Fun Bank Holiday with Rahoon/ Newcastle Hurling Club.

The Rahoon/ Newcastle Hurling Club are holding a Fun Day, tomorrow, Monday, June 1st, from 2 to 4 at Tonabrucky Club House. There will be pony rides, bouncing castles, face painting, tug of wars and hurling matches. 

NEW FEATURE! Prayer Board.

Pentecost Sunday.

Please pray for: 

Rev. Martin Whelan, who will be ordained a priest for our diocese in the Church of St. Teresa of Avila, Labane, Ardrahan, next Sunday, Trinity Sunday, June 7th. Martin was with us in the Sacred Heart last summer, and we enjoyed his gentle, faithful presence, and fine sermons.

Leaving and Junior Certificate Students, who are starting their exams this Wednesday, June 3rd.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, May 31st.

Saturday, May 30th.

7:30: Tony Frawley.

Pentecost Sunday, May 31st.

9:30: Patrick Fahy.

11:00: Paddy, Annie, Christy, Maura, Bridie& Mark O'Neill.

12:15: Bernie Donovan.

6:30: 1. Volodia& Marcello Alarcon.

2. Kathleen O'Neill.

Monday, 1st June.

10:00: Howard Flannery.

Tuesday, 2nd June.

 10:00: Sick.

Wednesday, 3rd June.

10:00: Special Mass for Junior and Leaving Certificate Exam Students.

Thursday, 4th June.

10:00:

Friday, 5th June.

10:00:

7:30: James Geraghty.

Saturday, 6th June.

7:30: 1. Peg& John McMahon.

2: Patrick Holland& Nonie Cosgrave.

Trinity Sunday, 7th June.

9:30: Angela Feeney.

11:00: Edmond Toner.

12:15: Margaret& Patrick Conway.

 6:30: Derek Lee.

Sympathies, John 'Sonny' Ward, R. I. P.

Your prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of John 'Sonny' Ward of Inishannagh Park, whose Funeral Mass took place in The Claddagh during the week.

'Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life...' 

Saint of the Week, Blessed John XXIII.

Although few people had as great an impact on the 20th century as Pope John XXIII, he avoided the limelight as much as possible. Indeed, one writer has noted that his “ordinariness” seems one of his most remarkable qualities. The firstborn son of a farming family in Sotto il Monte, near Bergamo in northern Italy, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was always proud of his down-to-earth roots. In Bergamo’s diocesan seminary, he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. After his ordination in 1904, Angelo returned to Rome for canon law studies. He soon worked as his bishop’s secretary, Church history teacher in the seminary and as publisher of the diocesan paper. His service as a stretcher-bearer for the Italian army during World War I gave him a firsthand knowledge of war. In 1921 he was made national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith; he found time to teach patristics at a seminary in the Eternal City In 1925 he became a papal diplomat, serving first in Bulgaria, then in Turkey and finally in France (1944-53). During World War II, he became well acquainted with Orthodox Church leaders and with the help of Germany’s ambassador to Turkey, Archbishop Roncalli helped save an estimated 24,000 Jewish people. Named a cardinal and appointed patriarch of Venice in 1953, he was finally a residential bishop. A month short of entering his 78th year, he was elected pope, taking the name John, his father’s name and the two patrons of Rome’s cathedral, St. John Lateran. He took his work very seriously but not himself. His wit soon became proverbial and he began meeting with political and religious leaders from around the world. In 1962 he was deeply involved in efforts to resolve the Cuban missile crisis. His most famous encyclicals were Mother and Teacher (1961) and Peace on Earth (1963). Pope John XXIII enlarged the membership in the College of Cardinals and made it more international. At his address at the opening of the Second Vatican Council, he criticized the “prophets of doom” who “in these modern times see nothing but prevarication and ruin.” Pope John XXIII set a tone for the Council when he said, “The Church has always opposed... errors. Nowadays, however, the Spouse of Christ prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity.” On his deathbed he said: “It is not that the gospel has changed; it is that we have begun to understand it better. Those who have lived as long as I have…were enabled to compare different cultures and traditions, and know that the moment has come to discern the signs of the times, to seize the opportunity and to look far ahead.” Pope John Paul II beatified him on September 3, 2000, and assigned as his feast day October 11, the day that Vatican II’s first session opened.  Comment: Throughout his life, Angelo Roncalli cooperated with God’s grace, believing that the job at hand was worthy of his best efforts. His sense of God’s providence made him the ideal person to promote a new dialogue with Protestant and Orthodox Christians, as well as with Jews and Muslims. In the sometimes noisy crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, many people become silent on seeing the simple tomb of Pope John XXIII, grateful for the gift of his life and holiness. After the beatification, his tomb was moved into the basilica itself. Quote: In 1903, young Angelo wrote in his spiritual journal: “From the saints I must take the substance, not the accidents of their virtues. I am not St. Aloysius, nor must I seek holiness in his particular way, but according to the requirements of my own nature, my own character and the different conditions of my life. I must not be the dry, bloodless reproduction of a model, however perfect. God desires us to follow the examples of the saints by absorbing the vital sap of their virtues and turning it into our own life-blood, adapting it to our own individual capacities and particular circumstances. If St. Aloysius had been as I am, he would have become holy in a different way” (Journal of a Soul).

