Caragh Parish

PLEASE SUPPORT Kildare Suicide Bereavement Support Group. (K.S.B.S.G), FEBRUARY 1ST IN CARAGH CHURCH COMMUNITY ROOM. In 2022, the total amount of €1,600 was raised through the sale of our St. Brigid’s crosses with all proceeds to Kildare Suicide Bereavement Support Group. (K.S.B.S.G) K.S.B.S.G. set up in 1997 compromises of qualified accredited counsellors offering support in all areas in particular suicide and bereavement. The service is free, confidential, and non-denominational. The group can be contacted on (086)8554852. We will once again have the opportunity to support K.S.B.S.G. as St. Brigid’s crosses will be available on the Feast of St. Brigid, February 1st between 10am – 1pm in Caragh Church Community Room. Many thanks for your continued support which enables this valuable and much needed service to operate and continue.

The Pantocrator The Caragh Community would like to express sincere thanks to Steve and Mary Higgins for their kind gift which now is positioned over the Baptismal Font. The image of Christ (Pantocrator) was one of the first images of Christ developed in the Early Christian Church and remains a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the half - length image, which you see here, Christ holds the New Testament in his left hand and makes the gesture of teaching or of a blessing with his right. It is the most important Christian Icon. It portrays Jesus as the Almighty Lord and Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. This icon is to be found in the central dome of all Eastern Orthodox and Russian Churches. The icon later became adopted to be painted on wood panels like you see here. Christ is bearded, his brown hair centrally parted, and his head is surrounded by a halo. You will only ever see Christ with a cruciform halo inscribed with the letters O Ω N meaning “He Who Is” or “I Am Who Am.” The icon is the visible part of an invisible world. The icon is also an open door to the Church, it gives us the spiritual world and it is witness of the Divine presence. It is a sacred art based on symbolism and spiritual vision. It speaks to us from the moment the veil falls from our eyes (pride, covetousness, sin). It tells the life and deeds of a Holy person. It is the Word of God put into drawings and colours. It is God’s gaze which reaches the deepest part of our heart and conveys our prayers.