Mon 22 June is the feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles. ‘In order that the importance and dignity of the local church may stand out with greater clarity, the anniversary of the dedication of its cathedral is to be celebrated, with the rank of a solemnity in the cathedral itself, and with the rank of a feast in the other churches of the diocese, on the date on which the dedication recurs’ (The Irish Bishops Liturgical Note 12). Thurles Cathedral was dedicated by Archbishop Croke on 22 June 1879.
Wed 24 June is the solemnity of The Nativity of St John the Baptist.
Anniversaries: Tommy and Molly Moloney, Farrnavarra and deceased members of the Heffernan family, Synone and also for Michael and Margaret Moloney, Peake; Philip Maher, Longfield; John Ryan, Ballydine; John & Bridget O’ Donnell, Bawnmore and their sons Thomas, Denis, Peter & P.J.; Eimear O’ Sullivan, Ballinure & her grandparents Denis & Joan O’ Sullivan; Billy Cummins, Mayfield
Recently Deceased: Margaret Leahy, Tubberadora
Fathers Day: Congratulations and good wishes on this special day to all fathers in Boherlahan and Dualla. See the prayer for fathers below.
Mass livestream: Mass will be streamed live during the current crisis every Sunday at 11.00am and perhaps on other days too. To avail of this facility, go to www.boherlahandualla.ie/mass
Emergencies: during the Covid-19 restrictions, Fr Dunne remains on-call to respond to emergencies e.g. sacrament of the sick. Please telephone him at 083-4854776.
Trócaire: Every year Trócaire asks for our help during Lent to fund life saving programmes around the world. Covid-19 severely hindered the return of the Trócaire boxes. They have suggested to us the following options: Simply count or estimate what is in your box and donate in the following ways:
(a) Online at www.trocaire.org
(b) By phone: 1850 408 408.
(c) By post to Trócaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
(d) Return to the priests of your parish.
Collections: Sincere thanks to all who sent in Collection contributions. When church services resume a Collection Box will be available in each church for envelopes and contributions. It will be made available for a short time before and after each Mass. We are very grateful for your generosity and loyalty.
Opening Hours of Churches: the churches of the parish are open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00pm. If you visit either of the churches in the parish, a number of protocols in the interest of safety are in place. Please follow the instruction notices when you are inside the church.
Resumption of Church Services: We are hoping to be able to begin public worship in early July. It will be a limited opening with a lot of precautions that will need to be adhered to. In the interests of public health, a number of changes to the familiar pattern will likely be necessary. Some changes that are envisaged include:
(a) Numbers attending will be limited
(b) We will be closing off some pews to allow for physical distancing
(c) Hand sanitizers will be at the entrances to each church
(d) We will need volunteers to help in cleaning the church after each celebration
(e) We will need stewards to help people to find suitable seating
(f) Details on receiving Holy Communion will be explained at each Mass
You will be informed through the Newsletter as details are clarified and become available in the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing everyone again in church, even if in a somewhat newer way.
Parish Preparation for the Celebration of Mass and Other Church Services: We hope to organise a meeting in each of the churches with a Health and Safety Officer in attendance. The purpose is to provide us with assistance and guidance in making the appropriate preparation for the resumption of public Mass in the churches. The help of parishioners will be very necessary too. We would like all members of both Parish Councils, as well as Readers, Ministers of Holy Communion and Altar Society members to attend the meeting in their parish area. Details of the meetings will be circulated as soon as they can be arranged.
Newsletter Notices: please forward by Wednesday evening any items for the newsletter to Fr Dunne at the usual email address: boduparish@gmail.com These will be included in the online Newsletter which will be posted each week on www.boherlahandualla.ie during the pandemic restrictions.
VOCATIONS TO PRIESTHOOD/RELIGIOUS LIFE: “God so loved the world, He gave His only Son.” How can you give yourself to God the Father in a response to that love? Is your love for the Lord leading you to grow in holiness as a priest? Contact: Fr Joe Walsh 086-7714888 or your local priest.
A Prayer for Christian Fathers (on Fathers Day)
Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers
as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom,
tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.
Amen.
Covid-19 Support Line for Older People: ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week 8am-8pm 0818-222-024.
Calm the Soul
When my boat, Lord, is storm tossed and sinking,
When fears in my heart take control,
Say ‘Be not afraid’ to my spirit,
And your answer will calm the soul.
When I flounder around in deep waters,
When the stresses of life take their toll,
A sudden deep hush steals upon me,
Your gentleness calms the soul.
When my life seems full of confusion
and I have lost sight of the goal,
As I stumble about in the darkness,
May your gentle light calm the soul.
…When I struggle with sickness and sorrow,
And eagerly long to be whole,
I call on your name to bring healing
And the touch of your hand calms the soul.
