k c i r e L im
October 2015 Issue 7
We were delighted and so proud earlier this year when we heard that our very own Bríd Madigan had been chosen as the Sco sh Rose. It was all we could do to stop Chris O’Donnell applying to be an escort! They really couldn’t have picked a nicer, more genuine person though and those who know her couldn’t have been prouder when she took to the stage in the Dome with legend that is Dáithí Ó Sé. Of course our sense of pride and joy was even sweeter as we know that Bríd and her family have had more than their share of grief and sadness over the last few years and it really was extra special to see them all having the opportunity to celebrate and to share such happy .mes. For us looking in from outside it seemed as if the Rose of Scotland was always at the centre of the fun and that doesn't’ surprise us at all, but along with the fun and energy Bríd also used her opportunity as a Rose to raise some awareness about Cliona’s Founda.on and the great work that they do raising money to support the families of cri.cally ill children. We decided that we had to ask Brid what the opportunity was like and we wanted to ask a few ques.ons that Dáithí didn’t have .me to ask in Tralee… What was the best part of being a Rose? To be quite honest it would be very difficult to pick out one 'best part'. The whole experience, surpassed anything I would have imagined! If I could do it all over again next year I would!! The Rose tour, where we got to travel around Ireland and were VIPs everywhere we went was pre6y amazing, but it was more bonding with the girls on the trip. I think it's being with such like minded people, that made it so easy to get on with the other Roses, and I have certainly made great friends for life. What was the hardest or scariest part of being a Rose? (Was it being interviewed by Dáithí Ó Sé?) It most certainly wasn't going on stage with Dáithí, he's an absolute legend and I hadn't a nerve in my body going out on stage. He puts us all at ease when we meet him, and having already been interviewed by him during the Regional finals in Portlaoise I wasn't daunted by him at all. I would say the hardest part of being a Rose is when you're down in Tralee and on such a .ght .me schedule that you don't get to meet everyone you would like to. What influence do you think the Lourdes Pilgrimage had on your life? I would say that my experience of Lourdes and being a youth helper for three years, was a life changing experience. It helped me and gave me hope, relief and joy in so many ways. I loved every minute of my Lourdes experience, and I hope to go back one day soon! The friends you make in Lourdes are a unique set of friends that have been through something rare and for the most part indescribable. It is a trip that you have to experience to believe it's effects. Why is your faith so important to you? My faith has been there for me through thick and thin. My Mother would have a very strong faith and when my Father passed away when I was 14, I had to believe that God had a bigger plan for all of us and that everything happens for a reason. I now live by that mo6o. What do you think helped you and your family to cope with the loss of Ciara? As I've men.oned previously, my family would be quite religious so definitely our faith helped us through. However when you lose someone so young, you need all the strength and support you can get. My friends were an amazing strength to me and s.ll con.nue to be so. Chris was such a support to my whole family and Ciara idolised him! At the .me of Ciara's diagnosis I was taking part in Lourdes! the Musical and everyone was a fantas.c support at that .me. Remembering that she is always with us is a huge comfort to me and my family and we always think of her and are constantly praying to her.
What would you say to other people who are going through the loss of a loved one? I would say reach out, ask for help from your friends. You cannot go through a loss of a loved one alone and you don't have to. Even if it's just to meet up for a cup of tea or go to the cinema to get away from it all. You might not want to talk about it but some.mes hearing what happened on X Factor last night might be enough to liC your spirits on that day. So talk to your friends!! What advice would you give to Síle Moynihan for her Rose campaign next year? I couldn't think of anyone more fi ng to apply for the Limerick Rose next year, as she is probably the most proud Limerick person I know. However, Síle resigned her applica.on to become a Rose next year when she realised how much fun she could have suppor.ng someone else! I would love it if someone else we know would go for it. I would recommend the experience to everyone, and males included go and apply to be an Escort! It is honestly an experience of a life.me.
Where’s your favourite place in the world (or one of them cos I know there might be more than one!) I've travelled a good bit in my 25 years and I would love to con.nue to travel, but there is no place like home. I know I was the Scotland Rose this year, and yes Scotland has a very special place in my heart but I'm a Limerick lady at heart. Ireland is such a beau.ful country and there is something to be said for being about to drive an hour/hour and a half to go for a walk on the beach, even if the weather isn't always great!
