Weekly Bulletin 17th October 2021

Today is the Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year. In today’s Gospel, (Mark 10:35-45) two disciples, James and John, asks Jesus for big jobs when He comes in to his glory. This causes a bad reaction among the other ten disciples. “ When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John” (Mark 10:41).  James and John want to make it into the big time.  However Jesus says “ “….anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be a slave to all” (Mark 10:43). James and John have given no hint of giving to or serving others. They wanted privilege, position and power without service. And Jesus says you gain those things by renouncing them. This Gospel is very countercultural. Today’s readings are a series of challenges to conventional wisdom, both of the secular and also of the ecclesiastical kind. Our church is coming down with titles – from your “eminence” to your “grace”. In a world where self-interest and entitlement is now the overwhelming political value, the idea of self-sacrifice is often dismissed. Jesus is teaching his disciples how to live in community. Jesus obviously feared the worst when he warned his disciples not to copy the pagans in setting up power structures within the Christian community. Indeed the warning could apply to all areas of our life today. It clearly applies to politics. However those politicians who try to “lord” over us may lose their seat in the next election!  It can apply too to family life where partners can attempt to make up for life’s disappointments by creating little “monarchies” at home. Those in voluntary service of the poor could also reflect on Christ’s warning. When one controls something someone else depends on, one has power over them. And power is the great temptation. Hence Christ’s warning is very blunt: “Anyone who wants to be first must be a slave to all.”  A slave in Christ’s time was a pretty miserable creature, whose very life depended on the goodwill of those whom he or she served. A slave had no rights, had no power and was totally dependent. Christ did not use words loosely, neither did the early Church. So we must assume that when Christ used the word slave instead of the easier word servant, he meant precisely what he said. Those who have authority in the Christian community must be seen to be at the service of that community in the way that a slave in His time was visibly in service. Jesus modelled for us, as leader, what it is to be a slave. In John’s Gospel He washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:2-16). Jesus ends today’s Gospel by speaking of the raison d’être of His Life. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)

Mission Sunday: Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday. World Mission Sunday provides Catholics with the opportunity to unite with their missionary sisters and brothers, and to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity, through prayer, sacrifice and financial contribution. Funds raised are used to assist young Churches and missionaries in helping communities in need, both spiritually and materially. All of the collection taken up next Sunday at our Masses will be donated to the Missions. 

Feast Days of the Week: Monday: St. Luke. Evangelist and physician. Tuesday: St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) Founder of the Passionist Congregation.  Friday: St. John Paul 11 – Pope for over twenty six years. Died on 2 April 2005

Thanks: Thank you for your very generous collection of £1670 last weekend. Thanks also to our Ushers and Eucharistic ministers who help in the smooth running of our religious services. Thanks for following there instructions. Covid regulations are still in fashion! Please wear a mask in our Church building, keep social distancing and sanitise your hands.

Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of our Church for our annual draw. The draw will take place on the 17 December 2021 and can be viewed on our webcam. It is the only fund-raising activity that we have and we would appreciate your support by buying or selling tickets for us. 

Masses Mon to Fri @ 7pm. Confessions: Tues – Fri 2.00pm – 5.00pm   Sat 5.00pm to 6.00pm.       

Mass (18^th Oct @ 7pm) –  Arthur. Tues – Arthur. Wed – Victor. Thurs – Charles.   Fri – Anthony & Sat – Arthur.                                                                                 

The Shop: Open Mon to Sat:  9.30am – 7pm. Sun 9.30 – 4.30pm.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday 10am – 2pm.                                               

Guild Mass Cards:  We have a wide selection of cards for Deceased, Mass Bouquets, Get Well, Graduation, Wedding, Birthday, Christening as well as Christmas Mass Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50.