Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time in 2021. In 2022, the celebration will fall on Sunday 24^th July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is “In old age they will still bear fruit” (Psalm 92:15).

The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. The announcement of a new Church-wide celebration for Grandparents and the elderly came in answer to a prayerful request to the Holy Father Pope Francis.

This new worldwide celebration in the Universal Church calendar is a momentous achievement for Grandparents and the Elderly and will hopefully reassure them that they are loved and that they are needed.

Brother Ryan CBS School retired on Thursday from the CBS Primary School. He is the last of the Brothers to leave the town.  A large crowd attended the Retirement Mass and celebration in the school to mark the occasion.  The emotion displayed by the pupils, staff and parents was truly remarkable. He was truly respected within the school community. He had a huge influence on the whole school community.  He said what truly uplifted him was “the smiles on the children as they came to school each morning”. Indeed, he put a smile on many a child by his own kindness and sensitivity to each pupil.  Brother Ryan will be greatly missed.  

                Our gratitude to the Christian Brothers who made huge contribution to the educational needs of the town and area since 1866AD.       

 

People were glad to be able to take part in the Eucharistic Procession last Saturday evening.  Very appreciable numbers turned up and walked the route and others came for the Benediction in the cemetery.  

Our thanks to the stewards and Canopy bearers, to the Gardai for seeing us safely across the road and route, to those who decorated their homes along the way and gave a welcome to the Eucharistic Lord.  It was delightful to see the First Holy Communion children and the some of the Confirmation children present dressed as they were for the sacraments. We thank the parents who came along with them and collected the petals beforehand which the children put before the Lord in the procession. Our thanks to Adrian Buckley for the sound system and to Eileen Hanley for the transport.  We thank Canon Cotter for leading us in prayer as we went along and to Kevin and Mons Owens for leading us in hymns. Our thanks to Breda Daly and Jackie Hanley for arranging the altar at the cemetery.

 

Sun. 24^th July: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.                    

25^th – 28^th July: St. Therese the Little Flower Summer Faith Camp. 6–12-year-olds

15^th Aug – Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Since the pandemic several people have not ministered so we are very happy to welcome them back if they feel comfortable at this stage.  We also need new Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, and Collectors. Please think of serving the Lord and the local parish.