Dear Friends,
Today, Sunday19th January, we might remember in our prayers the people of Los Angeles who have lost their homes and possessions. We remember those who have died tragically and those who mourn for them.
This Sunday a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel is to come into effect. We pray that this cease-fire be permanent and bring relief to all those who have suffered and been bereaved during this terrible 15-month conflict.
Thank y u for your generous offering of 4.200 euro for the appeal for the children of Gaza. The money will go to the appropriate relief agency.
Fr. Brendan
SAINT OF THEWEEK –
Saint Francis de Sales – Friday 24th January
Francis was born near Annecy, Savoy, France in 1567. Ordained a priest in 1593. Initially, he preached in regions which had been taken over by the Calvinists. He believed that whoever preaches with love preaches effectively. In 1602, Francis became bishop of Geneva. In 1604, he met St. Jane de Chantal with whom he founded the Visitation Order. He set about to show how ordinary life ‘in the world’ can be a path to holiness. He famously wrote Introduction to the Devout Life, the first spiritual book with lay people specifically in mind. This book was appreciated by such diverse characters as King James I and John Wesley. Francis died in Lyons in 1622. He is honoured as a Doctor of the Church and Pope Pius XI (1922-39) declared Francis to be the patron saint of journalists.
While we must have patience with others, we must also have patience
with ourselves. We have to endure our imperfections…We die little by
little. Our imperfections give us practice in humility. (St. Francis)
OUR RECENTLYDECEASED
We remember in prayer those who have died recently:
Phyllis Bohan
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
FREE SERIES OF TALKS- Being Adult People of God In The 21st Century
We are Church Ireland has organised a FREE SERIES of talks delivered by the author, thinker and theologian Fr. Diarmuid Ó Murchú, on the subject of Being Adult People of God in the 21st Century. These have been scheduled for the Thursdays of 9, 16and 23 January 2025 from 7.30 to 9pm, online on Zoom, via Eventbrite links.
Details are on the We Are Church Ireland website [http://www.wearechurchireland.ie]. Click on the homepage and select Upcoming Events and scroll down to find the talk themes and Evenbrite links.
The well-attended 1st and 2nd talks have already taken place, but the recordings will be uploaded on the We Are Church Ireland website in due course.
All are welcome.
DO YOU LOVESINGING?
Make joining a choir your New Year's resolution! If you love singing, there's nothing like a choir for uplifting the spirit and the thrill of losing yourself in the power of voices coming together in song. Choirs embody community, and you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged all the way! There is no big time commitment during the week. Practice on Sunday mornings before 11am mass.
Leave your details at the Office, at the Sacristy or with Margaret the Cantor.
You will receive an email each week with the programme for the following Sunday.
If you know of someone who would like to sing each week, please spread the word.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS
Accord now seeking marriage preparation facilitators. Might this be you? If you are supportive of marriage in the Catholic Church and have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team that supports couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage then Accord wishes to hear from you. Successful applicants will receive professional training in the Accord marriage preparation programme and be part of a team delivering programmes locally. Contact Aisling at 01 5053112 or marriagepreparation@accord.ie, and for further information see www.accord.ie.
MEDJUGORJE GROUP- PILGRIMAGE 2025
7-nightPilgrimage (14th – 21st May). Fully escorted trip. Direct return flights from Dublin. € 795 (Price increases to € 845 after the 31st of January. For more information, visit www.marian.ie or phone (01) 878 8159).
FLOWERS IN THEJOHN SULLIVAN SHRINE
Please do notplace flowers on the coffin as they will wilt and leave stains that cannot be removed.
If you wish to place flowers in the shrine, please put them in the vases provided.
MANY THANKS TOALL WHO GAVE CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS they are an important help towards the running costs of the Church. Mass at 1pm on Wednesday 22nd of January will be offered for the intentions of the donors.
LAST WEEKCOLLECTION
Church: € 728,Share collection: € 129
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