Weekly Bulletin 25th April 2021

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Today also is called Good Shepherd Sunday. It is on this day traditionally that we remember to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It does not take you to be a great mathematician to recognise that priests, religious brothers and sisters are short on the ground in our part of the world.  Dioceses around Ireland are in the process of rationalising their services because of the shortage of priests. In the days of yore we had so many priests that they were sent to the US and England to minister in the various dioceses. In the United States a priest who ministered in their diocese were called by their fellow priests “F.B.I”. It means they were Foreign Born Irish! But sadly the source of vocations from this country is slowly drying up. The reasons for this drought of vocations are too many to list in this little note! Of course we have all got a vocation – whether it is to single, married, religious life or priesthood – we are all called in our own various roles to witness to the Risen Presence of Christ among us.  However we still need people today to remind us of the centrality of the Gospel and to nourish us and encourage us in our own faith pilgrimage. We need brave men and women willingly to give themselves generously and singularly to the spread of the kingdom of God. Here is little piece of prose that I found at the back of a brochure that was being used at a Mass where a young man was being ordained.    Today a man has gone forward to a life of union with Jesus Christ. This man is a close friend of ours; he did not walk out from among us to go in solitude to the altar. No. He brought us with him; because a man is moulded and built out of the love he receives from those with whom he lives and works. This man, by the power of God’s living Spirit, has been united with God. In the celebration of the sacraments he will open the flood-gates of God’s love to the hunger of our every need. A priest is a bridge; a man with one foot in eternity and the other in the soil of human darkness. While we, his friends, will know him as the same tomorrow, in fact he is now changed – but too deeply for us to recognise What will motivate, encourage and strengthen him will be the flame of Christ burning unceasingly in the depths of his heart; only with the eyes of faith will we recognise who he really is. A man’s hands bear the signature of his life. Today, God has written His name on the hands of this man; graced, they will become God’s own hands of healing, forgiving and blessing. The hands of the priest will piece together the puzzle of life to show us the hidden face of God. Please pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your daily prayers.

Passionist Vocation: The Passionists have one student studying in Chicago and there are a number of young men who are considering joining our community. Please pray for them as they discern God’s call in their lives. For information, about the Passionist vocations go to our Facebook (www.facebook.com/PassionistVocations)or contact our Vocations Promoter, Father Paul Francis (passionistvocations@gmail.com). Phone (00353 1 4992059). You are also welcome to speak to one of the community here at the Graan. 

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Thanks for the wonderful financial contributions taken up at all the Masses last weekend. Recognising that we are living in financially difficult times your generosity towards us is remarkable. Thanks also to all those who are using the DONATE button on our web-site. Be assured of the prayers of this community.

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Covid Restrictions: Please be aware of social distancing in the seating arrangements in our Church. Wear a mask! It is important to follow the directions of our ushers. The seats that are marked with a green tick are the places where it will be safe to sit. We also have an overflow room in our old sacristy and in our upstairs prayer room with closed circuit TV. You may have had the full vaccination against Covid but the danger of transmission is still a cause for concern for all of us. Thank you for following these directions. 

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A word of gratitude – to our Ministers of the Eucharist who bring communion to the side aisles of our Church. Communion is received on the hand. Thanks also to the dedicated bunch of ushers who gave of their time and energy to help keep us all safe. On this Vocation Sunday we gave thanks to God for your service on behalf of all of us. 

The Shop: If you wish to contact us as regards purchasing cards please ring (9:30 am – 7:00 pm).

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

DUTY FOR THE WEEK: No Confessions on Monday. Mon (26^th April) – Mass @ 7pm –   Arthur.  

Confessions 2 – 5pm: Mass @ 7pm.  Tues: Arthur.  Wed: Charles.  Thurs – Arthur. Fri  – Charles. Sat –  Charles.