Sunday 21 September 2014

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Twenty Fifth Sunday in ordinary time
        sunday  21st September 2014     


 Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 22nd  September: 24th Week in Ordingary Time:
Bantry:  10am   Mass of Thanksgiving

Tues. 23rd  September: 24th  Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:   10am  John Kane - Buttevant

Wed. 24th September:  24th  week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:            10am      Jackie & Bridie Moloney -    Droumclough
Hospital:  5.30pm    People of the Parish
                           
Thurs. 25th September: 24th week in Ordinary time:
Bantry:  10am    Liz Hurley – Market Street
                                                                  
Friday 26th September: 24th  Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry   10am    Curley Keohane  & Ann O’Toole - Newtown
Kealkil: 7.30pm Patrick Hurley - Derryarkane
                                 
Sat.  27th September: 24th week in Ordinary Time:
Hospital:     10am       Cyril & Madge McCarthy – London  & Bantry
Bantry:   6.15pm   Hannah Casey - Cahernacrin
                                                      
Sun. 28th September:Twenty Fifth Sunday
                              in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:   9am     Ellen & John O’Mahony - Gortloughera
Coomhola: 10am  Patrick & Elizabeth Holland – Kealanine
Kealkil:      11am   Jeremiah Connolly - Reendesert     
Bantry:      12noon  People of the Parish


The Deep End – God’s Love is Different
In today’s parable Matthew is addressing an issue in the community where people are unhappy with certain groups being included in God’s Kingdom… they were there first! We can identify with the characters: times when we felt hard done by; times we made comparisons between ourselves and others. Whereas ‘THEY’? Well, ‘they’ are the cause of the problem, benefiting in some way from our perceived injustice.

‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong.’ This is a moment of grace where God is freeing people from jealousy; there is enough to go around, everyone has received what they were promised. Even in our relationships with one another, people sometimes want to possess and take all for themselves. In reality God (and people) can love others unconditionally without taking anything away from us. If we could liberate ourselves from such insecurities and not let them take hold, life would be a lot happier. Have you been wronged? Has an injustice occurred to anyone else? No, then why worry? The workers expect a judgemental God and often we too confine our image of God to a distributor of justice. God’s justice is more concerned with generosity and compassion, there is plenty for all.
 God’s love is just… different.

‘True love is delicate and kind, full of gentle perception and understanding, full of beauty and grace, full of joy unutterable... With such a love one would see all things new; we would begin to see people as they really are, as God sees them.’
Dorothy Day                                         Jane Mellet



A warm welcome and sincere thanks to our new & existing altar servers (and their parents) in our three Churches for volunteering with us.
We look forward to their years of service here in Bantry Parish.

Died Recently:
We extend our prayers & sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of;
Ann Gallen (nee McSweeney) – Coomanore & late of Luton, UK.

May she rest in peace.

Training for Pastoral Teams for Funerals

Training for those who have agreed to be part of the Pastoral Teams for Funerals will take place in the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry beginning on Thursday, October 2nd and continuing on Thursday 9th, 16th and 23rd. Each session will begin at 8.00pm and continue until 9.30pm followed by light refreshments. This training is facilitated by The Diocesan Liturgy Office.

Parish Weddings:
We congratulate Michelle O’Brien (Seskin, Bantry) & Eugene Coughlan (Caheragh) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry on Friday, 12th September 2014.  
We wish Michelle & Eugene long & happy lives together

Offertory Collection:
Bantry Church weekend of  13th / 14th September: €2170

Special collection for Priesthood Education will take place next weekend, September 27th / 28th. The proceeds of the collection go to the Diocesan Education Fund which meets the cost of seminarians’ fees at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and also contributes to post-graduate studies of priests of the Diocese.

Recent Parish Baptisms:
Darcy Nell Andrews
(Slip Lawn, Bantry),
We welcome her into our Christian Community

There will be a Ceili in the Mealagh Valley Community Centre, Ards, Bantry on Saturday 27th September at 9.30 pm.  Music with Ger Murphy.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  All welcome.

Autumn Station Masses 2014

Friday 26th September @ 8pm –
Michael & Mary Hannick – Ardnaclough, Dromduve, Baurnagearagh

Saturday 27th September @ 11am –
Joan Keane – Caher, Gories, Leacadiomhaoin, Cappanavar

Saturday 4th October @ 11am –
Breda McCoy – Dromleigh

Saturday 11th October @ 11am –
John & Elizabeth O’Sullivan – Cahirmounteen, Kealkil

It is hoped to have Station Masses for Autumn 2014 during the months of September & October.
If you are thinking of hosting the Autumn Stations this year, we would ask you to please contact the parish office (56398) to arrange a date.


