Saturday 1st January Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Mary Tierney and deceased members of Tierney
and Downey families.
Sunday 2nd January
9.30 am Missa Pro Popula
11am Teresa Carroll
12.15 pm Patrick O'Reilly
6.30 pm Ruth Browne and Michael Corcoran Jnr.
Monday 3rd January
10am Intention free
Tuesday 4th January
10am For all the Sick
Wednesday 5th January
10am Lorraine O'Sullivan
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Molly Scally
Thursday 6th January Feast of the Epiphany
10am Intention Free
11.30 am Jack Murphy (Months Mind Mass)
6.30 pm Kathleen Quaid and Jim & Patrick Barry
Friday 7th January
10am Intention Free
Saturday 8th January
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Intention Free
Sunday 9th January Baptism of the Lord
9.30 am Intention free
11am Mabel Walsh
12.15pm Frank and Mary Nally
6.30 pm Intention free.
29 December 2010
24 December 2010
23 December 2010
Tom Barrett, R.I.P.
Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Tom Barrett, Corrib Park and Ballybane. Tom's remains will be reposing at the Holy Family Funeral Home in the grounds of Holy Family Church, Mervue, from 2 to 4 today when they will be removed to our church. Funeral Mass for Tom tomorrow at 11AM followed by burial in The New Cemetery, Bohermore.
'For see, winter is passed' (Songs 2:11)
'For see, winter is passed' (Songs 2:11)
22 December 2010
Mass intentions for the week ahead 26th December 2010
Saturday 25th December Christmas Day
9.30 am Masses are for all the People of the
11 am Sacred Heart Church and the
12.15 pm Worshipping Community
NO EVENING MASS
Sunday 26th December Feast of the Holy Family
9.30 am Michael and Bridget Conneely
11am Eddie Brennan
12.15 pm Gerard Monaghan and Tom Hynes
6.30 pm Maura Flanagan
Monday 27th December
10am Stephen and Barbara McDonagh and
Michael Brosnan.
Tuesday 28th December
10am For all the Sick and deceased members of
Corrib Rangers Club.
Wednesday 29th December
10am Sean Gill and Special Intention 'Willie and Catherine'
Pray also for Francie McDonagh
Thursday 30th December
10am Tommy Hynes and Mary and Paddy Maloney
Friday 31st December
10am Teresa and Joseph Geoghegan
Saturday 1st January Feast of Mary, Mother of God
6.30 pm Mary Tierney and deceased members of Tierney
and Downey families.
Sunday 2nd January
9.30 am Intention free
11 am Teresa Carroll
12.15pm Patrick O'Reilly
6.30 pm Ruth Browne and Michael Corcoran Jnr.
9.30 am Masses are for all the People of the
11 am Sacred Heart Church and the
12.15 pm Worshipping Community
NO EVENING MASS
Sunday 26th December Feast of the Holy Family
9.30 am Michael and Bridget Conneely
11am Eddie Brennan
12.15 pm Gerard Monaghan and Tom Hynes
6.30 pm Maura Flanagan
Monday 27th December
10am Stephen and Barbara McDonagh and
Michael Brosnan.
Tuesday 28th December
10am For all the Sick and deceased members of
Corrib Rangers Club.
Wednesday 29th December
10am Sean Gill and Special Intention 'Willie and Catherine'
Pray also for Francie McDonagh
Thursday 30th December
10am Tommy Hynes and Mary and Paddy Maloney
Friday 31st December
10am Teresa and Joseph Geoghegan
Saturday 1st January Feast of Mary, Mother of God
6.30 pm Mary Tierney and deceased members of Tierney
and Downey families.
Sunday 2nd January
9.30 am Intention free
11 am Teresa Carroll
12.15pm Patrick O'Reilly
6.30 pm Ruth Browne and Michael Corcoran Jnr.
18 December 2010
Newsletter, Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Statement of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on Publication of Chapter 19 of Murphy Report PRESS RELEASE
17 December 2010
Statement of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on Publication of Chapter 19 of Murphy Report
Chapter 19 provides additional specific evidence to the already horrendous narrative of the Murphy report. It reports the tragic and shocking story of how a devious, predatory paedophile used the priesthood to gain access to young children and abuse them and how no-one stopped him for years.
Over the last few days I have read and re-read this chapter of the report. What struck me particularly was the way in which parents came forward with no sense of vindictiveness towards the church, simply asking that the abuse stop, decisively and definitively. They weren’t out to “get the church”, but the church they loved and respected failed them.
It was not just that the matters were not reported to the Gardaí but the Archdiocese did not follow up its own commitment to stop the abuse. Tony Walsh was left in ministry, he was reassigned – he remained in contact with children, using his priestly dress and his membership of a priest’s show, where he was shown off as a priest, giving him constant access to young people. Unfortunately, some priests mistakenly supported his remaining in ministry.
Tony Walsh wriggled his way through every attempt that was made to contain him. The first lesson to be learned from this is that in the cases of serial compulsive paedophiles only decisive action is capable of stopping them. Cardinal Desmond Connell, to his credit, was among the first to recognise this. Procrastination and indecisiveness are a part of a climate in which paedophiles flourish. This is the importance of the current child safeguarding norms of the Church in Ireland which have to be supported by everyone. There is no room for revisionist thinking about these norms. Thankfully, there are hundreds of good people in our parishes who have gone through training programmes and give of their time to ensure that good child safeguarding procedures are making the Church the safe place that it is today.
It is true that much of what is narrated in this chapter took place many years ago. The context may or may not have been different. Abusing a child was and is a crime in civil law, was and is a crime in canon law; it was and is a grievous sin. Any form of sexual interference with a child is non- consensual, abusive and an act of violence. The theology of the time recognised that rape and sexual assault of anybody is wrong. The theology of the time was well aware of compulsive and recidivist sexual activity. It’s difficult to understand that people acted differently when the victims were children.
The Archdiocese of Dublin failed the victims of Tony Walsh and their families. I renew the words of apology I expressed in Ballyfermot last Sunday; I apologise unreservedly for the hurt caused and for the way the Church managed these matters.
The victims of Tony Walsh who bravely came forward to tell their story and others abused by priests in Dublin have done immense good for children, for society and indeed for the church. We all have a debt in their regard.
The fact that Tony Walsh was allowed to minister as a priest long after his paedophilia was identified is also a tragedy for good priests in Dublin whose vocation and life’s work in the name of the Gospel was tarnished.
Chapter 19 adds to the Murphy report but does not bring it to a complete conclusion. One more chapter remains incomplete. The report chronicles a frightening moment in the history of the church in Dublin. As I have said on other occasions, in many aspects the Church in Ireland had allowed itself to drift into a position where its role in society had grown beyond what is legitimate. It acted as a world apart. It had often become self-centred and arrogant. It felt that it could be forgiving of abusers in a simplistic manner and rarely empathised with the hurt of children.