Readings for Pentecost Sunday.

FIRST READING:                        Acts 2:1-11

When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.

Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. 'Surely' they said 'all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome- Jews and proselytes alike-Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.'

RESPONSORIAL PSALM:    Ps 103
Response:                              Send forth your Spirit, 0 Lord,
                                                  and renew the face of the earth.
or                                              Alleluia.

1. Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord God, how great you are,
How many are your works, 0 Lord! 
The earth is full of your riches.                Response

2. You take back your spirit, they die,
returning to the dust from which they came. 
You send forth your spirit, they are created; 
and you renew the face of the earth.      Response

3 May the glory ofthe Lord last for ever! 
May the Lord rejoice in his works! 
May my thoughts be pleasing to him. 
I find my joy in the Lord.                            Response

SECOND READING:               Galatians 5:16-25  

If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions. If you are led by the Spirit, no law can touch you. When self-indulgence is at work the results are obvious: fornication, gross indecency and sexual irresponsibility; idolatry and sorcery; feuds and wrangling, jealousy, bad temper and quarrels; disagreements, factions, envy; drunkenness, orgies and similar things. I warn you now, as I warned you before: those who behave like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. What the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course. You cannot belong to Christ Jesus unless you crucify all self-indulgent passions and desires.

Since the Spirit is our life, let us be directed by the Spirit.

SEQUENCE

Holy Spirit, Lord of light,
From the clear celestial height 
Thy pure beaming radiance give.

Come, thou Father of the poor,
Come with treasures which endure;
Come, thou light of all that live!

Thou, of all consolers best,
Thou, the soul's delightful guest, 
Dost refreshing peace bestow;

Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.

Light immortal, light divine,
Visit thou these hearts ofthine, 
And our inmost being fill:

If thou take thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay; 
All his good is turned to ill.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill; 
Guide the steps that go astray.

Thou, on us who evermore
Thee confess and thee adore,
With thy sevenfold gifts descend:

Give us comfort when we die;
Give us life with thee on high;
Give us joys that never end.

Gospel Acclamation        

Alleluia, alleluia!   
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love
Alleluia!

GOSPEL:                               John 15:26-27, 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples

When the Advocate comes, 
whom I shall send to you from the Father, 
the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, 
he will be my witness.
And you too will be witnesses, 
because you have been with me from the outset.

I still have many things to say to you 
but they would be too much for you now.
But when the Spirit of truth comes 
he will lead you to the complete truth, 
since he will not be speaking as from himself 
but will say only what he has learnt; 
and he will tell you of the things to come.
He will glorify me, 
since all he tells you 
will be taken from what is mine.
Everything the Father has is mine; 
that is why I said: 
All he tells you 
will be taken from what is mine.

---

Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc.

Kids Corner.

COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com

CLICK TO ZOOM AND PRINT.

Blog updates.

This week our blog won't be updated until Sunday evening, May 31st, a little later than usual. Apologies! Check back then for all updates and your favourite features.

Two great novenas in Galway.

KNOCKNACARRA NOVENA - CLICK TO ZOOM...