Are you the parent of a teenager ?? … John Lonergan, renowned speaker, author and natural storyteller will speak about “Parenting Teenagers” in Bantry, at 8pm, Thursday, October 2nd in the Maritime Hotel. Hosted by the Parents Association of Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí tickets will be available on the door on the night and all are welcome. 

St. Colum's Hall will host a hurling strategy meeting on Tuesday the 23rd at 8:30pm. Open to members past and present, the meeting will address the current standing of hurling in the club, what are we doing right? What could we improve upon?

Does your spouse have dementia? We are carrying out research looking to gain an insight into the health and wellbeing of those who live with someone who has dementia. For more information about taking part please contact Alan Galvin or Dr Maria Pertl at Trinity College on 01 896 8414”

Night Classes in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí

 Registration will take place on Tuesday 23rd September from 5.30 – 7.00 in the college for the following Courses:
 Tuesday:
Legal Practice and Procedures
Meditation, Relaxation & Mindfullness
Digital Photography (Beginners)
Spanish (Beginners)
Practical Cooking for Beginners
 Thursday:
Computers for over 55’s (Improvers)
Landscape Water Colour Painting
Meditation, Relaxation & Mindfullness for Men
Introduction to Bridge
Spanish (Intermediate)
Digital Photography (Advanced)
 Further details on course contents: www.colaistepobailbheanntrai.com or
Courses Commence Tuesday 30th Sept & Thursday 2nd Oct



To celebrate World Mental Health day on Oct. 10th a Festival of music and arts will take place in West Cork and mainly Bantry with the opening of same on Monday 6th in Bantry by Dr. Pat Bracken with Mr. R. Doody in Bantry square at the Cumasu Community bus and and the highlight of the week is the launch of Bantry Community Choir in concert at The Maritime Hotel with guest choirs, Schull Gospel Choir, Baltimore Singers and West Cork Choral Singers on Oct 10th at 8pm. Tickets €10 and proceeds to Donal Walsh Org, VdeP Bantry and West Cork Arts and tickets for sale at Hickey's, The Maritime Hotel and Nora on 0861948074

Saturday 2 August 2014

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

eighteenth Sunday in ordinary time
sunday  3rd August 2014         

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 4th August: 18th week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:  10am   David O’Driscoll -  Letterlickey –
                          1st Anniversary

Tues. 5th August: 18th Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry: 10am  Jim O’Mahony – High Street
 
Wed. 6th August:  The Transfiguration of the Lord:
Bantry:   10am   Diarmuid O’Regan - Ballylickey
Hospital:5.30pmDr. T.P. O’Connor & Dr. Rex O’Connor
                      
Thurs. 7th August: th week in Ordinary time:
Bantry:     10am  People of the Parish

Friday 8th August: 18th Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry 10am       Donal Creedon - Ards
Kealkil: 7.30pm  Special Intention & Thanksgiving        
                            
Sat.  9th August: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) Virgin & Martyr, Patron of Europe:
Hospital: 10am   Mary O’Grady - Ardnagaoithemore
Bantry: 6.15pm   Delia Dullea – Lisheens, Kealkil
                                                 
Sun. 10th August: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:     9am     Helen & Christy Crowley – The Square
Coomhola:  10am  John O’Flynn – Coorloum North
Kealkil:      11am  Fr. Tim Cahalane – Newcestown
Bantry:        12noon        People of the Parish


Pastoral Teams for Funerals
Many older people remember what a wake in a house was like. Everyone helped out when someone died at home. The body was prepared and laid out. People visited to pay respect to the dead. Food was shared. Stories were told. Prayers were said. It was a good example of what the Church calls the ‘ministry of consolation’ in action.

In the introduction to its current funeral book, the Church praises this traditional approach: “The responsibility for the ministry of consolation rests with the believing community”, it reminds us: “each Christian shares in the ministry”. The parish funeral team is in continuity with this tradition.

When wakes were held in people’s houses, priests had little to do with the funeral rites until the body was brought to the church. It was the introduction of funeral homes that involved priests more, both on the Rosary night and for the prayers in the funeral home before the removal. In leading these services, priests replaced lay ministry; funeral teams restore the ministry of leading these rites to the lay faithful.

It is envisaged that funeral team members would share with the priest, or lead in the priest’s absence, the prayers in the family home or funeral home. They would also available to help families navigate their way through the funeral rites. They can provide help to families struggling to find the right level of involvement in the funeral rituals and can support the family all the way, in a way that priests could not hope to.

Training for Pastoral Teams for Funerals will take place in Bantry in October 2014. The Diocesan Liturgy Office will provide training and resources for groups from different parishes at the same time. Training will take place over the course of four weeks, one evening per week, and one full Saturday. Dates and times will be announced nearer the time.


Graveyard Masses:
There will be Mass at the Abbey Graveyard on Tuesday, 5th August at 7.30pm.
In the event of rain Mass will be celebrated in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry.