The first step on the road to renewal is for our Church to recognise what went wrong to honestly acknowledge with no “buts” and no conditionality the gravity and the extent of what happened.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
This statement and the full text Archbishop Martin’s Homily from Mass in Ballyfermot last Sunday are available on:
http://www.dublindiocese.ie/
Further information:
Communications Office 01 -8360723, email
communications@dublindiocese.ie
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it, web
http://www.dublindiocese.ie/
Mass intentions for the week ahead 19th December 2010
Saturday 18th December
11 am Mary Ryan (Months Mind Mass)
6.30 pm Teresa Barrett and deceased members of Hernon family.
Bridie, Pat, Bill and Catherine Buckley.
Sunday 19th December 4th Sunday of Advent
9.30 am Lawless and Guinnane families deceased.
Joe and Barbara Davis.
11am Teresa Hession and deceased members of Colohan family.
12.15 pm Delia and Patrrick Ward and deceased members of
Ward and Lynskey families.
Ellen and John Hynes and Mary and Joseph Crowley.
6.30 pm Marcello Alarcon and Dolly Gavin.
Monday 20th December
10am James, Mary, Bernard and James Lee.
Bridie Drury recently deceased.
Tuesday 21st December
10am For all the Sick and Joe Kenny
Wednesday 22nd December
10am Hughes and Gilroy families deceased.
Deceased members of O'Donnell and Conneely families.
Thursday 23rd December
10am Sean Kilraine and Tom, Thomas Jnr and Ann Hayden.
Friday 24th December
9.00 pm Christmas Eve Mass and Blessing of the Crib.
Saturday 25th December Christmas Day
9.30 am Masses for all the People of the Parish
11am of the Sacred Heart Church and
12.15 pm the Worshipping Community.
No Evening Mass
Sunday 26th December Feast of the Holy Family
9.30 am Michael and Bridget Conneely
11am Eddie Brennan
12.15pm Gerard Monaghan and Tom Hynes
6.30 pm Maura Flanagan
Edmond ‘Ned’ Aherne, R.I.P.
Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Edmond ‘Ned’ Aherne, 6 Corrib Park and Ballylanders, Co. Limerick, who died during the week, and whose funeral took place in Ballylanders.
Also, of your charity, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following who also died recently:
1. Cecilia Giles, Bowling Green and Kilcolgan, the sister of William Giles, Inishannagh Park.
2. Kathleen Quaid, sister of Nora Corbett, Rockmount Road.
3. Brigid Higgins, Shantalla Road.
4. Maura Allen, ‘Estrella’, Taylors Hill.
5. Oliver Foley, Coventry, the brother of Aidan, Cruachan Park, Helen O’Byrne, Taylors Hill, and the late Mick, Rockmount Road.
6. Helen Molloy, Costello Road.
7. Finbarr O’Mahony, Highfield Park.
8. Tom Murphy, Cork.
‘Dying you destroyed our death’
Confessions for Christmas
A. Thanks to all who braved the weather for the Penitential Service for our Cluster of Parishes in The Abbey today!
B. Confessions here in the Sacred Heart
Today, Saturday 18th, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Christmas Eve
12 Noon to 1
3PM to 4PM
C. CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION
“He will save his people from their sins...” (mt.1.21)
Monday 20th December 2010, 8.00p.m.
Facilitated by Croí Nua team
Welcome!
Venue: Croí Nua Centre, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway (Opposite Scoil Róis)
Phone: (091)520960
Mobile: (087) 6833195
E-mail:
croinuacentre@eircom.net
Website:
http://www.croinua.com/
Kid’s Corner
We are all looking forward to the annual Scoil Bhríde Annual Christmas Pageant on Monday night at 7:30!
School Confessions continue this week with the Sixth Class coming to the church on Monday morning, and Fourth Class on Tuesday morning.
Copyright:
http://www.sermons4kids.com/
The Gift Christmas Concert Dates:
The first concert took place in the Jesuit Church last night
18th December Bushy Park Church 8pm
19th December St Josephs church 8pm
20th Eyre Sq. Shopping centre
21st December Aula Maxima NUIG 8pm
22nd December Renmore Church 8pm
Tickets €10 Contact
Keara Sheeran ~ 0879007003 (Musical Director )
Susan Treacy ~ 087432245
Jesuit Office 091 523707
Holy Family School Renmore 091 779979
Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, in response to the judgement today issued by the European Court of Human Rights on A, B, and C v. Ireland:
"Today's judgment leaves future policy in Ireland on protecting the lives of unborn children in the hands of the Irish people and does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion" - Cardinal Brady
The judgement given today by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the legal position on abortion in Ireland raises profound moral and legal issues which will require careful analysis and reflection. Today's judgment leaves future policy in Ireland on protecting the lives of unborn children in the hands of the Irish people and does not oblige Ireland to introduce legislation authorising abortion.
The Irish Constitution clearly says that the right to life of the unborn child is equal to that of his or her mother. These are the fundamental human rights at stake. The Catholic Church teaches that neither the unborn child nor the mother may be deliberately killed. The direct destruction of an innocent human life can never be justified, however difficult the circumstances. We are always obliged to act with respect for the inherent right to life of both the mother and the unborn child in the mother’s womb. No law which subordinates the rights of any human being to those of other human beings can be regarded as a just law.
At the beginning of Advent on 27 November last Pope Benedict spoke about the coming of Christ into our world in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Father reflected on the light that this sheds on the wonder of all human life. The embryo in the womb, he said, is not just a collection of cells but “a new living being, dynamic and marvellously ordered, a new individual of the human species. This is what Jesus was in Mary’s womb; this is what we all were in our mother’s womb.”
As a society we all have a responsibility to respond sensitively to any woman who finds herself dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. I urge anyone in this situation to contact CURA, the crisis pregnancy support service.
ENDS
Media contact: Martin Long 00 353 861727678
A Message from Trócaire
On this fourth Sunday in Advent as we prepare to celebrate Christmas Trócaire is asking us to bring light to northern Uganda by buying a solar-powered lamp to help children study after dark and improve their chances of a better future. www.trocaire.org/globalgift
__________________________________
David O'Hare
Press Officer
Trócaire
Office: 028 9080 8030
Mobile: 079 0005 3884
http://www.trocaire.org/
Facebook:
http://facebook.com/trocaire
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/trocaire
YouTube:
http://youtube.com/trocaire
Flickr:
http://flickr.com/trocaire
Diocesan Carol Service
Tuesday 21 December 2010, at 7.30 pm.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, Galway
Galway Cathedral will host a Carol Service of Christmas hymns, Scripture Readings and Prayer. All are invited to attend. The service will be presided over by Bishop Martin Drennan. The evening should prove to a very meaningful experience and help people to spiritually prepare for the feast of Christmas.
