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.
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
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.
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
'Put on the armour of God' Ephesians 6:11. Image Copyright: www.sermons4kids.comJohn 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
Burren Peaks Walking Festival, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Saturday / Sunday September 26th – 27th 2009
For Information Phone 087-2691147 / 085-1741700
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
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.....'
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
COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com
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?
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
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.
_______________________________________________________
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
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.
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. “