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 Listing May - 2017
 
  Wednesday
May-31
 
 
 
  Tuesday
May-30
Last week Graduation Ceremonies took place in many secondary schools across Ireland. The following reflection called 'Promise Yourself' was read at Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí (Bantry Community College) on Thursday evening

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be comfortable and at ease in what you really believe in.
Promise yourself to make all your friends feel that they are worthwhile and special.
Promise yourself to think only the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
Promise yourself to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Promise yourself to learn from the mistakes of the past and to welcome the blessings of today.
Promise yourself to be as upbeat as you can and to give a smile whenever you can.
Promise yourself to be generous with your time and to spend less time wrapped up in criticism or negativity.
And finally promise to be proud of who you are, to let no one take away what is special to you and to always let your light shine.
 
 
 
  Monday
May-29
Last week Graduation Ceremonies took place in many secondary schools across Ireland. The following reflection called 'Promise Yourself' was read at Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí (Bantry Community College) on Thursday evening

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be comfortable and at ease in what you really believe in.
Promise yourself to make all your friends feel that they are worthwhile and special.
Promise yourself to think only the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
Promise yourself to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Promise yourself to learn from the mistakes of the past and to welcome the blessings of today.
Promise yourself to be as upbeat as you can and to give a smile whenever you can.
Promise yourself to be generous with your time and to spend less time wrapped up in criticism or negativity.
And finally promise to be proud of who you are, to let no one take away what is special to you and to always let your light shine.
 
 
 
  Sunday
May-28
Today's reflection is by Triona Doherty called 'Good News' from Intercom Magazine

Today marks the 51st World Communications Day, and the theme for this year is 'Fear not, for I am with you': Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time. In his message to mark the occasion, Pope Francis urges us to engage in 'constructive forms of communication'.

'In a communications industry which thinks that good news does not sell, and where the tragedy of human suffering and the mystery of evil easily turn into entertainment, there is always the temptation that our consciences can be dulled or slip into pessimism,' he warns. 'I ask everyone to offer the people of our time storylines that are at heart "good news".'

For Christians, Pope Francis says, the lens through which we view life must be the Good News, the gospel of Jesus Christ: 'In Christ, even darkness and death become a point of encounter with Light and Life. Seen in this light, every new tragedy that occurs can also be a setting for good news, in as much as love can find a way to draw near and to raise up sympathetic hearts, resolute faces and hands ready to build anew.'

It is fitting that this day coincides with the Feast of the Ascension. In today's Gospel, Jesus entrusts his disciples with the important task of spreading the Good News - to 'make disciples of all the nations'. The way we communicate, and the news we choose to share with others, is a vital part of our role as disciples.
 
 
 
  Saturday
May-27
Like many schools are doing and indeed so many others, we remember with love all those who died in the Manchester bombing last Monday night

'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Col"iste Pobail Bheanntra"), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Friday
May-26
Like many schools are doing and indeed so many others, we remember with love all those who died in the Manchester bombing last Monday night

'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Col"iste Pobail Bheanntra"), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Thursday
May-25
Like many schools are doing and indeed so many others, we remember with love all those who died in the Manchester bombing last Monday night

'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Col"iste Pobail Bheanntra"), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Wednesday
May-24
Like many schools are doing and indeed so many others, we remember with love all those who died in the Manchester bombing last Monday night

'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Col"iste Pobail Bheanntra"), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Tuesday
May-23
'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Monday
May-22
'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.' ~Corrie ten Boom

During the week we marked 'Wellness Week' in our school (Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí), by putting an emphasis on minding our mental health and putting the emphasis on doing small little acts of kindness. It worked really well. Some of the students made beautiful posters too which included some of the following messages: "You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to swim" - "When you do good you feel good" - "It's ok to ask for help" - "You have 3 choices, give up, give in or give your all" - "One baby step at a time".

If you talk about wellness and minding ourselves, you cannot avoid talking about worry and stress. So often we worry about the stuff of tomorrow, carrying today's load but also carrying tomorrow's too. Sometimes we carry next week's and next month's load as well. This of course leaks and empties the energy we have to get through today. It is important to deal with the worry and stress of today as best we can. That is more than enough any of us can deal with. It is so much better when we can share this with a friend or someone we know who will listen and someone who cares. It is good to know that so many genuinely do care.

In the Gospel of John we have Jesus telling us "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me." Spiritually it is good to know that God is a presence in our world, who holds us in our good times but especially in our difficult times too. When we feel stressed or worried it is also good to pray for help. A simple prayer is often most effective. "Loving God, I am so worried. I need your help too today".
 
