Today is the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Today is also World Communications Day, and the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. See the prayer to our Lady of Sheshan below.
Tuesday is the memorial of St Philip Neri (1515-95), priest. He founded the priestly Congregation of the Oratory.
Anniversaries: The following will be remembered in our Masses this weekend 23 – 24 May: Paddy & Josie O’ Keeffe, Clareen, their daughter Eileen O’ Leary and deceased members of the O’ Keeffe family; Timmy Hyde, Camas Park; Frank La Flamme, Garryard, & his mother Kathleen
Please pray for the recently deceased: Seán Barrett, Dublin Rd. and Synone.
Mass livestream: We hope to stream Mass 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
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.
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.
Re-opening of Churches in the Archdiocese: the churches of the parish re-opened on Monday 18 May. They will be 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. You will see the following notice for your guidance. Please follow the instructions:
CORONA VIRUS SAFETY NOTICE
IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
USE HAND SANITISER GEL PROVIDED
RESPECT PHYSICAL DISTANCING
(TWO METRES OR SIX FEET)
LEAVE THE CHURCH USING THE SIDE DOOR ONLY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION
Listening Process in the Archdiocese: The Diocesan Pastoral Council wish to thank all who made a response and sent in feedback on the proposed Pastoral Plan. They had hoped to launch the Plan at Pentecost but owing to Covid 19 it will be done at a later date.
Collections: Sincere thanks to all who sent in Collection contributions. We are very grateful for your generosity and loyalty.
May Novenas in Boherlahan-Dualla: Sincere thanks to all who have participated at the recent Novena at Camas Grotto. People attended privately at a time of their choice, observing the need for physical distancing while still offering their prayer. The Ardmayle Novena for the Dead continues until 27 May. We invite you to visit the cemetery at your leisure during those days and pray for loved ones gone home to God. A similar approach could be taken for the Dualla Novena for Vocations 25-31 May.
Thanks from Fr Egan and Fr Dunne: For the past number of weeks we have greatly missed joining with you in church for prayer and liturgy. We also miss your friendship and the community spirit that we all enjoy each weekend. Let us journey in hope, thankful for the goodness and generosity that have become so evident in this period of restrictions. Let us together look forward to better days, trusting that God’s love and peace nourish us always.
Ardmayle Cemetery: sincere thanks to a very faithful group of people who cut the grass and maintain the cemetery so well. They usually meet on Tuesday evenings (weather permitting) and they would appreciate any help that you can give. If you would like to help, please telephone Tommy Shelly 087-9062173 or Seamus Murphy 087-6381391.
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.
Prayer of Pope Benedict to Our Lady of Sheshan (the Marian shrine at Shanghai, China):
Our Lady of Sheshan, sustain all those in China who,
Amid their daily trials, continue to believe, to hope, to love.
May they never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world,
And of the world to Jesus.
In the statue overlooking the Shrine you lift your Son on high,
Offering him to the world with open arms in a gesture of love.
Help Catholics always to be credible witnesses to this love,
Ever clinging to the rock of Peter on which the Church is built.
Mother of China and all Asia, pray for us, now and for ever. Amen
A Reflection on Eastertide: After the resurrection Mary and the apostles met Jesus in a new way. They did not recognise him. Their eventual recognition of him was more in his gift of consoling them, in familiar gestures like the breaking of bread and explaining the Scriptures. Consider the consolation which Christ gives to his disciples, and compare how friends are accustomed to consoling friends. From their place in heaven our dead share with us something of the consoling grace of the Risen Lord Jesus. Sunday is, in fact, a mini Easter!
