News & Events
Sr. Marie Dunne CHF
will present
A Liturgical Music Workshop
In: Bothar na Naomh Church, Thurles
On: Sunday 22nd October ’23
Time: 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.
Maybe you’re a member of a large choir with an extensive repertoire? Or maybe you’re part of a small choir in your local Church? Either way, Sr. Marie’s music may be used by large SATB choirs or by small groups for any liturgical setting.
If you would like to learn some new Liturgical Music with a focus on November / Advent, please come along on Sunday 22/10/23 to Bothar na Naomh at 2.30p.m.
Please contact Ann at 086 3618534 to register for places. This is simply to ensure that we have enough copies of music for everyone on the day.
Light Refreshments will be served after the workshop in Lámh Chunta.
Marie’s new album
THE WATER OF LIFE
Marie’s new album THE WATER OF LIFE has just been released. The is a compilation of mainly new compositions, with some new arrangements to a couple previous compositions.
The vocalists featuring on the album are Katie O’Flaherty, Sarah Gordon, Alan Hynes. And Brian Gilligan, along with the Saint John of God Choir.
The CD is available at a number of retail outlets including Knock Book Shop (Knock) and Veritas (Dublin).
The album is also available on Spotify and other Social Media outlets.
The Music Score is available from mariedunnechf@gmail.com
The Irish Church Music Association Summer School
The Irish Church Music Association Summer School takes place from July 5th – July 7th at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Marie (Dunne) is delighted be one of the guest presenters at the event.
Lenten Reflections
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
Led by Marie Dunne CHF
Marie will draw on scripture and music during this time of reflection, which will focus on the words of Jesus 'Do not let your hearts be troubled'. Following a time of sadness and pain for so many over the past couple of years, we will also carry on our Lenten journey those who have suffered and continue to suffer.
Thursday, 31 March 2022 at 7.30 - 8.30pm
€5 Donation | Booking essential:
email: info@macfd.ie
Walk With Me
A Lenten Reflection
Led by Marie Dunne CHF
This time of reflection will invite us to walk with Jesus as he makes his final journey to the cross and beyond. It will allow us to ponder on the burdens in our own lives when we too invite Jesus to walk with us
Thursday, 7 April 2022 at 7.30 - 8.30pm
€5 Donation | Booking essential:
email: info@macfd.ie
WAITING
by Marie Dunne CHF
MUSIC FOR ADVENT
WAITING composed by Marie Dunne CHF reflects the theme of waiting and longing during the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas.
Waiting – Music for Advent – is a collection of music suitable for the season of Advent. CD and sheet music available from Faithstar Music. Contact faithstarmusic@gmail.com
In Loving Memory
A time to remember those who are no longer with us
Led by Marie Dunne CHF
You are invited to light a candle as you join the first evening of a three-part series of prayer, reflection, and music
ONLINE
Thursday, 12 November 2020 at 7pm
Booking essential:
email: info@macfd.ie
Shelter Me
A time to support those who are suffering loss in any way
Led by Marie Dunne CHF
You are invited to light a candle as you join the second evening of a three-part series of prayer, reflection, and music
ONLINE
Thursday, 19 November 2020 at 7pm
Booking essential:
email: info@macfd.ie
From Darkness
Towards Light
Journeying into the Season of Advent
Led by Marie Dunne CHF
You are invited to light a candle as you join the third evening of a three-part series of prayer, reflection, and music
ONLINE
Thursday, 26 November 2020 at 7pm
Booking essential:
email: info@macfd.ie
News & Events Archive
Lenten Reflection
Marie will present a Lenten evening of reflection on March 10th 2020 at the Margarat Aylward Centre at 8pm.
See details on flyer.
CHRISTMAS SING ALONG CAROLS
With the Saint John of God Choir directed by Marie Dunne CHF
The Pomogranate Café, Saint John of God Hospital
Tuesday 17th December 2019 7.30 - 8.30pm
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Festive Music and Carols by St Mary's Choir and Schola Choir
Special Guest: Holy Faith Past Pupil Choir -
Director Sr Marie Dunne CHF
at the Holy Faith Convent Chapel Glasnevin
Wednesday 18th December 2019 7.30 Free Admission
An evening of reflection and music celebrating the joy of the great season of Advent. See details on poster.
The Final Journey
Shortly after been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, the late Fr. Tony Coote, whom I knew since he was a student, invited me to take on the role as Music Director of the parish choir at the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion, where as many know he had been Administrator for 10 years. As a consequence, I had the privilege of organising the music for Tony’s funeral. Tony died on August 28th.
As we said farewell to Tony, we celebrated not only his life, but his witness to faith and hope as he embraced his illness with courage and determination. While Tony made a major impact on many over his short life, it was in the last 18 months since his diagnosis, that this was especially evident. Much has been written and shared about this. Tony allowed his illness to become a context that would raise an awareness so that more resources would be made available for others suffering with MND. His WALK WHILE YOU CAN project which saw him being wheeled around Ireland in a wheelchair in July 2018, is testament to this.
