The Mount Argus Community has settled easily into its new structure, with Frank continuing as Rector and Parish Priest, Bernard assuming the role of Vicar with special responsibility for Community Life, and Hugh taking on the task of Bursar. In the Church the beginning of the year saw a rationalisation of Masses. This came at the end of a process of consultation with the brethren and with the people. On the one hand it reflects our continuing diminishment of fit and able personnel for Church ministry, but we hope that it will also lead to a greater sense of community, with more people in attendance at fewer Masses. Early indications seem to be positive.

There has been a lot of comings and goings to the house, mainly due to meetings of the various Task Forces. We hope that the work being done in these groups will bear fruit for the Province, and we are always delighted of the opportunity to welcome our brethren here from other communities around the Province.

Provincial Visitation in early February coincided with Mount Argus hosting the Confirmations for St. Claire's and Harold's Cross Primary Schools. We were joined for dinner on the day by the area bishop, local clergy, and teachers from both schools. The Bishop and local clergy were with us again in March when we hosted joint Confirmations for two Irish Language Schools. On that same day Pat Rogers was conducting a scripture seminar in Mount Argus for priests from the diocese, and they also joined us for lunch, so it was a full house.

Lent as always in Mount Argus began reflectively with the 40 Hours Adoration in the Church and a closing prayer service each evening. A feature here over the last few years has been the running of a Lenten Programme of talks and discussions in the Old Choir. This year's themes have explored the different stages of faith, new models of Church, Ecumenism, and Justice & Peace. This last session was conducted by Martin Newell from St. Joseph's Province who was our guest here for much of February and March. The evenings were well attended by the people, and also by several community members.

On 17th February the automation of the main gates of Mount Argus came into operation. The gates close at 10.00 p.m. and open again at 5.30 a.m. The transition seems to have gone smoothly, and both the community and the local residents are happy to have some respite from joy-riders.

Cathal has been a great addition to our community and thankfully he continues to get good reports on his health. His helpfulness and good humour is an inspiration to all of us. Dermot Patrick is still in St. James's Hospital and we know that he is being prayed for throughout the Province.

We prepared for Holy Week by engaging in a 3-day Community Retreat. The retreat was conducted at various times by Bernard, Frank, Kenneth and Pat Rogers. There was a definite change of atmosphere in the house during those days and there was great appreciation for it. The retreat ended with supper on the eve of St. Patrick's Day.

We celebrated our Province Feast with a Community Mass in the Choir. The Provincial was main celebrant, and Mass was followed by an excellent dinner at which we were joined by Eugene and Martin from the Huntstown Community. We end by wishing all our brethren throughout the Province a very happy and holy Easter.