Castlemaine Parish (066) 9767322
Fr. Kevin Sullivan (087) 6277638. Email: castlemaine@dioceseofkerry.ie
Please pray for: Ellen Clifford (nee Day), Ballymullen, Tralee and Castlemaine; Jim Foley, Late of Fybough who died in Wales
Mass Intentions
May 31s Dominic Devenny, Australia and Belfast
11:15 am Denis Murphy, Ballymacandy
Bridget Gill, Shanahill East
John Joe O’Connor, Ballyreameen
Parish Baptisms
There have been quite a number of requests for baptisms over the past few weeks. Congratulations to all parents on your recent arrivals!
According to the staged lifting of restrictions laid out by the government, baptisms will be able to be celebrated after July 20th. However, the numbers attending the ceremony will be restricted to only the immediate family members.
If you would like to book a date for your child’s baptism, please contact the parish secretary and a form will be posted out to you.
Parish Office
The Parish Office will remain closed for the time being but our secretary will be working behind closed doors on Thursday morning. If you would like to contact the parish during open hours (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) your query will be dealt with by the secretary.
Parish Graveyards
Please be aware that in this time of lockdown that vermin are widespread in places where they have not been seen before. Unfortunately, they have been spotted in the parish graveyards. Measures are being taken to eradicate the problem. Please make contact with the parish if you have any concerns.
The Memorare to Our Lady
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Last Will and Testament
In this weekend’s gospel we hear Our Lord’s final instructions, his Last Will and Testament. Just before leaving them, he reminds them of what he expects of them. Earlier he had sent them out to spread the Kingdom of God. Those who go in his name, do so with his authority. The authority goes with the mission, so to speak. In Matthew’s version he now adds this great promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mark says that the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it”. And Luke emphasises that they will be “clothed with power from on high”, that is, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is very definite about what he has to say. Like any gathering of people, the feelings of his disciples were varied. But he sends them out to speak and act in his name.
Their mission was both easy and hard: easy to understand but hard to carry out. It was to teach others all that he had taught them. Just as he asked them to follow his way, they were to ask that others should follow that way too.
Has a doctor ever put you on a course of antibiotics? The most basic guidance about antibiotics is to complete the course. Even if the patient starts to feel well after a few days, to discontinue taking the medicine can let their condition grow worse.
Similarly, the message of salvation must continue to be shared until the end of time. With all the changes in the church and in society, neither Jesus nor his message have changed. His Gospel remains a call to live our lives to the full.
You write a new page of the gospel each day, through all that you do and whatever you say.
Others read what you write, be it faithful or true. So what is the gospel according to you?
He is with us always. This can be a real help against loneliness. Being alone is not the same as being lonely. One can feel lonely in a crowded street; or alternatively, like an ancient philosopher observed, ‘never less alone than when alone.’ This applies especially to those who believe the promise, “l am with you always.” Talking with him doesn’t even need words. If we are open to His presence in our heart, and treasure it, we can experience fully that “Joy of the Gospel” so warmly described for us by Pope Francis.