NOVENA IN HONOUR
OF ST ANTHONY OF PAUDA

FRANCISCAN ABBEY CHURCH

Friday 5th June - Saturday 13th June

Preacher: Fr Ralph Lawless, OFM

Daily Novena Masses - 10.30 am and 7.30 pm Sunday 7th June - 12.30 Mass
Blessing of Children - Sunday 7th June at 4.00pm

Important Statements on The Ryan Report.

"Leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland Cardinal Seán Brady has said the deal to compensate the victims of sex abuse in residential institutions run by religious orders should be revisited.

"Speaking in Maynooth, where senior bishops are meeting to consider their response to the report of the Commission on Child Abuse, Cardinal Brady said any new deal should bear in mind the needs of victims.

"He said the issues at present in Ireland would be discussed with Pope Benedict.

"Cardinal Brady said it is important the Pope knows what the situation in Ireland is and that such a meeting takes place."

Statement by the Standing Committee of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

The Standing Committee of the Irish Bishops’ Conference met today in Maynooth. The Committee welcomed the publication of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Report, chaired by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, as a significant step in establishing the truth and enabling the voices of survivors of abuse to be heard. The following statement was issued at the end of the meeting:

“We apologise to those so cruelly abused during their childhood while in Catholic-run industrial and reformatory schools. This abuse is all the greater because it was perpetrated by those called to care in the name of Jesus Christ.

“No response to this far reaching Report can be confined to a single statement. To properly address past failures, and to safeguard children today, the whole Church needs to analyse how and why such an abusive environment was allowed to develop and become endemic. Our ongoing response must support survivors of abuse and promote a civilisation of love for children so that they can receive the best possible care and protection.

“We will carefully reflect on the Report and discuss its findings and recommendations more fully at the June General Meeting of Bishops. We will work closely with religious congregations and institutes in addressing the needs of survivors of abuse and in the healing process. We will continue to promote a safe, effective and accountable environment for children in cooperation with the National Office for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church and with all the relevant statutory agencies.”

Latin Mass.

Saturday, 30 May – 2pm Mass, Garrison Chapel, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. Celebrant: Rev Father John Loftus CC Contact: John Heneghan, tel.: 086-8530810, e-mail: john_heneghan@hotmail.com

Wedding Bells, Fergal Faughnan& Rachel Sherlock, Stephen McGrath and Avril Sherlock,May 23rd.

Congratulations to Rachel Sherlock from Coogan Park and Fergal Faughnan from Roscommon who were married in our church today, and to Avril Sherlock and Stephen McGrath from Corrib Park who were married in the Chapel of St. Columbanus in the university.  Long life, health and blessings to you.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, May 24th.

Saturday 23rd May 7.30p.m. Patrick Burke and Darren McDonagh.

Ascension

Sunday 9.30 a.m. Bridie Dunne

24th May 11.00 a.m. Anna, Jack, John Nestor and Fr. Billy

Pilkington.

12.15 p.m. 1. Joseph Conneely 2. Francis Boylan

6.30 p.m. Patrick & Margaret Shaughnessy.

Monday 25^th May 10.00 a.m. Bridget Molloy

_______________________________________________________

Tuesday 26^th May 10.00 a.m. Sick and Annie Dolan

_______________________________________________________

Wednesday 27th May 10.00 a.m. Mary & Thomas Welby

_______________________________________________________

Thursday 28th May 10.00 a.m.

_______________________________________________________

Friday 29th May 10.00 a.m.

___________________________________________

Saturday 30th May 7.30p.m. 1. Tony Frawley.

2. Jack and Susan Fullard

Pentecost

Sunday 9.30 a.m. Patrick Fahy

31st May 11.00 a.m. Paddy & Annie O’Neill. Christy, Maura,

Bridie and Mark O’Neill.

12.15 p.m. Bernie Donovan

6.30 p.m. 1. Volodia and Marcello Alarcon

2. Kathleen O’Neill.

Child Protection Office, Galway Diocese.

Tel:575051

Victim Support Person: Sr. Cait O' Leary.

Diocesan Delegate:

Very Rev Anthony Minniter PP

Diocesan Designated Person for Safeguarding: Mrs Eileen Kelly.

The Ryan Report.

Statement by Bishop Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway, in response to the publication of the Ryan Report.

