Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 th September 2015 Vol 25 No 43 Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Fr. Tom Little - 91-31559 Fr Sean Hyland - 91-31212 Fr Alex Kowchatt - 91-42565 Sr. Joan Pierse 91-42565 ASKEA PARISH COLLECTIONS Development 1,512 Offertory 1,627 Emergency Priest on Duty 087 2588118 Askea Parish Community Centre Phone 91-42565 087 1269709 Mass Times: Askea 9.30am Mon-Fri; Sat 7pm; Sun 9am, 10.30am & 12 Noon. Bennekerry Sun 11.30am; Tinryland Tues 9.30am & Sunday 10am ************ Deadline for items for Newsletter is 5pm on Wednesday by phone to 9142565 or email to office@askeaparish.ie Website: www.askeaparish.ie Laudato Si, 14 We require a new and universal solidarity. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own cultures, experience, involvements and talents. Pope Francis

St Mary s Parish, Bennekerry Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday 13 th September 2015 What is Prayer Prayer is the soul s sincere desire, Unuttered or expressed; The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast. Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near. Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near. Prayer is the Christian s vital breath, The Christian s native air, His watchword at the gates of death; He enters heaven with prayer.

O Thou, by Whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way; The path of prayer Thyself hast trod: Lord, teach us how to pray! Prayer is the contrite sinner s voice, Returning from his ways, While angels in their songs rejoice And cry, Behold, he prays! The saints in prayer appear as one In word, in deed, and mind, While with the Father and the Son Sweet fellowship they find. No prayer is made by man alone The Holy Spirit pleads, And Jesus, on th eternal throne, For sinners intercedes. O Thou by Whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way, The path of prayer Thyself hast trod: Lord, teach us how to pray. James Montgomery

St Mary s Parish, Bennekerry Fr Tom Little PP Phone 059 9131559. Fr Seán Hyland CC 0599131212. Newsletter Items 059 9143881. Deadline for News items: - 9pm Wednesdays Emergency Number for the Priest on Duty 087 2588118. Parish Office 059 9142565 087 1269709. Website: www.askeaparish.ie; email: office@askeaparish.ie Sunday 13 th September 2015 at 11.30am In Memoriam We ask the Lord to grant eternal rest to Bridget O'DWYER (née O'Connor), Heathpark, Newbawn, Wexford (mother of Paud O Dwyer) and we offer our sympathy and the support of our prayers to all who have suffered the loss of a loved one at this time. Anniversaries Joseph and Elizabeth Archbold, Brownshill Collection last week: Development 272 Offertory 315 Palatine GFC Lotto Results 7 th September 2015. Numbers:--07, 16, 19, & 28. No Jackpot Winner. 4 LUCKY DIPS 50 each Winner Seller Robert Bernie Bolger Christy Dunne Nicky Parle Sue Molloy John Kelly,Bennekerry "Raj" Ann Dunne Promoter's Prize John Kelly, Bennekerry. Next Draw on Monday 14th September 2015 in Palatine Clubhouse at 10:00pm tickets 2 each. Jackpot 8,200

Kildare & Leighlin Weekly Lotto Results For Wed 9 th September 2015. Numbers drawn were 2, 14, 23 & 24. No Jackpot winner. 13 Match 3s receive 77 each. Askea / Bennekerry had NO Match3s. Next week s Jackpot 12,000. Tickets 2 each available from Askea Parish Centre. Please note the draw takes place on Wed at 4.30pm in Portlaoise. Tickets must be returned by 5pm each Tuesday to Askea Parish Centre. The Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults Study Group will recommence on Tuesday 22 nd September 2015. The venue for this term will be the Easca Room in Askea Parish Community Centre with a start time for 8pm until 9pm. The catechism presents us with a renewed opportunity to study, reflect on and live by the faith we profess in the Creed, celebrate in the Sacraments, live in the Christian moral life and deepen through prayer. Each week the group studies and discusses a chapter of The Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults. We invite new members to join us as we continue with our study. New members will be given the notes of the chapters covered to date. As each chapter is a standalone unit on its own but merges in with the overall format of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, new members joining the group for this term will not be deprived or hindered in their understanding of the Catechism. RAINBOWS is a support group for children from 7 to 12 years, who have suffered a significant loss in their lives / families, caused by the death of someone close to them or by the separation of their parents. Forms to join the next Rainbows programme are now available at Askea Parish Centre. Please call in or phone 059 91-42565.

