Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart
You are most welcome to come back to Mass to celebrate the Faith St Patrick brought to our forebears. Our Mass will be the vigil Mass on 16th March with 9.30am on the 17th and 11am in St Carthage’s, Church.
Be mindful of the many shapes our Faith community have evolved into over the years. It is helpful to know that our forebears were deeply spiritual before the time of St. Patrick. The people had a sense of the sacred in their sacred water springs, rivers, lakes, hills and mountains. The hill of Tara is among the many well known sacred sites.
Into this sacred history, a people open to the living message of Jesus Christ would be formed. We are the inheritors of this Faith experience. We are ever grateful for the many heroic sacrifices made by men and women both in Ireland and who went out from Ireland. The Faith was an outward looking courageous faith that had a credibility for others. We must never forget that there were those who consistently opposed the Christian Faith and they are still with us today. As Faith people we are enriched by listening to them for they are not outsiders to God’s offer of salvation even if they travel a different path.
The War in Ukraine is beyond understanding. The disaster is so great as many people feel paralysed by the enormity of suffering and death . However we need to check the narrative that may have led to where we are now. I always heard that the real face of Evil is when good people feel powerless. Praise is due to all who are responding with such heroic generosity. Thanks to all who contributed to our Parish collection as our practical first response. Keep tuned into what is happening. Giving shelter to people fleeing the war is something we need to give practical thought to.
The WW2 emergency tillage law we thought was consigned to history. With over specialization the ability of livestock owners to grow some of their own corn will be a new venture. Sharing machinery was done in the past. Many farmers grouped together to purchase ploughs, harrows, corn drills, reapers and binders for they could not afford to capital outlay individually. Every crisis calls for cooperation and team work and a will to make it work.
Our pastoral council election voting cards are available and many young parents were presented with a copy at the Confirmation para liturgy and at the First Communion preparation Mass. The Church is not a building but the people who gather for Mass and who engage in Gospel living. We know the Holy Spirit is with the Church today as in the past and openness to the Spirit is what really matters. If you read the Acts of the Apostles there you will see how the Spirit was the real leader of the Church. We had a most inspiring celebration of First Reconciliation which was experienced by both children and parents. What a wonderful witness parents gave to their children in availing of the opportunity to personally experience the forgiveness of the Lord.
A gentle reminder to secure your Trocaire Family Fast Box for so many people depend on each parish doing our Lenten generous journey. May our love conquer hate.