Website:
http://www.galwaycathedral.ie/
Cathedral Parish Office, The Cathedral, Galway, Ireland.
Tel: 00-353-91-563577
Fax: 00-353-91-534881
Email:
info@galwaycathedral.ie
Press release for the Winter 2010 General Meeting of the Irish Bishops' Conference
The scheduled Winter 2010 General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference was postponed last week due to bad weather. In its place a special one-day meeting of the Bishops’ Conference took place today in Maynooth and the following issues were discussed:
Advent and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Prayers for persecuted Christians and for peace
Pastoral Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland
A Bible in every home and Lectio Divina prayer initiative
Share the Good News - first National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland
National Eucharistic Congress in 2011 and International Eucharistic Congress in 2012
Trócaire’s Christmas campaign in 2010
Advent and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
During this season of Advent, the period of preparation for the feast of Christmas, the call to renewal of our Christian life is a central part of this preparation. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance), we receive the gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Its celebration should be an integral part of our preparation for the Feast of the birth of Our Saviour. Bishops strongly encourage all Catholics in Advent to make time to avail themselves of the gift of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Read the details on:
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/
Youth Ministry Season’s Greetings.
As the new-year approaches, we are now preparing for the next international World Youth Day which will be held from 15th -22nd August 2011 in Madrid, Spain.
World Youth Day is an excellent opportunity for young Catholics worldwide to come together and celebrate the faith they share. 2011 will be the 26th W.Y.D and the theme will be
Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith (Colossians 2:7)
Youth from around the world are already getting ready to travel to Madrid and we want to ensure that the young people of Galway have the opportunity to experience this very special event. Bishop Martin Drennan will lead our Diocesan group (18-35 yrs) travelling to Madrid for a week to participate in the World Youth Days.
We are hoping that this trip will be of particular interest to all our religious educators (catechists in secondary schools, national school teachers etc.) in the diocese as part of their own on-going personal and professional formation. With this in mind, we would ask you to encourage all those you think may be interested to come along to our information evening about W.Y.D on:
Monday 10th January in the Diocesan Pastoral Centre at 8p.m.
This meeting will provide an opportunity for all people interested in the trip to find out more details and register their interest in travelling.
We thank you for your support and look forward to accompanying your parishioners on this very special journey.
Yours Sincerely
Siobhain Bradley
Youth Ministry Co-ordinator
Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Newtownsmith
T: 091- 091-565066
youthministrygalway@gmail.com
http://www.pastoralcentre.ie/
Statement on the economic situation in Ireland by the Irish Bishops' Conference "In Helping each other, there is Hope"
As we meet today we are conscious that the recent dramatic events in our national economy have given rise to exceptional levels of fear, anger and disillusionment. Demands for assistance with basic things like food, fuel and clothing from organisations such as Saint Vincent de Paul are up as much as 35% from this time last year. In the Six Counties, the number presenting as homeless has almost doubled in the past six years, while in the Republic it has doubled in the past sixteen years. Organisations working with the homeless are expressing concern about their ability to respond to the level of need. The spectre of high levels of unemployment confronts our nation once again, with its demoralising impact on individuals and communities and the upheaval of emigration facing many Irish families. Large numbers of people have also become weighed down by unexpected levels of debt, the fear of losing their home, the prospect of losing their job, the dread of their business failing or the impact of cuts to their pay, pension or benefits. In many homes across the country the outward appearance of wealth and comfort masks exceptional levels of anxiety and material need.
Faced with these challenges it would be easy to descend into a culture of negativity, defeatism and despair. While important questions have to be asked about how this situation has arisen, a preoccupation with blame and recrimination alone would be futile and distract from the urgent task of building a more just, sustainable and prosperous future. We believe the inevitable pain of the current situation should be shared justly, with a special concern for the most vulnerable and least well off.
Read the full statement on:
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/
A message from Columba Press
We are delighted to inform you that The Columba Press have launched a new and improved website which you can now view at www.columba.ie. The Columba Press is one of the leading publishers of religious books in Ireland, the UK and Europe. Authors such as Brian D'Arcy and Daniel J. O' Leary top our spirituality list whilst our bestselling range of Glenstal Abbey titles will be recognisable to all.
To celebrate the launch of
http://www.columba.ie/
we are offering 10% off all purchases up to and including the 31st December 2010. Simply go online, select your title(s) and when prompted please enter the following code: columba001
Please note that this applies to Columba Press titles only.
Feel free to pass this information to your friends or to anyone who would be interested.
Wishing you all the best for the festive period from all at Columba,
All the best,
Patrick O' Donoghue
Sales Representative
The Columba Press
55A Spruce Avenue
Stillorgan Industrial Park
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Tel: + 353 1 294 2556 ext. 209
+ 353 87 2340229
E-mail: patrick@columba.ie
Website:
http://www.columba.ie/
10 December 2010
Mass intentions for the week ahead 12th December 2010
Saturday 11th December
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Mark, Joseph, Colm, Padraig and Jude Walsh.
Mary and John Connell.
Sunday 12th December 3rd Sunday of Advent
9.30 am Vinnie Byrne and Timothy Kyne
11am Tom and Kathleen Casserly and deceased members of
Casserly and Murphy families.
2. Cliona Tierney.
12.15 pm Joe Hoade and John and Eileen O'Toole.
6.30 pm Nora Coyne and Kate Sweeney.
Monday 13th December
10am Kitty O'Sullivan and Anne Rushe.
Tuesday 14th December
10am For all the Sick and acknowledgement Mass for Mary Brodie
and for all who sympathised.
Wednesday 15th December
10am William, Bridget and Sean Canavan and Oliver Byrne.
5.30 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass.
Thursday 16th December
10am Frank Sheehan and Roche family living and deceased.
Friday 17th December
10am Kate and Bernard Ward.
Saturday 17th December 11am Mary Ryan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Teresa Barrett and deceased members of
Hernon family.
2. Bridie, Pat, Bill and Catherine Buckley.
Sunday 19th December 4th Sunday of Advent
9.30 am Lawless and Guinnane families deceased.
Joe and Barbara Davis.
11am Teresa Hession and Deceased members of Colohan family.
12.15 pm Delia and Patrick Ward and deceased members of
Ward and Lynskey families.
Ellen and John Hynes and Mary and Joseph Crowley
6.30 pm Marcello Alarcon and Dolly Gavin.
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Mark, Joseph, Colm, Padraig and Jude Walsh.
Mary and John Connell.
Sunday 12th December 3rd Sunday of Advent
9.30 am Vinnie Byrne and Timothy Kyne
11am Tom and Kathleen Casserly and deceased members of
Casserly and Murphy families.
2. Cliona Tierney.
12.15 pm Joe Hoade and John and Eileen O'Toole.
6.30 pm Nora Coyne and Kate Sweeney.
