Seeing your life through the lens of the gospels
John 20:19-23 reflection by Fr John Byrne OSA
1 Jesus comes into a room full of fear. Sometimes it is fear itself that makes us close the door on others and on God. Occasionally a person comes along with the gift of breaking through our closed doors, a person who comes to be with us in our fears. Do you have memories of people getting through to you and being with you despite your closed doors? Who brought you peace in a time of anxiety?
2 Jesus showed his wounds to his friends. Moments of grace can occur when another shows us their vulnerable side, or when we do that with them. Let your memories speak of such experiences to you.
3 As Jesus was sent by the Father, so he sent out the disciples. This evokes images of receiving and handing on the things that give life: values, meaning, sense of purpose, love. Who are the people who gave you life by what they handed on to you? To whom have you handed on what is life-giving?
4 In our tradition the final verse reminds us of the Sacrament of Reconciliation but its meaning is broader than that. Spirit-filled people are people who forgive. You might like to recall memories of when you have forgiven, or retained, another’s sins. What difference has it made to you and others when you forgive rather than hold sins against others?
Order Of Malta Ambulance Corps - Collection
Thank you for your support last weekend. €410 was raised. Contact Adrian on 0876228447 if interested in joining.
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. (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is on all day Friday until 9pm).
Parish pilgrimage to Lourdes – Sept 1 – 7
“Padre Pio Group annual pilgrimmage” for 6 nights in Lourdes from Sept 1st – 7th. €699 per peson sharing room. Contact Rose O Reilly or Eddie Teeling for more details.
Irish Catholic Newspaper promotion
Copies can be collected from the table at the sacristy door.
Parish Pastoral Council
Day’s retreat is organised for next Sunday. Leaving St. Matthew’s after 10.30 Mass.
Again reminding parishioners that a new Parish Pastoral Council needs to be set up in September. Volunteers are invited to come forward to join in the pastoral planning of the parish. For more details contact any of the existing members or parish team.
Parish trips
To Eddie Stone in Clonfert, Wednesday 30th June. €12.50 towards the minibus. Bring a packed lunch. Tea provided there. Contact Marie Butler or Fr Joseph Ryan.
To Knock (Overnight) Friday/Saturday 16/17th July. Staying in St. Joseph’s hostel (in grounds of shrine) €75.. includes supper, B&B, lunch plus unlimited tea & biscuits! Donation towards minibus €10. An optional suggestion is to stop in Donamon Castle beyond Roscommon (home of the Divine Word Missionaries & Fr Gerard McCarthy from Ballyfermot) for dinner €15. Suggested Total €100.
For more details contact Rita Long or Fr Joseph Ryan.
Eucharistic Congress 2012
Congress News: e-Congress, the electronic magazine of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, containing news and pastoral resources, is available on
www.iec2012.ie/e-Congress/index.html
St Vincent de Paul – Clothing Appeal
The St. Vincent de Paul (Main branch) will be having a clothing appeal next weekend. Bags will be available on the 29/30 May. Collected the following Sunday.
Corpus Christi (June 5/6th)
Special procession will take place after 6.30 Mass on Saturday evening. First Holy Communicants are especially to attend. This will replace the usual Sunday Mass (the last “Do this in Memory” Mass).
Youth Trip to Knock – National Summer festival
takes place from June 25th -27th. The festival will see young people between the ages of 18-35 travel from every Diocese in Ireland to explore, question, ignite and celebrate their faith. View website for full details: http://www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival/
Please pray for those recently deceased
 Seamus Matthews, Rossaveal Court
Frank Mackey, Spiddal Rd
Emily Keegan, Oranmore Rd
Desmond Walsh, Blackditch Rd
(Funeral Mass, Tue @ 10am)
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun: (Sat 6.30. People of the Parish)
9.00 Peggy O Reilly
10.30 Dermot Wilson
12.00 Edward & Catherine Fullerton
6.30 Peter & Christina Behan
Mon: Paddy Nolan/ Paddy & David Dunne
Tue: Funeral/ Richard O Brien
Wed: Mass of Thanksgiving/ Michael Fitzhugh
Thur: Paul & Harry Walsh/ Eddie Brunell
Fri: Free/ Carmel White
Sat: -----/ Pro Populo
Sun: 9 Margaret & Bernard O Reilly; 10.30 Dermot Wilson; 12 Edward & Catherine Fullerton; 6.30 Peter & Christina Behan
 May they rest in peace.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Continues as normal on Monday, Wednesday & Friday after 10 Mass until 9pm. Takes in the Prayer (Counsel) room. Entrance through door near car park.
All Hallow’s College
Conference 7th/8th Aug. Theme “Hail Mary Full of Grace.” A chance to listen and maybe share on faith topics. Lively panel of presenters promised. See notice board for more.
Caring For Those Who Care
If you provide care to a family member, a friend or a neighbour you are invited to join us on Saturday 29th May from 10:30am-3:30pm in The Red House, Clonliffe College. This is an opportunity for you to receive some care and to participate in the three workshops; Hand massage, Relaxation and Journaling. We will conclude with a Prayer Service. Please bring packed lunch, tea & coffee available.
For further information and to book a place please contact Nora Kirrane 01 8360011 |
