Christmas Events coming up in Bantry

Gaelscoil Bheanntraí is holding a Bumper Craft Fair on Tuesday, 4th December between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Great fun for all the family with Daidi na Nollaig’s Magical Grotto, Wheel of Fortune, Facepainting, cake sale etc. Everyone welcome.

 

Meet Santa in his Grotto and help Mrs. Claus in her kitchen. Play with the elves in their magical snow garden. A photo with Santa & a gift for every child. €5 per child. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Raffle, Bottle Stall, Festive Gifts, Christmas produce, Cakes, Lucky Dip, Games – Crazy golf, darts, Guess weight of cake, Guess Santa face,Teas/Coffees. Our Lady of Mercy N.S. Bantry – Sun. 2^nd Dec. 12 – 4p.m. Entry: €2 at the door to include prize draw ticket

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The Bantry Lifeboat Carol Concert will take place on Sunday 9^th Dec. in the library of Bantry House. Under the candle chandelier, surrounded by the atmosphere of open fires, mince pies and mulled wine, this is a lovely way of getting you in festive mood with the opportunity to sing along to traditional Christmas Carols in this wonderful setting. There will be piano accompaniment and the lifeboat crew will give their own special rendition of Home From The Sea. A great night for all the family to enjoy and all proceeds will go the Bantry Lifeboat. Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for concessions, entry fee includes tea, coffee, mulled wine and minced pies. Singing starts at 8pm

Bantry Annual Community Carol Service, St Brendan's Church, Sunday 23rd December at 8pm. A truly spiritual start to Christmas."

'Celebrate Advent with West Cork Choral Singers on Sunday 2nd December at St. Brendan's Church, Bantry at 8p.m. Enjoy a delightful selection of festive carols. Director: Diana Llewellyn; Accompanist: Annabel Adams.

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The Bantry Business Association craft Fair will be held this Year in the Westlodge Hotel Bantry on Sunday 9th December from 12noon to 6pm. Stall include craft, food, jewellery, homewares and much more. With a special visit from Santa, the Santas Grotto will be kindly provided by the Westlodge and Bantry Lions Club. Various children's activities include face painting, Hair Braiding, colouring competitions and much more...Stall holders wishing to book, please call Tracy on 0831230031

 

Bantry Bay Rugby F.C. Bazaar & raffle to fundraise for badly need new pitch, on Saturday December 8^th in old cinema from 11am-4pm. Requesting donations of toys, books, bric-a-brac, homebaking, etc. Tea/coffee served. Lots of bargains & fun for all.

 

Remembrance

By this time of the year the world of nature is almost in total hibernation. Growth has come to a stop for a while & the place  is full of leaves that have fallen from trees. In the springtime we talk of new life, at this time of the year the opposite is the case. November is the month of the Holy Souls, the month when we remember our dead. We do that all through the year, we remember in a special way our loved ones at times of birthdays & anniversaries.  November is the month when we remember all our dead, not just the members of our families, or our friends & all the people we have known, but all the dead. Recently a sign has been put inside the gate of the Abbey telling us that we should respect our dead & take our rubbish home. As we all know the Abbey in Bantry has a beautiful view across the bay. It is a cemetery, a sacred place, a place where the mortal remains of many people we have loved & known are laid to rest. They are not dumped there & neither should our rubbish. Sometimes we like to get rid of our problems, it’s a bit like out of sight & out of mind. Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean that it has stopped existing. We cannot see our loved ones who have died. However we do believe that they are now in a new & different existence with God in eternal life. Because of that we know that while the bodies of our loved ones are in the cemeteries they were buried in, in reality they are not there. We should not use that as an excuse to see a cemetery as a public place, that if we leave our rubbish there somebody else will look after it and it won’t be our problem anymore. Just because we can’t see our problems or the problems we cause doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.                                                                                                      Fr. Anthony

Saint of the Day - Bl. Thaddeus McCarthy

Thaddeus MacCarthy, of Munster, Ireland, became bishop of Ross at the age of twenty-seven, exhibiting great zeal for the salvation of souls and a deep dedication to preaching. But despite the fact that Bishop MacCarthy had been appointed by Pope Sixtus IV, an auxiliary bishop of Ross claimed the episcopal seat for himself. An earl supporting this rival claimant even confiscated church property from Bishop MacCarthy, forcing him out of his own see. In the end, Pope Sixtus’ successor Innocent VIII reassigned Bishop MacCarthy to the conjoined Irish sees of Cork and Cloyne. But when the bishop came to take possession of his new episcopal charge, he found himself barred from his cathedral by laymen opposed to his rule. Journeying to Rome to plead his cause, Bishop MacCarthy obtained Pope Alexander VI’s full support. As Bishop MacCarthy was traveling back from Rome, humbly disguised as a pilgrim, he died quite suddenly while lodged at Ivrea, Italy. Many miracles occurred at his tomb.

 

He was beatified in Rome in 1896. Following his beatification, a relic of his remains was sent by the people of Ivrea to the Cathedral in Cork. The reliquary was remounted on a piece of carved Cork limestone by Ken Thompson as part of the 1996 refurbishment of the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.

