WISHING ALL OUR PARISHIONERS A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR It is clear that the thorny question of abortion is going to be a cause great strife and division in our country in the months ahead. As Catholics, we can most certainly ensure that our Church's teaching on the sacredness of life is understood by everybody. The right to life of the unborn is absolute, we believe, and no human law can dilute or diminish that right. Equally, the right to life of the mother is also absolute. For the moment, we are best advised to wait and see what exactly is proposed, and respond in a manner that upholds our own deeply held beliefs. We should remember that the bottom line is that no law or guideline can ever make abortion right, and we will always hold firmly to that belief. Our Parish has like many other institutions met serious problems in meeting our repayments on our Parish Centre loan. Thankfully, the bank has agreed to restructure our debt on a year-to-year basis, and in 2013 our repayments will be €70,000 instead of €120,000 in previous years. This is a temporary arrangement but it gives us a breathing space until such time, hopefully, the economy begins to improve again. It is important to note that very many parishioners have responded generously to the critical situation that arose, and for that I thank them most sincerely. It will still be necessary to undertake a certain amount of fund-raising in the year ahead and good support for these ventures will be vital. Overall, we are coping, and the Parish Centre, which has led to our debt, is invaluable in implementing our Pastoral Programmes in the Parish. We once again look forward to our celebration of Confirmation and First Communion in the year ahead. These are great occasions for families, but also great opportunities especially for parents, to rediscover their faith, and to make themselves part of the spiritual preparation for these celebrations. On a lighter note, I'm sure we would all like to ask the Lord for a little more sunshine, and a little less rain in the New Year! Wishing God's blessing on every parishioner Sean Heaney, P.P. |