31 August 2009

CROÍ NUA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE course on the Sunday Readings.

AT CROÍ NUA CENTRE

GOOD NEWS EACH SUNDAY

A group of people prayerfully reflect on the call of the Sunday Mass readings and their wisdom for our lives.

Facilitators: Patsy Kelly MSC; Michael Screene MSC

Beginning Thursday September 10th 7.30p.m.-9.30p.m.

Croí Nua Spirituality Centre is run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and is situated on Rosary Lane in Taylors Hill, opposite the entrance to the Dominican Convent Primary and Secondary School. The no. 2 bus passes by the gate.

28 August 2009

Creative Writing Classes in Westside Library.

This September our local Westside Library is proud to present Creative Writing Classes for students facilitated by award winning writer Kevin Higgins. The class will run for eight weeks, commencing the week of September 21st. They will take place on Monday mornings from 10:30 to 12:30. The cost is €70. To reserve a place contact the library at 091- 520610 or westside@galwaylibrary.ie

Support our local library! It's a treasure house in our community!

Don't Forget!

This Friday is the First Friday of September. We have two Masses that day, the usual Morning Mass at 10, and our First Friday Evening Mass and Benediction at 7:30.
Monsignor Malachy will do his Communion Calls on Friday, and Father David on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

Cemetery Sunday in Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery, is on Sunday, September 13th. Mass will be in the cemetery at 3 o'clock.


Mass Intentions for the week ahead, August 30th 2009.

Saturday, August 29th, Vigil Mass, 7:30, Sybil Ryan.
Sunday, August 30th, 9:30, Thomas and Maureen Walsh.
11:00, Paddy Kennedy.
12:15, Niall Thornton.
6:30, 1. Della Lally. 2. Ned and Michéal Walsh.
Monday, August 31st, 10:00, Michael Whelan.
Tuesday, September 1st, 10:00, Weekly Mass for all our sick.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 10:00, 1. Ciss Berry. 2. Bridget and Michael Kenny.
Thursday, September 3rd, 10:00, Michael Dooley.
Friday, September 4th, 10:00, Bridget, Ray and Edward Moloney.
First Friday Evening Mass and Benediction, 7:30, Eoghan McGettrick.
Saturday, September 5th, Vigil Mass, 7:30, 1. Moya Arnold. 2. Stephen Burke.
Sunday, September 6th, 9:30, Nellie and Terry Gurry.
11:00, Ann McDonagh.
12:15, 1. Christopher Morkan. 2. Joseph and Patrick Corbett.
6:30, 1. Raymond Moloney. 2. Bridie Corcoran.

Cura, Special Collection.



This weekend we have a special collection for Cura, the Catholic Agency for those who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy. All its services are free and confidential. Visit Cura at www.cura.ie

Kids Corner, August 30th.

Best of luck and lots of prayers boys and girls as you begin the new school year.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 • Inner Beauty

Cian: Hi there Bella! Where have you been for the last few days?
Bella: Hi Cian, I was helping a friend, there was a gang of kids who started shouting at her on her way home from school and she told me about it and I advised her to tell her parents. We went to her parents and then they went to the Principal and with her help it was all sorted out.
Cian: That sounds mean, good for you for helping Bell!
Bella: Thanks, but the kids who were doing it were not bad kids at all, it was just that they were in a gang and decided to pick on her because she has a pony. They said horrible things and that really hurt and upset her.
Cian: Y’know, that is what the Gospel is about this Sunday. It will be good for everyone to hear it.
Bella: Yes I know, our teacher worked on it today with us and there were some embarrassed faces alright. She said that Jesus told his disciples the words we speak show the world what we are truly like on the inside and so we should always think before we say things especially if we are in a bad mood or we think we are cool! It is not enough being beautiful on the outside, we must be beautiful on the inside as well you know Cian!!
How can you show the world your inner beauty today?

Orla Walsh •Email walsh_orla@eircom.net

Illustrations by Connie Collins • Email collinsconnie@hotmail.com



Saints of the Week, Saints Monica and Augustine.



The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica’s prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his baptism.

Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father’s death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact, she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted.

When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine’s trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan.

In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her (see Quote, below). Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste.

She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter, 387, St. Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org

The Feast of St. Augustine is a special day for the Augustinian Community here in Galway. We give thanks for their great contribution to our diocese. Also, in our diocese, we have St. Augustine's Holy Well in the city, on Lough Atalia Road, and this is also a special day for the Church of St. Augustine in Kilshanny in our diocese.

