St. Matthews Ballyfermot - Parish Newsletter

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St Matthew's Parish Notes

The Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, 28th March, 2004

Questions people ask
Q. Whatever happened to the partner of the woman being stoned for adultery? Was it a case of one law for man and another law for women?
A. We do not know what happened to him. Maybe he evaded capture or, perhaps, he was tried separately. The same law applied equally to men and women, but it was an ancient law which was rarely put into effect. It was used now to set a trap for Jesus. The evangelist focused on the plight of the woman because it recalled the trap set for Daniel in the old story of Susanna. As the wisdom of Daniel won the day, so did the wisdom of Jesus unmask the hypocrisy of the accusers.

Fr Silvester O'Flynn OFM Cap

Passover Meal
Many people are familiar with the concept of the Passover Meal the "Origin" of the Eucharist. In Catholic parishes in recent times this has been celebrated to get a hint of what the "Last Supper" was like. Over the past couple of years in St Matthew's groups in "ministry" have been attended. (Readers/ Ministers of the Eucharist). This year it has been decided to open it up to anyone interested. It will be celebrated early Holy Week. 20 - 25 are as many that can be accommodated so it's a case of first come first served. Leave your name & phone number if interested this weekend and you will be contacted with final details.
The evening celebration finishes with Mass.

Feast days during the week
Thurs 1st: St Celsus (1080-1129), Abbot of Armagh and a renowned preacher.
Fri 2nd: St Francis of Paola, hermit. Francis was born in Calabria in 1416. He founded a congregation of hermits. He died at Tours in France in 1507.

First Friday Every First Friday we remember the 'Altar list of the Dead' at both morning and evening Mass. Confession will be available on Thursday after morning and evening Mass.	First Confession The boys from Mary Queen of Angels: on Monday @ 8pm in St. Matthew's. The girls from St Louise's: on Thursday (1st) @ 8pm. Keep them in your prayers.
Core Group meeting Monthly meeting takes place on Tuesday night @ 8pm.	Sunshine House - Church Gate collection Taken up next weekend in aid of "The Sunshine House, Children's Holiday Home" in Balbriggan.
Lenten talks in the Pro-Cathedral Monday's 1.10pm. March 29th: Fr Donal Neary: Lent: A Time for Prayer April 5th: Fr Pat O' Donoghue - Preparing for the Easter Triduum.	Lenten talks In Gardiner Street Parish the last talk takes place: "When someone you love..." in the John Sullivan Room, 8-9pm. April 1st: ... makes different choices - Alan Mowbray SJ
Sick or Housebound & would like a visit Let us know their names and we'll try to organise a visit either in hospital or at home. There is a book in the sacristy where their name and address can be put down.	Bethany Support Group The monthly meeting for anyone who has been bereaved recently or in the past will take place on Thursday, 1st at 8pm in the Parish Centre. Come along on Thursday, even if it is just for a short chat or a cup of tea.
Website of the Week www.trocaire.org Remember the work of Trócaire during Lent. (Leave back trócaire boxes ASAP)	Baptism Meeting For all parents and God-parents on Wednesday at 8pm.
Christian Meditation for Lent On Monday from 8.15 - 9.15: All are welcome to try out this form of prayer.	Exposition of Blessed Sacrament Continues every Friday in Blessed Sacrament Chapel: 10.30 - 7.30. Come along - even if only for a few minutes.
First Saturday Devotions In honour of Our Lady of Fatima at the 10am Mass.	Women's Mini Marathon Tuesday & Thursday, @ 8pm. All are welcome.
Volunteers Needed Next Sunday we begin Holy Week and could do with extra help with the different ceremonies; help with cleaning the church; readers of 'the prayers of the faithful'; people to bring up the gifts (offertory). If you feel that you could help in any way please give your name to the sacristy.
Early Morning Mass (St Louise's) - Lent In St. Louise's Convent 7.15 Mass (Mon, Tues & Fri). (On Wed & Thurs Mass is at 5.30pm.) All are welcome. In the Assumption every week morning there is a 7.30am Mass.

Please pray for those who have died
Philomena Jones, Palmerstown Court
Thomas Kealy, Gurteen Park

Mass Intentions This Week

Mass Intentions This Week
Sun: (Sat 6.30: J O Brien & H Doherty)
9.0 Sadie & Jim O Reilly
10.30 O Brien Family
11.30 People of the Parish
12.30 Teresa Galvin
6.30 Patrick Lawlor
Mon Thomas & Michael Mooney/ Myles McKenna
Tue: Elizabeth Davis/ George White
Wed: Irene Brennan/ Bridget & P. Wynne & Ita Quinn
Thurs: Patrick Hendricken/ Lisa McCabe
Fri: Altar list of the Dead
Sat: Free/ Harry Hall
Next Sun: (4th) - Palm Sunday
9.00 Matthew & Annie Doyle; 10.30 Catherine, Michael, Bill & James Dillon; 11.30 John Herd; 12.30 Pro Populo; 6.30 Joseph Kelly.

May they rest in peace.

St. Matthews Parish, Ballyfermot, Address, Telephone