Sympathies, March 12th.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Martha 'Martee' McCaffrey, 50 Dun na Mara, Renmore, the sister of Florrie Connolly, 31 Maunsell's Road. Martee's funeral takes place in the Church of St. Oliver Plunkett, Renmore, tomorrow at 11.

We also pray for the following recently deceased:

Michael Joyce, Mervue (former President of St. Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union), the brother of Eamonn Joyce, 185 Corrib Park.

Maureen Prendergast, the sister of Eamonn McWilliams, 211 Corrib Park.

Maura Rushe, Dublin, the sister of Frank Gaffney, 37 Rahoon Road.

Eileen Treacy, Tuam,the sister of Gerry Treacy, 214 Laurel Park

Jimmy Ryan, Coventry, the brother of Anthony Ryan, Corrib Park, and Bridie Lally, Davis Road.

'We are Easter people and alleluia is our song'

Good News from The Irish Missionary Union.

Developing a Missionary Partnership

The Irish Mission Union is delighted to announce that the 2009 Diocesan partnership will be with the Galway Diocese. The focus of this programme will be on the Mission Month of October 2009. The goal of this partnership has many characteristics;

a) to create space and time for people in the diocese to reflect on the meaning of mission today

b) to renew the call to mission

c) to thank the people of Galway Diocese for their support throughout the years

d) to recognise and create awareness of the work of Missionary organisations in the diocese

A meeting to develop this partnership will take place on Thursday April 30^th @7.30 in Aras de Bruin, Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The Irish Missionary Union will facilitate the meeting. Parishes, Missionary Organisations and other interested parties from the around the diocese are invited to send representatives. For more information please contact Ms Eileen Kelly, at the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre (See the link on the menu bar at the side of this page).

Why not visit the Irish Missionary Union Website http://www.imu.ie/

Home Energy Saving Scheme.

“Home Energy Saving Scheme: National Energy Assessors (NEA) is holding a free information evening in The Maldron Hotel,  N6 Road, Co. Galway on Wednesday the 25^th of March at 8.00pm. NEA will also be holding a free information evening in The Ard Ri House Hotel,  Milltown Road (N17), Tuam, Co. Galway on Thursday the 2^nd of April at 8.00pm.Topics for discussion will be the new Home Energy Saving grant scheme and how you can benefit.  Under this scheme existing home owners can claim grant funding for insulation and improvements to heating systems.  Further information on this event is available from Gary on 096 79477.”

 

If you should have any queries or would like to contact me in relation to the notice please do so. I am available on 096-79477 or 087-9701522.

 

Thank you very much,

 

Kindest Regards,

Gary

____________________________

Gary Lavelle

Energy Consultant

National Energy Assessors (NEA)

 

Lord Edward Street, Ballina

Co. Mayo, Ireland

Phone: +353 96 79477

Fax:     +353 96 79466

 

Email: gary.lavelle@nea.ie               

Web:   www.nea.ie

Anthony 'Putsy' Cunningham, R. I.P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Anthony 'Putsy' Cunningham, 46 Carn Ard, Circular Road, and formerly of Shantalla. His remains will be reposing at Conneely’s Funeral Home, Flood Street, this evening from 5 when they will be removed at 6:45 to our church. Funeral Mass for Putsy will be tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11^th, at 12 noon, burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph, Rahoon Cemetery.

'Receive his soul and present him to God the most high.'

International Women's Day in Galway.

Tomorrow, Sunday, March 8th, is International Women's Day. We thank all the women here who contribute so much to the life of our parish and worshipping community. A special celebration to mark the day takes place in St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church on this Monday, March 9th, from 10am to 1. You'll see the poster below.

Events this week.

Lenten Lectures at Croí Nua.

Taizé Hour, The Abbey, Thursday, 8 to 9.

International Women's Day Celebration.

Lenten Talks at The Pastoral Centre.

The Ignatian Identity Group,

Coláiste Iognáid

and

The Jesuit Spirituality

and

Culture Centre, Galway


Invite you to an evening on

Catholic Education in

Ireland Today

Speaker: Fr. Bruce Bradley SJ

Venue: School Hall, Coláiste Iognáid, Sea Road, Galway

When: Tuesday March 10, 2009, 7.30 pm

All welcome

Admission free

Kids Corner, March 8th.

Copyright: Apple Sauce Kids Colour- Ins.

Things to do:
1.Read the Gospel Story for this Sunday. Ask mum and dad to help you. Better still, if you have a Children's Bible, get them to read it to you as a bedtime story.
2.Look up the word transfiguration in your dictionary.
3.Draw a picture of the story in the First Reading, Abraham and Issac.
4. Don't forget, to print out the picture above, just click on it, and, when it comes up nice and large in another screen, print it off.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, March 8th.

