General: That public opinion may be more aware of the problem of millions of displaced persons and refugees and that concrete solutions may be found for their often tragic situation.
Mission: that those Christians who are discriminated against and persecuted in many countries because of the name of Christ may have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognised, in order to be able to live and profess their faith freely.
Don't forget to visit The Vatican homepage; you'll find the link in the menu bar of this page.
31 July 2009
Mass Intentions for the week ahead 2nd August 2009.
Saturday 1st August 7.30p.m. Joe Lardner .
Malcolm O’Shaughnessy
John and Terry Lyons.
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Paddy Feeney
2nd August 11.00 a.m. Sean Kilraine
12.15 p.m. Noel Dunne
6.30 p.m.
Monday 3rd August 10.00 a.m. Deceased members of Lee
family. _______________________________________________________
Tuesday 4th August 10.00 a.m. Sick _______________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
5th August _______________________________________________________
Thursday 6th August 10.00 a.m. Patrick O’Donohoe &
his brother Michael O’Donohoe. _______________________________________________________
Friday 7th August 10.00 a.m
7.30 p.m. Tom Murphy
_______________________________________________________
Saturday 8th August 7.30p.m. Mary & George Walsh
Sunday 9.30 a.m.
9th August 11.00 a.m. Ann O’Brien
12.15 p.m. Jim Rice
6.30 p.m. William, Mary & Bridie Coyne
& Delia Coyne.
Don't forget!
The Annual Cathedral Recitals continue this week, scroll down this page for more details or visit www.galwaycathedral.org/recitals
The St. Vincent de Paul Society are holding their church door collection and would appreciate your generosity.
There is no Adoration again this week, until Sunday, August 9th.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society are holding their church door collection and would appreciate your generosity.
There is no Adoration again this week, until Sunday, August 9th.
Saints of the Week, St. John Vianney and St. Alphonsus Ligouri.
St. John Vianney, The Curé of Ars.
St. Alphonsus Ligouri.One, St. John Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests, and a great icon for this year of the Priest in the church.
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.
Comment:
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.
His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.
Situations calling for impossible deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep. (Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)
With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home.
His work as a confessor is John Vianney's most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.
Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God's people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil.
Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.
Comment:
Quote:Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney, on the other hand, was a man on a journey with his goal before him at all times.
Recommending liturgical prayer, John Vianney would say, 'Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.'
Two, St. Alphonsus Liguri, Founder of the Redemptorists, who conduct the Galway Novena every year, and who reside in County Galway, in the Diocese of Clonfert, in Esker, and who used to reside in our diocese, in the city, in Cluain Mhuire, in Wellpark, which is now part of GMIT (Galway/ Mayo Institute of Technology).
Moral theology, Vatican II said, should be more thoroughly nourished by Scripture, and show the nobility of the Christian vocation of the faithful and their obligation to bring forth fruit in charity for the life of the world. Alphonsus, declared patron of moral theologians by Pius XII in 1950, would rejoice in that statement.
In his day,Alphonsus fought for the liberation of moral theology from the rigidity of Jansenism. His moral theology, which went through 60 editions in the century following him, concentrated on the practical and concrete problems of pastors and confessors. If a certain legalism and minimalism crept into moral theology, it should not be attributed to this model of moderation and gentleness.
At the University of Naples he received, at the age of 16, a doctorate in both canon and civil law by acclamation, but soon gave up the practice of law for apostolic activity. He was ordained a priest and concentrated his pastoral efforts on popular (parish) missions, hearing confessions, forming Christian groups.
He founded the Redemptorist congregation in 1732. It was an association of priests and brothers living a common life, dedicated to the imitation of Christ, and working mainly in popular missions for peasants in rural areas. Almost as an omen of what was to come later, he found himself deserted, after a while, by all his original companions except one lay brother. But the congregation managed to survive and was formally approved 17 years later, though its troubles were not over.
Alphonsus' great pastoral reforms were in the pulpit and confessional, replacing the pompous oratory of the time with simplicity, and the rigorism of Jansenism with kindness. His great fame as a writer has somewhat eclipsed the fact that for 26 years he traveled up and down the Kingdom of Naples, preaching popular missions.
He was made bishop (after trying to reject the honor) at 66 and at once instituted a thorough reform of his diocese.
His greatest sorrow came toward the end of his life. The Redemptorists, precariously continuing after the suppression of the Jesuits in 1773, had difficulty in getting their Rule approved by the Kingdom of Naples. Alphonsus acceded to the condition that they possess no property in common, but a royal official, with the connivance of a high Redemptorist official, changed the Rule substantially. Alphonsus, old, crippled and with very bad sight, signed the document, unaware that he had been betrayed. The Redemptorists in the Papal States then put themselves under the pope, who withdrew those in Naples from the jurisdiction of Alphonsus. It was only after his death that the branches were united.
At 71 he was afflicted with rheumatic pains which left incurable bending of his neck; until it was straightened a little, the pressure of his chin caused a raw wound on his chest. He suffered a final 18 months of a dark night with scruples, fears, temptations against every article of faith and every virtue, interspersed with intervals of light and relief, when ecstasies were frequent.
Alphonsus is best known for his moral theology, but he also wrote well in the field of spiritual and dogmatic theology. His Glories of Mary is one of the great works on that subject, and his book Visits to the Blessed Sacrament went through 40 editions in his lifetime, greatly influencing the practice of this devotion in the Church.
COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org
Saints of the Celtic Calendar we met in July.
St. Declan of Ardmore.