Sunday, August 30th.

Week beginning Sunday, 30 August
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
1 Certain sections of the Jewish people put great store on the importance of rules and conventions as a measure of the goodness of a person. Jesus challenges this view. How have you found that getting appearances right did not necessarily make you a good person?
2 Even fidelity in religious practice is not enough. ‘This people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.’ How have you experienced the importance of carrying your faith beyond attendance at Mass on Sundays? When have you seen that in others? What brought this home to you?
3 What Jesus seeks are followers whose faith is whole-hearted and warm, people whose religion is not primarily in dutiful observance but in their enthusiasm for life and their care for one another. It is good to be with them. Think of the contrast between a dinner party, at which everything is just right but very formal, and another party which is rather haphazard and casual but full of great warmth.
4 ‘It is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come.’ It is also from within that good intentions come. We have choices. When have you been faced with the choice between good and evil? When did you realise the importance of accepting responsibility for your own life and choices? How has this helped your growth as a person?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie

Defeat Depression with Aware.

Aware is currently calling on all who are concerned about depression and suicide to join us on Daisy Days and help to raise funds for the vital support, information and education services that the organisation provides. This is our biggest fundraiser each year and we really need your help. Don't underestimate the difference that even an hour of your time can make.

www.aware.ie

Turn the Tide of Suicide.

.3T's (Turn the Tide of Suicide) is a registered charity (reg no. CHY15710), founded to raise awareness of the problem of suicide in Ireland and to raise funds to help lower suicide rates through dedicated research, educational support and intervention. World Suicide Prevention Week Candlelight Vigil takes place in St Nicholas Collegiate Church, 11 September , 8pm to 9.30pm. www.3ts.ie

Arthritis Ireland Galway Branch Meeting.

Arthritis Ireland Galway Branch will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday 1st Sept. 2009 at 7.30pm in Arus Naofa, Renmore (in the grounds of Saint Oliver Plunkett Church, Renmore Avenue). Dr. Bhatti with his team from Village Healthcare will be our guest speakers. They will discuss complimentary therapy and physiotherapy. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend this free event.

22 August 2009

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, August 23rd 2009.

Saturday, August 22nd, Vigil Mass, 7:3o PM. 1. Mary Nally. 2. Martha Brennan.
Sunday, August 23rd, 9:30 AM. 1. Mary McKinney. 2. Tomás Downey.
11:00 AM. 1. Caroline Feeney. 2. Dave and Philomena McDonagh.
12:15 PM. 1. Joseph Hoade. 2. Aengus Murphy.
6:30 PM. 1. Martin, Kate and Peter McDonagh. 2. Gary and Deceased of Daly Family.
Monday, August 24th, 10:00 AM. Pat Concannon.
Tuesday, August 25th, 10:00 AM. All our sick.
Wednesday, August 26th, 10:00 AM. John Paul Sullivan and Margaret and Charles Flatman.
Thursday, August 27th, 10:00 AM. Michael McDonagh.
Friday, August 28th, 10:00 AM. Imelda, Miriam and Jackie Reidy.
Saturday, August 29th, Vigil Mass, 7:30 PM. Sybil Ryan.
Sunday, August 30th, 9:30 AM. Thomas and Maureen Walsh.
11:00 AM. Paddy Kennedy.
12:15 PM. Niall Thornton.
6:30 PM. 1. Delia Lally. 2. Ned and Micheál Walsh.

21 August 2009

Saint of the Week, Saint Bartholomew.


In the New Testament, Bartholomew is mentioned only in the lists of the apostles. Some scholars identify him with Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b). When Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, Jesus said, “I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48b). Whatever amazing revelation this involved, it brought Nathanael to exclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49b). But Jesus countered with, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this” (John 1:50b).

Nathanael did see greater things. He was one of those to whom Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (see John 21:1-14). They had been fishing all night without success. In the morning, they saw someone standing on the shore though no one knew it was Jesus. He told them to cast their net again, and they made so great a catch that they could not haul the net in. Then John cried out to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

When they brought the boat to shore, they found a fire burning, with some fish laid on it and some bread. Jesus asked them to bring some of the fish they had caught, and invited them to come and eat their meal. John relates that although they knew it was Jesus, none of the apostles presumed to inquire who he was. This, John notes, was the third time Jesus appeared to the apostles.