Are you going to the ploughing? Anyone heading to the ploughing this year is warmly invited to pop in and say hello to us in the diocesan tent at stand: Block 3, Row 26, No. 444 With a programme of events every day, a chance to vote for a Poem for the Ploughing, blessed salt and prayer cards, a quiet space for prayer and a louder space for a cuppa and lots more, there s something for everyone! The Palatine GAA & Holy Angels 10k & 5K Road Race & Family Walk takes place this weekend 13th Sept @ 2.30pm in Bennekerry. Register now on Runireland.com Aspiro Ireland s leading choir for children & young people Aspiro Early Year Programme age 2+ classes resume 14th September 9.30-10.15am, Aspiro Boyz classes resume 14th September 6-7pm. - contact info@aspirochoir.ie, or ph no: 085-7451111. Guided Meditation Need a little more calm or balance in your life? Then why not visit the Meditation Centre at No. 9, Old Burrin, Burrin Road, (near the Fairgreen Shopping Centre). Guided Meditation / Prayer sessions will resume on 1 st September and are held daily at 11.30am and 8pm from Monday to Thursday. Feel free to try out any of these sessions. Enquiries to Eileen at 086/3194597. Carlow Meditation Group weekly meditation takes place Thursday evening from 7:30pm to 8.30pm in the Day Care Centre in Askea. No charge. No obligation. Call Noel on 0872251183 for further information or just drop in any Thursday evening. Community Employment Vacancy in Askea Parish Community Centre. 19.5 hours per week. Duties include Reception / Office work / Caretaking / Cleaning. Contact Askea Parish Centre at 059 91 42565 or 087 1269709 for further details. Applicant must be eligible for Community Employment scheme. Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 18 th September.

Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday 27th September. Coach departs from Bus Depot, Barrack Street at 8am via The Thatch, Graiguecullen at 8.15am. Contact Dick at 059 91 31830; Josie at 087 8324656 or Kathleen at 086 1577190. Children s Chess Chess sessions for Junior players will start on Tuesday 15th September in Askea Parish Community Centre at 6.45pm and will continue throughout the Autumn and Winter. Sessions will last one hour. Beginners will be very welcome. Carlow College of Music now providing OBOE lessons. Instrument provided and tuition will be a combination of online Skype and boot camp lessons. Contact asap. 059 9140676 info@carlowcollegeofmusic.ie The Ten Commandments - The Catechism of the Catholic Church Would you like deepen your understanding of the ten commandments, the ten words of freedom? Study groups meet once a week for 12 weeks from Mon. 7 Sept.'15, 8 pm to 9 pm or Wed. 9 Sept. 10 am - 12 pm in the Parish Centre, Prosperous. For further information seewww.kandle.ie or contact the Parish Office, Prosperous 045-841806, or Bríd Ní Rinn at 045 860170. Theology is Faith seeking understanding. Carlow Gospel Choir: The Gospel Choir sings every second Sunday for the 12 noon Mass. As we begin a new term, the choir would like to extend a welcome to anyone who might be interested in joining the choir. Call Noel on 0872251183 or come along to a Sunday morning rehearsal on Sunday 13 th September or Sunday 20 th September at 10:15 in the Parish Centre. The Big Bounce is back!! Family Fun Day at Presentation College, Carlow. Sunday 13 th September 2015 1 till 5. Great fun day for all the Family!! Bouncy Castles, Slides, Tea Shop, Face Painting + Much More. In association with Presentation College Parents Council and SCATS

Eddie Corcoran Retirement Party In conjunction with Palatine GAA, the Bennekerry Parents Association are delighted to host a retirement party for Mr Eddie Corcoran on Friday, 18th September at the Palatine Clubhouse. Mr Corcoran has been a long standing, valued member of the school staff for over 40 years, and has spent a lot of time volunteering for coaching of local sports teams over the years. Doors will be open at 9pm; Music provided from local band "Montana". We would invite adults and young adults to come along and join us wish Mr Corcoran well. DANCE CLASSES: Social Beginners 6 week dance course commencing Thursday 24 th September 2015 8.00 to 9.00pm. Quick Step, Old Time Waltz, Jive, etc. Registration and course payment on the night. No Partner required. Get fit and learn to dance for that special occasion. Absolute Beginners. Great fun for all. Carlow Youth & Community Centre. Private and group lessons also available. For Information phone Fiona 0872727315. Irish Patchwork Society. If you have an interest in patchwork and quilting, come and meet us. Meetings are held on the 3 rd Thursday of every month starting this 17 th September. Venue: St Patricks Parish Centre, Kilkenny. Time: 7.30-9.15pm Kilkenny & Carlow Contact - Volunteer Befriender s Needed If you are a good listener and would like to make a difference to someone s day, we d love to hear from you! Can you offer companionship to an Older Person in your area who may feel socially isolated? We are currently looking for male and female volunteers in the Carlow area who can commit to 1 or 2 hours per week. Contact our office on 059-9136340 or Mary on 086-4108902 KILBRIDE FAMILY FUN DAY - This Sunday 13th. September from 1.30pm - 5.30pm in Kilbride Attraction include:- Stalls, Camogie, Football and Hurling games. All welcome. Adm FREE

