Weekly Bulletin 27th February 2022

Today is the Eighth Sunday of the Year: Today also is Temperance Sunday. Alcohol, when used in moderation is a wonderful gift of God. It is good and is part of our social life.  However a recent report from “Alcohol Action Ireland” stated “An “ocean of alcohol” has been pouring into Irish homes since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, with official data showing wine sales for home consumption increasing dramatically last year” Alcohol is the number one drug in our country. It is sobering when we consider some of these facts about alcohol: 

(1) Alcohol is a drug, and a drug changes the way the body works. It affects the mind, the body and emotions. Alcohol is a depressant.

 (2)  Alcohol affects every single person in Ireland today. We cannot deny this when we consider:

(A) One in three deaths on the road are alcohol related

(B) One in four of the most serious domestic abuse cases involve alcohol

(C) One in four A&E admissions are alcohol related (Alcohol Action Ireland 2019).

(D) Northern Ireland’s alcohol-specific death rate was 35% higher in 2019 than it was a decade previously, and 18% higher than in 2018.

Alcohol is everywhere in our society and approximately €55 million is being spent in Ireland by the Alcohol Industry convincing us through advertising that it is a necessary part of a successful lifestyle. We know anecdotally that every family is in some way harmfully affected by alcohol in Irish society. An independent national survey of Irish attitudes to alcohol by Alcohol Action Ireland in 2018, found that 82% of people felt that our current alcohol consumption levels are a problem. Parents and guardians have the greatest influence, power and responsibility over their children especially when it comes to alcohol misuse. Parents and guardians are in the position to show by example, by not getting drunk, or by showing that alcohol is not the way to cope, or is the only way to have a good time. Moderation is good news for health, relationships, for personal expenses and, most importantly, it is good for the human spirit. It brings satisfaction and a sense of well-being. Temperance Sunday is a day that we say, as a church, that we are concerned for the problems in our society caused through abuse of alcohol and we want to be committed to doing something positive about them. So it is a day when we pray for and try to help people who are in any way effected by alcoholism – their own or that of others.

Feasts for the Week: Wednesday is Ash Wednesday the beginning of the season of Lent. Ashes will be distributed at the 12.30pm & 7:00 pm Mass only.

Thanks to our Ministers of the Eucharist and Ushers for helping in the smooth running of religious services. Thanks also for the generous collection last weekend that came to £1400. We appreciate your wonderful support for our mission here.

Novena of Hope begins next weekend at all the Masses. The Novena will continue from the 5 March to 14 March. Novena leaflets, with the list of speakers and times of services are available in the porches of the church. Please take one home with you. We look forward to your presence with us during these special days and if you are unable to be present physically, please take part by tuning into our web-cam at the graan.com. We all need a lot of hope in our lives today. 

Readers: We still need new volunteers to help us to proclaim the Word of God and join the rota of our regular Church readers. If you feel called to this ministry, and have the gift of a good strong voice, and are willing to give your time and energy to this ministry please leave your name and contact details in our reception and we will be in touch. 

March’s Church Cleaning Group: Will meet on Wednesday 2^nd March in preparation for the upcoming Novena.

Children:  In preparation for the Novena of Hope we invite schools to return their drawing and displays this week.

Eucharistic & Readers: Please return your rotas early this week in time for the Novena by post or email. 

Covid Regulations: Robin Swann responsible for our Health Services here in the North advises us to be vigilant about Covid 19 and warns us that coronavirus remains a threat to public health. Please wear a mask while you are in this Church building, sanitise your hands and if possible keep a safe distance from those not of your household. We do this not only for our safety but for those who are in fragile and vulnerable health and need protected.  

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 (28^th  Feb) @ 7pm –  Arthur. (Confessions Tues to Fri 2pm – 5pm)  Tues: Brian.

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