St. Kilian (For your investigation: why is this statue of Kilian in Germany?).
St. Maelruain of Tallaght (picture shows the Medieval Church of St. Maelruain in Tallaght on the site of the earlier monastery).
St. Moninne of Killeavy (picture shows Killeavy Churchyard).
St. Oliver Plunkett (the church in Renmore is dedicated to and has a shrine to him).Google these to find out more.... be PROUD of our great Christian heritage!!
Kids Corner, August 2nd.
Click to zoom and print...Cian and Bella talk about John 6:24-35 • The Bread from Heaven
Bella: Hi there, Cian is at a match and so I am going to chat to you today about this Sunday’s Gospel. It is called ‘The Bread from Heaven’ because it is about the real goodness that comes from having God in our lives. Bread from the oven fills us at lunchtime, but bread from heaven fills us always! Bread from heaven is about the way we see God in our lives every day. Sometimes it is hard to see God in the classroom or in the playground or even at home and I don’t mean to actually see God walking around! I mean to see evidence of his greatness, to feel happy inside when something good happens, that is seeing God in our lives. In the Gospels we always learn about how Jesus showed care and concern for others and so this is what he has asked us to do. The result of showing care and concern for others is bread from heaven, and that is the bread that helps us to be strong in love and strong in our life for each other and for God.
How can you work for ‘Bread from Heaven’ today?
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2nd 2009.
Seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 6:24-35
1 Jesus distinguishes between food that gives quick satisfaction and food that gives lasting nourishment. It is a mark of wisdom to be able to say ‘no’ to enticing but delusory attractions in order to choose things of lasting value. From your life experience what advice would you give to another about where things of lasting value are to be found?
2 Jesus reminds his listeners that God is the source of all good things. What difference does it make in your life when you are aware that life, the world, everything you have is gift, and you live in a spirit of gratitude?
3 The work of God is that we believe in the one whom God has sent. In what ways has your faith in Jesus enriched and changed your life? How has Jesus satisfied your hungers or quenched your thirsts?
4 As Jesus came down from heaven to give life to the world, so each one of us is here to be a source of life to others. Think of people who have been a source of life to you, and give thanks for them. For whom have you also been a source of life?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. What was the manna from heaven?
A. It was the food provided by God for the Israelites during the Exodus. The name means ‘What is this?’ It was described as white, powdery stuff, like hoarfrost. There were three important points about it. It was a gift from God: it demanded trusting God’s promise because people were instructed to gather only sufficient for each day: and it satisfied every taste as ‘it transformed itself into whatever each eater wished’ (Wis 16:21). The Gospel of John regards the manna as foreshadowing the Bread of Life offered by Jesus – a wonderful gift of God, taken on trust in Jesus’ words, and responding to every need.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
The New Self
Thomas Merton wrote in Contemplation in a World of Action: ‘The new man is not just the old man in possession of a legal certificate entitling him to a reward.’ That’s not the ‘new self’ Paul refers to in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:17, 20-24). So, what is it?
First, what it isn’t. It isn’t living as the Gentiles live ‘in the futility of their minds’. In other words, it’s not living as if you only had your own mind to depend on. Using only that to comprehend life is futile. It’s a dead end trip. Removed from the light of God’s word the human mind becomes dark, the human heart becomes hard, and human behaviour degenerates into debauchery. Paul wasn’t warning about what might happen, he was describing what already had happened.
Were we to think that reason reigns supreme – pristine and pure – and confine ourselves to its limits deprived of the light of God’s word, and the power of his Spirit, would our understanding and behaviour not deteriorate too? Could we even speak of deterioration of behaviour at all? For if nothing greater than a mind exists, who’s to say that yours is any better than mine? My mind, not yours, sets my standards. As Hamlet says, ‘There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes is so’ – my thinking, that is.
The new self, however, recognises that God sets the standards and it lives by them ‘in true righteousness and holiness’. The new man, the new self, is the one who is righteous and holy before God.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
John 6:24-35
1 Jesus distinguishes between food that gives quick satisfaction and food that gives lasting nourishment. It is a mark of wisdom to be able to say ‘no’ to enticing but delusory attractions in order to choose things of lasting value. From your life experience what advice would you give to another about where things of lasting value are to be found?
2 Jesus reminds his listeners that God is the source of all good things. What difference does it make in your life when you are aware that life, the world, everything you have is gift, and you live in a spirit of gratitude?
3 The work of God is that we believe in the one whom God has sent. In what ways has your faith in Jesus enriched and changed your life? How has Jesus satisfied your hungers or quenched your thirsts?
4 As Jesus came down from heaven to give life to the world, so each one of us is here to be a source of life to others. Think of people who have been a source of life to you, and give thanks for them. For whom have you also been a source of life?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. What was the manna from heaven?
A. It was the food provided by God for the Israelites during the Exodus. The name means ‘What is this?’ It was described as white, powdery stuff, like hoarfrost. There were three important points about it. It was a gift from God: it demanded trusting God’s promise because people were instructed to gather only sufficient for each day: and it satisfied every taste as ‘it transformed itself into whatever each eater wished’ (Wis 16:21). The Gospel of John regards the manna as foreshadowing the Bread of Life offered by Jesus – a wonderful gift of God, taken on trust in Jesus’ words, and responding to every need.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
The New Self
Thomas Merton wrote in Contemplation in a World of Action: ‘The new man is not just the old man in possession of a legal certificate entitling him to a reward.’ That’s not the ‘new self’ Paul refers to in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:17, 20-24). So, what is it?