 
 
  Sunday
May-21
Thought For Today by Triona Doherty called 'The Spirit Within'

'Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.' - Corrie ten Boom

Imagine how the disciples must have reacted to the way Jesus was talking. In John's Gospel, as Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and his death approaches, he starts to talk about leaving the disciples. They will no longer be able to see him. He predicts that Judas will betray him and Peter will deny him. The disciples are in turmoil. 'Where are you going?' they ask; 'Why can't I follow you?'; 'How can we know the way?'

On top of this, Jesus has started to give them instructions for after he is gone. The disciples still do not understand where, or why, Jesus is going, so you can sense their panic and fear at the task that lies ahead, the work they will have to do without their teacher and friend to help them. They will be like lost sheep, without a shepherd, to borrow one of Jesus' own metaphors.

So the promise they hear from Jesus that he will send his Spirit must be very welcome. 'I will not leave you orphans,' says Jesus, to a group who must have been afraid of just that. What's more, they already know this Spirit, because he is in them. That same Spirit is in us. We are not alone in our struggles.
 
 
 
  Saturday
May-20
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Friday
May-19
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Thursday
May-18
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
May-17
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
May-16
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Monday
May-15
'Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.' ~Donagh O'Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. It is often an unexpected crisis or an unforeseen event that can knock us out of the complacency we had fallen into. Each day presents us with new possibilities and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it's a struggle to cope. We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves.

Spiritual wisdom encourages us to gently hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is very different to saying it is good to remain stuck in difficult days. Nobody wants to remain in a situation that is difficult or stressful. But in the difficulty, the darkness or the waiting we are opened to a wider and deeper experience. It is in this place that we can sometimes learn more about ourselves and others. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.
 
 
 
  Sunday
May-14
Thought For Today is by Triona Doherty from Intercom Magazine called 'Do not let your hearts be troubled'


'Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.'

Corrie ten Boom had plenty of cause for worry over the course of her lifetime. During World War II, she, along with her father and sister, provided a refuge in their home for a number of Jewish friends, playing a pivotal role in the Dutch 'underground' who sheltered Jews. Their home was eventually raided and the entire family arrested, her father dying in prison and her sister in a concentration camp. Corrie was sent to a series of camps but was released, and afterwards told her story in a book called The Hiding Place. Corrie's heart must have been troubled, often, but her strong faith sustained her and became the lens through which she viewed her life story: 'Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.'

The majority of us will never have to deal with as desperate a situation as Corrie's. But we have our own anxieties, whether big or small. None of us knows how the future is going to turn out, and that is precisely why we tend to worry. In today's Gospel Thomas frets: 'Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' But Jesus has reassuring words. 'I am the way.' Hand in hand with Jesus, we can walk the road ahead.




'If you judge people, you have no time to love them.' ~Mother Teresa

Two Buddhist monks on their way to the monastery found an exceedingly beautiful woman at the river bank. Like them, she wished to cross the river, but the water was too high. So one of the monks lifted her on his back and carried her across. The fellow monk was thoroughly scandalized. For two full hours he berated him on his negligence in keeping the holy rule: Had he forgotten that he was a monk? How dare he chat her up and actually carry her across the river? And what would people say? Had he not brought their holy religion into disrepute? And so on and so forth. The offending monk patiently listened to the never ending sermon. Finally, he broke in with, 'Brother, I dropped the woman at the river. Are you still carrying her?"
 
 
 
  Saturday
May-13
Thought For The Week

'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Friday
May-12
Thought For The Week

'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Thursday
May-11
Thought For The Week

'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
May-10
Thought For The Week

'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
May-09
Thought For The Week

'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Monday
May-08
'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier on Saturday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was the event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Sunday
May-07
'There are two ways of spreading the light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' ~Edith Wharton

Earlier yesterday thousands of people across Ireland and in other parts of the world, got up early and walked from 'Darkness into Light' to raise money for Pieta House. Most started walking at 4.15 a.m while it was still dark and as they walked the 5km route, they walked from darkness into the light of dawn. Not only was today's event a very important fundraising event, it was also an important awareness event for Pieta House. It will help them to promote suicide prevention and to tackle the stigma that leads people to the doors of Pieta House. Pieta House offers free counselling to those who suffer from suicidal ideation, to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are engaging in self harm. The staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one to one counselling service.