Some Christian legends say that after seeing the risen Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias, Bartholomew travelled to India and brought Christianity to the people there. Other legends say that he travelled with St. Jude Thaddeus, another of the twelve apostles, to Armenia to bring Christianity to the people there. These same legends say that Bartholomew was martyred in Armenia by being flayed alive and then crucified upside down.

Copyright: www.americancatholic.org

Kids Corner, August 23rd.

'Put on the armour of God' Ephesians 6:11. Image Copyright: www.sermons4kids.com

John 6:60-69 • Let go, Let God! Cian and Bella.


Cian: Hi Bella, Guess what I did in swimming today?
Bella: Hey Cian, I don’t know, did you catch an octopus or get stung by a jellyfish?!!!
Cian: No silly, I finally dived into the deep end! I was really nervous and for the last two sessions had not done it, but today I did it and I am really proud of myself!
Bella: Hey, that is so cool! What gave you that final bit of courage?
Cian: Well actually, Jesus did!! We had read the Gospel for Sunday and it was about Jesus and his closest friends. Some of them said that they were beginning to doubt him. Jesus told them that they needed to trust and really believe in him, to listen to what he was teaching them and their lives would be totally changed for the better. But this was often difficult for the disciples because they were just like us, and sometimes we also find it really difficult to stop worrying and panicking about things. Jesus was saying ‘let go, let God!’ to the disciples and so I thought about this at swimming and decided to really trust in God and believe that I would be fine. I stopped worrying and took deep breaths and down I went into the perfect dive!
How can you ‘let go, let God’ today?

Copyright: www.veritas.ie

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Week beginning Sunday, 23 August
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 6:60-69
1 In this chapter Jesus teaches that the meaning of his life, and the meaning of all human life, lies in being prepared to give of oneself. When have you learned that life was more worthwhile when you were prepared to do that?
2 ‘This teaching is difficult’, complained his hearers, including some of his own followers. Perhaps at times you also have wondered if you could go along with it. What helped you to overcome your resistance?
3 ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life.’ In the midst of your doubts perhaps you have held on to belief because, like Peter, Jesus offered you a more hopeful message than you could find anywhere else. How has the gospel message been more attractive to you than any other?
4 ‘The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.’ Recall the teachings of Jesus have particularly spoken to you.
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie


Questions people ask
Q. How can anyone today take St Paul seriously when he says that the husband is the head of his wife and wives should submit to their husbands in everything?
A. To be fair to Paul read the full passage in Ephesians 3:21-32. Paul makes even greater demands on the husband. ‘Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy.’ In fact, Paul was a pioneer in advocating the equality of male and female because he recognised how Christ Jesus destroyed the inequalities between Jew and Gentile, between slave and free, between male and female, ‘for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Gal 3:28).
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com


The Deep End
Take it or Leave it

There’s very much a take-it-or-leave-it approach evident in today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69). There’s no attempt at gentle persuasion. Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever. Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this? Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means. Now why would they do that? Why would they take seriously someone who makes so outlandish a claim?
Two reasons perhaps. First, there’s something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what. There’s an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him that tells you he’s not the type to make nonsensical statements. Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic. Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him.
Second reason: his works. Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power. Miracles we call them. Because we’ve not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannot fully appreciate their effect. Just imagine if you witnessed someone performing even one of the healings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked? Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person?
Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim. Why? Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won’t either. As St Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com


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Burren Peaks Walking Festival.

Burren Peaks Walking Festival, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Saturday / Sunday September 26th – 27th 2009

For Information Phone 087-2691147 / 085-1741700

www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com

Connacht Rugy Open Day in Aid of Special Olympics.

Connacht Rugby recognises the importance of the community around them and in return for the continued support at the SportsGround week in week out they are having an open day for the public on Sunday August 23rd from 2-5pm. The event is FREE and all donations on the day are in aid of Special Olympics Ireland. All who attend will receive a Free ticket for the Connacht V Rotherham game the following week in the Sports Ground.

On the day there will be lots of entertainment including bouncing castles, face painting, obstacle courses for children as well as team demonstrations and a tour of the players changing room and an opportunity to see the new gym. Parents will also be given an opportunity to join in on the fun participating in games and kicking and tackling competitions for both mums and dads. On the day there will be plenty of refreshments provided and children will get the opportunity to meet and train with the Connacht Rugby team. All who attend will receive a Free ticket for the Connacht V Rotherham game the following week in the Sports Ground.

Location: The SportsGround, College Road, Galway.

Time: 2-5pm

Price: Free

20 August 2009

Mercy Secondary School, Galway.

