We have all been shocked by the images from Japan since the earthquake and tsunami.
Even if we could send food, blankets and clothes to people, the airports and sea ports would not able to cope with the aid. Roads are destroyed and the food and comforts which we take for granted take on a new value.
Support for communities in Japan and for the Japanese community in Ireland might best be expressed in prayers and solidarity at this time.
Families and children in Ireland as they say their night prayers might be encouraged to remember children in Japan who are wondering what another day will bring them as they wake up in a different time zone.
Is there a Japanese family living near you?
A little visit or a message of support would be most valuable to them.
On St.Patrick's Day, Irish communities throughout the world celebrated.
Could we as a Christian society offer a prayer for the Japanese communities all over the globe who will be anxious in the weeks and months ahead?
Guimís ar son muintir na Seapáine atá briste agus buartha faoi láthair
- go háirithe ar son a muintire in Éireann maraon lenár muintir féin thall.
Go raibh do shlánú a Thiarna acu ar fad.
A Thiara, éist linn.
A Thiarna, bí ceansa agus éist linn.
Thanks to the Diocese of Meath for this piece:
http://www.dioceseofmeath.ie/japan/index.html
Mass intentions for the week ahead 20th March 2011
Saturday 19th March
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Kevin Hunt
Pray for Fr. Billy Pillkington and Jack Nestor
Pray for John and Bridget Ward at all Masses.
Sunday 20th March
9.30 am Free intention
11am Free intention
12.15 pm Thomas Cooney and Kevin and Mary Doyle.
6.30 pm Dudley Molloy.
Monday 21st March
10am David McDowell and deceased members of McDowell family.
John and Noreena O'Connor.
Tuesday 22nd March
10am For all the Sick
Wednesday 23rd March
10am Bridget Hynes
5.30 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass.
Thursday 24th March
10am Sean Kilraine
Friday 25th March
10am John and Sarah Sullivan and deceased members of family.
Saturday 26th March
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Intention free.
Sunday 27th March
9.30 am Intention free
11am Colman Sweeney.
12.15 pm Annual Thanksgiving Mass for Organ Donors and their families
(Irish Kidney Assocation)
6.30 pm Intention free.
Pope's Letter
The first anniversary of the publication of the Pastoral Letter of Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland occurs on 19 March 2010. To mark this anniversary Irish bishops wish to bring the following three important initiatives to the attention of the faithful: the publication of their pastoral response Towards Healing and Renewal; the new Catholic counselling and support service for survivors of abuse; and, the progress of listening and consultation exercises which have been taking place.
To mark this first anniversary bishops have published the pastoral response Towards Healing and Renewal. This outlines different undertakings that the bishops are making on the journey emphasised by the survivors of abuse. These steps include: Prayer for the Survivors of Abuse, including a commitment on the part of bishops to dedicate each First Friday to prayer and fasting in reparation for abuse and the failure to address it adequately; a commitment to listening with sensitivity and care to the experiences of those who suffered abuse; spiritual support to survivors of abuse who wish to avail themselves of it, including the opportunity for spiritual direction; on-going commitment to creating a safer future for children in the Church in accordance with Safeguarding Children; a review of Dioceses, Religious Congregations and Societies by the National Board for Safeguarding Children; and on-going financial support for the work of safeguarding and care. Towards Healing and Renewal also includes ways in which parish communities can play their part in assisting the process of healing for survivors of abuse.
In February 2011 bishops, the Conference of Religious of Ireland and the Irish Missionary Union have launched a new Catholic counselling and support service. This counselling service, which continues the important work of Faoiseamh, supports survivors of abuse in a professional and caring environment by providing a wide range of services, including Helpline and face-to-face Counselling. Healing Meetings, Group Work, Practical Workshops and a Social Worker/Bridging service designed to link survivors of abuse to other services relevant to their needs, such as the health, local authority, educational and social welfare services.
Over the last year, and prompted by Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter, listening and consultation exercises have been taking place in dioceses. These are continuing and are an important step on the journey of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland.