The concept of 'Darkness to Light' has huge spiritual significance too. The Easter story is built on light shattering darkness. At the heart of the Easter story is that God is light and love. We all experience darkness, sadness and difficulties from time to time and sometimes the experience can be hugely difficult. It is good and important to know that in the midst of our deepest darkness, light is near and always will be. Even if we are not sure where this light is, we can trust that there are others who gladly want to hold the light for us.

Of huge importance is that God is not the cause of our darkness, but is very much with us in the darkness of our own lives. This means that God is always calling us towards the light and never wants us to remain stuck in darkness. We pray today for anyone who is searching for the light, anyone who is looking for the light and anyone who is not sure in which direction to search. A key feature of dawn is that it slowly takes hold and gently pushes the darkness out. May God's light gently fill your life too today and indeed every day.
 
 
 
  Saturday
May-06
Thought For The Week

How rich are the depths of God - how deep is God's wisdom and knowledge and how impossible to penetrate God's motives or understand God's methods. Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? ~St Paul's letter to the Romans 11:33-34

These lines are full of meaning and depth. They were not just written for the sake of putting a few lines together. They were written by Paul over much reflection on how he felt God was present in his life. Like all of us Paul grappled with the great issues of life only to end up in admiration of God's boundless wisdom. Paul had a great appreciation of the richness and depths of God's blessings in his life. Sometimes we might not be as confident or as sure as Paul. We appreciate that the energy and presence of God exists out there somewhere. We know it's the heartbeat of our lives, our world and the universe at large. Yet we also have to face moments in life that really test our faith.

As we know life can be unpredictable and uncertain. Like a gentle tide that lifts our boat it can also turn into a raging storm threatening to swamp us. Yet in the middle of every uncertainty, storm and darkness, there remains a sense of hope and optimism. This hope and optimism is at the heart of the Easter story too. Take away these and there can be no Easter. But what do we mean by hope and optimism? They can be empty and shallow if left on their own but in the context of a loving God they are powerful and liberating. When all else seems to be gone, God will always be there and will never abandon or desert us. This is real hope and it is life giving. We pray to God today and during this month of May, to help us through all the challenges of life. We pray that we will always remain hopeful, knowing that God will always be at our side even when we are not so sure.
 
 
 
  Friday
May-05
Thought For The Week

How rich are the depths of God - how deep is God's wisdom and knowledge and how impossible to penetrate God's motives or understand God's methods. Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? ~St Paul's letter to the Romans 11:33-34

These lines are full of meaning and depth. They were not just written for the sake of putting a few lines together. They were written by Paul over much reflection on how he felt God was present in his life. Like all of us Paul grappled with the great issues of life only to end up in admiration of God's boundless wisdom. Paul had a great appreciation of the richness and depths of God's blessings in his life. Sometimes we might not be as confident or as sure as Paul. We appreciate that the energy and presence of God exists out there somewhere. We know it's the heartbeat of our lives, our world and the universe at large. Yet we also have to face moments in life that really test our faith.

As we know life can be unpredictable and uncertain. Like a gentle tide that lifts our boat it can also turn into a raging storm threatening to swamp us. Yet in the middle of every uncertainty, storm and darkness, there remains a sense of hope and optimism. This hope and optimism is at the heart of the Easter story too. Take away these and there can be no Easter. But what do we mean by hope and optimism? They can be empty and shallow if left on their own but in the context of a loving God they are powerful and liberating. When all else seems to be gone, God will always be there and will never abandon or desert us. This is real hope and it is life giving. We pray to God today and during this month of May, to help us through all the challenges of life. We pray that we will always remain hopeful, knowing that God will always be at our side even when we are not so sure.
 
 
 
  Thursday
May-04
Thought For The Week

How rich are the depths of God - how deep is God's wisdom and knowledge and how impossible to penetrate God's motives or understand God's methods. Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? ~St Paul's letter to the Romans 11:33-34

These lines are full of meaning and depth. They were not just written for the sake of putting a few lines together. They were written by Paul over much reflection on how he felt God was present in his life. Like all of us Paul grappled with the great issues of life only to end up in admiration of God's boundless wisdom. Paul had a great appreciation of the richness and depths of God's blessings in his life. Sometimes we might not be as confident or as sure as Paul. We appreciate that the energy and presence of God exists out there somewhere. We know it's the heartbeat of our lives, our world and the universe at large. Yet we also have to face moments in life that really test our faith.

