Weekly Bulletin 24th October 2021

Today is the 30th Sunday of the Year. Today we celebrate World Mission Sunday, with its theme “We cannot remain silent – we cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” ( Acts 4:20). These words were spoken by Peter and John to the religious authorities of their day. A well-known man who was a cripple and who begged in the temple everyday was cured of his disability through the power of the name of Jesus. Peter said to him “I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene walk!” (Acts 3:6).  He “jumped up, stood and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God” (Acts 3:8). This incident caused quite a stir among the people. The apostles take the occasion to speak about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Of course this good news does not impress those in charge at the Temple. “…they were extremely annoyed at their teaching the people the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead by proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus” (Acts 4:2) The apostles feel that they have no other option but to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, in today’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52) has no other option but to cry out to Jesus for healing. Others try to prevent him from shouting and disturbing the peace. It is necessary for Bartimaeus to speak out his truth to the One who can set him free from his blindness and his pitiful condition. Many today do not want to hear the Good News of Jesus. They want to continue to live as if He does not exist. They are happy just the way they are. Have they allowed themselves “to see and hear” what God has done for us in Jesus Christ?  Those who have experienced such rich blessings want to share that reality with others. The Church exists for mission just as a fire exists to burn. Today is the day we support our missionaries. They not only require our financial support but also our spiritual support. Being on mission can be incredibly isolating, intimidating and at times dangerous. Today we remember them in our prayers. Yet we are all always on mission wherever we live. Today every church community around the world shares what we can, so that the vital work of our missionaries can continue. All of our collection today taken up here in the Graan will go to the overseas missions. Alternatively, you can donate online at www.wmi.ie/donate. 

Feasts of the Week: Thursday: St. Simon & St. Jude: Apostles of Jesus. It is said that both were missionaries in Persia and were martyred in that place:    Prayer to St. Jude: Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of.  Pray for me who am so needy; Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succour of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity.  I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour, and I will never cease to honour you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you.  Amen.

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and Ushers who are wonderful in helping to keep our religious services running smoothly. Thanks also to those who help in the sanitising of the Church seats after each Mass. Thanks for your very generous contribution to last weekend’s collection. It came to £1640.  Despite the fraught financial situation that pertains in our society today your generosity to the support of the Graan is remarkable. Be assured of our prayers. 

Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of our Church for our 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 as always.

November Dead List are available in the church porches The enrolled names will be left on the Altar during November and remembered at every Mass offered during the month of November.       

Masses Mon to Fri @ 7pm. Confessions: Tues – Fri 2.00pm – 5.00pm   Sat 5.00pm to 6.00pm.  Mass (25^th Oct @ 7pm) – Charles. Tues – Charles. Wed – Victor. Thurs – Arthur. Fri  & Sat – Anthony.

The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles, diaries, cards and suitable gifts for Christmas a new selection Christmas Mass Bouquets.  Cost £2 / €2.50. Mon to Sat:  9.30am – 7pm. Sun 9.30 – 4.30pm.

Man of Today – Men Talking With Other Men – A 6-week, Men’s Group – Tuesday 26^th October – Tuesday 30^th November 7 – 9pm – for information contact Aisling Centre www.theaislingcentre.com            T:028 66 325811