Weekly Bulletin 31st October 2021

Today is the 31 Sunday in Ordinary Time: In the first reading today Moses tells the people that if the people put the Lord at the centre of their lives and obey his laws, they will prosper! Moses goes on to say that they will “greatly increase, as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you, giving you a land where milk and honey flow” (Deuteronomy 6:3). God has given us all a home, where milk and honey flow. It is called planet Earth. God’s creation is an extraordinarily beautiful and fruitful place. It is called “the garden planet” We humans with every other species, depend totally on the proper functioning of the planet for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food that sustains us and the multiple other ways in which the earth supports us and every other creature. Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si (24 May 2015) highlights that everything in creation is inter-connected.  He said “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it” (No 139). We are custodians of this planet and we have a moral obligation to ensure that everyone has access to its abundant resources and that we hand it to future generations in a condition that is compatible with life. Climate change is happening. Our world is getting warmer because of fossil fuel emissions. Ice-caps are melting and sea levels are rising. Extreme weather events are taking place around the globe. This past decade has been the warmest on record. Pope Francis in the same encyclical said; “The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth” (No: 21). One wise person said: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. People in poorer developing countries tend to pollute less and are not responsible for most of the emissions, but they experience some of the worse effects of climate change.  Today the United Nations Climate Conference opens in Glasgow. Over 120 world leaders will attend, with 25,000 delegates. Today we remember this important meeting in our prayers, and we ask that the appeal by Pope Francis and 40 faith leaders from around the world, “to safeguard, restore and heal our wounded humanity and the home entrusted to our stewardship”, will be heard and acted upon by all nations.

All Saints Day: Monday 1^st of November is the feast of All Saints.

Masses 10.30am, 12noon & 7pm. We have extra confessions tomorrow Monday 1^st from 2pm – 5pm. Mon – Charles. Tues – Charles / Arthur. Wed – Victor. Thurs – Arthur. Fri – Anthony.  Sat – Charles. 

All Souls Day 2^nd   November – Masses are at 12noon  & 7pm.               

Friday 5^th November is the First Friday of the month.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday 10am – 2pm.

Feasts of the Week: Wednesday: St. Malachy (1094-1148) Bishop of Armagh. Friend of St. Bernard. He brought the Cistercians to Ireland in 1142.Thursday: St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) Cardinal Archbishop of Milan. Patron saint of catechists and seminarians. Friday: St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639). Peruvian Dominican brother who worked for the poor. Saturday: All the Saints of Ireland.

Thanks to our Ushers and Ministers of the Eucharist in helping our religious services to run smoothly. Thanks also for the wonderful generous collection taken up last weekend for World Mission Day. The collection came to £3015. Your generosity to this worthy cause is noteworthy. 

Welcome back to Father Brian who joins our community this week. I am sure he is delighted to be back living in his own home county once again. May the good Lord bless him as he continues his ministry around the country. 

November Dead Lists are available beside the Shrine to Our Lady of Fatima. Mass will be celebrated every day in the monastery for those of your deceased family and friends, and those names you put on the list. May they all rest in peace. 

Graan Draw: Tickets are available at all the doors of our Church. The draw will take place on 17^th December 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.

The Shop has restocked for Christmas. There are a great selection of cribs on display as well as candles & suitable gifts for Christmas as well as 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