Monday 13th December
10am Kitty O'Sullivan and Anne Rushe.
Tuesday 14th December
10am For all the Sick and acknowledgement Mass for Mary Brodie
and for all who sympathised.
Wednesday 15th December
10am William, Bridget and Sean Canavan and Oliver Byrne.
5.30 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass.
Thursday 16th December
10am Frank Sheehan and Roche family living and deceased.
Friday 17th December
10am Kate and Bernard Ward.
Saturday 17th December 11am Mary Ryan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Teresa Barrett and deceased members of
Hernon family.
2. Bridie, Pat, Bill and Catherine Buckley.
Sunday 19th December 4th Sunday of Advent
9.30 am Lawless and Guinnane families deceased.
Joe and Barbara Davis.
11am Teresa Hession and Deceased members of Colohan family.
12.15 pm Delia and Patrick Ward and deceased members of
Ward and Lynskey families.
Ellen and John Hynes and Mary and Joseph Crowley
6.30 pm Marcello Alarcon and Dolly Gavin.
9 December 2010
Jack Murphy, R.I.P.
Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of John Francis 'Jack' Murphy, Shrewsbury and Davis Road. Jack's remains will be reposing at Conneely's Funeral Home, Flood Street, today, Thursday, December 9th, from 5 to 7 when they will be removed to our church. Jack's Funeral Mass will be at 11 tomorrow, Friday, with burial afterwards in Mount St. Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery.
'Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life'.
'Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life'.
8 December 2010
December 8th, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
'O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who has recourse to thee.'
The above stained glass window is in the Chapel of St. Columbanus, National University of Ireland, Galway, and features on this years Christmas Card from the chaplaincy to support the University Pilgrimage to The Holy Land in 2011. You'll get details of how to obtain the cards below; just scroll down through this weeks newsletter until you see Christmas Cards.
7 December 2010
Newsletter, Second Week of Advent.
TONIGHT!! Liturgy of Hope
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, Galway
Tuesday 7 December 2010 @ 7.30 PM
(Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
“Mary, Our Light, Our Hope”
In response to the spiritual needs of the people of Galway in these difficult times, Galway Cathedral will host a Liturgy of Hope, entitled “Mary, Our Light, Our Hope”.
Prof. Ray Kinsella, economist and senior lecturer in the School of Business, UCD recently wrote “We need a National week of prayer culminating on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8 … We will need these prayers in these most fateful days in the history of modern Ireland so that our parliamentary democracy is seen to act with calmness and courage and belief in resilience of the people they are privileged to represent (The Irish Catholic, December 2, 2010).”
This prayer service will provide the people of Galway with the opportunity to pray for themselves, their loved ones and their country.
The prayer service will involve Reflection, Scripture Readings and Petitions to Mary, Patroness of Galway Cathedral. There is an ancient tradition in Ireland of turning to Mary, Mother of God, in time of need.
Mass intentions for the week ahead
Tonight, Vigil Mass for the Holy Day
6.30 pm (the new time for our Vigil Mass)
Deceased members of Rockmount Road (40 yrs)
Wednesday 8th December Feast of the Immaculate Conception
10am Martin and Della Ryan
11.30 pm Delia Hoade and Fr. Anthony and 2. Alphonsus Dodd
6.30 pm Frank Broderick and Ann & Patsy Small.
Thursday 9th December
10am Bridie Whelan and Patrick O'Donohoe.
Friday 10th December
10am Tony Gavin and Heneghan and Gaughan families.
Saturday 11th December
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Mark, Joseph, Colm, Padraig and Jude Walsh
Mary and John Connell.
Sunday 12th December 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday
9.30 am Vinnie Byrne and Timothy Kyne
11 am Tom and Kathleen Casserly and deceased members of
Casserly and Murphy families.
2. Cliona Tierney
12.15pm Joe Hoade and John and Eileen O'Toole.
6.30 pm Nora Coyne and Kate Sweeney.
December 6th, Feast of Saint Nicholas, Patron of the City of Galway
Article below COPYRIGHT:
http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/
Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. He lived in the fourth century. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.
Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man's house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter. He did the same thing for the second daughter. The grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.
Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser. He made the man admit that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name. When his relics were brought to Bari, Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners. With St. Andrew, he is the patron of Russia.
It is thought that sailors and merchants, from their travels, brought devotion to him to Galway. Hence, he is the patron saint of our city, and patron of the ancient Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas, and, along with our Lady Assumed into Heaven, patron of our cathedral.
The great charity of this saint has become legendary. Is there someone in my life who needs my love and generosity?
J.Lite Gospel Choir
Rehearsals every Wednesday night @ 7.30p.m in Galway Cathedral
All ages welcome... 087-7599571.
Latin Mass
Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora Diocese: Sunday, 12 December – 3 pm Mass, St. Patrick’s Garrison Chapel, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. Celebrant: Rev Wulfran Lebocq, ICRSS
John Heneghan, Latin Mass Society of Ireland: 086-8530810
http://www.latinmassireland.org/
Liam Lawton Concert
"Fr Liam Lawton will be performing a "Christmas concert" in the church of the Immaculate Conception, Oughterard, on Friday 17th December. Tickets are €20 each, & can be purchased at Zhivago's shop street Galway, or online from the Liam Lawton website, or locally in Oughterard, e.g. tourist office etc.... Doors open @ 7.30pm concert begins @ 8pm. Further info from Nuala Joyce @ 087-671 9951
The Priests' Christmas Album
The Priests new Christmas Album “Noel” is available from Monday 6th December and is available from supermarkets, record shops and online from Amazon.co.uk and the single of "Little Drummer Boy" with Shane McGowan will be released on 12th December.
For further information visit
http://www.thepriests.com/
Christmas Cards
1. Christmas cards are now on sale from the NUIG Chaplaincy.
Proceeds will go towards our Holy Land pilgrimage next May. The cover of the card is a detail from one of the stained glass windows in the College Chapel as illustrated in this picture:
A pack of twenty cards is priced at ten euro. Orders are now being taken at
chaplaincy@nuigalway.ie
Telephone 091 495 055 or call to the Chaplaincy Centre on Distillery Road.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
2. Please support our Galway Cathedral Bookshop
Our Cathedral Bookshop has a huge selection of Cards, gift ideas, liturgical and spirituality books.
Open everyday
Please support! 091- 563577
Support Trócaire
This Advent Trócaire is asking us to remember children in Somalia. Somalia is desperately dangerous with only 30% of children able to attend school and many are forced to become child soldiers. This Christmas through its Global Gifts Trócaire is hoping to keep 15 primary schools open giving 3,500 children the chance to go to school for a year and stay safe.