This is a time to accept the truth of what happened in the past. It is not a time for excuses. The truth accepted will eventually set us free.

If we see or hear an angry victim talking about their hurt, we need to see inside that person an innocent child whose childhood was damaged, maybe destroyed.

The Gospels remind us that reconciliation, healing and forgiveness were at the heart of the ministry of Jesus. Reconciliation is the way forward. Jesus shows us the way.

We are living a Pasion experience in the sufferings of others. We are pained by the sad stories that they are recalling. We pray for reconciliation and healing that they may bring some closure to a painful past and lead all of us to knowing the power of the Resurrection, New Life and Easter Peace.

On Wednesday last, the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse issued its report. It is deeply distressing to read about the suffering and abuse inflicted on children in institutions run by Religious. Hearing personal stories of experiences of humiliation and cruelty makes us ashamed of what was done by people acting in the name of the Church. Abuse happened in our own diocese. Children were denied the care and dignity that was their due. On behalf of the Church, I offer my sincere apology for our failure to provide protection and support for some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

There are lessons to be learned from this report. It is vital that structures be put in place to ensure best practice around the safety of children who are in the pastoral care of the Church. Our own vigilance in these matters is crucial. As a diocese, we are fully committed to implementing best practice, to doing all we can to make sure that what happened in the past will never be repeated.”

Ráiteas ón Easpag Máirtín Ó Droighneáin mar fhreagairt ar fhoilsiú Thuarascáil Ryan

Anois an t-am le glacadh le fírinne na rudaí a tharla san am atá caite. Ní tráth do leithscéalta é. Má ghlacaimid leis an bhfírinne, scaoilfidh an fhírinne saor muid ar ball.

Má fheicimid nó má chloisimid íospartach feargach ag caint faoin ngortú a bhain dóibh, ní mór dúinn a fheiceáil istigh iontu leanbh gan urcóid a ndearnadh dochar dá n-óige nó b’fhéidir ar scriosadh ar fad í.

Cuireann na Soiscéalta i gcuimhne dhúinn go raibh an t-athmhuintearas, an slánú agus an maiteanas i gcroílár mhinistreacht Íosa. Is é an t-athmhuintearas an bealach chun cinn. Agus is é Íosa a thaispeánann an bealach sin dúinn.

Is tuiscint bheo ar scéal na Páise atá againn i bhfulaingt daoine eile. Gortaíonn na scéalta brónacha muid a thugann siad chun cuimhne. Guímis ar son an athmhuintearais agus an tslánaithe sa gcaoi is go dtabharfaidh siad dúnadh éigin ar thaithí phianmhar agus go dtreoróidh siad muid uilig le go dtuigfimid cumhacht an Aiséirí, na Beatha Nua agus Síocháin na Cásca.

Press Release - Thursday 21 May 2009 - Immediate

Attn: Newsdesks, Photodesks and Religious Affairs Correspondents

Statement by Archbishop Michael Neary in response to the Ryan Report

The report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, makes for sad and disturbing reading. The abuse, suffering and harm caused to so many young children in religious run institutions is a source of deep regret and disgrace. It is most disturbing to hear the stories of personal pain and the indignity inflicted on the most vulnerable children in our society.

I apologise unreservedly, on behalf of the Church, for our failure to protect children. As Archbishop of Tuam I am particularly ashamed of the abuse that occurred in Letterfrack and Clifden. I ask forgiveness of those who suffered. Abuse of children when perpetrated by a priest or religious is both a terrible crime and a betrayal of sacred trust.

It is good that this report offers the opportunity to many to have their story heard and believed. In this way I hope and pray that healing may come about.

It is absolutely necessary for the recommendations of the Ryan Report to be implemented. Appropriate structures and resources need to be put in place to ensure the safeguarding of children, and we must always be vigilant in this regard.

The Archdiocese of Tuam is fully committed to implementing best practice in terms of safeguarding those children who are in the pastoral care of the Church. If anyone has a concern regarding the safety and well being of any child, I would urge them to contact the relevant authorities without delay.

ENDS

Further information:

Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678

Congratulations boys and girls.

Congratulations to the boys and girls of Scoil Bhríde and St. Joseph's School, Thomas Hynes Road, who made their Confirmation in our church today. May the gifts and fruits of The Holy Spirit always be evident in your lives!