School begins for classes/ year groups as follows:
Fri, August 28th, First Year Students at 9:00.
Monday, August 31st, Leaving Certificate, Junior Certificate and First Year Students at 9:00.
Tuesday, September 1st, All students at 9:00.

msm@eircom.net

www.mercygalway.ie

Jackie O'Reilly, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Jackie O'Reilly, 36 Upper Newcastle. Jackie's remains will leave O'Flaherty's Funeral Parlour on Friday, August 21st, for our church, at 6:30.

Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11, burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery.

'We gain an everlasting dwelling place.....'

17 August 2009

Alpha Training Day, Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith, Saturday, September 5th, from 10 to 4.

Fr. Pat Collins is a well know author and conference speaker. He has a passionate

heart for evangelisation. He sees Alpha as a key tool for effective evangelisation.

Rob Clarke is Director of Kerygma Teams and was a key organizer of the recent

successful Creideamh Festival of Faith in Galway.

Paddy Monaghan is a National Co-ordinator of Alpha Ireland. He has been

involved in running 15 Alpha courses incl one for the homeless and prisoners.

Seminar will cover the principles and practicalities of running Alpha. There will be testimonies from folk who have been blessed through Alpha in Galway and Ennis

Cost: €10 – pay on day. Bring sandwiches for lunch. Coffee/tea provided.

& Booking Form: Please reserve …. places

My Name (please print – additional names on back) _______________________________

 

My Address ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

( _______________Email_______________________________

Send booking form to: An Tobar Nua, 25 Lr Dominick St, Galway, Ireland

Or Email form to mike@creideamh.org / Web: www.alphacourse.ie

For further information tel: Mike 086 3811479 or Madge 087 6797277

What is Alpha?

It is a 10 week course covering such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How does God guide us? and Why and How do I pray? Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Alpha can help you to deepen your relationship with the Lord.

What is involved?

A typical Alpha evening generally lasts for 90 minutes. The format is normally to start with some songs, look at DVD for 20 minutes; then have coffee/biscuits/cakes, then break into small groups to discuss some questions relevant to the teaching. Participants will each be given an Alpha Manual.

What is the impact of Alpha?

Alpha is endorsed by Church leaders in all the main Christian churches. Alpha is impacting adults, youth, the business community and prisoners in 163 countries with over 36,000 courses running. In Ireland the number of Alphas increased from 17 in 2005 to 100 in 2008 including one in Mountjoy Prison for 12 prisoners.

How has it changed peoples’ lives?

“It has made a big difference in my own faith and I have seen it make a big impact on others. Alpha addresses all the main issues of Christianity in an atmosphere that is non threatening or cringy and that people can enjoy.” John McNicholas, former Longford Town club Footballer

“We had an opportunity at Alpha to all discuss what we believed in a friendly and relaxed way. No judgements. No pressure. I really liked it. It was great.” Fiona Kinsella, Student Dublin

“I’ll always remember the Away Day- I got a wonderful healing from God” Helen R

“I enjoyed the talks on DVD by Nicky Gumbel. They were so scriptural, so clear and easy to understand, full of humour and each talk really touched me.” Mary

“I went along to Alpha and it changed my life. It was good to be part of a group of searching people. It made me realise that we are on the same journey.” Patrick,

I feel 100% comfortable recommending Alpha as I know no one is ever judged or bible bashed. The Alpha course is super laid back and it’s fun

Bear Grylls - Adventurer, Writer and Television Presenter

16 August 2009

Sympathies, August 16th

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the souls of Mary O'Sullivan, Rahoon Road, whose funeral took place during in St. Joseph's on Wednesday, and John Goaley, Maunsells Road, whose Funeral mass will take place in Saint Joseph's , tomorrow, Monday, August 17th, at 11, with burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery.

'Dying you destroyed our death...'

Wedding Bells.

Congratulations to Maria Mongan, Gaelcarrig Park, and Martin Mongan, Ballybane, who were married in our church on Friday. Long life, health, and blessings to you both!

Feast of Mary Immaculate Queen.


The Feast of Mary Immaculate Queen is next Saturday, August 22nd, and, to mark the event, the Annual Celebration will take place in the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Bearna, beginning with Mass at 7:30 celebrated by the Parish Priest, An tAth Séan Ó Catháin.

Fraternity and Feast of Mary Immaculate Queen.

