4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Each of us has our own personal image of Jesus; shepherd, servant, healer, teacher and many more. But our version of Jesus is never complete, nor does it ever fully describe who Jesus is; he is all that we experience and can imagine and so much more. The danger is that we cling to our own single image of Jesus while remaining closed to who Jesus wants to be and can be for us. In last Sunday’s gospel we read that the people accepted Jesus in the synagogue and that all eyes were fixed on him. In today's gospel, the same crowd turn against him and are enraged at his words. For some, modern culture is based on the famous, the fashionable and the popular. This is not how it is with Jesus. Jesus has one message; the Good News about God’s Kingdom. This message is always good News, but it is not always easy to hear nor comfortable to live with. Jesus' teaching and message is always deeper and richer than our understanding; it calls us to go beyond where we are. It is a message that feeds and nourishes us while at the same time challenging us and calling us to grow. The people where happy and content with Jesus when he spoke a message that they liked and could accept. However, when that word challenged them and their firmly held beliefs, they literally ran him out of town and tried to throw him from the cliff top! While our reaction may not be as drastic, we are still capable of rejecting Jesus and his message when it does not suit us. Perhaps this week, I can ask myself the following questions; how does Jesus' message call me to grow in my relationship with God and towards others?

Haiti Appeal

We would like to thank the people of Bluebell,
Our parish has raised €2,345

Our Lady of the Wayside & St Cillians are now taking enrolements for
September 2010
St Cillian: 4500440
Our Lady of the Wayside: 4501030

SVP

We would like to thank you for your co-operation with the indoor bench collection for the SVP.  This year once again the generosity of the people of Bluebell has proved extraordinary.  Calls for assistance to the Society has increased by 32% this year and this makes the support which we receive so important.

Thank You

Annual Oblate Lourdes Novena

Church of Mary Immaculate and Grotto

Tuesday 2nd February—Thursday 11th February

Mass each day at 10am. Rosary, Novena prayers and benediction each evening at 8pm. Anointing of the sick on Saturday 6th February at 12noon. Torchlight Procession on Thursday 11th February at 8pm.

St. Luke’s Gospel with Jane Mellett

Come and discover the treasures of Luke’s Gospel through reading, prayer and quiet. Tuesday 16th and 23rd February from 7:30pm - 9pm in the Annexe, Oblate House of Retreat, Tyrconnell Road.

Inchicore Community Drugs Team
Family Support Group “Tea Rooms”
This group meets every Tuesday evening 7pm to 9pm.  It is a caring and supportive opportunity for those living with the effects of drug problems and addiction. Contact Kavanagh House: 4736502

Security Notice
There are bogus people in the area who are pretending to be officials from the Dublin City Council. Be careful and do not let them into your home. Contact Kilmainham Garda Station on 6771211 with any suspicions, no mater how trivial it might seem.

A New Year Blessing
On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.

And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blacken beneath you,
May there cross across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

John O Donoghue

Bluebells for Bluebell

Plans are underway to plant a small woodland area between the Luas stop and the shops.  Dublin City council will provide the trees and we hope to buy the plants to go under the trees.  We have applied for a grant of €500 from An Taisce.  An Taisce can provide training in planting a native woodland area.  If you are interested in helping to maintain this small area please contact Willie Morrogh (DCC) at 0868150320 or John Burns at 086851233.  For further details see poster in the church or shops. 

H1Ni swine Flu advice.

It is preferable to receive Holy Communion in the hand than on the tongue.  The practice of receiving Holy Communion from the Chalice is temporarily suspended until further notice.  For those with gluten intolerance (Celiac) please let priests know before mass to assist your arrangements.  The sign of peace presents a low risk of infection, however a bow, nod or wave to those gathered about can replace shaking hands, especially by anyone with an underlying condition.

We are currently trying to recruit more foster carers for children who can no longer live at home and are in the care of the Health Service Executive. 
If you would like more information you can contact me at 01-6206350.
Sandra Dempsey
Social Worker
Thank you for your support.

Sewing Classes

Beginners and advanced hand sewing or machines.  Curtains, Dress Making, Alterations.
Each Wednesday from 10 – 12 Oblate Basketball Hall.  €2 per class, great friendly atmosphere.