What’s your go-to Karaoke song (outside of Caledonia!)? Oh I do love Caledonia! I've been known to sing A Thousand Years at Karaoke but it's a very sad one! I do love a bit of Grease and Summer Lovin' is a classic Karaoke song :) What is your greatest achievement? (Was it playing Lizzie Murphy in Lourdes the Musical?) Well I must say having watched Lizzie Murphy and been her friend now for quite a few years, ge ng the honour of playing her in Lourdes the Musical is a tough one to top! But I would say my greatest achievement was comple.ng my postgrad in Primary teaching from the University of Edinburgh and con.nuing on to become a Primary School teacher. (It took long enough!!) Who’s your favourite Saint? (Don’t say Christopher please or there’ll be no living with him!) My favourite Saint would have to be Saint Bridget (not just because I'm named aCer her!) Last year I was teaching in a Catholic school in Scotland and they hadn't really heard of St. Bridget. They loved hearing her story and it made me love her even more. We should be very proud to have such a strong female figure associated with our country and her story is a very courageous one. What’s your favourite prayer? I actually love the 'night' prayer that we say at school at the end of the day. It reminds me so much of my own Primary school days but also has the key message of saying thank you and being grateful for what we have and who we have in our lives. Short and simple. "God our Father, I come to say, thank you for your love today. Thank you for my family...and all the friends you give to me. Guard me in the dark of night and in the morning send your light, Amen" Who inspires you? I have people every day that inspire me. My family and their strength inspire me, sports players quite oCen inspire me but I think my friends inspire me most. I have some friends who just make me so proud every day, from what they have achieved in their lives but also how they live their lives to the full, no ma6er what! A huge thanks to Bríd for taking the me to answer our ques ons.
Our August Mass Rocks saw a good crowd gather as we seized the opportunity to have a li6le Brú reunion! Chris had everyone busy as usual and as you can see from the photo above our liturgical prepara.on involved blind-folds. I’m not really sure of the theological founda.on but knowing Chris I’m sure there was some sound cateche.cal principals being communicated and most importantly everyone seemed to enjoy it! We had smaller numbers at our September gathering but we had some wonderful music at our Trad for Trocaire Mass Rocks and we have to thank Brid, Lorna, Seamus and Mairead for keeping us all entertained! Our next Mass Rocks will be on 28th November at 7pm!!!
Upcoming Events * Mass Rocks 28th November @ 7pm in St Joseph’s Parish Centre * World Youth Day Pilgrims Gathering at 6pm (before Mass Rocks on Nov 28th) * Advent Event December 5th
(TBC— Check Facebook!)
* 12 Churches of Christmas! Monday 21st December from 1pm to 6pm (Gather in Pastoral Centre!)
Muintearas Íosa Sleep-out for Homelessness On October 16th 30 young people gathered for a sleepover in the yard of the Pastoral Centre on Denmark st in solitary with all those people who are currently homeless in Limerick and Ireland. As part of the evening we invited a speaker from Focus Ireland to come and talk to us to highlight some of the problems surrounding homelessness. Some of the things highlighted by Nicki were the numbers of homeless people (It is es.mated that at any one .me in Ireland there are 5,000 men, women and children homeless) and the reasons why some people end up with no where to live. Focus Ireland works at three levels to try and end homelessness, Preven.on, Support and Housing and they have been ac.ve in Limerick since 1998. You can help the work that Focus Ireland do by ge ng involved in Fundraising or volunteering. If you want to learn more please visit their website for more ideas; www.focusireland.ie The young people who took part in the sleep-Out had been asking for sponsorship and together they raised €1000 for Focus Ireland. Bishop Brendan was very impressed by them and made a point of stopping by to support and encourage them. A huge thanks to Aoife 0’Dwyer, Paudie Hurley and Emma Nolan who were our leaders on the event and who kept everyone mo.vated and in good spirits throughout.
As you know I like to keep in touch with the celebrity world and as far as I’m concerned Pope Francis is the ultimate celebrity and I’m always on the look out for nice quotes or words of wisdom and to be fair he never disappoints. In this issue I’m going to share Pope Francis’s Ten Tips for Happiness which I came across recently in Noirin Lynch’s Pastoral Development newsletter. (Thanks Noirin!) I have adapted these slightly so if you want to read the original article please check it out online at: http://ncronline.org/blogs/francis-chronicles/ latest-interview-pope-francis-reveals-top-10-secrets-happiness Hope you enjoy them! If I had to have a number 11 tip for happiness it would be to join Muintearas Iosa because we have such happy times together!!!
