EASTER REFLECTION

 When we ask for a wake up call from a family member or in a Guest House or a hotel, we hope and trust it will happen. Wake up call… a phrase we often use. It means a new way of looking on something.

 Wake Up Call

Easter is a wake up call – to a beautiful day and a wonderful way of life. Christ is Risen… He is Risen indeed.

You can bury truth but it will always rise again. The truth of our faith – we come from God and we go to God. Jesus found that too at Easter. Nothing not even death could keep him from returning in Glory to God.

But in between…that’s where we are now. And today is the new wake up call. Remember waking up – to a big day. Graduation, ordination, wedding, holiday, falling in love, your child’s birthday, going to a new school,– these are awakenings to a new day.

Or to a bad day, a funeral, redundancy, illness. We know some day we will waken for the last time. The last time this side anyway.

Celebrating Easter – wakening up to a big new world in and around us, and Easter really is every day.

New Friendship

Every day is a discovery of the friendship of Jesus…always there, always new. To the call to partnership with him in his saving work for the world. To joy in all times, even bad.

We look at Mary of Magdala after Jesus death as recounted in the gospel. All seemed lost when she last went to sleep on a dark night. Now all is new because of Jesus. Her life has changed; his wakening after death means we can all wake up now – to love, call, joy.

 We can be new – He is Risen.

 The Church can be new – He is Risen.

The world can be new – He is Risen.

 Adapted from an Easter Reflection by Donal Neary SJ

HOLY WEEK - BANTRY PARISH 2013

                                              

Holy Week in Bantry Parish 2013

Monday 25^th March: Bantry: 10am & 7.30pm

Tuesday 26^th March: Bantry: 10am & 7.30pm

Wed. 27^th March:     

                                                Bantry: 10am Mass

                                                Hospital: 5.30pm Mass

Easter Triduum (3 day preparation for Easter)

Holy Thursday, 28^th March:            Mass of the Lord’s Supper

                              Bantry:                 No 10am Morning Mass

                                                            N.B. 6.15pm – Mass

                                                            Holy Hour – 10pm-11pm (Eucharistic Adoration)

                              Coomhola:           7.30pm – Mass

                              Kealkil:                 8.00pm – Mass                       Trocaire Boxes can be returned

 

 

Good Friday, 29^th March—Day of Fast & Abstinence – (Devotion to the Passion of Christ)

There will be a Special Collection on Good Friday to support & maintain Holy Places.

                              Bantry:     12 noon — Stations of the Cross

                                                3.00pm — Solemn Liturgy of the Passion

                              Kealkil:     3.00pm — Stations of the Cross & Solemn Liturgy

                              Coomhola;           7.30pm — Stations of the Cross & Solemn Liturgy

Confessions before Ceremonies on Good Friday in Kealkil Church            

Holy Saturday, 30^th March: Easter Vigil:

(Services of Light, Word, Baptismal Water & Eucharist)

                              Bantry Hospital: 10.00am – Morning Prayer

                              Coomhola: 8.00pm Easter Vigil

                              Bantry:     9pm Easter Vigil

                              Kealkil:     9.30pm Easter Vigil

 

Confessions on Holy Saturday: Bantry Church: 12noon

Easter Sunday: 31^st March:             The Lord has Risen 

                              Hospital:               8.00am (please note extra Mass)     

                              Bantry:                 9.00am & 12.00 noon

                              Coomhola:           10.00am

                              Kealkil:                 11.00am

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI

 

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI

AT THE CONCLUSION OF HIS MINISTRY AS

BISHOP OF ROME AND SUPREME PONTIFF

 

 

Almighty ever‐living God,

who has given your faithful servant Benedict

grace to maintain his faith and hope in you

amid the labours of his apostolic ministry;

graciously bestow upon him, we pray,

the consolations of your Holy Spirit

and uphold him in serenity of life.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us

St Peter, pray for us

St Paul, pray for us

St Benedict, pray for us

All holy men and women, pray for us

Quote for January 29th

"The only cure for sagging or fainting faith is Communion. Though always Itself, perfect and complete and inviolate, the Blessed Sacrament does not operate completely and once for all in any of us. Like the act of Faith it must be continuous and grow by exercise. Frequency is of the highest effect. Seven times a week is more nourishing than seven times at intervals."

- J.R.R. Tolkien

Christmas Message from His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI

"Veritas de terra orta est!" – "Truth has sprung out of the earth"(Ps 85:12).

Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, a happy Christmas to you and your families!

In this Year of Faith, I express my Christmas greetings and good wishes in these words taken from one of the Psalms: "Truth has sprung out of the earth". Actually, in the text of the Psalm, these words are in the future: "Kindness and truth shall meet; / justice and peace shall kiss. / Truth shall spring out of the earth, /and justice shall look down from heaven. / The Lord himself will give his benefits; / our land shall yield its increase. / Justice shall walk before him, / and salvation, along the way of his steps" (Ps 85:11-14).