Advent reminds us that Christ's love encompasses everyone, in all nations. Let us remember the people in the developing world who struggle every day to find enough food to survive or don't know how they will keep their children safe. Help them through Trócaire's Christmas Global Gift appeal. www.trocaire.org/globalgift
David O'Hare
Press Officer
Trócaire
Office: 028 9080 8030
Mobile: +4479 0005 3884
http://www.trocaire.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/trocaire
Twitter: http://twitter.com/trocaire
YouTube: http://youtube.com/trocaire
Flickr: http://flickr.com/trocaire
Galway Choral Association presenting a Christmas concert in support of COPE Galway
Featuring Mozart's Missa Brevis in B flat, the programme includes choral music by Elgar and Rutter, as well as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. The concert takes place in St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, at 8pm on Saturday 11 December.
Tickets €15 (€10 concessions) are available from choir members, Opus II in the Cornstore, COPE Galway or at the door.
Regards
Mary Curtin- PRO and membership officer, Galway Choral Association
Mary Curtin
mobile: +353851690116
Skype: mary.curtinNZ
Spirit Radio is launching in Dublin, Cork, Galway
Limerick and Waterford on January 27 2011
Upbeat and uplifting,
entertaining and inspirational,
Spirit Radio will play the best contemporary Christian music
plus a selection of positive hits.
Presenters will highlight stories
that show how ‘faith in God’ makes a real difference.
Spirit’s news and talk
will get Christian voices
speaking to the issues of the day.
The format will include heart warming
and thought provoking stories.
See website for more:
http://www.spiritradio.ie/
Áine Carvill
Marketing & Promotions
Spirit Radio - Passion for Life
T. +353 1 614 4839
M. +353 86 825 0777
Email. aine.carvill@spiritradio.ie
A Message from the Irish School of Ecumenics
Dear Friend,
As the Irish School of Ecumenics this month celebrates its 40th anniversary and our thoughts begin to turn upon the mystery of Christmas, we are happy once more to send you information and resources for the coming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th-25th January 2011). For this year, the Order of Service has been prepared by Christians in Jerusalem. They have chosen the biblical theme – “One in the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship and the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).
This witness of oneness in faith calls to mind the protracted suffering of the churches in Israel and Palestine and of the many people in that land, broken apart by the violence of war. As this letter goes to mailing, we in ISE are honoured to host a visiting delegation of Church Leaders from that place known familiarly to us as the “Holy Land”. We have heard first hand of their plight, their longing for an end to oppression and the restoring of peace and justice.
And so, in asking you in your different denominations in your particular place, to come together in a special service of prayer for Christian unity, bearing in mind Christ’s longing for the oneness of his church, I can find no better basis, no stronger encouragement today, than their plea to us to be in solidarity and prayer with them. It is a reminder to all of us that the world needs a more visible witness to reconciliation, justice, truth and koinonia.
I take this occasion to thank you for your continuing support of the Irish School of Ecumenics. Firmly ensconced now in Trinity College, our students following the Masters and PhD programmes are benefitting enormously from their study and practical preparation to play their part as ambassadors of reconciliation in their varied walks of life. Yet, we continue to struggle to sustain our range of community-based, church-related and ecumenical courses and events, in Northern Ireland, even as we plan to pilot a new programme in partnership with some parishes in the wider Leinster area. It is by faith rather than assurance that we dare to plough new furrows. So too, with sensitivity to the impact of the astringent economic conditions, and to the many pressing demands that churches are facing, I ask you once more to donate the proceeds of the collection at the service, whether you hold it at the traditional or alternatively chosen time.
As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may Christ, the Shalom of God be with you and yours this Christmas, and the Holy Spirit journey with you all throughout the coming year.
Yours sincerely
Dr Geraldine Smyth OP
Head of Irish School of Ecumenics
Development Office
Irish School of Ecumenics Trust
Trinity College Dublin
Milltown Park
Dublin 6
Phone: +353 (0)1 2601144 ext. 105
Direct Line: +353 (0)1 2180533
email: isedev@tcd.ie
Web:
http://www.tcd.ie/ise
Speaking of things ecumenical... Statement of Archbishop Michael Neary on the retirement of Bishop Richard Henderson, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry to take up a new post in the diocese of Carlisle, Church of England (Bishop Henderson’s Anglican Diocese includes a large portion of our own Catholic Diocese)
Since 1998, we here in Ireland have been privileged to know and work closely with Bishop Richard Henderson. His departure to assume a new ministry in the diocese of Carlisle will be mourned, not only by his own people in the Church of Ireland but also by the faithful and clergy of our own Church.
He combined a very keen intellect with a wonderfully warm personality. As a scientist he was acutely aware of the importance of the dialogue between science and theology.
He combined word and witness in a most attractive way and this made him a very effective communicator of Christ’s message.
Ecumenism has been a very significant part of his ministry. This gentle, joyful and very reflective Bishop has been a great source of inspiration to all of us. I take this opportunity to wish him every blessing in his new responsibilities.
+ Michael Neary
A message from The Catholic Teachers Association
The Association of Catholic Teachers (ACT) is a group of primary teachers who seek to improve their teaching of the Catholic faith by sharing resources and ideas. If you are a primary teacher and would like to receive the monthly e-bulletin, which is full of useful resources and ideas-mail contact:
irishcatholicteachers@gmail.com
and you will be added to the contact list.
Youth Matters
1. World Youth Day 15th - 22nd August, 2011
Anyone interested in travelling to Madrid with the Galway Diocese?
Contact Siobhán Bradley at (091)565066.
2. Christmas Youth 2000 Retreat
Youth 2000 runs regular weekend residential retreats for 16-35 year olds as well as weekly prayer groups. Their next event, a National Christmas Retreat for Young People, takes place at Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co Kildare from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th December 2010. This retreat will be comprised of talks, prayer, sharing, games and craic and promises to be a great opportunity for young people from all around Ireland to explore their Catholic faith and make many new friends.
No charge for the weekend - donation only. Free buses available from some locations - all food provided - just bring a sleeping bag!
Contact Youth 2000 office 01 6753690 or 085 8289231 (from NI 07842881878)for information.
More information is available from
http://www.youth2000.ie/
Coming up in Croí Nua
1. HEALING LIFE’S HURTS
Celebrating the healing power of Advent
Saturday 18th, December 10.00 - 4.30p.m.
Facilitated by Helen Dorai Raj, Patsy Kelly MSC & Michael Screene MSC
2. PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
Reflecting on Christmas especially with family in mind
Sunday 19th December 10.00 - 4.30p.m.
Facilitated by Eileen Kelly & Michael Screene MSC
(Eileen Kelly, mother and Director of Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre will lead our reflection on Christmas with its rich associations with home and family)
3. CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION
“He will save his people from their sins...” (mt.1.21)
Monday 20th December 2010, 8.00p.m.
Facilitated by Croí Nua team
Welcome!