IMAGE COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com

May Procession.

This Sunday, May 24th, a May Procession will begin at The Abbey Church at 4:00 pm, and proceed to 'Our Lady of Bethlehem' in The Poor Clare Chapel, Nuns Island. All are welcome.

P.S- Have you checked out the new Poor Clares website yet? Click here www.poorclares.ie

You'll also always find the link in the menu bar at the side of this page.

Kids Corner, Ascension Day.

Click on images to zoom and print. Read the story of The Ascension in The Bible. Ask a grown up to help you! Tell them it's in the Book of Acts, Chapter one, verses one to eleven.

COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com

Saint of the Week, Saint Philip Neri.

Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy, the whole post-Renaissance malaise.

At an early age, he abandoned the chance to become a businessman, moved to Rome from Florence and devoted his life and individuality to God. After three years of philosophy and theology studies, he gave up any thought of ordination. The next 13 years were spent in a vocation unusual at the time—that of a layperson actively engaged in prayer and the apostolate.

As the Council of Trent was reforming the Church on a doctrinal level, Philip’s appealing personality was winning him friends from all levels of society, from beggars to cardinals. He rapidly gathered around himself a group of laypersons won over by his audacious spirituality. Initially they met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served poor people in Rome.

At the urging of his confessor, he was ordained priest and soon became an outstanding confessor, gifted with the knack of piercing the pretenses and illusions of others, though always in a charitable manner and often with a joke. He arranged talks, discussions and prayers for his penitents in a room above the church. He sometimes led “excursions” to other churches, often with music and a picnic on the way.

Some of his followers became priests and lived together in community. This was the beginning of the Oratory, the religious institute he founded. A feature of their life was a daily afternoon service of four informal talks, with vernacular hymns and prayers. Giovanni Palestrina was one of Philip’s followers, and composed music for the services.

The Oratory was finally approved after suffering through a period of accusations of being an assembly of heretics, where laypersons preached and sang vernacular hymns! (Cardinal Newman founded the first English-speaking house of the Oratory.)

Philip’s advice was sought by many of the prominent figures of his day. He is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation, mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people within the Church itself. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety.

Comment:

Many people wrongly feel that such an attractive and jocular personality as Philip’s cannot be combined with an intense spirituality. Philip’s life melts our rigid, narrow views of piety. His approach to sanctity was truly catholic, all-embracing and accompanied by a good laugh. Philip always wanted his followers to become not less but more human through their striving for holiness.

Quote:

Philip Neri prayed, "Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow."

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org

Indian Community Mass.

The Indian Community Mass takes place today, Wednesday, May 20th, preceded by Confessions at 5:30. The weekly get - together and prayer meeting for the community continues every Friday, upstairs in the church rooms,at 6:30.

Sympathies, Marie Kyle.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Marie Kyle (née Conneely), 175 Sli Gheal, Ballymoneen Road and Newtownsmith, the sister of Martin Conneely, 4 Greenview Heights. Marie's remains are reposing in Coneely's Funeral Home, Flood Street, from 6:30 this Wednesday evening, May 20th, until 7:30, when they will be removed to our church. Marie's Funeral Mass will be tomorrow at 11, with burial afterwards in The New Cemetery, Bohermore.


'You did not see him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him, you are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described, because you believe; and you are sure of the end to which your faith looks forward, that is, the salvation of your souls.' 1 Peter 1:8-9.

Coming up in Croí Nua.

CROI NUA CENTRE

REMINDER

WHY GO TO MASS? Two workshops on the Eucharist This Wednesday 20th May 8.00-10.00p.m ‘WE ARE NOW THE ADDRESS OF GOD’ – how to celebrate this? Helen DoraiRaj Michael Screene MSC

Second Workshop on Wednesday 27th, May 8.00-10.00p.m. RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST –‘breaking down walls of separation’ Kevin Rooney Michael Screene MSC

www.croinua.com

Croí Nua is the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Centre on Rosary Lane in Taylors Hill, opposite the gate of the Dominican Primary and Secondary School. The number 2 bus stops nearby.

Children's Remembrance Day Committee.

