Church of the Sacred Heart, Galway City, Ireland

25 June 2011

Corpus Christi/ Féile Chorp Chríost

Corpus Christi/ Féile Chorp Chríost

Watch this space! The Eucharistic Congress Bell is coming to Galway and Sacred Heart from July 4th to the 10th

The Eucharistic Congress Bell is a key symbol of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. From its origins in the Dominican Convent of Portstewart, Co. Derry the Bell was more recently used to ring in the Jubilee Year 2000 in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

The Bell will reflect the invitation to faith, to prayer, to reconciliation and to mission which has always been important in our Christian tradition and is no less so today. The pilgrimage of the Bell throughout the Dioceses of Ireland, and beyond, will be a vehicle to:

Invite people to deepen their communion with Christ and with one another
Promote the pastoral aims of the Congress
Invite all Christians to join in giving a common witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an increasingly secular society
Animate the people of your Diocese to become involved with the Eucharistic Congress both locally and nationally
Invite people to come to the Congress from June 10th to 17th 2012

There is a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young people in the Eucharistic Congress Bell Pilgrimage however it is not exclusively a youth project. The pilgrimage should include the infirm, senior members of the community, and an outreach to the families and of the children preparing for sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion).

Mass Intentions for the Week Ahead

Saturday 25th June
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Stephen Griffin and Mary and Martin Curran
Pray for Ray Rooney at all Masses this weekend.
Sunday 26th June Corpus Christi
9.30 am Peter Cooke and Mickey Sullivan
11.00 am Paddy and Mary Lenihan and Marty Lee
Tom Daly.
12.15 pm Gillian Moloney Bocxe
6.30 pm Gerard Thornton
Monday 27th June
10am Winnie Mongan
Tuesday 28th June
10am For all the Sick and James Lee
Wednesday 29th June Sts Peter and Paul
10am Intention free
Thursday 30th June
10am Intention free
Friday 1st July Feast of the Sacred Heart
10am Fr. Anthony Hoade
Saturday 2nd July Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Nicholas Conneely and Margaret and Anthony Lynch
Sunday 3rd July
9.30 am Intention free
11am Delia Delaney
12.15 pm Kathleen and Edward Diviney
6.30 pm Intention free

TODAY! National Eucharistic Congress in Knock

Our parish bus left at 11:50 AM!

· Thousands expected at major All Ireland Church celebration ahead of the 50^thInternational Eucharistic Congress in Ireland in 2012

All roads lead to Knock this weekend for the National Eucharistic Congress at Knock Shrine. The Catholic Church in Ireland is marking the one-year countdown to next year’s International Congress by hosting a National Eucharistic Congress in Knock on 25 June next. Thousands of people from parishes all over the country will travel to Knock to take part in special events, workshops, celebrations and prayer. The Knock Youth Festival is also running at the same time as the National Eucharistic Congress.

The celebration in Knock is a chance to focus on the local community and the pastoral preparation in Ireland for the International Eucharistic Congress next year. The International Congress is not just a once-off week of events in 2012, but a journey of renewal. This is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and to do something together – in communion – as one body.

Catholic bishops, trustees and managers submissions to the Forum on Patronage

and Pluralism in the Primary Sector

The Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector was opened today by Mr Ruairi Quinn TD, the Minister for Education and Skills. The forum's public working sessions, which continue until 24 June, are taking place in the Clock Tower conference room in the Department of Education and Skills, Marlborough Street, Dublin.

Submission to the Advisory Group by the Council for Education of the Irish Episcopal Conference
Introduction

The Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector established by the Minister for Education and Skills is a most notable and welcome development. The large number of Catholic primary schools in Ireland amidst a changed social and cultural landscape has given rise to questions about parental choice and has highlighted the need for greater diversity in education provision. As we look to a shared future in our democratic society it is important that all citizens are well served by our education system. We are committed to the common good and this includes the requirement to facilitate parental choice with regard to schools where this is practicable. Schools are among the most essential of all social realities so it is important that all stakeholders be involved in planning their future.

The Church has been engaged for a number of years in ongoing reflection on education in Ireland, having published a policy paper on future provision in 20071, its vision for Catholic education in 20082, and a report on factors influencing parental school choice, also in 20083. In 2010 the Department of Education and Skills produced data on areas for possible divesting of some Catholic schools. The Bishops’ Education Council responded to this by outlining a three step process that the Catholic Schools Partnership would undertake in the period August 2010-September 2011:

• Further qualitative analysis of parental understandings of patronage;

• The publication of a position paper and the invitation to individuals and organisations to respond;

• Internal consultation within the Church with parents, patrons, teachers, priests, pastoral council members, pupils, interview assessors, trustees and managers.

The results of these processes were analysed at four regional assemblies held in June 2011 with representatives from all dioceses. The Catholic Schools Partnership will now begin to draw the various strands of its consultation process together and then present the findings of its research to the broader public.

