Published 15 September 2025
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (or Triumph of the Cross) we honor the Holy Cross by which Christ redeemed the world.
The public veneration of the Cross of Christ originated in the fourth century, according to early accounts. The miraculous discovery of the cross on 14th September, 326, by Saint Helen, mother of Constantine, while she was on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, is the origin of the tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on this date. Constantine later built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the site of her discovery of the cross. On this same pilgrimage she ordered two other churches built: one in Bethlehem near the Grotto of the Nativity, the other on the Mount of the Ascension, near Jerusalem.
Christians “exalt” (raise on high) the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. Adoration of the Cross is, therefore, adoration of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for our redemption from sin and death. The cross represents the One Sacrifice by which Jesus, obedient even unto death, accomplished our salvation. The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ — all in one image.
The Cross — because of what it represents — is the most potent and universal symbol of the Christian faith. It has inspired both liturgical and private devotions: for example, the Sign of the Cross, which is an invocation of the Holy Trinity; the “little” Sign of the Cross on head, lips, and heart at the reading of the Gospel; praying the Stations (or Way) of the Cross; and the Veneration of the Cross by the faithful on Good Friday by kissing the feet of the image of Our Savior crucified.
Placing a crucifix (the cross with an image of Christ’s body upon it) in churches and homes, in classrooms of Catholic schools and in other Catholic institutions, or wearing this image on our persons, is a constant reminder — and witness — of Christ’s ultimate triumph, His victory over sin and death through His suffering and dying on the Cross.
We remember Our Lord’s words, “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake shall find it” (Mt 10:38,39). Meditating on these words we unite ourselves — our souls and bodies — with His obedience and His sacrifice; and we rejoice in this inestimable gift through which we have the hope of salvation and the glory of everlasting life.
Adoration
Would you like to spend an hour with the Lord!
Join us for Adoration in St. Patrick’s Church, Stamullen after 10 am Mass on Thursdays, and at 9 am every Wednesday morning in St. Mary’s Church, Julianstown.
Why not come along and spend an hour in quiet prayer.
Supporting our Parish
Weekend of 6th / 7th September
Total Offertory: € 776.00
Envelopes: Stamullen € 625.00
Julianstown € 295.00
If you wish to support our parish via standing order, please use the following Account details:
BIC: BOFIIE2D IBAN: IE85BOFI90354175356829
(Please state your name in the reference).
Cheques can be made payable to
Stamullen Julianstown Parish
Your support of our parish is very much appreciated. Thank you.
Missionary Group Visit
A missionary group from Bethlehem/The Holy Land will be visiting our Parish next weekend, (20th and 21st September), to sell religious articles: Crucifixes, Rosary Beads, Plaques and Nativity Cribs, made out of olive wood in Bethlehem to help and support poor Christians families. Your support will be very much appreciated.
Diocesan News
- Retreat for Young Adults (18-40yrs)
Dalgan Park, Navan on Saturday 4th October (10am - 5.30pm). Why not join us for Prayer, Holy Mass, friendship in the faith, Eucharistic Adoration, inspiring talks, confession/personal chat if desired, all in lovely surroundings.
Cost: €20 (suggested) with lunch and tea breaks provided. Contact: Sr Úna on 090-6481666, Michael on 086 2453123 or email youthretreats@gmail.com.
- Marriage Enrichment Weekend
Marriage enrichment weekend takes place from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th November in Focolare Centre, Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare. To book check out - www.marriageencounter.ie.
- Samuel Group
Samuel Group for young adults (ages 18-40) – Do you want to grow in your prayer life?
Meath Samuel Group is taking place in Navan, October 2025 through May 2026.
The programme entails being present once a month at the formation day in Navan, meeting monthly with a spiritual director (we’ll help you find one, if needed), and a commitment to daily prayer.
For more information and registration go to www.franciscansisterscfr.com/st-anthony.
Other News
St. Patrick’s GFHC Lotto
Jackpot € 1,600 drawn on 9th September. Numbers drawn: 14, 23, 27, 30. No Winner. No match three winner. Next week’s Jackpot: €1,700.
Mick the Barber – Remembrance Night
Join us on Friday, 19th September from 8pm in St Patrick’s GAA, Stamullen - ‘One for the Road’ - A Remembrance Night for Mick the Barber. With proceeds in aid of East Meath Hospice Association.
Draw on the night for €2,000 Holiday Voucher (Entry with Ticket).
Tickets are available in Centra, Whytes, St. Patrick’s GAA, Ozzy Barbers and Farrells Butchers.
Raffle and Prizes on the night. We will also have a head to head auction for signed and framed Louth/Meath Jerseys.
Mass Schedule
Saturday, 13th St. Mary’s 7 pm AV. Kevin & Rose Reid / Richard Jacob
Sunday, 14th St. Patrick’s 10 am AV. Jenna Matthews / Jim Byrne, Gormanston / Margaret & Patrick Clarkin
St. Mary’s 11:30 am AV. Peter Leonard
Tuesday St. Patrick’s 10 am Celebrant’s Intention
Wednesday St. Mary’s 10 am Celebrant’s Intention
Thursday St. Patrick’s 10 am All who are sick in our Parish
Friday St. Mary’s 10 am Celebrant’s Intention
Saturday, 20th St. Mary’s 7 pm AV. Brigid Dunne / Shayna Gifford
Sunday, 21st St. Patrick’s 10 am AV. Martin Hartford
St. Mary’s 11:30 am AV. Hilda & James McGuinness