All Welcome

The National Learning Network runs FAS backed courses on the Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot.

Employer Based Training – help and support people in job seeking skills through work experience placements

• IT – ECDL
• Freshstart – Exploration course, looking at needs and support in goal setting
• Vocational Skills – Young persons course in gaining skills in English, Maths, Personal and Community.

If interested in any of the above please contact Mags Barrett on 087-6691967 or Manager Pamela Clinton on 6269979

Household Hazardous Waste, we don’t have any do we?

Household Hazardous Waste is the technical term used to describe toxic stuff we all have in our homes, such as oil or solvent based paints, while or methylated spirits, cleaners, wood stains and varnish, car batteries, other type of batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, motor oil and pesticides, and so on and so on.  The improper disposal of such chemicals damages the environment and potentially our health.

Today

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free

Today I can grumble about my health, or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work, or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can murmur because I have to go to school, or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new bits of knowledge.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns, or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.  And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is, with God’s help, up to me.

WANTED
For
Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, Philippines, Ethiopia, Romania,
Sir Lanka, Fiji, Uganda and many other countries
Rosary Beads, Religious Videos, Audio Tapes, Medals, Small Statutes, Scapulars, Used Postage Stamps.
Send direct to: Tom Wall Ballinookera, Whitegate, Midleton, Co Cork.
Telephone 021 4661552
Donations towards cost of postage very welcome

Did you know?

House plants are natures air pacifiers.  Spider plants are particular good at absorbing toxins.

Birds, Insects Hoovers...
Birds are the most efficient way of cleaning up unwelcomed insects; they will consume thousands of insects.  Attract birds into your garden with bird tables and feeders.  Plant trees and shrubs that will provide nesting places, and berries for them in the autumn.  Allow a little untidiness, like a few logs that are hidden away and allowed to naturally decompose.  If you don't clean everything away, beneficial insects will live in your garden on the decomposing plant material, and will attract insect feeding birds, which will then also eat the insects you don't want.  And you won’t have to worry about how to keep your children and pets safe from pesticides.

What we dream alone remains just a dream… what we dream with others can become a reality.

Mass times: Saturday 10.00am Vigil 6.30pm, Sunday 8.30am, 11.00am.
Weekdays: 9.30 am.  Bank Holidays 10.00 am. Holy Days: Vigil: 6.30pm 10.00 am

Hesed House

Psychotherapy & Consultation Service. 74 Tyrconnell Road, Phone 014549474.  Clinicaldirector@hesedhouse.ie

Would you like to become an altar server?

Children who have made their First Communion are eligible Contact. Sr. Anne at 4501040

New members welcome to our choir. Contact. Sr Anne 4501040

M.A.B.S
Money advice and budgeting service
www.mabs.ie

Environmental Tips

Unplug your iron just before you finish ironing.  Irons stay hot after they have been turned off, so it will still be hot enough to iron the last item well, a small thing, but collectively we can make a difference.

Clingfilm cannot yet be recycled, so why not use a plate or saucer to cover a bowl of food in the fridge instead of clingfilm.

Attention! www.harte2heart.net provides a specialised service in coaching people to improve their public speaking skills at weddings and other challenging occasions. Stand and deliver with confidence for €55 per hour remove the stress by preparation, so that your friends will say .. “Well done, a Great  Speech!” For success, contact: 087 4176129.

Knitting & Crochet Group

Free Knitting and Crochet Group meets every Tuesday 11-12.15pm in the kitchen at the back of the church.  All are welcome particularly those who are beginners or who have just done a little.

Sick and housebound:

We remember and pray for all who are sick, at home, in hospital, in nursing homes or the hospice whenever we come to pray.  Please be assured you are not forgotten but are very much with us as part of the family.  Please let us know when family members or neighbours are ill or in hospital and we will visit.

Are you 65+ years of age? Have you a small repair job which you would like to have done for you? The Care and Repair programme (run by Age Action Ireland) uses a pool of trustworthy volunteers and handypersons to carry out minor repairs for older people. All volunteers are vetted and carry official Care and Repair identification cards. The service is free; you only pay for the materials used (though donations are welcome). For your bigger jobs, we maintain a register of reliable and honest tradespersons. You can arrange to have a job done for you by phoning the Age Action Care and Repair number which is 1890 369 369.

