A very happy and healthy new year to all our parishioners and all who visit this website. Despite the potential lift in the econcomy, times are still difficult and many people are finding their lives and their finances a struggle. Hopefully, as Irish people, we can re-discover the importance of a caring community. During 2015 may all who are finding life difficult experience the support of friends, family, neighbours and wider community. May we once again hear the call of Jesus to ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’.  May we strive to do our best in the circumstances that we find ourselves, and to believe that nothing is ever as bad as it seems. May we have hope in our hearts and confidence in oursleves. May God walk with us on this journey we have not travelled before.

The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck after she found out she had a fatal disease.

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television – and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s”.. More “I’m sorrys” …

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it … live it…and never give it back.

Erma Bombeck