“Live and let live.” Everyone should be guided by this principle, he said, which has a similar expression in Rome with the saying, “Move forward and let others do the same.”
Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” he said. Stop being negative. Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self-esteem. That means, I feel so low that instead of picking myself up I have to cut others down, the Pope said “Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy.”
“Be giving of yourself to others.” People need to be open and generous toward others, he said, because “if you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric.
“Proceed calmly” in life. Take time to reflect on the important things and don’t rush through life. Take time to enjoy it and take it in.
A healthy sense of leisure. The Pope said “consumerism has brought us anxiety”, and advises parents to set aside time to play with their children and turn of the TV when they sit down to eat. (I think he’s saying I should play more soccer!)
Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have Sundays off because “Sunday is for family,” he said. (Remember if anyone asks we’re just a normal family!!)
Don't preach; respect others' beliefs. The church grows by attraction, not preaching, the Pope said.
Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. We need to offer them real opportunities to grow and develop. Work for peace. We are living in a time of many wars, he said, and the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive and dynamic.
It’s true I have become totally addicted to Pinterest! I could easily spend hours trawling through the various boards discovering hidden gems! I’m not just talking about craft stuff either. There are some lovely ideas there that could easily be used with classes or liturgy groups and there are some great little nuggets of inspiration for those moments when you need something to put a smile on your face. Anyway I decided that given the number of hours I spend on pinterest I would share some of my findings with you. Enjoy!
If you know the difference between the two then this is hilarious!
Brú Na Graige 2016 Sponsored by John Quinn Catering!
The Brú seems like a life .me ago and yet it was only July (that’s only 4 months ago!). For many it was the high-light of the summer however and so we thought you’d like to be reminded with a few photo’s and memories. I know there are some things that I’ll always remember like the Club Phat / ‘Giser that we had in the bothán. Who knew that event management was Liam Mullane’s talent? And if the social care thing doesn’t work out for him then Ronan Tierney has a definite future in security. Of course we have to men.on DJ Dave “the rave” Hayes whose choons had us all boppin the night away. Another personal high-light was the hike we took one evening to Cruach Mhárthain. I have never laughed so much in my life. James Malone and I laughed so much that it took us about an extra half an hour to get down the mountain. To be honest I’m s.ll not really sure what was so funny… Speaking of James reminds me of Fr Dan from Pi6sburgh, Pennsylvania and the Rose of Brú. I s.ll don’t know how they managed to pick a winner from all those beau.ful and talented girls who entered. (ahem ahem!) Joan Burton was the obvious choice though!!! Other highlights obviously include Mass. They were all so good I couldn’t pick a favourite though! Morning Prayer at the viewing point is always lovely though. Movie night was very special this year… I couldn’t believe that Joe O’Donnell fell asleep though, I mean High School Musical 3 is a classic… (in Jack Neville’s mind anyway…)
Oh another favourite of mine this year… Four on a Couch, click, click! Celebrity Name Game, Back in the Bowl and the Holy Alphabet Game! It has to be said the introduc.on of the theme-tune added a whole new dimension. As you know I’m not the best at games where there’s a lot of concentra.on so Four on a Couch is a par.cular challenge for me but this year I was in the zone! At least I was for the jingle bits! The whole singing thing really did take off this year though. Remember when Darragh was going home and we sang the Goodbye song as gaeilge for him. It has to be said that our gaeilge is going ó neart go neart! We should all be giving ourselves a huge bualadh bos for that! Oh and speaking of music the sing song at sunset was fab! If we’re giving our bualadh bos’s we should remember my personal Brú hero this year - Paudie Hurley. Without him we all would've starved because in case I didn’t men.on it during the Brú THE OVEN WAS BROKEN! We also had some wonderful visitors to the Brú this year and while we couldn’t possibly pick our favourite we have to say that it was wonderful to spend .me with Timmy, Cathal, Áine and Dáithí and of course Abbie, Seán and Ronan too. It’ll only be a ma6er of .me before they are staying in the Brú house with us! Oh and obviously it was great to see the Bishop as well!! Huge thanks to all our leaders who make the Brú possible every year and a special word of thanks to Ciara Synno6. She has been at the heart of the Brú for the last number of years and we are so grateful for all she does. Thanks Ciara!