As we know life can be unpredictable and uncertain. Like a gentle tide that lifts our boat it can also turn into a raging storm threatening to swamp us. Yet in the middle of every uncertainty, storm and darkness, there remains a sense of hope and optimism. This hope and optimism is at the heart of the Easter story too. Take away these and there can be no Easter. But what do we mean by hope and optimism? They can be empty and shallow if left on their own but in the context of a loving God they are powerful and liberating. When all else seems to be gone, God will always be there and will never abandon or desert us. This is real hope and it is life giving. We pray to God today and during this month of May, to help us through all the challenges of life. We pray that we will always remain hopeful, knowing that God will always be at our side even when we are not so sure.
 
 
 
  Wednesday
May-03
Thought For The Week

How rich are the depths of God - how deep is God's wisdom and knowledge and how impossible to penetrate God's motives or understand God's methods. Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? ~St Paul's letter to the Romans 11:33-34

These lines are full of meaning and depth. They were not just written for the sake of putting a few lines together. They were written by Paul over much reflection on how he felt God was present in his life. Like all of us Paul grappled with the great issues of life only to end up in admiration of God's boundless wisdom. Paul had a great appreciation of the richness and depths of God's blessings in his life. Sometimes we might not be as confident or as sure as Paul. We appreciate that the energy and presence of God exists out there somewhere. We know it's the heartbeat of our lives, our world and the universe at large. Yet we also have to face moments in life that really test our faith.

As we know life can be unpredictable and uncertain. Like a gentle tide that lifts our boat it can also turn into a raging storm threatening to swamp us. Yet in the middle of every uncertainty, storm and darkness, there remains a sense of hope and optimism. This hope and optimism is at the heart of the Easter story too. Take away these and there can be no Easter. But what do we mean by hope and optimism? They can be empty and shallow if left on their own but in the context of a loving God they are powerful and liberating. When all else seems to be gone, God will always be there and will never abandon or desert us. This is real hope and it is life giving. We pray to God today and during this month of May, to help us through all the challenges of life. We pray that we will always remain hopeful, knowing that God will always be at our side even when we are not so sure.
 
 
 
  Tuesday
May-02
Thought For The Week

How rich are the depths of God - how deep is God's wisdom and knowledge and how impossible to penetrate God's motives or understand God's methods. Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? ~St Paul's letter to the Romans 11:33-34

These lines are full of meaning and depth. They were not just written for the sake of putting a few lines together. They were written by Paul over much reflection on how he felt God was present in his life. Like all of us Paul grappled with the great issues of life only to end up in admiration of God's boundless wisdom. Paul had a great appreciation of the richness and depths of God's blessings in his life. Sometimes we might not be as confident or as sure as Paul. We appreciate that the energy and presence of God exists out there somewhere. We know it's the heartbeat of our lives, our world and the universe at large. Yet we also have to face moments in life that really test our faith.

As we know life can be unpredictable and uncertain. Like a gentle tide that lifts our boat it can also turn into a raging storm threatening to swamp us. Yet in the middle of every uncertainty, storm and darkness, there remains a sense of hope and optimism. This hope and optimism is at the heart of the Easter story too. Take away these and there can be no Easter. But what do we mean by hope and optimism? They can be empty and shallow if left on their own but in the context of a loving God they are powerful and liberating. When all else seems to be gone, God will always be there and will never abandon or desert us. This is real hope and it is life giving. We pray to God today and during this month of May, to help us through all the challenges of life. We pray that we will always remain hopeful, knowing that God will always be at our side even when we are not so sure.
 
 
 
  Monday
May-01
Thought For Today is by Padraig O'Connor from Intercom Magazine called 'Didn't our hearts burn within us?'

Today's Gospel finds Jesus' friends downcast and confused at all that happened in their world. His death had devastated them; rumours of his resurrection amazed and confused them. Into their sadness and confusion Jesus comes; walking with them, talking with them even though they didn't recognise him and yet they said later 'didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road?' It's a reminder to us that he is always with us as believers even if we don't recognise him. Sometimes he speaks to us through the love and kindness of others; the friendly word or gesture, the willingness to listen , the acceptance of us for all our faults and failings. There is surely someone in all our lives who makes us feel better just for knowing them; they reflect God's goodness and love and care in the simplest ways.

The great gift that Jesus left his followers to remind them of his constant presence was the Eucharist when he promised to be with us wherever it was celebrated in memory of him. And when we have listened and nourished ourselves in communion with each other we go to bring this word and this nourishment to others. Because the religion that Jesus Christ taught was one of giving and forgiving; of living life to the full and making the most of each day. In the words of St Catherine of Siena, 'Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.'
 
 

 
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