Today these prophetic words have been fulfilled! In Jesus, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary, kindness and truth do indeed meet; justice and peace have kissed; truth has sprung out of the earth and justice has looked down from heaven. Saint Augustine explains with admirable brevity: "What is truth? The Son of God. What is the earth? The flesh. Ask whence Christ has been born, and you will see that truth has sprung out of the earth … truth has been born of the Virgin Mary" (En. in Ps. 84:13). And in a Christmas sermon he says that "in this yearly feast we celebrate that day when the prophecy was fulfilled: ‘truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven’. The Truth, which is in the bosom of the Father has sprung out of the earth, to be in the womb of a mother too. The Truth which rules the whole world has sprung out of the earth, to be held in the arms of a woman ... The Truth which heaven cannot contain has sprung out of the earth, to be laid in a manger. For whose benefit did so lofty a God become so lowly? Certainly not for his own, but for our great benefit, if we believe" (Sermones, 185, 1).

"If we believe". Here we see the power of faith! God has done everything; he has done the impossible: he was made flesh. His all-powerful love has accomplished something which surpasses all human understanding: the Infinite has become a child, has entered the human family. And yet, this same God cannot enter my heart unless I open the door to him. Porta fidei! The door of faith! We could be frightened by this, our inverse omnipotence. This human ability to be closed to God can make us fearful. But see the reality which chases away this gloomy thought, the hope that conquers fear: truth has sprung up! God is born! "The earth has yielded its fruits" (Ps 67:7). Yes, there is a good earth, a healthy earth, an earth freed of all selfishness and all lack of openness. In this world there is a good soil which God has prepared, that he might come to dwell among us. A dwelling place for his presence in the world. This good earth exists, and today too, in 2012, from this earth truth has sprung up! Consequently, there is hope in the world, a hope in which we can trust, even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations. Truth has sprung up, bringing kindness, justice and peace.

Yes, may peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims. Once again I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict.

May peace spring up in the Land where the Redeemer was born, and may he grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end to long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path of negotiation.

In the countries of North Africa, which are experiencing a major transition in pursuit of a new future – and especially the beloved land of Egypt, blessed by the childhood of Jesus – may citizens work together to build societies founded on justice and respect for the freedom and dignity of every person.

May peace spring up on the vast continent of Asia. May the Child Jesus look graciously on the many peoples who dwell in those lands and, in a special way, upon all those who believe in him. May the King of Peace turn his gaze to the new leaders of the People’s Republic of China for the high task which awaits them. I express my hope that, in fulfilling this task, they will esteem the contribution of the religions, in respect for each, in such a way that they can help to build a fraternal society for the benefit of that noble People and of the whole world.

May the Birth of Christ favour the return of peace in Mali and that of concord in Nigeria, where savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians. May the Redeemer bring help and comfort to the refugees from the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and grant peace to Kenya, where brutal attacks have struck the civilian population and places of worship.

May the Child Jesus bless the great numbers of the faithful who celebrate him in Latin America. May he increase their human and Christian virtues, sustain all those forced to leave behind their families and their land, and confirm government leaders in their commitment to development and fighting crime.

Dear brothers and sisters! Kindness and truth, justice and peace have met; they have become incarnate in the child born of Mary in Bethlehem. That child is the Son of God; he is God appearing in history. His birth is a flowering of new life for all humanity. May every land become a good earth which receives and brings forth kindness and truth, justice and peace. Happy Christmas to all of you!

 

Prayer for the New Year

Begin the New Year by standing at the threshold of this new moment & offering it to God.

In the year ahead,
Lord of New Beginnings,
Stretch our souls
And move us
Into new awareness
Of the human family,
Their needs and their longings.

Make these into
our needs, our longings
So we move more confidently
From our small selves
To a deeper sense of community
Where our resolutions reflect
Our interdependence.

Help us recognize the
Possibilities you have offered
To us as a people,
So we can commit to practice The Hope that happens
When we gather gratefully
In your Name and we hold up to you
This fragile, precious world.

Grant us all the grace
In this year ahead
To sow the seeds of justice
And to gather peace in our day.

Amen

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Greetings for the New Year

 

 

To all the people of Bantry Parish, at home and abroad, their families and friends,

May beautiful moments and happy memories surround you with joy in 2013

May the new year refresh your spirit and bestow upon you

new inspiration, love, peace, prosperity, happiness and good health

We celebrate new beginnings, goals & plans, hopes & dreams,

but most of all

A New Year of Peace, Joy & happiness.

 

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Crann na Nollag

 

 

Crann na Nollag 

         

 

Tá said ann a deir go raibh trí chrann Iasmuigh de dhoras tí na Beithile – crann darach, crann olóige agus crann giúise. Thosaigh an dá chrann mhóra ag maíomh, lá.

‘Mise’, arsa an crann darach ‘sínfidh mé amach mo ghèaga mar scáth nuair a chuirfidh an mháthair an leanbhín sa chliabhán amach faoin aer’.