Healthy Ageing

The wonderful thing about our bodies is that it is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle and our bodies respond in a positive way to positive changes. The following is a list of things one can do to adopt a healthy lifestyle:

Eat a wide variety of foods, darker green leafy vegetables are best especially for eyesight and prevention of disease.

Eat plenty of carbohydrate rich foods (unless directed otherwise by your GP) e.g. Wholemeal bread, potatoes, rice, pasta. Excessive consumption of sugary foods should be avoided.

Try and have a diet including a variety of coloured fruits and vegetables.

An adequate intake of high fibre foods such as oats should be taken.

Meat, poultry and fish should be eaten regularly. Fish is one of the best protein type foods and is easily digested.

Products containing saturated fats, eg butter, cheese can contribute to heart disease. Olive oil and sunflower oil are a preferred source of unsaturated fat and reduce the risk of heart problems.

Drink adequate amounts of water each day.

Enriched foods, fortified foods and dietary supplements should be used where specifically indicated by your GP. The use of dietary supplements should be reviewed regularly.

Inchicore/Bluebell Pastoral Area

Try This Retreat!
Have you ever made a retreat? Maybe you haven’t had the time or the opportunity. Don’t worry here’s a five-day retreat in five sentences.
DAY 1.
Life is tough. Life is tough for everyone. Life breaks everyone in some way. As long as we’re alive we’ll have troubles. It’s a sign of life! Why can’t I just accept that? Why do continue to be shocked when troubles come my way?
DAY 2.
You’re going to die. Nothing surer! Everyone that has ever lived has died. So don’t be so anxious about your health or your cholesterol! Being less anxious will help your health.
DAY 3.
You’re not that important! Of course you’re important-you are a child of God, you have a high destiny-but you’re not that important in the scheme of things. People have walked the earth for 50,000 years, some say, 200,000 years so stop taking your life or your big job or anything too seriously!
DAY 4.
You’re not in control of everything! Maybe you’d like to be, and there are control freaks around who try to be. But so much in life is out of our hands: so much we cannot control or anticipate.
DAY 5.
Your life is not all about you! Of course it’s about you, it’s your life, the only you have and it’s not a rehearsal but it’s not all about you. It’s about other people as well-all the network of relationships in family and neighbourhood and society. We’re part of something greater; we’re part of the ocean of life. We’re part of God and because of that even though we might crash on the shore like waves (or the banks!); we can reform and begin again.
Maybe all this talk, annoys you, puzzles you, confuses you? You would probably need to take the whole five days to understand it-and certainly a lifetime to live it. But try it. Work with these statements: bring them to your prayer. Repeat them (or some of them!) to yourself everyday. They can help. They can be freeing in so many ways!

Trafficking in People (TIP)
Modern Day Slavery
Your help is needed!
What does this mean?
Are we speaking about slavery?
Does slavery exist today?
Are we speaking about children, women and men held against their will?
Are we speaking about labour exploitation?
Are we speaking about sexual exploitation?
TIP is all of these
TIP is a contemporary form of slavery.
TIP is a violation of Human Rights.
TIP demeans everyone involved- those trafficking, trafficking buyers.
TIP is a global issue.
Does it happen in Ireland?
Read Enca’s story below.

Enca’s Story

Enca from Bolivia, a lone parent with two children and a hairdresser by profession was offered a more profitable position over seas. She paid her own fare to Ireland, and was told to buy a mobile phone and was given a mobile number to contact on arrival. Enca was met by a man who had a picture of her on his mobile and was taken by him to a house where she found three other women of the same nationality. She quickly discovered that her “new job” was very different from her expectations. Enca learned from them that her job would be to provide sexual favours for men and that her work times and places would be dictated by mobile messages. She was moved around the country and each week found herself in a different place. What kept Enca going in this job was fear-fear for the safety of her children, as she was threatened that if she did not comply; her family would be at risk, even death. Enca complied for three months, following mobile test orders of when and where the next client would present. She was also given various bank account numbers to which she would lodge her income. One day while she was making a lodgement, a bank official called her aside. She had presented counterfeit notes. Very soon she found herself in a Women’s Prison. While there it was suspected that she had been trafficking and her plight was brought to the notice of Ruhama (a Dublin based organisation working with prostitutes), who took up her case, assisted by the Gardai and IMO (International Migration Organisation). With this supported she was helped to fulfil her choice to return to her family.
Questions to ask yourself.
What feelings did this story evoke in you?
Did it surprise you?
How does Enca’s plight challenge you?
www.stopthetraffik.org
www.antislavery.org