First, what it isn’t. It isn’t living as the Gentiles live ‘in the futility of their minds’. In other words, it’s not living as if you only had your own mind to depend on. Using only that to comprehend life is futile. It’s a dead end trip. Removed from the light of God’s word the human mind becomes dark, the human heart becomes hard, and human behaviour degenerates into debauchery. Paul wasn’t warning about what might happen, he was describing what already had happened.
Were we to think that reason reigns supreme – pristine and pure – and confine ourselves to its limits deprived of the light of God’s word, and the power of his Spirit, would our understanding and behaviour not deteriorate too? Could we even speak of deterioration of behaviour at all? For if nothing greater than a mind exists, who’s to say that yours is any better than mine? My mind, not yours, sets my standards. As Hamlet says, ‘There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes is so’ – my thinking, that is.
The new self, however, recognises that God sets the standards and it lives by them ‘in true righteousness and holiness’. The new man, the new self, is the one who is righteous and holy before God.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
27 July 2009
Race Week and Holiday Time.
This Race Week is the height of the holiday season. We welcome all visitors amongst us and, for those of you going on holidays too, a safe trip and safe return!
Clerical Changes.
Please pray for the following priests who have taken up new appointments since last Friday:
Fr. Ned Crosby, to be PP Kilfenora.
Fr. Joseph Roche, PP, Kilfenora, to be PP, Kilchreest/ Castledaly.
Fr. Conor Cunningham, Chaplain, University Hospital, to be CC Salthill.
Fr. Alan Burke, CC, The Cathedral, to be Chaplain, University Hospital.
Fr. Martin Whelan, recently ordained, who was with us last summer in the Sacred Heart, to be CC, The Cathedral.
Fr. Robert McNamara, CSsR, to be CC, Mervue.
Monsignor Malachy and Father David are left alone!!!
Adoration News.
There will be no nightly Adoration until Sunday, August 9th. Adoration takes place in the small chapel from 8 to 10 throughout most of the year, and new adorers are always welcome... The Lord waits for you!
26 July 2009
Diaconate, Paraic Higgins.
Congratulations and blessings to Paraic Higgins who was ordained a deacon yesterday in The Cathedral for the Diocese of Corpus Christi in Texas. Paraic is a native of Castlegar Parish, and his mum, Bernadette, is from our own parish; she is one of the Carr's of Circular Road. Paraic's Bishop, Bishop Carmody, whose family hail from Kerry, travelled to Galway to ordain him. Please God he will be ordained a priest for Corpus Christi Diocese in 2010.
24 July 2009
Mass Intentions for the week ahead 26th July 2009
Saturday 25th July 7.30p.m. 1. Padge Cooke and living and
deceased members of Cooke
and O’Sullivan families.
2. Des Donovan & Tom Bourke
Sunday 9.30 a.m.
26th July 11.00 a.m. Bill Keane
12.15 p.m. Moira Smith
6.30 p.m. Mary Faherty
Monday 27th July 10.00 a.m. Jackie, Kathleen & Seamus Sammon _______________________________________________________
Tuesday 28th July 10.00 a.m. Sick _______________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Fr. Anthony Hoade
29th July _______________________________________________________
Thursday 30th July 10.00 a.m. Special Intention. _______________________________________________________
Friday 31st July 10.00 a.m Clive
_______________________________________________________
Saturday 1st August 7.30p.m. Joe Lardner .
Malcolm O’Shaughnessy
John Lyons and Terry.
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Paddy Feeney
2nd August 11.00 a.m. Sean Kilraine
12.15 p.m. Noel Dunne
6.30 p.m.
An important notice from the Ferns Diocese regarding Swine Flu, which has been forwarded to every diocese in Ireland.
Statement of the Diocese of Ferns regarding ‘the sign of peace’
The diocese of Ferns has consulted with the HSE regarding the issue of ‘suspending’ the sign of peace (handshake) at Masses. Some people have raised the issue with the diocese in recent times in light of fears over the threat of ‘swine flu.’
The current position of the HSE is that there is no need to suspend the practice. The Diocese of Ferns respects this advice and at present there is no plan to change the current practice.
The diocese of Ferns has noted the HSE’s concerns as to the dangers of persons with flu symptoms attending at Mass and at church services. This constitutes the greatest danger of all in terms of spreading disease.
The diocese now asks persons with symptoms of flu not to participate in Church services during their illness.
The diocese also asks that all church ministers be conscious of the need for increased hygiene at the present time.
The issue remains under review.
Note:
Fr. John Carroll has been asked by the Bishop of Ferns to act as ongoing liaison with the HSE on this matter and any changes as are necessary will be communicated immediately to the priests and people of the diocese.
End of statement
If you have any queries please give me a call.
Regards,
MARTIN LONG
Director
Catholic Communications Office
Columba Centre
Maynooth
Co Kildare
T 00 353 1 5053000
F 00 353 1 6016413
info@catholicbishops.ie
Catholic Communications Office
Columba Centre
Maynooth
Co Kildare
T 00 353 1 5053000
F 00 353 1 6016413
info@catholicbishops.ie
The diocese of Ferns has consulted with the HSE regarding the issue of ‘suspending’ the sign of peace (handshake) at Masses. Some people have raised the issue with the diocese in recent times in light of fears over the threat of ‘swine flu.’
The current position of the HSE is that there is no need to suspend the practice. The Diocese of Ferns respects this advice and at present there is no plan to change the current practice.
