Fifth Sunday of Easter
Parish Phone Nos. (021) 4871180.
Emergency No: 087 0956190
Monsignor Kevin O’Callaghan: (021) 7336053
Parish Centre/Sacristy: (021) 4289768
Ring for bookings: Baptisms & Marriages etc
WEEKEND MASSES
Ovens:
Vigil: 7.30pm.
Sunday: 9.30am & 11.30am.
Masses on the Webcam from Ovens Church. churchservices.tv/ovens
WEEKDAY MASSES THIS WEEK
Ovens: Monday 7.30pm.
9.30am: Tuesday to Friday.
(All weekday Masses Via Webcam)
MAY, THE MONTH OF MARY
The month of May is the month especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady and it is the occasion for a moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven.
May, the month of the primroses, the May altar and the May procession. Mary was always the centre of this month.
Mary is usually seen as the docile person, saying “yes” meekly. Firstly to the Angel Gabriel, then Joseph, following him to wherever he needed to go. Mary later keeping all things close to her heart. Mary who worried about her son when she discovered he wasn’t with his friends, as she thought, on the journey home from Jerusalem. Mary was not recognised as a strong silent woman, she was the docile one. She was doing her job as all other mothers were doing theirs. She was looking after her family.
The month of Mary & the Popes
The practice of honouring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes. Pius X11 made frequent reference to it and in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy (Mediator Dei) characterised it as one of other exercises of piety, although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special importance.
Paul V1 wrote a short encyclical in 1965 using the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. He urged the faithful to make use of this practice by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is honoured and the Christian people are enriched with spiritual gifts.
The Rosary is one of the most excellent prayers to the Mother of God. The Popes have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to the frequent recitation of this biblically inspired prayer which is centered on the events of Christ’s life and their close association with the Virgin Mother.
Family Devotions
One particular practice characteristic of May devotions is the May Altar, whether in a church or as a “house altar” in the home. Devotions, such as the Rosary may take place within the family around this altar consisting of a table with a statue or picture of Our Lady, candles and decorated with many May flowers.
Prayer to Our Lady
Beloved Mother, help us realise that we are all members of one great family and to recognise the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.
To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves.
O Clement, O loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen.
CHURCH FEASTS IN MAY, CELEBRATING GOD’S LOVE
The Month of May celebrates the great Feasts of the Ascension, Pentecost and The Holy Trinity. Here we can celebrate our new life in the Risen Christ. We are called as God’s people. We are guided by the Holy Spirit who will teach us everything, to usher in a new era for our world and our Church.
Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to, walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God. Walk in peace under the protective presence of God’s love, walk in faith, hope and love, knowing that Christ walks with you.
Liturgical Calendar
GROTTOS FOR MAY – PRIVATE PRAYER
Due to the present restrictions, the Rosary will not be recited publicly at our Grottos at the moment.
Please visit Ovens, Farran, Walshestown or Roovesbeg Grottos for private Prayer, at your convenience, during the month of May.
EXAM PRAYER FOR STUDENTS DOING EXAMS AT PRESENT & THOSE PREPARING FOR EXAMS.
Dear Lord, as I take these exams, I thank you that my life is enfolded in the embrace of your great love for me.
Help me with all the testing challenges of life that will come my way.
Holy Spirit, guide me with the gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Right Judgement.
Holy Mary, pray for us and all our young people.
May they know the touch of your loving caress.
Amen.
WEBCAM IN FARRAN CHURCH
We are in the process of providing live streaming from Farran Church. The fibre connection is installed and we are awaiting the arrival of the contractor to install the Webcam camera.
THANK YOU FOR PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS
Sincere thanks to the Ovens/Farran parishioners for the support they have given for the upkeep of the parish services during a most difficult time.
Thanks to all who dropped in envelopes, even though no Masses with a congregation were taking place. Also, for the contributions received using the on-line and direct debit system. We are also grateful for contributions from the shrines, and, of course, the tax-back system.
The Tax-Back System is still open to new members for 2020 and 2021, who are tax payers and have contributed an average of at least €5 per week (€250 for a year). Your dealings with Revenue are strictly confidential.
Contact: Fr. Liam for details.
So far this year the parish has received a Tax-back refund of €4,078.
Sincere thanks to all who contribute in whatever way you do.
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
No Office Hours until further notice.
If you need to make contact for any reason ring 021 4289768 and we will return your call as soon as possible.