We recently caught up with Sr Concepta for a little chat about World Youth Day. She has been to every single World Youth Day and as a seasoned participant and traveller we thought she might be able to tell us what makes it such a great event and what we’ll have to look forward to in Krakow! Sr C, why is World Youth Day always part of your calendar? Well it keeps me young! I get to hang out with all the teenagers and they teach me their slang words so that I can speak their language and connect with them on a deeply spiritual level. Obviously I have the mad lols and bants too of course! What are some of the things you really enjoy about WYD? Well it’s a great place to meet Priests. I’m always on the lookout for good priests who could help me with my missionary work. I find the Franciscan lads are great but you can’t beat the old Salesians and Redemptorists. So from a networking point of view it’s fantastic and of course I get to meet up with my sisters so to speak. Actually it’s great meeting other nuns from different orders and seeing what’s fashionable in the Habit department. I hear hemlines are due to go up a quarter inch this year! Another thing I love is of course the Mass! It’s the best Mass ever because we have to stay up all night waiting for it and by the time it starts the next morning you’d be nearly delirious with excitement (or lack of sleep). You can’t beat it though, all the young people singing hymns and praying together. It’s just the most amazing experience and of course the Pope says the Mass! The Pope!!! Well how many people can say that they had Mass in a field with the Pope? I actually had the opportunity to meet him and just as I was going up to have my picture taken I fell over my own feet and so the photo didn’t turn out that well. Still I have it framed at home in the convent as a souvenir. What are some of the things you’re looking forward to about Krakow? Well I don’t know if you know this but there are about 120 Churches in Krakow!! I can’t wait to see them. Every time you enter a church you haven’t been in before you can make a special petition and I have something important that I need to pray for. Also I’ve heard that 60% of the population of Krakow is under the age of 45 and there are 200,000 students in the city so I’m sure it’ll be very welcoming of World Youth Day. Of course it is home to Pope John Paul who started the whole thing back in 1984 so I’m sure the Polish people will be delighted to celebrate him. Speaking of Polish people, that’s another reason why WYD will be a great event. The Polish people are such lovely, friendly welcoming people and I’m sure they’ll be doing their best to make this a very special event. Another thing about Polish people is that they’re very sensible. You’re actually forbidden from feeding the Pigeons in the Market Square in Krakow which I think is a very sensible idea. A pigeon attacked me once on Cruises street and nearly got away with my glasses. Well he’s flying with a limp now I can tell you! And of course Krakow is a beautiful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of beautiful buildings and works of art although why they left a giant head on the ground I don’t know. T’would look much better on a body I think. And if you’re need any other reasons for travelling then here’s the best one— Fr Chris and the Bishop are going!!! Now you could hardly need more enticing than that surely... Do you have any words of advice for those interested in travelling? Travel light, I only ever bring one change of clothes, my rosary beads and electric toothBrúsh. Make sure you’ve plenty of space on your phone for all your new friends contacts. Don’t eat the stuff in the tins unless you can read the label. Don’t talk to people who wear signs saying “Free Hugs”, they’re just weird. Keep an eye out for pigeons and have fun!!!!
If you’re interested in travelling to Krakow contact Aoife or Chris for details awalsh@ldpc.ie or come along to our next WYD gathering on November 28th at 6pm in St Joseph’s Parish Centre, O’Connell Av, Limerick.
This issue’s le er to God response is from Aoife O’Dwyer. Aoife is from Monaleen in Limerick. She is a former student of Castletroy College and the University of Limerick. She has a li le boy Seán, who is a genius like his mother and she recently married a wonderful young man named Martin. (See pictures on page 14) While studying for her first degree, Aoife did a voluntary placement with us in the Pastoral Centre and was awarded Placement Student of the Year in UL. She is currently completing a degree in Social Care LIT.
