The curate of St Patrick’s Parish in Corduff, Blanchardstown is preparing to take a ‘leap of faith’ to raise money for a youth parish pilgrimage.
Fr Joe McLoughlin is braving a tandem skydive at the Irish Parachute Club in Co. Offaly next weekend to facilitate an annual trip to bring parishioners to Medjugorje Youth Week and any remaining funds will be split between Mary’s Meals and Suicide Awareness Dublin 15.
“People are asking if I’m nervous, but I’m sure jumping out of a plane will be a laugh. I’ve seen how much our parish visits to Medjugorje help local people and families by reinvigorating them in faith and bringing a sense of peace,” Fr McLoughlin said.
Good causes
“I know what can be achieved when we all work together for good causes, and I’m happy to hurtle through the sky in freefall if it will encourage people to think of others and donate.”
Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 was started by a Corduff parishioner, Lillian Parker, after she lost her son in tragic circumstances. Fr McLoughlin first heard of Mary’s Meals, which provides a daily meal to more than one million of the world’s poorest children, when its CEO Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow spoke at Medjugorje Youth Festival.
To pledge a donation for the skydive, call the Mary’s Meals Dublin office on 01 857 2155.