The diocese of Ferns has noted the HSE’s concerns as to the dangers of persons with flu symptoms attending at Mass and at church services. This constitutes the greatest danger of all in terms of spreading disease.
The diocese now asks persons with symptoms of flu not to participate in Church services during their illness.
The diocese also asks that all church ministers be conscious of the need for increased hygiene at the present time.
The issue remains under review.
Note:
Fr. John Carroll has been asked by the Bishop of Ferns to act as ongoing liaison with the HSE on this matter and any changes as are necessary will be communicated immediately to the priests and people of the diocese.
End of statement
If you have any queries please give me a call.
Regards,
MARTIN LONG
Director
Catholic Communications Office
Columba Centre
Maynooth
Co Kildare
T 00 353 1 5053000
F 00 353 1 6016413
info@catholicbishops.ie
Catholic Communications Office
Columba Centre
Maynooth
Co Kildare
T 00 353 1 5053000
F 00 353 1 6016413
info@catholicbishops.ie
Have you gone to The Cathedral Recitals 2009 yet?
The 2009 series of summer concerts in Galway Cathedral begins on 9 July, and continues with a concert each Thursday evening until 13 August.
| Thursday 9 July at 8.00 pm | Dolce Divas, sopranos & piano |  |
| Thursday 16 July at 8.00 pm | David Connolly (Dun Laoghaire), organ | |
| Thursday 23 July at 8.00 pm | Renée Ann Louprette (USA), organ | |
| Thursday 30 July at 8.00 pm | Jeremy Cull (Edinburgh), organ | |
| Thursday 6 August at 8.00 pm | Ansgar Wallenhorst (Germany), organ | |
| Thursday 13 August at 8.00 pm | Audivi Chamber Choir and | |
Admission to each concert is €12.00 (concessions €10.00) at
the door, and a programme booklet will be available.
Friends of Galway Cathedral Recitals gain admission to all concerts for
€60 (personal) or €150 and upwards (corporate): contact us for details.
Address:
Galway Cathedral Recitals
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed
into Heaven and Saint Nicholas,
Galway
Ireland
Phone:
+353 (0)91 531438
Fax:
+353 (0)91 534881
Email:
rod@iol.ie
www.galwaycathedral.org/recitals
Saint of the Week, One, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
This famous founder of the Jesuits was born in 1491. He was from a Spanish noble family. As a boy, he was sent to be a page at the royal court. There he lived on the desire to someday become a great soldier and marry a beautiful lady. Later, he did, indeed, win honor for his courage in the battle of Pamplona. However, a wound from a cannon ball forced him to spend months in bed at Loyola Castle. Ignatius asked for some books to read. He preferred stories of knights, but only biographies of Jesus and the saints were available. Having nothing else to do, he read them. Gradually, the books began to make an impression on him. His life began to change. He said to himself: "These were men and women like me, so why can't I do what they have done?" All the glory he had wanted before seemed worthless now. He began to imitate the saints in their prayers, penances and good works.
St. Ignatius had to suffer temptations and humiliations. Before he could begin his great work of starting the Society of Jesus, he had to go back to school. He had to study Latin grammar. The rest of the students were little boys and Ignatius was thirty-three. Yet Ignatius went to the class because he knew he would need this knowledge to help him in his ministry. With patience and even a laugh now and then, he took the boys' jeers and taunts. During this time, he tried to teach and encourage people to pray. For this he was suspected of heresy and put in jail for a while! But that was not going to stop Ignatius. "The whole city does not contain as many chains as I desire to wear for love of Jesus," he said. Ignatius was forty-three when he graduated from the University of Paris. With six other students, he professed religious vows in 1534. Ignatius and his companions who were not yet priests were ordained in 1539. They promised to work for God in whatever way the Holy Father thought best. In 1540 their order was officially recognized by the pope. Before Ignatius died, there were one thousand members of the Society of Jesus or "Jesuits." They were doing much good work teaching and preaching. Ignatius often prayed, "Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask." St. Ignatius died in Rome, on July 31, 1556. Pope Gregory XV proclaimed him a saint in 1622.
Let us pray today in the words of St. Ignatius Loyola:"Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask."
Pray also for the Jesuit Community in our city on this special day for them.Check them out: www.jesuit.ie
Saint of the Week, Two, Saint Martha.
Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus. They lived in the little town of Bethany near Jerusalem. They were dear friends of Jesus, and he often came to visit them. In fact, the Gospel tells us: "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus." It was St. Martha who lovingly served the Lord when he visited them. One day, she was preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples. She realized that the task would be easier if her sister would help. She watched Mary sitting quietly at Jesus' feet, listening to him. "Lord, tell my sister to help me," Martha suggested. Jesus was very pleased with Martha's loving service. However, he wanted her to know that listening to God's Word and praying is even more important. So he said gently, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part."
St. Martha's great faith in Jesus was seen when her brother Lazarus died. As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming to Bethany, Martha went to meet him. She trusted Jesus and felt the freedom to say: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Then Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise. He said, "He who believes in me, even if he die, shall live. Do you believe this?" And Martha answered, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world." Jesus worked a great miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead!
Later, Jesus came again to have supper with Lazarus, Martha and Mary. St. Martha served them at table as always. This time, though, Martha had a much more loving attitude. She served with a joyful heart.
Today we might want to repeat Martha's profession of faith in Jesus: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (Jn 11:32-33)
Kids Corner, July 26th.