"Síol Dóchais" (Fraternity house), Bearna, Co. Galway
* Sunday 23rd August: Celebration in honour of Mary Immaculate Queen
Starts at 2.30pm, Mass at 3.30, cuppa.
* Saturday 12th September: All-night adoration
9pm adoration till 9am Sunday 13th: Mass, brunch.
* Saturday 31st October: All Saints' Vigil Mass 9pm
then 10pm all-night adoration till 9am Sunday: day Mass, brunch.
Maynooth, Co. Kildare
* Friday 18th September: Mass 6pm
St Catherine's (Salesian House), University Campus. Followed by cuppa.
Dublin
* Saturday 19th September: Mass - NEW LOCATION!
St Peter Claver Convent ("Eastmore"): 81 Bushy Park Road, Terenure, Dublin 6
10.30am rosary, 11am Mass, cuppa
Buses: 74a (Fleet St. via Rathgar) stops outside convent;
16/16a (get off stop after Terenure Crossroads, direction Rathfarnham)
Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo
* Saturday 21st November: Day-retreat with the Fraternity
Theme: "Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations" (Psalm 2)
11am Rosary, Talk (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
12.30 Lunch (St John's Rest & Care) - please bring packed lunch! Tea & coffee provided.
2-3pm Holy Hour (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
3.15 Mass (Apparition Chapel)
If you're in Knock for the weekend, you're welcome to join us forMass in the Apparition Chapel:
Friday 20th @ 5.45pm & Sunday 22nd @ 9.45am
Medjugorje pilgrimage - still some places available!
direct flight from Dublin: 26th September - 3rd October
Contact Breege: 086-060 0088 (spiritual director Fr Nigel)
Fraternity of Mary Immaculate Queen
"Síol Dóchais", Ballard, Barna, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: 091-592 196
The Fraternity in Barna welcomes young people and others for weekend visits or longer stays by arrangement.
Please contact us for more information.

15 August 2009

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, August 16th.

Saturday, Vigil Mass, 7:30. Bridie and Edward Courtney.
Sunday, 9:30. 1. Mary and Brod Trill 2. James Lee.
11:00. John Lovett and Deceased of Lovett and Furey Families.
12: 15. 1. Tim and Lena Codyre. 2. Eddie Lee.
6:30. Raymond and Derek O'Neill.
Monday, 10:00. Francis McDonagh.
Tuesday, 10:00. Weekly Mass for the sick.
Wednesday, 10:00. Delia Lyden.
5:30. Indian Community Mass.
Thursday, 10:00. Angela Mullaly.
Friday, 10:00. Samantha McDonagh.
Saturday, Vigil Mass, 7:30. 1. Mary Nally. 2. Martha Brennan.
Sunday, August 23rd, 9:30. Mary McKinney.
11:00. 1. Caroline Feeney. 2. Dave&Philomena McDonagh.
12:15. 1. Joseph Hoade. 2. Aengus Murphy.
6:30. 1. Martin, Kate and Peter McDonagh. 2. Gary and Deceased of Daly Family.

Kids Corner, August 16th.


COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com
Click to zoom and print.

John 6: 51-58 • Jesus is the Living Bread
When Jesus explained to the people who he was he said that God the Father had sent him and that he would bring love and life to all who believe in Him. Jesus is sent from God to bring us back to God. Our relationship with him develops as we travel on the journey of our lives.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Week beginning Sunday, 16 August
seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 6:51-58
1 In the Gospel of John, the author frequently presents people as misunderstanding what Jesus says. Jesus then uses the mistake to lead his hearers to a deeper understanding of his teaching. When have you found that clarification of a misunderstanding helped you to greater wisdom or deeper faith?
2 Recall some treasured gifts that you have received. Then think of people who gave you something of themselves. Is it not true that such a gift outweighs any material present? When have you received such a gift? To whom have you given this gift?
3 In this Gospel faith is not a concept but a relationship. Faith leads us to believe in Jesus and to trust him who gave his life for us. As you look back on the development of your faith, what has helped to increase your trust in Jesus so that you believe that you are never on your own no matter what difficulties arise in your life?
4 Jesus promises that those who come to him will have life. In what ways have you found that believing in God’s love, and believing that Jesus came to tell us about that love, has been life-giving for you?
John Byrne OSA
Email john@orlagh.ie