An Evening Not To Be Missed! Follow Me Up To Carlow concert series continues on Thurs 1st October. We especially welcome Elysha Brennan 2015 Rose Of Tralee Winner. Special guests are Keith And Lorraine McDonald {Showband Show} and a host of other local artists. Tickets available from Seven Oaks Hotel or by contacting John Candy 087-2632324. ÉIRE ÓG LOTTO WINNING NO s Mon Sept 7th 3 8 20 26 No Jackpot Winner 2 x Match 3 received 75 each...s & A c/o Séan Gannon, Mary Murphy c/o Pat McCarthy... NEXT WEEK S JACKPOT 12,050. Draw takes place every Monday in Teach Asca at 9.00pm Bingo takes place every Thursday night @ 8.30pm. Live music every Saturday night with no cover charge. Message from Trócaire "Trócaire is calling on the Dáil to be recalled early to establish an immediate and effective response from Ireland. The people of Ireland have made it clear that they want to help distraught refugees arriving in Europe and are looking for leadership on how we as a nation can act. "In the past year, 3,573 people have died attempting to reach Italy, Greece and Spain by sea, an average of ten people a day. This is both a humanitarian crisis and a crisis of humanity. The EU must apply humanitarian standards to save lives, protect those most vulnerable and reduce the scandalous suffering being met by refugees reaching European borders. Trócaire is responding to the growing needs of extremely vulnerable refugees in partnership with Caritas Serbia and has allocated 50,000 so far to provide sleeping bags and raincoats, hygiene kits, health services and psychosocial support. Trócaire also works with partners in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Somalia, which are burdened by protracted conflicts and in Jordan and Lebanon, countries which are hosting 1.75 million Syrian refugees. You can donate to Trócaire by phone or online 1850 408 408 (ROI) 0800 912 1200 (N. Ireland) https://www.trocaire.org

Askea Senior Citizens September Night Out on Wednesday 30 th September from 7pm to 10pm in Askea Parish Community Centre. Bingo, dancing and refreshments. Contact 059 91 43010 for further details. Annual Flag Days Thursday 24 th Friday 25 th and Saturday 26 th September. Volunteers are needed to help. Please contact Marian at 059 91 43010. Summer Holiday to Clonakilty on Monday 14 th September. But leaving Askea Church Car Park at 10am. Come along to this year s Volunteer EXPO, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, this Thurs 17th 10am - 3pm. Meet with over 25 local voluntary groups & find out how you can get involved! Contact Aisling 0599173033 for full details. PARENT/TODDLER GROUP: The bilingual Parent/Toddler Group SPRAOI resumes on Saturday, 19th September at 11.00am in New Oak Community Centre. Toddlers 0-5 years and their parents welcome. No charge. Contact 085 1340047 or just come along. IRISH FOR TEENAGERS: Afterschool Irish Circle for 1st - 3rd Years on Mondays and for 4th - 6th Years on Tuesdays from 4.30-5.30pm in New Oak Community Centre commencing 21st & 22nd Sept. Fee for term 20. Register with Glór Cheatharlach 085 1340047, 087 2857048. St Leo s College Open Evening takes place on Thursday 24 th September from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Enrolments are currently being taken for 2016 2017 academic year. All prospective students and their parents are invited to attend.

