LOVE IS CONCERN FOR OTHERS

Today's readings challenge all of us.  For many of us, one of the most difficult things in life to do is to confront or correct a person who has done something wrong - and to do it in a loving way.

This can be particularly so in a family situation.  The challenge is, not only to do what is right ourselves, but also to help those we know and love to do what is right.  "Love does no harm to its neighbour", Rom 13:10.

Our concern for others can draw people together for prayer, and when that happens in our neighbourhood, great healing can take place between the offender and the offended.

"Whenever two or three people come together in my name, there I am with them".  Matt.18:20 

Marian Place 50th Anniversary: Mass Fri 9, 7pm, middle green.  All past & present residents welcome.

SMA Family Vocation Mass Thurs 8, 7.30pm, Day Chapel.

Children of Mary: Meeting tues 6, 8pm.

Rosary & Exposition: Convent of Mercy, Wed, 4-4.30pm.  All welcome.

Secular Franciscans: Meeting Tues 6, 7pm, Mercy Convent.  New members welcome.

TARA: Places still available for trip to Arklow Bay.  Ph Mary 23978 for details.

Garden Club: Meeting + guest speaker Alan Wallace, Beech Hill Growers, Wed 7, 8pm, Bridge House.  All welcome.

Musical Society: Rehearsals for "42nd Street", commence Tues 6, Tullamore Court Hotel, 8.15pm.  All welcome, especially men!  Ph Niamh 087-6208862.

St Luke's Charity Walk for Family Support: Bag packing, Dunnes Stores, Bridge Centre 8-10 Sept.  If you can help, ph Mary 086-8940905.

Rights for Elderly Voluntary Housing Assoc: Church gate collection, Durrow Sun 11.

3rd Level Part Time Courses in Tullamore - in conjunction with AIT, Offaly Outreach Education, Tullamore Chamber of Commerce & Atlantic Corridor Ireland.  Registration evening, Mon 5, 7pm, Offaly Outreach Ed Office, O'Connor Sq.  Ph 26884 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details about courses available.

VEC Adult Ed Courses: Enrolment, Adult Ed Centre, O'Connor Sq, Tues 6, 6-8.30pm; 9.30am-5pm office hours. Enrolment for Tullamore College Mon 12, 7.30pm.

Samaritans: Information Night, Thurs 8, 8pm, Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.

AIT Part-Time Courses: Adult Ed Info evening, Thurs 8, 6.15pm, AIT main campus.
Durrow Ceili Club: Classes resume Tues 6, 9pm, Durrow Hall.  All welcome.

Concannon School of Dancing Ballykilmurray Hall, Mon 5. Ph 087-6952883.

Ready: Outing to Killeigh, Tues.  Bus from Day Care, 8.30pm.

1st COMMUNION PARENTS' MEETINGS

Durrow  Wednesday 7th, 8.00pm, Durrow Hall
Scoil Mhuire Tuesday 13th, 7.30pm, Day Chapel
Gaelscoil  Wednesday 14th, 7.30pm, Parochial House

FAMILY MASS GROUP:  Meeting Monday 5th, 7.00pm, Parochial House.

KILBRIDE CEMETERY Mass, Sun 11, 6.30pm with Fr Rory O'Brien chief con-celebrant.

WORLD YOUTH DAY:
Six parishioners attended the recent World Youth Day celebrations in Germany with a variety of groups.  The diocesan group left for Germany on 10th Aug and stayed for six days in three parishes in the diocese of Hildesheim.  It was a great opportunity to see real family life and also to share in the life of a German parish.  All were given a great welcome and life-long friends were made.

Then it was on to Cologne to meet 700,000 other young people and Pope Benedict.  It was truly a great occasion, full of life and faith, to meet so many gathered together for Jesus.  We participated fully in the programme of teaching and prayer and on World Youth Day itself, attended Mass with Pope Benedict and nearly one million pilgrims.  The Pope acknowledged the challenges of modern life and encouraged us to find the answers to our questions in Jesus, the Word of God.

I forgive myself and others. I am free.
Let go of the hurt, resentment and anger of the past.
When you forgive others and yourself you will enjoy love in your heart and lightness of spirit.