Fr Gerry writes . . .

Public Masses continue to be suspended in the diocese for the foreseeable future.The Taoiseach, as you know, has extended restrictions until Easter Sunday, 12 April. We, as a parish and community, adhere to those requests for our own sakes and for the sake of the vulnerable. Thank you, on all our behalf.

Though this is a great sacrifice to many, there are ways to participate in daily Mass through RTÉ News Now, Monday to Friday 10.30 am. LMFM continue to broadcast Sunday Mass from 9.10am. Mass is also available from a number of parishes with webcam services.

There is a number of leaflets, in the churches and online, providing a template for a service without Mass and Communion. Perhaps this is an opportunity to renew prayer in our homes using these and other resources like the Rosary, Novenas, Lectio Divina, Meditation or other forms of prayer and devotion that you find helpful. There are many prayers and reflections online.

I continue the practice of praying each evening from 7pm to 8pm for your intentions and invite you to join me at home for part of that time so that we can be united in prayer for our parish and world at this time.

I join the celebration of Mass each day on RTÉ News Now at 10.30am, again for your intentions. Fr Timothy and myself concelebrated Mass on the Sundays and holydays, observing social distancing, again for your intentions. Obviously, this cannot continue, following the new instructions from Friday 27 March. We will continue to offer Masses for your intentions on our own. We have participated, and will participate, in all the various national and international prayer events, digitally, with you and on behalf of the parish.

Feel free to ring me any time at 046 9054138. I will be available from 11am to 12noon and 8pm to 9pm each day especially, but at any time. We have guidelines for pastoral care in these challenging times, which we will adhere to for all our sakes.

Obviously, there will be no First Friday calls this week, but I will ask each person involved that we might all say an 'Our Father' together on Friday at 12 noon. Also, on Friday, we might make a special effort to pray together from 7pm to 8pm for ourselves and those on our list of the dead.

Sincerest appreciation of efforts being made to keep yourself and others safe. This is a marathon not a sprint. Thanks to all working to provide food, and to those maintaining our services and keeping us safe. Thanks to all medical and pharmacy personnel on the frontline, and we pray for guidance for those making important decisions about our present and future.

 Mass leaflets are available in the church and the daily readings are available elsewhere on this website.

In the Gospel for 29 March, Martha questions Jesus saying, if he had been there this calamity would not have happened. Like Martha, these times and circumstances test our faith and there are no easy answers. Jesus listens to Martha, comforts her and helps her find her way. Jesus is with us in many ways and in many people in these times.This is a most amazing Lent with all the current restrictions. When this time is over, as it will be, may we be ready, like Lazarus, to live a new life.    [ click here for Sunday's Readings]
 
Rathkenny GAA are volunteering to collect supplies/food/prescriptions for anyone in need of that support.  Ring Ross @ 087 1527023

Third Age Ireland @ 1800 404591.           

Alone, 8am to 8pm,  081 8222024