Click to zoom and print.COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com
John 6:1-15 • The Loaves and the Fishes
Galilee/Crowd/Five thousand/Loaves/Fishes/ Baskets/Gathered/Care/Concern/Jesus/Prophet/ Passover/Mountain/Disciples
When Jesus fed the five thousand he showed great care and concern for the people who were hungry. What can you share today?
COPYRIGHT: CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS www.veritas.ie
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Week beginning Sunday, 26 July
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 6:1-15
1 At the heart of this story we are told that Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. In our day this reminds us of the Eucharist, the bread of life with which Jesus feeds us. By sharing the bread and wine in the Eucharist we symbolise our unity with one another and with God. Can you recall a particular Eucharist that was especially nourishing for you? What was it that made it different?
2 Take, give thanks, distribute. The actions of Jesus also suggest an attitude to time, gifts and living. We take what we are given, give thanks, and use what we have. Have you found that having a grateful heart for what you have been given has made it easier for you to share with others?
3 From what seemed meagre and inadequate resources many were fed. When have you found that when you gratefully use what little resources you have the results are beyond your expectations?
4 Jesus chose to involve those around him in feeding the people. Have there been times when you have experienced benefits from calling on those around you to use their gifts to help with a task?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. I read your answer why the Church is against pre-marital sex. But is there any better way of preparing for eventual marriage than living together to find if the couple are compatible?
A. You seem to be blind to the fact that there is a much higher rate of break-up among couples who cohabited before marriage than among those who did not. It is very likely that couples who did not cohabit before marriage had stronger religious beliefs and developed a spirit of self-sacrifice in their relationship. These factors are hugely important in strengthening the bonds of a mature relationship.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
In Need of Friends
Someone once pointed out that the best time to make friends is before you need them. Paul’s passionate plea for unity in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:1-6) is a reminder of that fact. Paul, of course, doesn’t package his plea in such self-serving terms. However, in its own street-wise fashion the remark is true. Unity is good, disunity is not. It’s as simple as that.
Paul uses language here that many people, particularly men perhaps, may find difficult to identify with in terms of relating to others. He pleads for ‘humility’, ‘gentleness’, ‘patience’ and that awful thing called ‘love’. In an age when, in the name of so-called entertainment, we are bombarded with images of just the opposite of these – anger, hate, violence and abuse – we might be pardoned for wondering which is the norm in life: humility or arrogance, gentleness or aggression, patience or frenzy, love or hate. A constant diet of grim actors on TV, and on the big screen, aping antisocial antics as if life consisted of never-ending rows fuelled by mindless jealousy can result in a build-up of bile.
So, whether we suffer from indigestion or not is up to us. Which do we want: to be hurtful or helpful, coarse or courteous, aggressive or friendly? Those who feed on anger, hate and violence are no strangers to fear. These take more out of us than they give. It’s the caring, the friendship and the love that makes life pleasant and fulfilling.
Ask any angry, jealous and friendless role model you can find.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 6:1-15
1 At the heart of this story we are told that Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. In our day this reminds us of the Eucharist, the bread of life with which Jesus feeds us. By sharing the bread and wine in the Eucharist we symbolise our unity with one another and with God. Can you recall a particular Eucharist that was especially nourishing for you? What was it that made it different?
2 Take, give thanks, distribute. The actions of Jesus also suggest an attitude to time, gifts and living. We take what we are given, give thanks, and use what we have. Have you found that having a grateful heart for what you have been given has made it easier for you to share with others?
3 From what seemed meagre and inadequate resources many were fed. When have you found that when you gratefully use what little resources you have the results are beyond your expectations?
4 Jesus chose to involve those around him in feeding the people. Have there been times when you have experienced benefits from calling on those around you to use their gifts to help with a task?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. I read your answer why the Church is against pre-marital sex. But is there any better way of preparing for eventual marriage than living together to find if the couple are compatible?
A. You seem to be blind to the fact that there is a much higher rate of break-up among couples who cohabited before marriage than among those who did not. It is very likely that couples who did not cohabit before marriage had stronger religious beliefs and developed a spirit of self-sacrifice in their relationship. These factors are hugely important in strengthening the bonds of a mature relationship.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
In Need of Friends
Someone once pointed out that the best time to make friends is before you need them. Paul’s passionate plea for unity in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:1-6) is a reminder of that fact. Paul, of course, doesn’t package his plea in such self-serving terms. However, in its own street-wise fashion the remark is true. Unity is good, disunity is not. It’s as simple as that.
Paul uses language here that many people, particularly men perhaps, may find difficult to identify with in terms of relating to others. He pleads for ‘humility’, ‘gentleness’, ‘patience’ and that awful thing called ‘love’. In an age when, in the name of so-called entertainment, we are bombarded with images of just the opposite of these – anger, hate, violence and abuse – we might be pardoned for wondering which is the norm in life: humility or arrogance, gentleness or aggression, patience or frenzy, love or hate. A constant diet of grim actors on TV, and on the big screen, aping antisocial antics as if life consisted of never-ending rows fuelled by mindless jealousy can result in a build-up of bile.
So, whether we suffer from indigestion or not is up to us. Which do we want: to be hurtful or helpful, coarse or courteous, aggressive or friendly? Those who feed on anger, hate and violence are no strangers to fear. These take more out of us than they give. It’s the caring, the friendship and the love that makes life pleasant and fulfilling.
Ask any angry, jealous and friendless role model you can find.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
23 July 2009
Towards a Summer School in Evangelisation .
Glendalough
Sunday 26th July 2009
9.30am to 6pm
As part of the Dublin Diocesan year of evangelisation, an initial step towards establishing an annual Summer school in Evangelisation will be held in the Resource Centre, Laragh on Sunday 26th July from 9.30am to 6pm.