A special Mass has been arranged for children who died before birth, shortly after birth and at a later stage. If anyone would like to attend this special occasion and have their child's name entered into the 'Book of Remembrance', please contact Susan Massey at 091- 635302 or Margaret Duignan at 091- 523206.

REMEMBERING THE GREAT FAMINE OF 1845. First National Commemoration Day.

Blessings and special prayers for victims of famine to take place countrywide this Sunday, 17 May

The Bishops of Ireland have welcomed the first National Commemoration Day for the Great Famine which will take place this Sunday, 17 May. In addition to issuing a statement remembering the past and reflecting on hunger and famine, Bishops and priests will bless Famine graves and lead the faithful in special prayers for the victims and generations of Irish emigrants who were displaced due to this national tragedy. These blessings and special prayers for the victims of the Famine will take place across the country on Sunday, 17 May.

The statement is available as part of a special feature on the homepage ofwww.catholicbishops.ie. Liturgy notes, information for parishes, and the 1995 pastoral letter Remembering the Irish Famine also forms part of this web-feature.

Bishop John Kirby, Bishop of Clonfert and Chairman of Trócaire, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, is available for media interviews.

Further information:

Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678

Kathy Tynan, Communications Officer 086 817 5674

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, May 17th.

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Readings for this Sunday, The Sixth Sunday of Easter.

FIRST READING Acts of the Apostles 10:25-26. 34-35. 44-48

As Peter reached the house Cornelius went out to meet him, knelt at his feet and prostrated himself. But Peter helped him up. 'Stand up,' he said 'I am only a man after all!'

Then Peter addressed them: 'The truth I have now come to realise' he said 'is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.'

While Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit came down on all the listeners. Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were all astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit should be poured out on the pagans too, since they could hear them speaking strange languages and proclaiming the greatness of God. Peter himself then said, 'Could anyone refuse the water of baptism to these people, now they have received the Holy Spirit just as much as we have?' He then gave orders for them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterwards they begged him to stay on for some days.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Ps 97
Response : The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
or Alleluia!

1 Sing a new song to the Lord
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation. Response

2. The Lord has made known his salvation;
has shown his justice to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love
for the house ofIsrael. Response

3. All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord all the earth,
ring out your joy. Response

SECOND READING 1 John 4:7-10

My dear people,
let us love one another
since love comes from God
and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Anyone who fails to love can never have known God,
because God is love.
God's love for us was revealed
when God sent into the world his only Son
so that we could have life through him;
this is the love I mean:
not our love for God,
but God's love for us when he sent his Son
to be the sacrifice that takes our sins away.

Gospel Acclamation Jn 14: 23

Alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus said: 'If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

'As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments
you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
I have told you this
so that my own joy may be in you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment:
love one another,
as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends,
if you do what I command you.
I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know
his master's business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not 'choose me,
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
and then the Father will give you
anything you ask him in my name.
What I command you
is to love one another.'

---

Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc.

Annual Knocknacarra Novena to Our Lady.

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Interested in working as a lay missionary?? Click the image to zoom and find out more...

Galway Network of People With Disabilities.

The Galway Network of People with disabilities (PWDI) are having there AGM on Thursday May 21st in the Menlo Park Hotel @ 7.00pm. All are welcome.

Kids Corner.

COPYRIGHT: http://www.sermons4kids.com

COPYRIGHT: REDEMPTORIST PUBLICATIONS.

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Saint of the Week, St. Rita.

There is a shrine in Galway to St. Rita in The Augustinian Church in Middle Street.

Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life.
Born at Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded.
Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness and charity became legendary. When she developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ's crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ's passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery.
Beatified in 1626, Rita was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with St. Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year.

Comment:
Although we can easily imagine an ideal world in which to live out our baptismal vocation, such a world does not exist. An “If only ….” approach to holiness never quite gets underway, never produces the fruit that God has a right to expect.
Rita became holy because she made choices that reflected her Baptism and her growth as a disciple of Jesus. Her overarching, lifelong choice was to cooperate generously with God's grace, but many small choices were needed to make that happen. Few of those choices were made in ideal circumstances—not even when Rita became an Augustinian nun.
Quote:
For the Baptism of adults and for all the baptized at the Easter Vigil, three questions are asked: “Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God's children? Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin? Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?”

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