First Sunday of Lent Print

First Sunday of Lentmark1 12 15
Gerry Boyle PP.   046-9054138

Thanks to all who began our time of Lent in any way on Ash Wednesday.
A
special thanks to all who attended our drive-by-blessing, and did it consciously observing social distancing. Ashes didn’t arrive until Thursday and some remain in packets at the back of Rathkenny church.

There is a Prayer for Lent, borrowed from the diocese of Derry, available in the
churches and on the website, at the end of the bulletin. Though we can’t attend Mass together at this time, we can be united in praying this prayer each day.

I continue to join Fr Timothy for Sunday Mass in Lobinstown on YouTube. I offer Mass
each day along with the Mass on RTÉ News Now, at 10.30am, for booked Masses when they arise. On other days, Mass will be offered for your intentions.
RIP Sean Nevin, Cardrath
Tuesday   10.30am     Special Intention

Think outside the box and put something into the Trocaire box. Boxes are available
from the churches. This year the envelope containing the box has a helpful Lent calendar and ideas on how money is spent.
In challenging times for us
all, a little can go a long way.

God of the covenant,
as the forty days of the deluge swept away the world’s sin
and watered new beginnings of goodness and life,
so in the saving water of baptism
your people are washed clean and born again.
Throughout these forty days of Lent,
unseal for us the wellspring of grace,
cleanse our hearts of what is not good and
holy
and cause your gift of new life to flourish again. 
                     
                                                         Kieran J. O'Mahony O. S. A.


The first Friday of Lent was a day of prayer for survivors and victims of abuse.
Mass was offered for our brothers and sisters, who suffer so much, and candles were lit.

We continue to pray for our primary and secondary school communities. We pray especially
for exam classes and those with special needs. We follow the guidelines so that they can return to school soon.

COVID-19 remains a major challenge for our country and world. Compliance
is bringing down the numbers and vaccines are on the way. Please stay up-to-date with the facts and do all you can to keep yourself and others safe.

Lent Prayer

Loving Father,
to prepare for his mission of proclaiming your kingdom to the world,
your Son, Jesus, was guided by your Holy Spirit to the quiet of the desert.
In these Lenten days, I pray that I will be guided by that same Spirit,
to a place of renewal in my heart and mind,
so that I will seek opportunities for daily personal prayer,
personal sacrifices and acts of kindness.
With your help, may I too be truly prepared
to share in the story of the Passion, Death and Resurrection
of Jesus, your Son, our Lord.   
Amen.

ONLINE DONATIONS
Online donations can now be made to parish and diocesan collections

via the Diocesan website HERE