CALENDAR Monday 14th:Exaultation of the Holy Cross. The discovery of The True Cross is dated to 14th September 320. On the 13th September 335 thte Churches on Calvary were dedicated and the cross that St Helena discovered was venerated there the next day. The Annual Commemoration of that event has been celebrated since. Tuesday 15th:- Our Lady of Sorrows Wednesday16th:-St Cornelius became Pope in 251 and died in exile at Civitavecchia in 253. Patron for cattle and domestic animals. St Cyprian 210-258, bishop of Carthage, teacher and preacher, martyred. Thursday 17th St Robert Bellarmine 1542-1621, Jesuit. He was Cardinal Bishop of Capua, involved in theological controversies of the time. Patron of catechists. Saturday 19th:-St Januarius, bishop of Benevento, who was martyred in Naples in 305, with six companions. Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean priest, Paul Chong Hasang, a catechist, and one hundred and one others were martyred during the persecutions of the Church in Korea, 1839-1867. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - Books The books which help you most are those which make you think most. Theodore Parker

A New Beginning, by Aindrias O Sullivan Metro Éireann- Kenan Institute of Ethics at Duke University Writing Competition. The first-prize-winner in the 14-17 group from Ashbourne, Co Meath presents a vivid but hopeful account of the refugee experience through the eyes of a Syrian child Muhammadal-Walid arrived in Dublin in the winter of 2014, one of many Syrians to flee the brutal civil war made worse by the swift rise of Daesh, known to the west as Islamic State. His parents were poor shopkeepers with little incentive to stay, and although his father had trained as a doctor in Aleppo University, there was no work to be had here. His uncle Rashid was a soldier in the Free Syrian Army, and it was he who arranged for the family to flee, and also brought a group of FSA soldiers to keep them safe; in any case, the FSA it self was on the brink of collapse, and Rashid had decided to cut his losses and flee as well. The air was cold and sharp as they arrived in the port of Latakia, in theory controlled by government forces, but in practice the confluence of several opposing factions. Everything s going to be OK, Rashid would say again and again, making a circle with his finger and thumb, and repeating that odd expression which he had apparently heard from an American advisor in the FSA. Both Muhammad s parents and Rashid had been adamant that they would not be going to the massive refugee camps in Turkey; they wanted a better life, in Europe. Europe was another one of Rashid s expressions. He would say it in a low whisper, as if it were a secret, or something to be revered. Anew life, a new start..the family, along with the soldiers, made their way through the tangled streets, pushing and shoving their way through the throng, with the soldiers having to raise their weapons to speed things up a little. Muhammad felt tiny amidst the heaving tide of humanity, having lived in small town his whole life. His parents, who both came from Aleppo, described vividly the sheer size of a city, but only now did he realise the truth of his parents words. They came to the dock, where a fishing trawler was being boarded by the second by migrant after migrant. And Muhammad saw the sea in its entirety. The city was one thing, but this frightened Muhammad. An immense, flat expanse of water, going on for ever and ever.

He gripped his mother s hand tightly. The soldiers, with reluctance, handed the weapons over to a man in a van who had appeared suddenly beside them. Muhammad guessed the man was also FSA. Just as suddenly, the man drove off, taking the guns out of reach of the government troops. Rashid paid the money to the captain. Take us to Spain, he said. It was a lot of money, so the captain nodded. Muhammad asked where Rashid and the soldiers had got so much money. His parents simply said that they needed a lot of money to get to Europe. They got on the ship, and the long journey began. Muhammad watched as the harbour grew ever smaller and more distant. There was nothing but water now. They made frequent stops along the journey to refuel and let other passengers off at their destination. This meant little to Muhammad, who was constantly seasick. In any case, it was not Spain, which Rashid said was on the other side of the sea. Days passed, blending into each other. Muhammad began to get used to the sight of the sea, which had previously terrified him. The ship was cramped and tight, so he spent more and more time simply looking over the side to get fresh air, even if it would eventually make him sick. Sometimes, looking at the water, he saw little creatures underneath. He vaguely remembered from school that they were called fish. Muhammad spent the rest of the journey trying to spot as many different fish as he could. One day, he had seen a massive fish leap out of the water, not far from the boat. Rashid said they were called dolphins, and were not fish, which didn t make any sense, but Rashid usually knew what he was talking about. Their arrival at Spain came as a surprise; Muhammad had concentrated on fish for the rest of the journey, not paying attention to where they stopped. Everyone out, said the captain. This was the last port of call. The passengers filed out onto the dock, and stepped into Europe for the first time. Rashid said this city was called Algeciras. They would be taking another ship very soon, to a place called Ireland. Muhammad wasn t exactly pleased at the thought of another long journey, although Algeciras seemed untouched by the fabled wealth of Europe. He thought it wasn t much different from Latakia. They soon took another ship, this one being much bigger and more modern. It was less cramped, and swayed less in the water too. However, being taller, Muhammad found it difficult to see any fish. The journey to Ireland was much worse, in fact. There were almost constant storms, so the passengers spent most of the journey huddled inside, listening to the winds howl and shriek, with the waves slamming into the

