family. More info here. Catholic News Service Review here.

Munster Retreat

The Youth 2000 Munster Spring Retreat, with prayer, music, reflection and more takes place April 29th-May 1st. The venue is St Munchin's College, Corbally, Limerick. More info and booking at this link.

Book of Revelation

Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come: For those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Holy Scripture, a course on the Book of Revelation will commence on Saturday 23rd April @ 11.30 a.m. and continue on subsequent Saturdays at the Central Catholic Library, 74 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. For further information contact: New Life Prayer Group (Tel: Kevin at 086-1605755)
More info here.

Newman Lecture
The Annual Newman Lecture will take place on Tues 3 May 7.30 pm. "A New Parable for the Planet" will feature guest speaker, Mark Lyons (rescheduled from November 2021) This event will be in person and live streamed here.

Nightfever Dublin Returns

The Nightfever event returns on Sat 23 April 6 pm. at St. Teresa's Church Clarendon Street Dublin 2. Nightfever is an open night of prayer organised by young people who want to pass on the love of God that they have been experiencing for themselves. Passers-by on the nearby streets are invited to come into the Church and light a candle, enjoy the beautiful music and be in the loving presence of God. It begins with Mass at 6pm. 

Johnny Duhan Concert

After lockdown, the show Resurrection offers a fresh perspective of the eternal promise, in the context of personal experience set out in new songs including “Wings” “Resurrection “and “Mary at the Tomb” in company with standards “The Voyage”, “Just Another Town”, “The Beacon”, “Part of a Tribe” and “Don’t “Give Up till It’s Over”, an anthem for life ahead. Johnny Duhan with guest singer Eleanor Shanley, Featuring Tony Maher (keyboards) James Blennerhassett (bass) and a crew of singers including the audience.
The concert is on Tues 19th April in Town Hall Theatre Galway. https://tht.ie/3741/johnny-duhan-resurrection

Ecumenical Bible Week 2022

This year's Ecumenical Bible WEek takes place online 5th-12th June. There are five key events and usually music figures in some of the events. Registration is necessary for each event. https://www.bibleweek.ie/

Ark Event

Newman University Church hosts monthly ‘Ark’ events with worship, reflection, and fellowship named after Mary, the Ark of the Covenant. The next event is on Wed 27th April, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Ark consists of 15 minutes of Praise & Worship music led by the House of Brigid fellows, a mini testimony or reflection, and a holy half hour of Eucharistic Adoration. Following each event, all are welcome to join for fellowship at a pub in the Dublin area (pub announced a week before each event). We would love for you to join us each month to share in faith & friendship!
Email the House of Brigid at notredamenewmancentre@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Graduation Resources Workshop

There will be an online Graduation Resources Workshop on Wed 27 April 7.30 pm. This workshop will explore resources, activities, possibilities for graduation events and ceremonies. There will also be an opportunity for teachers to share their experiences of such occasions - what works and what doesn't! Register at this link.

Newman Movie Night

The next Newman Movie Night at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, is on Mon 11 April 6 pm - 8.30 pm and features The Passion of the Christ. IMDB Entry
Other coming events at Newman Church can be viewed here.

Listening in Lent Series
Mount St Anne's Retreat Centre in Portarlington is hosting a Lenten series with Scripture, music, poetry and prayer. The nights of reflection will be led by Deirdre Ní Chinnéide and take place 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th April 7-9 pm each of these evenings.
More info and booking here.

Gospel Rising Festival

After a hiatus, the Gospel Rising Music Festival is back from June 17th - 19th, 2022 in Dublin City! The organisers are delighted to be bringing the very best of Ireland's gospel choir community together again, this time with a new exciting twist. The Gospel Rising Music Festival Dublin 2022, brings you a weekend of gospel choir singing workshops, social events and Super Soul Sunday Gig in Mountjoy Sq. More info at http://gospelrising.com/.

NSO Messiah

The National Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah in the National Concert Hall on Fri 15th April (Good Friday). Nicholas McGegan, conductor with soloists including Máire Flavin, soprano, James Oxley, tenor, Stephan Loges, bass-baritone, National Symphony Chorus (David Young, chorus director) Presented by Paul Herriott, RTÉ lyric fm. Info and booking at this link.

Youth Synod
From Dublin Diocese: 'LISTENING TO OUR YOUNG CHURCH - DUBLIN DIOCESAN TEEN SYNOD - Young People of Dublin - This is your chance! Pope Francis wants to hear what you think or feel about our Church. We would love to hear your voice at our Dublin Diocesan Teen Synod! Join us online Thursday 31st March 6:30pm - 8pm. You can register online using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/jVYZSdxbF1   Registration closes on the 25th March at 5pm.  For more information, email: synod@dublindiocese.ie'

Digital Storytelling Course

A new short online course on Digital Storytelling (Post Primary) is available for completion in your own time, 24/7, anytime until the closing date. It takes just one hour to complete. The course explains the benefits of digital storytelling and shows you how to create digital stories, in order to improve key skills across a range of subject areas. Read the full course description on this website. Find links to enrol/access online courses on TeacherCPD.ie. You will need a Scoilnet account to enrol.

Aled Jones Concert
Aled Jones, presenter of Songs of Praise on BBC One, will be in concert at the National Concert Hall on Thurs 5th May. He will perform with his musicians and Special Guest Vocalist Carly Paoli. Info and booking here.

Junior Cycle RE
This year’s Junior Cycle Examination timetable has been published. Junior Cycle RE is a 2 hour common level paper and it is on the afternoon of the first day, Wednesday June 8th.

World Meeting of Families

The World Meeting of Familes for 2022 takes place in Rome June 22-26th. A website of supporting resources has been launched at https://www.romefamily2022.com/en/ A series of short films is included.

Ark Event
At Newman University Church Wed 16 Feb the latest Ark event will take place at 6:30pm -Eucharistic Adoration, Praise & Worship music, time for silent reflection, and fellowship. Adjourning to a local pub following the service!

New Faith Film
Father Stu, due for release April 2022 and starring Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson, tells the story of Fr Stuart Long a boxer who joined the priesthood and inspired thousands of people. IMDB Entry

Online Group on 'Chosen'

The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore invites teachers to be part of their upcoming zoom series on "The Chosen", an acclaimed production which brings the Gospel stories to life in an incredibly relatable and creative format, helping millions throughout the world encounter the person of Jesus and His disciples in a new and exciting way. "The Chosen" could also be an excellent resource for RE Classes. A resource on each episode will also be provided as part of this Diocesan series, which you
are welcome to use in your own RE Classes. The Diocese is also happy to provide a Certificate of Attendance for any RE teacher
within the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore who would like to participate and gain CPD hours. To register email events@waterfordlismore.ie

JCT RE CPD

JCT inservice for the new term begins from Mon Jan10th. The short introductory video gives an idea of the content.

Columbans Competition

‘Anyone can make a difference: 21st Century Changemakers’ is the theme for the 2022 schools media competition launched by the Missionary Society of St Columban this week. Young people 13-18 years are asked to consider: Who in the world today is doing something about inequality, injustice, exclusion and environmental degradation? What can they teach us? How can we draw on our own faith and personal experience to be changemakers? Either articles or images can be submitted and the images can include photos of art works created. Entries until 11 February 2022 and winners will be announced on 11 March 2022. For more information check out this link.

Tommy Fleming Concert

Irish singer Tommy Fleming often includes gospel and spiritual music in his shows. He is scheduled to perform in Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 13 March 2022. Info and bookings here.

Catholic Schools Week

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2022 is ‘Catholic Schools: Living Life to the Full’. The event takes place Sun 23 Jan to Sat 29 Jan. Resources now available at this link.

Lightfever
There will a Lightfever event in Waterford Cathedral on Sat 18 June 1.45 - 4.45 - music, adoration, reconciliation, street outreach, scripture and prayer. 

Trinity Sunday Mass at Newman Church

Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2: Sunday 12 June - after 11:00 am & 6:15pm Masses
Following both Sunday masses, there will be tea & biscuits as a parish community in the courtyard. Steve and Michele Warner will also both be in town to play and sing with the choir (Steve is the former music director.) All are welcome to join!

Church Music Summer School

From the ICMA: 'We are delighted to be able to welcome you to the Irish Church Music Association’s 53rd Annual Summer School – the first in-person Summer School since 2019.  Our theme this year is When Jesus Saw the Crowds. This year, we will gather for two days, Thursday 14th July and Friday 15th July.  We have a very busy timetable for the two days and hope that you will appreciate how much is on offer over such a short period of time'.  More info at this link.

Laudato Si Week

Laudato Si Week takes place 22nd - 29 May, marking the 7th anniversary of the encyclical of Pope Francis. This includes a preview of a new Laudato Si film on Fri 27th May 2 pm and a festival event with music from Assisi on Sat 28th May 9 pm - 10 pm. More information here.

Screening of The Way

Newman Centre's Monday Movie Night this month features a screening of The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring both himself and his father Martin Sheen. The story is based on the Camino de Santiago. Study guide available here.

Holy Week and Easter Resources - Workshop
Online Workshop from Faitharts - Thurs 24 March 7.30 pm
Free. Optional donations. Cert on request.
Exploring  activities and resources for  Holy Week and Easter, with an emphasis on arts resources. With special guests.
Detailed notes will be sent to all participants and certs of attendance available on request after the event.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcocOmppjIrH9zDJv5SI3JBHfr0u4pPJD7h

Workshop on Lent Resources
There will be an online Faitharts workshop exploring resources and themes for Lent on Thurs 17 Feb 7.30 pm. Special guests. Tips/donations basis. Register at this link.

Credible Catholic Launch

As part of Catholic Schools Week 2022, which begins next week, Bishop Brendan Leahy, Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Catechetics, will launch Credible Catholic, a new religious education programme for Catholic Voluntary Secondary School in Ireland. The launch will take place as part of a webinar on Zoom on Wednesday 26 January at 7.00pm. Bishop Leahy will be joined at the webinar by Dr Alexander O’Hara, National Director for Catechetics of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference; Dr Tom Finnegan, lecturer in theology and religious education, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick; and by Ms Kate Liffey, Chaplain at Saint Brendan’s Community School, Birr, Co Offaly. All are welcome to the Zoom launch which is open now for self-registration at the link below: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkd-2prTwiG9xUz8PyhHjqkrhpdn-C5caQ
Read more here.

Ark Event at Newman University Church

On Wednesday 26 January 2022: Ark event at 6:30pm at Newman University Church: Eucharistic Adoration, Praise & Worship music, time for silent reflection, & fellowship! *(due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be gathering at a pub following Ark, but join us for some tea & biscuits following!)*

Moving Crib

The traditional Moving Crib is now open at 42 Parnell Square Dublin 1, until 9th January. Bookings must be made online, and there are associated competitions for young people. Info and booking here.

Catholic Artifacts
There will be an online talk about Catholic artifacts in the Mediterranean. The talk, Captive Objects, is by Daniel Hershenzon, associate professor; Department of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages; University of Connecticut. More info and booking at Eventbrite.

Book of Kells
As part of Culture Night, Fri 17 Sept, A series of live talks will take place from 5pm – 9pm on the important conservation work that protects the Book of Kells and Old Library. Learn first-hand from Trinity experts about the delicate science behind preserving the Book of Kells and get a close-up view of the 1200-year-old manuscript. More info here.

Advent Calendar
The irish Catholic Bishops' online interactive Advent Calendar is going live on Sunday 28 November, the first Sunday of Advent 2021. Now in its eighth year, the popular Advent Calendar will be offering resources for the parish, school and the home
which are available behind a virtual door each day during the Season of Advent. This year's content is aimed at assisting people to pray and to reflect on how best we can keep Christ at the centre of our Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season. The calendar will be available here: www.catholicbishops.ie/adventcalendar

Drawing God Day

How or where do you see God?  Join friends in faith from around the world, Wednesday, November 3rd for the third annual  World Drawing GOD Day (parishes can celebrate Sunday, November 7th). Create your “masterpiece” and share your faith imagination with others using the hashtag: #drawinggod or email us a picture of your work of art: drawinggodday@gmail.com
To see more details, resources and the story behind this initiative: https://www.drawing-god.com/world-drawing-god-day

Canva Workshop
Canva is an online software tool for graphic design and is particularly suitable for RE teachers - e.g. designing inspirational posters, inforgraphics on people or communities of faith, presentations for reflection or prayer services, class plan templates and lots more. The free version of Canva is well specified and the educational version even more so. There is an online workshop on Canva on Thurs 7 Oct 7.30 pm. It's free with optional donation of max €5. To book a place email editor@faitharts.ie

Shakespeare: A Catholic Perspective

Explore the Bard's plays in a FREE six-week webinar series - Shakespeare: A Catholic Perspective. The webinars will be looking at six of his best known works, coupled with insights on human nature from St Thomas Aquinas. It's on Monday nights online - four sessions to go incl Mon 20 Sept. Facebook event page here.
Register bit.ly/ShakespeareWebinar
Details bit.ly/ShakespeareWebinarInfo

Reminder: Season of Creation

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 or Creation Time, 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. Resources for the season, including visuals and poetry - click here.

Culture Night 2021

This year's Culture Night takes place on Fri 17 Sept, nationwide, with a range of online and offline events, including some with a religious flavour. Browse the free events at this link.

Central Catholic Library Event
As part of Culture Night, on Friday 17 Sept, the Central Catholic Library in Merrion Square, Dublin 2 is holding a talk (in-person, limited seating) on the cultural background and history of the library. More info here.

Season of Creation

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 or Creation Time, 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. Resources for the season, including visuals and poetry - click here.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

This year's Summer Festival will go ahead in line with Covid guidelines 13th – 15th August 2021. Instead of a central venue events will take place in satellite locations with technology bringing it all together. For more information and the registration portal click here.

Godly Play Course

The Godly Play approach helps children to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond.  The training follows an action/reflection model of learning as you develop your practise and understanding of Godly Play. You will participate in a mixture of trainer led presentations in each Godly Play genre and receive participant storytelling presentations. Participants will hear workshops on: Theology & Spirituality of Childhood and Setting up a Godly Play environment. Venue: St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Dates: Wed 30th June to Fri 2nd July 2021. Times: 9:30am-7pm (5:30pm on Friday). Trainers: Jessie Rogers and Team: Saule Cameron, Rosemary Lavelle and Jenny Leonard. Cost: €320 or €260 (concession) which includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and a training handbook. Booking and info at Eventbrite.

Irish Church Music Association Summer School

This year's ICMA Summer School will be held virtually from Wed 7 July - Sat 10 July. There will be no charge but donations will be welcome. The theme is ‘Songs of Love, Faith, Trust & Praise’. Events will be live on Facebook Live and YouTube, and a recorded version will be available on the ICMA website where you can get more information. As part of the event there will be a virtual choir - submissions must be in by Sun 27th June. For more info on this click here.

Liverpool Cathedral
Online event: Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: conceived in the round - by Dominic Wilkinson, Principal Lecturer in Architecture at Liverpool John Moores University. Marking the point of departure from tradition for the architecture of Catholic churches, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral was emblematic of the brave new world of the 1960's. The dramatic form and presence on the skyline is matched by its embrace of contemporary art for its fixtures and fittings, most notably its Dalle de Verre glass by Piper and Reyntiens. This talk will examine the integrated conception of art and architecture envisaged by Sir Frederick Gibberd and the artists he worked with. Info and registration at Eventbrite.

Art and Theology Lecture

The Centre for Catholic Studies' First Biennial Catholicism, Literature, and the Arts Public Lecture - all welcome!
Online lecture: 'Suspended Beauty of the Cross: Theological Reflections on David Jones's Crucifixion' by Dr Elizabeth Powell (La Retraite Fellow in Theology and Spirituality here at the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University). Event is free, booking at Eventbrite.

Sir James McMillan Free Masterclass
There will be a free Master Class with Sir James MacMillan. Saturday May 15. 8 pm - 10 pm. This is a chance to learn from a Catholic Maestro the secrets of creativity, with Sir James MacMillan from Scotland via Zoom. Booking: Eventbrite

Rend Collective Concert

Contemporary Christian music group The Rend Collective are in concert in the Olympia Theatre Dublin on Sun 25th October. Tickets priced from €20 inclusive of booking fee and €1 restoration levy on sale NOW via www.ticketmaster.ie, usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide including The Olympia Theatre Box Office, and by calling Ticketmaster at The Olympia Phone Bookings on 0818 719 330.

Eilidh Patterson Concert Online [Cancelled - notification added 20/12/21]

Eilidh Patterson is a singer-songwriter from Derry. She has recorded much original secular and Christian music. She is giving a Christmas Zoom concert on Wed 22nd Dec 7 pm. Just email YES to book your spot: info@eilidhpatterson.com and you'll be sent the Zoom link a few hours before the gig. [originally scheduled for Sat 18th Dec]

Christmas Masses Pro-Cathedral
Tickets for the Christmas Masses at the Pro-Cathedral are available at Eventbrite. Note Covid restrictions on the listings.
Christmas Eve 6 pm
Christmas Eve 9 pm
Christmas Day 11 am

Maynooth Carol Service
This year's carol service at Maynooth college will go ahead on Wed 15 Dec at 7.30 pm with reduced audience but will also be livestreamed at www.maynoothcollege.ie The carol service will include the College Chapel Choir, directed by Dr John O’Keeffe; the Schola Gregoriana, led by Dr Darina McCarthy; and Maynooth University Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr Michael Dawson.

Carols and Prayers

Holy Family Mission and Ascend Youth Ministry (Waterford and Lismore Diocese) have joined forces to have a carols and prayer service, The Light of the World, on Sun 19 December 8-9 pm. Livestream: www.churchservices.tv/glecomeragh

100+ Cribs
For the fourth year running, the Vatican is hosting the ‘100 Nativity Scenes’  International Exhibition (Mostra dei 100 Presepi), bringing together over 100 cribs from across the world depicting the Nativity of the Lord. The exhibition, which has become a traditional feature in the Christmas calendar of events in Rome, is being held under the colonnade of St Peter’s Square, from 5 December 2021 until 9 January 2022. As in the 2020 edition, the popular exhibition has been moved outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more at catholicnews.ie

Catechists
"Catechists have an invaluable mission for the transmission and growth of the faith," says Pope Francis in The Pope Video for December. Each month, the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network prepares The Pope Video, in which the Holy Father reveals his special prayer intentions for that month. For December 2021, the Pope is praying "for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit, with joy and much peace."
Read more here.

Advent Calendars

Various groups are designing their own Advent calendars. Ascend Youth Ministry has one here; Encore Voices has one here.

The Ark

'The Ark' is a new event coming up in Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Wed 8 Dec 6.30 pm. This will be a time of praise and worship music, with a Holy Half-Hour of Eucharistic adoration.

