Dear Parishioners and those who pray with us from other Parishes,

The opening and closing prayers at Mass last Monday were very appropriate reflections for our Week of Prayer: Lord, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us that we may remain faithful and do your will in our daily lives – and – may these mysteries give us new purpose and bring us to a new life in you.

Our Week of Prayer will be based on the Seven Sacraments. All of us have received and celebrated one or more of the Sacraments. Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders are once in a life time celebrations for individuals. Marriage can be celebrated a second or even a third or more times. Anointing of the Sick, Penance and Eucharist are celebrated more often, even daily. But how do we live these Sacraments beyond the Church setting or sick bed or confession box? How do we live these Sacraments at home, at work, at school, at play?

I hope the Week of Prayer will be an opportunity for reflection on our lives as individuals, as families, as Parish on how best we can live our Christianity in the light of the Sacraments.

We will begin next Saturday/Sunday focussing on Baptism. Sign Up Sunday asks what I as a member of the Church Community can contribute to Parish life through involvement in Liturgy and Church based organisations. Sunday evening is for all but especially parents. Families who have celebrated Baptism over the past year are asked to come along with a photograph of their child, which will be placed in the sanctuary during the liturgy.

Our prayer for us all during this sacred space of prayer and reflection is, to quote from St. Cyril of Alexandria, that we will be utterly transformed and launched on a new way of holy living.

Let us pray for each other.

Very Rev Michael O’Dwyer    Rev Brian White

Sunday 3rd June 2007 at 7.00pm
Church of St. John the Baptist
A focus on Baptism:  
We invite all parents, especially those whose children were baptised in our parish this past year, to our liturgy. Guest Speaker will be Mary Cunningham who organises Parenting Courses

Monday 4th June 2007 at 7.30pm
Church of St. Patrick
How do we live the Eucharist in our lives?
All are invited as Nuala O’Loan will speak on the challenges of living Eucharist in our daily lives.

Tuesday 5th June 2007 at 7.30pm
Church of St. John the Baptist
Recalling our Confirmation:
In these Post-Pentecostal days we renew our focus on the Holy Spirit’s gifts and fruits in our lives. Guest Speaker is Ann McGuinness.
 
Wednesday 6th June 2007 at 7.30pm
Church of St. John the Baptist
Our need of Reconciliation and Forgiveness:
Accepting God’s forgiveness and moving on from the past can be a challenge. Guest Speaker will be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Thursday 7th June 2007 at 7.30pm
Church of St. John the Baptist Church
Bringing illness before God:
A chance to pray especially for all who are physically, emotionally and mentally in need of healing. Sr. Fiona will share reflections on her work as a hospital chaplain.
 
Friday 8th June 2007 at 7.30pm
Church of St. John the Baptist
A celebration of Marriage:
Married couples will have the opportunity to renew their marriage vows. It is a chance for all of us to reflect on the challenges and joys of married life, as described by a married couple, who will share some thoughts and reflections with us.

Saturday 9th June 2007 at 7.00pm
Church of St. John the Baptist
Ordination and the future of the Church:
Archbishop Brady will come to speak to us on Holy Orders and the life of the Church.