Venue: Croí Nua Centre, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway (Opposite Scoil Róis)
Phone: (091)520960
Mobile: (087) 6833195
E-mail:
croinuacentre@eircom.net
Website:
http://www.croinua.com/
Prison Chaplains attack inhumane conditions behind prison walls
Prison chaplains have produced another grim report on conditions in the country’s prisons, saying violence and drug use continues to escalate in prisons and overcrowding is adding to inhumane conditions.
The report says “conditions in many of our prisons are an insult to the decency of any human being and an affront to the basic tenets of decency,” and they say a culture of conformity exists within the system which resists any criticism or challenge.
There are 27 prison chaplains, priests, religious and lay people, working in 14 prisons in Ireland. They work every day with men and women who are imprisoned, and their families.
Fr Ciarán Enright of the chaplaincy team in Arbour Hill Prison said, “It is frustrating and depressing to have to come out with similar reports year after year, with little or no sign of any positive action being taken by those in charge.” He said chaplains blame a politicisation of the criminal justice system, which is failing to address the real issue of crime and prevention.
Overcrowding got so bad this year that on one night during the summer 129 prisoners in Mountjoy had no beds to sleep in – and some did not even have a mattress to sleep on. In Wheatfield a 75 year old male prisoner was sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Up to four men can be placed in a cell with no toilet facilities - other than a chamber pot - the same space they have to live and sleep in.
The chaplains also highlight how leaks to the media concerning prisoners are destructive of their attempts to manage their sentences and to resettle in the community. They single out the management and leaks around the release of Larry Murphy as resulting in a “media circus” which fuelled fear and anxiety in society. The endangerment of a person’s life and the creation of unnecessary panic among the public is of concern to them. In another incident this year, some media were waiting outside a hospital when a prisoner was escorted to an outpatient appointment.
On violence they state prisoners are under threat from inside and outside prison walls and “the most common form of attack is to use a blade to slash a prisoner’s face, leaving a long and permanent scar, often from ear to mouth.”
St Patrick’s Institution for young people and children (16 to 21) is highlighted as a cause of serious concern. Chaplains say:
• St. Patrick's is in direct contravention of the UN convention on the rights of the child, which prohibits the imprisonment of children (under 18s) with adults.
• Protections, regulation and guidelines relating to children in institutional care do not apply in St Patrick’s.
• The Ombudsman for Children is explicitly prohibited from investigating complaints or allegation by young people in St Patrick’s
• One in four of the young prisoners are 'on protection' - locked up for 23 hours a day with nothing to do.
• The prison workshops for young people are described as “a waste of money providing no useful training”.
The report recommends the pressing need to explore non-custodial options for prisoners who have committed less serious offences. It concludes “Current prison policy is a disaster for both prisons and society. Making our prisons safer and drug free is in everyone’s interest. The only obstacle is political will.”
A full copy of the report is now available on
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/
And
http://www.dublindiocese.ie/
Further information:
Fr Ciarán Enright, Chaplaincy Team, Arbour Hill Prison (01) 459 3354, 00353 (0) 87 799 7297
Martin Long, Director of Communications 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 00353 (0) 87 310 4444
Kid’s Corner, Second Sunday of Advent
Click to zoom.
Copyright: http://www.redcoms.org/
Cian and Bella.
Matthew 3:1-12 • He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit
Cian: Hi Bella, where were you yesterday?
Bella: We were at my new cousin Fionn’s baptism!
Cian: Cool! What was it like?
Bella: It was a lovely day. We all went to Dunboyne Church in Co Meath and his Mam Teresa and her Dad Gerard, oh and not forgetting his two big sisters Amy and Ruth welcomed us to celebrate Fionn’s baptism.
Cian: Was there anyone else there? Anyone with a football?!
Bella: Doh Cian! Yes actually his big cousin Jack was there with his rugby ball and other cousins were there too, in fact there were millions and zillions of them!
Cian: Sounds cool, the Gospel today is about being baptised with holy water and with the Holy Spirit. Did Fionn cry when the holy water was poured over him?
Bella: No, he smiled and Mam said that the Holy Spirit was pouring onto him with the Holy water so I reckon the Holy Spirit is warm!
Cian: Ha! That means that all of us who have been baptised are filled with the warm glow of the Holy Spirit.
How can you show others that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit since your baptism?
Don’t forget! This Sunday is the Monthly Mass for our First Communion Preparation Programme, Do this in Memory of Me, at the usual time of 11. Remember your candles!
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, Galway
Tuesday 7 December 2010 @ 7.30 PM
(Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
“Mary, Our Light, Our Hope”
In response to the spiritual needs of the people of Galway in these difficult times, Galway Cathedral will host a Liturgy of Hope, entitled “Mary, Our Light, Our Hope”.
Prof. Ray Kinsella, economist and senior lecturer in the School of Business, UCD recently wrote “We need a National week of prayer culminating on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8 … We will need these prayers in these most fateful days in the history of modern Ireland so that our parliamentary democracy is seen to act with calmness and courage and belief in resilience of the people they are privileged to represent (The Irish Catholic, December 2, 2010).”
This prayer service will provide the people of Galway with the opportunity to pray for themselves, their loved ones and their country.
The prayer service will involve Reflection, Scripture Readings and Petitions to Mary, Patroness of Galway Cathedral. There is an ancient tradition in Ireland of turning to Mary, Mother of God, in time of need.
Mass intentions for the week ahead
Tonight, Vigil Mass for the Holy Day
6.30 pm (the new time for our Vigil Mass)
Deceased members of Rockmount Road (40 yrs)
Wednesday 8th December Feast of the Immaculate Conception
10am Martin and Della Ryan
11.30 pm Delia Hoade and Fr. Anthony and 2. Alphonsus Dodd
6.30 pm Frank Broderick and Ann & Patsy Small.
Thursday 9th December
10am Bridie Whelan and Patrick O'Donohoe.
Friday 10th December
10am Tony Gavin and Heneghan and Gaughan families.
Saturday 11th December
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Mark, Joseph, Colm, Padraig and Jude Walsh
Mary and John Connell.
Sunday 12th December 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday
9.30 am Vinnie Byrne and Timothy Kyne
11 am Tom and Kathleen Casserly and deceased members of
Casserly and Murphy families.
2. Cliona Tierney
12.15pm Joe Hoade and John and Eileen O'Toole.
6.30 pm Nora Coyne and Kate Sweeney.
December 6th, Feast of Saint Nicholas, Patron of the City of Galway
Article below COPYRIGHT:
http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/
Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. He lived in the fourth century. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.
Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man's house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter. He did the same thing for the second daughter. The grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.
Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser. He made the man admit that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name. When his relics were brought to Bari, Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners. With St. Andrew, he is the patron of Russia.
It is thought that sailors and merchants, from their travels, brought devotion to him to Galway. Hence, he is the patron saint of our city, and patron of the ancient Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas, and, along with our Lady Assumed into Heaven, patron of our cathedral.
