PARISH FAMILY DAY
In these challenging times, economically, socially and in the church, I thought it would be good to focus on a positive event coming up soon in the parish.  The Family Day, due to be celebrated on Sunday 1st July, was revived back in 2011 by the Parish Pastoral Council as one of the events to mark the 75th anniversary of the parish.  The way this day is organised is interesting.  It encourages participation and community building.  In the first place, the decision to hold the family day was made by the Parish Pastoral Council.  The PPC is the leadership body in the parish. It strives to put into effect one of the outcomes of the second Vatican Council which was to recognise the dignity of all the baptised and the co-responsibility of the laity for the mission of the church.  Working together on any team requires maturity and dedication.  It is no different with the PPC – except that as a pastoral council each meeting is opened with prayer – so that the council may be open to the direction of the Holy Spirit.  A subcommittee was set up to organise the Family Day and to date the outline of the day has been sketched and just the timetable needs to be firmed up.  This is all possible because so many groups and individuals give of their time and talent so generously.  This year we are hoping to extend the scope of the day a little and showcase the groups in the parish and community – we will be in touch with groups in the coming weeks in this regard.  In addition, this year we welcome some of the students from Rosary College who are coming on board to assist;  and we would be lost without the scouts, who are in effect the backbone of the day.  It would be impossible to list all those who have enthusiastically pledged their support. Therefore, we sincerely hope that you will mark 1st July on the calendar and come to see for yourself.  If the weather is a little kinder than last year, we also hope  you will notice some of the building blocks that go into the day – among them team work, collaboration, initiative, selflessness, enthusiasm, leadership, generosity, planning and  resourcefulness.  Putting them all together engenders hope and spirit. Surely that is what is needed in these times in all areas of life.
Gráinne Prior

Eucharistic Congress Prayer.
Lord Jesus, You were sent by the Father to gather together those who are scattered. You came among us, doing Good and bringing healing, announcing the word of salvation and giving the bread which lasts forever. Be our companion on life’s pilgrim way. May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts, Enliven our hope and open our minds, So that together with our sisters and brothers in faith we may recognise you in the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.

May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body and lead us to walk humbly on the earth, in justice and love, As witnesses of your resurrection. In communion with Mary, whom you gave us as our Mother at the foot of the cross, through you may all praise, honour and blessing be to the Father in the Holy Spirit and in the Church, now and forever. Amen.