18 June 2011

Trinity Sunday/ Domhnach na Tríonóide.

Trinity Sunday/ Domhnach na Tríonóide

The Following Article is COPYRIGHT.
Jack Mc Ardle
And that's the Gospel truth
www.columba.ie

Parable

The Trinity, of course, is pure mystery, and there is no way, through use of a three-leafed shamrock, or any other sign or symbol, that I can hope to explain a mystery; and this one, in particular. However, some of the following ideas may help. I have a glass of water, a glass filled with ice cubes, and a third glass filled with snow. In actual fact, each glass contains water in some different form or condition. God is spoken of as 'Father', because he is the source of life. He reaches out two arms of love to embrace and draw his children to himself. The first arm is Jesus. Jesus did what he was sent to do, and then he returned to the Father. The Father then sent the Spirit (the second arm), to complete the work begun by Jesus. Jesus paid the price to free us from bondage and slavery, and the Spirit leads us out into freedom from that same bondage and slavery. 'The Spirit will lead you into truth, and the truth will set you free.' It can help to think of the Trinity in terms of being embraced by God. After all, it is our eternal destiny to share in the 1ife of the Trinity for all eternity.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 19th June 2011

Saturday 18th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Bertie Collins

Sunday 19th June Trinity Sunday

9.30 am Teresa Coyne and Margaret Coyne
11 am Delia and James Rabbitte
12.15 pm Eileen and Patrick Guinnane and William O'Connor
6.30 pm Michael Francis.

Monday 20th June

10am Elizabeth Keane and Mary Anne Joyce

Tuesday 21st June

10am For all the Sick and George O'Hagan (recently deceased)
and deceased members of O'Hagan family.

Wednesday 22nd June

10am Paddy, Mattie and Christy Lally and deceased members of
the Lally family.

Thursday 23rd June

10am Eugene Wims and deceased members of the family

St. John’s Eve, a traditional evening of music and fire in Éire, dating back to the Celts,
Relating to The Solstice, and Christianised by the Church after Christianity came to our country,
Symbolising Christ the Light of the World

Friday 24th June Birth of John the Baptist

10am Patrick O'Donohue

Saturday 25th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Stephen Griffin and Mary and Martin Curran

Sunday 26th June Corpus Christi9.30 am Peter Cooke and Mickey Sullivan
11 am Paddy and Mary Lenihan

12.15 pm Gillian Moloney Bocxe

and, also at 12:15:

Final Monthly Mass for the First Communion Program for 2010- 2011
Refreshments will be served afterwards by The Pastoral Council and the Hospitality Team

6.30 pm Gerard Thornton.

• National and International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland

• Monsignor Malachy will be talking at all Masses this weekend about our particular Parish Preparations in conjunction with the Parish Pastoral Council.

A Eucharistic Congress is a major international event in the life of the Universal Church. It was a very special event for the Church in Ireland in 1932 and will be again next year but in a very different context.

The Catholic Church in Ireland is marking the one-year countdown to next year’s International Congress by hosting a National Eucharistic Congress in Knock on 25 June next. Thousands of people from parishes all over the country will travel to Knock to take part in special events, workshops, celebrations and prayer – including Saint Joseph’s Young Priests Society. The Knock Youth Festival is also running at the same time as the National Eucharistic Congress.

The celebration in Knock is a chance to focus on the local community and the pastoral preparation in Ireland for the International Congress next year. The International Congress is not just a once-off week of events in 2012, but a journey of renewal for all of us. This is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and to do something together - in communion - as one body.

Today the Irish Church is setting out on a new path of healing and renewal, inspired by Pope Benedict XVI’s Pastoral Letter of to the Catholics of Ireland of March 2010. The Church needs healing and reconciliation. The Eucharistic Congress offers us the possibility for renewal. Catechetical and pastoral programmes are already underway in parishes and religious communities across the country.
Next year’s 2012 Eucharistic Congress takes place just fifty years after the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the theme chosen for the Congress in Ireland is “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another” and this focuses on the teaching of the Council.

The liturgies and the other events which will take place each day from June 10 – 17, 2012 will focus on one or other theme reflected in the light of the Eucharist, such as, marriage and family; ordained and lay ministry; the Sacrament of Reconciliation; religious life and Our Blessed Lady; Mary, as hearer of the Word.

Details for the National Eucharistic Congress in Knock and on next year’s International Eucharistic Congress are available on the Congress website and social media pages

www.iec2012.ie

Registration is now open for all pilgrims for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland in 2012 at

www.iec2012.ie

Coinciding with the National Eucharistic Congress

The Knock Summer Youth Festival is a three day event

This year’s festival will take place the 24th-26th of June.

Over the three days there will be talks, music, workshops, prayer, reflection, chill-out time and loads more. The festival is a chance to step out of the busyness of our everyday lives and come away to relax, re charge and reenergize! It gives people a chance to explore, ignite and celebrate your faith. The festival is for all people between the ages of 18-35 years old.

