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A welcome note from our Parish Priest, Father Alex LENT AT ST FRANCIS DE SALES HARTLEY ASH WEDNESDAY: 9.15AM & 7.45PM MASSES WITH DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES. EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT STATIONS OF THE CROSS: 12NOON TRADITIONAL STATIONS; 8PM MODER STATIONS. SUNDAYS IN LENT: 5PM HOLY HOUR WITH EVENING PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & BENEDICTION SUNDAY 21ST MARCH AT 4PM: PARISH RECONCILIATION SERVICE LED BY FR. MICHAEL BEATTIE SJ. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO US OR TO INNOCENT PEOPLE? The first fifteen days of the year 2010 are filled with colourful events which have become topics of discussion. Close to home, the snow made lots of people housebound, caused the closure of many schools all over the country, the closure of many businesses and the slowing down of the economy in general and disrupted many activities.Away from home, the African Nations Cup started on Sunday the 10th January and one of the participating teams were attacked while travelling to Angola. There were physical and psychological casualties and two or three lost their lives in the course of this even. This resulted in the withdrawal of the country from the competition.The carnage and ruins we have seen on our television screens between the 12th and 14th January are the result of the earthquake in Haiti. Among the victims we have a Cathedral, a Bishop, priests, Christians, maybe Muslim, Hindu, believers and non believers. They have all experienced the effect of the earthquake; some have died, some were injured, some disappeared and some survived, being made homeless.At home or abroad the question people are asking is ‘What’s happening? Why this is happening to us or to innocent people?’ Even, ‘Where is God in all these? Is it the end of the world?’My first answer to all these questions is that we are witnessing nature expressing itself. Nature is peaceful and violent as well. We enjoy the peacefulness of nature most of the time. But from time to time the violence its gives becomes a warning sign for us to be aware of our vulnerability and acknowledge how precarious we are.These colourful happenings are not signs heralding the nearness of the end of the world. Despite the fact that some people have experienced the end of their own world, through death, I see them as signs calling us to prepare ourselves every day, because we don’t know when our time will come.God is not violent and does not encourage evil. But when violence and evil occur, we see Him close and His presence becomes real, touchable and comforting. I see the presence of God in the solidarity the nations of the world have shown to Haiti, through the humanitarian aids that are flowing from all over the world to help. The same comfort was displayed through the way all the participants of the African Nations Cup condemned what had happened to one of them and vowed to combat terrorism by working together for the security of all. Where there is security, there will be peace and where there is peace, God is there.Here at home, I heard on Radio 4 how the snow brought many communities together, strengthened and created new bonds and how it enabled parents to have quality time with their children and so forth.Something good always comes out of a disaster or a crisis, though we can wish to do without it. However, as Christians we know that since the day of the blood poured out on the Cross everything has become grace. Therefore, we should seek to find where the grace filling opportunity is occurring and thank or turn to our loving, compassionate, merciful and caring God Who will never let us, His beloved, know decay nor ever let us down. Fr. ALEX SABA PARISH RECONCILIATION SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS SUNDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2009 AT 4PM WITH FR. JOHN O’TOOLE. CHRISTMAS AT ST FRANCIS DE SALES24TH DECEMBER: 5.30PM MASS WITH CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES 6.45PM: MASS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES ETC... 24H MIDNIGHT MASS: PRECEDED BY CAROLS AT 11.30PM25TH DECEMBER: 8.30AM & 10.30AM we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday 5.30, Sunday 8.30 & 10.30 THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR 2009/2010 Two weeks ago we began another academic year. Like any other year during which people do various things, this year will offer opportunities for people to prepare for various sacraments. The enrolment for them has started and will conclude this week. If you are a young person who is not confirmed yet, you have been given up until the 15th October to decide whether you would like to receive the sacrament of confirmation this year. Express your thoughts to me in writing as soon as possible. Any adult who is not initiated into the Catholic Church and is contemplating to do so, I encourage you to join us from Monday 5th October in the Church meeting room, where we will start the preparation journey with you and others. Anyone thinking about getting married in our Church this year, please be in touch as soon as possible with me, to begin your preparations. For those wishing to have their children baptised, but who, for whatever reason have not been seen yet, please think about worshipping with us before you expressing your desire. And to all who are looking for the Lord,know that He is in your life, waiting for you in the living and worshipping community. Therefore, don't hesitate to experience His living presence. may the Lord be your peace and joy, always. I pray for you; pray for me. Have a blessed academic year. Fr. Alex Saba. |
