First Communion Programme.

The next Mass in our First Communion Pre-Sacramental Programme is coming up! It's only a week away, Sunday, November 23rd. The meeting of the Core Group is on Wednesday next, November 19th, at 7:30 in the church tea room.

Don't forget our sister blog has lots of stuff posted for the kids. You'll find the link on the menu bar, to the right of this page, below the picture of the school.

Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the responsibility of talent.

COPYRIGHT:FR. JACK MCARDLE, AND THAT'S THE GOSPEL TRUTH.

There will come a time when each one of us will have to give an account of how we have used the gifts that life brought with it. The Lord is fair, just, and absolutely reasonable. He doesn't expect anything from us that is beyond our ability to achieve. 'To whom much is given, of him will much be expected.' There are people who have very little of this world's riches. There are those who are disabled, either mentally or physically, and who depend on others for their every need. He is a God of Justice, and he will not look for a harvest where he did not sow. He does not demand perfection, nor is he into over demanding in any way. Most people I know seem to be doing their best with what they have. It comes down to goodwill in the final analysis. The very fact that I am writing this, or that you are reading it, is some indication of where our interest lies. The person who was condemned in the story is the one who did nothing. Christianity is about action that is inspired by belief.
We get one chance at life. There is no dress rehearsal. The only time is now, because it is the only time at my disposal. To live in the now is to be ever vigilant, so that when the Master returns he will find us ready for his return. For the servant who buried the gold, and did nothing with it, life must have been miserable, lonely, and without purpose. Jesus gives us a blue¬print for life and living, and it is the only way to find peace and purpose. We can easily forget that we are the ones who benefit when we obey his directions.

Living the Christian life should fill our hearts with gratitude. It is not possible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time. To appreciate the gift of life, and all the gifts that it brings with it, is something that should be foremost in our attitude. To have a grateful heart is a wonderful gift. 'How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child.' To appreciate what I have is to be happy with what I have. I may not be as gifted as someone else, but each of us has enough. I don't need the special gifts of another, even if I want them, or would like to have them. If God thought that I needed them he would have given them to me. As the old Irish woman said, 'You should never be off your knees thanking God that you're able to stand up.'
Can you identify some of the gifts life has bestowed on you? What are the things for which you are most grateful? How do others confirm you for the gifts that you have? On the other hand, are you aware of the gifts of those around you? Are you good at confirming others? The surest sign that you have had a Pentecost is your ability and willingness to confirm others. If you have the Spirit of God active in you, then others should be receiving confirmation from you. You cannot give confirmation if you do not have the Spirit.

Scoil Chroí Iosa Sale of Work.

A sale of work takes place this Sunday from 2:30 in Scoil Chroí Iosa, Newcastle Road. Please drop in and support the school.

RTE Radio 1 this Sunday.

This Sunday 16 November at 6pm on RTÉ Radio 1 Spirit Moves, presented by Tom McGurk, will discuss Cardinal Brady's address to the Céifin Conference on 4 November last and the proposed Civil Partnership Bill. The panel will consist of: Father Joe Mullan Parish Priest of Lusk, Archdiocese of Dublin, who also works with Accord; Senator Rónán Mullen; Ciaran Cuff TD Green Party and Ms Cathy Molloy, theologian

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD, NOVEMBER 16TH.

Saturday 7.30p.m. Mary King and Sarah McDonagh
15th November PRAY FOR GEORGE O’MALLEY AT ALL MASSES
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 a.m. 1. Deceased members of Madden Family.
16th November 2. Deceased members of the Feeney and
Carpenter families.
11.00 a.m. 1.Gerard Keaveney
2. Margaret Nolan.
12.15 p.m. 1. Ted & Bridget Conneely
2. Esther Francis
6.30 p.m. 1. John & Johnie and Ellen Brennan
2. Christopher O’Reilly
________________________________________________________________
Monday 17th November 10.00 a.m. Peter Greaney and Liam Greaney
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 10.00 a.m. Sick and deceased members of the
18th November Galway Flower and Garden Club.
7.30p.m. Francis McDonagh (Months Mind Mass)
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Paul Flynn
19th November 5.30 p.m. Indian Community Mass
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 20th November 10.00 a.m.
________________________________________________________________
Friday 21st November 10.00 a.m.Martin McMenamin
___________________________________________________________
Saturday 11.00a.m. Margaret Coen (Months Mind Mass)
22nd November 7.30p.m. 1. Paddy Francis
2. Nancy Murphy
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 23rd November 9.30 a.m. Deceased members of the Flaherty family
11.00 a.m. 1. Willie Creane
2. Chris,Tom and Thomas Coughlan.
12.15 p.m. 1. May & Dan Carr
2. Frank Codyre, Margaret Flaherty and
Eddie Lee.
6.30 p.m. Billy and Grace Joyce.

