The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord                 20 May 2012 Fr Frank Grey, Carrick, Finea, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. 043 6681129 e-mail: ballymachugh@eircom.net

Mass Times And Intentions

Ballynarry Sat 19th May 8:00 pm Eddie Gorman, Clonlohan. Servers: Connor Masterson. Patrick Goldrick. Thur 24th May 8:00 pm Michael & Roseanne Masterson, Lavagh. Fri 25th May 8:00 pm Paddy and Larry Galligan and deceased members of the Galligan family, Ballynamoney. Sat 26th May 12 O’clock  First Communion Sat 26th May 8:00 pm Matt Briody, Clonlohan. Servers: Connor Masterson. Patrick Goldrick.

Carrick Sun 20th May 12 O’clock  Servers: Charlie Mulligan. Eimear Kelly. Mon 21st May 9:30 am Mass Tue 22nd May 9:30 am Mass Sun 27th May 12 O’clock  Servers: Charlie Mulligan. Eimear Kelly.

Feast of the Ascension Today we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord into heaven. While on one level the Ascension means bidding farewell, in reality it is about a new way of the Lord being present to us and within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. This gives us cause to rejoice and give thanks. This is also “World Communications Day” Lord, May your Holy Spirit Bring light in times of darkness, Understanding in times of difficulty And the joy of your presence always, Amen.

The Door will be Opened

Charlie Brown is talking to his friend. He tells him, 'My dad told me that he was never team captain.' Then he says, 'In fact he told me he was not even on the team.' 'But I told him', says Charlie, 'that if he had been on the team, he would have been the captain.' Then Charlie thinks about this and concludes, 'The average dad needs a lot of encouragement.'

If parents made a list of all the good things they have given to their children from the time of their birth until they leave home as young adults - food, clothes, shoes, toys, school books, outings, money for endless things - they would be surprised and moved at how long that list would be.  And the list would include a lot more than the material things. It would include the love and attention they have given, the sense of security, the religious values, good example and the wisdom of their experience. There are tragic exceptions when parents neglect or mistreat their children, but it is true that most parents know how to give their children what is good.

Jesus says that if parents who are less than perfect, know how to give their children what is good, how much more will God give his children when they ask for what they need. Each of us could make a list of the good things God has given us from our childhood days until now. That list would be a long one too and we would know that we have a lot to be grateful for. Of course we would have painful memories of things we asked for and did not get. We may find ourselves disappointed or angry with God.  What Jesus assures us is that the Father will give what is good, and will give the Holy Spirit.

 God our Father,
we thank you for parents

who give their children what is good.
We thank you for being a loving Father

who gives us what we need.
We put ourselves

and our world in your hands,
trusting that you will always

give us what is good,
and that you will give us your best gift,
your Holy Spirit.

Amen

For Students doing Examinations

Come Holy Spirit, Divine Creator True source of Light and fountain of wisdom. Dispel any anxiety or worry that surrounds them during exams. Give to them, A mind that understands, method and ease in learning and good expressions in their answers. Guide their work each day, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion. Amen.

Let us pray for all students undergoing examinations: Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on these students: help them to remain calm, to attend carefully to the questions asked, to think clearly, to remember accurately, and to express themselves well. Grant that they may reflect the best of the work they have done and the best of the teaching they have received. Accept their best efforts in these examinations and in the great test of life on earth. May your love be upon them, O Lord, as they place all their trust in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOTICES

Deaths We remember in our prayers Seamus Denneny, Aughabrack, Granard and late of Moynagh whose funeral took place in Granard on Tuesday. Also, Brigid Burke, mother of Peggy Clinton, Ballyheelan, whose funeral took place in Ballivor on Thursday. May they rest in peace. Pastoral Council There will be a Pastoral Council meeting in the Parochial House on Mon night at 9:00 pm. Family Fun day Saturday 2nd of June is Ballymachugh Family Fun Day. Starting with a sponsored walk. Then a B.B.Q plus some light refreshments and lots of novelty events on the pitch for all age. Sponsor cards are now available. Cemetery Sunday The blessing of graves and prayers for all the deceased in Ballynarry and Carrick on Sat/Sun 23rd/24th June.

First Communion First Communion takes place in St Mary’s Church Ballynarry on Saturday next, 26th May at 12 o’clock. The children are looking forward so much to this special day. It is a very special day for their parents, teachers and also the parish.  Trocaire The collection for Trocaire taken up at the Masses last week-end amounted to € 615. The total Trocaire collection is now € 1518.47 Tea Party                    THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF IRELAND – Will you come to my Tea Party on 26th May 6p.m. – l2p.m. at  Crosserlough Old School. Please help raise funds for local and national Alzheimer services. Chrissie Lynch.  Gaeltacht Scolarships Glór Bhréifne is making available a number of part scholarships for secondary school students from Co.Cavan to attend courses in Gaeltacht Dhún na nGall. Scolarship interviews take place in Ballymachugh GAA Clubrooms, Tuesday 29th May, 8:00 pm. Scolarships are financed by the annual Comhaltas Uladh de Chonradh na Gaeilge Church Gate collection held throughout co. An Chabhán on St Patrick’s Day. Scholarship application forms and information on college courses will be available at the interview venues. 087 6401682 / 049 4371530 email; glorbhreifne@gmail.com