Cardinal Brady and Archbishop Martin launch the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012
• Congress Bell to visit all 26 dioceses of Ireland
- Call for volunteers and to prayer for the success of the Congress in Ireland
- Congress Bell to visit all 26 dioceses of Ireland
- 3,000 volunteers needed to help organize the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland
In the RDS in Dublin Cardinal Seán Brady and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin launched two major initiatives as part of the preparations for the 50th International Congress which takes place in Ireland in 2012, a major volunteer drive and the Congress Bell. Please see below addresses from launch:
The theme of next year's Congress is "The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and one another". The Eucharistic Congress is one of the largest liturgical events and opportunities for pilgrimage throughout the universal Catholic Church. It is hosted by a different country every four years.
The main events of the Congress next year will take place in the RDS, Dublin, beginning with the opening ceremony on 10 June 2012. Over the week 10 - 17 June a programme of liturgical and cultural events, workshops and daily celebration of the Eucharist will culminate in an open air Mass and closing ceremony in Croke Park.
Congress organizers have been developing partnerships with tourism representatives in Dublin as it is hoped the international visitors will give a significant boost to the city's tourism industry.
Organizers are also keen to encourage volunteers to take part not only in the Eucharistic Congress itself but also in the lead up to the main events. Volunteers are needed in a wide variety of roles including administration, hospitality, translation services and stewarding.
Details are available in seven different languages on
http://www.iec2012.ie/
On Saint Patrick's Day, a pilgrimage of the Congress Bell began from St Mary's Pro Cathedral, Dublin, going to St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh and it will visit all 26 dioceses of Ireland. The bell is a symbolic invite to Irish Catholics, and for Christians of other traditions, to join in the call to faith, prayer, reconciliation and mission that is at the heart of the Church's preparation for the Congress over the next year and a half.
The Secretary General for the Eucharistic Congress Fr Kevin Doran said at today's launch "Core to the mission of the Congress is the view that it is a pilgrim journey involving spiritual and pastoral preparation. Each diocese in Ireland has its own organizing committee to promote a deepening of understanding for Catholics of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church, a richer celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy and an awareness of the social responsibility that comes with the communion and self-gift of Jesus which we celebrate."
Congress Bell
The Congress Bell has its origins in the Dominican Convent in Portstewart in Co Antrim and will be brought on foot from diocese to diocese by teams of volunteers. It is hoped that the Congress Bell will be a focal point for the prayer in parishes and at places of pilgrimage all over Ireland between now and June 2012.
The first International Eucharistic Congress, held in France in 1881, gathered 300 people at the head of Eucharistic movements in European countries. During the following 125 years, the format of Congresses strongly evolved and they now attract some 12,000 to 15,000 participants for a full week of celebrations, adoration, catechesis, cultural events, fraternal gatherings, and commitments to aid the poor. Ireland last hosted the International Eucharistic Congress in 1932.
Since 1881, the Pope had always been represented by a special Delegate at the celebration of Eucharistic Congresses. In 1964, Pope Paul VI took part in the last two days of the Congress held in Bombay, an initiative followed by his successor, John Paul II.
HOLY SOULS CRUSADE PILGRIMAGE - TO GARABANDAL
(50th Anniversary Year).
Sun 15th – Sun 22nd May. Dublin – Santander
(Stansted - Santander for UK pilgrims)
7 nights (5 at full board) + day trips
SP. DIR. to be confirmed
Details: Mary Mullins: 091-798407 087-2255739
From UK: 00353-91-798407 00353-91-798407 00353-87-2255739
HOLY SOULS CRUSADE PILGRIMAGE - TO THE HOLY LAND
Wed. Oct. 19th – Fri. Oct. 28th. Direct from Dublin.
9 nights – 5 in Bethlehem and 4 in Tiberius.
SP. DIR. Fr. Patrick Bluett.
€1160 PPS incl. taxes, half board & day trips
Details: Mary Mullins: 091-798407 087-2255739
From UK: 00353-91-798407 00353-87-2255739
or CELEBRATION TRAVEL – 051-396448
Sr Josephine Walsh Talk & Retreat
New Life - New Start - Reaching Out & Healing
Where -The Franciscan Abbey Hall Newtown Smith Galway
Date Sat 2 & Sun 3 rd. of April
Sat Time 11.00am -7pm Sun 11.00AM -3PM
Teas & snacks will be provided
Bring a lunch
Youth 2000 Retreat
The next Youth 2000 Connacht Retreat will take place in: St. Muredach's College, Ballina, Co. Mayo between May 13th and 15th 2011. The retreat is for young people aged 16-35 and is free! Just bring a sleeping bag! For more info call Joseph 087 7927725 or Maria 086 1693391
Get your Joints in Motion
Get Your Joints in Motion will take place in the Phoenix Park on May 7th. It’s fun, it’s inspiring and because it’s a walk for people with arthritis in aid of people with arthritis, it’s a great way to meet hundreds of others who are managing their arthritis in a positive way! (Not to mention the significant health benefits you’ll receive from walking). Sign up today, be part of the growing movement and raise funds that will work to control and cure arthritis. Call Louise on 01 6470209! P.s bring your pets and your pals, let walk with pride and change the face of arthritis in Ireland today!
