Ballinabrackey & Castlejordan Parish Bulletin Fourth Sunday of Lent 14th March 2021. Phone 046 9739015 or Kinnegad 044 9375117 or Killucan 044 9374127. www.ballinabrackeyandcastlejordan.com Email: [email protected] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ballinabrackey.castlejordanparish.3 Pope’s Intentions March: Seeks to highlight the joy that the Sacrament of Reconciliation brings, and reminds us that it's a loving and merciful encounter between us and God Masses: Ballinabrackey. Sat 13th March: 7.00pm: Shay & Monica Fox & decd family members: Laurence & Sean Finn. Sun 14th March: 11.30am: Weekdays, Wed 11.30am: St Patricks Day, via parish Facebook. Day of prayer for emigrants. Friday is the Feast of Saint Joseph when we conclude our Novena to Sleeping Saint Joseph. Mass 7.30pm. Sat 20th March: 7.00pm: Adoration 2.30-3.30pm Sun 21st March: 11.30am: Ann Kavanagh M.M.: Bernie and Mary Carroll, & Noel Carroll. Castlejordan. Sun 14th March. : 10.00am. All Masses behind closed doors Weekdays: Thurs 10.00am: Sun 21st March: 10.00am. Bishops’ statement on the Covid-19 restrictions in Republic of Ireland We make an urgent appeal that the following matters be addressed: That the easing of restrictions from Level 5 should include the restoration of public worship, albeit in a safe and limited way. For people of faith not to be free to worship until regulations return to Level 2, whilst many other restrictions are eased, is seen as particularly distressing and unjust. That the number of mourners permitted at funeral services be increased, with immediate effect, noting that in Northern Ireland this number has not been reduced below 25. The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss. We strongly believe that allowing these measures would contribute greatly to giving a sense of hope and consolation to many in our Church - in line with the central message of Easter. These measures would be a substantial support to the wellbeing of individuals and parish communities, and ultimately serve the Common Good of all. We wish to remain responsive to public health messaging. For this reason we are recommending the postponement of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being. We continue to keep in prayer all who are suffering in this time of Covid, and all who contribute so much to their care.

The Diocese of Meath website (www.dioceseofmeath.ie) has an online donation facility, which will allow individuals to donate either directly to the Parish of their choice or to one of the central Diocesan funds. Many thanks to all who returned Building fund and February Offerings recently. Much appreciated. Holy Trinity Church Castlejordan Church in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. Rosary. Benediction & Divine Mercy. Devotions (Next date 3rd April, Holy Saturday) 2.30 to 3.30pm. Trocaire Box are available at the back of the church. They can be returned to the Church on Holy Thursday. Spiritual Communion: My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. RIP . Fr Michael V. Daly, PE Stamullen & Navan in his 93rd year Mother’s Day Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us whose love is so precious it can never be measured, whose patience seems to have no end. May we see your loving hand behind them and guiding them. We pray for those mothers who fear they will run out of love or time or patience. We ask you to bless them with your own special love. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lent - Springtime of the Spirit: Each year, the trees give us a lesson in renewal. First the bud, Prayer to St Patrick then the blossom and finally the shoot. Spring dresses the trees in a new robe and makes them young again. But this is possible only because in autumn, they let go of their old leaves and in between, endured a period of nakedness and vulnerability. Lent is the springtime of the Spirit. Lord, help us not to be afraid to let go of old habits and to face our spiritual poverty in order that you may renew us and so, at Easter we will feel young again in our discipleship. St. Patrick is credited with teaching the Irish about Meditation Lord Jesus, when I am sad and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. He used a three- depressed Help me think of you praying in the leafed shamrock as an illustration of "three-in-one". garden. Lord Jesus, when I am fearful help me to For this reason, shamrocks are a central symbol for think of you being taken prisoner. St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated Lord Jesus, when I am ill help me to think of you every year on March 17 in his honour. being scourged at the pillar. Lord Jesus, when I have a headache help me to think of you wearing the crown of thorns . Lord Jesus, when I am tired help me to think of you carrying the cross for love of me. Lord Jesus, when I am humiliated help me to think of you being stripped of your garments. Lord Jesus, when I am in pain help me to think of you being nailed to the cross. Lord Jesus, when I am dying Help me to think of you dying on the cross for love of me. Lord Jesus, help me to remember how you suffered for love of me and help me to love you more and more.