Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, 24th January 2010

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME

SABBATH

Lord of all creation, you have made us the masters of your world, to tend it, to serve it, and to enjoy it. For six days we measure and we build, we count and carry the real and the imagined burdens of our task, the success we earn and the price we pay.

On this, the Sabbath day, give us rest.

For six days if we are weary or bruised by the world, if we think ourselves giants or cause others pain, there is never a moment to pause, and know what we should really be.

On this, the Sabbath day, give us rest.

For six days we are torn between our private greed and the urgent needs of others, between the foolish noises in our ears, and the silent prayer of our soul.

On this the Sabbath day, give us rest.

Help us, Lord, to carry these lessons, of rest and time, of understanding and peace, into the six days that like ahead, to bless us in the working days of our lives. Amen.

 

THE INNER HISTORY OF A DAY

No one knew the name of this day;
Born quietly from deepest night,
It hid its face in light,
Demanded nothing for itself,
Opened out to offer each of us
A field of brightness that travelled ahead,
Providing in time, ground to hold our footsteps
And the light of thought to show the way.

The mind of the day draws no attention;
It dwells within the silence with elegance
to create a space for all our words,
Drawing us to listen inwards and outwards.

We seldom notice how each day is a holy place
Where the eucharist of the ordinary happens,
Transforming our broken fragments
Into an eternal continuity that keeps us.

Somewhere in us a dignity presides
That is more gracious than the smallness
That fuels us with fear and force,
A dignity that trusts the form a da6y takes.

So at the end of this day, we give thanks
For being betrothed to the unknown
And for the secret work
Through which the mind of the day
And wisdom of the soul become one.

Beyond Endings

REBUILD A COMMUNITY IN PRAYER

In all the recent happenings in our Community one of the most important aspects, as we are faithful to the past and rebuild the future, is the prayer of our Community and the faith development of each of us as individuals and families. We ask your assistance to help us. We have the privilege and honour to have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. However, this can not happen without your presence and your prayers. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the College Chapel from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm every day. At no point can the Blessed Sacrament be left unattended. Please take this in your prayers this week and take the courage as an individual or family, or as a group of friends to spend one hour a week in Adoration for the Blessings this unfolds on us individuals and families. You may do this by giving your name to Fr. Brendan, Ann Kane, Mary McGuinnes or Joan McLoughlin. Young adults please give of your time to this great quest.

 

 

CATHEDRAL TO FEATURE ON RTE

A new TV programme called 'Spirit Level' is broadcasted on RTE Television on Sundays at 5.00 pm. This Sunday, 24th Jan. it will have a seven minute feature on the fire and it's effects at St. Mel's Cathedral.

 

 

GOSPEL OF LUKE

Sr Anna Burke & Fr Padraig Kelliher will lead five sessions on the Gospel of Luke at the Pastoral Centre, St. Mel’s College starting at 8.00 pm each Monday from Feb 8th. The five nights are Monday Feb 8th, Feb 15th, Feb 22nd, March 1st and March 8th. The Gospel readings each Sunday are largely taken from the Gospel of Luke this year, so it is an ideal time to become more familiar with this Gospel.

 

 

LONGFORD PRAYER GROUP

continues this Monday evening at 7.00 pm in St. Joseph’s Hospital. Speakers: Joe & Jenny McKenna. All are most welcome to this time of prayer and song.. Please note change of starting time for this week only.

 

 

 

GOOD NEWS! – MONTHLY HOLY HOUR will take place on Sat. 30th Jan and will be held in St. Mel’s College Chapel. This invitation is for families and especially the young people of our community to join us for this special time of prayer.

 

 

GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH MOVEMENT meet every Tues. at 7.30 pm in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Road, Longford. Further information: 087 8225797.

 

PORTIUNCULA HOSPITAL, BALLINASLOE, Pastoral Care Dept. are holding a Remembrance Service Tues. 2nd Feb. 7.30 pm in the Hospital Chapel for bereaved parents who have lost a child through death, miscarriage or stillbirth.

 

 

LONGFORD INDOOR MARKET

& CAR BOOT SALE

Every Saturday at Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford. For stall bookings please contact 086 6427226.

 

 

 

BIODANZA – The Dance of Life.

Come and connect with you own natural dance of Aliveness and be amazed. By dancing your own unique dance you will unleash you own healing potential and energy of aliveness. Six Special Biodanza Sessions begin again in The Longford Arms Hotel on Thurs. 4th Feb. 7.30 sharp – 9.00 p.m. Pre-registration required by 22nd Jan in order to participate in these sessions. Cost of six sessions is €45 if paid by 22nd Jan or €50 if paid on 4th Feb. Contact Kathleen 086 3194662 or Catherine 071 9138515/08799.

 

CATHEDRAL CIRCLE

The time has come once more to renew Annual Membership of the Cathedral Circle. Membership ensures a place in the weekly draw for the coming year. Annual membership is now €50. We are grateful to all who support our weekly draw in any way and we say a particular thank you to all our promoters.

 

We pray for those whose funerals took place during the week ending

Sunday 24th January, 2010

Maura Casey (nee Gearty) Athlone and formerly Church Street, Longford