Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart news
We as Church are sleep walking into non-existence in this part of the world. We are giving a free run to the secularists who are deeply committed to getting rid of the role of Faith in public affairs. Secularism that is godless means that there is only one option for people to consider, the meaning a value the state will give. Martin Luther King (1929-1968) argued that ‘ the Church must be reminded that it is not the master nor the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.’ We are the Church, all who have been Baptised, not just the clergy. In fact the clergy make up only a tiny fraction of the Church. We need to awaken to the current trends in social planning. Social change is managed, sometimes openly but mostly in small steps.
On our Lenten journey it is good for us all to be joyful and courageous in speaking of God, who is Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Give time to prayer, to reflecting on who you are as a person. There is Trinity at the heart of each person, made in the image and likeness of God. Our penitential exercises are not an end in themselves. They are meant to bring us more into tune with Jesus Christ who is the same today as He was and will be.
Our Churches are open each day and it is so good to see people make their own personal visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Recognising the Sanctuary Light can help bring your attention to the Tabernacle. With Covid still a problem the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is still difficult. Note that from Easter Sunday the duty of Sunday Mass will return. That will mean we can switch off the electronic means we have been using and many have been availing of. Thanks to all who made their way to keep the parish liturgy alive in these last years. We are using all the pews but are still using face masks for the time being. Masks are so much part of our lives that now we may feel insecure were we to get rid of them now. The incidence of Covid is still great.
Our parish appeal for the Red Cross is still open and thanks to all who have contributed. There will be need for accommodation for refugees. We will rise to the challenge for as Jesus says ‘I was a stranger and you made me welcome.
Keep also in touch with your family Trocaire fast box. There are people counting on us here too.