Did you know? ... A little laughter can make a BIG impact on the lives of people living with arthritis? Research has now shown that laughter is the best medicine. With this in mind Arthritis Ireland are hosting a comedy event called “Have A Laugh” in Dublin’s Laughter Lounge on April 1st. Money raised on the night work to control and cure arthritis. Tickets cost 25.00 euro and can be purchased by calling Louise on 01 647 0209 or emailing lmoran@arthritisireland.ie.
Walk or jog the Flora Mini Marathon on June 6th in honour of someone you love and help us to control and cure arthritis. Join the Arthritis Ireland Flora Mini Marathon team and help us continue to change the lives of people with arthritis in your community. Who will you do it for this June? Call Louise on 01 6470209 or email
today for your FREE pack!
Anam Cara Bereavement Talk – Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway
Anam Cara is a national voluntary support group set up by bereaved parents who provide support, understanding and a forum for families who have experienced the death of a child, regardless of age or circumstance of death.
On Thursday 24th March Anam Cara will be facilitating a Bereavement Talk at the Ballybane Enterprise Centre in Galway as part of their series of Bereavement talks for Parents living in the Galway area.
The event is open to all bereaved parents. Anam Cara doesn’t identify itself by the age of the child, how they died, or when they died. It may have been a cot death or a still birth, suicide, road traffic accident, drug related deaths or serious illness. Anam Cara identifies itself as a group set up by and for parents who have lost a precious son or daughter, trying to find their way through the grief and pain.
The guest speaker for the evening is Ger O’Brien who will give her talk on “Coping as a Bereaved Parent”
Ger is the Support Services coordinator for the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association. Prior to this she had a private psychotherapy practice in Ratoath Co. Meath and holds a degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling as well as a Diploma in Health & Social Welfare. Ger has worked with the Association since 2001 where she is responsible for delivering a variety of services to bereaved families throughout the Country.
Ger’s talk “Coping as a Bereaved Parent” discusses how, for parents, the death of a child is the most terrifying and traumatic event they will ever have to experience. For parents who have to deal with a sudden death, the realisation of what has happened does not sink in for a number of months. While the loss of someone so precious can incapacitate a parent for a very long time there are ways which can help. It is particularly important to keep in mind that no two people grieve at the same time and in the same way. Often it can be difficult to find your way in grief because obviously nobody is trained in dealing with such a difficult and complex loss. However, finding your own way can be helpful in taking back control of your life. The talk will suggest various ways to assist a grieving parent within their loss.
Anam Cara will be facilitating other similar events in the coming months around Ireland, see our website for more information:
The details for the evening are as follows;
Venue: Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Ballybane Galway
Date; Thursday 24th March 2011
Start/Finish Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Cost: All Anam Cara services are offered at no charge to our parents
As we need to confirm numbers for light refreshments, we would appreciate if you could RSVP to
info@anamcara.ie
before the Wednesday 23rd March 2011 or call 01 4045378/085 2888 888
Re-discovering Mercy with Trócaire
Four evening course open to all adults interested in exploring the concept of mercy through prayer, scripture reading, reflection and sharing. Course begins Wednesday March 23rd in the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre at 19:30. Please Contact Siobhain on 091-565066 to confirm attendance.
Want to join a Gospel Choir??
Energetic and Creative Music Director Looking to start up new and exciting Gospel Choir in the diocese....Looking for new members...all ages, all standards, all welcome....information evening on this new venture to take place on Thursday 31st March in the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre at 7:00p.m. Contact Sarah Ann on 087-7599571 for more information.