REMINDER! YOUTH 2000 GALWAY RETREAT!

Galway Youth 2000 are holding a Retreat in St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s Road, Galway City. It begins on Friday Nov 28th at 7.30p.m. concluding on Sunday Nov 30th at 4p.m. All those aged between 16-35 are welcome. Under 18's must have the written consent of a guardian. Contact Caroline on 087- 9771901 or Diarmuid on 086- 6052179 for further details or visit our website – www.youth2000.ie


The spirituality of Youth 2000 is based on love of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist; Devotion to Our Lady; and understanding the teachings of the Church. Our aim is to help other young people grow spiritually, through an experience of the love of God, prayer and a sense of belonging, leading to faith in Jesus.

We hope to gather many young people from the surrounding parishes, for what promises to be a very spiritual weekend. We would be very grateful if you could help us out in any way and if you have any queries in relation to anything please contact me, Caroline Maloney ( Youth2000 Connacht Regional Leader) on 087- 9771901

Sympathies and Month's Minds.

We pray for the repose of the souls of:

1.GERALDINE MCCOOKE (nee RYAN) 9 Cluanin, Siobhan McKenna Rd, Months Mind Mass on Saturday, 15th November at 11am in our church.

2. Francis McDonagh, 28 John Coogan Park, Months Mind Mass on Tuesday, November 18th, at 7:30pm, in our church

3. Thomas ‘Tom’ O’Rourke, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Formerly of Portumna, Co. Galway,
the brother of Joan Durack, 178 Corrib park.

4. WILLIE KELLY (JUNIOR) 11 Fursey Road. Months Mind Mass Months Mind Mass will be Sunday, 16th November at 12pm at St Joseph's Church, Presentation Rd.

5. CARL REID (CHARLIE) Late of Breffni House, Salthill, Galway and Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow. Beloved of the Reid and O'Donnell families. Months Mind Mass Months Mind Mass of the Resurrection, Church of Christ the King, Salthill, Friday, 21st November at 6pm.

6. Margaret Coen, 11 Reddington Road. Month's Mind Mass on Saturday, November 22nd at 11am in our church.

Lord, strengthen our faith that life is changed, not ended.

Don't Forget! Childrens Choir Practice on Saturday!

Click on the picture to zoom in.........

Anniversary Mass, Bishop McLoughlin.

Mass
for the third anniversary
of the death of
Bishop James Loughlin
RIP
will be celebrated in the Cathedral
on Sunday, 23rd November
at 11.15am.
All are welcome.

Older and Bolder Conference....click on images to zoom in.

Please say a little prayer.... November 11th.

This day ninety years ago the First World War came to an end. We pray today for all the brave Irish who died in all the terrible conflicts of the twentieth century,in all the conflicts here in Ireland, and our United Nations peacekeeping troops. Check out www.rte.ie for details of how our national broadcaster is covering this event, and pray for peace and for all those too who are suffering as a result of war and famine and disaster.

St. Martin of Tours, November 11th.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