Over the weekend we have talks by Lino Rulli, ‘The Catholic Guy’, Ronan Johnson, Fr.Benny Mc Hale and more. There will be workshops on drumming, clay and pottery, art, prayer, scripture, love and relationships and environmental ethics.

Music over the weekend will be provided by Christian band Elation Ministries.

It doesn’t matter what stage of your ‘journey ‘you are on, if you are practicing Catholic or if you’re not sure where God is in your life even if you just want to come for a look…please do, you may be surprised at what you’ll find.

This weekend is not to be missed. The Shrine will be buzzing, with the youth village comprising of a number of marquees, a chill out space, a prayer space and the main events.

Find us on facebook and check out pictures and last year’s testimonies....

'The atmosphere in the chill out marquee was relaxed and welcoming. The weekend overall was one to be remembered'.

"It was great!! Counting down till next year already!!" says one festival goer.

"I had a brilliant time at the Youth festival.

I will definitely be back again next year" said another.

For more details contact Knock Youth Ministry on (094) 9388100/0876927850

Siobhain Bradley (Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator)

On 091-565066 or email:

youthministrygalway at gmail.com

Find Youth Faith Galway on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/youthfaithgalway

Press release for the June General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

Please see below the press release emanating from the June General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference which concluded this evening in the Columba Centre of Saint Patrick College, Maynooth:

Pope Benedict XVI
Bishops congratulate the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on 29 June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Since his election as Bishop of Rome on 19 April 2005, Pope Benedict has led the Church with faith and humility and has reached out to many people. In his pilgrimages he has spoken the truth with love and presented the gospel of Christ and the teaching of the Church in an engaging way to audiences of all ages.

We invite the faithful in parishes and dioceses across the country to participate in 60 hours of Eucharistic adoration with the intention of praying for the sanctification of the clergy and for the gift of new and holy priestly vocations. Celebrations might include 1 July, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the World Day of Prayer for Priests. This celebration, which was suggested by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, provides the faithful with an opportunity to give thanks for the priestly ministry of Pope Benedict as well as to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church

Bishops discussed the Annual Report 2010 of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church which was published on 10 May last. Bishops restated their determination to ensure that wherever children or young people are involved in the life of the Church they will be safe. The Church today is a much safer place for children and young people than it was in the past. This is based on:

- the great and intense efforts of many thousands of people across the Irish Church – lay, religious and clergy - over the past 17 years;
- the existence of an independent and professional National Board for Safeguarding Children to formulate best practice standards and guidance; and,
- the active implementation of these standards, following that guidance, by Church personnel in every parish and Church organisation across the country.

Bishops recognise the on-going hard work of the National Board in its three core roles of: developing policies and procedures, advising, monitoring and reviewing.

The Board’s Annual Report demonstrates significant progress in policy development and training. The cost of training safeguarding volunteers is now borne directly by individual dioceses and congregations. Bishops look forward to continuing their work with the Board and resolving remaining issues as quickly and as comprehensively as possible.

New Missal

The Missal contains all the prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass. From 11 September next, in dioceses and parishes throughout Ireland, people will experience the first changes to their prayers and responses at Mass. Only a small number of changes will affect the congregation and the order, structure and readings of the Mass are not changing.
With the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal we will notice a change in how the Mass sounds but, over time, with the praying of these new texts, the sound of the Mass will again become familiar to us. This is the first stage towards the full use of the new edition of the Roman Missal. On the first Sunday of Advent, 27 November, all Masses in Ireland and throughout the English-speaking world will be using the new edition of the Missal.
Work on the Irish translation of the Roman Missal, An Leabhar Aifrinn, is almost complete and it is expected that Ord an Aifrinn (the part of the Missal used at all Masses) will be approved by the Holy See and be available by the end of this year.
To help prepare for, and to understand, the changes to the Mass, information is being provided at parish level. In addition, resources for dioceses and parishes are available to assist with the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal. These include an information FAQ leaflet on the changes, newsletter notices for use in parish bulletins, helpful and brief explanatory videos which outline the main changes that we can expect. There are also links to a wide range of publications which are available from Veritas on the new edition of the Roman Missal.
See

www.catholicbishops.ie
and
www.liturgy-ireland.ie

Further information:

Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm 00353 (0) 87 310 4444

Saint of the Day, One of our Own: Venerable Matt Talbot

ARTICLE COPYRIGHT:

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx

Matt can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism.
Matt was born in Dublin, where his father worked on the docks and had a difficult time supporting his family. After a few years of schooling, Matt obtained work as a messenger for some liquor merchants; there he began to drink excessively. For 15 years—until he was almost 30—Matt was an active alcoholic.

