Pentecost 

Pentecost has arrived and we are approaching our twelfth weekend without a public Mass in our churches. These are truly unprecedented times and a great sacrifice for all of us. It asks us to look at, experience and practice our faith in new ways, and we have done this during the most sacred time of our Church year. It has also affected the Jewish and Muslim faiths similarly, and is a point of solidarity for people of different faiths in our increasingly polarised world.

In the Divine Office during the week, St Basil the Great describes the Holy Spirit as, ". . .  simple in essence, but manifold in power. The Spirit is present to each in his fullness, and in his fullness is present everywhere. He is divided, but does not suffer by the division; all share in him, but he remains whole, like a sunbeam whose kindly influence benefits each creature as though it were present to that creature alone . . . ". A seasonal reminder of the Holy Spirit from the 4th century, in the current good weather we are enjoying! 

Again, we thank all who have abided by the HSE and Government guidelines, at great personal cost, in times of sickness and bereavement. Thanks to all who used electronic and other means to provide support, and to the people helping those who are cocooning at this time.

The second reading at Mass this weekend speaks of the variety of gifts in a community, that are a sign of God’s presence in the Holy Spirit. We think of the many ways people have responded to the situation and new skills developed or rediscovered. We think of the young people who have had their sacraments postponed and are responding so well. We think too of young people making important decisions about transitions from secondary and primary school. We are all nervous of the ‘new normal’ facing us, our jobs and our way of life. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and our leaders.

Self control is one of the gifts of the Spirit. It has been admirable how people have lived it during this time. Patience is another gift and we are called to continue living this as well. The bishops are working on a detailed document and checklist for parishes to open for Mass. Archbishop Martin spoke to his parishes in Dublin during the week. He said that, " . . . out of respect for those whose sacrifice has been greatest . . . public health policy works when its proposals and sequencing are respected by all. There is no room for self-dispensation from or self-interpretation of the norms. Jumping the queue by individuals or communities puts everyone at risk . . . The Irish Church is working intensely to ensure that the reopening of Churches for public worship will take place at a time and in a manner that is safe".  These words are challenging, but also comforting for the future.

Thanks for remembering the Trócaire collection and contact www.trocaire.org​ to send donations directly. No 1st Friday calls again this month. Please remember them in the Angelus on Friday, and those on the List of the Dead, wherever you get Mass on Friday.

Pope Francis is reciting the Rosary in the Grotto in the Vatican gardens on Saturday 30th May at 4.30pm. You can join him via the Knock Shrine website.

Cemetery devotions were to be held in Rushwee and Grangegeeth this weekend but are postponed until August. Please join me, at home, in saying the Rosary for those buried in Rushwee, Gernonstown and Stackallen on Saturday, and those in the new and old graveyards in Grangegeeth on Sunday. 

                                                                               Fr Gerry