Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart news update

The key to renewal in a parish is the faith renewal of the group of parents who wish their children advance on their faith journey by celebrating Reconciliation and First Eucharist. As adults we are all at differing stages of our own faith journey.

Many of us may even have lost sight of the gift of faith shared with us when we were in our formative years. We need not become despondent. We can sow again the seed of prayer and faith in our lives with the help of each other. Our pre-sacramental meeting will be a space where those who come can have their say as to where their faith is or may even be stuck and what they may feel would be helpful. We are so mindful that we live in a time when faith is very much under-lived for many reasons. One reason is lives have become so busy that reflection of the meaning of life is given little thought. The only time many of us get a chance to think about our life's meaning is when we come to the funeral Mass of a family member, a relation or a dear friend. Such a moment is a grace filled moment and can profitably be what we need to re-find ourselves.

The art of passing on the living Christian experience is still possible. Our prayer life, like our relationship with another takes time and sincere communication. The 'scourge' of the mobile phone has seriously dented our human communication skills. With a little personal discipline the mobile phone has a legitimate place in our lives. It is very interesting the big deal our secular leaders are no making about the smartphones when only a few months ago these very same folk saw no potential challenge. Setting aside quality time for personal and family prayer is well within the reach of any person or family who take their spiritual life as great value. Using the Word of God for the coming Sunday is one possible prayer starter. Short lives of the saints occurring in the week may be another. Using the 'Grow in Love' programme or the text book for religion at 2nd level may also be used.

We must not be afraid to advance our knowledge.

Our November Novena for all being remembered in the List of the dead begin on Friday, 17th Nov at 7pm in Ballysaggart and continue including the 7pm Mass on 24th Nov in Lismore. We pray for the deceased, for not all may have been reconciled with their own before they died. We pray also for those who are bereaved and try to create a space for people to share their bereavement story.