Parish News for Sunday 20th July 2008

Vol.35 No.29

The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Rev David O'Kane CC
Rev Gary Wade CC

Jesus the Story-Teller

The parables that Jesus told and the images he used let us into his mind and heart. They let us see what he prayed and thought about, and what he wanted to share with us. They convey his vision of the world and of all that God offers us. They show us how he saw reality and what he truly treasured. Above all, they disclose his deepest and richest answers to the questions: What is God like? What is God doing for us?

Jesus generated his parables and images by noticing a wide range of human experiences and activities and reflectively presenting them in the light of the reign of God. He told of things that happened frequently or at least every now and then. There was no gap to close between his parables and everyday life. He showed constant insight into and empathy with the ordinary things of life: sons leaving home to live elsewhere; workers hired, even towards the end of the day; farmers sowing seed; hidden treasures being discovered; money being offered for investment by high-risk speculators; managers being accused of dishonesty; people running up huge debts; travellers beaten and robbed on lonely roads; men using fresh wineskins for new wine; judges lazily neglecting their duties; owners of big estates going away for shorter or longer periods; farmers thrilled by bumper harvests. Jesus experienced all these things, and they spoke to him of ‘Abba’, his loving Father, of what ‘Abba’ was doing in and for the world, and of what ‘Abba’ expected from human beings. The parables and images Jesus used open a window on what he perceived and remembered - how he saw everything in the light of God, and how he longed to coax us into giving ourselves to God’s final rule over our lives.

Excerpt from ‘Jesus - A Portrait’ by Gerald O’Collins SJ

New Courses at Thornhill Centre

The following new courses are planned for Thornhill Centre next term.
For further details contact the Centre at 71351233.

Practical Theology & Spirituality (Monday nights) - 1 year course.
Foundations in Liturgy (Tuesday nights) - 1 year course.
Prayer in Daily Life (Thursday mornings) - 8 week course.
Understanding Saint Paul (Tuesday nights) - 4 week course.

Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:

Leonard Cole, 10 Marlborough Terrace.
Isobel Steed, Alexandra House. May they rest in peace.

Baptism

We welcome as members of the Christian community
Sandra Meller, 11 Eden Terrace.
Rachael Bridget McCaul, 1 Moylaragh View, Balbriggan.

Readers on duty next Weekend

06.15 Monica Garvin
07.30 Charlie McDermott
09.30 Jimmy Doyle
11.00 Gráinne Nugent
12.30 Adele McCauley

Weekdays
10.00 Terri Willman-Gallagher
07.30 Charlie McDermott

Eucharistic Ministers
Team *C* begins its rota at the 6.15 pm Vigil Mass next weekend.

St Patrick’s Missionary Society thank you for your generous response to their Mission appeal. Those who subscribed to the ‘Africa’ magazine will receive their magazine shortly.

Congratulations to Bill and Joan Ferry
of 2 Park Avenue who will celebrate their
Golden Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday.

The Sisters of St John would like to invite you to three spiritual conferences given by Fr Gregoire of the Brothers of St John on the evenings of the 3rd to 5th August, followed by a Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine led by Fr Gregoire from the 6th to 8th August. Pilgrims are responsible for their own transport, meals and accommodation. A parent or guardian must accompany any child. For more information please contact the Sisters at 71353414.

Youth 2000 Summer Youth Festival: All 16-35 year olds are invited to attend the Youth 2000 Summer Festival in Clonmacnoise close to Athlone from Thursday to Sunday, 14th to 17th August. The festival is being organised by young people for young people and will consist of music, drama, key speakers, workshops, games, prayer and free time for walks or chilling out. The event is being run on a donation only basis and there are free buses available. For more information or to book a place on the bus contact the Youth Co-ordinator at 71264087 or check out the website www.youth2000.ie

Lough Derg Three Day Pilgrimages until Wednesday, 13th August. Boats available from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm daily. Cost €50 (includes boat fare and accommodation). To book visit www.loughderg.org or phone 00353719861518.

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for: Altar Flowers: £60. Trócaire: £80. Fr Canny will forward a donation of £10 to LASCO.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,658.

A Summer Blessing

May the Lord bless all the parishioners of St Eugene’s
and keep you safe this summer.
May His face shine upon you.
May He be gracious to you.
May He look upon you with kindness.
May you know His peace. Amen.

CLICK HERE FOR BULLETIN NEWS