Advent Adoration and Art

On Saturday 11th December Dr Amanda Dillon will lead an Advent event at An Tobar Retreat and Spirituality Centre, Navan, Co. Meath. The focus will be on Gospel accounts and will also explore masterpieces of art from the Dutch Golden Age and how these artists interpreted the Scriptures in paint. Cost€50. To book ring 046-9078973 or email antobarnavan@gmail.com

Creation Workshop
There will be an online Faitharts workshop on creation themes in the new Junior Cycle RE Specification, with emphasis on suitable arts resources - on Wed 17 November at 7.30 pm. Free course with small tips optional. To book email editor@faitharts.ie

Advent Workshop

There will be an online Advent workshop from Faitharts on Mon 22 Nov at 7.30 pm. There will be ideas and resources for developing an approach to Advent in school, at second level, junior and senior cycle. There will also be curricular links - connecting Advent with aspects of the new Junior Cycle RE Specification, and the Leaving Cert syllabus and the non-exam Framework. Free course with small tips optional. To book email editor@faitharts.ie

Newman Church News
18 November 2021 - Film showing of Hesburgh hosted by the Notre Dame Club of Ireland at 6 pm
20 November 2021 - Remembrance: An Evening of Reflection, Prayer, and Song at 7 pm featuring the Newman Vocare Ensemble
25 November 2021 -American Thanksgiving Mass at 5:30 pm
26 November 2021 - Premiere of May the Road Rise to Meet You by the University Church Singers at 5:00 pm on our YouTube channel
30 November 2021 - Newman Lecture: A New Parable for the Plant by Dr Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech at 7 pm  

Live Concert - Intercultural Event

Inclusion and Integration week will take place from the 8th to 14th November 2021 to celebrate the diversity of people in Dublin City and promote inclusion and integration for all, through fun and creative events. Intercultural Ambassadors Programme wants to be part of this celebration by hosting a free event for all! Join us on Sunday 14th from 3pm to 5pm, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sean Macdermott Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1 for an afternoon full of music, dance, art and more!
Booking at Eventbrite.

Remembrance Ceremony

Newman University Church St Stephen's Green is hosting a remembrance ceremony, with the Newman Vocare Ensemble on Sat 20 Nov at 7 pm. It is an evening of Reflection, Prayer and Song. Voluntary offerings to Our Lady's Hospice.

Blendspace Workshop

Blendspace is an innovative free software tool for sourcing, gathering, presenting and storing resources. There will be an online workshop on Blendspace on Tues 23rd March 7.30 pm. It's free with voluntary tip jar. To register email editor@faitharts.ie
If you missed this and still wish to learn the software, contact editor@faitharts.ie

Ecumenical Bible Week 2021

Ecumenical Bible Week is now in its eight year and will run from Pentecost Sunday (23rd May) to Trinity Sunday (30th May) 2021. It includes parish-based events around Dublin and surrounding areas. Events will be online. There will be debate, talks, music and more. The Scripture base for Bible Week 2021 is: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Check out the events here: https://www.bibleweek.ie/

Online Concert

On Friday 23rd April 8 pm there's an online concert via Zoom featuring Johnny Duhan (Galway), Deirdre Starr (Wicklow) and Andy Flannagan (London). Duhan and Flannagan in particular feature religious and spiritual themes in their songs on a regular basis. It's on a donation basis - to book a place email arklowrootsmusic@gmail.com Event details here.

Mary Ward Lectures and Exhibition

Discover more about Mary Ward (1585-1645), Yorkshire-born pioneer of religious orders and women's education. The 50 pictures of the 'Painted Life', copies of which can be seen in the 'Living Heritage Exhibition' at the Bar Convent, show Mary Ward as a woman seeking God, indeed a woman of great personal holiness. Topic for Thursday 25th March: Destruction – and rebuilding. Attendees are invited to discover more about Mary Ward and the Bar Convent with discount to the exhibition upon reopening- just show your booking confirmation when you arrive to be eligible for a concession ticket. Register at Eventbrite.

Artists' Retreat

A Lenten Retreat for Artists and Art Lovers with Archbishop Cordileone, March 21, 4 p.m. PACIFIC/7 p.m. EASTERN via ZOOM.Here is a chance to experience beautiful works of music and to meet the composers who are part of a very real renaissance in Catholic sacred music. Under the leadership of Benedict XVI Institute's composer-in-residence Frank La Rocca three Catholic composers in addition to Frank La Rocca were asked to create new settings for classic motet texts. Register at Eventbrite.

St Patrick's Day Concert
Citizens of Song are presenting an online concert event in honour of St Patrick's Day on Sat 20th March at 8 pm. Among the many performers are the St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir and the Palestrina Choir. The event page is here.

Musical Competition

The Notre Dame-Newman Centre is pleased to announce a musical competition. Open to anyone, of any age, from any continent. Submit a video of you performing the newly-composed setting of the Ár nAthair by Steven C. Warner for a chance to win up to €500. Listen to a recording of the song here.
Click here for complete Rules and Guidelines.
Click here to fill out the Google Form and submit your entry. Please note: You will need a YouTube link to your video in order to complete this form (see Rules and Guidelines for more information). The Google link above also contains a Release Form to be signed and uploaded; you can view the Release Form here.

Mosaics and Murals
On Mon 22 March at 8 pm there's an online event to mark the appearance of George Mayer-Marton's Murals & Mosaics. As part of the campaign to save George Mayer-Marton’s Crucifixion mural in an abandoned Catholic church in Oldham, Baquis Press is publishing an appraisal of its unique qualities and other works by this Hungarian-Jewish artist who settled in England in 1938. An event to mark the appearance of George Mayer-Marton's Murals & Mosaics. As part of the campaign to save George Mayer-Marton’s Crucifixion mural in an abandoned Catholic church in Oldham, Baquis Press is publishing an appraisal of its unique qualities and other works by this Hungarian-Jewish artist who settled in England in 1938. Register at Eventbrite.

'Fireside' Concert


The Irish Chaplaincy in London will host a ‘Fireside Gathering’ concert live on Facebook on 5 February 2021 at 7.30pm. Headlining the concert will be the London Celtic Youth Orchestra. Also performing will be Thomas McCarthy, an Irish Traveller, singer and storyteller who was named Traditional Singer of the Year in the Gradam Ceoil Awards 2019. Other performances on the night will come from Lucy Bone, Sean Ryan and Family, Gerry Molumby, The Byrne-Whelehan Family and Anton Thompson-McCormick. The event will be live on the Irish Chaplaincy Facebook page and is free to watch.

Beki Hemingway Concert
Beki Hemingway often includes some spiritual music in her concerts and albums. She is special guest on an online concert Fri 29 Jan 8 pm. She will be accompanied by husband Randy Kerkman. Her music can be heard on her Bandcamp Page. The concert is on a donation basis ... to book or get further info email arklowrootsmusic@gmail.com

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week 2021 will be celebrated from Sunday 24 January to Sunday 31 January 2021 on the theme ‘Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith and Resilience’.  Resources are now available at
https://www.catholicschools.ie/catholic-schools-week-2021-resources/

Junior Cycle RE Workshop
Online workshop Wed 27 Jan 7.00 pm on Junior Cycle RE topic: 
Christianity and Irish Heritage, exploring an area of the new RE Specification - ‘Students will … examine how Christianity has contributed to Irish culture and heritage.’ (Link to Statement of Learning 6, and from Strand 1, 1.4). There will be surprise guests. If interested just email editor@faitharts.ie [start time chaned from 7.30 pm, 25/1/21]

The Christmas Story

The Christmas Story is an online concert featuring a huge virtual choir singing Christmas carols under the direction of liturgical composer Ian Callanan. It will be broadcast on Facebook, YouTube and the project website on Sun 20 Dec 9 pm.

Vatican Crib
This year's modernistic crib at the Vatican has caused some controversy. Read more and see the pictures here.

Notre Dame Concert

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, partially destroyed by fire and currently under restoration will host a live concert, with no audience on Christmas Eve. The Cathedral Choir will perform here for the first time since the fire, with twenty singers, two soloists, and an organist. The even will be broadcast live - see details in image.

Advent at Newman

Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, is holding Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday evenings at 6 pm. The event can be accessed online on YouTube. Click here to access.

Christmas Canticle

The vine group will be having two performances of the musical A Christmas Canticle written by Dublin composer Michael Langan
and will be performed by the vine group performers and guests. The canticle will be performed at 8pm Friday 11th December in Saint Mary's priory tallaght and will be streamed live on their Web cam
The canticle will also be performed on Sunday 13th December also at 8 pm and will be streamed live on their Web cam.
Both performances will also be streamed live on the vine mass Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In the event that restrictions allow people may attend but would have to contact in advance and there would be a small admittance charge to help with our help us help others campaign.
The Christmas canticle is being performed to raise money for the Help Us Help Others campaign and all money raised goes to helping families in need coming up to Christmas in collaboration with local saint Vincent de Paul
People watching can make a donation through the vine group Help Us Help Others Go Fund Me page
For more information  contact us through the Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/thevinemass  or  email vinemass@gmail.com  

Advent Calendar 2020
The Catholic Bishops in Ireland have an online Advent Calendar good to go. Check it out here.

From Darkness Towards Light
This is an online event of music and reflection with liturgical composer Marie Dunne CHF, taking place Thurs 26 Nov 7 pm. This is the 3rd event on the theme of journeying into the season of Advent. to book a place email info@macfd.ie

Shelter Me

Shelter Me is an online evening of reflection, led by liturgical composer Marie Dunne CHF. Thursday, November 19th at 7pm, sees the second of a 3 part reflection series through the Holy Faith Margaret Aylward Centre. The theme for this second evening is SHELTER ME when we will remember all who have suffered loss in any way, and particularly during these times. Once again, all are welcome. Registration necessary - email info@macfd.ie to get link.

Workshop on Elgar
Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius: curating Catholic music digitally -by the Oxford University Heritage Network: Music, place and heritage, focussing particularly on Edward Elgar and his home, The Firs. Dr Joanna Bullivant (Departmental Lecturer in Historical Musicology) has agreed to speak on 23rd November Heritage Conversations. Her topic will be around music, place and heritage, focussing particularly on Edward Elgar and his home, The Firs. This is a free online event, Mon, 23 November 2020, 12:00 – 13:00 GMT. Registration - Eventbrite.

Ian Callanan Christmas

Liturgical composer Ian Callanan is organising a Christmas recording and virtual event and has issued a callout for singers, musicians and arrangers. Registration deadline is 6 November at 11 pm. Full info http://iancallanan.com/christmas/

Faitharts Workshop
There will a Faitharts workshop online, Wed 11 Nov at 7.30 pm. Topic: Exploring Religious Themes in Contemporary Culture in the New Junior Cycle RE Specifications. The workshop will focus on film, music and literature. Interested RE teachers should email editor@faitharts.ie It's free with 'Tip Jar'.

Warner Event
Associate Director of Notre Dame Centre for Faith and Reason, Steven Warner, will be speaking next Thursday, the 15th of October at 8 PM, for The Hook of Faith's October Zoom Conference. The theme of the conference is "Evangelising Irish Culture Today," and Steve will be speaking on Mission and Music. His presentation will last for about 25 minutes and will be followed by a 10 minute Q & A session. More information is available at thehookoffaith.com. To receive the address and password for the Zoom call, email thehookoffaith@gmail.com.

Arts and Faith Workshop

On Thursday 15 Oct at 7 pm Catholic creators UK is running an Evening of Art & Faith with musician, Joe Wells (One Hope Project) and spiritual director, Iona Reid-Dalgleish (Jesuits in Britain) exploring the links between creativity and prayer in their work. Throughout the evening, you will be invited to share your thoughts and ideas, too, through group discussions! The event will be online. More info and registration is here.

Life in the Spirit Online

Join the Shalom Catholic Community for a weekend of prayer, music, talks, party and opportunities to meet new people and start living life FULLY ALIVE! "Fully Alive" is a retreat run by the Shalom Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Boston. The retreat is based on the "Life in the Spirit Seminar" offered by most of the Charismatic Renewal groups. It's on Sat 26th and Sun 27th Sept. More info and registration here.

Gospel Competition
Treasure Unravelled is hosting it’s 7th year gospel talent hunt Loud In Silence. It is a global gospel talent hunt that will be done virtually, allowing people all over the world to participate regardless of location. The winner will gain 2500.00 Euro cash prize. The competition will be wholly virtual, from the audition to the grand finale. All the contestants shall be assisted by our team in any ways you may need help. To register for the competition, visit our website at www.treasureunravelled.com
The event will involve a few auditions of video that will  be sent by the participants, and the grand finale will be  a live performance online which will be observed by judges. The Grand finale is August 1st,  2020. Registration closes June 20th.

National Heritage Week

This year's National Heritage Week runs from 15-23 August, with many events running online. There are plenty of events related to education and culture. Click here and use the fillter facility to search by place and by theme - e.g. use the filters for education and culture.

Online Concert

Over the summer some members of the Newman Vocare Ensemble filmed a virtual concert in collaboration with As Music Heals. The concert is free to watch and will premiere on Facebook on Monday, the 24th of August at 8pm EST/5pm PST here. Since the premiere time is so late in Ireland, there's to be a “watch party” on the NDNC Facebook here at 8pm GMT+1 on Tuesday the 25th of August.

New Lawton Concert Online

A new Liam Lawton concert will be streaming from Portlaoise on Sunday 12th July 7.30 pm. Liam will be joined by members of the Portlaoise Parish Contemporary Choir. The concert will stream at portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam and shalomworld.org/watchlive

Gospel Competition
Treasure Unravelled is hosting it’s 7th year gospel talent hunt Loud In Silence. It is a global gospel talent hunt that will be done virtually, allowing people all over the world to participate regardless of location. The winner will gain 2500.00 Euro cash prize. The competition will be wholly virtual, from the audition to the grand finale. All the contestants shall be assisted by our team in any ways you may need help. To register for the competition, visit our website at www.treasureunravelled.com
The event will involve a few auditions of video that will  be sent by the participants, and the grand finale will be  a live performance online which will be observed by judges. The Grand finale is August 1st,  2020. Registration closes June 20th.

New Warner Workshop

Liturgical composer Steve Warner will give a Virtual Workshop online, The Healing Repertoitre of the Guitar, on Tuesday, August 4 - 2:00 pm to 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time USA (7 pm Ireland). Register online at https://www.liturgicalmusicinstitute.org/registration.html
https://youtu.be/970fO5bSsPk

Live Stream Gospel Mass

Details: 'Join us Sunday June 14th 7.30 pm for another virtual Gospel Choir Mass. Details are below on how to join.
https://www.facebook.com/thegsgc/live
If you so wish you can join in 15 mins prior to mass to meet our virtual congregation and also after mass at 8.30pm feel free to stay online for a chat with others.
19:15 - Join our Virtual Congregation via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81145827462?pwd=UEFQMzZ1eVlNVy8wWFdIcDAwRU5hUT09
Meeting ID: 811 4582 7462
Password: 967656
19:30 - Watch our live stream on Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/thegsgc/live

Liam Lawton Concert Online

On Sunday 17th May Liam Lawton will stream an online live concert. It will be at 7.30 pm Irish time .. US times are in the picture. Check out the Liam Lawton Music Facebook page and the Graiguecullen and Killeshin Facebook pages, also the webcam from Graiguecullen and Killeshin church. YouTube Link.

Laois Church Concerts
A Laois community, breaking the monotony of the COVID-19 lockdown with weekly concerts, has had a member of The High Kings perform in the parish church and is attracting hundreds of international viewers online. The concert, held every Tuesday at lunchtime in the Most Holy Trinity Church, Rathdowney, is filmed and streamed live on the internet. The first starred one of the members of The High Kings singing group, Paul O’Brien, who had to cut short an American tour and return home to Laois because of COVID-19. Other local artists such as John Kelly and Martin Delaney have featured since, and Damien Bowe is to sing on 21 April 2020. Read more at Catholic Ireland.

Musical Evening in Armagh

On Sun 10th May Archbishop Eamonn Martin will be joined by Karl McGuckian and Malachi Cush for an Evening of Gratitude and Hope. The event takes place in St Patrick's cathedral in Armagh and can be viewed on the cathedral webcam.

Bocelli Online Concert

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will give a solo performance devoted to love, healing and hope at the
Duomo Cathedral in Milan on Easter Sunday. The concert will be streamed live on Bocelli's YouTube Channel at 6pm.

Emmanuel 2020

The Emmanuel Concerts for 2020 take place in the Helix Theatre Mon 9th-Thurs 12th March, each night at 7.30 pm. Four evenings of Contemporary Church Music sung by 2600 second level students (650 each night) with a live band that will have you up on your feet singing along . They come from all parts of the Archdiocese of Dublin - from Arklow to Balbriggan, Clondalkin to Clontarf. Come and be uplifted by their energy and enthusiasm. Bookings and info here.

Gardiner Street Gospel Choir
On Sunday March 8th, Gardiner Street Gospel Choir is celebrating 20 years by performing with their 6 piece band at Dublin's Button Factory and other special guests on the night. After 20 years, 800 performances, and having played to a combined audience in excess of 250,000 people. Gardiner Street Gospel Choir are delighted to perform in the Button Factory. 20 years ago the choir first met for practice deep in the basement of St Francis Xavier's Church. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Strictly Over 18’s only. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/TheGSGC .

Songs of Hope and Peace
In County Kildare, the Songs of Hope & Peace Concert will take place at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth on Sunday 1st March at 7pm. The Maynooth University Chamber Choir will be joined by The Bellarmine University Oratorio Society from Louisville, Kentucky under the conductorship of Ruaidhri Ó Dálaigh. Adm free. Info here.

Sistine Chapel

Deciphering the Sistine Chapel - the making and meaning of the most famous sacred space in the world - a presentation at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Mon 9th March 7.30 pm. Art historian Liz Lev peels away the patina of confusion about the Sistine chapel to reveal the amazing story of how it came about: Lev will depict the challenges that the chapel presented and recount the true meaning of the paintings that have fascinated people for over half a millennium. Liz Lev is an American art historian and lecturer who lives in Rome, Italy and has given presentations to a wide array of audiences such as TED, The History Channel, and The Today Show. The lecture will begin at 7:30pm and be followed by a free reception in the rear of the church. More info here.

Celebration of Creation

Groups, choirs and musicians from around the Clondalkin parishes in Dublin join together to present this service - a joyful musical celebration of the beauty of creation. It's on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. It's in the Church of the Transfiguration, Bawnogue, Clondalkin Dublin 22. Click here for more details.

