Second Sunday of Year B - 18th January 2009

Situations Vacant -
Gifted People Required

Over the course of the past couple of weeks we have had the idea of gifts at the forefront of our minds. Of course, this started at Christmas and we continue the tradition started by the shepherds, who, legend has it, brought gifts of lambs to the new born Christ Child. This was followed up at Epiphany by the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh brought by the Wise men. Then last Sunday, on the feast of The Baptism of The Lord, we were reminded that as baptised Christians we each have a mission and are invited to reflect on what our mission is. To quote Fr Kevin, "What are the unique gifts that God has given me and how does he want me to use them?"

We, on the Parish Pastoral Council, would encourage you all to use your gifts in the service of our Parish. Many of you are already giving of your time and talents but we always need more help. All the events which happen at the Church, whether liturgical or social take an enormous amount of organising and we would welcome more volunteers.

Could you help out with the Children's Liturgy or preparing children for the sacraments, or become a Welcomer or a Reader. Maybe you could take a turn to man the telephone and answer the door to the presbytery in the early evening, so that our priests can attend the many meetings we have (or even have a quiet couple of hours!).

Perhaps you are musical and could help out with music in our liturgies. Or perhaps you could help with making the church beautiful for the liturgies by helping with flower arranging or tidying up after Mass when people have left leaflets and books around on the benches.

These are only a few of the jobs which go on in our busy parish. Again, maybe you have a gift or talent which has not been mentioned - we could surely find a use for it some time. Let us know, please.

People are often afraid that more will be asked of them than they are prepared to give, but if we all gave a little, huge things could be achieved. If you would like to volunteer a little of your time please leave your name, telephone number and e-mail address in the Parish Office or email Fr Kevin. ('oshea_kevin' at 'hotmail.com'). Your kind offer will be taken up with enthusiasm and gratitude.