Weekly Bulletin 13th February 2022

Today is the Sixth Sunday of the Year. The image that is put before us in today’s first reading (Jeremiah 17:5-8) and responsorial psalm is that of a “tree that is planted beside the flowing waters”. (Psalm 1:3). Water is life. Water is not an option for a garden – it is a must! It is surprising for those of us living in Co. Fermanagh when we hear a word that there is a water shortage! However the Bible writings take their origins from a desert, parched land. Water became a theme in biblical poetry, sermons, curses, blessings and in proverbs. “For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool,  and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.” (Isaiah 35:6-7). We also use in colloquial language those moments when our attempts at prayer seem pointless.  We declare; “My prayer life is all dried up!” Julian of Norwich, a woman mystic who lived in the late 14th century said: “pray inwardly even though you find no joy in it! For it does good, though you feel nothing, see nothing, yes, even though you think you cannot pray. For when you are dry and empty, sick and weak, your prayers please me, though there be little enough to please you. All believing prayer is precious to me” (Revelations of Divine Love). An oasis is a welcome sight to a parched traveller moving through the desert heat. God’s water does not dry up but is capable of bringing us to life no matter how dry we feel! The beautiful Psalm 22 (23) known as “The Lord is my Shepherd” speaks of God the Shepherd leading us to “fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me to revive my drooping spirit” The peaceful imagery of green pastures and still waters is one not only of security and safety but of being cared for with refreshment and nourishment. When Jeremiah the prophet describes the home coming of the people from exile in Babylon he talks about it in these terms – “Their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again” (Jeremiah 31:12) The word “languish” is an interesting word. The word carries with it the connotations of prolonged suffering, lack of energy and vitality and general lifelessness caused by discouraging situations. We live through such times. The pandemic, the endless political wrangling not only at Stormont but Westminster, the future anxieties concerning the rise in energy prices, the health system – specially here in the North -, are just some of the ingredients that help us in our “languishing”!!  Take heart from words of Jeremiah today “A blessing on the one who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord there is hope. They are like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream” (Jeremiah 17:7)

Feasts of the Week: Monday: Sts Cyril & Methodius – Bishops and Patrons of Europe. They are honoured as apostles of the Slavic people.

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and Ushers who help in our liturgies. Thank you all for giving of your time and energy on behalf of all. The collection last week came to £1945.  We appreciate your generosity to us during these financially stringent times.

Covid Regulations have relaxed a little during these past few weeks. However the pandemic has not ended.  The social distancing measures in the churches has been removed, and while this is a welcome development, we ask you, as most of you do,  to use your common sense and to maintain some distance from people from different households. Please use the hand sanitisers in our Church and always wear a mask when you are inside the Church building. We know that there are some people who will be anxious about returning to church. Please decide for yourself when you feel the time is right for you to return. You are all welcome. If you are unwell you are welcome to participate in our Masses from our web-cam if you have the facilities to do that task. 

The Shop: Open Mon to Sat:  9.30am – 7pm. Sun 9.30 – 4.30pm.  Guild Mass Cards: We have a selection of cards for Deceased, Mass Bouquets, Get Well, Wedding, Novena of Hope, St Patrick’s Day & Easter cards. Cost £2 / €2.50.         

Mass: Mon to Fri @ 7pm.  Mon (14^th  Feb) @ 7pm – Charles. (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)  Tues: Brian.

Wed – Victor.  Thurs –  Arthur.  Fri – Anthony.  Confessions Saturday 5 – 6pm. Sat – Anthony.  

Novena of Hope 2022: Takes place from 5^th& 6^th March to 14^th March 2022.

Novena Leaflets: Our Novena leaflets and petitions leaflets are available at the church porches today. 

Novena Posters: Are available for distribution at the reception today.

Knit and Natter: Enniskillen Library hosts a Knit and Natter session every Wednesday from 2pm – 3.30pm.  If you like to knit or crochet, and love to chat, come and join the fun!