Love of Enemies – Michael Bennett
Loving one's enemies is very difficult: such love does not mean that one passively allows oneself to become a 'doormat' on which an enemy can walk at will, or a 'rubber ball' to be kicked around without resistance. It does mean that one engages ones opponent or enemy, focusing on issues of injustice rather than the personalities involved. Many Christians, including those in positions of authority, find this task very difficult. While it is normally better – in engaging an opponent – to be subtle rather than confrontational (The use of 'honey' rather than 'vinegar), it is dishonest to fudge issues of serious injustice, gloss over them, and make them out to be less serious than they are.
Trying to make excuses for serious wrongs in the interest of being 'Christian' is neither being 'Christian' or being honest. It is not love of enemies and may encourage perpetrators to continue with their evil deeds.
While one should state clearly, without fear or favour, that wrong is wrong, and evil is evil, it is even more important to proclaim what is right, true and just. This is the prophetic role of the Church. The more human dignity and human rights are denied, the more they should be proclaimed. Every genuine effort to promote the flourishing of life should be recognised and honoured.
The strength of ones position in engaging an opponent is ones own integrity. This means that one must remove any possible 'wooden beam' from ones own eye and try to stand in the shoes of one's opponent and see things from the others perspective.
Love of enemies is 'tough love,' 'courageous love,' 'a love that hopes, endures, rejoices in the truth, and never ends' (1Cor 13:4-7) It is a love that is expressed without bitterness. It is also graced love for without the grace of God, love of enemies is impossible.
(Page 78- Daring to be Different –Spiritual Nourishment for the Transformation of Society, 2010 St. Pauls)
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Thank you for your contribution towards the Offertory Collection for Sunday 16th February which amounted to €4,307.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
Hugh Roche, Virginia, Cavan & Athlone
Fionn Kelly, Retreat Park
John Robinson, Castletown, Geoghegan (Brother of Ann Quinn, Two Mile)
MONTHS MEMORY MASSES
Sr. Mary Ellen O'Connor 7:00 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Peace (Sat 1st)
Michael Doyle 11:30 a.m. St. Mary's (Sun 2nd)
ANNIVERSARIES AT THIS TIME:
Nora Holohan
PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND:
Will take place from Monday 2nd June to Monday 9th June. Direct Aer Lingus flight from Dublin Airport to Warsaw. Visiting: Wieliczka, Wadowice, Czestochowa, Zakopane, Warsaw, Kraków, Lagiewniki, Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Day 1 Warsaw: 12am arrival. Warsaw Sightseeing. Mass in St. Ann's Church in Warsaw. Travel to Czestochowa - Dinner - Accommodation in Czestochowa
Day 2 Czestochowa: Jasna Góra Monastery Tour - Mass - Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp Tour - Travel to Kraków - Dinner - Accommodation in Kraków
Day 3 Kraków & Lagiewniki: Kraków and Kazimierz Tour (admittance to Cathedral and Mariacki Church) - Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki and The Centre of John Paul II - Mass - Dinner - Accommodation in Kraków
Day 4 Wieliczka & Wadowice: Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour - Mass in The Salt Mine Chapel - Wadowice Tour (Parish & home of John Paul II) - Short stay in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Dinner - Accommodation in Kraków
Day 5 Zakopane: Zakopane Tour - The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptowki - A short walk into the mountains - Hermitage of Brother Albert - Dinner - Accommodation in Kraków.
Day 6 Break Day: Dinner - Accommodation in Kraków
Day 7 Kraków - Kielce: Dinner - Accommodation in Kielce.
Day 8: Departure Day.
For further information please contact St. Mary's Presbytery at 6472088.
The Price includes:
* Flights (Dublin - Warsaw - Dublin with Aer Lingus)
* Coach with Air Conditioning
* The presence of English speaking Tour Guide throughout the whole trip and also additional Tour guides in Warsaw, Czestochowa, Auschwitz - Birkenau, Kraków and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Admittance to Jasna Gora, auschwitz - Birkenau (audio guide), Museum of John Paul II if it's open, Mariacki church in Kraków, Wawel Cathedral, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Tatra Mountains National Park. 7 Dinners (3 course & Mineral Water)
* 7 Nights Accommodation Kraków: 4 star Hotel, Czestochowa: 3 Star Hotel, Kielce or Warsaw: 3 Star Hotel
The Price doesn't include:
* Tips
* Dunajec River tour (€13 per person)
Double Room €830 approx Single room €930 Approx.
Deposit of €250 required by 25th March.
TABLE QUIZ:
In aid of Carol Galvin Lyme Disease on the 27th February at 8 p.m. in the Bounty. Spot prizes & raffle on the night.