The Encounter - Dublin
'The Encounter' takes place at St Paul's Church, Arran Quay Dublin 7on Friday 28th February at 8pm. Especially for young adults, this night of live music and reflective prayer will feature musiciansLenin and Lionel Pinto, and guest speakers Maria Siddi and Kiara Vanmaele.

Lenten Reflection
Blinded By Your Grace - an evening of reflection and music for Lent will take place in the Monastery of St Alphonsus, St Alphonsus Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on Mon 2nd March at 8 pm. It will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. www.rednuns.com

Newman Work for NCH
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, is a work for three soloists, orchestra and chorus, in two parts composed by Edward Elgar in 1900, to text from the poem by John Henry Newman. It relates the journey of a pious man's soul from his deathbed, transitioning via Angels, Demons and through Purgatory before his final judgment before God. It will be performed at the National Concert Hall MONDAY 27TH APRIL, 2020 at 8:00pm. Info and booking here.

Autumn Liturgy Gathering
This year's Autumn Liturgy Gathering in Dublin Diocese takes place on Sat 5th Oct in Clonliffe College. Details of workshops will be available later.

Culture Night
This year's Culture Night takes place on Fri 20 Sept at various ventures throughout the country. Some of the events will have a religious flavour.

Blind Boys of Alabama at NCH
Malian duo Amadou & Mariam collaborate with the Blind Boys of Alabama for a new project fusing African pop with American gospel singing. The two artists draw threads between contemporary Afro pop and the gospel music which grew out of the same West African roots.  Event at National Concert Hall Monday 15 July at 8 pm. Info and booking here.

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week 2020 will be celebrated from Sunday 26 January to Sunday 2 February 2020 on the theme ‘Living in Harmony With God’s Creation’. Downloadable resources are available here.

Encounter Dublin
In Dublin, ‘The Encounter’ takes place at St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay on Friday 24th January at 8pm. Especiallyfor young adults, this night of live music and reflective prayer will feature guest speaker and musician Christopher Berkley. More details here.

Handel's Messiah in Phibsborough
Be moved by this favourite of music lovers the world over -experience the powerful poise of The Guinness Choir. Allow Colette Boushell, Patricia Bardon, Rory Musgrave and Andrew Boushell to touch your soul. This rich tapestry of chorus, soloists and orchestra takes place on Sunday, November 24th 2019 at 7.30pm in Dublin’s iconic St Peter’s Church seated at the head Dublin’s coolest neighbourhoods. Tickets €20 each NOW ON SALE online at eventbrite.ie or at the Parish Office Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm (01) 838 9708

Trócaire Poetry Competition
"Land is Life" is the theme for this year's Trócaire poetry competition, which is held in association with Poetry Ireland. Videos on the organisers' websites illustrate the theme. For example, one shows how a family and community have been forced from their land and their efforts to build a new life for themselves. The plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is also highlighted. An animation film, written for children, tells the story of how Brigit's family was affected by the Irish famine in the 1840s, and how Sami's community in Syria is being devastated by war today. Those interested in entering the poetry competition are asked to consider these themes in their entries. For more of this article see https://www.catholicireland.net/trocaire-poetry-ireland-competition-focus-land-migration/ and www.poetryireland.ie/education/trocaire-poetry-ireland-poetry-competition

Fr Joncas at the ICMA Summer School

Fr Michael Joncas (composer of 'On Eagle's Wings') will be special guest at the 2019 Irish Church Music Summer School in Maynooth, 2nd-5th July. This is a special event to mark it's 50th anniversary.

Emmanuel 2019 at the Helix

70 Second Level Schools will participate in Emmanuel 2018 Mon 25/ Tue 26/ Wed 27 and Thurs 28 February at 7.30 p.m. Over 2600 students (approx. 650 each day) from Dublin Diocese will participate in a day of
workshops and rehearsals. Encourage your choirs/music groups to attend and listen to young people praising God with energy. Participating schools and their day are on our website which contains the Liturgical Song list.
Booking 01 700 7000 or online here. More details at www.litmus.dublindiocese.ie

Burning Hearts
Description: "Burning Hearts" will take place every First Friday at The Emmaus Centre, Swords, Dublin from 7pm to 9pm with social afterwards. An event young adults with worship, teaching & fellowship, incl Mass, talks, testimonies, music & Eucharistic Adoration. For more information contact gerard.hanley@emmauscentre.ie

Youth Choir's New Album
Christ the King Youth Choir launch their new Christmas CD, O Holy Night, which is a collection of old and new Christmas classics. The CD will be launched in Christ the King Church, Strathroy, Omagh on Sunday, December 16 at 7pm where the choir will be joined by Cappagh Parish Pope John Paul II Award Participants for a journey through the traditional Nativity story through drama and song.
Further information is available on the choir's Facebook page
www. facebook.com/ChristTheKingYouthChoir

Art and Theology
There will be a lecture on Art and Theology given by Fr Michael Dunleavy OP at St Saviour's Church in Dublin on Thurs 7th March 2019 at 7.30 pm. Entrance from Dorset St. This is part of the St Saviour's Symposium lecture series 2018-2019. More info here.

Celine Byrne at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre presents the return of internationally acclaimed Soprano Celine Byrne for her annual Christmas Gala after previous years’ sell out concerts. For one night only on Thurs December 5th Celine will perform her “Christmas Celebration”, packed full of captivating Christmas Carols as well as much loved Operatic Arias, Viennese Favourites and Show Tunes accompanied by her Festive Orchestra. Info and booking here.

Sound of Music
The Sound of Music returns to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Fri 10 Jan - Sat 1 Feb 2020. Info and booking here.

Advent at Emmaus
Prepare your home and heart for Christmas! The Emmaus Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin, would like to invite families, couples, and singles to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. You’ll enjoy live music performances, and partake in an Advent Prayer Service followed by delicious treats, a nice cup of hot chocolate, coffee & tea. Event takes place Sun 1st Dec 3 pm - 5 pm. More info here.

‘Where Is God’s House?'
The Dublin Diocesan Advent Service will prayerfully explore this theme, inspired by Psalm 121:1 – ‘Let us go to God’s house’. The people of the parish of Saint Joseph the Artisan in Bonnybrook, in their Golden Jubilee Year, will welcome all to their newly refurbished church on Saturday 30 November at 4.00p.m. The liturgy will be prepared by the full-time Chaplaincy Students of DCU. Music will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group.

Youth2000 Ulster Retreat
In County Donegal, the Youth 2000 Ulster retreat will take place at Lough Derg, from 11th to 13th October. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops, music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends. For more information visit http://youth2000.ie/youth-2000-loughderg/

What Can I Do?
The issues around the environment and climate change have captured the imagination of many people. In the end it is down to each one of us to play our part. Join us for an evening of active reflection and prayer on this topic inspired by Laudato Si (2015 Encyclical of Pope Francis) on Monday 21 October at 8.00 p.m. in the Monastery of St. Alphonsus with the Sisters, the Dublin Diocesan Music Group and Students.

Remembrance Service
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled The Annual Remembrance Service will take place in the Monastery of Saint Alphonsus, Drumcondra on Thursday 21 November at 8.00 p.m. Let the music, reflections and warm atmosphere embrace you with comfort and consolation.

Nightfever Dublin
The next Nightfever event in Dublin will take place on Sat 21st Sept in St Theresa's Church Clarendon St Dublin 2. There will be music, reflection, adoration, reconciliation and street outreach. Info here.

RE Workshop - New Junior Cycle RE - Blackrock

Blackrock Education Centre Thurs 3rd Oct 5- 7pm
This workshop will explore one of the themes in the new Junior Cycle RE Specification - From Strand 2:
'Students should be able to: 'investigate how Christianity has contributed to Irish culture and heritage''. Practical examples and strategies, along with learning materials and worksheets will be available. Areas to be explored will include film, literature, music and art. Booking at
https://www.blackrockec.ie/cpd-courses-2/post-primary-courses/692-19lc-10-011-junior-cycle-re-new-specification.html

Religious Education Workshop

There will be a workshop on resources and projects for Lent in the Blackrock Education Centre on Tues 25 Feb 5-7pm. - A guide to resources available for exploring the themes of Lent. The topic/theme of Lent could form the basis of a project for Junior Cycle RE or a theme for Transition Year or Senior RE.  Early booking recommended at
https://www.blackrockec.ie/cpd-courses-2/post-primary-courses/738-20lc-02-006-resources-for-lent.html

Maynooth College Gala Concert
Celebrating 225 years of Sacred Music - The combined choirs of Maynooth College including the Schola Gregoriana, Maynooth Seminary Choir and the Maynooth Chapel Choir together with Professor Gerard Gillen perform a concert of Sacred Music featuring works by Messiaen, Mawby, Palestrina and works by current composers at Maynooth University. Event takes place Sun 16 Feb 4 pm, in the College Chapel. Booking at Eventbrite.

Nightfever Dublin

The next Nightfever Dublin event takes place on Sat 15 Feb in Clarendon St Church, off Grafton St, Dublin 2. Nightfever is an open night of prayer organised by young people who want to pass on the love of God that they have been experiencing for themselves. Passers-by on the nearby streets to come into the Church and light a candle, enjoy the beautiful music and be in the loving presence of God. The event begins with Mass at 6pm. People can arrive and leave at any stage after Mass.

Spring Liturgy Seminar
s
Dublin Diocese is organising their Spring Liturgy Seminar for Sat 15 Feb 9.30-1.30 pm. Workshops include: 'Let Us Go To God's House' - Damian McNeice will bring you on a visual tour of Church architecture through the
ages. History helps us see how we have inherited the style of liturgical space and its various components.
'Blinded By Your Grace' - Pat O'Donoghue will suggest ways of celebrating God's mercy during the season of
Lent by creating various prayer moments and services. More info and booking arrangements here.

Lightfever
In County Waterford, Lightfever will take place at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Saturday 15th February from 1:45pm. Lightfever will have times of sacrament, scripture, prayer andmusic ministry, street evangelisation within the setting of a candlelit church. For more information visit waterfordlismore.ie

4 Corners Festival

The 4 Corners Festival seeks to inspire people from across Belfast to transform it for the peace and prosperity of all. It features innovative events designed to entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas and hopefully meet new friends. The Festival takes place annually in February. It comprises a range of events featuring discussion, music, prayer, drama, poetry and story-telling in venues across the city of Belfast. The festival is cross-community and was co-founded by Fr Martin McGill and Rev Sterve Stockman. This year's festival takes place Jan 31-Feb 9th. Among the performers will be Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, poet Damian Gorman and singers Ken Haddock and Stephen Travers. There's also an event 'CONSIDERING GRACE' IN STORY & SONG – WITH BISHOP DONAL McKEOWN. More info here.

Disarming Beauty
' Disarming Beauty of a Human Experience' is a meeting about the life of Marta Bellavista, an Italian secondary school teacher, who died of cancer in October 2000 at the age of 27, having lived her circumstance in the light of her friendship with Jesus. . The event takes place Sun, February 2, 3:30pm – 5:00pmMarta's father Giorgio Bellavista and Emanuele Polverelli, the curator of the book on her life, (I Want It All) will be speaking. The meeting will be held in Newtownpark Pastoral Centre, Guardian Angels Parish, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock. For more information email info@clireland.com

Taizé Dublin
There will be a Taizé service for the week of Christian Unity at St Paul's Church Smithfield on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM. More info here.

The Christian Art of Story Telling

The Thomistic Institute chapter at Trinity College Dublin presents a lecture by Fr. Conor McDonough, OP titled “Beginning, Middle and End: C.S. Lewis and the Christian Art of Storytelling.” Swift Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Info here.

American Thanksgiving

There will be a Mass with music for American Thanksgiving on Thurs 28 Nov 5.30 pm. This will incorporate the monthly gathering of ACE (Alliance for Catholic Education). Info here.

Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat

Youth 2000 are holding a Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare Fri 6th - Sun 8th Dec. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops,music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends. Info and booking here.

Advent Lessons and Carols

On Sun 8th Dec at 7.30 pm there will be a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. This will feature the Newman Vocare Ensemble and will follow the 6.15 pm Mass.

Nightfever Dublin

The next Nightfever event takes place in Clarendon St Church Dublin 2 on Sat 30 Nov. Nightfever is an open night of prayer organised by young people who want to pass on the love of God that they have been experiencing for themselves. We invite passers-by on the nearby streets to come into the Church and light a candle, enjoy the beautiful music and be in the loving presence of God. We begin with Mass at 6pm. Please join us and pray for the success of this mission. More info here.

Christmas Bells
'Ring Christmas Bells' is an event in the National Concert Hall on Sat 7 Dec 8 pm with the Palestrina Choir. Info and booking here.

A Joyous Culwaick Christmas
The Culwick Choral Society, with special guest soprano Rachel Croash and the Culwick Ensemble led by Brona Fitzgerald, presents an unmissable celebration of the season with carols, music and songs from across the ages and of course audience participation! This year’s special work is Charpentier’s lyrical Messe de Minuit pour Noel which celebrates the joyful news of the birth of Christ with a charming blend of sacred and secular. Info and booking here.

Charity Gig

Charity gig for Cenacolo Sat 9th Nov St Michael's Hall, Green St, Wexford, Sat 9th Nov 7.30 pm. Music by The Mustard Seeds, and also singer/songwriter Angela Mahon. All proceeds go to Community Cenacolo, Knock. Community Cenacolo is a free, fully residential programme, which helps people affected by addiction to change their lives. It's a programme based on Prayer, Work and Friendship. It receives no government funding and relies soley on donations. Cenacolo is a place close to our hearts and always in our prayers. Testimonies from Damien Richardson and Melanie Devereux, both former community members.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/513952286062242/

Cabinteely Gospel Group
The group is delighted to be singing at The Dolmen Theatre, Bray Road, Cornelscourt, Dublin 18, on Wednesday 18th December. A night of music, comedy & festive cheer is promised, all in aid of charity.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/769346970170675/

Presentation Youth Event
Celebrating the feast of the Prsentation the Presentation Brothers and partners are hosting a youth event with the theme: 'Voices from a new generation - Young people speak about their faith'. There will be music, sharing, prayer, interviews and refreshments. Venue is Goldie Chapel, Nano Nagle Place, Douglas St, Cork and it takes place on November 20th 7.30 pm. Info: 021-4392160.

Youth 2000 Munster Retreat
In County Kerry, the Youth 2000 Munster retreat will take place at St Brendan’s College, Killarney from 1st to 3rd November. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops, music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends. For more information visit youth2000.ie

Youth 2000 Connaught Retreat
In County Sligo, the Youth 2000 Connaught retreat will take place at Summerhill College from 25th to 27th October. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops, music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends. For more information visit youth2000.ie

International Youth Conference

The International Youth Conference is a three night residential conference for youth (ages16-35) taking place in Clongowes Wood College in Clane Co. Kildare from the 27th-30th of December and is organised by Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries. The aim is to invite all youth to experience the power and presence of God in their lives and to be strengthened and empowered by His Holy Spirit so that they can share the Good News! It includes workshops, music concert, praise and worship, Spiritual Sharing, Bible - based talks, Dramas, Holy Mass, Adoration , Confession and Healing Service - all in the company of like-minded peers. For registration and information go to www.afcmteamireland.org

Advent in Mount Merrion

'Journeying to Christmas in Song' is an Advent service in the Church of St Therese in Mount Merrion, Dublin, featuring parish choirs and ensembles. It's at 4 pm on Sun 15 Dec and donations to Trócaire are welcome.

Nightfever in Navan
Navan parish is having a Nightfever event on Sat 14 Dec 7 pm-11 pm with music, prayer, eucharistic adoration and Confession.

Gospel Christmas in Gardiner Street
On Thursday December 19th, at St. Francis Xavier's Church there will be a feel-good evening of soulful festive cheer and favourite Christmas songs featuring: Gardiner Street Gospel Choir & Band with support acts: Gardiner Street Youth Gospel Choir Holly Berry and the Christmas Lites, The Secret Jazz Band. There will also be some Christmas cake and other tasty homemade treats to ensure everyone goes home merry and bright! Doors open at 7:30pm. Performance starts 8pm sharp. Seating unreserved. Raising money on the night for the Peter McVerry Trust.  For more information click here.

Three Tenors Concert

The Three Tenors Ireland Christmas Concert takes place Sun 15 Dec, St. Joseph the Artisan Catholic Church, Greencastle Road, Northside, Dublin. Ireland’s favourite trio, Kenneth O'Regan, Paul Feery and Kevin Fagan, provide the ‘feel-good factor’ promising a fabulous night to remember. Featuring an exciting Celtic style program with a twist, this thrilling concert is a Classic-Mix packed with the most beautiful contemporary, uplifting songs and Christmas favourites--something for everyone. Tickets €27.61 at Eventbrite.

Christmas Voices from the Pro-Cathedral

Christmas Voices is a concert in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral to raise funds for the homeless. Performers include Red Hurley, Linda Martin, Cliona Hagan, Anna Kearney, boys and girls of the Cathedral Choirs and further guests to be announced. Details - Tue, 17 December 2019 19:30. This year
proceeds will go towards the Peter McVerry Trust and Dog's Aid.Tickets at Eventbrite.

Messiah at Pro-Cathedral
Handel's Messiah will be performed at the Pro-Cathedral Dublin 1 on Monday 16 Dec at 8 pm. Soloists include Soprano: Aisling Kenny; Alto: Katie Richardson McCrea; Tenor: Conor Prendiville; Bass: Benjamin Russell. The soloists, orchestra and choir will be conducted by Blanaid Murphy. Tickets €25 at Eventbrite.

Advent Calendar

Ireland's Catholic Bishops have launched their annual online Advent Calendar. This is the sixth year the online Advent calendar has been made available and it can be accessed behind a virtual door each day during the season of Advent. The calendar has prayers and suggestions for acts of kindness or charity that individuals and families are encouraged to undertake during December. The calendar also shares tips on how families can care for creation, our common home, by having a more sustainable Christmas. Read more at Catholic Ireland.

Moving Crib
The famous Moving Crib will open at 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 on Thursday 28th November until 6th January 2020. This interactive family event has a montage display of biblical stories, including Noah’s Ark, The Wise Men and many more, and has been running for over 60 years in the City. More information can be found on www.stmartin.ie/crib

Christmas Concert in Cork

Cork Opera House are pleased to present the annual Christmas Concert, on 16th and 17th Dec. Now in its fifth year this event has become a favourite feature of the season and indeed a new Cork Christmas tradition. It will be held over two nights this year. The Christmas Concert will feature national and international artists singing a range of festive classics with a mix of local choirs and musicians. They will be accompanied by our very own Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra led by renowned conductor John O Brien. More info here.

