Newsletter Beannaçtaí na Féile Pádraig
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Beannaçtaí na Féile Pádraig
WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING While Irish people throughout the world mark our National Feast in different ways one wonders how true our image of old might look or how proud or sad St. Patrick might be in this year 2001. How many “Irish eyes are smiling” this St. Patrick’s Day? Yes, our Government ministers who have jetted to the four corners of the globe will ‘smile’. Not so for those who had to stay at home or who have lost business because of the foot and mouth restrictions. The same excuse is given every year – it’s a ‘Trade Mission’ that brings business to our shores. What did we get from last year’s ‘mission’ or has someone forgotten to tell us? Yes, cancel the parades and social gatherings throughout the land but don’t cancel the travels of our ministers. Their absence at this time is a DISGRACE. Is this what Patrick Pearse meant when he said “When Ireland stands among the nations of the world”?St. Patrick himself came on a ‘Mission’ – a spiritual one in response as he says “I heard the voice of the Irish calling me”. We are surely calling him now more than ever before. What has happened to his land of “Saints and Scholars”? Whatever chance the Saints have there’s not much consideration for the Scholars! Yes our poor students are victims yet again of union monopoly and dictation. The absence of Government intervention leaves a lot to be desired. On the other hand they were quick to intervene in the provision of a Sports Stadium and a Rock Concert! While the other teaching unions are content with the ‘bench marking’ system not so with the ASTI. This ongoing dispute is a SCANDAL. Both sides shout ‘No surrender’ when in the end there will be surrender not without casualties. How dare any teachers union imply that the efforts and results of this year’s exam students will be of less quality or value than other years? Remember the absence of students from the classroom is the fault of the union and not the students! So much for the “one without sin casting the first stone”. After all Government ministers are to receive a pay increase of £200 a week extra on top of their PPF increase while those on Social Welfare receive just £8. A definite example of “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer”. So while our Government exit the country, the foot and mouth cancels festivities for all at home and the ASTI shout “No Surrender” we might all invoke St. Patrick with the words: “On Erin’s green valleys look down in thy love”.
This will be conducted by Fr. Charles Cross, a Passionist from Mount Argus. He will preach at Masses for Palm Sunday and conduct a Retreat each morning and evening on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. While it is early days yet please make a special effort to participate. More details later.
The
Acies, the only public Church function of the Legion of Mary will be held in
our Church St. Joseph’s, on Sunday 25th March at 3p.m.
Everybody welcome to attend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
To
Orla Mc Lean who is 7 years old on 17th March
To
Maeve Brennan who was 12 years old on 13th
March
To
Patrick Salley who was 4 years old on 15th
March and
Altar Servers are reminded to collect their Weekend Rota.
On
this holiday weekend please play your part in making our roads safer. Last
weekend alone 10 people were killed on our roads including a young priest of
this Diocese. As a community touched by such tragedy we ask all to ‘Belt
up and Slow Down, Don’t Drink and Drive’. As you travel about ask your
self – Am I driving at a safe speed and within the limit? Am I and all my
passengers belted up? Has any alcohol consumed passed through my system or
could I still be under it’s influence? PRAYER SERVICE During this third week of Lent having celebrated the Feast of St. Patrick we reflect on the Mission of the Disciples and our mission as followers of Christ. The Gospel passage is Luke 10:1-12, 17-20. Reflection: Like the 72 disciples St. Patrick was also sent to bring the Good News about Jesus. Like them he met opposition. Living our Christian calling can for us bring opposition. Not everyone accepts Christianity in our secular world. This week let us renew our faith first brought to us by St. Patrick and pray that we will be strong in bearing witness to Christ and leading others by our example. Prayers
Lord Hear Us.
Lord Hear Us.
Together we pray – Our Father, Hail Mary or a Decade of the Rosary. RESOLUTION FOR THE WEEK To try being a witness to Christ by the example of our lives. LENTEN EXERCISES THIS WEEK Monday 7.30p.m. Mass Tuesday 7.30p.m. The Rosary Friday 7.30p.m. Stations of the Cross FIRST CONFESSION The children from 2nd Class will receive their First Confession on Thursday 22nd and Thursday 29th March. Please pray for them. “Love is the only force that can make things one without destroying them” PRAYERS Our Prayers and Sympathy are extended to the family of the late Frances Heaney, Highfield Avenue who died recently. May she rest in peace. CHURCH CLEANERS Church Cleaners this week are Group C. IN REMEMBRANCEOur Masses next weekend 24th/25th March will be offered in remembrance of- Saturday 7p.m. - William and Betty Sharpe Anniv. Sunday 9a.m. - Private Intention Sunday 11.30a.m. - Dan and Doreen O’Neill Anniv. HELP WANTED The Irish Epilepsy Association are to held their Church Collection next weekend and require collectors. If you are willing to collect outside the Church at any of our Masses please let me know in advance.BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE At Marlborough Hall, Arklow on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd March 4.30p.m. to 8.30p.m. and Friday 23rd March 11a.m. to 3p.m. Please Give Blood.THANKS Sincere thanks for your generosity to the Irish Society for Autism last weekend which raised £185.15GET WELL Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are sick at this time. Those at home are now able to join with us for Masses by way of our new radio system. Units for this will be available on an ongoing basis. We pray you will all be well soon. LOST PROPERTY We continually have items of lost property, If you lost something why not try the Sacristy after any of our Masses.
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