Programme will include input on the New Evangelisation and Evangelisation in the Parish, together with an enjoyable walk (weather permitting) and end with the Eucharist
.
Speakers:
Fr. Pat Collins Author, Bible Teacher and Conference Speaker
Paddy Monaghan and team who participated Galway Diocese outreach
Fr. Ciarán O’Carroll Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation, Dublin Archdiocese
The suggested offering is €10 for the day. Please bring sandwiches for Lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
This programme is sponsored by New Springtime, a Community that has emerged through some Catholic lay and religious who are involved in running Alpha courses in Catholic Parishes in Dublin. Our Mission Statement states that “In response to the great commission of Jesus and the Catholic Church’s call for a new evangelisation we will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, engage in evangelisation ourselves as well as teaching, training and equipping others who also desire to evangelise those who have not yet developed an intimate personal relationship with Jesus as their saviour.”
Directions: In Laragh, continue on road to Glendalough, passing by road to left at Lynhams Hotel; 300 yds beyond junction, notice Wicklow Heather Restaurant on left. Continue for another 300 yds and turn right. (Signpost opposite: St Kevin’s Church). Entrance to the Brockagh Resource Centre is on left.
To book send Form below to: 41 Shanganagh Vale, Loughlinstown Dublin 18.
Alternatively you can email it to padmon@eircom.net For further info tel Sr. Bernadette at 833 8352, Kevin at 282 2642 or Helena at 085 7178093.
…………………………….Booking Form………………………………………
Please reserve __ places for me (additional names on reverse)
Name (Capitals): _______________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Tel: ______________________ Email:______________________
YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE THE ABOVE INTO WORD.
Sunday 26th July 2009
9.30am to 6pm
As part of the Dublin Diocesan year of evangelisation, an initial step towards establishing an annual Summer school in Evangelisation will be held in the Resource Centre, Laragh on Sunday 26th July from 9.30am to 6pm.
Programme will include input on the New Evangelisation and Evangelisation in the Parish, together with an enjoyable walk (weather permitting) and end with the Eucharist
.
Speakers:
Fr. Pat Collins Author, Bible Teacher and Conference Speaker
Paddy Monaghan and team who participated Galway Diocese outreach
Fr. Ciarán O’Carroll Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation, Dublin Archdiocese
The suggested offering is €10 for the day. Please bring sandwiches for Lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
This programme is sponsored by New Springtime, a Community that has emerged through some Catholic lay and religious who are involved in running Alpha courses in Catholic Parishes in Dublin. Our Mission Statement states that “In response to the great commission of Jesus and the Catholic Church’s call for a new evangelisation we will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, engage in evangelisation ourselves as well as teaching, training and equipping others who also desire to evangelise those who have not yet developed an intimate personal relationship with Jesus as their saviour.”
Directions: In Laragh, continue on road to Glendalough, passing by road to left at Lynhams Hotel; 300 yds beyond junction, notice Wicklow Heather Restaurant on left. Continue for another 300 yds and turn right. (Signpost opposite: St Kevin’s Church). Entrance to the Brockagh Resource Centre is on left.
To book send Form below to: 41 Shanganagh Vale, Loughlinstown Dublin 18.
Alternatively you can email it to padmon@eircom.net For further info tel Sr. Bernadette at 833 8352, Kevin at 282 2642 or Helena at 085 7178093.
…………………………….Booking Form………………………………………
Please reserve __ places for me (additional names on reverse)
Name (Capitals): _______________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Tel: ______________________ Email:______________________
YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE THE ABOVE INTO WORD.
Glendalough is one of Ireland's great treasures, a testament to our Christian heritage and natural beauty.
22 July 2009
Sympathies, Brendan Costello.
Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Brendan Costello who has died in England, the brother of Liz Ryan, 254 Corrib Park. Liz, may you and all the family be consoled by the promise of the Resurrection in your dark hour.
'Dying you destroyed our death.'
'Dying you destroyed our death.'
17 July 2009
Mass Intentions for the week ahead, 19th July 2009
Saturday 18th July 7.30p.m. Stephen Lally
Elizabeth (Lily) Cronly
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Des Lennon (Months Mind Mass)
19th July 11.00 a.m. Mary Fitzpatrick
12.15 p.m. Eamon O’Flaherty
6.30 p.m. Barrett family and Coen family
and Barbara Boyle
Monday 20th July 10.00 a.m. Catherine & Martin Henry
_______________________________________________________
Tuesday 21st July 10.00 a.m. Sick _______________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Jack Spelman & deceased members
22nd July of Donnellan family.
_______________________________________________________
Thursday 23rd July 10.00 a.m. 1. Paddy & Bridget Sheils &
deceased members.
2. George & Dolan family. _______________________________________________________
Friday 24th July 10.00 a.m Raymond Rooney
_______________________________________________________
Saturday 25th July 7.30p.m. 1. Padge Cooke and living and
deceased members of Cooke
and O’Sullivan families.
2. Des Donovan & Tom Bourke
Sunday 9.30 a.m.
26th July 11.00 a.m. Bill Keane
12.15 p.m. Moira Smith
Prayer Board.