One day he decided to take "the pledge" for three months, make a general confession and begin to attend daily Mass. There is evidence that Matt’s first seven years after taking the pledge were especially difficult. Avoiding his former drinking places was hard. He began to pray as intensely as he used to drink. He also tried to pay back people from whom he had borrowed or stolen money while he was drinking.

Most of his life Matt worked as a builder’s laborer. He joined the Secular Franciscan Order and began a life of strict penance; he abstained from meat nine months a year. Matt spent hours every night avidly reading Scripture and the lives of the saints. He prayed the rosary conscientiously. Though his job did not make him rich, Matt contributed generously to the missions.

After 1923 his health failed, and Matt was forced to quit work. He died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday. Fifty years later Pope Paul VI gave him the title venerable.

Comment:
In looking at the life of Matt Talbot, we may easily focus on the later years when he had stopped drinking for some time and was leading a penitential life. Only alcoholic men and women who have stopped drinking can fully appreciate how difficult the earliest years of sobriety were for Matt.
He had to take one day at a time. So do the rest of us.

Quote:
On an otherwise blank page in one of Matt’s books, the following is written: "God console thee and make thee a saint. To arrive at the perfection of humility four things are necessary: to despise the world, to despise no one, to despise self, to despise being despised by others."
Patron Saint of:

Alcoholics
Sobriety

A Message from Jigsaw (For Young People With Emerging Health Difficulties)

Jigsaw Galway Cycle 2011 will take place on Sunday, 10th July. This is an event for the whole community to be part of, with three different lengths (30km, 45km and 100km). Each route starts and finishes in the Salthill Hotel and travels through the stunning scenery of Connemara. Funds raised through this cycle to towards the services that Jigsaw Galway provide for young people with emerging mental health difficulties. For more information, to get a sponsorship card and to sign up, go to:

www.jigsaw.ie

If you have any questions in relation to this, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,
Sarah Simkin
Research and Community Development
E: sarah@jigsaw.ie T: 091 549 843 M: 087 756 1712
Jigsaw Galway: Young People's Health in Mind
A: Fairgreen Road, Galway City. (Across from the Coach Station.)
E: galway@jigsaw.ie
T: 091 549 252 M: 087 772 52 32
W:
www.jigsaw.ie

F: 091 560 161

A Big Thank You from St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union

Many thanks to all those who supported St. Anthony's & Claddagh Credit Union's Table Quiz in aid of St Bernadette’s Children’s Ward in UCH Galway held on the 12th May. €3000 was raised and presented to the Children’s Unit. Your support and generosity is much appreciated.

Regards,
Marie Horkan
Operations Officer
St. Anthony's & Claddagh Credit Union
Phone 091 - 537200/537230

Opportunity to study Theology at Mary Immaculate College!

Applications are invited for the MA in Theological Studies (taught). This programme will provide an opportunity for further studies in Theology. Prospective students would include the Department’s own graduates, teachers of Religious Studies/Religious Education, those engaged in ecclesial ministries at a professional level and any suitably qualified persons who wish to explore in greater depth the disciplines of Theology and Religious Studies.

Further details from: Dr Patrick Connolly,
E: Patrick.connolly at mic.ul.ie
T: 061 204962
Visit the department website

http://www.mic.ul.ie/theology/Postgraduate%20Studies%20Limerick%20Ad.html

11 June 2011

Newsletter/Nuachtlitir, Pentecost Sunday/Domhnach na Cincíse.

Pentecost Sunday

As Pentecostal people, we are called to rejoice in the unity and peace made possible by God's own Spirit. We are called to have deep faith in Gerard Manley Hopkins' words, 'the Holy Ghost over the bent / World broods with warm breast and with ah! Bright wings’.

The above quote is part of a great article on Pentecost on the Catholic Bishop’s Website. To read it visit:

http://www.catholicireland.net/god-jesus-spirit/spirit/368-we-are-pentecostal-people

Congratulations Scoil Bhríde

Congratulations to the boys and girls of Scoil Bhríde from Second Class who made their First Holy Communion on May 7^th and the boys and girls of Sixth Class who made their Confirmation on June 1^st.

May God bless your teachers, the wonderful school staff, your parents, family, friends and all who were involved in the preparation programmes.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, Saturday 11th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Tony Fralwey and Jimmy Geraghty

Sunday 12th June Pentecost Sunday

9.30 am Peter Rabbitte and deceased members of the family.

Helen Duignan (Months Mind Mass)

11am Ann Mitchell and deceased members of O'Neill family

12.15 pm Tim Joyce (Months Mind Mass) and Margaret &Peter Joyce

Bridie Tedders.

6.30 pm Derek Lee and Jean (Frem) Devlin.

Monday 13th June 10am Bridie Whelan

Tuesday 14th June 10am For all the sick and John and Jo Hogan

Wednesday 15th June 10am Catherine Keane

6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass, Confessions and Get- Together

Thursday 16th June 10am William and Eileen Keane and deceased members
of Keane family.

