October Is MISSIONARY MONTH
Theme: ‘We Cannot but Speak About What We Have Seen and Heard’
October is Missionary Month, which will include the celebration of the 95th World Mission Day on Sunday, October 24. The month begins with the liturgical memorial of Saint Teresa of Lisieux, proclaimed Patroness of the Missions by Pope Pius XI.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis is from the Acts of the Apostles: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has highlighted the fact that we are all missionary disciples. In his first encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel, he wrote:
I dream of a ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channelled for the evangelisation of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation (Evangelii Gaudium 2013, § 27).
Weekday Masses
In light of the changed circumstances in the parish and in the diocese, the need for a reduction in the number of weekday Masses was aired. From 1st October, Morning Masses are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There will not be a Mass on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. We will have an alternative prayer service on Wednesdays, building on the current Miraculous Medal devotions.
Baptism Team
Great work has been done by the existing baptism team but it was not possible to call to homes in the past two years. Ideally, we hope to set up a course in the parish centre for parents who have booked a baptism. This would consist of one evening led by parishioners.
Music Ministry
Some parishioners have offered to lead the singing at the 10.00 Mass on Sundays. This will be a community singing together, rather than a choir. We have the choir at 12.00 Mass. There has also been an offer from a young university student who plays guitar and piano to develop a music ministry at the Vigil Mass on Saturdays. I would love to hear from other young people interested in participating.
Funeral Ministry
We intend to increase the funeral ministry team and ministry to include a visit to the home of the bereaved to sympathise on behalf of the parish and to discuss the choice of readings, as presented in the new diocesan booklet.
Death
We pray for Toni Collins, Doyle Road and Eileen Meehan, Railway Place, who died recently. We offer our sympathy to their families.
Parish Secretary
The parish needs a new secretary as Marion has retired. The new secretary will have an office in the Parish Centre and it is envisaged that he/she would work three days a week for three hours each day. This is an important support role and ministry in the parish. Contact: Fr Noel.