1. All our priests this year of the priest.
2. All our youth, especially those traveling to the Knock Youth Festival this week.
3. Fruits to be discerned now that the Creideamh Festival has come to a close.
4. All our sick for whom Mass is offered every Tuesday.
5. The Crowley family on the death of Yvonne.
6. For our two new seminarians starting their studies this August.
2. All our youth, especially those traveling to the Knock Youth Festival this week.
3. Fruits to be discerned now that the Creideamh Festival has come to a close.
4. All our sick for whom Mass is offered every Tuesday.
5. The Crowley family on the death of Yvonne.
6. For our two new seminarians starting their studies this August.
ATTENTION! KNOCK YOUTH FESTIVAL!
From July 23rd-26th there is an opportunity to get plugged in and switched on with the Knock Youth Festival, this years theme being You are the Light of the World. When you think of Knock it may be the older generation that springs to mind; this festival, for 18-35 year olds offers something different- there will be discussions on life, love, justice and faith; hip hop, mind body meditation and pottery workshops and chill out options available over the weekend.
‘I would certainly agree that young people are the future of the church because they have idealism to bring about change not only in our Church but also in our society’ said Fr.Peter Mc Verry, SJ who will be one of the speakers at the Festival. So if you would like to meet others from Galway and beyond who would also like to be part of that change or you would like an opportunity to explore what faith means to you in a relaxed environment, contact Fr Barry Horan - Mobile No 086 024 5241 or email -bhgalway@gmail.com to hear details of festival. The total cost for the weekend, including meals, is €70.
Watch the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr30qH2-13Q
Check out the Bebo page - http://www.bebo.com/Knockyouthfestival
PS It’s a festival, so expect camping and lots of music.
Saint of the Week, Saint Brigid of SWEDEN, Patron of Europe.
Read about a different St. Brigid to our own Irish one.
St. Bridget of Sweden.
(1303?-1373)
|
From age seven on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activity, always with the emphasis on charity rather than spiritual favors.
Comment:
She lived her married life in the court of the Swedish king Magnus II. Mother of eight children (the second eldest was St. Catherine of Sweden), she lived the strict life of a penitent after her husband's death.
Bridget constantly strove to exert her good influence over Magnus; while never fully reforming, he did give her land and buildings to found a monastery for men and women. This group eventually expanded into an Order known as the Bridgetines (still in existence).
In 1350, a year of jubilee, Bridget braved a plague-stricken Europe to make a pilgrimage to Rome. Although she never returned to Sweden, her years in Rome were far from happy, being hounded by debts and by opposition to her work against Church abuses.
A final pilgrimage to the Holy Land, marred by shipwreck and the death of her son, Charles, eventually led to her death in 1373. In 1999, she, Saints Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein were named co-patronesses of Europe.
Comment:
Quote:Bridget's visions, rather than isolating her from the affairs of the world, involved her in many contemporary issues, whether they be royal policy or the years that the legitimate Bishop of Rome lived in Avignon, France. She saw no contradiction between mystical experience and secular activity, and her life is a testimony to the possibility of a holy life in the market place.
Despite the hardships of life and wayward children (not all became saints), Margery Kempe of Lynn says Bridget was kind and meek to every creature, and she had a laughing face.
COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Week beginning Sunday 19 July
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
Mark 6:30-34
1 The apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught. Perhaps you have had the experience of being able to check in with somebody and share an experience. What was that like for you? 2 Jesus saw that the apostles needed to rest and eat. What has been your experience of finding a restful place after a busy day? What kind of nourishment have you found necessary in order to live with energy and enthusiasm? What have these insights taught you about life? 3 When Jesus saw the crowd, he recognised their need and reached out to them. Who has been a Jesus person for you, someone who recognised your need and reached out to you? For whom have you been a Jesus person in that way? 4 It sometimes can be difficult to strike a balance between responding to the needs of others and meeting our need for rest and nourishment. What has helped you to keep the balance right?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. Why must we have so many interruptions at Mass like standing, kneeling, shaking hands etc.? I would much prefer a quiet, uninterrupted Mass.
A. Silent worship is wonderful in its own place but the celebration of the Eucharist is a community prayer which recognises the presence of the Lord not only in the consecrated host but also in the gathered community, in the word and in the mission to go out in love and service. ‘Though there are many of us we form a single body, because we all have a share in the one loaf’ (1 Cor. 10:17). Sharing responses, gestures and movements with others is a recognition of Christ in the body that is the community.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
Silence
In The World of Silence, Max Picard writes, ‘And yet sometimes all the noise of the world today seems like the mere buzzing of insects on the broad back of silence.’ There’s something substantial about silence. Often people describe it as ‘heavy’. Silence is formidable, even intimidating, if you’re not friendly with it. But to be friendly with it, first you have to be friendly with you. One way of finding out if you are, is to go off to a lonely spot and see how long you can stay there before unease sets in.
How many people follow Jesus’ advice to his disciples in today’s Gospel (Mark 6:30-34) to go to a deserted place for peace and quiet? Are they not more inclined to go to a noisy holiday resort where’s there’s lots of action, lots of people, lots of things to do to fill the gap, lots of ways to forget oneself? Is there not something desperate about having to have a good time, and worse yet to feel obliged to say you had, even though you may not have had?
Getting used to silent, solitary periods to relax, to refresh our spirit and take stock of our life is worthwhile. It helps us to think about important things that in the normal course of a day we rarely think of. Things like: life and its purpose, values we live by, people we hold precious, ambitions that drive us, the place we give to God in our life.
