St. Matthews Ballyfermot - Parish Newsletter

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St Matthew's Parish Notes

The Seventh Sunday of Ordinary time
Sunday, 22nd February 2004

Questions People Ask
Q. Why do we use ashes at the start of Lent?
A. Ashes are a grim reminder that the things of this world are not going to last forever. Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return. We are asked to repent and to believe in the good news of Jesus Christ. To repent means taking an honest look at yourself and making a decision to improve. Taking the ashes is not a magical protection from evil or anything like that, but a public statement that you are taking on some act of improvement during Lent.

Fr Silvester 0' Flynn OFM Cap

Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent. Ashes are blessed and distributed, reminders of the shortness of life and the urgency of repentance.
A Day of Fast and Abstinence.
Fasting means that the amount of food we eat is considerably reduced. Abstinence means that we give up a particular kind of food or drink or form of amusement. Those over 18 are bound by the law of fasting until 60, while all over 14 are bound by the law of abstinence.
However in a spirit of keeping with the season of Lent many people begin at a younger age and continue for years past the legal requirements. Encourage the tradition of doing something positive for the season.
Suggestions for Lent are often in the forms of denial or sacrifice. Less TV, more prayer, less sweet things, giving to the poor but to name a couple of things.

Early Morning Mass (St Louise's) - Lent
In St. Louise's Convent Chapel 7.15 Mass (Mon, Tues & Fri),. On Wed & Thurs Mass is at 5.30pm. In the Assumption Church every week morning there is a 7.30am Mass and in St. Matthew's as usual the Mass is at 10am and 7.30pm.

Thank you Tom Finlay and his wife Kathleen wish to thank all those who prayed, sent Mass cards, called, offered help in any way, etc while Tom underwent a recent operation. A Mass in thanksgiving will be offered in gratitude for them and their intentions.
Gracious Words - Lenten reflection for readers Takes place on the 6 Mondays of Lent 7.30 - 9.30 from 1st March in St Paul's Church @ Smithfield. Features Lectio Divina on the Sunday Gospels, training in communicating the word & prayer in the "New Icon Chapel". An ideal series for readers.	Accord Collection Our thanks for your great support for the collection taken up last weekend. This collection is a great support to Accord and its work at building up, repairing and adding to marriage and family life which is so much at threat in today's world. Thanks again!
Lenten Houses of prayer Thanks to those who have again volunteered to host the prayer in the houses. Any new householders wishing to take part might leave your name in to the sacristy.	Novena of Grace 4th - 12th March Advance note for your diary. A variety or preachers have been organised to speak at the novena this year. Both 10 & 7.30 sessions.
Feast days during the week Mon 23rd: St Polycarp, bishop and martyr. As a young man he became a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist, who made him bishop of Smyrna where he was martyred. (Tues 24th: Shrove Tuesday) Wed 25th Ash Wednesday (Fast & Abstinence)	Saint Pio Devotions "Saint Pio of Pietrelcina" devotions will take place on Friday in connection with the Evening Mass at 7.30 finishing with Benediction.
Divine Mercy Conference - 14th & 15th February Many an encouraging word was given at the conference last weekend. More details about same in the Irish Catholic.	Church Shop Many different prayer books/ periodicals etc can be purchased through the Church Shop especially with lent beginning this Wednesday.
Divine Mercy Prayer Group Meets every Wednesday after 7.30pm Mass. Includes Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary & Chaplet. All are welcome.	Website of the Week www.catholicity.com A useful American website with good links
Children's Mass Practice for the Children's Mass resumes on Thursday @ 3.30pm. Preparatory meeting for parents and adults on Tuesday @ 8pm.	Trócaire boxes With Lent starting on Wednesday boxes are available at all exits of the Church.

Please pray for those who have died
Sheila Russell, Rossmore Rd

Mass Intentions This Week

Mass Intentions This Week
Sun: (Sat 6.30: Lily & Paddy Nugent)
9.00 Frances O Connor
10.30 People of the parish
11.30 Catherine Whelan
12.30 Bernard McDonagh
6.30 Rose Casey
Mon Ann O Connor/ Terry DeLacy
Tue: Bernadette & Brendan Murphy/ Robert Keane
Wed: Ann & Joe Gillen/ Kathleen Kiely
Thurs: Free/ Victor & Jenny Clare
Fri: John Corcoran/ Bob Gregory & Peter Connolly
Sat: Private intention/ Rosanna Higgins & Eliz. Byrne
Next Sun: (29th)
9.00 Nell & Nan Cooke; 10.30 Pro Populo; 11.30 Tom & Maura Flanagan; 12.30 Peter Walsh; 6.30 Anastasia & Jack Doyle.

May they rest in peace.

St. Matthews Parish, Ballyfermot, Address, Telephone