Friday 17th June 10am Willie Corcoran and Thomas and Bridget McDonagh.

Saturday 18th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Bertie Collins

Sunday 19th June Trinity Sunday

9.30 am Teresa Coyne and Margaret Coyne

11am Delia and James Rabbitte.

12.15 pm Eileen and Patrick Guinnane and William O'Connor.

6.30 pm Michael Francis.

The National Collection for the 2012 International Eucharistic Congress is
due to be taken up in the Diocese this weekend.
The Eucharistic Congress is aiming to:

-promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and
mission of the Catholic Church -help improve our understanding and
celebration of the liturgy -draw attention to the social dimension of the
Eucharist.

The monies collected go towards providing the resources for preparing for
the Congress on a local and national level.

On Saturday, June 25^th, there will be a national Eucharistic Congress gathering in Knock. There will be Mass at 3.00 pm. A candle will be presented to each diocese. Next day in each Cathedral in Ireland the candle will be lit. In this way our focus will be turned to the Congress to take place in Dublin in June 2012.

There's a link to the Congress website in the menu bar of this page or visit this link now:

http://www.iec2012.ie

Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

There are some seats available on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes on July 1^st.

Travel 01 to 06 July for 5 nights full board in either the hotel Solitude, or Hotel Agena. Flights from Shannon and transfer's from Galway included. Tax and insurance included.

http://www.fahytravel.ie/

2 Bridge Street, Galway (Opposite St. Patrick's National School)
T: 091-595947 F: 091-594759 E: info at fahytravel.ie

Chaplain: Fr. Martin Moran, Killanin, Roscahill, T: 091-550106

You’ll also see the link in the menu bar of this page

Monastic Experience Weekend

A Monastic Experience Weekend is taking place at St. Mary's Abbey, Glencairn, (a Cistercian community of nuns), on the 1-3 July, 2011. The event is open to women aged between 20 and 40 and geared for those who want to make a deeper commitment to God in their lives and are interested in finding out more about monastic life and the Cistercian way as lived here at Glencairn today.

Cistercian nuns seek God and follow Christ in a life of prayer and study, work and solitude, simplicity and silence, in a stable, loving community.

We are a vibrant and growing community of 36 sisters of all ages and from all over Ireland and many parts of the world. There are 2500 Cistercian monks and 1800 Cistercian nuns worldwide.

Our new website is designed to provide more information and insights about our life if any should care to visit!

Thanks for reading this - your newsletters are very important points of contact for us and we are very grateful in anticipation of your assistance and your prayer,

Sr Sarah ocso
Vocations Director,
St. Mary's Abbey,
Glencairn,
Co. Waterford,
Ireland.
00 353 +58 56168

http://www.glencairnabbey.org

Mary Higgins, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Mary Higgins (Née Fahy), Carbry Road and Laragan, Shrule. Mary's Funeral Mass took place in The Cathedral on Friday, June 3rd.

'Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them'.
Revelation 14:13

4 June 2011

Newsletter/Nuachtlitir, Ascension Sunday/ Domhnach Deascabhála.

Saturday 4th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Peg and John McMahon and Jean (Frem) Devlin.

Sunday 5th June Ascension of the Lord

9.30 am Angela Feeney and deceased members of Murphy and

Carpenter families.

11 am Patrick Holland and his twin sister Nonie Cosgrave.

Edmond and Raymond Toner.

12.15 pm Margaret and Patrick Conway and Joseph Conneely.

6.30 pm Velodia Alarcon and Willie Lambe.

Monday 6th June 10am Free intention

Tuesday 7th June 10am For all the Sick and special intention 'Imelda'

Wednesday 8th June 10am Free intention

Thursday 9th June 10am Stephen Nee

Friday 10th June 10am Dermott Cotter who died recently.

Saturday 11th June

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Tony Frawley and Jimmy Geraghty.

Sunday 12th June Pentecost Sunday

9.30 am Peter Rabbitte and deceased members of family.

Helen Duignan (Months Mind Mass)

11am 1.Ann Mitchell and 2. deceased members of O'Neill family.

12.15 pm Tim Joyce (Months Mind Mass) and Margaret and Peter Joyce.

Bridie Tedders

6.30 pm Derek Lee and Jean (Frem) Devlin.

Bank Holiday Weekend……. THINK!!

Bishop MacDaid urges all road users to be safe and recommends prayer for motorists

Bishop Liam MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher, calls on all road users: motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones this June bank holiday weekend.

Bishop MacDaid said, “Up to 1 June the recorded road fatality statistics for 2011 stands at 77 for the Republic and for 24 the North. This loss of human life is heart breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole. Ahead of our June bank holiday weekend I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be extra-responsible on the roads over the next three days.

“As individuals we have an obligation to exercise a duty of care to other road users by improving our driver behaviour and, at a public policy level, this improved behaviour needs to be matched by effective strategic planning and greater resourcing.

“Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across different faiths and cultures. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of all in society.”

Bishop MacDaid recommends the following dedicated prayer for motorists which may be recited before driving:

Prayer for motorists before driving:

Before I take my place behind the wheel

I pray, O Sacred Heart – Guide me on my way.

Virgin Mary, Morning Star, from every danger guide this car.

Thou dear Lord who gave it to enjoy,

Grant that its purpose be to save and not destroy.

Amen

Introducing the New Missal

To assist our preparation for changes in some of the words that we pray at Mass from September next, please see the question and answer below. In addition, you may wish to view the brief video and further explanations which are now available on www.catholicbishops.ie. Related topics on the new edition of the Roman Missal are also on www.liturgy-ireland.ie.

Is the Mass changing?

The structure of the Mass is not changing. The order and the actions of the Mass remain unchanged. The readings at Mass are not changed. However, with the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal throughout the English-speaking world, we will all notice a change in how the Mass sounds. The translations of a number of our prayer texts from the original Latin have changed – sometimes by a particular word or in the word order. Prayers that we have become used to reciting by memory now have to be relearned. Prayers that we are used to hearing the priest say will sound different to us.
The style of language we will hear and pray may seem more formal to us and perhaps, in parts, more complex. But over time, with the praying of these texts, the sound of the Mass will again become familiar to us.

What is the Roman Missal?

The term ‘Missal’ is used to refer to the book that contains all the prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass. The Missal is first written in Latin and this Latin text is then translated into the particular language of the people. In this way, while the Mass may be celebrated in many languages across the Roman Catholic world, it is the same core Latin text that is being prayed by the Church. We have been using our current Missal since St Patrick’s Day 1975. It is sometimes referred to as the Missal of Pope Paul VI. Now we have a new edition of that Missal.

When and why are we getting a new edition of the Roman Missal?

The new edition of the Missal will come into full use over a period of time between September and 27 November 2011, the First Sunday of Advent. The new edition is necessary for a number of reasons. Firstly, in the years since 1975 when our current Missal was published, a number of additional texts have been made available for use in the Mass. These include additional Eucharistic Prayers, some new Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Masses for over twenty new Feasts of Saints (for example, St Pius of Pietrelcina/Padre Pio, Edith Stein, Maximilian Kolbe). The new material is to be included in the Missal so that it can be used in our celebrations.
Secondly, in 2001 the Holy See issued new directives for the translation of the Latin texts. Translators were asked to make the English text follow more closely the original Latin in its wording and structure. They were also asked to strengthen the biblical language and images in the texts and to reintroduce some theological vocabulary that may have been lost over the years.
Across the English-speaking world the new edition of the Roman Missal will therefore contain both new material and a new style of translation.

Is the Catholic Church in Ireland alone in introducing this new Missal?

The Catholic Church in Ireland, along with Churches throughout the English-speaking world, is working towards introducing the new edition of the Roman Missal at this time. This new edition is the English translation of the Latin Missal that was issued by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Since 2002 the Church in its many languages has engaged in the work of translating this Latin text through study, reflection and consultation. This work in English-speaking countries is now complete. In Ireland, as in other English-speaking countries, the new Missal will come into use during autumn 2011.

Registration for the International Eucharistic Congress

Registration for the International Eucharistic Congress is now open at

http://www.iec2012.ie

The National Eucharistic Congress takes place in Knock on 25 and 26 June. People can attend with their parish, in groups or individually. Registration for the workshops is essential at

http//www.iec2012.ie.

Knock Summer Festival 2011 takes place from 24 - 26 June in Knock see

http://www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival

The festival is a three day event and is for all people between the ages of 18-35.

The weekend will include: inspiring talks, creative workshops, vibrant music, a chance to meet new people, prayer, reflection, reconciliation, chill out time, clay and pottery, art, drumming, a huge gathering to celebrate the Eucharist .

Speakers include: Ronan Johnston, Lino Rulli, Fr Benny McHale, Fr Sean McDonagh, Bernadette Purcell, Veronica O'Rourke
Further information:

Ms Brenda Drumm, 00353 (0) 87 310 4444, Ms Teresa Menendez, 00353 (0) 87 910 0042

Help the St. Vincent de Paul Society cut the cost of school books:

Visit here:

http://www.svp.ie/books

Support Fr. Brendan McManus walking the Camino

Fr. Brendan McManus, Jesuit in Galway, is looking for your support for his Camino walk in aid of Console, the charity that helps the suicide bereaved.

Support him by following this link:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/brendans_camino/

Volunteers Needed

The Building of Hope Charity (Co. Clare based) is looking for trade’s people to construct a residential home for blind orphaned children in Mombasa, Kenya. 200 volunteers will travel in January 2012 for 10 days. Any help you can give to make a difference in the life of these children will be very rewarding. All Enquiries can be to Olive Halpin on 087-6994599.

