Communion To The Sick.
For a number of years we have had a scheme here in our parish where a team of Eucharistic ministers take turns to bring Holy Communion to those who are sick or housebound. They do this after the 10am mass on a Sunday morning. You can avail of this service whether you are sick for the long term or perhaps recovering over a short period.
If this is something you or a relative would like to avail of please send your details by text to Fr. O Byrne on 087-9626618 or you can let Linda Spillane 051-399925 or 087-9838392 know and your name will be added to the list.
Cemetery Mass.
Well after the very mixed weather we have been having it was touch and go whether we would be able to have our graveyard mass outdoors. However we woke on Wednesday morning to lovely sunshine and God ensured that it remained nice and dry for the day. It was lovely to set up an altar outside and as people gathered around the graves of their loved ones Fr. O Byrne and Fr. O Halloran delivered a beautiful mass reminding us that those whom we have loved and lost have simply gone to begin a new life with God. They also prayed for those who mourn and grieve the loss of a loved one. It was wonderful to see so many people attend this mass and a collection was taken up which will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the graveyard.
Our newly formed choir sang some beautiful hymns throughout the mass and are now on their Summer break.
Following the mass we had some tea and light refreshments in the community centre and it was lovely to have so many people come along and sit and have a chat. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all who helped me set up the hall, serve the teas and clean up afterwards. Also a big thank you to all the lovely people who brought along biscuits, cakes, buns and tarts. Once again the community that I live in never ceases to amaze me. You ask for help and it just arrives, that is what makes a parish and a community.
Sequence of Events.
I believe that sometimes different things happen in your life and when you sit and think about them you realise that they all tie together to maybe tell you something. This time last year I fell ill but thank God I am on that road to recovery but at times you doubt yourself and your influence on the world. While helping with the teas at the cemetery mass on Wednesday last I was given the wonderful gift of two single CD’s recorded by our own local girl Sandra O Keeffe and while listening to them at home all I could see was that shy little girl who used to come to my choir and sing behind the book in case someone might hear her. But over the years that book slipped further down and she let everyone hear that beautiful voice that I had heard. I was never so proud as the day of my wedding when she sang by herself in front of everyone. And now everytime she opens her mouth to sing my eyes fill with tears and my heart with pride. Later on that night I received a facebook message from another young lady who was a member of my choir and now lives in England. Some of you may remember Sophie Richings a litttle blond blue eyed girl who would melt your heart when she sang. I remember her crying when they left for England because her mam said she wouldn’t be able to come back for choir each week. That 26 year old beauty is now running her own singing school called Everybody Sing which encourages everyone to sing regardless of ability. The school has become a huge success and she sent me on a report of their grand opening by their patron Maureen Nolan from The Nolan Sisters. The last line of her message to me was “You always said I could be whatever I wanted to be”
I apologise for raving but as I said at the start of this sometimes things tie together and I trully believe this is all tied together by one special lady. On July 16th 2005 we lost one of the greatest talents of our parish. A lifelong member of my choir Tara Whelan was called back to God and so from that moment on Gods angels sang sweeter. A little light went out of me that day but I believed it flickered again this week. We are awash with talent in this parish and we must do all we can to encourage and support them all. These are just 3 from my choir there are many others who when they sing you see me blubbering in the corner.