As Tony’s coffin was carried with dignity from the Church, to the applause of the large congregation present within and outside, it was evident that all rejoiced that Tony was now free from his pain and struggle. In the words of the final hymn HOW GREAT THOU ART (a favourite of Tony’s), one would need little faith to feel at one with Tony as these words were sung:
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart;
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art.
Let us honour Tony’s memory in the words of the title of his book which he launched earlier this year to LIVE WHILE YOU CAN
This day of reflection will be led by Marie. It is hoped that those who attend will find time for refreshment and renewal amidst the busyness of life - and particularly for those involved in music ministry. See details on poster.
Irish Church Music Association 2019
The Irish Church Music Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the first week of July. The annual event took place at St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. To honour the occasion, well renowned composer Fr. Mike Joncas was invited as guest speaker for the special conference which took place for the initial two days of the week, ahead of the Summer School event. The other three days were given to music workshops and to other liturgical initiatives. Marie presented her workshops on Thursday 4th July. Included in Marie’s repertoire at the workshop, were two new Eucharstic hymns specially composed for the event - In Memory of Me and Love one Another.
This picture features Marie with Fr. Mike Joncas and Fr. Paul Kenny.
Brother Simon's First Profession
What a joy to be present at the First Profession of Brother Simon Fernandes in Mount St. Josephs, Cork on Thursday (15th August) when Simon made his commitment as a Presentation Brother. Simon comes from Pakistan. He has been in Ireland for the last few years at the Brothers' International Formation house here in Ireland. It was a privilege to be invited to direct the music and play the organ for the occasion, along with Katie O'Flaherty who sang so beautifully. Wising Simon and all the Presentation Brothers every blessing in the years ahead.
Irish Church Music Association 2019
The Irish Church Music Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the first week of July. The annual event took place at St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. To honour the occasion, well renowned composer Fr. Mike Joncas was invited as guest speaker for the special conference which took place for the initial two days of the week, ahead of the Summer School event. The other three days were given to music workshops and to other liturgical initiatives. Marie presented her workshops on Thursday 4th July. Included in Marie’s repertoire at the workshop, were two new Eucharstic hymns specially composed for the event - In Memory of Me and Love one Another.
This picture features Marie with Fr. Mike Joncas and Fr. Paul Kenny.
Journey to Your Heart -
A Special Night at the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion
In solidarity with Fr. Tony Coote (who has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease), an evening of music and reflection will take place in the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion, Dublin on June 15th 2018 at 7.30pm. The evening will be led by Sr. Marie Dunne with the St. John of God Choir and the Holy Faith Past Pupils' Choir. A collection will take place during the event to support the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and Research Motor Neurone (RMN)
Journey to Your Heart -
A Special Night at the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion
In solidarity with Fr. Tony Coote (who has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease), an evening of music and reflection will take place in the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion, Dublin on June 15th 2018 at 7.30pm. The evening will be led by Sr. Marie Dunne with the St. John of God Choir and the Holy Faith Past Pupils' Choir. A collection will take place during the event to support the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and Research Motor Neurone (RMN)
Glenealy Parish
celebrates 150 years
What a lovely occasion last evening when St. Joseph's Parish, Glenealy celebrated 150 years. So delighted to be invited to be involved in the liturgy with the wonderful Folk Group directed by Deirdre Reece. And honoured that almost all of the music chosen for the occasion was composed by myself. The evening was enhanced by the encouraging words of Fr. Eamonn Crossan, and by words of affirmation spoken by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. Congratulations again to a wonderful parish and community on 150 years!
Journey to Your Heart -
A Special Night at the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion
In solidarity with Fr. Tony Coote (who has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease), an evening of music and reflection will take place in the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion, Dublin on June 15th 2018 at 7.30pm. The evening will be led by Sr. Marie Dunne with the St. John of God Choir and the Holy Faith Past Pupils' Choir. A collection will take place during the event to support the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and Research Motor Neurone (RMN)
Re Congress 2018 at Anaheim and a New Album
Marie attends the RE Congress at Anaheim, California and launches her new album SHELTER ME. In her own words Marie says “Shelter Me is a collection of chants based on scripture texts and set to gentle melodies. It is my hope that those who listen to the chants will find calm, refreshment and comfort – trusting in the One who cares for us and shelters us on life’s journey.”
Meeting ‘old’ friends and making new friends at Congress
A Special Moment In L.A.
While in Los Angeles recently, Marie paid a very special visit to Saint John of God School, Norwalk. Saint John of God parish was the first parish to which the Sisters of the Holy Faith went when they arrived in LA in 1953.
Marie shares on her visit there. ‘My visit to this school was extra special because of its name and because of its association with our Holy Faith Sisters. My ministry of faith, liturgy and music is connected not only to my own Congregation, but also in a very special way to the Saint John of God Services in Ireland and the Britain. What a joy then it was for me to hear both Woman of Faith (in honour of Margaret Aylward – foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Faith) and Man of Compassion (in honour of St. John of God) sung by the pupils of the school, under the direction of Andrea Santisteven – school teacher and Holy Faith Associate. It was also an emotional moment when the children sang Look to the Polar Star. It is moments like these when I feel truly blest in my faith and music ministry.’