Multicultural Carols

On December 8th 7 pm, returns one of the most acclaimed Christmas event in Dublin in The Church of Holy Family, Aughrim St. Parish, Aughrim St. D7, Dublin. Following the success from last year, nine different choirs from international communities will sing a selection of their most authentic Christmas carols, in the atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Family, in the heart of Stoneybatter. This event is free to attend and there will be the possibility to make charity donations in aid of Saint Vincent de Paul. Booking at Eventbrite.

Advent Music and Prayer

Marie Dunne CHF and the Holy Faith Past Pupils Choir will lead an Advent evening of prayer, music and reflection on Wed 11 Dec 7.30 pm to 9 pm at the Margaret Aylward Centre Glasnevin. Donation €5. Tea/coffee and mince pies to follow! More info here.

Christmas Choirs at Limerick
On Sunday 1st Dec - At University Concert Hall, Limerick. 2019 marks the 20th birthday of RTÉ lyric fm. Each year for the last 20 years the limerick-based station has run the Choirs for Christmas competition in celebration of choral singing in Ireland and this concert is all about the power of community music making nationally and the power of singing! Supported by Sing Ireland. Details here.

Memoriam Concert
'In Memoriam' - a Concert to Honour the Faithful Departed, will take place in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green Dublin, on Sun 10 Nov following the 6.15 liturgy. Music will be provided by the Vocare Singers, and while the concert is free there will be an opportunity to donate to the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

In Memoriam

In Memoriam is an event for November in the Pro-Cathedral Dublin. It's on Sun 10th November at 3 pm and features the Dublin Bach Singers and The Palestrina Choir. Tickets at Eventbrite (€15).

God Has No Country

'God Has No Country' is a play about Monsignor Hugh Flaherty who helped people escape from the Nazis in Rome during the Second World War. Written by Donal Courtney it will be performed in Gorey Little Theatre Co. Wexford on Wed 6th November at 8 pm, Tickets €12. Booking and info here: https://www.goreytheatre.ie/upcoming-events/2019/10/11/god-has-no-country

Lawton Concert

Liam Lawton will perform in concert on Fri 18 Oct in Ballymacoda Church near Youghal in Co. Cork. See poster for more details.

Day of Music and Reflection
'Renewing the Song of God in my Heart' - Margaret Aylward Centre, Glasnevin on Sat October 19th - a day is an opportunity for those involved in any kind of music ministry to reflect and ponder, it is open to anyone who would like to be part of this gentle, quiet time. With liturgical composer Marie Dunne CHF.

IT course

An IT course that may be of interest to RE teachers takes place in Blackrock Education Centre on Thurs 24 Oct 5-7.30 pm. This will be a hands-on IT workshop exploring online interactive tools and apps for teaching and evaluating your second level subject - incl class quizzes, assessments and evaluations using Quizizz, Blendspace and Google Forms. Booking - click here.

Junior Cycle RE Workshop - New Specification

RE Workshop Enniscorthy: This workshop will explore one of the themes in the new Junior Cycle RE Specification - From Strand 1:
'Students should be able to: 'investigate how Christianity has contributed to Irish culture and heritage''. Practical examples and strategies, along with learning materials and worksheets will be available. Areas to be explored will include film, literature, music and art. Booking at https://www.ecwexford.ie/cpd-courses/post-primary-courses/1167-junior-cycle-religious-education-new-specification.html

Newman Lecture
Blessed John Henry Newman will be canonized by Pope Francis on 13th October this year. To mark this occasion Dr. Angelo Bottone will give a lecture on Newman, NEWMAN AS SAINT, in the Central Catholic Library, Merrion Square, on Thursday 17 October 1 pm - 2.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. More info here. Facebook Event Page here.

Liam Lawton Concert

Liam Lawton, with special guests, will be in concert in Bonnybrook Parish Church on Fri 27th Sept at 8 pm. https://www.bonnybrookparish.ie/ Tickets at Parish Office 01 848 5262

Feasts & Seasons - Music for the Liturgical Year with John O'Keeffe
This workshop is for singers, choirs, musicians and all who are interested in music in the liturgy and will take place in Renehan Hall, Maynooth College on Wednesday 16th October at 7.30pm. Dr. John O’Keeffe, Director of Sacred Music in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth will be leading the workshop, which will last approximately two hours. The cost of participation is €15, which will include a copy of his book – Feasts and Seasons 2 (with CD), or €10 which is for participation only. The book and CD will be a great asset to any choir member. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.Booking here.

Culture Night in Newbridge Parish
Newbridge parish is organising a poetry night for Culture Night on Fri 20 Sept. There will be poems old and new and among the readers will be Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Denis Nulty. It will take place in the new Parish Centre, Station Road, begining at 7.30pm and finishing at 9pm. Local composer Padraig
Meredith will provide music.

RE Workshop - New Junior Cycle RE - Navan

Navan Education Centre Wed 25th Sept 5- 7pm
This workshop will explore one of the themes in the new Junior Cycle RE Specification - From Strand 2:
'Students should be able to: 'investigate how Christianity has contributed to Irish culture and heritage''. Practical examples and strategies, along with learning materials and worksheets will be available. Areas to be explored will include film, literature, music and art. Booking at
https://www.ecnavan.ie/cpd-courses-ecnavan/autumn-courses/373-junior-cycle-re-new-specification.html.

Encounter Dublin City

Join other young adults (20's & 30's only) for The Encounter on September 20th (Culture Night) @ 8pm in St Paul's Arran Quay. Our Musician is Hannah Best and our Guest speakers are Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Lisa McKenna and Codie Preston .

Culture Night in Blackpool
Enjoy the work of Seamus Murphy and Harry Clarke Studio in the Church of the Assumption, Blackpool in Cork, 5-7 pm. A talk will be given by local historian about the sculptures and glass work in the Church. More info here

Culture Night 2019 - John's Lane
Culture night takes place on Fri sept 20th in various locations. Among those is a music evening in St John's Lane Church - John's Lane Church is under the care of the Augustinian Friars and it is among the most beautiful churches in Dublin. When completed it was described as 'poetry in stone'. On the night enjoy an organ recital and a performance by the church choir. The church's resident organist family, the McNultys, havecontinuedservice to this church since 1939. Time: 4pm - 10pm
More info: https://culturenight.ie/event/augustinians-johns-lane-church/

Culture Night at Clonliffe College
Come and visit Clonliffe College (opened in 1859), soon to begin a new chapter in its history. There will be 2 exhibition spaces of archival material, finishing with live music from primary & secondary level students with the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. Time: 6.30pm - 9:30pm
More info: https://culturenight.ie/event/clonliffe-college/

Culture Night at Central Catholic Library
The Central Catholic Library was founded as a subscription library by Irish Jesuit Fr. Stephen Brown in 1922. The Georgian house now holds a collection of over 60,000 books, covering the Catholic tradition in literature, philosophy, theology, history, science, the visual arts and music. See material from their archives on the founding of the library, and an exhibition of art books which illustrates the culture of books and reading.
Time: 4pm - 9pm
More info: https://culturenight.ie/event/central-catholic-library/

Autumn Liturgy Seminar
The Autumn Liturgy Seminar for Dublin Diocese will take place on Saturday 5th October in Clonliffe College. There will be 5 workshops on Baptism, Scripture, Aesthetics, Music and Prayer Services. Participants may attend two workshops of their choice with the exception of the baptism which is a full morning session. Registration is at 9.00 a.m. and sessions begin at 9.30 a.m. Information on workshops is available on booking form enclosed or on our website www.litmus.dublindiocese.ie

Talk With Readings

'Catholicism in Ireland: How We Got to the Present Day' is the title of an illustrated talk to be given by Kevin Whelan of the University of Notre Dame at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Thurs 19th Sept 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Readings will be given by Stephen Rea, with reception to follow.

Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course

Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course takes place August 11th-17th. More info http://knockadoonml.com/, also Facebook Page.

Music Ministry Together Cancelled
This year Music Ministry Together event has been cancelled. From the Facebook page: 'It is with regret that we unfortunately have to cancel this years Music Ministry Together course. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have already booked you can expect to receive an email from us later today. If you do not receive this please contact us at booking@musicministry.ie'

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

Youth 2000 Summer Festival takes places Thurs 15th- Sun 18th August at Clongowes Wood College Co. Kildare. Information and online booking here.

Veritas Sale
Veritas shops currently have a sale with lots of book bargains - but there is also a range of music CDs selling at €2 each - incl titles by Marie Dunne and Tom Kendzia.

Emmanuel 2020 Recording
Calling all past and present Emmanuel people. The choir is forming again this summer to record the songs for Emmanuel 2020. If you would like to be part fo this choir please sign up below. We will be recording the choir on the July 8, 9, 10, 11 from 6pm until 9pm in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, Dublin 3. If you are interested in being part of the choir please sign up here. https://doodle.com/poll/wgr8vzmvheu3t73z

Hannah Shaefer and Rebekah Fitch

Hannah Schaefer is an American Christian musician, who plays a Christian pop style of music, while Rebekah Fitch is an Irish performer. Both are on tour together in Ireland in July. They will perform at St Paul's Arran Quay on Tues 16 July - booking at Eventbrite, here. The duo will also play in Bray, Kilkenny and New Inn, Co. Tipperary. More details here.

Choir Opportunity
Post available - Assistant Director to the Cathedral Choirs, St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Dublin. Applications with CV no later than Tues 18th June to germainecarlos@gmail.com

VOX FEMININA
VOX FEMININA is a 10th Anniversary Souvenir CD from the Pro-Cathedral Girls Choir, featuring works by Irish & international female composers - release date: Tuesday 18th June. Check on the promo on YouTube - click here.
[Added 14/6/19: Tues 18 June: Launch Event for CD VOX FEMININA, , City Hall, Dublin 7 pm]

Tom Kendzia Workshop

A workshop with american composer Tom Kendzia will take place on Thursday June 13th in the St Peter and Pauls Church, Portlaoise at 8pm. There is no cost as Portlaoise parish are very kindly sponsoring the event.
Many parishes sing Tom’s music such as Stand by Me, We will Praise you, Endless is your Love , Out of Darkness………etc so you will enjoy this evening of singing old and new music. To learn more about Tom Kendzia, his website is www.tomkendzia.com/

Youth Mass
Youth Mass on Saturday June 15 at 6pm in Neilstown Church, Clondalkin. Inchicore Gospel Choir will lead the music and a special invite goes out to those in the middle of the Leaving or Junior Cert.

Theology Uncorked

Steve Warner is the Associate Director of Music and Liturgy at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. This talk is about so much more than music or song. It is about ministry, service, and an understanding of the joy to which the liturgy beckons all of us as People of God.

Cabinteely Gospel Choir
In County Dublin, the Cabinteely Gospel Group will hold a concert at St. Brigid’s Church, Cabinteely on Saturday 15th June at 7.30pm This celebratory concert is to mark the group’s 20th anniversary and will be a showcase of old and new favourite's, with special guests and friends taking part. For more information visit www.cabinteelygospel.org

Bible Week Details

Events for Ecumenical Bible Week are now available at https://www.bibleweek.ie/ . Among the events is: Biblical Poetry and Christian Formation - Wed 12 June, St. Augustine’s, Taylor's Lane, Ballboden 
Dublin 16, also Thursday June 13, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Church Of The Annunciation, Grange Road, Rathfarnham , Dublin, D14. 7.30 pm - 9 pm. Also, the closing event features Ian Callanan and the music of Marty Haugen - Sun 16 June  ‘Holden Evening Prayer’ - Sung Lutheran Vespers. Venue - Lutherhaus, 24 Adelaide Road, 
Dublin 2.

Matt Maher Concert

Matt Maher, Canadian contemporary Christian music artist, songwriter will be in concert in St Paul's Arran Quay, Dublin on Wed 12th June at 8 pm. Maher has performed at World Youth Days and other high profile events. On his recent Christmas album he performed a duet with famous US Christian music artist Amy Grant. His website is here, and booking for his Dublin concert is at Eventbrite, here.

Ecumenical Bible Week

This year's Ecumenical Bible Week takes place 9th-16th June at various locations in Dublin diocese. Ecumenical Bible Week is an exciting and successful venture which is now in its sixth year. It includes parish-based events around Dublin. There’ll be debate, talks, music and lots of participation. Details will be available soon at https://www.bibleweek.ie/

Poetry Weekend
Fri 31 May-Sun 2 June - seaside retreat at FCJ, Ibricken Lodge, Spanish Point, Co. Clare. Poetry - language of love, language of God. Director Jo Donovan RSM. More info here.

Notre Dame Concert
The Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith and Reason is happy to host the University of Notre Dame Glee Club In Concert. The oldest glee club at a Catholic university visits Ireland for a concert on 22 May 2019 at 7:30pm. All are welcome to hear them perform Spanish Renaissance Polyphony, New Sacred Music, and Spirituals. This event is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow.

Nightfever

The next Nightfever Dublin event is on Sat 27 April in St Teresa's Church, Clarendon St Dublin 2, from the 6 o'c Mass until 11 pm. Nightfever is an open night of prayer organised by young people who want to pass on the love of God that they have been experiencing for themselves. We invite passers-by on the nearby streets to come into the Church and light a candle, enjoy the beautiful music and be in the loving presence of God. More info here.

Gospel Rising
The 10th annual Gospel Rising festival for Gospel choirs takes place in Dublin from May 17th-19th. There will be concerts and workshops - bookings are now open, click here for more information.

Workshops for New RE Course Junior Cycle - Dublin, Navan and Enniscorthy

A workshop to address to arts elements of the new Junior Cycle RE Specification will be held in Blackrock Education Centre, Co. Dublin on Thurs 4th April 5-7 pm.
Places limited, register here:
https://www.blackrockec.ie/cpd-courses-2/post-primary-courses/450-19lc-04-004.html
Course description: With the advent of the new Religious Education Specification for first year students in Sept 2019, this workshops looks at the learning outcome where students are required to‘explore the presence of religious themes in contemporary culture through an examination of art, music, literature or film’. This workshop will offer guidelines and suggestions on how this might be approached, with suggested resources appropriate for first year students and beyond.  Part of the approach on the night will involve use of IT, so participants are encouraged to bring their own devices, though a limited number of PCs will be available at the centre.
[Updated 19/3/19]

The same course is offered in Co. Wexford Education Centre Enniscorthy on Thurs 11th April 5-7 pm
Register here: https://www.ecwexford.ie/cpd-courses/post-primary-courses/1016-new-re-junior-cycle-religious-education-specification-workshop.html

And also in Navan Education Centre Wed 27th March 5-7 pm
https://www.ecnavan.ie/cpd-courses-ecnavan/post-primary-courses/277-re-junior-cycle-religious-education-specification-workshop.html

Sister Act Musical
Sister Act the Musical will be performed by Bray Musical Society in the Mermaid Theatre Bray 10th-13th April. Booking and info here.

Johnny Duhan Tour

Irish singer-songwriter Johnny Duhan, whose work often includes spiritual themes, has a nationwide tour coming up in April and May 2019, to tie in with the release of his autobiography, 'The Voyage'. Details in poster. More info http://www.johnnyduhan.com/Home.html

St Matthew Passion
St Matthew Passion by Bach will be performed in the National Concert Hall on Good Friday 19 April at 3.30 pm, with the National Synphony Orchestra and Cór na nÓg. Info and booking here.

Palm Sunday Event
On Palm Sunday 14 April there will be a musical event, The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour, featuring the Carolan String Quartet. Newman Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. This will be at 7.30 pm, following the regular 6.15 Mass. It will feature Op 51 by Haydn. Entry is free but there will be a collection for St Vincent de Paul Society. Booking at Eventbrite.

Ulster Retreat
Youth 2000 Ulster Retreat will take place Apr 12 – 14, 2019 in St Macartan's College, Mullamurphy, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops, music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends.
For more information click here.

Joseph Musical
There will be a performance of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat from Tue, April 9, 7:20pm – Sat, April 13, 7:20pm in St Mary's Priory, Main St, Tallaght Village, Dublin, D24. The Now & Then Production Company will be performing this well-known musical based on the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. Muliti-denominational Youth & Adult Music & Drama Group staging musicals with a religious theme in St Mary's Priory Tallaght. Facebook Page

Day of Reflection
Marie Dunne will lead a day of reflection in Avila, Donnybrook on Sat 23rd March. With theme of 'Shelter Me God in your Love', this day of prayer and reflection will feature Marie's own composed music. Suggested offering €25. To book: Tel: 01 643 0200 or email info@avilacentre.ie

The Encounter

The Encounter ia a night of music and testimony, on March 22nd at 8pm in St Paul's Arran Quay. Musician and Guest Speaker for the night is Ciaran Coll, music teacher, choir director and composer.

St Patrick's Day Mass
Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 will have a Mass for St Patrick's Day at 9.30 am, with the church's combined choirs and the Appasionata String Quartet.

RTAI Conference
This year's conference of the Religion Teachers Association of Ireland will be in Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Sat 9th March. Places are strictly limited to 100. To reserve your place please email canavanmt@gmail.com stating name, school and Teaching Council number. Workshops this year: Senior Cycle RE (Non-Exam), Ethical Education Network, Phiolosophy Association of Ireland. There will also be a session with Ailis Travers of JCT. The day is free, with lunch and resources but travel or overnight expenses are not available, but there's a DES rate at the hotel for the Conference. More info here.

Saints and Scholars
Sunday 10th March 2019 - ALL LIVES ARE PRECIOUS (ALPs ) in Down Cathedral, a one off specially produced production of Love , Life and Happiness. Saint and Scholars Concert is an event supported by Council and will be kicking of The Saint Patricks Day Celebrations in Downpatrick. The event is a celebration of heritage,culture and St Patrick through music, song, poetry and Dance. In its second year this event promises to encapsulate all that is good about the many different styles of Irish music from traditional ballads to contemporary songs from right across the island of and beyond. This year's line up features some the greatest names in entertainment and already announced to participate are Laim Lawton, Malachi Cush Karl Mc Guckin, Matthew Campbell plus many others. Advance tickets - https://www.facebook.com/ALPreciousLtd/

Youth 2000 Connaught Retreat
Mar 1 – 3, 2019, Calasanctius College, Castle Rd, Innplot, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland. The retreat aimed for 16 – 35 year olds will include inspiring talks, workshops, music, group activities, prayer, sacraments, drama and plenty of time to spend with friends. For more information visit youth2000.ie

Seminar on Values and Beauty
Seminar at Glenard University Residence Sat 23rd Feb 11 am to 1 pm. Core values are often a contested space and yet without them our sense of purpose or meaning is often compromised. Dr Rocchi will explore the human need for core values and the deep fulfilment we experience when we align our lives to the right core values. Beauty is something to be admired and sought after. It takes us outside of ourselves. Dr Rocchi will explore this transcendece of beauty. Is it the face of something more? Can the human experience of beauty be a profoundly religious, spiritual experience? The event will be presented by Dr. Marta Rocchi, an Assistant Professor in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics at DCU Business School. Register at Eventbrite here.

