The end of another season of Lent is in sight, goodness knows I’ve seen a lot of them but the ending is always the same. First a sense of relief, then the nagging feeling of guilt, or remorse to see if I did all the right things. Did some act of mortification, such as fasting from one of my favourite things, or perhaps put the few bob into my Trocaire Box or did some kind act for someone in need. Well as they say the game isn’t over yet. We still have this week to make up for any of our shortcomings and a last minute effort could make all the difference. At Masses over the weekend we were given the list of all the ceremonies that we can avail of in the run-up to the excitement of Easter. The seven churches in our Pastoral area have various ceremonies at various times details of which can be found in each church, or on this week’s Mass leaflet. Please support them well. There was never more need for prayer with the amount of disturbance that is going on around us. With world leaders playing ping pong with our future. But we still believe in the power of the God who by prayer alone has seen us through all the difficulties of the past.
Easter is always a very exciting time. With the ‘downs’ of Lent behind us we feel a new freedom to celebrate the great Feast of the Risen Christ. It’s a time when the stores of sweets or goodies which we fasted from for six long weeks can be burst open and shared and enjoyed. The contents of the piggy bank counted and a trip to the store to buy that special thing which took every minute of the six weeks of Lent to save for. In the old days there were no dances allowed during Lent and one can only imagine the build-up to Easter Sunday night when all the young adults broke out in a blaze of excitement and expectation. The girls in brightly coloured cotton frocks and the lads in three piece suits. For weeks before the young ladies would be buying yards of their favourite cloth to make the precious ensemble for the breakaway. Worried parents glad to see them go but at the same time concerned for their safety. As they left the door they would say ‘good luck now and mind yerselves’. There would be no explanation as to what they were to mind themselves from but just the same I imagine they knew. Shanks mare or the bike were the only means of transport and like meeting at crossroads while going to school, it was often the case when going to the dance. Families were big so there were lots of boys and girls going together along the road. Aside of that there was nothing as nice when coming home than to get a lift on the bar from a lad who was lucky enough to have a bike. The lift on the bar was such a safe and comforting place to be it was warm and friendly and just lovely. So protective, so respectful and as I’m writing this, by complete contrast, I’ve just heard on the radio that the first all- woman crew has returned from their trip to space. How are folks like me supposed to absorb such advancement during our time on Earth?
The talk of rain at the end of our beautiful week of sunshine brought people out in force at the weekend to get the grass cut before it came. The buzz of lawnmowers was all around but there was no need for the rush after all. It only made a sprinkle. While others hoped for more so that they didn’t have to water their young seedlings. From now on it will be a case of watch and wait but just the same the bluebells, daisies and dandelions are filling the garden with colour while the shrubs such as the Azaleas and the beautiful lilac are drawing our eyes towards the sky. The moon at night has heavenly. I looked up at it when pulling the curtains before going to bed and I always think that it’s so wasted. It’s so beautiful and we make no use of it. When I was a child if walking home from town on a moonlit night there would be several stops to look up and pick out the Plough and the Stars and many other wonders of the mighty dome. There was a sort of magic about it and now with so many Stations to be seen up there, it would more interesting still. We have many conducted walks and talks these day about things on the ground. Rivers, mountains, old buildings, why not an educational talk on things of the moonlit night skies.
Well done to all those involved in Daffodil Day collection for Cancer research. This year’s collection amounted to €7,775,00 for this worthy cause. Many thanks to all involved.
Still with fundraising please support the Lenten Trocaire Fundraiser and return all boxes at the weekend if possible.
Please take note that the Divine Mercy Novena will start following the Good Friday, 3 o’clock devotions. This highly regarded Novena is held every year at this time. Starts on Good Friday and end on the following Sunday week. Leaflets are widely available in the church and the daily prayer for the nine days can be said at home or with the group in the church every day ay 3 pm. Closing day is Sunday April 27, with confessions at 2.30. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 3 is always very special. Please support this renowned worldwide Novena.
The members of Our Tidy Towns Association wish to thank The Millstreet GAA Club and say they were overwhelmed by the response they got on their clean-up day last Saturday. Blessed with lovely weather up to fifty volunteers of varying ages turned up and they made short work of the task that was before them. Following the great work they returned to the Hall where the GAA had arranged teas and snacks and ice cream for all. On behalf of us all we want to say many thanks to all involved in this great venture.
Further to that the Millstreet GAA Club have kindly volunteered to support this year’s Council Anti-litter Challenge. Which runs from Monday, April 28, to Wednesday, June 25. Meeting at the GAA Hall, West End at 10 am on Saturday, April 26th Where again gloves, pickers etc will be handed out. Please continue to support it well.
The Tidy Towns members and CES employees will be active daily also in pursuit of doing well in the Anti-litter Campaign as well as in the Annual Super Valu Tidy Towns Competition and would welcome some new volunteers to help with any one area of weeding /planting litter control or painting jobs, which we will be undertaking over the coming months.
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw. Numbers drawn were 7,9,17,27 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Tom Carroll & Mary, c/o Colemans. Colemans were the sellers and they got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Denis Cronin, c/o Mary O’Connor. €20 each went to Aoife & Tizzy, c/o Maura Cronin. Robert Guerin, Ballydaly, c/o Robert. Teresa & Jack Conlon c/o The Clara Inn. C.O’Shea, Lackadota, c/o K. Hickey, Anita & Sean c/o Corkery’s, Pamela Brophy, Rathcoole, c/o The Camogie Club. Michael Hickey, c/o Ita, Jordan Kiely & Shane Browne. c/o Cronins Centra. Jackpot for next week €10.200 the Draw April 21st
The AGM of the Men’s Shed will be held tomorrow Wednesday April 16 at 8 pm Location, the Old Fire Station ,Macroom Rd. All welcome.
Our local branch of the Red Cross are looking for volunteers to join Therapeutic Hand Care Team etc. in the Millstreet area. Please contact Margaret Crean. 087 221 2864.
Cumman na Sagart are organising a trip to Innisfallen Island on May 15.
Booking essential contact 066 9156131
Egg Race at Aubane on Easter Saturday April 19, between 10 am and 1.30pm.
And a reminder of the main ceremonies in our church this week. Holy Thursday 8 pm. Good Friday 3 pm and Easter Saturday Vigil Mass 9 pm.
Thought for Holy Week from Pope Francis, Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus –friendship with him is shown in times of difficulty.
In closing I want to wish you all a very enjoyable, safe and Happy Easter.
Slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