This soldier saint lived in the fourth century. He joined the Roman army in Italy when he was only fifteen. Although his parents were pagans, he began to study the Christian religion. Those who study the Christian religion are called catechumens until they are baptized.
One very cold winter day, Martin and his companions came upon a beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. The man's only clothes were nothing but rags and he was shaking with cold. The other soldiers passed by him, but Martin felt that it was up to him to help the beggar. Having nothing with him, he drew his sword and cut his long cloak in half. Some laughed at his funny appearance as he gave one half to the beggar. Others felt ashamed of their own selfishness. That night, Jesus appeared to Martin. He was wearing the half of the cloak that Martin had given away.
"Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment," Jesus said. Right after this wonderful event, St. Martin went to be baptized.
A few years later, the saint left the army. He became a disciple of St. Hilary, the bishop of Poitiers, France. Because of his strong opposition to the Arian heretics in various cities, Martin had to go into exile. But he was happy to live in the wilderness with other monks. When the people of Tours asked for him as their bishop, he refused. The people would not give up, however. They got him to come to the city to visit a sick person. Once he was there, they took him to the church. As bishop of Tours, St. Martin did all he could to rid France of paganism. He prayed, he worked, he preached everywhere.
Our Lord let Martin know when his death was near. As soon as his followers heard of it, they began to weep. They begged him not to leave them. So the saint prayed: "Lord, if your people need me yet, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done." He was still laboring for the Divine Master in a far-off part of his diocese when death finally came in 397. St. Martin's tomb became one of the most famous shrines in all of Europe.
As he lay dying, Martin expressed his lasting desire to serve others: "Lord, if your people still need me, I am ready for the task; your will be done."

Two important charity fundraisers.

Gort Cancer Support will hold a Fashion Sale Extravaganza on Thursday 20th November at 7.30 pm in the Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort. Admission is only €5. Cheese & wine reception, fantastic fashion bargains, advice from an Image Consultant as well as make-up and hair demonstration. Cheques or cash accepted on the night to purchase available fashions. Call text Anne 086 1083643.

Cookery Demonstration for the Niall Mellon Township Trust:
A Cookery Demonstration with Chef Joe Beakey is planned for Thursday 27th of November 2008 at 7.30pm in The Lady Gregory Hotel to raise funds for the Niall Mellon Trust. Eamonn Fennessy & Michael Earley intend to spend a week in South Africa in March 2009 volunteering for the charity as part of the volunteer building blitz who build home for the impoverished curently living in huts and shacks in the townships there. A limited number of tickets only costing €15 are available at Corrib Oil, Finns Furniture, Gort Post Office, O’Grady’s & McInerney Auctioneers or call/text Mary 0866082723.

Sympathies, Terri Colohan and Kathleen Corrigan, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the souls of the following:

1. Teresa 'Terri' Colohan, 267 Corrib Park. Terri's remains will be reposing at Conneely's Funeral Home on Flood Street, tomorrow, Tuesday, from 7 O'Clock until 8, when they will be removed to our church. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday at 11 with burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon.

2. Kathleen Corrigan, St. Francis' Home and late of 45 Davis Road. Kathleen's remains will be reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Home on Munster Avenue, tomorrow Tuesday from 4:30 until 6:30 Her remains will be arriving at our church on Wednesday at 1 followed by Mass. Burial will take place afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon.

Please pray for their families. 'Receive their souls and present them to God the most high'

November 10th, Pope St. Leo the Great.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

St. Leo, a Roman, lived in the fifth century. At the death of Pope Sixtus, he became pope. Those were hard times for the Church. Barbarian armies were attacking Christians in many places. Within the Church, some people were spreading errors about the faith, too. But St. Leo was one of the greatest popes there ever was. He was absolutely unafraid of anything or anyone. He had great trust in the help of the first pope, St. Peter the apostle. He prayed to St. Peter often.
To stop the spread of false teachings, St. Leo explained the true faith with his famous writings. He called a Council to condemn the wrong doctrines. Those who would not give up their mistaken beliefs were put out of the Church. And Pope Leo received back into the Church those who were sorry. He asked people to pray for them.
When a large army of barbarians called Huns came to attack Rome, all the people were filled with fear. They knew that the Huns had already burned many cities. To save Rome, St. Leo rode out to meet the fierce leader, Attila. The only weapon he had was his great trust in God. When they met, something wonderful happened. Attila, the cruel pagan leader, showed the pope great honor. He made a treaty of peace with him. Attila said afterward that he had seen two mighty figures standing by the pope while he spoke. It is believed that they were the great apostles, Peter and Paul. They had been sent by God to protect Pope Leo and the Christians.
Because of his humility and charity, Pope Leo was loved by all. He was pope for twenty-one years. He died on November 10, 461.

Sunday, November 9th, Feast of the Dedication of the Latern Basilica.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org
Most Catholics think of St. Peter’s as the pope’s main church, but they are wrong. St. John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.