Prayer for the Very Elderly

Prayer of the Very Elderly

 

Blessed are they who understand

my faltering step and shaking hand

Blessed, who know my ears today

must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know

my eyes are dim and my mind is slow.

Blessed are those who look away

when I spilled tea that weary day.

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile

stopped to chat for a little while.

Blessed are they who know the way

to bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say

"You've told that story twice today".

Bleassed are they who make it known

that I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days

of my journey home, in loving ways.

SAINT OF THE DAY - BLESSED JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

 

Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honours responded to God's invitation to use his or her unique gifts. God calls each one of us to be a saint.

John Henry Newman, the 19th century's most important English-speaking Roman Catholic theologian, spent the first half of his life as an Anglican and the second half as a Roman Catholic. He was a priest, popular preacher, writer and eminent theologian in both Churches.

Born in London, England, he studied at Oxford's Trinity College, was a tutor at Oriel College and for 17 years was vicar of the university church, St. Mary the Virgin.
Historical research made Newman suspect that the Roman Catholic Church was in closest continuity with the Church that Jesus established. In 1845, he was received into full communion as a Catholic. Two years later he was ordained a Catholic priest in Rome and joined the Congregation of the Oratory, founded three centuries earlier by St. Philip Neri. Returning to England, Newman founded Oratory houses in Birmingham and London and for seven years served as rector of the Catholic University of Ireland.
Newman eventually wrote 40 books and 21,000 letters that survive. Most famous are his book-length Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine, Apologia Pro Vita Sua (his spiritual autobiography up to 1864) and Essay on the Grammar of Assent.

When Newman was named a cardinal in 1879, he took as his motto "Cor ad cor loquitur" (Heart speaks to heart). Pope Benedict XVI beatified Newman on September 19, 2010, at Crofton Park (near Birmingham). The pope noted Newman's emphasis on the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society but also praised his pastoral zeal for the sick, the poor, the bereaved and those in prison.

 

Prayer for Motorists

Prayer for Motorists.

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.

Bantry Parish Bulletin - Sunday 30th September 2012

Calender: Mass Times and Intentions for the coming week - 01.10.12 to 07.10.12

Monday 1st October:
Bantry 10am: Eileen (Nell) Bennett - Slip Park - Months Mind

Tuesday 2nd October:
Bantry 10am: Peter O'Sullivan - Hospital Road, Bantry

Wednesday 3rd October:
Bantry 10am: Jim Giltinan - Chapel Street, Bantry
Hospital 5.30pm: Norman Reardan - Cork

Thursday 4th October:
Bantry 10am: Cornelius, Bridget & John Hurley - Droumclough

Friday 5th October: First Friday
Bantry 10am: Sheila O'Sullivan - Baurgorm, Bantry - Months Mind
Bantry 7.30pm: Seanie O'Leary - Blackrock Road and Cork
Kealkil: 7.30pm: People of the Parish

Saturday 6th October:
Hospital 10am: William & Elizabeth O'Brien &
deceased members of the O'Brien & Clifford families.
Bantry 6.15pm: Hannah Casey - Cahernecrin

Sunday 7th October: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Bantry 9am: Mary Casey - Seafield, Bantry
Coomhola 10am: Shannon Keohane - Corran, Coomhola
Kealkil 11am: Sean Lynch - Maughnaclea
Bantry 12noon: People of the Parish

The Deep End – Not One for Us

Fr. Timothy Radcliffe OP spoke recently (at the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin) of the importance of pop music for young people.

‘For young people today, popular music is of vast importance in articulating their sense of hope & joy & also sometimes their sorrow & distress. Surely if we are to attend to them with compassion, then we must value that music, open our ears to it, & catch its nuances… we must give thanks to the composers & singers who offer our young water in the desert. Surrely we must be open to the creativity of popular music & accept its gifts.’

How refreshing to think that goodness & inspiration can come from the most unexpected of sources.

The disciples receive a lesson in openness today. ‘Not one of us’ is how they refer to the man from outside the group who is claiming to work ‘in Jesus’ name’. But Jesus responds with a different way of looking at things; ‘Whoever is not against us is for us,’ he advises. Don’t knock anyone’s faith.

How receptive are we to the many voices we hear and to the people we come across from day to day? Are we tuned in so we can hear and appreciate goodness and wisdom in their many guises? Fr. Radcliffe talks of being ‘open to creativity’. We must let the Spirit move as it will, and keep our eyes and ears peeled.

Triona Doherty – Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Email trionad@gmail.com

First Friday

There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday, 5^th October next, after 10am Mass until 7.30pm Mass & you are invited to spend an hour in adoration.

First Friday Communion Calls  – next Friday 5^th October.
Fr. Donal and Fr. Anthony will make their calls on the usual days this week.

 

 

 

Recent Parish Weddings

 

We congratulate Emma O’Donovan (Dromleigh North, Bantry) & Martin Mullins (Beacon Hill, Bantry) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry on Friday, 21^st September last.

We wish Emma & Martin long & happy lives together.