ATHLONE LITTLE THEATRE:
Presents 'The Gingerbread Lady' by Neil Simon. Play will run until Friday 28th February at 8:30 p.m. Tickets €15 & €12 concession. Booking contact 6474324.
ATHLONE MUSICAL SOCIETY:
Are proud to present 'Grease' which takes place from Saturday 1st March-Saturday 8th March in the Dean Crowe Theatre at 8 p.m. nightly. A matinee performance will take place on Sunday 2nd March at 4:30 p.m. Admission €10-€14. Tickets on sale from Dean Crowe Theatre 6492129 or book online at www.deancrowetheatre.com
LOG ON, LEARN 2014:
Computer training for older people. Transition Year students in St. Joseph's College, Summerhill are offering free, one to one computer training for those aged 55 & over. Learn to book flights, surf the Internet or send an e-mail to a friend. These user friendly classes will take place over 5 weeks commencing 12th March & 9th April Places are limited. To book contact 6492383.
ICA:
Meeting will take place in the Prince of Wales Hotel on Monday 24th February at 8:30 p.m. New members welcome.
ATHLONE GAA:
'Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others' returns to Athlone GAA on Monday 3rd March from 7-8 p.m. G4M&O is a fun form of ladies football for women that want to get fit, make new friends as part of a team & learn the basics of football. It is suitable for all women of all ages & fitness levels. For more information contact 086 1751167.
MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS & LAITY:
Will conduct a holy hour in St. Mary's Church on Saturday 1st March from 4-5 p.m. All are welcome.
CLASSES:
Linedance classes in Athlone GAA on Tuesdays. Beginners 7-8 p.m. Int/Adv 8-11 p.m. Admission €10. For more information contact 086 1099388.
REN-CLUB:
Winner for Sunday 16th February was 'Damien Coffey'. Promoter was Kathleen Roper.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
Please consider committing to a weekly hour of prayer. Adorers needed for Mon 3 a.m., Tues 2 p.m., Wed 6 a.m., 8 a.m. & 10 a.m., Thurs 1 p.m. & Sat 3 p.m. Please contact Liturgical Centre 6498755.
ST. KIERAN'S TCE:
There is a community get together with song, food & music in St. Kieran's Community Centre on Wednesday 26th February 8-10 p.m. All are welcome & invited to attend.
IHCPT GROUP 172:
We would like to thank everyone who donated so generously to our recent Church gate collection. 9 young people are travelling to Lourdes this Easter from the Athlone/Roscommon area. All money collected goes towards the costs of the young people travelling.
ORDINATION DVD:
DVD's of the Bishop's Ordination in St. Mary's last October can be ordered through the parish office. The cost is €10.
TROCAIRE:
Trocaire Boxes will be distributed to households in the Parish next week. If you would like to help in the distribution of these boxes in your area please contact St. Mary's Presbytery at 6472088.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 24th February - Sunday 2nd March
ST. MARY'S
Mon 9:30 Mass for the people of the Parish
Tue 9:30 Bessie O'Rourke
Wed 9:30 Willie Warby
7:30 Henry Stephens
Thurs 9:30 Gerry Irwin
7:30 Joe Mulrooney
Fri 9:30 Evelyn Marcinkowski & Evelyn & Edward McLoughlin
7:30 Shared Mass:
Frank (Limerick) Stephens & Dec'd members of the Greene Family
William Mitchell
Harry & Margaret Waterstone & Florence Carney
Sean & Mary Nally
Gertie & Joe Gaffey
Sat 9:30 Tommy McCaffrey
Sun 10:00 Christine, Patrick & Pat Cuddy
11:30 Michael Doyle (Months Memory)
12:45 Marie Colleran
6:00 Kathleen & Emer Kelly
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon 7:00 Mary Gormley
Tue 7:00 - - - - - - - -
Wed 7:00 - - - - - - - -
Thurs 7:00 Tommy Harte, Brendan & Margaret McCormack & Peg Slevin
Fri 7:00 Shared Mass:
John Kelly
Jack & Sadie Walshe
Josephine & Joseph Grenham
Colm, Peg, Eithne & Peter Mulvihill & Kevin Armitage
Sat 7:00 Sr. Mary Ellen O'Connor
Sun 10:30 Mass for the people of the Parish
12:00 Kathleen Ruddy
FRIARY
Weekdays: 8.00 and 10.00 a.m.
Tuesday's: 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. (St. Anthony's Novena)
Sundays: 7:30 p.m., (Sat. Vigil) 7:30; 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.