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Experience the Power to Change.
We are all only too aware of the weakening of religious faith
and practice in Irish society, and our parish is no exception.
A group of people have decided to do something positive to address
the problem.
Why change? If we're honest, most of us would have to admit
that there is something in our life we would like to change.
Maybe it's our job, the quality of our relationships, or even
our outlook on life. Deep down we all desire to be better people.
But how do we do that? How do we really change? These people
believe that the answer is in knowing Jesus. He gives us the
power to change. Some people believe He is just a good man who
lived 2000 years ago. Millions more believe that He is living
and active to-day and consider his teaching to be the most important
part of their lives.
The 'Power to Change' people have come up with a programme
that deals with four topics.
1. The questions of life. What can Jesus do in your life? You
will be surprised.
2. The person of Jesus. Who is He?
3. The power to change. There is good news that can change your
life
4. The way to grow. Four lessons that will develop your relationship
with Jesus.
On this Sunday in Kilnamartyra Hall a speaker from Dublin will
address a seminar on the programme. We as a parish have been
invited to send a delegation, as have other parishes around.
We are responding and will be sending some people. So if you
would like to hear what it is all about I am inviting anybody
interested to let either Fr. O'Driscoll or myself (Fr. O'Sullivan)
know that you wish to travel. It will be in Kilnamartyra Hall
on this Sun., Aug 18th, from 2 to 5 p.m. On some date and time
after we return those who attend will meet to decide if the
programme has any relevance in our own parish as a means of
doing something positive to arrest the drift from faith.
Autumn Stations:
It's that time again. If you have volunteered to have the
Station in your house and wish to have it early,
On any special date, give us a call. Remember it's tea and scones,
in a lived-in house, just tidied up, all overlaid with a warm
welcome for God and the neighbours. That will leave us free
to highlight the Mass as the main reason for coming together
to bring his blessing on the homes and people of the area. Should
you know that nobody has as yet volunteered to have it in your
area, give it thought and invite the Lord and your neighbours
to your home.
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A Reflective Prayer
" Woman you have great faith. Let your wish be granted."
Like the Canaanite woman in our gospel this weekend may the
Lord Jesus help each of us to increase our faith in him. May
these words from the Universal Prayer which is attributed to
Pope Clement XI guide and help us.
Lord, I believe in you; increase my faith.
I trust in you; strengthen my trust.
I love you; let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins; deepen my sorrow.
Guide me by your wisdom,
correct me with your justice,
comfort me with your mercy,
protect me with your power.
I offer you, Lord, my thoughts to be fixed on you;
my words to have you for their theme;
my actions to reflect my love for you;
my sufferings to be endured for your greater glory.
Lord, enlighten my understanding,
strengthen my will,
purify my heart,
and make me holy.
Help me to repent of my past sins
and to resist temptation in the future.
Help me to rise above my human weaknesses
and to grow stronger as a Christian.
Help me to conquer anger with gentleness
greed by generosity,
apathy by fervour.
Help me to forget myself
and reach out towards others.
Keep me, Lord, attentive in prayer,
temperature in food and drink,
diligent at my work,
firm in my good intentions
Let my conscience be clear,
my conduct without fault,
my speech blameless,
my life well ordered.
Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.
Let me cherish your love for me,
keep your law
and come at last to your salvation.
Teach me to realize that this world is passing,
that my true future is the happiness of heaven,
that life on earth is short,
and the life to come eternal.
Help me to prepare for death
with a proper fear of judgement,
but with a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death
to the endless joys of heaven. Amen
Prayer
for Vocations
God
our Father, send workers into your harvest. May the Spirit we
received in Baptism touch the hearts of many to offer themselves
in priesthood, religious life, and other forms of service. Give
the parents and families of our parish, the wisdom and courage
to support young people, in searching for and following the
call of God in their lives
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