Weekly Connect From: Dermot Cowhey dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
18th October, 2021:
Dear Chaplains/RE Teachers,
Yesterday the Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has said that the first ever truly universal Synod of the Catholic Church will fail unless it begins with a “true listening to people”.
Speaking today at the commencement of the Diocesan phase of the worldwide Synod, Bishop Leahy said that the Synod is taking place at a critical time for the Church and must not be a talk-shop.
Dioceses across the world begin their Synod journey, with the objective of this phase being the ‘consultation of the People of God’. Each diocese will be asked to consult with the people, with the contributions being sent to their own Episcopal Conference before a synthesis is sent to the General secretariat of the Synod in Rome.
The Pope's Monthly Intentions for October, 2021:
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https://www.popesprayer.va/popes-prayer-intentions![<img data-cke-realelement="%3C!--%7Bcke_protected%7D%253Ci%253E%253C%252Fi%253E--%3E" data-cke-real-node-type="8" alt="<i></i>" title="<img data-cke-realelement="%3C!--%7Bcke_protected%7D%253Ci%253E%253C%252Fi%253E--%3E" data-cke-real-node-type="8" alt="<i></i>" align="" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" data-cke-real-element-type="protected">" title="<img class=]()
https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
Liturgical Calendar
18th October - European Day against Human Trafficking / Lá Eorpach i gCoinne Mangaireachta Dhaonna
18th October - Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist / Féile Naomh Lúcás, Soiscéalaí
22nd October – St. John Paul II / Naomh Eoin Pól 11
24th October - Mission Sunday / Domhnach na Misean
25th October – Mid Term Break begins
29th October - Blessed Chiara Badano / Ciara Badano, Beannaithe
1st November – All Saints
2nd November – All Souls
5th November – St Martin de Porres
For more information on special days please click images below.
Facebook Group Post Primary RE Teachers – Ireland: Check out this outstanding resource with constant updating of material from over 15, 000 practicing teachers. You will have to register to access the material.
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https://www.facebook.com/Teaching-Religious-Education-100466933364337/
Alpha-Youth Ireland
Alpha - Youth is a contemporary exploration of the Christian Faith that is being used by groups all around the world to help young people explore the character and claims of Jesus. Over 8, 9- or 10-weeks Alpha - Youth looks at topics from ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why did Jesus die?’ to ‘How & why should I read the Bible?’.
It’s a more informal version of the original Alpha using the same teaching content but adapted in a way to better engage with young people. Alpha - Youth shares the same important elements as any Alpha – food, a film presentation, and small group discussions (except with a lot more fun and many more games!). See also Alpha's Youth Film Series: 12 episodes – approx. 20 min each The Film Series will set the stage for honest and open dialogue. http://www.alphayouth.ie/what-is-alpha-youth. The resource is free and in-service for teachers can be provided.
Faith formation resources from the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore
‘To the Heights’ Weekly Newsletter
Check out their newest weekly resource. Use it in RE classes, with youth groups or in your own home! Check out the suggested activities, questions to reflect on, video and music content, Scripture links and prayer ideas too! Just follow the hyperlinks to access the videos and music!
Celebrating and supporting faith, hope and love! With weekly Gospel reflections, Children's Corner, Carlo Acutis Corner for teens, Prayers and Challenges for families and more. Also wonderfully laid out lesson plans for RE Classes. Download weekly from www.waterfordlismore.ie/resources or subscribe by clicking here.
Catholic Schools and the Month of November
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2022
‘Living Life to the Full’. Catholic Schools Week runs from 23rd to 30th January, 2022. The annual diocesan in-service will take place on Thursday 27th January, 2022.
Attachments –
- November Liturgy from the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre
- Attachment containing the usual links and resources. If you can add to this list, please forward all information to me.
- Attachment containing links and resources in relation to the Liturgical calendar.
If you are accessing this from the diocese website and would like to have these resources, please email dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
To conclude …
I wish you all a restful, reviving mid-term break and look forward to seeing you in November…
Winter in all of Our Lives
There is a winter in all of our lives,
a chill and darkness that makes us yearn
for days that have gone
or put our hope in days yet to be.
Father God, you created seasons for a purpose.
Spring is full of expectation
buds breaking
frosts abating and an awakening
of creation before the first days of summer.
Now the sun gives warmth
and comfort to our lives
reviving aching joints
bringing colour, new life
and crops to fruiting.
Autumn gives nature space
to lean back, relax and enjoy the fruits of its labour
mellow colours in sky and landscape
as the earth prepares to rest.
Then winter, cold and bare as nature takes stock
rests, unwinds, sleeps until the time is right.
An endless cycle
and yet a perfect model.
We need a winter in our lives
a time of rest, a time to stand still
a time to reacquaint ourselves
with the faith in which we live.
It is only then that we can draw strength
from the one in whom we are rooted
take time to grow and rise through the darkness
into the warm glow of your springtime
to blossom and flourish
bring colour and vitality into this world
your garden.
Thank you Father
for the seasons of our lives.
- Author Unknown