Website:

http://www.buildingofhope.org

Question on the Papal Letter to Ireland, posed as part of Interview with Fr Federico Lombardi SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Exactly one year ago the Catholics of Ireland received a Pastoral Letter from Pope Benedict XVI and it was welcomed by the faithful. Did you receive feedback his Pastoral Letter from other countries?

Pope Benedict XVI’s Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland is a document which occupies a very important place in this pontificate. In fact, it is the most comprehensive text that the Pope has ever written on the question of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. As we know this issue has dramatically marked and continues to mark the life of the Church in recent years in a profound way. It has left very deep wounds and done serious damage, particularly in some countries, but also- we must add- throughout the universal community of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI has to lead the Church at this time of crisis, and he does so with admirable courage and humility, setting us the example of the evangelical attitudes to adopt and action to be taken. The Pope has spoken many times about the problem of abuse, even on his journeys to different countries, on each occasion drawing the attention of the public and media from further afield. The letter to Irish Catholics has attracted great attention especially there where the tragedy of abuse has hit the Church hardest. Moreover, even if some parts of the letter are addressed more specifically to Ireland, in light of its Christian history and commitments towards concrete renewal, most of the document could easily refer to other countries and situations, such as the intense section addressed to victims, their families, to abusers, the various components of the community. The Pope himself, in other countries, has referred to this letter to explain his personal attitude and the guidelines that he proposes to the entire Church.

Even though the Catholic Church in Ireland has been particularly tried by this terrible tragedy, one that has caused so much suffering among so many innocent people, it is also true to say that if the Church in Ireland can renew itself and rise up again, if it can prove itself worthy of its great tradition, then it will once again lend a great service to the Church in Europe and worldwide, offering its priceless experience of true penance, purification and renewal, revival of community life where children are effectively protected and secure in their human and Christian growth.

In this sense, the feedback I have received has always been characterized by great spiritual participation and sympathy for the difficult period that the Church in Ireland is experiencing, by an admiration for its strength of faith, firm despite suffering and humiliation, and by great attention to see a real progress of renewal and revival of hope, also in view of preparation for the 2012 Eucharistic Congress.

Church to celebrate the 45th World Communications Day, Sunday 5 June2011

- New look website launched by the Bishops’ Conference

- CCO to host tweet on Pope Benedict’s WCD message on Twitter

On Sunday 5 June the Catholic Church will celebrate the 45th World Communications Day on the theme ‘Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age’. The theme was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI and he reflects on it in his traditional message for World Communications Day.

Bishop John McAreavey and Bishop Denis Brennan of the Bishops’ Council for Communications welcomed this year’s message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 45th World Day of Social Communications. Bishop McAreavey said: As Catholics the human person is at the core of all our communications each day. Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains paramount.

Bishop Brennan said: “World Communications Day is a very important date in the calendar of the Universal Church. It was the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council. The theme which Pope Benedict has chosen reminds us of the many challenges which new media brings, and, of the importance of truth as the central and only reference point in all communications media.”

The website of the Irish Bishops’ Conference,

http://www.catholicbishops.ie

has been redesigned making it more user friendly and easier to navigate. A slider on the top left of the home page allows the website to showcase the website’s most recent content in a visually appealing manner, giving users access to the latest press releases and features with one click. The website is connected to the Bishops’ Conference YouTube, Flickr, Audio boo, Facebook and Twitter accounts, making information from the Conference available on a numbers of different platforms.

The Catholic Communications Office will be hosting a discussion on Pope Benedict’s World Communications Day message on Twitter. To join in this discussion connect to Twitter between 3 and 4pm (Irish time) next Sunday 5 June and use the hash tag #wcd2011.

Youth News

Tullamore Youth Gospel Choir invites all students and families of those doing exams in the month of June for a very special EXAM mass on Tuesday 7th June @ 8pm in Galway Cathedral. This is an opportunity to show the students that everyone wishes them well and is thinking of them at this anxious time.

Knock Summer Youth Festival - 24th-26th June in Knock Shrine...Three day festival for all young people aged 18-35. This event is action packed with workshops, prayer, reflection, music and much more. For more information, contact Siobhain on 091-565066.

Bishop McKeown’s personal reflection on the visit of Queen Elizabeth II

For decades the narrative about Northern Ireland has been that it was an incomprehensible medieval conflict between the two warring groups – the Catholic tribe and the Protestant tribe. Foreign media reports were laced with references to religious fanatics attacking each other. The North, and especially Belfast, was portrayed as one more example of the pernicious role of religion, dividing people and even motivating them to kill one another.

But last week's State visit by Queen Elizabeth II accepted what the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 had clearly recognised – the conflict was never primarily a religious or confessional conflict but one caused by the tensions between Britishness and Irishness. It was part of the ‘long, complex and ... often ... turbulent’ relationships between two nations, most painfully incarnated in Northern Ireland. This was not two states trying to circumvent the results of religious fanaticism. It was two peoples accepting how their enmity and coldness had cost so much blood. And wherever armed forces fight, it is innocent civilians who suffer most. Religion was used as a weapon in the ebb and flow of that brutal tide of violence. But it was good to see civic authorities publicly acknowledging where the core problem lay.

