May 2nd 2010 – 5th Sunday of Easter

Month of May
The month of May had a special significance for our ancestors – they called it Bealtaine (beal tine).  It marked one of our Celtic Feasts, which introduced summer, and summer meant light, and growth and warmth.  There was also an assurance of a good harvest and plenty food.   Our recent spell of warm sunshine and the sight of flower-beds and gardens with flowers in bloom, gives us all a sense of well being, in spite of our problems.  The sight of the cherry blossom trees in full colour, encourages us to be grateful and to celebrate this very special time of the year.
In our church life, we are still very much in the Easter season, when we thank the Risen Lord who has given us a share in his new life.   It is also that time of year when we have the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, in parishes everywhere.  It is appropriate, that we should be leading our children forward in faith and love at this time of hope and growth.  It is important that we should give these boys and girls a sense of something more than materialism, and an understanding of the basic values that lead to fullness of life. Our month of May, gives special recognition to Mary the mother of God, and hopefully families and people will gather to pray the rosary.

Our Students
As we enter the month of May, College, Leaving and Junior Cert. students everywhere really begin to focus on the examination dates fast approaching.  We wish you well with your revision and with your exams.  The following prayer will, we hope, help to calm any nerves:
O Holy Spirit, give us your gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge.  Enlighten my mind and inspire me to work hard that I may be successful in my examinations.  Guide and direct me in all my undertakings and help me especially to discover my true vocation in life.  Alay my fears and teach me always to live in your light, your love and your truth.  I make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen

Our Students are remembered in our Shared Mass every Friday at 10am. Special Cards are available in the Sacristy for those doing and preparing for exams.

Parish Pastoral Services   Second Collection:  will take place at all Masses next weekend 8th/9th May in aid of Parish Pastoral Services, This collection is used to part-fund the personnel and services of the Pastoral Development Office which supports participation and partnership in parish life.
Bishop Buckley said “This work will continue to be essential in the future plans for the diocese and parishes as we work together to build up the faith community in a changing environment.”

Trócaire Boxes:  can be returned at the Masses  or to the Sacristy during the
week

The Alzheimer Society Annual Tea Day Event
Thurs. 6th May  10am – 12.30.  SMA Parish Hall Wilton.  All are welcome

First Friday: The Sick & Housebound
Fr Kerry & Fr Charlie will visit the sick and housebound on this coming Thursday and Friday at their usual times. If you are not on the current list and would like a visit from one of the priests of the parish please let us know.

Summer Bedding Plants/Perennials for Sale
Tuesday 4th May – Friday 7th May   9am to 4.45pm – Coláiste Stiofán Naofa, Tramore Road.

First Holy Communions

The Boys from Scoil Chríost Rí  will receive their First Holy Communion next Sat. 8th May at 10.30am – There will be no Mass at 10am

Death: We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of Bill Creedon, Greenhills Estate, who died this week. May he rest in peace.

Ministers of the Word: can collect their new rotas for the coming weeks in the Sacristy after Mass.

Wedding
Congratulations to Olivia Carroll of Greenhill’s Court and Trevor O’Mahony of Dublin Hill who were married this weekend at Christ the King Church, wishing you every happiness and God’s blessing on your life together.

EWTN
Eternal Word Television Network Global Catholic Network airs family and religious programming from a Catholic point of view.  Available free on Sky channel 589. If EWTN is not available on your local television provider please visit www.ewtn.com to obtain further information