Fourth Sunday of Easter                                Today's Readings
Gerry Boyle PP. 046-9054138

Today’s readings remind us of our callings, purpose and direction in life. St Peter, in the first reading, encourages us to be on the lookout for the rejected in life.The second reading reminds us that we are all children of God, but sometimes uncertain of the future. The psalm encourages us to be thankful, and we are, to all the Good Shepherds, seen and unseen, helping us each day.

Michael Commane writes in Saturday’s Irish Times, ‘Tomorrow’s gospel is a timely reminder for us to thank all those who have helped and shepherded us to get through these, the strangest of times.'
A new sheet of prayers for Vocation and Family life is available in the churches.

I continue to offer Mass with Fr Timothy, on Sundays at 10.30am, which can be watched on the Lobinstown church YouTube channel. [See LINK on Front Page]
I offer Mass each day in the Parochial House, along with the Mass on RTE News Now channel at 10.30am. I include intentions, listed below when they arise.

We’re all conscious of how hard the lockdown is on mental health and business and careers in the future. Please keep going. It’s great to meet people who have got their vaccinations which will be our way out of this situation. In spite of the frustration please try to be patient with yourself and others. There will be an announcement this week about the gradual reopening of the country and we anticipate information on the reopening of our churches. We pray for guidance for those making these important decisions.

Pray the Rosary in May
Pope Francis is encouraging us to pray the Rosary every day in May for an end to the pandemic.
The Rosary will be recited online each day from a Marian shrine.

Today is Vocation Sunday. The pandemic has given us an insight into the future of parish life and the challenge of the fall in response to vocations to priesthood and religious life. It poses questions for the leadership of the church but also for ourselves and our expectations. Please pray for people to respond to God’s call and encourage people to think and pray about it. There are new posters in the churches promoting vocation to priesthood and the following prayer of Bl. Charles De Foucault is encouraged:

Father, I abandon myself into your hands,
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures
- I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself into your hands
without reserve, and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father. Amen.

The Diocese has three men in formation for priesthood, including our own Barry White. We pray for them and encourage them in any way we can.

Online Donations
Online donations can now be made to parish and diocesan collections
via the Diocesan website HERE
Thanks to all who have returned envelopes, for parish funds, priest’s offerings and Trócaire, over the past few weeks.

May the Lord bless you this Easter time:
Bless you with faith, guard you against doubt;
Bless you with hope, uplift you in despair;
Bless you with love,keep you from fear;
Bless you with race, calm you in trouble;
Bless you with mercy, help you to forgive;
Bless you with joy, comfort you in sorrow;
So that your heart may rejoice in the Risen Lord