Sunday 24^th January has been designated by Pope Francis as Sunday of the Word of God.  St Luke tells us that, just before his Ascension into heaven, the Risen Lord appeared to the apostles, and broke bread with them. ‘He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures’ Luke 24:25. St Jerome claimed,’ Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ’

     In his Apostolic Letter (Aperuit illis 30^th Sept. 2019) instituting the Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis says,‘The relationship between the Risen Lord, the community of believers and sacred Scripture is essential to our identity as Christians’.  The Pope stresses the need to devote time to study the Word of God, He notes this year that this is a fitting time to celebrate the Word of God, study it and for the dissemination of the Word of God. 

     He notes also this a fitting time,  ‘to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian Unity’. Jesus prayed, “ May they all be One”. Let us pray that we may all gather under our common Father and under Jesus as Saviour and Risen Lord and pray in the Spirit given us.

The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends on this Monday, 25^th January. 

     The theme this year 2021 is ‘Abide in My Love …you shall bear much fruit’.  It was discerned by the Monastic Community in Grandchamp in Switzerland and finds it origin in John (cf.Jn.15::5-9.): ‘I am the vine and you are the branches.Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.’

     The Monastic Community of Grandchamp has close ties with the Community in Taize and Abbe Paul Couturier, a seminal figure in the history of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today the community comprises of fifty sisters from different generations, churches, countries, and continents, called in vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the church, the human family and the whole of creation.

      In choosing the 2021 theme, the Community of Grandchamp desired to share the experience and wisdom of their contemplative life abiding in the love of God and keeping his commandment of ‘loving one another as he has loved us’. They remind Christians worldwide about the importance of praying for the fruits of closer communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ and greater solidarity with the whole of creation.

      (Cf. Liturgical Calendar 2021)

If any new person would like to contribute through the envelope scheme please let us know. The parish can claim back a tax rebate from everyone who contributes € 250 or more. While the lock down continues we appeal to those who are not contributing by envelope to consider giving a donation on a regular basis. Every contribution counts.

Masses 10a.m. and 12noon Sundays are online. Weekday Masses at 11a.m. for this week. Wednesday next-Holy Day- Feast of Epiphany.   Masses at 10a.m. and 12 noon.

Funerals: only 10 allowed into church for Funeral Mass.  It may be live-streamed if family request it.

Weddings: Only 6 persons allowed into church.

Church opened for private prayer each day after Mass

Sun. 24^th Jan.:  Sunday of the Word of God.

Sun. 31th Jan.: Catholic School Week Begins

Mon.1^st Feb.:   Feast of St Brigid

Tue. 2^nd Feb.:  Presentation of the Lord.

                         World Day for Consecrated Life.

Wed. 3^rd Feb.: Feast of St Blaise

Thurs. 11^th Feb.: Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.     

                          World Day for the Sick.

Sun. 14^th Feb.: Day of Prayer for Temperance

Wed.17^th Feb.: Ash Wednesday

Sun. 28^th Mar.: Palm Sunday.

                          World Youth Day Begins

Fri. 1^st April:    Good Friday

Sun. 4^th April:  Easter Sunday.

Sun. 25^th April: Day of Prayer for Vocations

Sun.6^th June:    Feast of Corpus Christi.

Fri. 11^th June:  Feast of Sacred Heart.

Sun.28^th Nov: 1^st Sunday of Advent