Dear God Thank you for the family I have now, and my daughter who was born in September 2009. I thank you for my boyfriend and for being here for us. I thank my mother and father for choosing me to be their child and for giving me a life that other children would love to have. I thank my 3 brothers who have accepted me and loved me the way I am, no matter what. I thank you for giving my Mam and Dad and brothers such courage... To take on such a challenge, never knowing how it was going to turn out… never knowing how people would react. I thank you for giving me so much, more than other children ever have. I thank my Mother for raising me with a sense of equality. I thank you God for finding my sister, who has had a really hard life, which I escaped thanks to You. I still don’t understand why we have the good life and she never did? I hope God is going to take good care of her and all of my family.
From a girl aged 17 (Limerick City)
Dear friend, Your gratitude and honesty have touched me deeply. I too have a family whom I love dearly; a family who have always been there for me. I know a li le bit about what it’s like to face challenges too and I know that without the love, support and acceptance of my family I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’m also grateful to God for the strength that me has given me, not just to endure but to overcome. Each challenge I face in life makes me a stronger person and gives me a clearer sense of myself and what it is that I value in life. From your le er I think we value the same things; family, faith and living a simple and honest life. I will pray for your sister. I’m sorry she’s had such a hard life. When I see people less well off than myself or people who are struggling with life I think to myself “there but for the Grace of God go I”. I don’t know why life is so hard for some people and seemingly easy for others but I do know that I have been blessed in life, with my family my friends and the opportunities I’ve had. Every day I try to thank God by living my life as best I can, by being kind and gracious to those around me and by being of service when I can. You too have been blessed, with a loving family and your beautiful daughter and I pray that God will continue to bless you and watch over you and all those you love. Yours in faith and friendship, Aoife (O’Dwyer)
Photo by Lizzie Murphy—Facebook Photos by Liz
This summer has been busy on a wedding front. We want to send our deepest congratulations to Aoife O’Dwyer & Martin Cuddihy and Sean, Sean Mags O’Connor & George Sparling, Sparling Niamh Lannigan & Diarmaid Greene, Aileen Rouine & Edward Lenihan, Shane Reidy & Evelyn Lenihan and Alison Glynn & John Newnham. Newnham We hope you had a lovely day and may your future together be filled with love, laughter and health (and Sunday Mass!). While we are on the wedding front we also want to congratulate those who are engaged to get married. We were delighted to hear that Ellen Butler & Kate Sheehan and Brinora Brett & Frank Miller got engaged. Also we would like to wish Deirdre O’Brien & Paul Finnegan all the best for their upcoming wedding.
In other news... You have already read about Brid Madigan’s incredible experience in the Rose of Tralee and we were all so proud of her. Also we want to congratulate Ciara Sweeney. Sweeney Not only did she get the highest points in the leaving certificate in her school, she also won Miss West Limerick much to the delight of her many supporters in the crowd!
Academic Success Congrats also to all our Leaving Certificate students. What a brainy bunch you are! We hope you are happy with the results that you got and that you have settled into your various courses or whatever it is that you are doing. Also congrats to all those who have graduated college. We hope that you are happy in your new careers and if you are doing further study, we hope that is going well. A special word of congratulations to Mai Burke Hayes who won an award in Mary Immaculate College for finishing top of her class (no pressure Ciara Power!) All our Lourdes volunteer will be delighted to hear that Deirdre Corry has recently graduated from Mary Immaculate College. Congrats Deirdre! On an academic front, we want to also celebrate our very own Lorraine Buckley who works with us here in the Pastoral Centre and recently finished a Masters degree that she was studying for.
Sporting Success There has been so much sporting success, it is hard to know where to start. Congrats to Peter Casey, Thomas Hayes and Brian McPartland for their run with the Limerick Minor hurling team. Also congrats to Thomas and Brian and Tadhgh Whelan for winning the county hurling final with Doon.
Peter went on to play with the Limerick U21’s with his brother Michael Casey and Ronan Lynch. Lynch They capped a great year by winning the All Ireland U21 final. Also congrats to Colin Crehan and Micheál O’Loughlin who represented Clare U21 and Micheál’s brother Paraic O’Loughlin who represented Clare at minor hurling. Unfortunately Micheal and Paraic lost the county final to Sixmilebridge (Aoife Walsh didn’t celebrate as wildly as usual, as she was disappointed for the lads) but on a plus front Micheál received an award for being this year's top scorer in the senior hurling championship in Clare. That is some achievement given the number of hurling all stars in that county. Congrats to Peter and Michael Casey, Casey Ronan Lynch and Adrian Breen for winning yet another county senior hurling title with Na Piarsaigh and best of luck with the upcoming Munster Senior Hurling Final.
