Weekly Bulletin 23rd January 2022

Today is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our response to the Psalm at Mass today is “Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life” (Psalm 18). Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools Week and it is also the Sunday that is dedicated to the Word of God. The first celebration of “Sunday of the Word of God” occurred on January 26, 2020. Pope Francis in his letter establishing this day highlights the link between the Word of God and the sacraments, the emphasis placed on Scripture by Vatican II, the importance of study of Sacred Scripture. The January timing of the observance means that it will occur near the week of prayer for Christian Unity and commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day. Pope Francis said “This Sunday of the Word of God will thus be a fitting part of that time of the year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity”  In today’s first reading from Nehemiah (8:2-6, 8-10) the people are so deeply moved by the Word of God that they end up in tears. Some of us of a certain vintage are more accustomed to a diet of holy books recounting the lives of the saints – worthwhile in itself – but unfortunately we neglected the centrality of God’s written word.  What happened in the diocese of Milan in Italy under the enlightened leadership of Cardinal Martini (1927-2012) shows us what he achieved. He had no belief in large assemblies in church before he arrived in Milan. He started by talking to a group of young people on the lawn in his residence about the Word of God. He arrived at a stage where he found himself addressing five thousand young people in the cathedral. There was singing, reading of the Word, explanation, complete silence for ten minutes and then sending them home with three questions applying the Word to Life. The time arrived to spread the experience out to other churches in the city. Seventy priests of the diocese were specially trained to lead the young people in the experience of the Word. Even the unchurched, the ones who claimed that God had no place in their lives, were reached by letter and by radio. The Word had come alive in that enormous city and diocese. The Bible is not meant for a privileged few. It is important to ask the guidance of God’s Spirit as we read the sacred words. Pope Francis in his letter establishing this day declared: “The work of the Holy Spirit has to do not only with the formation of sacred Scripture; it is also operative in those who hear the word of God. The words of the Council Fathers are instructive: sacred Scripture is to be “read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit through whom it was written” (Dei Verbum, 12). God’s revelation attains its completion and fullness in Jesus Christ; nonetheless, the Holy Spirit does not cease to act”. (Aperuit Illis 30 September 2019) In one of his catechesis Pope Francis said: ’Everyone should carry a small Bible or pocket edition of the Gospels and should find at least a few minutes every day to read the word of God.’  Yes Lord, “Your words are spirit and they are life”

Feasts of the Week: Monday St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva. He worked with gentleness and love to rebuild the Catholic faith after the Reformation. Patron saint of journalists, writers & editors. Tuesday: The Conversion of St. Paul – A persecutor of the faith becomes its preacher and teacher. Wednesday: Saints Timothy & Titus – friends of St. Paul. Timothy was Bishop of Ephesus and Titus organised the Church in Crete. Friday: St. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274). Dominican priest. A renowned theologian whose teaching is still relevant today. 

Thanks to our Ushers and Ministers of the Eucharist in helping to keep our religious services running efficiently. We appreciate that you gave of your valuable time to this ministry. Thanks also for the weekend collection. It came to £1840. We appreciate your generosity during these financial straitened times.

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, Graduation, Wedding, Birthday, Christening Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50.            

Friday Exposition continues each Friday from 10am – 2pm.

Caritas: Thank you to all you who helped us fundraise at our Christmas Carol Service in The Graan for Action Mental Health (New Horizons). The total raised was £1160.

Mass: Mon to Fri @ 7pm.  Mon (24^th Jan) @ 7pm – Arthur. (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)  Tues: Charles.     Wed –  Victor. Thurs – Arthur.  Fri – Anthony.   Sat – Anthony.