 

We congratulate Ann McCarthy (Slip Grove, Bantry) & Patrick O’Mahony (Chapel Street, Bantry) who were married in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kealkil on Saturday, 22^nd September last.

We wish Ann & Patrick long & happy lives together.

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Recent Parish Baptisms:

 

 

 

Robyn Minehane (Lackareagh, Kealkil)

Réaltín Aoibheann O’Sullivan

(Derryduff More, Coomhola, )

Órna Fionnuala Magee (Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal)

We welcome them into our Christian Community

 

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Do this in Memory” Next Sunday, 7^th  October,  the 9am Mass at Bantry Church, the 10am Mass at Coomhola & the 11am Mass in Kealkil will involve the young people preparing for First Communion & their parents and guardians

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Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Padre Pio Prayer Group

Next Friday 5th October is First Friday. There will be Rosary & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Bantry Church at 6.45pm followed by Holy Mass & the Padre Pio Prayer at 7.30pm.

 

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Heart Health Information Evening

A Heart Health public awareness evening hosted by Bantry General Hospital and the West Cork Community Services, will take place in the Maritime Hotel, Bantry on Friday 5^th October 2012 from 6.30pm – 9pm.

Guest speaker, Dr. Peter Kearney, Consultant Cardiologist at Cork University Hospital will give a presentation on Heart Health at 7pm.

Information stands will focus on different aspects of your health including:

• Blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Diet/ Cholesterol
• Fitness levels
• Understanding your medication
• Know your entitlements and what supports are available for you

Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

 

 

Children’s Book Festival

The annual Children's Book Festival takes place at Bantry Library throughout October when children get the opportunity to meet and chat with some of their favourite writers like Mary Arrigan, Aileen McGovern, Babette Cole and Roisin Meaney. If any teacher of classes from schools in the Bantry area would like to attend any of the readings by these authors, they can book a slot by contacting the library on 027-50460.

A storytime for 4-8 year olds takes place on Saturday mornings during October at 11am (except Sat. 27th when the library will be closed for the bank holiday weekend).

 

 

 

Bantry Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes

On the 2^nd of September I arrived in Lourdes for the first time. Anybody who has been there will know that those who are sick or infirm are the most important people in Lourdes. When I saw people in wheelchairs & in stretchers & indeed people who have other needs there it really reminded me of how lucky I am. In my lazier moments there I did think to myself wouldn’t it be great to be pushed around the place, especially on a hot day, but you wouldn’t be long realising how selfish a thought that is because people in those wheelchairs & stretchers would give anything for the freedom I have of being able to go everywhere myself. Wouldn’t it be amazing if they could, like Jesus said to the paralytic, pick up their stretchers and walk. During the time in Lourdes you will hear the story of St. Bernadette many times. At the time of the apparition in Lourdes St. Bernadette and her family were among the poorest of the poor. 

Our Lady has appeared to people that weren’t considered important. St. Bernadette was a child of a very poor family, Our Lady appeared in Knock to people who in 1879 were on the verge of a famine and involved in a bitter Land War, she appeared in Fatima in 1917 to children who should only have been seen and not heard and in recent years many people go to Medjugorge to pray to Our Lady in a country that has a very tragic history right up until the 1990’s. We might like to think that we are the people that should be listened to but in Lourdes, Knock, Fatima and other places, Our Lady is telling us otherwise.                                                                                                       

Fr. Anthony

Lions Club Award Winners

Congratulations to all those who received Community Awards from Bantry Lions Club recently.
15 local people were recognised for their public service here in Bantry Parish.

Congratulations to Kealkil Tidy Towns Committee

We would like to congratulate Kealkil Tidy Towns on achieving an increase of 8 points in their overall mark from last year. The inspectors said 'Our visit to the church was enjoyed and this building is on a focal point of the village. The environs were well presented and the inside is plain and dignified with a lovely balcony, all spotlessly maintained.'

Today's Feast - The Triumph of the Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The discovery of the True Cross is dated to 14th September 320. On 13th September 335 the churches on Calvary were dedicated and the cross that St. Helena discovered was venerated there the next day. The annual commemoration of that event has been celebrated since, in praise of the redemption won for us by Christ.

Bantry Tidy Towns Win Gold

Tidy Towns

Congratulations to the Tidy Towns Committee of Bantry who got Gold in the latest nationwide assessment.



Questions People Ask

Questions people ask
Q. I find it hard to believe in the vengeance of God. Isn’t God all-merciful? Or does God keep a catalogue of every sin we ever committed?

A. The vengeance of God is totally different to human vengeance. Human vengeance is about getting your own back on somebody. God’s idea of vengeance is to destroy the sin by saving the sinner. Isaiah in today’s First Reading has a good description of God’s vengeance. ‘Vengeance is coming, the retribution of God; he is coming to save you.’ What a privilege is ours to celebrate God’s infinite mercy in the sacrament of Confession. Mercy keeps no catalogue of past sins.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

We celebrate St. John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom, 347-407

One of the four great Greek Doctors, the ‘golden mouthed’ preacher, was Archbishop of Constantinople. 

He incurred much opposition & died in exile. Patron saint of Preachers.