And I’d go further. The events of last week were led by two heads of State, both women of faith. Without talking about either religion or their own personal beliefs, they had the imagination and the courage ‘to bow to the past, but not be bound by it’, a chance to acknowledge ‘that while we cannot change the past, we have chosen to change the future’. President McAleese and Queen Elizabeth had the conviction and humility to be leaders, bringing their increasingly secular societies to a place which they could not reach on their own. They demonstrated that ‘spiritual intelligence’ which can take the rubble of the past and make it into foundations rather than a weapons cache. Could I even suggest that their personal faith convictions were a huge asset in developing the reflective and sacred dimension of the Dublin events at the Garden of Remembrance and the Irish National War Memorial Park. These became symbolic events which effected in many people’s hearts what they proclaimed in gesture and silence. This was ritual taking us beyond the limits of language to the unchartered edges of meaning.

And there is another point. What happened last week was at least partly the result of what some people of faith had done to help the people of these islands come to terms with the ‘complexity of our history’ and the horrific out workings of that fraught relationship. Those faith leaders who attended the State dinner actually represented all those who had worked tirelessly to liberate many of the political forces from the corners into which they had painted themselves. This was a tribute to those who worked to build peace while armed groups fought and politicians refused to talk. This was faith enriching the public forum, like leaven serving the common good, not intruding on someone else’s business.

So what might this imply? Churches may have implicitly been removed from being identified as being responsible for past difficulties and as enemies of the future. But the visit also challenges the churches to re-examine our role in northern society.

Firstly, it generates a new sense of freedom. If the conflict was seen as religious, then it was easy to portray anyone who used the name ‘Protestant’ or ‘Catholic’ as inherently sectarian, a relic of the past, as something that had no place in modern society, a title to be avoided in company. For example, Catholic schools could be labelled as merely divisive because they dared to espouse the name of one of the warring tribes. I hope that the events of last week will enable people to be proud of their identity and contribution to a modern society, rather than having to apologise for it. The visit also gives churches an opportunity to reassert their independence from those political and economic forces that would seek to enlist them on their side.
Secondly, the rich symbolism of the visit may help us all to move beyond the stage where we thought that we could own truth – about history, about God and about ourselves. It questions comfortable narratives about our religion – or lack of it - and our politics. But that does not mean that we abandon the search for truth. It just suggests that we can move beyond the fear that hardens genuine insight into ideology. It means journeying in trust, believing that the truth will not enslave us but set us free.
Thirdly, one of the key sources of conflict has always been those who quarry the past to promote, not pride, but a sense of injustice. The pain has to be acknowledged but the past cannot be undone. Better than most, we ought to have discovered that there is no future if we seek only to punish the perpetrators and vent our righteous fury on the enemy, the oppressor. That endless search for redemptive violence, that urge to believe that satisfying vengeance or the spilling of blood for my pain will build a future – that is a futile hope and we have lived through the effects of that inhuman heresy. Too many people have suffered when there is – as Yeats suggested - more substance in our enmities than in our love.
As one who seeks to follow Jesus, I remain intrigued so many by how many our key events – the Easter Rising, the Good Friday Agreement and now this visit by Queen Elizabeth during this Easter season – have occurred at a time of the year when Christians celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. The early Church had to retell the Jesus story in a way that made sense of the past and generated energy for the future.

Last week’s events have given us a chance to tell a new truth that strikes a balance between wallowing in the past and forgetting about it. If faith communities can help generate space to tell our stories without fear of attack, then we can craft a new story in a place where hope thrives and the past no longer threatens to overwhelm our present and our future. Bishop Donal McKeown is Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor

Further information:

Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678

John Codyre, R.I.P.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of John Codyre Snr, St. Anthony’s Place, Woodquay and formerly of Mincloon, Rahoon. John's Funeral Mass took place in The Abbey on Friday, June 3rd.

'I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness'. 2 Timothy 4:6

Phyllis Higgins, R.I.P.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Phyllis Higgins, nee Feeney, Shantalla Place. Phyllis' Funeral Mass took place in St. Joseph's on May 31st.

'Those who trust in him will understand the truth,those who are faithful will live with him in love;
for grace and mercy await his holy ones, and he intervenes on behalf of his chosen'. Wisdom 3:9

Brother David Byrne, R.I.P.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother David Michael Byrne, Patrician Brothers Monastery, Kingston Salthill and late of Lisdoonan, Co. Monaghan. Brother David's Funeral Mass took place in our church on Saturday, May 28th. Donations in his name if desired to Galway Hospice Foundation.

'After my awakening, he will set me close to him, and from my flesh I shall look on God'. Job 19:23