Nightfever Dublin
The next Nightfever Dublin event will be on Sat 16 Feb from 6 pm Mass, at St Teresa's Church, Clarendon St, Dublin 2. There will be music, prayer, reflection, reconciliation and street outreach. Info here.

Faith and Literature

On Thurs 14 Feb, 6.30 pm, at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Prof. Declan Kiberd will give a talk on 'Faith and Literature - From Newman to Joyce'. The event is free and will be followed by refreshments.

Beauty in Aquinas and Joyce
A lecture by Fran O'Rourke, University College Dublin, Tues 12 Feb  , 6:30 PM | 4050B in the Arts Block at Trinity College Dublin. Organised by the Thomist Society. 

Moving Crib
The Moving Crib will be open 7 days a week from 11am -6pm at 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 . No booking is necessary unless it's a large group and entry is FREE. It will be closed only on Christmas Day, St Stephen's Day and New Years' Day. More information can be found on our website www.stmartin.ie/crib or email crib@stmartin.ie

Laudate
Over 50 Primary Schools are gearing up for the 3rd Laudate Festival of Liturgical Music which will take place during Catholic Schools Week. The Festival Nights this year are: Monday 28 January at 7.00p.m. St. Pius X, Templeogue; Tuesday 29 January at 7.00p.m., Our Lady of Victories Church,
Ballymun Road; Wednesday 30 January at 7.00p.m., Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion

CANAIMIS – LET US SING
This new collection of music – Canaimis – Ceol don Aifrinn - will be launched by Veritas Publications on Thursday 31 January in Clonliffe College beginning with a reception of light refreshments at 7.00 p.m. With the publication of An Leabhar Aifrinn Rómhánach, this anthology brings together, for the first time, a number of well-known Mass settings in Irish, suitably adapted, as well as some newly composed music.
The Irish Church Music Association will also launch the celebration of their 50th year as an Association.

The Encounter, Dublin
s
Join other young adults (20's & 30's) for The Encounter on January 25th @ 8pm in St Paul's Arran Quay. The Encounter will mark the beginning of WYD Panama in Dublin 2019 which will take place in The Emmaus Center, Swords Rd from 5pm Saturday 26th January to 5pm Sunday 27th January. Our Guest Speaker for the night is the fabulous Louise Storey whom has been a leader at previous World Youth Days. Musician for the night is Sarah Buckam.

Catholic Schools Week

This year's Catholic Schools' Week takes place from 27th Jan to 3rd Feb with the theme 'Celebrating the Work of Our Local Catholic Schools'. Resources, incl those that are arts based are available for download - click here.

Music Workshop
Dr John O'Keeffe, Director of Sacred Music in St Patrick's College, Maynooth will give a workshop in Cork for singers, choirs, musicians and all who are interested in music in the liturgy. Workshop takes place on Monday 28th January, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Parish Centre in Blackrock (located behind the church).
Cost to participate is €5 per person.  Booking is essential - telephone 021 4537474

World Youth Day in Dublin
Creating the best parts of World Youth Day in Dublin for those who can't go to Panama. It will be a celebration of faith, with live stream of the Pope's talks and Homilies, along with music, workshops, drama, food, fun & fellowship. Sat, January 26, 5pm – Sun, January 27, 5pm
, Emmaus Centre Balheary Demesne Swords, Dublin, K67 Y274
(Bring your sleeping bags!) How to Book: www.emmauscentre.ie/programme/wyd
For more information: Contact us at wydathome@dublindiocese.ie
Follow on Facebook: WYD @ Home - Panama in Dublin

Lawton Christmas Concerts
Liam Lawton launches December Christmas concert tour, with special guests (varying by venue):
St. Mary's Church, Leap, Skibbereen, Co.Cork; Sunday 2nd; Tickets: 086 1080236
Ballymagarvey Village, Balrath, Co. Meath; Tuesday 4th Tickets:  Eventbrite.
St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, (Guesting with Karl Mc Guckin & Friar Alessandro ) Wednesday  5th 
Tickets:  www.evenbrite.co.uk
St Finbarr’s South Church,Dunbar Street, Cork; Thursday 6th; Tickets:  021 427 2989 
St. Anne's Church, Dawson Street. Dublin; Sunday 9th, (Guesting with RTE's ~ Cór na nÓg) SOLD OUT
Clonard Monastery, Belfast, (Guesting with Karl Mc Guckin, Brian Gilligan & Niamh Perry)
Friday 14th Tickets:   www.ticketsource.co.uk
St Mary's RC Church, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Offaly; Sunday 16th; Tickets:  086 1552779 

Bach for Advent
This concert will take place in Newman University Church St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Sun 25 Nov at 7.30 pm, and will feature Sestina Soloists and Baroque Ensemble and the Irish Doctors Choir. Info and booking here.

Workshop in Navan

At Navan Education Centre, on Thurs 22 November, 5-7.00 pm, a hands-on IT course, for teachers of all subjects, but particularly useful for RE teachers, will feature the online educational tool 'Tes Teach' (formerly Blendspace and Educanvas). This is a versatile and intuitive tool that is very useful for finding, gathering and presenting resources across all subjects. It also allows the teacher to engage with students if required, eg through sharing resources, creating quizzes and more. It is free, includes online storage, and as it is online doesn't require downloading any software. Participants are recommended to bring their own devices, but some Centre PCs are available.
Early booking recommended - click here.

Nightfever Dublin

The next Nightfever event in Dublin will be on Sat 1st Dec in Clarendon St Church after 6 pm Mass. There will be music, street outreach, adoration, reconciliation. All welcome.

Jolly Season at NCH
'Tis the Season to be Jolly' - Tues 27 Nov 7.30 pm, Presented by Rathfanham Concert Band - A concert of entertaining seasonal music with stylistically different pieces allowing the audience to experience the various sounds of some of the country’s finest young musicians in an upbeat and stimulating way leaving the listener in a positive and happy mood for the Jolly Season. Featuring the Rathfarnham Concert Band Society (Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Jazz Bands), Musical Director Vincent Kennedy , Conductors Conor O’Riordan and Richard Treston , MC Declan O’Brien 
And special guests - primary school choirs from Divine Word National School, St. Mary's Boys National School. Loreto Grange Road and Ballyroan Boys National School conducted by Caitríona Ní Threasaigh.   With choirs of Loreto High School Beaufort present and past, Marie Cruise, director. Info and booking here.

Messiah in Belfast
The Ulster Orchestra will perform in a production of Handel's Messiah on Fri 7th December at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Ailish Tynan Soprano; Cécile van de Sant Alto; Nicolas Mulroy Tenor ; Njål Sparbo Baritone; Belfast Philharmonic Choir. Booking and info here. The event will also take place in the Guildhall Derry, on Thurs 6th Dec. Booking here.

Cherrybrook in Dublin

Cherrybrook Music presents two workshops for singers, choir directors and musicians, presented by Ephrem and Giovanna Feely, based on the new collection Our Hearts Are Restless. Recently Ephrem's The Joy of Love was the theme song for the World Meeting of Families. Corpus Christi Church, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Wed 7 Nov 8 pm- 9.45 pm, and Newman University Church Wed 14 Nov 8-9.45 pm. Cost €10, bookings by 5 Nov to cherrybrookmusic@gmail.com

New Year's Eve Gospel

Gospel band, Live Issue, invites you to join them in celebrating the arrival of 2019 with an evening of quality Gospel music. The members of Live Issue have recently hosted their own television series on Revelation TV, as well as continuing to tour both individually and as a group throughout the British Isles, Europe and America.Joining Live Issue on New Year's Eve will be a host of special guests, making this evening of praise an event not to be missed. Book early to avoid disappointment! Event takes place at The Market Theatre, Armagh on Mon 31 Dec. Booking and info here.

Sarah Groves in Belfast

Nominated for 7 Dove awards, US singer-songwriter Sara Groves will be one of the guest soloists at a Christmas concert 'Ireland in Christmas Praise' featuring the New Irish Choir and Orchestra and the New Irish Youth Choir This is now one of Belfast's largest and most eclectic Christmas events, with over 200 people on stage and an opportunity for the audience to join in singing traditional Christmas Carols. Directed by Jonathan Rea. Venue: Belfast Waterfront Hall, Thurs 20th and Fri 21st Dec. Info and booking here.

New Dublin Voices 
New Dublin Voices, Conductor Bernie Sherlock, present two lunchtime concerts at the National Concert Hall - Fri 14th Dec and Mon 17th Dec. Booking and info here.

Carols by Candlelight
A concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting. At the National Concert Hall, Wed 19th Dec 3 pm and 8 pm. More info and booking here.

Christmas Concert, Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House presents the annual Christmas Concert.
Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 December 2018 8pm
€25, €27.50 & €30* Now in its fourth year the annual Cork Opera House Christmas Concert has become a favourite feature of the season and indeed a new Cork Christmas tradition. Following sold out concerts for the last three years, they're delighted to be able to present the concert over two nights this year.
Featuring:
Joe Corbett (host) | Emma Nash | Rory Dunne
Karen Underwood, Laoise Leahy & Gemma Sugrue performing together
Liv Amerie Gregorio (played Molly in Cork Opera House's production of Annie)
Cork Opera House Theatre Artist in Residence John McCarthy
Cork Chamber Choir and The Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra conducted by John O'Brien
More info and booking here.

Christmas Oratorio
The Goethe Institute Choir presents a concert at the National Concert Hall on Mon 17th Dec 8 pm featuring Johann Sebastian Bach, Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, Cantatas 1, 3 and 4
Arvo Pärt Mother of God and Virgin
Sergei Rachmaninoff Bogorodeetse Dyevo, raduisya
Johannes Weyrauch  Maria durch ein Dornwald ging
Franz Xaver Gruber Stille Nacht
More info and booking here.

Messiah at NCH
Our Lady’s Choral Society and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Proinnsias Ó Duinn and world class soloists present the ‘definitive’ performance of Handel’s Messiah at the National Concert Hall. Christmas starts here….to avoid disappointment early booking is advisable for these sell-out performances.Wed 12th, Thurs 13th and Fri 14th Dec. Booking and info here.

Palestrina Choir at NCH

Experience the magic of Christmas with the Boys  & Gentlemen of the Palestrina Choir. The festive “Missa Carolae” by James Whitbourn and a  heart-warming selection of traditional carols. Enter into the spirit of Christmas with these angelic choristers. Presented by St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Dublin. Tues 11 Dec 8 pm at the National Concert Hall. Booking and info here.

Christmas at the Dominicans

The Adare Choir, the St Saviour's Choir sing at the 'Christmas at the Domincans' event on Fri 14th December at 7.30 pm. Live entertainment, Festive refreshments included. Adm €15.

Christmas Carols at CSM
There will be a concert of Christmas carols at the Cork School of Music on Wed 12 Dec at 1.10 pm. It will feature Capella Lyrica conducted by Maria Judge, with accompanist Deirdre Long.

Culwick Christmas
The Culwick Choral Society  presents a Christmas concert, featuring Rachel Croash soprano; David O’Shea Organ; DIT Youth Choir; Dublin Brass Quintet ; Conductor Bernie Sherlock . This year's celebration of Christmas features much-loved carols, music and songs from across the ages. This year’s special work is the Christmas cantata Christus natus est by the wonderful English composer Cecilia McDowall. Booking here. (Tues 4 Dec)

Concert for Trócaire
After a sold out concert in 2017 Mount Argus parish is delighted to present a wonderful evening of festive songs and carols to start the Christmas Season in aid of Trócaire, on Sun 2 Dec 7.30 pm. With MC Joe Duffy and performances by Margaret Keys, Mornington Singers, Vladimir Violinist, Tenor Niall Morris and Belvedere College Choir. Admission free by Ticket with suggested donation on night €10 or on Eventbrite. 

Christmas Carols at Fota
There will be a concert of Christmas carols with the group Capella Lyrica in Fota House near Cork city on Sun 1st Dec at 6 pm, doors 5.30 pm.

Seinn

This year's Seinn concert - secondary school choirs singing gospel and liturgical music takes place in the Cathedral of the Assumption Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on Wed 5 Dec at 7.30 pm. Musical director Ian Callanan. Adm free, donations to Cashel and Emily Youth Ministry.

Chesterton and God
In Dublin 4, St Mary's Parish will be holding a lecture on 'G.K. Chesterton and God' at St Mary's Church, Haddington Road Dublin 4, on Friday 23rd November at 7:15pm
The speaker will be Melanie Mc Donagh who has a long-standing interest in Chesterton and who is a journalist in London and writes for several newspapers there. For more information see www.stmaryshaddingtonroad.ie

Workshop in Enniscorthy

At Co. Wexford Education Centre, on Thurs 29 November, 5-7.00 pm, a hands-on IT course, for teachers of all subjects, but particularly useful for RE teachers, will feature the online educational tool 'Tes Teach' (formerly Blendspace and Educanvas). This is a versatile and intuitive tool that is very useful for finding, gathering and presenting resources across all subjects. It also allows the teacher to engage with students if required, eg through sharing resources, creating quizzes and more. It is free, includes online storage, and as it is online doesn't require downloading any software. Participants are recommended to bring their own devices, but some Centre PCs are available.
Early booking recommended - click here.

Workshop in Blackrock

At Blackrock Education Centre, on Thurs 15 November, 5-7.30 pm, a hands-on IT course, for teachers of all subjects, but particularly useful for RE teachers, will feature the online educational tool 'Tes Teach' (formerly Blendspace and Educanvas). This is a versatile and intuitive tool that is very useful for finding, gathering and presenting resources across all subjects. It also allows the teacher to engage with students if required, eg through sharing resources, creating quizzes and more. It is free, includes online storage, and as it is online doesn't require downloading any software. Participants are recommended to bring their own devices, but some Centre PCs are available.
Early booking recommended - click here.

Icons Talk
A talk on the icons at the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary and St. Demiana will take place at the church at 5 The Pines, Herbert Road, Bray on Thursday 15th November at 8.00pm. This is organised by Bray Churches Together.

Book Launch

'Bethrothed' is a new book by Paraic Maher, featuring Irish art immortalising the marriage of Mary and Joseph and the dramatic story behind it. It will be launched at Newman University Church on Thurs 8th Nov at 7.30 pm. The event will include an audio-visual presentation of images from the book. More info at www.intriguingstories.ie

Aifreann
The world premier of 'Aifreann' by Kevin O'Connell will be performed by the Palestrina and Senior Girl Choristers led by choral director Blanaid Murphy and accompanied by organist David Grealey will take place at 11 am Solemn Mass on Sun 14 Oct in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Dublin 1. More info here.

Christian Witness Seminar

Conversations that matter is a Christian Witness Seminar, in Lismullin Institute Co. Meath on Saturday 21-Sunday 22, October 2018. This two-day residential seminar for women aims to inspire and give encouragement to live the Catholic faith today. One of the sessions is entitled: 'The Role of Literature and the Arts in inspiring Thought and Conversation' presented by Sally Read (Catholic convert and poet) and Leah Lebresco (convert from atheism and writer). More info and booking here.

Liturgical Music Workshops

Cherrybrook Music presents two workshops for singers, choir directors and musicians, presented by Ephrem and Giovanna Feely, based on the new collection Our Hearts Are Restless. Recently Ephrem's The Joy of Love was the theme song for the World Meeting of Families. Mon 15 Oct Ashbourne Parish Hall 8 pm- 9.45 pm, and Dalgan Park Navan on Sat 20 Oct 11.15 am - 1 pm. Cost €10, bookings by 12 Oct to cherrybrookmusic@gmail.com.

The Cardinall's Musick
Considered a ‘jewel in the crown’ of early-music consorts, The Cardinall’s Musick are renowned for their extensive study of English Renaissance music and music of the 16th and 17th centuries. They are performing a concert that features some early spiritual music at the National Concert Hall on Thurs 9th Oct 8 pm. More info and booking here.

Your Holiness
'Your Holiness' is the title of an evening of prayer, music and reflection which will explore the recent document of Pope Francis - Gaudete et Exultate (Rejoice and be Glad). The Monastery of St. Alphonsus, Drumcondra, is the venue (or view on rednuns.com) on Monday 15 October at 8.00p.m.. The Prayer Service will be prepared by the part-time Chaplaincy students of DCU with music by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. More info here.

For the Faithful Departed

On Sunday 4th November there will be an event 'Sacred Song for the Faithful Departed' in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, following the 6.15 pm Mass and featuring the Carolan String Quartet and Newman Vocare Ensemble.

Gospel at Dundrum
St John's Gospel Choir will perform in the Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin on Thurs 1st Nov at 8 pm. St. John’s Gospel Choir Ballinteer, was founded in 2009.  Musical director is Mary O’Gorman. The choir is largely a community choir numbering 80, including musicians. They have performed for Pope Francis in Rome, President Michael D. Higgins at Trinity College Dublin, and audiences at the National Concert Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They have also performed at European venues during our tours of Rome, Florence, Vienna and Salzburg. In 2019 they intend touring Seville and Malaga as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. The special guest is Irish Mezzo Soprano Raphaela Mangan. Info and booking here.

Liturgical Music Workshop

Sr Marie Dunne CHF will present a liturgical music workshop on Tues 6 Nov, 7.30 - 9 pm in the Margaret Aylward Centre, Holy Faith Sisters, Glasnevin. Music presented on the evening will include Sr Marie's Mass for the Presentation of Mary and Advent resources. Donation €10 includes music book. More info here.

Dublin County Choir at Whitefriar St.
On Saturday, Oct 20, 2018, 8 pm, Dublin County Choir will perform Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man' and John Rutter's 'Requiem' at Whitefriar St Church, Dublin. Tickets €20 at the door or www.eventbrite.ie

Harlem Gospel Choir
The World Famous HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR Live In Ireland this Octobe. Performing contemporary gospel with a touch of jazz and blues, Harlem Gospel Choir will be bringing their tour to Ireland next month with live shows in Waterford, Dublin, Castlebar, Cork, Galway, Dundalk, Navan, Limerick, Kilkenny, Belfast, Newbridge. See local venues for ticket details. Oct 17th - Royal Theatre, Waterford; Oct 18th- Olympia Theatre,Dublin; Oct 19th - Royal Theatre,Castlebar; Oct 20th - Cork Opera House; Oct 21st- Glor Ennis; Oct 22nd - Town Hall Theatre, Galway; Oct 24th - Carnbeg Hotel, Dundalk; Oct 25th - Solstice, Navan; Oct 26th - UCH, Limerick; Oct 27th - Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny; Oct 28th - Ulster Hall, Belfast; Oct 29th - Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

New! Laois Workshop on Religious Education and Film

With film being used regularly in English (now at Junior Cycle level as well as in Leaving Cert) and in Religious Education, this hands-on IT course will give participants skills to work more effectively with film. There will be guidance on sourcing films, sourcing and creating film clips (e.g. to illustrate key moments), creating stills from films (again to illustrate key moments or capture concepts) and designing effective notes and handouts. Ideally bring own devices, but not essential. Laois Education Centre, Portlaoise, Wed 24 Oct. Registration here.