Child Protection

Child Protection and Best Practice in Archdiocese of Dublin.
In keeping with its commitment to best practise in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults the Archdiocese of Dublin has recently introduced a new policy and procedures for the Garda Vetting of staff and volunteers in parishes throughout the Diocese. It is now Diocesan policy that all parish volunteers should have Garda Clearance, and a special office has been set up in the Archbishop’s house to assist parishes with this procedure. The Archbishop, parish clergy, members of the parish councils and all who help out in any capacity in the activities in the parish are now requested to complete a Garda Vetting form. There is one person responsible for Garda Vetting in the Archbishop’s house who liaises directly with the Garda Vetting office. All information received will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Justice, Peace and Care of the Earth

Lowering energy consumption. Did you know that by lowering energy consumption you’re helping to reduce greenhouse gasses and conserve gas. You can do so by buying efficient appliances such as low energy C.F.L. light bulbs. By replacing your old lagging jacket on your hot water tanks and by buying rechargeable batteries particularly for high use products.

“The deadliest predator in our seas is not the shark or the killer whale, but the plastic bag”

Ballroom Dancing

Anyone interested in Ballroom Dancing & Sequence Dancing come and join us on Wednesday nights 7.45 till 10.15 pm Arus Mhuire Hall
All welcome

Environmental Tips

Cling Film is very useful, but there is really no need to wrap everything in it. Why not put food in a bowl in the fridge with a plate over it instead. Cling Film cannot yet be recycled.

AWARE

Volunteering with the Aware helpline is a worthwhile and rewarding opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Volunteers are there to help callers talk through loneliness, depression, or whatever they are finding difficult to cope with. We are not a counseling or problem solving service, but we are there to listen non-judgmentally. Training for the helpline takes place in Leeson Street, Dublin 2, (where the helpline is based) and is held on Monday evenings over seven weeks. Trainees also attend support groups, and complete several ‘shadowing’ sessions on the line before taking calls themselves under supervision. The training covers aspects of our work on the line such as active listening skills, depression, empathy, disclosure techniques, suicide, handling difficult calls, etc. Interested in volunteering to help others? Can you give just three hours a week to volunteer with the Aware telephone helpline service? Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of others.

Knitting Circle

Anyone interested in joining a knitting circle in the Bluebell/Inchicore area? Its free. Enjoy learning new techniques, exchange patterns, in a friendly atmosphere. If you are interested please phone Mairead at 0876279867, 4551142 orBernie at 4500179

Elder Abuse

Recently Deceased

Eternal rest give unto them.
Our prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of
Josephine Hunt
May They Rest in Peace

Amen : Support Group for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse. 

Meetings every Tuesday night, 8 pm—10pm. Contact 046 90 23718 for further information.

The Adult Choir
Are looking for new members. Contact any member of the choir.

Oblate websites

Visit the Anglo-Irish Province website at: www.oblatesai.org

What's on in Bluebell?
Do you belong to a Group, Club, or Organisation
in the Parish?
If so, you might like to let us know about it ,
and let the Community know what’s happening.

Irish Dancing Classes

Will be held in Bluebell Community Centre on Mondays at 7.30 pm. If you would like your child to join the classes please contact Catherine.

7 Tap Tips to Conserve Water in the Home

As our country grows there is also a growing demand on our water supply.  In order for us all to enjoy our precious reserves we need to be more aware of water conservation.  It’s surprising to know that the average daily water consumption per person in Ireland is over 148 litres! We can reduce the amount we use quite simply, by following these straight forward tips.

Water is precious.  Let’s conserve it.

