Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart news

As parish life returns we will try to come to a new normal. You will notice that we will have an extra Sunday Mass at 4pm on Saturday, 12th Feb for families of First Penance and Eucharist class. We are so grateful to Ms Prendergast and Mr Fitzgerald, their class teachers.

On behalf of the parents we are blessed with a little working group of parents who will draw new people into active ministry. It may be the first time that some parents are being formally invited to take front line place at the Mass. It takes that added bit of courage to put ones head above the front line.

We are only really beginning where lay people feel equal responsibility for the future of the Church in our parish. Pope Francis is very keen that we engage actively in the synodal process of listening and being guided by the Holy Spirit in how we shape parish life. We know that the Church is dying but equally believe and are committed to bringing the Church of the future to birth. This does not mean a change in matters of Faith but certainly a change in how parish will be structured. Many of the responsibly carried by the ordained priesthood can just as easily be carried out by lay people. From the Acts of the Apostles we learn how the apostles had to make changes along with the people so that they could stay faithful to their work of prayer and teaching the Good News. Others, known as deacons would look after administration and material goods.

Pray for your parish that we may be open to the future. Here I want to thank the outgoing pastoral council who have served the parish over the last four years. Those who have served for seven years are due to step down but the others will serve for the next three years. We need continuity in the council. This system has worked well. There will be application forms made available for those over the age of 18 and committed. There will be a moment of discernment when all applications are in. Volunteering for the council may not mean you secure a position but your love of the parish will be more than just appreciated.

As regards Covid we will be mindful of medical advice and incidences of the virus. As church we have done well and now we will not let the side down. Yet it is good to see people return to Sunday Mass and personal prayer visits to the Church. The Lord is always patiently waiting for you.

Creating our weekday congregation is something that you can also respond to at 10am each day except Tues when Mass is celebrated in St Carthages Rest Home.

We will mark World Day for the Sick on Fri, 11th Feb feast of our Lady of Lourdes with Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at the 10am morning Mass.