Questions people ask
Q. If the Eucharistic Bread was subjected to laboratory testing before and after the consecration, would the results be any different?
A. There is no chemical or physical change at the consecration, so the chemical analysis would yield the same result before and after the consecration. In the same way, a chemical test on Jesus of Nazareth during his life on earth would have found the elements of a human body but would not have detected his divinity. Our faith is based on the words of Jesus. The Son of God dwelt for some thirty-three years in human nature, and now he comes to us as the bread of life, made holy in the consecrated bread and wine.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com


The Deep End
Cop on or Cop out

The message on the church bulletin board reads: ‘Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.’ Wisdom is knowing what to stand for – and standing up for it. Wisdom is putting knowledge to good use. Today’s First Reading (Prov 9:1-6) urges us to ‘lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight’ (v 6). Easier said than done.
Someone who is immature is not ripe. Growth in one or more areas of their life slowed down or stopped completely at some stage. It’s scary enough that such a thing can happen, but to make matters worse it can happen without our realising it until it’s late in the day.
Today’s reading also tells us to walk in the way of insight. Fine! But how do you do that? You can’t just decide to have an insight as you’d have a cup of tea. You can’t conjure one up, order one over the Internet, or go to a shop and buy one. No! They either come to you or they don’t. However, maybe it’s just one basic insight that the reading refers to. Once you’ve had that one others follow of their own accord as life presents them. But without the basic one you miss the others. And what is more basic to realise than that life has purpose, and consequences that extend beyond death. Once that sinks in we begin to see things differently.
Wisdom has built her house, set her pillars, and prepared a meal for those who enter. So let’s put immaturity aside and live. Let’s cop on not cop out.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon, Co Roscommon
Email tomcee@svdireland.com


COPYRIGHT: www.veritas.ie

Saint of the Week, Saint Bernard.


Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But the “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, has to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days.

In the year 1111, at the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The zealous young man was quite demanding, though more on himself than others. A slight breakdown of health taught him to be more patient and understanding. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light.

His ability as arbitrator and counselor became widely known. More and more he was lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. On several of these occasions he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome. Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See. But to a letter of warning from Rome he replied that the good fathers in Rome had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece. If any matters arose that warranted their interest, he would be the first to let them know.

Shortly thereafter it was Bernard who intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope.

The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured. The ideals of the men and their leaders, however, were not those of Abbot Bernard, and the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster.

Bernard felt responsible in some way for the degenerative effects of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came August 20, 1153.

Copyright: www.americancatholic.org


Bernard composed the beautiful prayer The Memorare. Why not visit the ancient site of the Cistercian Monastery in County Galway, which gives the village it's in its name, Abbeyknockmoy?

13 August 2009

Cemetery Sunday in The New Cemetery.

This Sunday, August 16th, is Cemetery Sunday in The New Cemetery, Bohermore. Mass in The Cemetery is at 11 and Devotions are at 5. Cemetery Sunday in our own parish, in Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery, on Sunday, September 13th. Mass will be in the cemetery at 3.

Mass Times, Feast of The Assumption.

Saturday is The Feast of the Assumption. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and our Masses are, Friday (Vigil Mass) 7:30, Saturday, 10:00 and 11:30. The Saturday Evening 7:30 (Vigil Mass for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time) takes place as usual.

Our Lady Assumed into Heaven is Patroness of our Diocese and Cathedral. On August 15th 1965 The Cathedral was dedicated.

12 August 2009

Help the Poor Clares!!

HELP THE POOR CLARES! For the best part of four centuries, the Poor Clare Community has been a praying presence in our city. Generations of people can testify to the encouragement and the comfort and solace they received through the assurance of their prayers. We hope that this will continue for many years to come. And that is why we are enthusiastically undertaking to help them raise the funds for the necessary updating of the Extern Convent.

It is hoped that the proposed work will better facilitate the external service of the monastery. This is the reason for the current fundraising drive and we hope that you will consider this a cause worthy of your support. Find out more, visit

A warm Westside welcome to Rev. Pat O'Donohue.

We extend a warm welcome this week to Rev. Patrick O'Donohue who will be with us for the next four weeks. Pat is from the Parish of Lisdoonvarna, was ordained a deacon for our diocese this year, and will, God willing, be ordained a priest in 2010. Please pray for vocations! Thank God we have two men who are starting their studies in the national seminary in Maynooth at the end of this month. That means we will now have three students studying for the diocese, which is a great improvement, but we need LOTS more!!! You'll find vocations links in the menu bar of this page, and, of course, Monsignor Malachy or Father David are always delighted to meet anyone considering a vocation.

Music for your wedding.