We cannot forget our footballers and congrats to Cormac O’Shea, Niall Histon, Danny Coleman and Shane Madigan for winning a county football title with Cappagh and also to Craig McNamara, Jerrry and Jack Flavin for winning a county football title with Fedamore. Also congratulations to Ciara O’Connor and Jessie Nash for representing Limerick at soccer. Also well done to Shelly Goggin who won practically every prize possible with Shannon Soccer Club as she was voted the ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ and the club Player of the Year On a rugby front, congrats to Dave Hayes and Ciara Synnott who won a tag rugby tournament. Also best of luck to Dave as he represents Ireland at the Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia. Our very own Irish International, we are so proud!!!
We’re also very proud of Olly Deegan who recently ran the New York City Marathon along with his dad Declan Deegan and our good friend Carol Ahern in aid of the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. Of course running a marathon was probably easy after the trauma of taking Lorna O’Byrne to her debs!! Just kidding Lorna, he was lucky to have the honour!!!
Happy Birthday David Brosnan, Niall Histon and Kathlynn Garry celebrated their 21st birthdays since the last edition of YOLO! We hope you enjoyed the celebrations. I am sure many of you celebrated your 18th or 21st birthdays but we don’t know who you are as we weren’t invited! Only messing! Please let us know if there is a birthday we should flag in our next edition of Yolo. . Also thanks to those who sent us in Debs photos, photos it never ceases to amaze me how well ye Brúsh up!!!
Arts A massive congratulations to our former placement student and our all round youth ministry legend Paul McNamara. McNamara On August 13th, Paul was named the winner of Limerick's Got Talent 2015 in the Lime Tree Theatre. He won for his original spoken word poetry of all things. He also won the best variety prize on the night. Congrats Paul, we always knew you had talent. Good luck with the ongoing study. Continuing on a poetry front, Iobhar Stokes was part of the first Irish poetry team to compete on the world stage at Brave New Voices in Atlanta. So not only is he an incredible artist, he also is an incredible poet! Congrats Iobhar. Congratulations to Sadhbh McCoy for the part she played in the College Players Theatre Company fantastic production of ‘Noises Off’ in The Lime Tree Theatre!
Updates from Overseas We hope Ciara Noonan (Scotland) Elaine Houlihan (Holland) and Mai Burke Hayes (Manchester) have settled into their courses and are not missing home too much. Also just to wish Padraig Synnott all the very best as he begins his year in New Zealand – Aoife is eager you become doctor to the All Blacks so that she increases her chances of meeting Dan Carter or Sonny Bill Williams. We hear that Timmy O’Sullivan Glynn has built a bridge in England, congrats Timmy, all that straws and pins experience finally paid off!
Other Successes Congrats to Barry Fitzgibbon, Fitzgibbon Kate MacSweeney and Barry Carey on passing their driving tests. Be careful if you are walking the roads in the Crecora, Adare and Patrickswell areas! Congrats also to Brian Curtin (Soon to be Fr Brian Curtin!). Brian spent the summer in America and he combined all his youth ministry experience with his genuine goodness and compassion to organise a vigil for the students who had died so tragically in Berkeley. His efforts were celebrate on Joe.ie as you will see from the link below. Congrats Brian, the Bishop has endorsed your application for the priesthood! http:// www.joe.ie/news/pics-irish-j1-students-gather-in-ocean-city-to-hold-vigil-for-the-people-who-died-inberkeley/500023 Congrats also to Darragh Kirwan, Kirwan another of our placement students. Darragh won a laptop from Spin South West for singing a rendition of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream and playing a ukulele while walking up Cruises Street. Apparently Darragh has received many offers from recording artists since they saw his video and Katy Perry is constantly trying to meet him but Darragh insists that he is spoken for. Follow the link below and you will understand why Darragh has been inundated with offers from the music industry. https://twitter.com/spinsouthwest/status/639147744175738880
If you have a few minutes you should check out these clips: The first is a great song and video by Colton Dixon called Through All Of It. Well worth a look - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=G0Dzh3RZn0E&list=PLWvahZRxLnLMSWeULnub0CCeQzvxGM8hB&index=15 The second one comes with a health warning but if you’re someone who is constantly on your mobile phone it’s definitely worth a look - it might save your life! - http://www.buzzteam.co/jonas-disappears/ The final recommendation is for those among us who think that money can’t buy happiness… Check out this TED talk which turns this well known phrase on it’s head - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsihkFWDt3Y
Sincere Sympathies We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the following people. Firstly to Michael, Ciara and Maeve O’Connor on the death of their granny. Similarly we want to extend our sympathy to Shane Ambrose on the death of his granny. Finally to send our sympathy to Alice Parkes and Aoibhe Murtagh and their families on the death of their uncle Peader. Thinking of you all and we hope you are all doing ok. Inevitably we mightn’t have heard of bereavements others of you may have suffered and if so we are sorry for any of the losses you have experienced.