side of the ship. Muhammad had a sudden, vivid image of the ship sinking, and being swallowed by the vast, cold sea. He shivered. When they arrived in Ireland, Muhammad was shaking all over. He didn t want to go on any ship again, even if it meant never going home. He shivered again as the stepped off onto yet another dock; unlike Latakia or Algeciras, Dublin was as cold as when they had been out to sea. A light drizzle was falling. Rashid said that Ireland was the exact opposite of Syria; it was very rich, and always peaceful. But Muhammad also realised where Syria was hot and dry, Ireland was cold and wet. He could not imagine spending his life here. They were hurried, bleary eyed, through room after room, all of which were far too brightly lit, which hurt his eyes. Only Rashid spoke English fluently, so he was asked all the questions. Rashid had taught Muhammad scraps of English over the two journeys, mostly basic phrases such as Hello and How are you, although he found this conversation difficult to follow. They were made to sign papers, Rashid was asked more questions. Finally, they were let out into a large room where Muhammad could see many other families. Rashid was still back with the Irish officers, trying to get the soldiers through, which was taking a bit more time. Muhammad repeatedly asked his parents what was going to happen now. They told him they were getting a place to live and he would be enrolled in an Irish school in three months time. Be careful, his mother said. Europe is very rich, but they do not like Muslims very much. They are all Christians here. Then why are we here? Muhammad asked. Because we have nowhere else to go. With that, Rashid arrived, along with the former soldiers. Time to leave, said Rashid, and off they went. Six months had passed. Muhammad and his family had a place to live somewhere in Dublin. Rashid also had a small apartment, several doors away. Muhammad s father was now starting work as a doctor, having finally got his licence after several difficult weeks. His mother was also working, in the local shop. She had studied at Aleppo (it was where his parents had met) for something called photography, and it was in Ireland that she was able to get a good camera, with the money they would earn. It was a Monday morning, and Muhammad was dressed in the strangelooking uniform that he would have to wear every day to school. His mother gave him his schoolbag, stuffed full of books, and he walked out the door. He walked down two flights of stairs, and he only needed to go straight down the road to his left, and the school was there; an ugly, squat, grey building, already swarming with cars, children and their parents. Already it was starting to rain.

It rained quite a lot here. He came in through the front door of the school, to see almost as many people as he ha seen in Latakia, only here they were all children. He felt bewildered. They looked like they knew exactly where they were going, chatting excitedly amongst themselves and hurrying to their classes. Are you OK there? You look a bit lost. The use of Rashid s favourite expression caught his ear, and he turned around to see a kindly looking woman, a bit older than his own mother. She wore large round glasses and wore a blue cardigan patterned with white roses. Hello, said Muhammad. My name is Muhammad. He felt absurdly proud at pronouncing the words correctly. Well, it s lovely to meet you, Muhammad, said the woman. My name is Sarah, but most pupils know me as Ms Murphy. Now, let s try and find where your class is. They went into a room Ms Murphy called Reception, where she talked (rather too fast for Muhammad to discern) to another woman sitting at a desk. Area 1, Class 5B, Ms Murphy said to Muhammad after they left Reception. We re lucky it s so near! Getting through the school can be an absolute nightmare, believe me. Muhammad nodded along, and the walked a down a corridor, which was rapidly emptying of students as they went to their respective classes. Well, here we are, said Ms Murphy. They opened the door, where the class had already started. The entire class turned to face him. Muhammad felt suddenly nervous, although he did see one, a girl, who looked Syrian to him. It s the new student, said Ms Murphy in a hushed voice to the teacher. I ll leave him to you. She left, closing the door behind her. Hi there, said the teacher. My name is Ms Barry. I ll be your teacher for Fifth Class. Everyone, this is Muhammad. Say hello, class. Hello, Muhammad, said the class. Why don t you sit down beside Asmira? She motioned to the seat beside a girl. Muhammad went over and sat down. Where are you from? Asmira asked quietly, in Arabic. Amazingly, she had a Syrian accent. Syria, he replied. A small town you wouldn t know it. Syria! she said, sounding delighted. I m Syrian too! I used to live in Homs. We left two years ago. Open your Active Maths5, please, said Ms Barry, sounding a little amused. Muhammad opened the book, feeling a little better. He had expected to be all alone, the only Middle Easterner, let alone Syrian, in his class. But now he wasn t alone, and although he knew it was going to be a long, rainy year ahead, the thought gave him some comfort. Perhaps there were other Muslims in the school he could meet. Things were looking up after all.