Saturday 7th March 7.30p.m. 1.Joan McInerney
2.Mary Murphy.
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 a.m. 1. Katie O’Brien and deceased members of
O’Brien and Corley families.
2. Sr. Margaret Farragher
8th March 11.00 a.m. 1. Mary Downey and
2. Nonie O’Flaherty.
12.15 p.m. 1. Keany family deceased.
2. Jeannette Ninkam & family.
6.30 p.m Richie Ryan.
________________________________________________________________
Monday 9th March 10.00 a.m Special Intention.
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 10th March 10.00 a.m. Sick
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Bridie Whelan
11th March
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 12th March 10.00 a.m. Eddie Ward
________________________________________________________________
Friday 13th March 10.00 a.m Jimmy Ryan
______________________________________________________
Saturday 14th March 7.30p.m. Brigid Fitzgerald and deceased members
of the Fitzgerald and Hosty families.
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Martina Clarke
15th March 11.00 a.m. Ivan Canavan
12.15 p.m. 1. Bob Harrington.
2. Tom and John Devaney.
6.30 p.m. Bertie Brodie

Pope Benedict's Message for Lent 2009, Part 2.

In the New Testament, Jesus brings to light the profound motive for fasting, condemning the attitude of the Pharisees, who scrupulously observed the prescriptions of the law, but whose hearts were far from God. True fasting, as the divine Master repeats elsewhere, is rather to do the will of the Heavenly Father, who “sees in secret, and will reward you” (Mt 6,18). He Himself sets the example, answering Satan, at the end of the forty days spent in the desert that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt 4,4). The true fast is thus directed to eating the “true food,” which is to do the Father’s will (cf. Jn 4,34). If, therefore, Adam disobeyed the Lord’s command “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,” the believer, through fasting, intends to submit himself humbly to God, trusting in His goodness and mercy.

The practice of fasting is very present in the first Christian community (cf. Acts 13,3; 14,22; 27,21; 2 Cor 6,5). The Church Fathers, too, speak of the force of fasting to bridle sin, especially the lusts of the “old Adam,” and open in the heart of the believer a path to God. Moreover, fasting is a practice that is encountered frequently and recommended by the saints of every age. Saint Peter Chrysologus writes: “Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself” (Sermo 43: PL 52, 320. 322).

In our own day, fasting seems to have lost something of its spiritual meaning, and has taken on, in a culture characterized by the search for material well-being, a therapeutic value for the care of one’s body. Fasting certainly bring benefits to physical well-being, but for believers, it is, in the first place, a “therapy” to heal all that prevents them from conformity to the will of God. In the Apostolic Constitution Pænitemini of 1966, the Servant of God Paul VI saw the need to present fasting within the call of every Christian to “no longer live for himself, but for Him who loves him and gave himself for him … he will also have to live for his brethren“ (cf. Ch. I). Lent could be a propitious time to present again the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution, so that the authentic and perennial significance of this long held practice may be rediscovered, and thus assist us to mortify our egoism and open our heart to love of God and neighbor, the first and greatest Commandment of the new Law and compendium of the entire Gospel (cf. Mt 22, 34-40).

TO BE CONTINUED………….

Readings for the Second Sunday of Lent.

FIRST READING Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18

God put Abraham to the test. 'Abraham, Abraham' he called. 'Here I am' he replied. 'Take your son,' God said 'your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.'

When they arrived at the place God had pointed out to him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood. Then he stretched out his hand and seized the knife to kill his son.

But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. 'Abraham, Abraham' he said. 'I am here' he replied. 'Do not raise your hand against the boy' the angel said. 'Do not harm him, for now I know you fear God. You have not refused me your son, your only son.' Then looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the ram and offered it as a burnt-offering in place of his son.

The angel of the Lord called Abraham a second time from heaven. 'I swear by my own self - it is the Lord who speaks - because you have done this, because you have not refused me your son, your only son, I will shower blessings on you, I will make your descendants as many as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, as a reward for your obedience.'

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Ps 115:
Response : I will walk in the presence of the Lord
in the land of the living.

1. I trusted, even when I said:
'I am sorely afllicted.'
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful. Response

2. Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make:
I will call on the Lord's name. Response

3. My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Response

SECOND READING Romans 8:31.34

With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will notrefuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God ha.s chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us-he rose from the dead, and there at God's right hand he stands and pleads for us.