Encounter, Dublin City

Join other young adults (20's & 30's) at the Encounter for an hour of reflective, meditation in Adoration, with live acoustic music from Cormac Buckley & Band in spectacular candlelit atmosphere. Guest speaker is Niamh Cahill who will be sharing her story, followed by a social - Pizza and refreshments. Fri 19 Oct 8 pm St Paul's Arran Quay, Dublin.

James MacMillan and Stabat Mater at NCH

On Sun 23rd Sept at 7.30 pm, at the National Concert Hall, Chamber Choir Ireland and the Irish Chamber Orchestra perform the Irish premiere of James MacMillan’s "Stabat Mater", an intense setting of the text of the medieval hymn of the same title, for chorus and orchestra, conducted by the composer himself in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Few living composers communicate with the emotional directness of Sir James MacMillan, and performances of his new Stabat Mater have received rave reviews. For MacMillan, 'beauty is at the heart of our Christian faith' and this work, in common with almost all his others, is profoundly shaped by his beliefs.
More info at NCH.ie

Using Film in RE and English Teaching
With film being used regularly in English (now at Junior Cycle level as well as in Leaving Cert) and in Religious Education, this hands-on IT course will give participants skills to work more effectively with film. There will be guidance on sourcing films, sourcing and creating film clips (e.g. to illustrate key moments), creating stills from films (again to illustrate key moments or capture concepts) and designing effective notes, worksheets, and handouts). The course will take place in two venues -
Blackrock Education Centre, Thurs 27th Sept 5 pm Booking here.
Navan Education Centre, Tues 2nd Oct 5 pm. Booking here.

Religious Art in the Home
The art exhibition on display during the World Meeting of Familes in the RDS moves to the Limerick Diocesan Centre, St Munchin's College, Corbally Rd, Limerick from Wed 29th August to Fri 21st September.

Culture Night at Clonliffe College
On Culture Night, Fri 21st Sept, at 8.00 pm in Clonliffe College, Drumcondra - Songs of Praise in the College Church with the Dublin Diocesan Music Group joined by young singers from Laudate and Emmanuel Liturgical Music Primary and Second Level School Programmes including brief interviews with inspirational people and finishing with the lively song - God Is In The House. More info here.

Culture Night

Culture Night on Fri 21st Sept will feature many arts events with a religious flavour. These include:
A night of music and art at the Franciscan Church Merchant's Quay Dublin 4-9 pm, more info here;
Maynooth Gospel Choir, Celbridge Manor hotel, Clane Road, 8-10 pm; more info here;
Workshops, performances, exhibitions, recitals, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts , Mary Immaculate College, Limerick 6-9 pm more info here;
A concert of ancient song from St Marys Schola, led by Ciaran Coll,  Margaret Aylwad Centre Holy Faith Sisters, Old Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dubin. More info here.
Concerts and Guided Tour, Mount St Alphonsus Redemtporist Church, Henry St, Limerick. More info here.
Sung Vespers with the boys of The Palestrina Choir, Pro-Cathedral, Dublin. 4-5.30 pm. More info here.

For many more events check out https://culturenight.ie/

Music and Prayer for Peace at Newman Church

On Tuesday Sept 11th the Newman Church (St Stephen's Green) Taizé nights will return with a special event of prayer and music for peace. Starting time is 6 pm. Sept 11th is also the memorial of the Twin Towers tragedy in the USA and this will be kept in mind also.

WMOF Event
In County Dublin, ‘The Encounter Dublin City’ takes place at St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay on Friday 24th August at 8pm. This will be a special WMOF event in anticipation of the Pope’s arrival. Guest Speaker and Musicians will be announced closer to the date. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages for details of this epic night! Email st.pauls@dublindiocese.ie For more information visit theencounterdublincity on Facebook.

Art Exhibition at WMOF
Art and Family is the theme of an art exhibition in the library of the RDS as part of the World Meeting of Families. Exhibitions and displays remain place until 1 pm on Sat 25 Aug, when the focus moves to Croke Park. For more info check out the story on Catholic Ireland.

More Arts Events at WMOF
Apart from what is listed in various entries below some more arts events for the World Meeting of Families include the following: In the family arena (RDS venue) - Wed 22nd Aug 11 am to noon and 2 pm - 2.20 pm Gospel Music; 6.30 pm to 8 pm - Rexband (Jesus Youth Missionary Movement); Thurs 23rd Aug -
6.30 pm-8 pm Rend Collective (Christian folk-rock band); Fri 11 am-noon: Audrey Assad, American singer-songwriter. Also, in the Teen Space - Wed 10.30 am Drama Rise Theatre – Race of Life; 6.30 pm - 8 pm Gardiner St Gospel Choir; Thurs 10.30 am Drama Rise Theatre - Spiritualise; 6.30 pm-8 pm Rexband Internationally Renowned Contemporary Christian Band..

Canticle of Creation - A Concert of Gratitude
Merchants Quay Dublin - Thu, 23 August, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
To celebrate the World Meetings of Families the Franciscans invites people to join them at the Franciscan Friary, Merchants Quay (Dublin 8) for a Concert of Gratitude on Thursday August 23rd at 7pm. The concert will highlight the need to care and nurture all of creation. The concert will feature a new composition of the Canticle of Creation written by St. Francis of Assisi. The Canticle is a hymn of praise that inspired Pope Francis in his second encyclical 'Laudato si' which he wrote on June 18, 2015.
The composer is Vincent Kennedy and the concert will be performed by Vincent and Marina Cassidy (harp and vocals). For more information email provincial.office@franciscans.ie

Andrea Bocelli for WMOF

Famous tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform for Pope Francis at the Festival of Families in Croke Park on Sat 25 Aug. See article on Catholic Ireland for further information.

New Elvis Play
The King: The Final Hours is an off-Broadway play about the final hours of Elvis Presley as he reflects on his life, loves and faith. John Aidan Byrne from Ardee has joined the cast and the production team. The play's official website is here.

The Encounter Dublin City

This August there will be a special WMOF Encounter. There will be live music from singer-songwriter Audrey Assad and guest speaker for the night is  Isaac Withers - Friday 24th August @ 8pm in St Paul's Church, Arran Quay. 

Youth 2000 Cancellation
The Youth 2000 summer festival this August has been cancelled ... see statement here.

Liturgical Music at WMOF

Organisers of WMOF2018 have announced the full details of the Liturgical music and the music team for the Papal Mass. The music team includes: Derek Mahady as liturgical music coordinator, Dr John O’Keeffe as conductor of the core choir and orchestra, David Grealy as organist, Amy Ryan and Dominic Finn as assistant conductors of the massed choir. Irish music and composers feature prominently throughout the Mass. The opening hymn is “A Joy for All the Earth”, the official hymn for WMOF2018, written by Ephrem Feeley. Well-known liturgical composer Fr Liam Lawton (pictured) has composed a new Psalm for the Mass which is called “The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor”. Two pieces by Ireland’s most renowned liturgical composer, Seán Ó Riada, feature as the Penitential Rite/Kyrie (“A Thiarna Déan Trócaire”), and the Lord’s Prayer (“Ár nAthair”). Fintan O’Carroll’s “Celtic Alleluia” with an enhanced verse by Ronan McDonagh will be sung as the Gospel acclamation. The Apostles’ Creed will be John O’Keeffe’s own composition of the same name, while Fr Pat Ahern’s “A Thiarna Éist Linn” will be sung between the prayers of the faithful. As this is a World Meeting of Families there will be a number of international composers featured in the Mass. “Caritas et Amor” by Z. Randall Stroope has been chosen for the presentation of gifts, and three pieces from Jean-Paul Lécot’s Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes will feature as the gloria, sanctus, and doxology/amen. The Communion hymns will be “Ave Verum” (William Byrd), “The Last Supper” (Bernard Sexton), “Come Feast at this Table” (Ian Callanan), “Anima Christi” (Mon Marco Frisina), and “Bí Íosa im Chroíse”. And finally, the anthem to Our Lady will be “Go mBeannaítear Duit, A Mhuire” by Peadar Ó Riada (son of Seán), and the recessional hymn will be “Jesus Christ, You Are My Life” by Mon Marco Frisina. See more at Catholic Ireland.

Music Acts for WMOF

Some of the musical acts for the World Meeting of Families event this 25 August in Croke Park have been announced - these include Daniel O’ Donnell, Nathan Carter, Riverdance, Dana Masters, The Begley Family, The Priests, Celine Byrne, Paddy Moloney and many more! https://www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Programme/Festival-of-Families

Red Hurley Concert

Red Hurley will perform a concert of spiritual music in the National Concert Hall on Tues 21st Aug. Prolific hit maker, Red Hurley has spent an impressive total of 140 weeks in the Irish charts with his many hit records, down through the years. This show will feature songs of inspiration, of peace and reassuring solace. "How Great Thou Art", "I Believe" and "Love is all" are just some of the many treats that are in store for you on this night of nights.With the Can Belto Choir and The Eugene McCarthy Band & Singers. More info here.

So Last Century

'So Last Century' is the title of a recital coming up in Newman Church, St Stephen's Green, Dulin 2 on Tues 24 July at 7.30 pm, featuring works by Debussy, Fauré, Rota, Lauber and Mchedelov. Performers: Tara Viscardi/ Harp, Meadhbh O’Rourke/Flute, Martha Campbell/Viola and Sarah Luttrell/Mezzo-Soprano. Tickets: Euro 12 / Concession Euro 8.

Music Ministry Together

The annual Music Ministry Together Summer School takes place 3rd - 8th July in the Cistercian College Roscrea, with musical director Ian Callanan. More info here.

Count Your Blessings
Count Your Blessings …instead of sheep, An evening of music and reflection with the Dublin Diocesan Music Group.
WHEN: May 21, 2018 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
WHERE: Monastery of St. Alphonsus
St Alphonsus' Rd Upper
Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Ireland
COST: Free
CONTACT:
Liturgy Resource Centre
01 8087554
Email: litsec@dublindiocese.ie

Biola Chorale and New Dublin Voices
On Sunday, 13 May - 8 PM - Notre Dame Centre for Faith and Reason at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, welcomes the Biola Chorale from California, USA , director Shawna Stewatr, and New Dublin Voices, Conductor Bernie Sherlock, for a joint concert. Free entrance.

Notre Dame Chorale

The Notre Dame Chorale, directed by Alan Blachly, will perform a concert of sacred music at Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Sun 27th May at 7.30 pm.

Emmanuel Rescheduling

Schools who missed out due to snow on the 28 Feb and 1 Mar, will gather over the 2 nights, Tues 1st May in The Helix, DCU. and Wed 2nd May. Full list of participating schools available here.

The Encounter, Dublin City
Join other Young Adults at The Encounter Friday March 23rd. It's a night of reflective meditation in Adoration with live acoustic music. We are delighted to announce that the epic Eric Hughes will be both our Musician and Guest Speaker on life faith and purpose. As always we enjoy each others company afterwards with pizza and refreshments. More info here.

Resting Under the Tree @ Monastery of St. Alphonsus
Mon Apr 16 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm - An opportunity to take some time out to reflect on Rublev's Icon of the Trinity and the Scripture Passage it represents (Genesis 18:1-14) in the Monastery of St. Alphonsus, St. Alphonsus Road, Drumcondra on Monday 16 April at 8.00 p.m. This prayer time will be enhanced with reflections and music from the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. More info here.

Ecumenical Bible Week

This year's Ecumenical Bible Week takes place 20th-27th May in various churches throughout Dublin Diocese. Family is the most prominent theme of the varied events. The closing event is on Sunday 27 May, 7.30 to 9pm and features Lutheran Sung Vespers with music by Marty Haugen and direction by Ian Callanan, and also a talk by Rob Jones - 'Faith can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards'. Venue is Lutherhaus, 24 Adelaide Rd, Dublin 2. More info at www.bibleweek.ie
The Pentecost Schools Project, one of the events, is about creating a context for children to explore characters from the New Testament. This year they have been looking at some of the people in the Acts of the Apostles through an interactive play.It will take place Wed 23rd May 7.30 pm in St Laurence's Church, St Martin's Chapelizod, Dublin 20. It will be presented by Claire Devaney and Jane Mellett.

CHURCH MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL 2018
The Irish Church Music Association holds its 49th Summer School in St Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare 26 June - 30 June 2018. The Association welcomes participants in Church Music from all over the country and beyond to the Summer School. The theme of this year's Summer School is Faith, Hope and Love, preparing for the great event in August, the WMOF 2018. Our guests this year are John Bell of the Iona Community who works in the areas of music, worship and spirituality and Philip Stopford, composer in Residence at Christ Church, Bronxville, just outside New York City and director of Music at the church, working with the Church Choir and Young At Arts children's choral and theatrical programme. Visit www.irishchurchmusicassociation.com for updates

Kilbane at MMT

Popular recording artist James Kilbane will feature in a concert that's part of the Music Ministry Together summer school. Venue is the Cistercian College, Roscrea and the concert is on Fri 6th July at 8 pm. Entry is free but donations are welcome. More info www.musicministry.ie

Examiners Wanted
Examiners are still needed for correcting Junior Cycle RE exams which include a few arts based questions. Check out examinations.ie for details.

Free Concert

There's a free concert in Newman University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 on Thurs 6th July at 6 pm, with the Kent Place Chamber Singers, under the direction of Edel Thomas.

Motor Neuron Fundraising Concert
In solidarity with Fr. Tony Coote, who has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, we are presenting an evening of music at his Parish Church, Mount Merrion, Dublin on Fri June 15th at 7.30 pm. We walk with Tony on this journey, supporting him and all those who walk this journey. It is Tony's wish that funds from the evening will go to Research Motor Neurone (RMN) and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). 

Trocaire Poetry Awards
Trócaire and Poetry Ireland prize winners have been announced. The annual competition uses poetry to raise awareness about the global justice issues. The theme this year was 'Until Love Conquers Fear', and entries were judged by Aidan Clifford, formerly of the CDETB Curriculum Development Unit, poet Nessa O'Mahony, and Trócaire's Patricia Groves. Full information about winners is available at Cathoic Ireland.

Encounter Dublin City

The next Encounter is on June 8th at 8 pm in St Paul's Arran Quay.  Fr Vincent Stapleton is guest speaker and  musician for the night is Georgina Jameson. 

Sacred Music at Maynooth
The Chapel Choir of St Patrick's College Maynooth, directed by Dr John O'Keeffe, presents an evening concert of Sacred musical settings by Handl, O'Leary, Mawby, McDonagh and Ó Riada together with music from the Gregorian and native Irish traditions. It's on Sun 29 April 5 pm to 6.20 pm. Booking at Evenbrite here.

Bach Mass at NCH
The Guinness Choir returns to the National Concert Hall, Mon 16th April at 8 pm, to perform the ‘B Minor Mass’ by Johann Sebastian Bach. This setting of the Mass is widely recognised as one of the greatest compositions in musical history. Although completed in 1749, the year before Bach’s death, it wasn’t performed in full until 1859 and since that time it has become established in the repertoire of all the great choirs and performers. Booking and info here.

NightFever
The next Nightfever event in Dublin will take place on Saturday 21st April in Clarendon St Church, off Grafton St Dublin, after the 6 pm Mass. Nightfever features street outreach, music, Reconciliation, Adoration, prayer and more. More info here.

A Celebration of Belonging

A Celebration of Belonging is an event for the World Meeting of Families, an evening of music and reflection. Venue Our Mother of Divine Grace Church Ballygall Dublin 11. It's on Fri 20th April 7.30 pm and will be led by Sr Marie Dunne with the Holy Faith past pupils and the St John of God Choir.

Beth Nielsen Chapman Concerts

Nashville singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman whose work often includes spiritual songs will perform two concert in Northern Ireland in April - Mon 2nd Portico Arts Centre Portaferry, Tues 3rd, The Studio, Waterfront Hall, Belfast. She will be backed by Ruth Trimble, whose songs and albums also feature spiritual themes.

Camross Passion Play
Based on the Oberammergau script and adapted for stage performances, a huge cast of amateur actors and a talented choir from Camross and several areas of the diocese will bring to life the story of Christ in Camross Hall in Wexford.. Under the stage direction of Michael Stafford and musical direction of Vicky Barron and Anita Cullen, it is expected they will transform the previously staged shows in 2000, 2006 and 2012 and portray the story before a diverse audience in Camross Hall on Good Friday, March 30, and Easter Sunday April 1. Cast members are as young as 11 to over 80 years old. More info in this Irish Catholic report.

Dublin Gospel Choir Benefit Concert
Sing for Jack – Benefit Concert – February 9th 2018 On Friday 9th February Dublin Gospel Choir and Kilcullen Gospel Choir will perform at a very special Benefit Concert in aid of baby Jack Ryan in Cill Mhuire Church, Newbridge at 7.30pm. ’Sing for Jack’’ are a group of staff in Naas General Hospital who have come together to organise a benefit concert for Jack Ryan. Jack is the son of one of their colleagues and he was born on 9th August 2016, with a major Exomphalos which is a stomach wall defect where his organs grew outside of his body. Because of this Jacks lungs did not develop which resulted in him having a tracheostomy and curvature of the spine. Jack spent 15 months in Temple Street and was discharged home just before Christmas. This concert will help to raise valuable funds to help support Jack and his ongoing care. Tickets are available from the Newbridge Parish Office – 045/431121 and from Anne on 087/6507973.

Music Workshop at Knock
For members or directors of a parish choir - 'Workshop for Choirs' with the Irish Church Music Association on Wednesday 28 February, 7.30 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock Shrine. Resources will be provided. ‘A Joy for the World’ is the official hymn for the World Meeting of Families 2018, composed by young Irish composer Ephrem Feeley. The workshop will provide choirs with music and resources to help them prepare for the World Meeting of Families in August. Choirs are advised to book in advance. Info here.