The first basilica on the site was built in the fourth century when Constantine donated land he had received from the wealthy Lateran family. That structure and its successors suffered fire, earthquake and the ravages of war, but the Lateran remained the church where popes were consecrated until the popes returned from Avignon in the 14th century to find the church and the adjoining palace in ruins.

Pope Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. One of Rome’s most imposing churches, the Lateran’s towering facade is crowned with 15 colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and 12 doctors of the Church. Beneath its high altar rest the remains of the small wooden table on which tradition holds St. Peter himself celebrated Mass.

Comment:

Unlike the commemorations of other Roman churches (St. Mary Major, Sts. Peter and Paul), this anniversary is a feast. The dedication of a church is a feast for all its parishioners. St. John Lateran is, in a sense, the parish church of all Catholics, for it is the pope's parish, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.

Quote:

"What was done here, as these walls were rising, is reproduced when we bring together those who believe in Christ. For, by believing they are hewn out, as it were, from mountains and forests, like stones and timber; but by catechizing, baptism and instruction they are, as it were, shaped, squared and planed by the hands of the workers and artisans. Nevertheless, they do not make a house for the Lord until they are fitted together through love" (St. Augustine, Sermon 36>).

Mass Intentions for Week ahead,November 9th 2008.

Saturday 8th November 7.30 p.m.Novena
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9th November 9.30 a.m. Novena
11.00 a.m. Novena
12.15 p.m. 1. Patrick, Nora and Mary Heavey
2. Tim & Lena Codyre
6.30 p.m. Shirley Maher
________________________________________________________________

Monday 10th November 10.00 a.m. Novena
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 11th November 10.00 a.m. Sick and Frank Tierney
8:00 p.m. Remains of Terri Colohan arriving.
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 12th November 10.00 a.m. Mickey Sullivan and Mary Murray
11.00 a.m. Funeral Mass- Terri Colohan
1.00 p.m Arrival of remains of Kathleen Corrigan followed by Mass
7.30 p.m. Eddie Ward (Months Mind Mass)
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 13th November 10.00 a.m. Bridie Whelan
________________________________________________________________
Friday 14th November 10.00 a.m.1. Paddy Curran & deceased members
of Curran and Delargey families.
2. Susan & Martin Murphy.
___________________________________________________________
Saturday 15th November 11.00a.m. Geraldine McCooke (Months Mind Mass)
7.30p.m. Mary King and Sarah McDonagh
PRAY FOR GEORGE O’MALLEY AT ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND.
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 16th November 9.30 a.m. 1. Deceased members of Madden Family.
2. Deceased members of the Feeney and Carpenter
families.

11.00 a.m. 1. Gerard Keaveney
2. Margaret Nolan.
12.15 p.m. 1. Ted & Bridget Conneely
2. Esther Francis
6.30 p.m. 1. John & Johnie and Ellen Brennan
2. Christopher O’Reilly

An invitation from The Jesuits.

Invitation to Friends of the Jesuit Spirituality and Culture Centre,

IGNATIAN VISION EVENING ---- An Ignatian Vision for the 21st Century.

When: Tuesday, November 18th, 2008: 7.30pm – 9.00pm.
Where: Coláiste Iognáid
Who: John Dardis, SJ, Irish Jesuit Provincal & Jim Corkery, SJ, Lecturer at the Milltown Institute,
Dublin.
What: What’s new in the Jesuits’ vision since they elected a new leader, Father Adolfo Nicholas, SJ, in January, 2008?

If you are interested:
1. in what is new in Ignatian Spirituality
2. in the underlying inspiration behind what is new
you will want to be at this event.

Una Allen, Martin Beuster, John Humphreys, SJ – on behalf of the Ignatian Identity Group at Coláiste Iognáid.
St. Ignatius',
27 Raleigh Row,
Galway.

Tel: 091 – 523707
Tel: 091 – 863394 (Office)

November 6th, All the Saints of Ireland.

Ecclesiastes 44:1-5; Psalm 14; Luke 6:17-23
The first reading from the book of Ecclesiastes calls on us to praise illustrious men and then lists those who have held positions in society and who are remembered for their great and noble works. But in the last section it speaks of generous men and those who kept the covenants and handed them on to their children. Today we praise those Irish people who kept the faith which was handed on to them and for which they are now counted among the Communion of Saints though their names have long since been forgotten. In the Gospel, we have Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes in which Christ is promising the kingdom to those who are poor in spirit. Those who live by the Beatitudes are those who will inherit the kingdom and be counted among the Communion of Saints.

