Church - mass recommendations?

We are regulars at the Dominicans on Popes Quay. 9.30am Mass generally has a duo singing, 11am Mass generally has at least a cantor and sometimes a bigger choir. The priests rotate the schedule so I can't predict who will celebrate. I think the vigil Mass on a Sunday has a young couple doing guitar music, but I haven't been to that one in some time.

You're welcome. The 9.30am might not have the flare you're after, but it's a pleasant affair and there's many regulars each week. I think the 11am used to have the novices do the "smells & bells" - incense etc.

They were planning on bringing back a coffee hour after Mass this weekend, but with the changes in the Covid restrictions I'm not sure if that's going ahead. As a blow in to Cork too, it was a useful way to meet people if that's something you wanted.

Also, some of the Dominican priests tend to be at the door to meet & greet.

Drop me a PM if you wanted to scope anything out.

The problem with the Dominicans was on Pope's Quay is that while they may have great time for their own community, they showed scant regard for the wider community during lockdowns. I, personally, witnessed them holding a scheduled service when they were illegal and also heard football training going on on their grounds when this was also illegal.

Ok, I saw what seemed like far too many people entering at around the same time to be random people going in to pray. I took a look in and saw a priest at the lectern leading some sort of service (perhaps not mass). I called the Gardaí but didn't hang around to see what happened. This was the second time I suspected scheduled services going on.

Regarding the training, whatever the space they have, the sound of a group of people kicking a ball about is unmistakable as is the sound of physical activity and teenage voices. I could clearly hear this going on over the wall on Dominic Street.

There is (was) a priest there who is a former Man United player (I'm sure you know this) and they regularly bring kids in to train and play football (or they used to). This was going on at a time when all sports training and social gatherings were not allowed.

I have no time for groups who made up their own rules during this pandemic be they, religious groups, sports clubs, bars, restaurants or whatever. My personal, observations of the Dominicans on Pope's Quay, puts me in no doubt that they were in that category. I would swear on oath, if asked to, that what I have said here is true.

Regarding the "community prayers", suggestion : no scheduled worship was allowed - only personal prayer, no led activities. How could you have "community prayers with bells and smells" without scheduling it? This was a organised meet led by a person dressed like a priest.

Ok - I follow. Without trying to be flippant - I have nothing to say; no idea what they organised / why they did etc so I can't comment.

re the football, there is a school operating on the premises so perhaps it was their PE classes? Again, not sure of timelines here as I am aware the school stopped operating when other schools did.

I'm well aware of Fr Philip, but I am not aware of them bringing kids in for soccer training and have never heard suggestions of same before now.

re the community prayers, they were allowed use their own church for their own services as a community - distinct as from organising a public mass.

This will be my final comment on the matter as its not leading anywhere.

Schools and sports clubs were closed at the time. These people were, unquestionably, holding sports related activities on their grounds with kids at a time when it was not allowed.

It wasn't just mass that wasn't allowed. It was any scheduled worship with a leader. No services were allowed. So, whether you call it community prayers or mass, it wasn't legal. The also shouldn't have organised musicians to lead any worship.

As I said in my first post here, it showed me that they have little regard for the wider community outside of their religious community.

That's very decent of you to say. And I return the compliment!

Really, I think we have it covered. I can see why people are attracted to this particular church and its sense of community , but I just wanted to tell people what I observed during lockdowns which I found rather hypocritical.

Again, happy to take this up via PM as I have first hand experience of some of the issues that presumably led to those signs but it’s important to share that I am aware of the community assisting the individuals and offering help.

While it's obvious that I'm no fan of the Dominicans, I always felt that they were between a rock and a hard place regarding people living in tents on their steps.

Some of these people were causing pretty serious public order and social issues. If the church condoned or encouraged this, they would be seen as socially irresponsible but if they discouraged it, they'd be seen as uncharitable.

I don't see what they could have done, really. There were some really dodgy, dangerous folk camped there at one time.

You're more than welcome - glad it suited you and you found what it was you were looking for.

This is not the thread for this sort of carry on. Come on. As I said, happy to take up the issue of the signs via PM.