Bishop Leahy Urges Support for Addicts

The Bishop of Limerick Dr. Brendan Leahy has said Lent should be a time for people to reach out to those whose lives are devastated by addiction, urging people to make a sacrifice this Lent in support of people who are gripped by alcohol, drugs, gambling etc. He said “not alone do they ruin the lives of the individuals themselves but also cause pain amongst family and friends, who, in many cases, are helpless in these situations. Lent is an opportunity for the people in thrall to addictions to try to break them. It is also an opportunity for those close to them to make a sacrifice in solidarity with them. Our Lenten commitment does not only have to be about giving up something we will miss, it can simply be about giving, whether that is more of our time to people affected by addictions or to their family members supporting them, to volunteers or by simply donating money towards worthy causes. It can also be by offering up prayers for them”.

Bishop Leahy said that in his Lenten message, Pope Francis addressed the issue of destitution “Pope Francis recognises that many are plunged into this destitution by unjust social conditions, by unemployment, which takes away their dignity as breadwinners and by lack of equal access to education and health care”. These are all issues that apply locally in Limerick and we must break down barriers to ensure there is change Bishop Leahy stated.

Senior Help Line

Over 2,240 calls were made last year from Limerick to Senior Helpline, the confidential listening services for older people. A growing trend in 2013 was the concern among older people about family members emigrating, loneliness, cuts to services, instances of elder abuse and feelings of suicide were other reasons why callers contacted the helpline. The lines are open every day from 10am to 10pm. The helpline (Lo call) 1850440444 is supported by the Health Service Executive and Atlantic Philanthropies. For further information log on to www.thirdagairelandlie/what-we-do/14/senior-helpline/

Art and Polio

Primary school pupils are being asked to support a UNICEF initiative aimed at providing polio vaccinations to children in Nigeria and other countries at risk from the crippling virus by submitting art works that could be used to promote the message of the campaign, each pupil will help UNICEF fund the purchase of a vaccine and thereby protect a child from polio under a plan being underwritten by Irish fruit distributors Fyffes. Details will be sent to schools in mid March and winning entries will be used to promote the programme locally.

Poetry Slam

Limerick schools are being given the opportunity to win a trip to America to wax lyrical on the HBO Television Network’s poetry slam. The Brave New Words project is aimed at teenagers of transition year age and below to improve literacy. The project will encourage young people to find their voices and make themselves heard through the joys of creative writing and performance. Friar’s Gate Theatre in Kilmallock will host Limerick’s Brave New Words schools poetry slam on Thursday, April 3rd at 1pm. Admission €7. For more information on getting your school involved email: [email protected]

Cancer Run

On Sunday, March 16th Foynes will host the annual Shannon Estuary Cancer Memorial Run. The 5km fun run and 4km walk will remember those who lost their lives in the Shannon Estuary area. The entry fees are €10 per adult, €5 per child and €25 for a family with all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society. The run starts at 1-15pm and registration takes place at Foynes Community Centre from 11.30am.

Recent Death

Sympathy is extended to the Fitzgerald and Shine families on the recent death of their uncle Tom Fitzgerald, Ballyloughane, Athea. Also to his sister Sr. Eithne who lives in England. May his soul rest in peace.

Get Well Wishes

Best wishes are extended to Kit O’Connor who is in hospital at the moment. Hope Kit will be back to us soon with her cheerful smile.

Trócaire Boxes

Trócaire boxes are available at the Church doors.  It is hoped that every family in the parish will take one.

Chernobyl Céilí

The 14th annual charity céilí in aid of Chernobyl Children International will take place in the Devon Inn, Templeglantine on Friday 21st March at 9.30pm with music by Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band. Spot prizes galore. Admission €10, all support greatly appreciated.

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to the O’Connell family, Carrigkerry on the unexpected death of their brother Brendan. Also sincere sympathy to his wife Angela, daughters Barbara, Marie and Bernadette, his mother Nora O’Connell (Murphy) Athea and grandchildren and to the Murphys, Geoghegans and all his relatives in Athea. May his soul rest in peace.