Gospel Acclamation Mt 17:5

Glory and praise to you, O Christ !
From the bright cloud the Father's voice was heard
'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.'
Glory and praise to you, O Christ !

GOSPEL Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Rabbi', he said it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.

As they came down the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean.

Give 10 Days to Africa.

Give 10 Days to Africa:

You are invited to join a group of 20 volunteers who will work on Pemba Island, Tanzania from 6^th -16^th July ‘09 to finish the building of church/nursery/community centre and to work with local people. We are looking for energetic, passionate, adventurous people who are willing to build, teach IT or English, paint, do sporting activities or help out in nursery education. Fundraising will be required.

If interested please contact Pat at 065 7071024 or 087 9157363 immediately for further information. Places MUST be finalised by the 9^th March.

Fr. Bill Clarkson, R.I.P.

CLARKSON , William J. (Bill) M.S.C. (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Community, Croí Nua, Rosary Lane, Galway) March 3, 2009, after a brief illness at U.H.G., beloved brother of P.J., Fr. Eugene M.S.C. (South Africa), John and Sr. Angela (Mercy Sisters, Longford) and nephew of the late Fr. Willie M.S.C.; sadly missed by his brothers and sister, sisters-in-law Crona and Marie, nieces and nephews, relatives, his many friends and M.S.C. confreres. Reposing at Croí Nua today (Wednesday) from 11 o'c. with Removal to the Church of Christ the King, Salthill for Mass at 4 o'c. Reposing again at M.S.C. Community, 34 Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin tomorrow (Thursday) morning from 8 o'c. with Removal to the Church of St. Thérese, Mount Merrion for Requiem Mass at 11 o'c. Funeral after Mass to Deans Grange Cemetery. Requiescat in pace.

Fr. Bill often covered in the Sacred Heart when Monsignor Malachy or Fr. David were away.

'Well done, good and faithful servant'

International Women's Day in Galway.

Galway's BPW International Women's Day Celebration

Invitation to all Women

St. Nicholas Collegiate Church. Galway City

9^th March 2009, 10 to 1pm

Johanna Downes as our president on behalf of Business and Professional Women (BPW) Galway extending a 'Hand of friendship' and welcome.

Please join us in celebration of International women day with merging of cultures, through dance, music and the spoken word - from all races, religions and backgrounds and a free cup of tea or coffee for all Women .

Galway's BPW International Women's Day.

We are honored to be joined in this International Women's Day morning of celebration by the Ambassador of Nigeria , Her excellency Mrs Kemafo Nonyerem, Chikwe. The Ambassador of Lesotho Mrs Mannete M. Ramialli, and deputy Ambassador of Lithuania Natalijai Bacewiciane. And The Republic of Kenya, Second Secretary Ms. Kasiva Mbithi, and Mayor of Galway city,(deputizing) Councillor Colette Connolly.

So. Make a difference, think globally and act locally. Galway's BPW International Woman Day, would like to offer the 'Hand of friendship', 'Meeting a new friend, Share, educate, have a voice .Join us in the merging of cultures, in this free and interesting morning at St Nicholas Church 9^th March 2009 ..10am to 1pm, All welcome.

SYMPATHIES, BROTHER FIDELIS/ SEAMAS O'CONNELL.

O'CONNELL (Kingston, Galway and Kilcullen, Co. Kildare) March 2, 2009, Brother Fidelis (Seamas), at Patrician Brothers Residence, Kingston; deeply regretted by his brothers Tom and Brendan (Australia), sisters-in-law Anne and Mary, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives and many friends and Patrician Confreres. R.I.P. Reposing at Patrician House, Kingston from 2 o'c. tomorrow (Wednesday) with Removal at 7 o'c. to our church. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 o'c. with Funeral afterwards to Rahoon Cemetery. Family flowers only by request.

'A gentle soul who bore his suffering with great courage.'

EVENTS COMING UP THIS WEEK. CLICK ON ANY OF THE POSTERS TO ZOOM.

LENTEN TALKS AT THE PASTORAL CENTRE.

WESTSIDE PEOPLE READS AT THE LIBRARY.

TAIZÉ HOUR, THURSDAYS 8 TO 9, AT THE ABBEY.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER.

 MONICA BROWN  CONCERT.

Saints Days since February 14th.

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.

St. Polycarp.

St. Peter Damian.

Seven Founders of the Servite Order.

St. Fintan.

Google them to find out more. One of them is our own St. Fintan, and there is a beautiful Holy Well dedicated to him in County Laois, in Clonenagh, where he made a foundation.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, March 1st.