MOTHERS PRAYER
(mothers coming together to pray for their children)
St John’s Rest, Knock Shrine, Co Mayo
Saturday: 26th March
10 o’clock and finishing with Mass at 5 o’clock
Sunday: 27th March
10 o’clock and finishing with Mass at 4 0’clock
You are very welcome, even if only for a short time
Any queries: 091 771009 or email:
mothersprayersireland@gmail.com
Greetings from Ards Friary
Ards Friary is a Capuchin Franciscan Spiritual Centre set in 200 acres of scenic grounds on the edge of the beach. It is a place where you can find peace and quiet in surroundings of natural beauty. We are open throughout the year for individuals and groups who wishes to have some quiet time, rest and prayer in beautiful relaxed surrounding.
Ards Friary is available throughout the year for Retreats (Preached, Directed or Private), Conferences, Seminars, Periods of rest, relaxation, prayer and holidays.Ards Friary offers individual rooms where guests and retreatants are invited to join the Friars in Prayer, if they wish to do so.
Our website can be viewed at
http://www.ardsfriary.ie/
or you can contact us on 074 91 38909
Wanted! Volunteer Advocates
The National Advocacy Programme
is looking for people who would like to become a volunteer advocate for older people in residential care.
The aim is to empower older people in residential care to voice their needs and wishes and assert their rights.
Volunteers must be willing to undergo training and Garda vetting. We are currently recruiting for the Counties Galway and Clare.
Please contact Anne Harris at
045 988 310 or
mailto:anne.harris1@hse.ie
for further information.
PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE DURING LENT.
Bishop Martin Drennan will lead an evening of Praying with Scripture where he will reflect on the Sunday Gospels.
On: Monday 21st March, 2011.
Monday 11th April, 2011
Venue: Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith.
Time 8p.m.
In addition, we are holding a night for formation and training of Readers and Special Ministers of the Eucharist on Thursday March 24th @ 7.30p.m.
Please contact the Pastoral Centre to confirm attendance.
091 565066
pastoraladministrator@eircom.net
Address by Cardinal Seán Brady at the Abrahamic Religions Dinner in Belfast Castle
'The Gospel, the Tanak, the Qur'an are all books of peace' - Cardinal Brady
• I believe the most urgent challenge for people of faith today is to discern God’s plan for our times. I believe it is only by dialoguing together, by respectfully acknowledging the action of God in our respective traditions that we can offer the world ‘a future and a hope’.
• My hope is that the new Government in the Republic, and after the elections in May the new Executive in the North, that they will give priority to establishing new structures of formal dialogue with and between the major faith traditions on this island.
• I warmly welcome the announcement that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted the invitation of President McAleese to visit the Republic of Ireland in the near future.
• The experience of inter-Church dialogue in Ireland has a wider significance for conflicts involving religious as well as historical-political dimensions.
• We should encourage a joint approach from faith and political leaders in Ireland to the United Nations to explore on-going dialogue between political and religious leaders at international level about the peace and well-being of the whole human family.
COPE needs your help
Donations of dresses, boots, shoes, bags, jewellery, baby clothes, and baby equipment needed for COPE Galway's Boots, Bags, Bling & Baby event which takes place Mother's Day, 3rd April from 1-5pm in the Galway Bay Hotel. Entry is free; all items less than €40! For more information call Pamela on 091 778750 (Fax: 091 778752).
COPE Galway
Offices 2-5 Calbro House
Tuam Road
Galway
http://www.copegalway.ie/
The Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants (IECE) Parish Resource Pack, is now available on the Irish Bishops’ Conference website
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/migrants
As you are no doubt aware, migration flows have come full circle and we are again experiencing a period of high emigration. It is well known that as many as one thousand Irish men and woman emigrate each week. It is not just the young who are emigrating; whole families are now setting off for Australia, the United States and elsewhere.
You will have seen first-hand the upsetting consequences for families, as they say goodbye to their children, not knowing for how long they will be apart. While circumstances are undoubtedly different for most people emigrating today, the sense of heartbreak and loss experienced by the families left behind is as real as ever. It is important that we as Church, show support for these families, reminding them they are not alone and that by coming together to pray for their loved ones overseas, they will find comfort and strength.
Lots of interesting talks coming up in Croí Nua
Venue: Croí Nua, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway.
Tel. (091)520960 or (087) 6833195
E-mail: croinua@eircom.net
Website: http://www.croinua.com/