COPYRIGHT:
www.carmelites.ie

Think............. the Irish people, our ancestors, were willing to die rather than give up their Catholic faith. Above you'll see two pictures from the time of the harsh Penal Laws, the Penal Cross, held onto by our ancestors, and a Mass taking place at a Mass Rock, because it was forbidden to build Catholic churches and practice the Catholic faith. You can see the lookouts waiting to warn the people in case they were discovered. There was a price on a priests head.

Venerable Solanus Casey, November 5th.

Seeing that all things American are in the news today, with the historic election, here's a person whose cause is up for canonisation, who, as his names suggests, was of Irish ancestry.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org

Also, check out: www.solanuscasey.org

Barney Casey became one of Detroit’s best-known priests even though he was not allowed to preach formally or to hear confessions!
Barney came from a large family in Oak Grove, Wisconsin. At the age of 21, and after he had worked as a logger, a hospital orderly, a streetcar operator and a prison guard, he entered St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee—where he found the studies difficult. He left there and, in 1896, joined the Capuchins in Detroit, taking the name Solanus. His studies for the priesthood were again arduous.
On July 24, 1904, he was ordained, but because his knowledge of theology was judged to be weak, Father Solanus was not given permission to hear confessions or to preach. A Franciscan Capuchin who knew him well said this annoying restriction "brought forth in him a greatness and a holiness that might never have been realized in any other way." During his 14 years as porter and sacristan in Yonkers, New York, the people there recognized him as a fine speaker. "For, though he was forbidden to deliver doctrinal sermons," writes his biographer, James Derum, "he could give inspirational talks, or feverinos, as the Capuchins termed them" (18:96). His spiritual fire deeply impressed his listeners.
Father Solanus served at parishes in Manhattan and Harlem before returning to Detroit, where he was porter and sacristan for 20 years at St. Bonaventure Monastery. Every Wednesday afternoon he conducted well-attended services for the sick. A co-worker estimates that on the average day 150 to 200 people came to see Father Solanus in the front office. Most of them came to receive his blessing; 40 to 50 came for consultation. Many people considered him instrumental in cures and other blessings they received.
Father Solanus’ sense of God’s providence inspired many of his visitors. "Blessed be God in all his designs" was one of his favorite expressions.
The many friends of Father Solanus helped the Capuchins begin a soup kitchen during the Depression. Capuchins are still feeding the hungry there today.
In 1946 in failing health, he was transferred to the Capuchin novitiate in Huntington, Indiana, where he lived until 1956 when he was hospitalized in Detroit. He died on July 31, 1957. An estimated 20,000 people passed by his coffin before his burial in St. Bonaventure Church in Detroit.
At the funeral Mass, Father Gerald, the provincial, said: "His was a life of service and love for people like me and you. When he was not himself sick, he nevertheless suffered with and for you that were sick. When he was not physically hungry, he hungere with people like you. He had a divine love for people. He loved people for what he could do for them —and for God, through them."
In 1960 a Father Solanus Guild was formed in Detroit to aid Capuchin seminarians. By 1967 the guild had 5,000 members—many of them grateful recipients of his practical advice and his comforting assurance that God would not abandon them in their trials. He was declared Venerable in 1995.

Comment:
James Patrick Derum, his biographer, writes that eventually Father Solanus was weary from bearing the burdens of the people who visited him. "Long since, he had come to know the Christ-taught truth that pure love of God and one’s fellowmen as children of God are in the final event all that matter. Living this truth ardently and continuously had made him, spiritually, a free man—free from slavery to passions, from self-seeking, from self-indulgence, from self-pity—free to serve wholly both God and man" (The Porter of St. Bonaventure’s, page 199).
Quote:
Father Maurice Casey, a brother of Father Solanus, was once in a sanitarium near Baltimore and was annoyed at the priest-chaplain there. Father Solanus wrote his brother: "God could have established his Church under supervision of angels that have no faults or weaknesses. But who can doubt that as it stands today, consisting of and under the supervision of poor sinners—successors to the ‘poor fishermen of Galilee’; the Church is a more outstanding miracle than any other way?"