Aisling Kenny, Soprano, is available for your wedding. Please call or e-mail to arrange a consultation- 087-9027570 / aislingmariekenny_at_gmail.com

On the subject of music, don't forget tomorrow, Thursday, August 13th, is the last night of The Galway Cathedral Recitals. You'll get all the details at www.galwaycathedral.org/recitals

Knock Novena 2009.




  • 2009 is the 32nd year of the Novena – it started in 1977.

  • The theme of the 2009 Novena is - Seeds of Hope.

  • 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of Pope John Paul’s visit to Knock in 1979.

  • During the Novena well-known speakers will reflect on different aspects of the theme.

  • Two Diocesan Pilgrimages to Knock will take place during the Novena – Raphoe and Elphin.

  • The Solemnity of the Assumption on the 15th August and the 130th Anniversary of the Knock Apparition on 21st August will be celebrated during the Novena.

  • Choirs from all over the West and elsewhere and well-known soloists will participate during the Novena.

  • The Basilica at Knock will be beautifully decorated for this special event.

  • Two Novena Sessions each day – at 3.00pm and 8.30pm.

  • The 3.00pm session each day will include a Eucharistic Procession concluding with Benediction at the Apparition Chapel.

  • The 8.30 pm evening session will end with a Candlelight Rosary Procession.

  • The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) will be available for eight hours each day during the Novena in the Reconciliation Chapel – with a large Team of Confessors – in various languages.

  • The Anointing of the Sick will take place during the 3.00 pm session each day.

  • 150,000 people are expected to participate in the Ceremonies at Knock over the nine days – as people come to Knock to celebrate their faith – give thanks for their faith – and be renewed in faith and hope in these difficult times at Ireland’s National Marian Shrine and the Shrine of the Lamb of God.

  • Further information – contact Knock Shrine Office (094) 9388100.

SPEAKERS


Friday 14th August
Hope for the Broken and the Wounded
His Eminence, Sean Cardinal Brady, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.


Saturday 15th August
Hope for the Sick and Suffering
Most Revd. Philip Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe. (Raphoe Diocesan Pilgrimage).


Sunday 16th August
Hope for the Family
Most Revd. Christopher Jones, Bishop of Elphin. (Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage).


Monday 17th August
Hope in Contemporary Culture
Bryan Dobson, RTE, Dublin.


Tuesday 18th August
Hope on our Pilgrim Journey
Fr. Frank Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey, Co. Mayo.


Wednesday 19th August
Hope at times of Bereavement and Loss
Fr.John Harris, O.P., St. Saviours, Dublin.


Thursday 20th August
Hope for Young People Today
Ms. Patricia O’Brien, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo.
(Tuam Diocesan Youth Council)


Friday 21st August, (130th Anniversary of the Apparition)
Hope for Priesthood , (Year of Priesthood)
Most Revd. Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam.


Saturday 22nd August
Seeds of Hope in the Church and the World
His Eminence, Keith P. Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland.


(Two Sessions daily — 3.00pm and 8.30pm. Except on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th when Ceremonies commence with Anointing of Sick at 2.30pm.)

Visit Knock on the web: www.knockshrine.ie

11 August 2009

Meals On Wheels Galway needs YOUR help!

COPE Galway Community Catering was formerly Meals on Wheels but the name changed in November 2006.

COPE Galway Community Catering is a positive development dedicated to the provision of nutritional support for Galway's older people. COPE Galway Community Catering prepares and delivers over 40,000 hot, nutritious meals per annum to older people in Galway City & County.

Our objective is to assist older people to live their life independently and in their own home if that is their wish.

We provide nutritious, client centered home delivery meals.


COPE now URGENTLY needs volunteer drivers to continue this service. Can you give of your time, even just a few hours a week? Contact them:

COPE Galway,
2-5 Calbro House,
Tuam Road,
Galway

Tel: 091 778750
Fax: 091 778752
Email: info@copegalway.ie

www.copegalway.ie

7 August 2009

Mass Intentions for the week ahead 9th August 2009.

Saturday 8th August 7.30p.m. Mary & George Walsh

Sunday 9.30 a.m. Annie & Michael McDermott

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.

