Parish Office: Mon - Fri 9am– 5pm
Tel: 6472088
Fax: 6476231
Email: stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net
Web: www.stmarysathlone.org
THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE
A sense of direction
Most of us manage through the day without being bothered by the question of life itself: what's the point of being here? It can take all our time and energy merely to cope with what the day brings, and we're happy to leave questions about the purpose of life to the armchair philosophers. However there are times when we are forced to pause because something happens that throws our routine into question. Like the sudden death of someone very close to us which leaves us in a large absence. Questions arise which are our questions. Things that we took for granted now look different from before; ventures we thought so important begin to look so insubstantial against the reality of loss.
We wonder where we are going, if anywhere. What direction do we take when our very sense of direction seems to have gone? We might feel that we're going round in circles but not really getting anywhere. Like the fish who were fooled by their owner when he pasted postcards onto the aquarium to give them the impression they were going somewhere.
An experience of profound loss always makes us question our own direction in life, and in today's Gospel John shows us that it is no different for the disciples. Jesus gives his final discourse before leaving his close followers for the last time. He counsels them not to be afraid, for he is going to prepare a place for them, and he will return to take them with him. And it is Thomas who voices their problem: what direction are they going to take in the absence of Jesus? What is to be their way when Jesus leaves them?
The way ahead
The disciples learn soon after Jesus leaves them that they don't have ready answers to everything. As we learn from the early divisions in the community, they all have to work together to find a way forward. There are many things Jesus did not tell them, and they have to try and face the future with honesty. Together.
Jesus trusts his followers down the ages to face the confusion and complexity of the world. That's way he doesn't leave answers to everything. There's still a lot of working out to be done. Looking to Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, doesn't actually solve every question effortlessly. But Jesus know that! Clearly he wants us to put our faith to work.
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Thank you for your contribution towards the Offertory Collection for Sunday 11th May which amounted to €4,253.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
Patrick (Paddy) Hynds, Glasson & Lyster Street
Maureen Ryan, Mullingar (Sister of Sr. Brigid, Mont Vista)
Ann Browning, Baylough
Bridget McCoy, Clonbrusk
Thomas Wade, Beechpark West
MONTHS MEMORY MASS
Josie McCaffrey 11:30 a.m. St. Mary's (Sun 25th)
CONGRATULATIONS ON THEIR WEDDING
Michelle McConnell & Colin Gavin
May they be blessed with a long and happy life together
We welcome into the Christian Community
David Junior White Holly Eileen McCaul
Charlie Lennon Bláthnaid Mary Macken
Who were baptised recently. Congratulations to their parents.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:
Bus to Airport (Knock). Cost €20. It will be necessary to know the flight number & departure time before booking the bus. Once you have received your tickets (which will be in the next week or so) please contact St. Mary's Presbytery 6472088. Please note that this bus is only available to those travelling from Knock Airport to Lourdes.
CLONBONNY AREA MASS:
Will take place on Tuesday 20th May at 7:30 p.m. in Clonbonny National School. All welcome.
PASTORAL CARE
Please inform us of anyone who needs the prayers and support of the parish whether they are elderly, sick, hospitalised or grieving. The Presbytery may be called at any time for the Sacrament of the sick. Also, we will gladly bring the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass due to sickness or infirmity.
CURA:
If you are concerned about an unplanned pregnancy & would you like to talk to someone, in confidence contact Cura. Lo-call 1850 622626. See www.cura.ie for local centre details. All Cura services are free & confidential. Our support service is available to women, men & all family members.
DAY OF PRAYER IN KNOCK:
Bus to Knock on Saturday 31st May from St. Mary's National School at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Devotions begin at 10 a.m. Fare €10. Book now by phoning 087 2131163 or 6473775 or 087 2857295.
REN-CLUB:
Winner for Sunday 11th May was 'Maura Golden'. Promoter was Billy Golden.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:
Would welcome donations of furniture for the Athlone Shop at 18 O'Connell Street. Please contact shop on 6444043 to have furniture collected. We are prohibited in taking electrical goods of any sort and beds/mattresses.
ACCORD:
'I still love my partner but…' If you are experiencing relationship difficulties then let Accord professionally accredited relationship counsellors help you overcome them, by contacting us at Athlone Accord at 6475491.
BALLYMORE MINI MARATHON:
In aid of South Westmeath Hospice is taking place on Sunday 1st June at 3 p.m. If you would like a sponsor card or more details please contact 087 7751475 or 087 6268212.
IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION:
Athlone cake/plant sale & coffee morning will take place on Wednesday 21st May from 10-12:30 p.m. in IWA Centre, Clonbrusk. All support greatly appreciated.
KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBANUS:
The postponed council meeting is now scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 20th May, followed immediately by an information evening at 8 p.m. Anyone who would like to become a knight or would like to hear more about the work of the knights is welcome to attend. All council members are requested to attend from 7 p.m.
AUTISM IRELAND:
Are holding their annual Church gate collection next weekend 24th & 25th May.
OUR LADY'S BOWER:
To mark the closure of the boarding school, past pupils (boarding & day) & former teachers are invited to visit Our Lady's Bower on Saturday 24th May from 12-6 p.m. or Sunday 25th May from 12-4 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday evening 24th May at 6 p.m. RSVP: Our Lady's Bower or olbreunion@gmail.com
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN:
6 week workshops on Saturdays from 17th May in Venue 4, Bastion Street from 12:30-2:30 p.m. (8-12 year olds). Cost €85. For more information and booking contact 086 3623971.
YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORIE:
30th July for 7 nights half board. A week of fun, friendship, music & prayer. Contact anita.allenym@gmail.com or phone 6473358.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 19th - Sunday 25th May
ST. MARY'S
Mon 9:30 Fr. Richard O'Carroll
Tue 9:30 - - - - - - - -
Wed 9:30 William & Loretto Warren
7:30 Dec'd Presentation Sisters, Relatives & Friends
Thurs 9:30 Mary Cunningham
7:30 Elizabeth & Edward Quinn & Kathleen Morley
Fri 9:30 Paddy & Bridie Shevlin
7:30 Shared Mass:
John Greene & Peter Greene Snr & Jnr
Dec'd members of the Walsh Family
Thomas Gaughan
Pauline Furey
Tom & Lil Real
Sat 9:30 Paul Mahon
Sun 10:00 Billy Verdon
11:30 Josie McCaffrey (Months Memory)
12:45 John & Mary Samuels
6:00 Kay O'Connell
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon 7:00 Kathleen Smith
Tue 7:00 Joseph Devins
Wed 7:00 Ellen & Robert Robinson
Thurs 7:00 Patrick, Ellen, William, Serena & Mary Browne & Mary Hally
Fri 7:00 Shared Mass:
Rita Devaney
Margaret & Thomas O'Connor
Tom, Jim & Bobby Dillon
Paul & Dan McCormack & Dec'd members of the McCormack Family
Brian, Bridget & Teresa Gunning
Bernard Seery & Mary Matthews (nee Seery)
Sat 7:00 Reserved for Months Memory
Sun 10:30 Mass for the people of the Parish
12:00 Elizabeth & Michael Flynn
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.