Cilléanach Mass:
Wednesday, 6th August at 7.30pm
In the event of rain Mass will be celebrated in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry.

Whiddy Graveyard Mass
Saturday 9th  August. Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon at Whiddy Island Graveyard.
A Boat will leave the pier @ 11am

Parish Weddings:
We congratulate Majella Harrington (St. Cannera’s Place, Bantry) & John Love (Bandon, Co. Cork) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry on Friday 25th July 2014.
We wish Majella & John long & happy lives together

Bantry Parish & Friends Pilgrimage to Lourdes
22nd – 27th September 2014. Ex-Cork
Accompanied by Spiritual Director:
Fr. Sean Crowley C.C.
Accommodation at the Agena Hotel. Please see Church Porches for details & Parish Office for booking forms

Autumn Station Masses 2014

Thursday 28th August @ 8pm –
Teddy & Margaret Cronin – Borlin

It is hoped to have Station Masses for Autumn 2014 during the months of August, September & October.
If you are thinking of hosting the Autumn Stations this year, we would ask you to please contact the parish office (56398) to arrange a date.


Youth 2000 Summer Festival, 
Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday 14​​th – Sunday ​17​​th August ​2014​.  For young people aged 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people.  This Festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. The festival is donation only.  Free buses available from towns throughout Ireland.  For more information and to book online see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690 or from NI 07598 876399, or join us on facebook (youthtwothousandIreland).

Curraheen Parish Pilgrimage: Santiago de Compostela, Fatima & Lisbon. 9th-16th October 2014. EX Cork. Spiritual Director: Fr. Criostoir Mac Donald. Fully escorted Tour. For further details contact: Premier Travel: 2, Grand Parade, Cork. Telephone: 021-4277700


MYROSS WOOD GARDEN FETE will take place on Sunday, 10th August, from 2 to 5 pm. Attractions include instrumental and choral music, step-dancing, packed stalls, tea-rooms, pony rides, games and competitions. Donations for the stalls are needed – so books, cakes, bric-a-brac, bottles and plants, etc, will be very welcome and gratefully received. Bring your dog as well for the famous Myross Wood Dog Show!

For those who avail of the blood pressure clinic at the Health Centre, Bantry, apologies, but the August Blood Pressure clinic is cancelled. The next Blood Pressure clinic will be advertised when staff are available.

Bantry Blues Ladies
Best of luck to Ann Coakley and Libby Coppinger in the All Ireland Minor Football Final, Cork vs. Galway on Monday 4th August in Birr.  
Up the Rebels!
  
There’s still time ‘to do’ the Lough Derg Three Day Pilgrimage - as one pilgrim put it;  “Lough Derg is where my soul is given renewed energy.
It is where I meet God and where I feel most at peace.”   Wednesday 13th August is the last day pilgrims can commence the Three Day Pilgrimage.
One Day Retreats recommence on 17th August.  For further information contact Maureen or Sharon. Tel 071 9861518 email info@loughderg.org
Cronins Coaches 9th – 11th August.  Contact Karen 021 4509090


Ireland claim 5th Atlantic Challenge victory" 
After a down to the wire contest with 3 crews in contention up to the last of 10 events, Russia, UK and Ireland. This Sailing challenge was a nail biting affair with very poor winds, but thanks to the hard training put in by these young athletes from the Bantry area, they nailed it at the last minute. Great credit must go all these young seafarers and to their minders for the week Dr Matt & Anne Murphy who represented Bantry & Ireland proudly in France where the Bantry Longboat or as it is known in France "Youle Bantry" is held in high historical interest as it is the oldest remaining replica of a French Navel  vessel from the 1700's.
The Crew will be returning to a homecoming reception on Monday night ( .eta 11.30pm)

Explore God's call for you... 14th September 2014, 2-6pm, St. Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 & 12th October 2014, 2-6pm, Clonard Monastery, Belfast, BT13 2RL
exploreAway is a programme which provides the opportunity for young, single, men and women between the ages of 21-40 who are interested in exploring religious life and the priesthood in a reflective and prayerful environment. 
Join us on Sunday 14th September 2014 from 2-6pm in St. Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 or on Sunday 12th October 2014 from 2-6pm in Clonard Monastery, Belfast, BT13 2RLto find out more about exploreAway.
It promises to be an informative and relaxed afternoon with some good pizza and chat to follow! Booking is essential; please contact Sr. Gabrielle Farrell on 087-3584447 or Fr. Alan on 085-7664480.www.exploreAway.net, www.vocationsireland.com

Begin Anew
‘As the earth put forth blossom,
so shall the Lord make righteousness
blossom in the sight of all peoples’
Is 61:11

Offertory Collection:
Bantry Church weekend of 26th/27th  July: €2033. Month of July: Kealkil: €1505.  Coomhola: €1180. Church Renovation Fund Collection (3rd of 4 collections this year) will take place next weekend - August 9th & 10th.


BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Seventeenth Sunday in ordinary time
sunday  27th July 2014    

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–
Mon. 28th  July: 17th week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:  10am   Peter Tobin – Scart Road

Tues. 29th  July: 17th Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry: 10am  Patrick & Nora Collins
                        & their son Con Collins - Kielnascarta
 
Wed. 30th July:  17th  week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:   10am   Eileen Bennett – Slip Park – 2nd Anniv.
Hospital:  5.30pm   Pádraig Horan
                      
Thurs. 31st July: 17th week in Ordinary time:
Bantry:     10am  Donal & Nora Minehane –
                            Carrigboy, Donemark

Friday 1st August: 17th Week in Ordinary Time:
Bantry 10am       John P. McCarthy - Scartbawn
Kealkil: 7.30pm  Shared Mass – Rachel Cronin –          
                             Cahirmuckee – 1st Anniversary        
Bantry: 7.30pm  Shared Mass        
                            
Sat.  2nd August: 17th week in Ordinary Time:
Hospital: 10am   Ray Clarkin – Gurteen & his mother
                            Alice Clarkin – Co. Leitrim  
Bantry: 6.15pm   Sheila O’Sullivan – Baurgorm (2nd Anniv.) & her brother Eugie Hourihan - Baurgorm
                                                 
Sun. 3rd August: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Bantry:        9am    Donal Lynch - Ardnagaoithe
Coomhola:  10am   Sheila & Denny Coakley & their son
                               Jimmy Coakley
Kealkil:      11am   Mary O’Sullivan – Ahilmore,
Bantry:        12noon        People of the Parish 

Graveyard Masses:
There will be Mass at the Abbey Graveyard on Tuesday, 5th August at 7.30pm.
In the event of rain Mass will be celebrated in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry.

Cilléanach Mass:
Wednesday, 6th August at 7.30pm
In the event of rain Mass will be celebrated in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry.

Whiddy Graveyard Mass
Saturday 9th  August. Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon at Whiddy Island Graveyard


                                  The Deep End                                               
Treasures, Pearls and Suspended Coffees.   
                                                        
I recently wandered into a café in Dublin that was selling ‘suspended coffees’. This is where you buy a coffee and then buy another one ‘suspended’. Then someone who can’t afford to buy a hot beverage can come in and ask for a ‘suspended coffee/tea’. It reminded me of one of today’s parables, the treasure in the field. It gave me a tiny glimpse of what the world looks like when we take this Kingdom of God stuff seriously. It brings great joy, especially when it is unexpected. Sometimes there are hidden treasures of God’s kingdom going on right under our noses (remember the mustard seed revolution parable from last week?). Over the last few Sundays we have heard Matthew 13 and the parables on the growth and development of God’s Kingdom. Today we are told what to do when we find it. It may be unexpected; it may be the result of a long search and journey, but once found, nothing else matters.
We are driven by our desires. It is what we desire most that effects what we do and the choices we make in life. In both parables, the finder responds wholeheartedly and in complete surrender. We should ask for the ability to make the radical decision for the treasure. Jesus tells us that there is only one thing worth pursuing at any cost – that is the Kingdom of God. And joy is one proof of its presence.                                           
(Find your nearest suspended coffee: www.suspendedcoffees.com.)                     
Jane Mellett (Email janemellett@yahoo.com)

Autumn Station Masses 2014
It is hoped to have Station Masses for Autumn 2014 during the months of August, September & October.

If you are thinking of hosting the Autumn Stations this year, we would ask you to please contact the parish office (56398) to arrange a date.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday 14​​th – Sunday ​17​​th August ​2014​.  For young people aged 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people.  This Festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. The festival is donation only.  Free buses available from towns throughout Ireland.  For more information and to book online see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690 or from NI 07598 876399, or join us on facebook (youthtwothousandIreland).

Bantry Parish & Friends Pilgrimage to Lourdes
22nd – 27th September 2014. Ex-Cork
Accompanied by Spiritual Director:
Fr. Sean Crowley C.C.
Accommodation at the Agena Hotel. Please see Church Porches for details & Parish Office for booking forms

Carriganass Castle Kealkill, Upcoming Event: Chapterhouse Theatre presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the castle on Thursday 7th August. Gates open at 7pm. Show 8pm. Tickets €17 Adult, €12 Child, €48 2 adults/2 children can be bought on the night or reserved in advance by calling 086 338 7277. Seating provided.

Offertory Collection:
Bantry Church weekend of 19th/20th  July: €2074.
Church Renovation Fund Collection (3rd of 4 collections this year) will take place on August 9th & 10th.