Monday 10th August 10.00 a.m. Deceased members of

Glynn & Callaghan families. _______________________________________________________

Tuesday 11th August 10.00 a.m. Sick _______________________________________________________

Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Eddie Ward

12th August _______________________________________________________

Thursday 13th August 10.00 a.m. Bridie Whelan. _______________________________________________________

Friday 14th August 10.00 a.m Bridget Collins

7.30 p.m. Carmel McNulty

_______________________________________________________

Saturday 15th August 10.00 a.m. Willie Hourigan

11.00 a.m. Tony, Margaret & Sean Higgins

7.30p.m. Bridie & Edward Courtney

Sunday 9.30 a.m. 1. Mary & Brod Trill

2. James Lee

16th August 11.00 a.m. John Lovett and deceased

members of Lovett and Furey

families.

12.15 p.m. Tim & Lena Codyre

Eddie Lee

6.30 p.m. Raymond O’Neill & Derek O’Neill

Saints of the Week, St. Dominic and St. Clare.



St. Clare.

Pray for The Poor Clares in Galway and the members of The Franciscan Family in Galway. The Poor Clare Monastery is a powerhouse of prayer, and our city would be a much poorer place without it.
Visit them at www.poorclares.ie

One of the more sugary movies made about Francis of Assisi pictures Clare as a golden-haired beauty floating through sun-drenched fields, a sort of one-woman counterpart to the new Franciscan Order.

The beginning of her religious life was indeed movie material. Having refused to marry at 15, she was moved by the dynamic preaching of Francis. He became her lifelong friend and spiritual guide.

At 18, she escaped one night from her father’s home, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots in it, and sacrificed the long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. She clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair and remained adamant.

End of movie material. Sixteen days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life of great poverty, austerity and complete seclusion from the world, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order (Poor Clares). Francis obliged her under obedience at age 21 to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until her death.

The nuns went barefoot, slept on the ground, ate no meat and observed almost complete silence. (Later Clare, like Francis, persuaded her sisters to moderate this rigor: “Our bodies are not made of brass.”) The greatest emphasis, of course, was on gospel poverty. They possessed no property, even in common, subsisting on daily contributions. When even the pope tried to persuade her to mitigate this practice, she showed her characteristic firmness: “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.”

Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of her life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick, waited on table, washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals and bishops often came to consult her—she never left the walls of San Damiano.

Francis always remained her great friend and inspiration. She was always obedient to his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real.

A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced attack by invading Saracens. “Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled.



Comment:

The 41 years of Clare’s religious life are poor movie material, but they are a scenario of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.

Patron Saint of:

Eye disorders
Television


St. Dominic.


Don't forget to pray for The Dominican family in Galway, the priests and brothers in The Claddagh, and the sisters in Taylors Hill. They have made a huge contribution to our city and diocese.
If he hadn’t taken a trip with his bishop, Dominic would probably have remained within the structure of contemplative life; after the trip, he spent the rest of his life being a contemplative in active apostolic work.

Born in old Castile, Spain, he was trained for the priesthood by a priest-uncle, studied the arts and theology, and became a canon of the cathedral at Osma, where there was an attempt to revive the apostolic common life described in the Acts of the Apostles.

On a journey through France with his bishop, he came face to face with the then virulent Albigensian heresy at Languedoc. The Albigensians (Cathari, “the pure”) held to two principles—one good, one evil—in the world. All matter is evil—hence they denied the Incarnation and sacraments. On the same principle they abstained from procreation and took a minimum of food and drink. The inner circle led what some people regarded as a heroic life of purity and asceticism not shared by ordinary followers.

Dominic sensed the need for the Church to combat this heresy, and was commissioned to be part of the preaching crusade against it. He saw immediately why the preaching was not succeeding: the ordinary people admired and followed the ascetical heroes of the Albigenses. Understandably, they were not impressed by the Catholic preachers who traveled with horse and retinues, stayed at the best inns and had servants. Dominic therefore, with three Cistercians, began itinerant preaching according to the gospel ideal. He continued this work for 10 years, being successful with the ordinary people but not with the leaders.

His fellow preachers gradually became a community, and in 1215 he founded a religious house at Toulouse, the beginning of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).

His ideal, and that of his Order, was to link organically a life with God, study and prayer in all forms, with a ministry of salvation to people by the word of God. His ideal: contemplata tradere: “to pass on the fruits of contemplation” or “to speak only of God or with God. “



Comment:

The Dominican ideal, like that of all religious communities, is for the imitation, not merely the admiration, of the rest of the Church. The effective combining of contemplation and activity is the vocation of truck driver Smith as well as theologian Aquinas. Acquired contemplation is the tranquil abiding in the presence of God, and is an integral part of any full human life. It must be the wellspring of all Christian activity.

Patron Saint of:

Astronomers
Dominican Republic


COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org