Instead of letting the tap run for cold water, fill a jug of water and keep it in the fridge.

Use a bucket not a hose.  A hose will use about 9 litres of water per minute.  The car will be just as clean using a bucket of water.

The same goes for your garden flowers, try using a watering can instead.  Lawns don’t need to be hosed.

Use good mulch on your flowerbeds to reduce watering.

Use your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.  A typical washing machine on full cycle uses up to 45 litres of water.  A dishwasher uses 20 litres.  You’ll save money and conserve water.

Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.  A running tap will dispense up to 6 litres of water a minute.

Reduce the time you spend in the shower.  A power shower will use over 125 litres in less than five minutes (a bath takes 80 litres of water).

Want more information go to ww.taptips.ie

Want to make a difference? Give a child the gift of reading….

Barnardos is looking for adults aged 55 years and older with time on their hands, lots of life experience and an enjoyment of reading for a volunteer reading programme for schools.

Volunteers will provide one-to-one reading sessions to children in 1st and 2nd class who need some extra help with their reading.  The sessions occur twice weekly for 40 minutes each and happen during school hours.  No teaching experience is required, as Barnardos provides full training and ongoing support to all volunteers.  We need you to give us 6 hours a week to help each child build a relationship with the same person, as this helps with their reading.  The schools taking part in the programme are in the following areas: Cherry Orchard, Finglas and Tallaght.  Some of the volunteers who have worked with us have said:

“It’s enjoyable and very easy”
“It is like reading with your grandchildren”
“It’s not as difficult as you might imagine!”
“Children love it and feel special and you bond with the child”

If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to give me a call Sinead on 4530355

Inchicore – Bluebell Parishes

Dear Parishioner,

Last February you were informed that there will be a Pastoral Team responsible for the Three Oblate served Parishes of Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell, St. Michael’s Inchicore and Mary Immaculate, Inchicore.

The role of this Pastoral Team is to coordinate and develop the various pastoral and catechetical programmes that are already in place and to work on the pastoral planning that will include an integrated training for all our leaders/volunteers and a sharing of resources (people, places and finances) across the parish communities.

The Pastoral Team are:
Sr. Marie Behan, Team member based in Mary Immaculate
Fr. Patrick Carolan, Team member and resident in Our Lady of the Wayside
Br. Francis Flanagan, Team member and resident in Mary Immaculate
Fr. Michael Guckian, Team member and resident in Mary Immaculate
Sr. Mairead Holton, Team member working from Our Lady of the Wayside
Ms. Joanne Lanigan, Team member and working from Mary Immaculate
Fr. Dermot Mills, Team member and resident in St. Michael’s
Fr. Michael O’Connor, Team member and Administrator resident in Mary Immaculate
Sr. Anne Ryan, Team member working from Our Lady of the Wayside
Fr. Ray Warren, Team member and Leader resident in St. Michael’s
We hope to have others join the team in the future.

The Team – Each member brings much experience and will share equally in this new development for our parishes.

Team Leader – to animate the Pastoral Team and coordinate the pastoral plan as it emerges from the dialogue with the local Parish Pastoral Councils.

Administrator – This role is effectively the Parish Priest for the three parishes and this satisfies the Canon Law requirements for the pastoral area.

The priests will rotate in each of the three parishes for the celebration of the Sunday Masses beginning in the autumn.

There is an audit taking place of the current programmes and projects happening in each parish and we will list leaders/organisers from each parish so as to begin to coordinate the coming year.

The liaison with the schools will continue through the resident priest for each parish for the time being.

The Parish Pastoral Councils are asked to consult on the rationalisation and coordination of Mass times across the three parishes with a view to making the changes in Advent.

We remind you of what had been agreed in February this year.

For now, an Oblate priest will continue to live in each parish community.  Each parish church will continue to serve the needs of each local faith community.  An area Pastoral team will be developed.  This team will include Oblates, Catechist, Youth Worker and others.  Its function is to serve the three communities.
While each parish community will retain its integrity we will work together to develop the Inchicore/Bluebell as a Pastoral Area.

The Pastoral Team will meet again on Monday 8th September at 2pm to prepare a “Working Document” for the development of the overall pastoral plan.