Lawton Concert

Liam Lawton will be in Concert at the Hawk's Well Theatre in Sligo on Sat 24 February at 8 pm. Concert is in aid of the theatre. renovation fund. Adm €22/20/11 (u 18's)

Laudate 2018
Laudate 2018 will start at, Knocklyon, St. Colmcille's Church on Jan 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm. The aim of the programme is to make a musical link between school and parish so that the children in our schools and the parish communities may sing to God in prayer together. The list of hymns is available on our website and parish music groups/choirs are particularly welcome to come to the festival. It will also take place in Newtownpark Ave, Blackrock @ Church of the Guardian AngelsJan 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm, and Ballymun Road @ Our Lady of Victories ChurchJan 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm. This is a project of the Dublin Liturgy Resource Centre and the Education Secretariat.More info here.

Catholic Schools Week 2018

Catholic Schools Week for 2018 takes placefrom Sunday 28 Jan. A wealth of resources has been provided and these are available for download here. Suggested music resources are included in the materials.

Event for Lent

'Contemplation and Action for Lent - A journey with the Desert Fathers and Mothers' is an event combining prayer and music for Lent, at Mount St Alphonsus Monastery, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Mon 19 Feb at 8 pm. Music will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group.

Free Organ Recital at NCH
There will be a free organ recital at the National Concert Hall on Fri 2nd February at 6 pm, featuring Carole O’Connor organ. Programme: Franz Liszt (1811-86) Évocation à la Chapelle Sixtine, S658 (14’); Jean Langlais (1907-91) Hommage à Rameau, Op.134 (22’). This programme pays homage to Mozart and Rameau, the featured composers in the RTÉ NSO’s 7.30pm concert. Liszt’s Évocation à la Chapelle Sixtine is based on two works: Allegri’s Miserere and Mozart’s Ave Verum. Although restricted to performance by the Sistine Chapel Choir, Allegri’s Miserere was copied down from memory by fourteen-year-old Mozart following a visit to the chapel. Langlais’ Hommage à Rameau originally comprised six movements, titled to form an acrostic on Rameau’s name, two of which appear in the published version alongside Ostinato. It was completed in 1964 to mark the bicentennial of Rameau’s death. This is a free ticketed event, however, tickets are limited so early booking is advised. Booking and info here.

Arts and Rights

The Notre Dame-Newman Centre is pleased to announce a special event in conjunction with Field Day. Seamus Deane will speak on Hannah Arendt’s concept of the right to have rights and its importance today. In addition, there will be poetry from Christiana Obaro, Jessica Traynor and Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi, and music performed by Neil Martin, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill and Paddy Glackin. The event takes place at University Church on Sunday, January 14, following the 6:15pm liturgy. It is free and open to the public. 

Sound of Music
Bill Kenwright’s production of The Sound of Music, will play this Christmas season at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Tuesday 19 December 2017 until Saturday 6 January 2018. Irish West End star and The Voice (UK) finalist LUCY O’BYRNE will play the lead role of Maria in Bill Kenwright’s magnificent production alongside CELINE BYRNE who will play the role of Mother Abbess. More info and booking here.

Online Advent Calendars
Several online Advent calendars are available, often with arts resources and artistic merit. The official calendar of the Catholic Bishops in Ireland is here, with plenty of resources each day. The new Grotto Network has many new resources including this Advent Calendar. RTE's 'Reverse Advent Calendar' has many feelgood stories, including some that featured on a recent Would You Believe programme.

Culwick Choral Christmas

The Culwick Choral Society has a Christmas Concert at the National Concert Hall on Monday December 11th, 2017, with special guests, mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty and baritone David Howes, the Culwick Choral Society presents an unmissable celebration of the season with carols, music and songs from across the ages. This year’s special work is Vaughan Williams’ ultimate homage to Christmas, The First Nowell, which combines favourite carols for soloists, choir and orchestra in what proved to be the last music he wrote before he died in 1958. Info and booking here.

ESB Great Christmas Concert
The ESB Great Christmas Concert will take place at the National Concert Hall Wed 13th Dec 8 pm. For over two decades audiences have made the ESB Great Christmas Concert the start of their Christmas Season! Not only will you experience the joyful and uplifting sounds of the voices of children in Piccolo Lasso combined with their adult colleagues in The Lassus Scholars - all blended together with the Orlando Chamber Orchestra - but you will also have the opportunity of uniting your voice with theirs as conductor Dr Ite O’Donovan invites you to join in the audience carols! Info and booking here.

Palestrina Choir at NCH
At the National Concert Hall, Tues 19 Dec, experience the magic of Christmas with the Boy Choristers & Gentlemen of the Palestrina Choir. A heartwarming selection of traditional carols. Do not miss the opportunity to enter into the spirit of Christmas with these angelic choristers. Presented by St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral Dublin. Info and booking here.

Messiah at NCH
On Dec 17th Our Lady’s Choral Society and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Proinnsias Ó Duinn and world class soloists present the ‘definitive’ performance of Handel’s Messiah at the National Concert Hall. Christmas starts here…to avoid disappointment early booking is advisable for these sell-out performances. Info and booking here.

New Dublin Voices Christmas Concert

The New Dublin Voices, with Bernie Sherlock, conductor, will perform a Christmas concert at the National Concert Hall, Mon 18th Dec 1.05 pm. Ireland's internationally renowned chamber choir New Dublin Voices invites you to step in from the cold and feel the warmth of the arrival of Christmas. Now an annual tradition, these lunchtime concerts bring seasonal cheer, and reflection, and the very best of Christmas music. Info and booking here.


Handel's Messiah in Wexford
At the National Opera House in Wexford the Irish Baroque Orchestra will perform Handel's Messiah on Thurs 7 Dec at 7.30 pm. Peter Whelan directs a first-class line-up of Irish soloists, including Sarah Power (Soprano), Sharon Carty (mezzo-soprano ), Peter Harris (tenor) and Brian McAlea (bass) and the wonderful Resurgam choir. More info and booking here.

Pipes of Christmas
The renowned Pipes of Christmas concert, which is a staple of New York Christmas events, will this year honour Knock visionary John Curry, who died in the US city in 1943. The Pipes of Christmas concert has taken place every year since 1999. It is produced by the Clan Currie Society, a non-profit educational and cultural institution which raises funds for music scholarships. The 2017 concert will see the world premiere of ‘Beautiful Things’, an original composition by acclaimed Celtic composer and harper Cormac de Barra of Dublin. The piece commemorates the apparition of Our Lady in Knock on the night of 21 August 1879. More info at Catholic Ireland Website.

Céline Byrne Christmas Show
Bord Gais Energy Theatre hosts the return of Celine Byrne this Christmas with a show for lovers of opera and Christmas Classics for one night only on Friday December 15th.  More info and booking here.

Competition for Pope Francis Visit
The Irish Catholic newspaper is running a competition for primary schools to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families. Pupils will write a letter of welcome accompanied by a drawing. There are cash prizes and an icon of the Holy Family. Deadline Fri 24 Nov. More details here.

Lawton Christmas Tour
Liam Lawton has announced a Christmas tour. Details as follows:
November: 30th - Church of the Immaculate Conception Newcastle West
December :
3rd - St. Maur's Church, Rush, Co.Dublin
4th - St. Francis Xavier, Gardiner Street, Dublin
7th - The North Cathedral, Cork
9th - Sacred Heart Church , Upperchurch, Co. Tipperary
15th - Clonard Monastery, Belfast (With Karl McGuckin & Fra Free)
17th - St. Mary's Cathedral, Killarney
18th - Church Of Mary, Mother Of The Church, Saintfield, Co.Down
21st - Church of the Holy Trinity, Rathdowney
22nd - The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow
23rd - The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow.
For Ticket detailssee www.liamlawton.com

Knock Shrine - Faith Renewal Autumn Winter Programme 2017
The Winter Prgramme features some arts related events - To reserve a place at one of the Faith Renewal events below, please call (094) 93 75355 or email: faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie . Early booking advised. See further details below or download the full programme here.
Friday 27 October – Music Workshop with Liam Lawton, 7.30-9.30pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock Shrine. This workshop will introduce Liam’s new Mass setting ‘The Mass of St Patrick’ which was composed for the Octo Centenary Celebration of Ballintubber last year. 
Saturday 4 November – 'Art as a Doorway to the Divine' workshop with Artists Imogen Stuart & PJ Lynch. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the making of the Apparition Mosaic and the Holy Water fonts at Knock Shrine from the creators themselves. Taking place from 11am-3.30pm at Knock House Hotel. Fee €30 includes lunch. Find out more here.

The Star of Bethlehem: A Christmas Oratorio 

At the National Concert Hall on Mon 27 Nov Camphill Communities Ireland present a concert of new music to lift spirits into the Christmas Season. Following last year's sell out performance, renowned soloists Lynn Hilary (soprano), Niamh Ní Charra (concertina), Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle) and Noreen O’Donoghue (Irish harp) return to the National Concert Hall and are joined by sopranos Edel Murphy and Sarah Waldron in a concert of beautiful new music by acclaimed composer Colm Ó Foghlú.  The concert will also feature 160 musicians and singers from Cantando, Cór Scoil Neasáin, Laetare Vocal Ensemble, CaraNua and The Orchestra of Ireland under the baton of Liam Bates. The concert will also feature a very special performance by The Bells of Camphill and will be hosted by Sharon Ní Bheoláin. Info and booking here.

Christmas Concert for Trócaire
A Christmas Gala for Trócaire will be held in Mount argus Church, Harold's Cross, Dublin on Sun 3rd Dec at 7.30 pm. Joe Duffy will be MC and performers will include the Nas na Rí singers, the Key Notes, Mont Sackville Girls' Choir and more. Admission is free by ticket but with donation of €10 suggested. Tickets available at parish office, call 01-5053269 or contact Gráinne Dunne at Trócaire.

Nightfever Dublin
The next Nightfever event in Dublin takes place on Sat 2nd Dec in Clarendon St Church (off Grafton Street). Nightfever is an open night of prayer for all, organised by young people who want to pass on the love of God that they have been experiencing for themselves. Passers-by are invited from the nearby streets to come into the Church and light a candle, enjoy the beautiful music and be in the loving presence of God. The event begins with Mass at 6pm but people are welcome to come and go during the evening from 7 pm on. Info here.

Advent Service
The Dublin Diocesan Advent Service will take place at Saint Gabriel's Church, Dollymount, Clontarf on Dec 2 @ 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm. The Liturgy will be prepared by the full-time Chaplaincy Students of DCU and the music will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. Info here.

Diocesan Remembrance Service
This year's Dublin Diocesan Remembrance Service will take place on Thursday 23 November at 8.00pm in the Monastery of St. Alphonsus, 8 pm. Each year people gather to remember and to pray for those who have died in a gentle and prayerful space. The music will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group. Info here.

Eilidh Patterson Concert

Eilidh Patterson is a singer-songwriter from Derry and her material often includes songs of faith. Likewise with her backing band, Cup O' Joe. They are in concert on Fri 24th Nov 2017 @ 9pm  at DC Music Club, 20 Camden Row, DUBLIN 2, Ireland. Reserve tickets HERE to collect at the door on the night.  Postponed.

The Goethe-Institut Choir Concert
The Goethe-Institut Choir returns to the National Concert Hall with its popular annual Christmas concert, performing some festive all-time choral favourites on Monday 4th December at 8 pm, including Marc-Antoine Charpentier Messe de Minuit pour Noël,
Joseph Haydn ‘Nelson Mass’ – Missa in Angustiis in D minor and a selection of International Carols. Info and booking here.

Bright Friday
The spirituality publisher Columba Press is teaming up with musicians, poets and mindfulness practitioners to hold a day of calm and reflection in opposition to the increasing dominance of so-called ‘Black Friday’, the annual shopping frenzy which sees customers queuing and shoving to get bargain deals. ‘Bright Friday’ which is on November 24th this year will be held in Newman University Church St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin city on a day which retailers hope will kick-off the busy Christmas spending spree. It will have periods of reflective music, mindfulness, meditations and poetry readings.  Mindfulness practitioners such as Sr Stan Kennedy, Daniel O’Leary as well as monks from Glenstal Abbey and a growing number of musicians and poets have already signed up to attend the free event. People wanting an antidote to the consumerism of the day are being encouraged to drop by. More info here.

Knock Messiah
On Sat 27 Nov 2017 Handel's Messiah will be performed for the first time in the Basilica at Knock Shrine, featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn, with a 180-strong choir and an line up of international soloists. Doors open 6.30 pm, concert starts 7.30 pm. More info here.

Soundings for Simon
Soundings for Simon combines fundraising for the Simon Community with a nostalgic retrospective of some of the poetry from the Leaving Cert poetry text Soundings, which featured many religious poems from poets like Patrick Kavanagh and Gerard Manley Hopkins.This year's event will take place in the Yellow House, Rathfarnham on Mon 20 Nov at 7.30 pm.

Premiere of Patrick Cassidy's Latin Mass
In celebration of the Opening of the Notre Dame Newman Centre for Faith and Reason, the Centre presents the inaugural performance of Patrick Cassidy's The Mass. This is a free, ticketed event. Patrick Cassidy, Ireland’s most renowned and respected composer, now presents his own setting of The Latin Mass. This is the first major symphonic setting of The Latin Mass written by an Irish composer. It follows in the long and profound musical tradition of the great Masses. Tickets free but necessary...get them at Eventbrite here.

Arts Evening at Newman University Chuch
There will an arts evening at Newman University Church on Sunday 22 October after the 6.15 Mass. Titled: 'Poet, Piper and Harper' it will be a night of music and poetry with Stephen Rea (readings); Mark Redmond (uileann pipes) and Anne- Marie O'Farrell (harp). The poetry will be by Seamus Heaney and John Montague. See Newman Church website.

Portlaoise Course for Teachers

'Improve Your Powerpoints Part 1' is an it Course for teachers, at Laois Education Centre, Portlaoise, on Thurs 12 Oct 5-7 pm. A hands-on workshop to help teachers improve the quality of their Powerpoint presentations. New Powerpoints can be created or old Powerpoints freshened up. Topics include inserting video and/or audio into Powerpoint slides, useful shortcuts, working with images, animations, design templates, how Powerpoint interacts with other software, with lots of useful tips and tricks. It will be useful for RE teachers gathering and presenting arts resources. Booking - click here.

Music Ministry at Clonliffe College
In the light of many changes in parish music personnel in recent years, this is an opportunity to check in with those responsible for music at a parish level so that, despite the diversity of resources and traditions, some common principles and shared vision for music might be named. An evening of resources and discussion will be held in Clonliffe College on Thursday 5 October at 8.00 p.m. For more detailed info and booking options click here.

Liam Lawton Workshop
Liam Lawton will hold a workshop on Thursday 12 October in Clonliffe College 8.00-9.30pm. He will offer a variety of music for many occasions including ‘Joy For the World’ composed to mark the World Meeting of Families 2018. Booking is essential, forms available in our download section. €10 per person. For more detailed info and booking options click here.

Nightfever
The next Dublin Nightfever event takes place on Sat 16th Sept in St Teresa's Church, Clarendon St, Dublin 2. There will be street outreach, music, prayer, adoration, Reconciliation. For more information on the event click here.

Delights of Early Music

Tim Thurston, formerly of RTE Lyric FM's Gloria presents a series of talks on early music, incl chant and devotional music at the National Concert Hall, Dublin 2. Starts Tues 3rd Oct. More info here.

Culture Night
This year's Culture Night takes place on Fri 22 Sept and features a huge range of free event, incl events of a spiritual/religious nature. The Culture Night website can be searched by area.

The Encounter
Are you looking for more in life? Join other young adults (20’s & 30’s) for a night of live acoustic music, reflective prayer in adoration, with guest speaker on life, faith & purpose. Next event Fri 22 Sept. Followed by social, pizza & refreshments. St Paul's Church, Arran Quay. More info here.

The Lassus Scholars & Piccolo Lasso

At the National Concert Hall, Sat 23rd Sept, 8 pm - Dublin Choral Foundation celebrates an extraordinary musical achievement with soloists, choirs & orchestra - 21 years of music education through great choral music - a wonderful experience of music for choir families and a step for many towards a professional career.
In addition to great choral classics performed by The Lassus Scholars & Piccolo Lasso, past and present choir members will perform Instrumental and vocal solos.
Award winning Choir of St Brigid's NS Castleknock, many-times recipients of the Ite O'Donovan Prize at the ESB Feis Ceoil, will be special guests.
Pieces include: Mozart: Coronation Mass in C, K 317,
Mozart: Te Deum in C, K 141
Mozart: Ave verum & Laudate Dominum
Handel: Zadok the Priest
Seoirse Bodley: Missa Brevis in angustiis (Commissioned by DCF for Piccolo Lasso 2009)
Mozart: Concert Aria Ch'io mi scordi di te
Neruda: Trumpet Concerto (1st Movement)
More info and booking here.

Icon for World Meeting of Families
The icon for the World Meeting of Families, which was written by Mihai Cucu, will be accompanied by petition boxes, and contemplative communities around Ireland have agreed to take petitions collected from families and to pray for them during the coming year. The WMF2018 Icon of the Holy Family was unveiled and anointed by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin during Mass on Monday in Knock basilica. The Icon, which was written by Mihai Cucu with the assistance of the Redemptoristine nuns, will travel to the Irish Church's 26 dioceses as part of the preparation and awareness-raising ahead of the international gathering from 21–26 August 2018.
Read more at Catholic Ireland.

Faithfest 11

The Faithfest Team are delighted to announce that Faithfest 11 is on Friday 6th October, 6.00 – 9.30pm in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe Road. Faithfest is an event for teenagers.  It aims to help build spaces where teenagers have an experience of a peer community, explore faith, and encounter an experience of Welcome, Belonging, Discipleship, Worship and Prayer in a creative and fun atmosphere.  It is shaping up to be our best one yet with a Brilliant Band, Super Speakers and Wonderful Workshops. We are inviting all parishes to send a group of young people to FaithFest. Each young person is asked to bring €2.00, walking shoes, a warm jacket or coat and a signed consent form. Parishes are asked to contribute €5.00 per person to defray some of the costs involved.Contact: Faithfest@dublindiocese.ie

RE Congress

This year's RE Congress has been announced for Sat 7th October in St Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. There will be a range of workshops for secondary teachers, primary teachers and parish catechists. There will be arts content, and further details will be available soon.
Added 29/6/17: Among the workshop presenters will be liturgical composer Steve Warner of Notre Dame University, Indiana USA.
Added 10/8/17: New RE congress website up and running - http://recongress.ie

Tallis Scholars at NCH
Founded in 1973 The Tallis Scholars have established themselves as the leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music throughout the world. They continue to develop their exclusive sound, praised by reviewers for its supple clarity and tone, and to bring fresh interpretations to music by contemporary as well as past composers. Their programme is built around composers who had a close association with Rome's Sistine Chapel, particularly Palestrina opens with what will be a unique performance of the famous 40 part motet by Thomas Tallis Spem in alium performed by The Tallis Scholars and 30 singers specially recruited from around Ireland. This initiative will be collaborated by the NCH Learning and Participation Department and The Tallis Scholars. They play the National Concert Hall Thurs 5th Oct 8 pm. There's a Pre-concert talk at 6.45pm in The Studio - Peter Philips, director Tallis Scholars in conversation with Tim Thurston (formerly of Lyric FM's Gloria.
Info and booking here.

