St. John's Parish Newsletter
Sixteenth Sunday of the Year
Gospel Luke 10:38-42
In the gospel reading, Jesus is welcomed into the house of Martha and Mary. The link between the two readings is hospitality. Like the three Genesis figures, Jesus is a wanderer, a pilgrim; and he is invited into the house. (The disciples on the road to Emmaus also met him as a wanderer, and invited him in: see Luke 24.)
The two sisters’ style of hospitality is very different: Mary just sits in his presence, while Martha wants to have everything right for him. Mary gives him nothing but her attention, Martha gives him everything except her attention.
He was usually surrounded by crowds: sometimes the bustle was so great that the disciples hardly had time to eat (Mark 6:31). But now the sisters had him all to themselves and could question him and listen to him without interruptions, away from the din of controversy. It was not a moment to be missed. But Martha missed it, through her very eagerness to have everything right for him.
It is a familiar story: you hear versions of it from wives, husbands, very often from young people, especially teenagers. There is a recognised type called ‘compulsive helpers’, who don’t consider what you want but what they want for you. Of course no one knows how much of this applies to Martha, but it applies to people you and I know. This type of person needs to be needed, they want others to depend on them, but they expect a return for what they do for you; they sacrifice themselves, but you hear all about it; they are good at making people feel guilty, and they have a knack of making others look small and helpless. What they fear most of all is that they might not be needed, so any show of independence from you brings out the worst in them. More fundamentally they need to be loved.
In John 11:5 it is down in black and white that “Jesus loved Martha,” and her sister Mary and brother Lazarus. He knew what remedy to apply. And no doubt he saw her strengths. The story of Martha and Mary comes directly after the story of the Good Samaritan (last Sunday’s gospel reading). This should make it clear that Jesus valued active service and not only contemplation.
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Arthritis Ireland
On Saturday 24th July over 50 teams all across Ireland will Pick a Peak to climb to support young people living with arthritis. The easiest hill on offer is Howth Hill and the most challenging is the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil - but you can choose your own! All you have to do to be part of this fun day out is contact Arthritis Ireland on 01-6618188 visit www.arthritisireland.ie So come on! get outside have fun and raise money for a really great cause!
Weekly Novena to St. Anthony
Every Tuesday at the 10am and 5.45pm Mass there will be a novena celebrated in honour of St. Anthony. All are very welcome to attend. Also petition leaflets are available at the statue of St. Anthony. You can leave your petitions there to be included during the novena.
Adoration
Adoration takes place from 9am to 10am from Monday to Friday concluding with Morning Prayer at 9.45am. Eucharistic Adoration every Friday from 10.30am to 5.45pm in the room under the tower. We would like to welcome anyone who wishes to come along especially from 2pm to 5pm when there is a lull in people attending. If you can manage to spend half an hour with the Blessed Sacrament at these times. A visit to the Blessed Sacrament is ‘a proof of gratitude, an expression of love’. Many thanks to all who have been attending.
Sagart Pilgrimage
The dates for the Sagart pilgrimage to Lourdes are September 22nd 2010 for 5 nights. Prices are the same as last year €725 including airport tax. Full details from Kieran call 061 414624.
Summer Dues
The priest’s of the parish would like to thank all who supported the Summer Dues Collection last weekend. Your continued support is greatly appreciated
Dear Parishioners
If you have a family member in a nursing home and they would like a visit from one of the priest’s of St. John’s parish then please contact the Sacristan or the Parish Office on 414624.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 17th 10am Gerard Byrne 6.30pm Derek Harrington- Birthday remb., Munchin & Mary McKernan, Joseph O’Donoghue Month‘s Mind Sunday 18th 8am , 10.30am Nora O’Dwyer 12noon John Delahunty 7pm Alan Kennedy
Mon 19th 10am Purgatorial
5.45pm Maisie & Sonny McNamara
Tues 20th 10am .
5.45pm Pat Connolly, Myra Kerley - Month‘s Mind
Wed 21st 10am Moloney Family
5.45pm Sean Carroll
Thurs 22nd 10am Thomas O’Callaghan
5.45pm Joe & Christina Falahee, Baby Hazel McAllister - Birth Remb.
Fri 23rd 10am .
5.45pm Vera & Michael Buckley, Christina Moynihan.
Saturday 24th 10am Hannon & Ford Families
6.30pm Ian Keehan, Noreen O’Donoghue, Ann Malone - Month‘s Mind
Sunday 25th 8am ,
10.30am Rita Greaney, Mary Cooke
12noon Teresa Lillis
7pm Christina Ford, Angela McGrath
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