There will be a meeting of the three PPC’s and the Pastoral Team in September, at a date yet to be arranged.

There is much to learn and we all have to think in a different way about Church and parish.  This new mindset is what we are all invited to engage with as we take small steps into the future.  The most important thing is that we are going forward together in faith and hope and joy.

Please keep our communities in your prayer.

The Pastoral Team

Your Parish Council can be contacted through your Parish Office/Presbytery

Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell – 4501040
St. Michael’s Inchicore – 4531660
Mary Immaculate, Inchicore - 4534408

You may only be one person in the world,
But you may also be the world to one person.

Childminding – A Job to Love!

Are you a childminder or considering becoming a childminder?
Why not join Childminding Ireland – for more information, support, childminding insurance, newsletters and much more!
Contact Childminding Ireland on 01-2878466
info@childminding.ie

www.childminding.ie 

Care of the Earth

Pretty much everyone at some point has a piece of furniture that they no longer want; maybe you have changed your taste in décor, inherited a piece of furniture from a relative, moved house and no longer have room for an item.  And of course maybe you have furniture that is damaged and want to get rid of it.

If your furniture is in good condition there are lots of things you can do with it.

Ask around your family, friends, workmates and neighbours and see if there is anyone who can make good use of it.

Sell it.  You can advertise it on eBay, however I have found the best results come from advertising in the local newspaper, which is often free if the item is below a certain value and can be done via the internet.

Donate it to a local charity shop.  Please check first if the shop can accept large items of furniture.  Some organisations can collect furniture, although you will probably have to wait until they are in your area.  Charity shops in general are unable to accept electrical items, but do ask, as a few may accept them.

Give it away via a recycling community such as Freecycle or Jumbletown.  Just advertise the item available and if someone wants it they can come and take it away.

Putting a nest box in your garden helps birds by giving them the space they need to raise a family.  A birdhouse gives them somewhere to shelter from predators or to keep them warm in cold weather.

The Carrying of the Cross Window
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

This is another one of Harry Clarkes 1889-1931, beautiful windows both in colour and design.  It can be seen in our church in the sanctuary over the altar – left window lower panel.  In it is depicted Jesus carrying the cross and Mary his Mother following him.

Luke 9:23 And he said if any man come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

In this mystery we contemplate our Divine Master – “the reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows” – bearing the crushing burden of the cross, which tears his flesh and lays bare his bones.

By the shoulder wound of Christ, let us ask the Mother of Sorrows for the grace to proceed with determination in our spiritual lives.

Want to help but don’t have time well you can help support the Oblate Missions by giving old coins and used stamps.  Please drop them in to the Parish Office 118 Naas Road.  Thank you.

EPIC: Employment for people from immigrant communities

Support people from immigrant communities to gain employment and or further training and education in Ireland.  Contact information:
The Oblate Centre
Tyrconnell Road
Inchicore
Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-4534352/01-4020274
Email: epic@bitc.ie

Who? Me?

Asking the right question is as important as getting the right answer.  It means we’re on the right track to self-understanding.  We’re clued into life.  We’re focused on the present but with our sights on the future too.  But, not everybody is.  Those who never ask that all important question, “Who am I” can’t possibly be.  As human beings we don’t just walk around with mystery everyday.  We are mystery walking around.  The answer to the question “Who am I?” It’s not my name.  It has nothing to do with my name.  I can change that if I wish.  But I can’t change my who no matter how much I might wish to do so because that is immutable before God.

So, I need to meet that who, to discover what makes me, me.  Is it status, success, money, ability, intelligence?  These play their part in forming me, as do failures, limitations and fears, but there’s more to me than all of those put together.

I need to ask that all important question, “Who am I?” and wait patiently until I hear the answer I crave; until in sheer disbelief I hear the words spoken to Jesus in the Gospel.  You are my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Meet at 11am and 8.30pm every Saturday and 8.30pm Wednesdays in the Mazenod Centre.  Anyone who thinks they have an alcohol problem is welcome to come along.

Pregnant?