Patrick Kavanagh Weekend

The Patrick Kavanagh Weekend and Poetry Weekend will take place Friday Sept 29th to Sun Oct 1st in Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, ommemorating the 50th Anniversary of the poet’s death. There will be a launch of the CD 'Love's Doorway to Life - an Alternative Biography of Patrick Kavanagh' by Sr Una Agnew and Art Agnew. Among the events will be Dr. Una Agnew’s talk entitled Patrick Kavanagh (1904-1967) & Seamus Heaney (1939-2013: From Shancoduff to Mossbawn – Lines of Convergence and Divergence. Dr. Agnew, a Louis Sister, Associate Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Theology, Milltown Institute, Dublin. Author of ‘The Mystical Imagination of Patrick Kavanagh: A Buttonhole in Heaven’ (1998). On the Saturday at 7.30 pm tThe homily at the Commemorative Mass in Inniskeen will be preached by Fr. Tom Lalor, Parish Priest at Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. Fr. Martin Treanor, P.P., Inniskeen will be the celebrant.Full programme and details here.

Book of Kells on Culture Night
Book of Kells - This is a rare opportunity for an intimate viewing of this Book of Kells. The limited edition Faksimile Verlag facsimile (1990) reproduces every page in perfect detail and is itself a rare book. Explore this remarkable manuscript in the company of Kells' scholar and author Dr Donncha MacGabhann. This is an interactive experience where questions and comments are welcomed. Session 1: 6pm-7.30pm, Session 2: 7.30pm-9.00pm. PLEASE NOTE: This event is free but must be prebooked due to limited places. (4 people per session). 6pm - 9pm,  Contemplative Centre (opposite the UL Student Union), University of Limerick, Castletroy 061 407363. Booking and info here.

Culture Night at Central Catholic Library
Writers to Remember in the Decade of Centenaries:Stephen Brown SJ and the Irish Literary Revival.An exhibition of works by some of the poets,dramatists, critics and novelists of the Irish Literary Revival, collected by the library’s founder Fr Stephen Brown. 5pm - 9pm,  74 Merrion Square, Dublin 2;  www.catholiclibrary.ie 01 6761264. Also click here.

Culture Night at Clonliffe
Faith and Culture - An evening of archives, literature and music live from different ethnic communities, and a concert featuring the Dublin Diocesan Music Group singing songs where faith and culture meet.6pm - 10pm,  Clonliffe Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3. Click here for more info.

Culture Night in Cork

Church of the Annunciation - Enjoy a night of culture at the Church of the Annunciation Blackpool, with sculptures by Seamus Murphy and stain glass work by Harry Clarke. 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Great William O’Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork,  021-4300518. For more info click here.

IT Course for Teachers
'Improve Your Powerpoints 2' - IT course for teachers of all subjects at Navan Education Centre, Thursday 28 Sept, 5-7 pm, particularly suitable for gathering and presenting arts resources for Religious Education. A follow-up course on Improving your Powerpoint Presentations, but no need to have done the first part. The course will feature hands-on exploration of some of the advanced aspects of Powerpoint. There will be a chance to revise some of the aspects of Part 1 (e.g. inserting video, tips and tricks for better presenting) along with new elements, how Powerpoint interacts with other programmes like Google Slides, Emaze and Blendspace. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices and create new presentations or freshen up existing presentations.  Booking here.

Autumn Liturgy Gathering
The Autumn Liturgy Gathering of Dublin Diocese will take place on Sat 30 Sept 9.30 to 1 pm. Among the workshops will be one on Emmanuel 2018 with Ian Callanan; Caroline Cutliffe will show how the Laudate Music Programme for Primary Schools can be used in a range of parish events; Pat O’Donoghue will lead an imaginative, prayerful and practical workshop on the importance of ‘welcome’ in our liturgies. For more detailed info and booking options click here.

Sister Act Musical

The hit musical Sister Act, based on the film of the same name, plays in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 29 Aug - 3rd Sept. Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Enchanted), dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco. Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
More info and booking here.

Gospel Grooves
'Gospel Grooves 2017' features the Cabinteely Gospel Choir, with Leslie Dowdall, John Nolan, Jim O'Neill and Colm Hennessy and takes place in St Brigid's Church, Cabinteely on Fri 23 June at 8 pm. More info here.

The Encounter June 2017
At St Paul's Church Arran Quay, on Fri 16 June at 8 pm, the last Encounter for the summer. Join other young adults (20's & 30's) for live acoustic music by the Goretti Girls, reflective prayer in adoration and guest speaker, Meabh Carlin, on life, faith and purpose. Followed by pizza and refreshments. FREE EVENT. More info here.

Blind Boys of Alabama
Iconic American gospel group, The Blind Boys of Alabama, will perform in the National Concert Hall on Wed 19 July at 8 pm. More info and booking here.

Icon Writing
There will be an icon writing course at the Monastery of St. Alphonsus, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, July 23-29 and August 6-12. More info here.

Eilidh Patterson Concert

Eilidh Patterson is a singer songwriter from Derry who often includes faith based themes and material in her work. She will perform with bluegrass band Cup O' Joe in a special concert at the Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Belfast, on Fri 9 June at 8 pm. For more info and tickets click here.

Knockadoon
The 36th Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course will take place 6-12 August, in Knockadoon on the south Cork coast. Knockadoon Music & Liturgy course is a one week course where participants get to learn a wide selection of modern liturgical music and use this music in a series of liturgies during the week. Participants get to learn new instruments, and are encouraged to develop their talents in addition to exploring new talents and resources.The course is under the auspices of the Dominicans, and run by a team of volunteers. It is fully residential, but some people who live closer can choose to attend on a day-by-day basis.The residential cost of the course is €210, and this includes bed & board, along with the course book. We also provide a bus from Dublin/Newbridge should people wish to avail of that option. (The bus costs €30. Finally, there is a course concert on the final night of the course (Friday 11th August), and all are welcome. For more info: www.knockadoonml.com

Matt Maher Concert

US singer-songwiter Matt Maher will attend the Fortify2017 Catholic Youth Ministry Conference on Sat 10th June in St Paul's Church Arran Quay. Tickets can be purchased for the full day, for the concert only or for the conference only - the options are available through Eventbrite - click here.

Hallelujah at NCH
HALLELUJAH is a new show portraying the lives of three saints who visited Ireland and inspired the nation: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Mother Teresa of Calcutta & John Paul Ⅱ. The event will take place at 8 pm on Sat 24 June at the National Concert Hall and will feature The Palestrina Choir
Simon Morgan, Sandra Oman, Melanie McCabe & very special guest star Mary Coughlan.  Musical director:  Andrew Synnott, with large screen, narration, historical images & archive footage. The evening will feature some of the finest spiritual music ever written:  Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus, Pie Jesu, Queen of the May, Sweet Heart of Jesus, I’ll Walk With God, You Raise Me Up & Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' to name only some. Written & Produced by Niall Morris. More info and booking here.

Red Hurley Gospel

Red Hurley will perform with the Castleyons Gospel Choir on Wed Aug 16th in Fr Ferris Park, Castlyons, Co. Cork at 8 pm. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

IRISH CHURCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SCHOOL 2017

St. Patricks College Maynooth - Wed 5th - Sat 8th July 2017. Theme: Joy for the World
Guest Director : Órla Barry, a graduate of University College Dublin and the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. and founder of Cantando. The Summer School will feature: Organ Tutorials; Irish Composers workshops; Cantor training; Resources for World Meeting of Families 2018; Back to Basics workshop - how,why,what,when,who? Special Choir; Youth Track - NGY Choir.

Music Ministry Together

Music Ministry Together 2017, led by Ian Callanan, will take place form the 8th-13th August in Cistercian College Roscrea. The theme for 2017 is “Holy is Your Name”.  Music Ministry Together is a five-day summer school held at Cistercian College Roscrea, for youth and adult leaders who have a passion for liturgical music and the desire to serve as ministers in their parishes, schools and communities. More info here.

Trócaire Poetry Competition
The annual Trócaire Poetry Ireland Poetry Competition 2017 is now open for submissions.Published or unpublished, spoken word poets and students are all invited to submit poems with the theme “Before the Storm” and which explore how people prepare for extreme weather events caused by climate change. Both postal and online applications are accepted. The deadline for applications is Friday 17 March 2017.
See: www.trocaire.org/getinvolved/poetry-competition. More info also at Catholic Ireland.

Mary - An Oratorio

This work is a performance of new sacred choral and orchestral music composed and conducted by Cormac O'Duffy and will take place in Knock Basilica on Sat 20th May 2017 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are €25 and the event is in support of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Service.
More info here.
Ticket booking at Eventbrite.

Inspired - Retreat
Silent Retreat at Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry, Co. Down, Fri 26 May to Fri 2 June, with Fr Brendan Comerford SJ. Inspired and challenged by poets, pastors, mystics and martyrs
The Spirituality/Poetry of George Herbert. (1593-1633); Jane de Chantal (1572-1641)
Mary Ward (1585-1645); John Sullivan, S.J. (soon to be beatified); Oscar Romero; Ruth Burrows. More info here.

Courses/Workshops
*Thurs 2 Feb: 'Improve Your Powerpoints 1', Navan Education Centre, 5-7 pm, Book with Breda at the centre Tel: 046 9067040 | Fax: 046 9067065 | Email: info@ecnavan.ie
*Thurs 9 Feb: Religious Themes in TV Drama (emphasis on Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle themes). Laois Education Centre 5-7 pm. http://www.laoisedcentre.ie/cpd-courses/post-primary-courses/873-religion-in-tv-drama.html
*Thurs 16 Feb: 'Improve Your Powerpoints 2', Blackrock Education Centre 5-7.30 pm. http://booking.blackrockec.ie/event/view?id=2461

New Year Liturgy Seminar
This seminar will take place on Sat 28 Jan in Clonliffe College 9.30 am to 1 pm. For more details 01 8087554, or email. Among the workshops is this one ' How Can I Keep From Singing?' Ciaran Coll, Director of the OLV Gospel Choir and Music and Religion Teacher in St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School, Glasnevin will present a practical workshop using uplifting and soulful Gospel music. This would suit groups starting out to explore this genre of liturgical music or those looking to add to their repertoire.

The Encounter

This event for young adults takes place on Fri 20 Jan at St Paul's Church Arran Quay, and will feature contemporary Christian artist, Cormac Buckley & band, and inspirational guest speaker, Keith Kelly for a evening of music, reflective prayer, pizza and refreshments. FREE EVENT. Contact for more info: st.pauls@dublindiocese.ie

Emmanuel
s
This year's Emmanuel concerts will take place in the Helix, Dublin 9 Mon 6th March to Thurs 9th March, 7.30 pm each night. Emmanuel is the schools' liturgical music programme for Dublin Diocese. Check out the 'Updates' section on the liturgical music section of the diocesan website... click here.

Laudate

Come to the Laudate Festival and join in an evening of music and reflection in Our Lady of Victories Church, Ballymun Road - Tuesday 31 January at 7.00 p.m. or in the Church of St. Laurence O’Toole, Kilmacud - Wednesday 1 February at 7.00 p.m. This is a pilot project of the Education Secretariat and the Liturgy Resource Centre which brings together children from 21 Primary Schools of the Archdiocese to sing a shared repertoire of liturgical music and to mark Catholic Schools Week 2017. The Massed Choirs will be directed by Caroline Cutliffe in OLV, and Orla Barry in Kilmacud. All are invited to join in the singing and the prayer with these young people – entry is free.

Return of Hugh O'Flaherty Play
The play God Has No Country tells the story of Monsignor High O'Flaherty from Kerry who saved countless people on the run from the Nazis in Rome during World War 2. Written and acted by Donal Courtney it will return to Smock Alley Theatre, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 from Wed 18th to Sat 21st Jan, and to the Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin, Fri 27th and Sat 28th Jan. Bookings: Smock Alley, Mill Theatre. The play has its own website also - click here.

Liv On Concert

Coming to the National Concert Hall Dublin on Mon 23rd January 2017 - An Acoustic evening with Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky, touring their new album Liv On (see below). Support act: Ruth Trimble. More info and booking, click here.

Youth 2000

The Youth 2000 annual Summer Festival will take place from 17th to 20th August 2017 in the Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. There will be guest speakers, inspiring Talks & Workshops, music, Group activities, Youth Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, prayer, Drama, Games & plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young & Catholic today. More info here.

Beth Nielsen Chapman Concert

US singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, whose work often features religious material, returns to the National Concert Hall on Sun 30 July, where she will perform with another US singer Jim Lauderdale. More info and booking here.

Eric Bibb Concert
Blues and gospel singer Eric Bibb will perform at the National Concert Hall on Thurs 10th August at 8 pm. Bibb has appeared on the Transatlantic Sessions and has 36 albums to his credit. More info and booking here.

Mad Plan - Art With a Purpose

His Mad Plan is a group that organises events around faith and the arts. They are having a weekend event Fri 28th to Sun 30th July featurings talks, workshops on poetry, dance, drama, liturgy and more. Venue is Cuan Phadraig, Harbour Rd, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. Donations only. To book contact hismadplan@gmail.com.

Hopkins International Festival
This year's festival celebrating the work of Gerard Manley Hopkins will take place 21st-27th July in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare. It's a week packed with Music, Poetry Readings (especially the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins); Field-Trips including our Maynooth University Day. Join Poetry Readings each evening for free. More info and brochure here.

Limerick Retreats
July 17th-20th - Uplifting music will be part of the Residental Adult & Youth Retreat, St Flannan’s College, Ennis
Holy Mass, holy Eucharist Adoration, Spiritual Sharing, Confession, Spirit Filled talk, Healing and deliverance prayers, Spiritual Councelling, Confessions, Uplifting Music and worship.
Led by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly,  Br. Reji Kottaram, Rev. Fr. Antyson Anthony, Kairos Youth team USA & Rev Fr. George Agustine (OSB). For registration contact:
Kay 0879912047
Jomon 0894461284
Michael 086 8327844
Pratheeb 087 3159728; email voiceofpeaceministry@gmail.com

Christopher West and Mike Mangione
Author Christopher West who specialises in the Theology of the Body of John Paul II has a tour of Ireland coming up in July, and he will be accompanies by musician Mike Mangione. For details and venues see poster below. More info here.

Mozart at NCH
'Mozart Magnification' takes place at the National Concert Hall on Sat 10th June at 8 pm. It features the Tallaght Choral Society and works include Regina Coeli, Exultate Jubilate, Dixit Dominus, Magnificat and Requiem. Performers include Sandra Oman (soprano); Raphaela Mangan (Alto); Peter O'Reilly (Tenor); Brendan Collins (Baritone). More info and booking here.

The Encounter

Join other young adults (20's & 30's) for a night of live acoustic contemporary Christian music by Cormac Buckley & band, reflective prayer in adoration & guest speaker: Philip Mulryne (ex Man UTD footballer) on his life, faith, purpose. Followed by pizza & refreshments. FREE EVENT. At St Paul's Church, Arran Quay, Fri 26 May. More info here.

Poets, Pastors, Mystics, Martyrs

Event at the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre a silent retreat entitled Poets, Pastors, Mystics and Martyrs, focusing on the spirituality and poetry of George Herbert, Jane de Chantal, Mary Ward, John Sullivan SJ, Oscar Romero and Ruth Burrows. Fri 26 May to Fri 2 June. Presented by Brendan Comerford SJ. More info click here.

God has No Country

Coming to The Source, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Sat 13th May 2017 - Dublin-based Killarney Actor Donal Courtney’s one-man show God Has No Country tells the true story of the struggles encountered by Irish priest Monsignor Hugh O’ Flaherty and his colleagues in Rome during the Second World War. The story follows O’Flaherty’s torment as he has to act in defence of those suffering under the tyranny of the Fascists. The play also reflects on his upbringing and education in Killarney and how joining the priesthood protected him from involvement in The War of Independence. Told with humour and sensitivity, ‘God Has No Country’ brings the heroic deeds and achievements of this extraordinary man to a wider audience. Booking and info here.

Lawton in Charity Concert

Liam Lawton, along with Soprano Victoria Massey (Mezzo Soprano)  with St. Judes Childrens Choir and the  Darren Holden, High Kings Star will perform in a charity concert in aid of the Children's Education Development Fund in Mount Argus Church, Lr Kimmage Rd, Dublin, on Thurs 6 April at 7.30 pm. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Added 30 March: Event Cancelled

Audrey Assad Irish Concert
Contemporary Catholic singer-songwriter Audrey Assad will perform in a concert in Dublin's Button Factory (Temple Bar) on Fri 19 May 2017. Audrey Assad is the daughter of a Syrian refugee, an author, speaker, producer, and critically lauded songwriter and musician. She releases music she calls “soundtracks for prayer” on the label Fortunate Fall Records, many of the accompanying videos are on YouTube.   She is also one half of the pop band LEVV, whose debut EP peeked at #17 on the iTunes Alternative chart. Tickets are €15, and are available at Eventbrite.

Caravaggio Exhibition
'Beyond Caravaggio' is an exhibition currently running in the National Gallery, Dubin, until 17 May. Four major works by Caravaggio will take centre stage in the exhibition: The Supper at Emmaus, 1601 (National Gallery, London); The Taking of Christ, 1602 (National Gallery of Ireland), as well as two works never exhibited before in Ireland: Boy Bitten by a Lizard, 1594-95 (National Gallery, London) and Boy Peeling Fruit, c.1592 (The Royal Collection). These will be joined by other significant masterpieces from the work of the Caravaggisti. More info here. Advance booking is strongly recommended. More info and booking here

Gospel Rising Festival

The annual Gospel Rising Festival of Gospel music takes place in Galway Fri 12 May - Sun 14 May. There will be workshops and concerts in various venues. All info and booking here.

Fruits of the Spirit
A 'Prepare for Pentecost' event in the beautiful surroundings of the Chapel of the Monastery of St. Alphonsus, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, on Monday 22 May at 8.00 p.m. when a prayer service on the Fruits of the Spirit will take place. Music will be led by the Dublin Diocesan Music Group in this imaginative and reflective experience. This chapel has a webcam. More info here.

His Mad Plan
The next event for this group promoting the arts in faith will take place in St Mary of the Angels Hall, Church St, Dublin, on Sun 7th May 3-6pm. For those who wish there's a Holy Hour to follow, with Mass at 7 pm. If interested contact hismadplan@gmail.com