19th March 2017 Parish of & Sonna Third Sunday in Lent Our Parish Theme this year: ‘Finding more effective and creative ways of communicating the Gospel’s message to a modern world’ Saturday 18th March: Mass in Ballynacargy at 6.30pm – Special Intention. Sunday 19th March: Mass in Sonna at 10.00am, Catherine Farrell and Deceased of the Farrell and Flood Families. Sunday 19th March: Mass in Ballynacargy at 11.30am, Frank and Kathleen McKeon, James Scott. Monday 20th : Mass at 8.15am. Tuesday 21st March: Mass at 6.30pm – Special Intention. Wednesday 22nd March: Mass at 8.15am. Thursday 23rd March: Mass at 6.30pm. Friday 24th March: Mass at 8.15am. Saturday 25th March: Mass in Ballynacargy at 6.30pm, Paddy Jordan and the Deceased of the Jordan Family. Joe Maher and his Son Joey. Sunday 26th march: Mass in Sonna at 10.00am, Ian Forde. Sunday 26th March: Mass in Ballynacargy at 11.30am, Margaret and James Peyton. James and Jane Heduvan. Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament: Will take place in Sonna Church on Tuesday 7.30pm – 9.00pm. No Adoration this week in Ballynacargy Church as contract carpet cleaners will be working all day after Mass. Mass with a Focus on Healing: Saturday 18th February at 6.30pm Ballynacargy Vigil Mass. Blessing with Oil. Music ministry local group (Kerrie Penrose, Jacqui O’Meara & Niamh Penrose).

Stay near me, Lord, until the day fades. And in the dark, give me your hand to clasp. And when the night is passed and the daylight comes, give me your grace, light up another day. To troubled hearts, give shelter in the storm. To all in pain, bring comfort and relief. To all who hunger, be the Bread of Life sustain our hope until we meet again. May all your people sharing the one bread be one in heart, grow daily in your love. May all who come to be refreshed in hope go forth in peace to love and serve you. Lord. Amen.

Trócaire 2017 Lenten Campaign (Case Study – Honduras): Honduras is a country in Central America with a population of over 8 million people. For the most marginalised and rural populations in Honduras, it has become increasingly difficult to farm what land they have due to the extreme erratic weather conditions caused by climate change. Pope Francis has called all of us to act on climate change in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Pope Francis challenges us by saying: As Christians, we are called ‘to accept the world as a sacrament of communion, as a way of sharing with God and our neighbour’s on a global scale’. Laudato Si’, 9 Trócaire is responding to Pope Francis’ call by working with the communities, in Honduras and other parts of the world, that are most at risk of the devastating effects of extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, and drought, to help save lives by preparing for and mitigating the effects of the next emergency. When disaster strike, Trócaire’s humanitarian response is triggered to provide emergency shelter, food, water, sanitation and medical care. Psychological care is also provided for men, women and children in the aftermath. Trócaire remains in the country to help communities get back on their feet with programs that support human rights, livelihoods, access to resources and gender equality. Please support Trócaire this Lenten season and take a Trócaire box from the Church door. Thank you. Ballynacargy/Sonna Parochial Funds – 2017 Easter Raffle 1st Prize: €400.00 - 2nd Prize: €100.00 - 3rd Prize: Large Easter Hamper (plus numerous other Prizes) Draw takes place in the Parochial Hall, Ballynacargy on Saturday 15th April 2017 Two books of tickets (5 per book @ €2.00 each) will be distributed to each home in the coming two weeks. Each home is free to buy the tickets for themselves or sell them to people outside the parish. Please return all stubs to Fr. John Nally or Tom Shanley by Friday 14th April (Garda Permit granted) Tickets will be distributed in the coming week Thank you for your support.

rd Young at Heart: our next dinner will be on Thursday 23 March at 11.15am (our usual day will be taken up by the Confirmation) looking forward to seeing you all and maybe some new faces too. New Inspirational Bible Course: Entitled ‘The Big Picture’ continues. New members Welcome! It follows the course of the bible from the beginning through to the time of the Apostles. Continues Wednesday 22nd March in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm. Five Friday’s in Lent: Learning the Wisdom of the Cross: March 24th, 31st and 7th April in Friary, at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome, bring a friend. New Parish Envelope Boxes: Are now available for collection after all Masses. If you don’t have a box, are new to the area or attending Mass here and would like a box please let me know after Mass. Many, many thanks to all who contribute to the running of the parish. It is greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone would like to set up a Standing Order with the parish a/c please do so with the following details: PTTA: 21st National Ball 8th April 2017. Mass in St. Mary’s Church, at 6.30pm meal and dancing in Sheraton Athlone hotel. All pioneers welcome. Tickets €30.00. To order tickets ring 044-93-73175 Good Friday Card Drive: In aid of The Irish Cancer Society and Irish kidney association takes place in the Parochial Hall Friday 14th April. Country Market: Reopens on 24th March with coffee morning in aid of the hospice. Parish website: www.ballynacargy-and-sonna-parish.com