Saturday 28th February 7.30p.m. 1.Mattie Duggan.
2.Susan Dooley.
Pray for Mary & Frank Barrett at all Masses this weekend. ________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Mary Wims and John & Eugene Wims deceased.
1st March 11.00 a.m. Fr. Philip Cryan O.D.C.
12.15 p.m. 1. Tom & Ethel Whelan.
2. Michael Hannon.
6.30 p.m. 1. Margaret Faherty and
2. Maria Donaldson. ________________________________________________________________
Monday 2nd March 10.00 a.m Ann Bridget Ward and Ward & Sherlock family.
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 3rd March 10.00 a.m. Sick and Special Intention.
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday 10.00 a.m.1. Special Intention and
4th March 2. Pat & Cait Murphy and Martin & Susan Murphy ________________________________________________________________
Thursday 5th March 10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
________________________________________________________________
Friday 6th March 10.00 a.m
7.30 p.m. 1. Deceased members of Haugh & Guare,
Dallaghan & Fahy families.
2. Jackie Haddock
______________________________________________________
Saturday 7th March 7.30p.m. 1.Joan McInerney
2.Mary Murphy.
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 a.m. Katie O’Brien and deceased members of O’Brien
and Corley families.
8th March 11.00 a.m. 1. Mary Downey and
2. Nonie O’Flaherty.
12.15 p.m. 1. Keany family deceased.
2. Jeannette Ninkam & family.
6.30 p.m. Richie Ryan.

Kids Corner, March 1st.

In this Sundays Gospel Jesus is tempted by Satan in the desert, but he doesn't give in and remains strong. When we are Christians we have to remain strong even when we are tempted.



ABOVE YOU'LL SEE A PICTURE OF THIS SUNDAYS GOSPEL FROM THE BOOK OF KELLS. The Book of Kells is an ancient manuscript of the Gospels, done entirely by hand by Irish monks around the year 800. It is kept in Trinity College in Dublin. Why not click on this picture and then print it out and put it up in your room? BE PROUD OF OUR GREAT IRISH HERITAGE!!

DON'T FORGET! OUR FIRST COMMUNION MASS TAKES PLACE THIS SUNDAY AT 11.

Readings for the First Sunday of Lent.

FIRST READING Genesis 9:8-15

God spoke to Noah and his sons, 'See, I establish my Covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; also with every living creature to be found with you, birds, cattle and every wild beast with you: everything that came out of the ark, everything that lives on the earth. I establish my Covenant with you: no thing of flesh shall be swept away again by the waters of the flood. There shall be no flood to destroy the earth again.'

God said, 'Here is the sign ofthe Covenant I make between myself and you and every living creature with you for all generations: I set my bow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the Covenant between me and the earth. When I gather the clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, I will recall the Covenant between myself and you and every living creature of every kind. And so the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all things of flesh.'

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Ps 24
Response: Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love
for those who keep your covenant.

1. Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
for you are God my saviour. Response

2. Remember your mercy, Lord,
and the love you have shown from of old.
In your love remember me,
because of your goodness, O Lord. Response

3. The Lord is good and upright.
He shows the path to those who stray,
he guides the humble in the right path;
he teaches his way to the poor. Response

Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:4

Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!

SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:18.22

Christ himself, innocent though he was, died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life, and, in the spirit, he went to preach to the spirits in prison. Now it was long ago, when Noah was still building that ark which saved only a small group of eight people 'by water', and when God was still waiting patiently, that these spirits refused to believe. That water is a type of the baptism which saves you now, and which is not the washing off of physical dirt but a pledge made to God from a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has entered heaven and is at God's right hand, now that he has made the angels of the Dominations and Powers his subjects.

GOSPEL Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. 'The time has come' he said 'and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.'

This Years Trócaire Lenten Campaign.

Trócaire’s Lenten campaign this year is about 26 million of our brothers and sisters worldwide who have been forced to abandon their homes because of armed conflict and violence. People such as Khalid and his family, who appear on this year’s Trócaire box, are forced from their homes in terrifying circumstances losing their land, their livelihoods, and often even their own family members. As Christians, we are challenged this Lent to open our eyes to the pain of these displaced peoples. We are called, like the Good Samaritan, to go to the help of our suffering brothers and sisters. One very effective way of doing this is by supporting Trocaire's Lenten campaign this year or doing the 24Hr Fast on the 6^th/7^th of March and remembering to pick up your Trócaire box today.

You'll find a link to Trócaire on the menu bar at the side of this page.

You can pick up your box in the church.

Also, why not take a look at our Lenten Display in The Church, beside Our Lady's Statue and the Baptismal Font.