‘Mise’,  arsa an crann olóige, ‘ligfidh mè do m’ológa titim I dtreo go mbeidh ola aici chun an leanbhín a chuimilt go suaimhneach sásta’.

‘Ó, faire go deo, arsa an crann giúise, ‘ní féidir liomsa faic na ngrást a dhéanamh. Tá mo ghuairí róspíonta agus mo bhuaircíní rógharbh dá lámha boga mine’.

‘Faic fónta go deimhin’ arsa an bheirt eile d’aon gháire.

Leis sin tharla go raibh aingeal ag eitilt thart a chuala an comhrá. Lig sí do réalt beag a bhí ag glioscarnaigh go gléineach titim ar bharr an chrainn ghiúise agus bhuail an leanbhín a bhosa le háthas ag an radharc.

(Caitlín Ní Luasaigh)

Community News - Weekend of 9th December

Died Recently

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of Patrick Cadogan (Dromore, & formerly of Market Street),  Alfie Harrington (Cahernacrin) & Margaret (Neasa) McCarthy (Newtown, & formerly  Blackrock Terrace) who died recently. May they rest in peace

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Recent Parish Baptisms:

Anna Grace Harrington (Derrynakilla, Coomhola),

Lauren Olivia Foley (Seafield, Bantry),  

Aaron Michael Cronin  (Gortacloona, Bantry).

We welcome them into our Christian Community

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The Bantry Bay Lions Club, generously sponsored by the Bantry Business Association, will be hosting Santa's Grotto at the old cinema building in Bantry on December 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 2-5pm. Entrance fee is €4 per child and includes a gift & photo with Santa.

 

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Bantry Blues GAA:

Please support Bantry Blues U16 footballers in Clonakilty on Sunday Dec 9th at 2pm in the Premier 2 County league Football final. Up the Blues!

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Bantry Neighbourhood Watch A.G.M Next Thursday 13th Dec.

At 8pm In The Maritime Hotel Bantry.

Guest Speakers  Pat O Connor A.D.A. Security and Sargeant Ian O'Callaghan

* Tele Health *Home Security *Oil Tank Security *Frost Protector.

All Are Welcome  Light Refreshments Served.

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WEST CORK TALENT: The Grand Final of West Cork Talent takes place next Friday, 14^th of Dec. at the Westlodge Hotel.  This is a fundraising event for the refurbishment of I.T. facilities at St. Finbarr’s Boys’ N.S. The school is in the process of introducing I pads in all classrooms which will require a wireless infrastructure at the school. The heats are over – the finalists have been picked!  A great night’s entertainment for all the family is guaranteed. We hope to see many of you there.

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Mealagh Valley Community Hall is having a 45 Card Drive on Saturday 15th December

at 9pm. Entry fee €10.00.

Mealagh Valley Bingo will be held at The Community Centre, Ards on Thursday December 13^th . at 8.30P.M.. Usual bus service will run from Bantry. Your support for both events is greatly appreciated.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - 8th December

One very important feast in our Church calendar this month is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. But a lot of people misunderstand why we celebrate this day. First of all, what do these words mean? The immaculate also means 'clean' or 'spotless'. Imagine a way a window looks afer you've just cleaned it with wondow cleaner... How the light is able to shine through that window so clearly, as if it were brand new! The word conception means the moment that life begins for a baby inside it's mother's womb, the moment that God puts a soul & breathes life into that tiny body. So putting these words together, another way we can say 'immaculate conception' means 'a clean start to life.' It's importatn to remember that because of original sin, none of hus human beings have a 'clean start' to our lives, because our souls are stained by original sin. The sin of Adam & Eve has been passed down through every generation of the human race, and leaves a stain on our souls until we are baptised. But in the sacrament of baptism, we receive a 'new start' to o ur lives as God's children, and our souls are made squeaky clean by his grace!

 

What's amazing about Mary, though, is that her sould was squeaky clean from the moment her life began in St. Annes womb. Mary never had the original sin that the rest of us had before baptism! God knew from the beginning of time that he wanted her to be the mother of his Son, so he prepared her from the moment of her conception to fulfill this important role in salvation history. He made the window of her soul pure, so tat the Light of the World could shine perfectly unto all, through her. On the feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) we honour Mary for her sinlessness and perfrect obedience to the Father.

Advent

I watch for Your Presence

 

As a beacon guides a ship to harbour

Lord, guide my wandering spirit.

Lest I drift away and flounder.

 

Shine the light of Your love

into the darkness that surrounds me,

so I can find my way to you.

 

Lord, I watch for You,

For the light of your presence,

that makes my heart rejoice.

 

May I never falter in keeping vigil,

alert in looking for your help.

 

Yes, Lord, you are my beacon of light.

You are the light of the world. Amen.

 

 

Advent: Time of Watching

'Be still before the Lord, and watch.'

Psalm 37

 

Advent Wreath: Holly, the old pagan symbol for good luck, became the symbol for Christ's crown of thorns and his blood shed for us. By his wounds we are healed. Holly and ivy intertwined symbolise peace in our world and harmony between man and woman.