The great charity of this saint has become legendary. Is there someone in my life who needs my love and generosity?
J.Lite Gospel Choir
Rehearsals every Wednesday night @ 7.30p.m in Galway Cathedral
All ages welcome... 087-7599571.
Latin Mass
Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora Diocese: Sunday, 12 December – 3 pm Mass, St. Patrick’s Garrison Chapel, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. Celebrant: Rev Wulfran Lebocq, ICRSS
John Heneghan, Latin Mass Society of Ireland: 086-8530810
http://www.latinmassireland.org/
Liam Lawton Concert
"Fr Liam Lawton will be performing a "Christmas concert" in the church of the Immaculate Conception, Oughterard, on Friday 17th December. Tickets are €20 each, & can be purchased at Zhivago's shop street Galway, or online from the Liam Lawton website, or locally in Oughterard, e.g. tourist office etc.... Doors open @ 7.30pm concert begins @ 8pm. Further info from Nuala Joyce @ 087-671 9951
The Priests' Christmas Album
The Priests new Christmas Album “Noel” is available from Monday 6th December and is available from supermarkets, record shops and online from Amazon.co.uk and the single of "Little Drummer Boy" with Shane McGowan will be released on 12th December.
For further information visit
http://www.thepriests.com/
Christmas Cards
1. Christmas cards are now on sale from the NUIG Chaplaincy.
Proceeds will go towards our Holy Land pilgrimage next May. The cover of the card is a detail from one of the stained glass windows in the College Chapel as illustrated in this picture:
A pack of twenty cards is priced at ten euro. Orders are now being taken at
chaplaincy@nuigalway.ie
Telephone 091 495 055 or call to the Chaplaincy Centre on Distillery Road.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
2. Please support our Galway Cathedral Bookshop
Our Cathedral Bookshop has a huge selection of Cards, gift ideas, liturgical and spirituality books.
Open everyday
Please support! 091- 563577
Support Trócaire
This Advent Trócaire is asking us to remember children in Somalia. Somalia is desperately dangerous with only 30% of children able to attend school and many are forced to become child soldiers. This Christmas through its Global Gifts Trócaire is hoping to keep 15 primary schools open giving 3,500 children the chance to go to school for a year and stay safe.
Advent reminds us that Christ's love encompasses everyone, in all nations. Let us remember the people in the developing world who struggle every day to find enough food to survive or don't know how they will keep their children safe. Help them through Trócaire's Christmas Global Gift appeal. www.trocaire.org/globalgift
David O'Hare
Press Officer
Trócaire
Office: 028 9080 8030
Mobile: +4479 0005 3884
http://www.trocaire.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/trocaire
Twitter: http://twitter.com/trocaire
YouTube: http://youtube.com/trocaire
Flickr: http://flickr.com/trocaire
Galway Choral Association presenting a Christmas concert in support of COPE Galway
Featuring Mozart's Missa Brevis in B flat, the programme includes choral music by Elgar and Rutter, as well as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. The concert takes place in St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, at 8pm on Saturday 11 December.
Tickets €15 (€10 concessions) are available from choir members, Opus II in the Cornstore, COPE Galway or at the door.
Regards
Mary Curtin- PRO and membership officer, Galway Choral Association
Mary Curtin
mobile: +353851690116
Skype: mary.curtinNZ
Spirit Radio is launching in Dublin, Cork, Galway
Limerick and Waterford on January 27 2011
Upbeat and uplifting,
entertaining and inspirational,
Spirit Radio will play the best contemporary Christian music
plus a selection of positive hits.
Presenters will highlight stories
that show how ‘faith in God’ makes a real difference.
Spirit’s news and talk
will get Christian voices
speaking to the issues of the day.
The format will include heart warming
and thought provoking stories.
See website for more:
http://www.spiritradio.ie/
Áine Carvill
Marketing & Promotions
Spirit Radio - Passion for Life
T. +353 1 614 4839
M. +353 86 825 0777
Email. aine.carvill@spiritradio.ie
A Message from the Irish School of Ecumenics
Dear Friend,
As the Irish School of Ecumenics this month celebrates its 40th anniversary and our thoughts begin to turn upon the mystery of Christmas, we are happy once more to send you information and resources for the coming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th-25th January 2011). For this year, the Order of Service has been prepared by Christians in Jerusalem. They have chosen the biblical theme – “One in the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship and the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).
This witness of oneness in faith calls to mind the protracted suffering of the churches in Israel and Palestine and of the many people in that land, broken apart by the violence of war. As this letter goes to mailing, we in ISE are honoured to host a visiting delegation of Church Leaders from that place known familiarly to us as the “Holy Land”. We have heard first hand of their plight, their longing for an end to oppression and the restoring of peace and justice.
And so, in asking you in your different denominations in your particular place, to come together in a special service of prayer for Christian unity, bearing in mind Christ’s longing for the oneness of his church, I can find no better basis, no stronger encouragement today, than their plea to us to be in solidarity and prayer with them. It is a reminder to all of us that the world needs a more visible witness to reconciliation, justice, truth and koinonia.
I take this occasion to thank you for your continuing support of the Irish School of Ecumenics. Firmly ensconced now in Trinity College, our students following the Masters and PhD programmes are benefitting enormously from their study and practical preparation to play their part as ambassadors of reconciliation in their varied walks of life. Yet, we continue to struggle to sustain our range of community-based, church-related and ecumenical courses and events, in Northern Ireland, even as we plan to pilot a new programme in partnership with some parishes in the wider Leinster area. It is by faith rather than assurance that we dare to plough new furrows. So too, with sensitivity to the impact of the astringent economic conditions, and to the many pressing demands that churches are facing, I ask you once more to donate the proceeds of the collection at the service, whether you hold it at the traditional or alternatively chosen time.
As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may Christ, the Shalom of God be with you and yours this Christmas, and the Holy Spirit journey with you all throughout the coming year.
Yours sincerely
Dr Geraldine Smyth OP
Head of Irish School of Ecumenics
Development Office
Irish School of Ecumenics Trust
Trinity College Dublin
Milltown Park
Dublin 6
Phone: +353 (0)1 2601144 ext. 105
Direct Line: +353 (0)1 2180533
email: isedev@tcd.ie
Web:
http://www.tcd.ie/ise
Speaking of things ecumenical... Statement of Archbishop Michael Neary on the retirement of Bishop Richard Henderson, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry to take up a new post in the diocese of Carlisle, Church of England (Bishop Henderson’s Anglican Diocese includes a large portion of our own Catholic Diocese)
Since 1998, we here in Ireland have been privileged to know and work closely with Bishop Richard Henderson. His departure to assume a new ministry in the diocese of Carlisle will be mourned, not only by his own people in the Church of Ireland but also by the faithful and clergy of our own Church.
