Dear Friends,
Today is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Season of Lent
Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, 18th. There will be the distribution of ashes at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 6pm Masses. Notice the extra Mass at 6pm.
The 40 days of Lent is designed to remind us of the 40 days Jesus spent, praying and fastingin the desert before he began his ministry. It also reminds us of the 40 days Moses and the prophet Elijah spent on the mountain, preparing themselves for mission.
We probably groan when we hear the word ‘Lent’. That’s understandable. Actually, the word‘ Lent’ comes from the Old English word ‘Lencten’ which means ‘Spring Season’. We’re already beginning to see the days lengthen and the snow drops and daffodils appearing, which gives us some hope, despite the seemingly incessant rain over the last few weeks.
One Jesuit has written that Lent is a time ‘to take a long loving look at our lives.’ I like that phrase – it is much more healthy than inflicting guilt on ourselves for all the things we’re not doing. What about giving thanks for the daily small actions for others we can do each day?
The traditiona lthree pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What might these meanfor me? I suggest that we might take up some little practice rather than necessarily give up something. You’ll know best yourself. What about doing a little, manageable something for others during this time? Could Lent be a time of forgiveness or reconciliation with someone? Let’s not look for dramatic.
Saint of theWeek – St. Claude La Colombière, S.J. (1641-1682)
Today, Sunday,we Jesuits remember St. Claude. He was born in southern France. He attended the Jesuit school in Lyon and entered the Jesuits in Avignon in 1658. He studied theology in Paris and was ordained priest in 1669. Some years later, he was appointed superior of a small Jesuit residence in the town of Paray-le-Monial.
In the Visitation convent in Paray, there was a nun, later known as St. Margaret Mary Alocoque. Margaret claimed that she was receiving messages from the Lord about promoting devotion to his Sacred Heart. Margaret was much misunderstood by the other nuns and was thought to be deluded. She suffered greatly as a result. It was during these sad days that Our Lord told her that He was sending her His “faithful servant and friend” who would not only understand her but would also give her spiritual guidance. The ‘faithful servant’ was none other than Claude. He helped Margaret spread devotion to the Sacred Heart. On 21 June, 1675, they celebrated the first feast of the Sacred Heart.
After a brief period as chaplain and preacher to the Catholic wife of the Duke of York in London, Claude returned to Paray in poor health. He died at the age of 41 on this day in 1682. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929 and canonized by Pope St. John Paull II in 1992.
Blessed John Sullivan Mass
The annual John Sullivan Mass will take place on Saturday, 21st February at 11.00am. ArchbishopDermot Farrell will be the chief celebrant of the Mass. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Archbishop Michael Jackson, will deliver the homily. We will be joined by family relatives of Blessed John who are coming from England for the occasion. There will be tea and coffee after the Mass and a chance to meet our guests. All are welcome.
Volunteers toread at Mass and for the Choir
We are badly inneed of people to become Ministers of the Word at weekday Masses and on a Sunday. Please give this your consideration and have a prior chat with me.
Reading Club
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 23rd February from 10.00am – 12 Noon. We are reading. The Sign – Reading the Gospel of John by Seán Goan. You are welcome to join.
Fr. Brendan
RELATIONSHIPCARE COLLECTION
The annual Relationship Care / ACCORD Dublin collection takes place on St Valentine’sWeekend, 14th/15th February. It will replace the Share collection at Masses.
20TH FEBRUARY-DAY OF PRAYER FOR SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF ABUSE
Pope Francis designated the first Friday in Lent as a day of prayer for healing, for those who have been abused in our Church. This very important initiative is being continued by Pope Leo.
We pray that wemay
become more andmore
a communitythat actively
cares for andprotects
the mostvulnerable
sections of oursociety,
particularlyour children.
THE NOVENA OF GRACE
In honour of St. Francis Xavier’s begins on 4th March and continues until the 12th March. Our preacher this year will beFr. Brian Christopher SJ.
Please takeflyers at the back of the Church and spread the news.
CHURCH COLLECTIONS
For Church: €694. Share: € 123.
All contributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.