The issue of homelessness in Luxembourg is as real as it is in so many places; for us in our parish, it presents itself at the door of the church, and at the entry to the parking in the Place du Théatre — men and women begging for money. The issue is complex: there are organised ‘professional’ beggars in the city, and there are others who ask for money, often because they have mental health, addiction, poverty or other issues. Should we give money, not knowing whether we are simply salving our conscience, or feeding the problems… One thing is clear: we wish to help, in the most effective way possible.

I have recently had contact with two organisations, the first being Cent Buttek, which collects unsold foodstuffs from shops, and distributes them from their own outlets to people in need; and Stëmm van der Stroos, which is engaged with meeting the needs of homeless people in the Grand Duchy. I was impressed with the work of both enterprises.

I am proposing a meeting of interested parishioners with a representative from each organisation to explore how our community can best engage with the pressing issue of homelessness in Luxembourg. I need someone who will organise and facilitate this meeting. It can be in the parish meeting room, at any time or date of choice. Those who attend will be under no obligation: we wish to hear from those working in this field what we could contribute, whether money, volunteering to help or whatever.

Thank you for your consistent and generous help in all the works of our parish.

Fr Ed

If you’re planning to get married in the Catholic Church, congratulations! The paperwork for your marriage is prepared in the country where you live. Marriage Preparation may be done elsewhere — but the International Parish offers courses 3 times per year, and all couples are welcome to participate.

Our next Marriage Preparation Day will be on Saturday, October 15, from 10:00 – 16:00, in the meeting room at St Alphonse This course is for couples preparing for marriage: it’s not about preparing for the ceremony itself, but for the rest of married life together. These days have been both popular and highly rated; input is given by trained Marriage Preparation presenters, and couples have an opportunity also to share their own experience of life together.

Exceptionally (due to scheduling issues, for example) you can take the course after your church wedding. If you wish to register for the October date, please contact me and I will subscribe you. To cover costs, we ask €75 from each couple; if this is beyond your means, no problem — again, just get in touch. Refreshments and a sandwich lunch are provided.

Our October course will be presented by Kit and Caroline Dollard who work both for the diocese of Middlesbrough and the Abbey of Ampleforth in the UK.

Fr Ed

Our celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation next year, 2017, will be at the 11:15 Mass on Sunday 26th March. Archbishop Hollerich has kindly agreed to be with us on that day.

Registration for candidates will be after Mass on Sunday 9th October in the parish meeting room. Parents should attend, as essential information regarding preparation, course dates and the planning of the Confirmation day itself will be shared.

Following the archdiocesan guidelines, candidates must be 16 years or older by the date of the Confirmation ceremony. The first class is on Wednesday 12th October at 7pm in the parish meeting room. All candidates must be committed to attending and participating in classes.

Fr Ed

As announced at Mass, the date for our celebration of First Holy Communion has been set for Sunday 18th June 2017, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Classes will begin in November (date to be advised) with registration beginning in October (date to be announced). All procedures will be announced at Masses in advance, when details confirmed (Saturday evenings 19:00 & Sundays 11:15).

Children wishing to make their First Holy Communion with us at St Alphonse must be at least 8 years old by 1st January 2017 (not on the date previously announced — apologies), and attend the Masses of the English-speaking parish at St Alphonse.

Any questions, I’ll be happy  to chat with you after Mass!

Fr Ed

Fr George Abraham is a Benedictine (Camaldolese) monk and is involved in establishing a House of Welcome and a meditation room for visitors to his monastery, which is associated with the Shantigir Ashram (Christian community). The community are supported by a western association of lay people, one of whom, Yvonne Lanners, lives here in Luxembourg.

The project needs financial support. Full details of the project, based on ecospirituality, education for peace and intercultural dialogue can be found on in the ashram-brochure and the ashram-project-details.  Fr George will be at the back of church after the 11:15 Mass tomorrow (11th September), and will be happy to explain the project further.