Opening Hymn: Possibly ‘Connected’ (like branches) or ‘I will be the Vine’ Introduction: We gather in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Preparation: If you can’t do this liturgy outside be sure to create a sacred space of leaves and twigs and a small tree. Ask people to bring in a leaf that they can write on with silver pens…you could use this in a few ways. Possibly they could write the name of a person they love on the leaf. Equally on other leaves they could write prayers for themselves and the areas they need to grow and the leaves that they need to let go of.
Words of Welcome: Nature teaches us many lessons about life and today we are gathered in a special way to see what lessons we can learn from trees. Trees are everywhere, providing shelter, adding beauty and colour to the landscape and providing homes for so many organisms. Normally we may not give them a second thought but today we are going to reflect on the lessons that we can learn from trees. I am going to invite a different person to read each prayer and lesson for us and add a leaf to the centrepiece for us.
Trees grow in silence, gradually, gracefully, gently Lord help me to welcome silence and know that in the midst of my noisy or difficult life my greatest healing and growth can arrive in moments of silence. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for those who need healing, those we know and love who are sick. Trees may live on the surface, but it is their hidden life that nourishes them and helps them stand. Lord help me be rooted in you and in all that is good. Shallow rooted trees try to intertwine their roots with others for strength and security. Other trees, like gum trees in Australia have no choice but to put down deep roots for water. Lord when my resources of strength, security and support are low, help me to cling to the strength, security and support of others. Help me also to put down deep roots so that I don't just live on the surface but am a person of depth. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for things we want to be rooted in. Trees reach high, they encourage us to look higher, to go higher. Lord may I reach for the stars, have high hopes and ideals. Help me to always have the courage to become the person that you want me to be, fulfilling my potential and striving always to grow higher. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for the particular ways we want to grow. The fruit is usually found out on the limbs. The life is found sometimes out on the edge Lord sometimes I need to take risks, sometimes I need to go out on a limb. This can make me feel nervous, this can make me feel vulnerable, this can make me feel stressed and yet it is going out on a limb that I might achieve the healing, the potential, the dreams that I crave. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for the courage to do the things we may need to do, but that we are nervous about. Trees that are two rigid will snap in strong winds. Trees learn that to survive they need to adapt, to bend and sway. They adapt adapt to seasons, they adapt to climates. To be flexible, is to be alive. Lord, help me to be flexible, give me the courage to know when to stand up for what is right and give me the wisdom to know when to go gently with whatever comes my way. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for the courage to stand up for what I need to stand up for but also to know when to go gently. Trees let go of what they don't need - a tree sheds its bark and deciduous trees shed their leaves when necessary. Lord help me to realise that at times there are things I need to let go of, my unhealthy attachments, my hurts, the grudges I carry, my plans for the future. Give me the grace to let go and be open to what you will for me. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for the grace to let go of the things that hold us back. Mighty oaks from acorns grow - from the smallest seed can grow the mightiest trees. Lord, help me never to underestimate the difference I can make in the world, and the difference I can make in the lives around me and more importantly the difference I can make in my own life. When I feel weak or small or overawed by the challenges in life, remind me that mighty oaks from acorns grow. In this moment of silence we add a leaf to our centrepiece and pray for grace to trust that the little we do or the little we have to offer can make a big difference, to us and to others.
Story: Tale of the Three Trees Prayer: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, O Angel of God. We might take a leaf home to remind ourselves of the lessons we learn from trees and the prayers, people and things that we prayed about today. Closing Blessing. We Bless ourselves in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.