Helpline 1850 281 281
9am – 9pm
For the price of a local call 23/30 Dame Street Dublin 2.
Monday – Friday 12pm – 3pm
Thursday – 7pm – 9pm
Saturday – 12pm – 2pm
Dublin 01-6798989
www.life.ie

The Good Shepherd Window

The good shepherd window, the central window can be seen in the sanctuary over the altar.  It is another one of Harry Clarke’s beautiful works both in colour and design.  In the window Jesus the good shepherd is depicted looking after his sheep, and you see him carrying a sheep on his shoulders and the staff in his hand and the sheep around him.

John 10:7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate of the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd.  I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

15 Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for my sheep.

16 I have other sheep that are not of this pen.  I must bring them also.  They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

This window also reminds us of the beautiful Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want……

Information on alarms and security lights for people over 65 years of age ring Pat or Brian at 01-4531903

The Party’s Over

Fact: Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol makes you 24 times more likely to have a heart attack and there are many other serious side affects.  It constricts the coronary arteries.  It causes respiratory failure, liver damage, strokes, seizures, hallucinations, depression and irreversible brain damage.  Phone 1850 24 1850.  www.drugs.ie or text drugs to 51900

Inchicore – Bluebell Parishes
Sunday 2nd March 2008

Dear Parishioner,
Over the past three years the Oblates in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales have been reviewing our situation in the light of our mission, the needs of the church, our reducing numbers and lack of vocations.  It is clear that we will not be able to continue running parishes as we have in the past. Besides this, we are committed to working more in partnership with lay people in building up the kingdom of God.  For these reasons we have decided that over the next four years we will concentrate our resources in the following areas:

1. Parish ministry
2. Adult faith development, spirituality & training for ministry
3. Sharing our Oblate charism and spirituality with our lay partners.
4. Promoting justice, peace and care for the earth
5. Some new missionary initiative.
6. Care and support for the Oblates and those who work with us.

We have committed ourselves to the following areas until 2012 when we will once again be obliged to review our commitments:

1. Kilburn, London
2. Leith/Wester Hailes, Edinburgh
3. Anglesey, Wales
4. Darndale, Dublin
5. Inchicore/Bluebell, Dublin

This is a time of great change in the life of the church and our world.
What values would you like to leave to those coming after us?  Jesus continues to call us to be his friends and disciples.  He sends us out to continue his mission in our world today.  We now invite you to share that mission with us.  We ask the Lord to help us in the words of Pope Benedict when he said: “Let us walk forward together in hope, in the presence of the Risen Lord, with Mary the Mother of God at our side”.

Fr. Willie Fitzpatrick OMI
Province Leader

A joint message from the three Parish Pastoral Council’s
Our Lady of the Wayside—Bluebell
St. Michael’s—Inchicore
Mary Immaculate—Inchicore

Dear Parishioner,
As you are aware, over the past two years, each of our Parishes has been involved in the process of developing Parish Pastoral Councils. This was in response to the call from Archbishop Martin, encouraging the rightful role of the laity in taking responsibility for the development and leadership of our faith communities. The Oblates have endorsed and fully support the leadership role of the Pastoral Councils.

The Oblate Leadership team invited the three parish pastoral councils to a meeting on February 18th at which the implications for our three parishes of the Oblate decision were discussed.

Central to the Oblate Vision is a “Profound respect for the dignity and sacredness of each person”

The three PPC’s together with the Oblates agreed the following:

1. The Oblates are committed to Inchicore /Bluebell
2. There is a significant commitment to supporting and encouraging increased lay involvement
3. Resources for leadership and pastoral training will be provided for members of our communities
4. There will be a partnership approach throughout

In the light of the present reality there is a need for us to explore how we go forward.  While each parish community will retain its integrity we will work together to develop the Inchicore/Bluebell as a Pastoral Area.

For now an Oblate priest will continue to live in each community. Each parish church will continue to serve the needs of each local faith community. An area Pastoral team will be developed. This team will include Oblates, Catechist, Youth worker and others. Its function is to serve the three communities.

This is the beginning of a dialogue. You are invited as a member of your community to become involved. Your parish council will be in constant communication with you as we move forward.

We have a long and wonderful history in our communities and we have come to a very significant moment in that history.