He combined a very keen intellect with a wonderfully warm personality. As a scientist he was acutely aware of the importance of the dialogue between science and theology.
He combined word and witness in a most attractive way and this made him a very effective communicator of Christ’s message.
Ecumenism has been a very significant part of his ministry. This gentle, joyful and very reflective Bishop has been a great source of inspiration to all of us. I take this opportunity to wish him every blessing in his new responsibilities.
+ Michael Neary
A message from The Catholic Teachers Association
The Association of Catholic Teachers (ACT) is a group of primary teachers who seek to improve their teaching of the Catholic faith by sharing resources and ideas. If you are a primary teacher and would like to receive the monthly e-bulletin, which is full of useful resources and ideas-mail contact:
irishcatholicteachers@gmail.com
and you will be added to the contact list.
Youth Matters
1. World Youth Day 15th - 22nd August, 2011
Anyone interested in travelling to Madrid with the Galway Diocese?
Contact Siobhán Bradley at (091)565066.
2. Christmas Youth 2000 Retreat
Youth 2000 runs regular weekend residential retreats for 16-35 year olds as well as weekly prayer groups. Their next event, a National Christmas Retreat for Young People, takes place at Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co Kildare from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th December 2010. This retreat will be comprised of talks, prayer, sharing, games and craic and promises to be a great opportunity for young people from all around Ireland to explore their Catholic faith and make many new friends.
No charge for the weekend - donation only. Free buses available from some locations - all food provided - just bring a sleeping bag!
Contact Youth 2000 office 01 6753690 or 085 8289231 (from NI 07842881878)for information.
More information is available from
http://www.youth2000.ie/
Coming up in Croí Nua
1. HEALING LIFE’S HURTS
Celebrating the healing power of Advent
Saturday 18th, December 10.00 - 4.30p.m.
Facilitated by Helen Dorai Raj, Patsy Kelly MSC & Michael Screene MSC
2. PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
Reflecting on Christmas especially with family in mind
Sunday 19th December 10.00 - 4.30p.m.
Facilitated by Eileen Kelly & Michael Screene MSC
(Eileen Kelly, mother and Director of Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre will lead our reflection on Christmas with its rich associations with home and family)
3. CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION
“He will save his people from their sins...” (mt.1.21)
Monday 20th December 2010, 8.00p.m.
Facilitated by Croí Nua team
Welcome!
Venue: Croí Nua Centre, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway (Opposite Scoil Róis)
Phone: (091)520960
Mobile: (087) 6833195
E-mail:
croinuacentre@eircom.net
Website:
http://www.croinua.com/
Prison Chaplains attack inhumane conditions behind prison walls
Prison chaplains have produced another grim report on conditions in the country’s prisons, saying violence and drug use continues to escalate in prisons and overcrowding is adding to inhumane conditions.
The report says “conditions in many of our prisons are an insult to the decency of any human being and an affront to the basic tenets of decency,” and they say a culture of conformity exists within the system which resists any criticism or challenge.
There are 27 prison chaplains, priests, religious and lay people, working in 14 prisons in Ireland. They work every day with men and women who are imprisoned, and their families.
Fr Ciarán Enright of the chaplaincy team in Arbour Hill Prison said, “It is frustrating and depressing to have to come out with similar reports year after year, with little or no sign of any positive action being taken by those in charge.” He said chaplains blame a politicisation of the criminal justice system, which is failing to address the real issue of crime and prevention.
Overcrowding got so bad this year that on one night during the summer 129 prisoners in Mountjoy had no beds to sleep in – and some did not even have a mattress to sleep on. In Wheatfield a 75 year old male prisoner was sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Up to four men can be placed in a cell with no toilet facilities - other than a chamber pot - the same space they have to live and sleep in.
The chaplains also highlight how leaks to the media concerning prisoners are destructive of their attempts to manage their sentences and to resettle in the community. They single out the management and leaks around the release of Larry Murphy as resulting in a “media circus” which fuelled fear and anxiety in society. The endangerment of a person’s life and the creation of unnecessary panic among the public is of concern to them. In another incident this year, some media were waiting outside a hospital when a prisoner was escorted to an outpatient appointment.
On violence they state prisoners are under threat from inside and outside prison walls and “the most common form of attack is to use a blade to slash a prisoner’s face, leaving a long and permanent scar, often from ear to mouth.”
St Patrick’s Institution for young people and children (16 to 21) is highlighted as a cause of serious concern. Chaplains say:
• St. Patrick's is in direct contravention of the UN convention on the rights of the child, which prohibits the imprisonment of children (under 18s) with adults.
• Protections, regulation and guidelines relating to children in institutional care do not apply in St Patrick’s.
• The Ombudsman for Children is explicitly prohibited from investigating complaints or allegation by young people in St Patrick’s
• One in four of the young prisoners are 'on protection' - locked up for 23 hours a day with nothing to do.
• The prison workshops for young people are described as “a waste of money providing no useful training”.
The report recommends the pressing need to explore non-custodial options for prisoners who have committed less serious offences. It concludes “Current prison policy is a disaster for both prisons and society. Making our prisons safer and drug free is in everyone’s interest. The only obstacle is political will.”
A full copy of the report is now available on
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/
And
http://www.dublindiocese.ie/
Further information:
Fr Ciarán Enright, Chaplaincy Team, Arbour Hill Prison (01) 459 3354, 00353 (0) 87 799 7297
Martin Long, Director of Communications 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 00353 (0) 87 310 4444
Kid’s Corner, Second Sunday of Advent
Click to zoom.
Copyright: http://www.redcoms.org/
Cian and Bella.
Matthew 3:1-12 • He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit
Cian: Hi Bella, where were you yesterday?
Bella: We were at my new cousin Fionn’s baptism!
Cian: Cool! What was it like?
Bella: It was a lovely day. We all went to Dunboyne Church in Co Meath and his Mam Teresa and her Dad Gerard, oh and not forgetting his two big sisters Amy and Ruth welcomed us to celebrate Fionn’s baptism.
Cian: Was there anyone else there? Anyone with a football?!
Bella: Doh Cian! Yes actually his big cousin Jack was there with his rugby ball and other cousins were there too, in fact there were millions and zillions of them!
Cian: Sounds cool, the Gospel today is about being baptised with holy water and with the Holy Spirit. Did Fionn cry when the holy water was poured over him?
Bella: No, he smiled and Mam said that the Holy Spirit was pouring onto him with the Holy water so I reckon the Holy Spirit is warm!
Cian: Ha! That means that all of us who have been baptised are filled with the warm glow of the Holy Spirit.
How can you show others that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit since your baptism?
Don’t forget! This Sunday is the Monthly Mass for our First Communion Preparation Programme, Do this in Memory of Me, at the usual time of 11. Remember your candles!
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