Silence is necessary not for finding answers but for finding questions.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
Mark 6:30-34
1 The apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught. Perhaps you have had the experience of being able to check in with somebody and share an experience. What was that like for you? 2 Jesus saw that the apostles needed to rest and eat. What has been your experience of finding a restful place after a busy day? What kind of nourishment have you found necessary in order to live with energy and enthusiasm? What have these insights taught you about life? 3 When Jesus saw the crowd, he recognised their need and reached out to them. Who has been a Jesus person for you, someone who recognised your need and reached out to you? For whom have you been a Jesus person in that way? 4 It sometimes can be difficult to strike a balance between responding to the needs of others and meeting our need for rest and nourishment. What has helped you to keep the balance right?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie
Questions people ask
Q. Why must we have so many interruptions at Mass like standing, kneeling, shaking hands etc.? I would much prefer a quiet, uninterrupted Mass.
A. Silent worship is wonderful in its own place but the celebration of the Eucharist is a community prayer which recognises the presence of the Lord not only in the consecrated host but also in the gathered community, in the word and in the mission to go out in love and service. ‘Though there are many of us we form a single body, because we all have a share in the one loaf’ (1 Cor. 10:17). Sharing responses, gestures and movements with others is a recognition of Christ in the body that is the community.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com
The Deep End
Silence
In The World of Silence, Max Picard writes, ‘And yet sometimes all the noise of the world today seems like the mere buzzing of insects on the broad back of silence.’ There’s something substantial about silence. Often people describe it as ‘heavy’. Silence is formidable, even intimidating, if you’re not friendly with it. But to be friendly with it, first you have to be friendly with you. One way of finding out if you are, is to go off to a lonely spot and see how long you can stay there before unease sets in.
How many people follow Jesus’ advice to his disciples in today’s Gospel (Mark 6:30-34) to go to a deserted place for peace and quiet? Are they not more inclined to go to a noisy holiday resort where’s there’s lots of action, lots of people, lots of things to do to fill the gap, lots of ways to forget oneself? Is there not something desperate about having to have a good time, and worse yet to feel obliged to say you had, even though you may not have had?
Getting used to silent, solitary periods to relax, to refresh our spirit and take stock of our life is worthwhile. It helps us to think about important things that in the normal course of a day we rarely think of. Things like: life and its purpose, values we live by, people we hold precious, ambitions that drive us, the place we give to God in our life.
Silence is necessary not for finding answers but for finding questions.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com
Kids Corner, July 19th.
Jesus Cares for us.Mark 6:30-34 • Care
A story for you to read or to print and mam or dad can read it for you.
Introducing Cian and Bella.
Bella: Hi there Cian, what’s up, you look a bit sad?
Cian: Just can’t seem to score any goals lately and it’s getting me down.
Bella: But I saw your last match and even though you didn’t score any goals you sure set up a load for the other players, that’s how you work as a team and care for others.
Cian: I suppose, but I wish some of them would set me up for a few goals!
Bella: They will and they do Cian, you have a great team everyone cares about each other. That is what the Gospel is about this Sunday you know, Jesus always showed care for people and helped them and talked to them. I reckon that if Jesus was a footballer he would definitely set up the goals for his teammates as well as score the goals himself!
Cian: Bella, you’re a good pal, you always make me feel better!
Bella: Well I care about you, and that means I listen to you and help you in any way I can. Showing care and concern for others is what Jesus teaches us to do.
How will you show care and concern for others today?
COPYRIGHT: INTERCOM MAGAZINE, VERITAS COMMUNICATIONS.
15 July 2009
Yvonne Crowley, R.I.P.
Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Yvonne Crowley of St. Brendan's Nursing Home and Rahoon Road. Yvonne's remains will be reposing, at Conneely's Funeral Home on Flood Street, from 5 PM tomorrow, Thursday, July 16th. Removal at 7 to our church. Mass on Friday at 11, with burial afterwards in Mount St. Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery.
'You have the message of eternal life.'
'You have the message of eternal life.'
10 July 2009
Prayer Corner.
1. Year of the Priest, all our priests.
2. All who suffered abuse at the hands of the church.
4. All who are despondent at the scandals in the church.
5. All our sick for whom Mass is offered every Tuesday.
6. The Pope.
7. For Vocations.
8. All who are worried about their future in these recessionary times.
9. A peaceful culmination to The Marching Season in the Province of Ulster.
2. All who suffered abuse at the hands of the church.
4. All who are despondent at the scandals in the church.
5. All our sick for whom Mass is offered every Tuesday.
6. The Pope.
7. For Vocations.
8. All who are worried about their future in these recessionary times.
9. A peaceful culmination to The Marching Season in the Province of Ulster.
Indian Community Mass with Indian Bishop next Wednesday, July 15th.
This Months Indian Community Mass, next Wednesday, July 15th, will have a privileged visitor, the Bishop from Kerala, where most of the community hail from. The Mass will, as usual, be preceded by confessions at 5:30. We hope the Bishop will enjoy his stay here in Galway, and he will be heartily welcome amongst us.
Interesting Program on TV, Sunday, July 19th.
RTÉ TELEVISION
RTÉ RELIGIOUS
Songs from the Garden
Sunday 19th July at 4.55pm
RTÉ One
Craig Doyle presents a unique musical and spiritual celebration of the life of Enniskerry, his adopted home town and the jewel of the
The Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin and John Neill, lead a pilgrimage through the village, which celebrated its big anniversary with a Victorian pageant.
For further information please contact:
Vivienne Flood
Television Press Officer
RTÉ
Telephone (01) 208 3164
Email: Vivienne.flood@rte.ie
*** Images available on request.
_________
Vivienne Flood
Press & Publicity Officer, RTÉ Television
(T) 01 2083164
(F) 01 2083362
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