This time of change calls us to trust in the Spirit and in each other as we build on the love and giving of parishioners of the past. We are called to work together to face the future with hope and joy.

On behalf of the three Parish Pastoral Councils

Bernie O’Raw – Our Lady of the Wayside
Margaret Fitzpatrick – St. Michael’s
Ann Clear - Mary Immaculate

Your Parish Council can be contacted through your Parish Office/Presbytery:

Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell       4501040
St. Michael’s Inchicore                         4531660
Mary Immaculate, Inchicore                4534408

THE JOHN THE BAPTIST WINDOW

The John the Baptist window can be seen in the right transept of the church above the baptismal font.  It was designed by Harry Clarke 1889-1931.  He was one of the foremost stained glass artists of all time.  This window is one of his many beautiful works both in colour and design.  It depicts the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the river Jordan.  You see John pouring water from a jug over Jesus baptising him, and you also see the dove over his head, the Spirit of God.
Matthew 3.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John.
14 But John tried to deter him saying “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?”
15Jesus replied “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness”.  Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptised he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
17 And a voice from heaven said “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and his power.  He is proclaimed Messiah.  He now goes about doing good, working the signs that make him known as the Servant of God.  He is the one who brings good news to the poor and tells of salvation.  Through our baptism each one of us is ordered to the life of Christ – Priest Prophet and King.

The Rose Window
The Rose window can be seen over the entrance to our church.  It was donated to the church by a publican from Inchicore in 1967 at a cost of £4,000.  It was designed by Harry Clarke 1889-1931.  He was born in Dublin Nth Frederick Street.  He became one of the foremost stained glass artists of all time.  The Rose window is a beautiful window depicting Our Lady of the Wayside holding the infant Jesus surrounded by the sun and rays of light.  The colours of red, yellow and blue are rich and vibrant.  They are especially magnificent when illuminated by the sunlight from outside.

12 Minute Daily Reflection/Prayer

Free to download on to your MP3.  www.pray-as-you-go.org Listen when you are on the luas, on the bus or out walking.

Dramatic Action Stage School

Bluebell Community Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.  Classes in Drama, Dance and Singing.  Open to all boys and girls age 6-18.  €8 every Saturday for a two hour class.

Call Robert 085-1554582.  Email: dramaticaction@hotmail.com
Bebo: dramatica2.bebo.com

Bluebell Action Advisory Group

If you or anyone you know need support around Alcohol or Drug addiction please call Lynn at 4265970 or 086 3306250 to arrange a meeting.

Do you know how the church got its name?

There was a church in Rome, known as Via de la Strada, which means “by the wayside”.  Travellers use to frequently drop in there to pray.  One of these travellers was St. Ignatius (1491-1556).  As he prayed, he had a vision of Our Lady, and from then on the church was, and still is called “Our Lady of the Wayside”.  Other churches including our own, later adopted it as their titular name.

CURA

Unexpected pregnancy is hard to face.  For help or support contact CURA.  All CURA’s services are free and confidential.  Local centre tel: 6710598.  Phone for appointment or drop in service at 30 South Anne Street, Dublin 2.  Locall 1850 622 626. www.cura.ie

Under 10’s Girl’s Basketball
Every Saturday 4-5pm, Oblate Hall, Inchicore
Contact Gerry Farrell: 087 244 5498 or Oblate Basketball Hall 4534327 for information

Inchicore Citizens Information Centre

Will be opening at 1d Ring Tce (off Tyrconnell Rd) Inchicore Commencement Date Tuesday 13th March 2007.  Opening hours from 9.30am – 12.30pm.

Bluebell Community Development Project

Would like to invite all women between the age of 25-55,

to come and join the women’s group.

Those who are interested can contact:

Doreen on 01-4601366

Legion of Mary

Meets in Sacristy on Monday at 7.15pm for Adults and Tuesday at 7.15pm for Juniors
Contact Jacinta or Mary for more details.

Children’s Choir

Children’s choir practice is held

in the church every Monday at 6.15pm.

 For information contact Anne Marie

Children’s Mass

We celebrate our children’s mass every Sunday morning at 10.30am.  All children of the Parish are most welcome.  This is their special Mass.