12 May 2023 – Friday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorials: Ss Nereus and Achilleus, martyred in 304 under Diocletian; Roman soldiers who refused service after conversion. St Pancras, a 14 year-old boy martyred in Rome at the same time, 304. 1st Reading: Acts 15:22-31 The decision of the Jerusalem Council goes out as…
11 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 15:7-21 Peter and James defend Paul’s missionary practice After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one…
10 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Comghall, established a monastery at Bangor 555-8 which Columbanus visited. Also founded a monastery in Tiree, Scotland. Died c 605. St John of Avila 1499-1569, priest, honoured as apostle of Andalusia. 1st Reading: Acts 15:1-6 The Council of Jerusalem, on what is…
9 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 14:19-28 Paul is stoned and left for dead; but survives to continue his ministry Jews came over from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead….
8 May 2023 – Monday of Week 5 of Easter Optional memorial: Bl John Sullivan, SJ, 1861-1933 was an (Gardiner St, Dublin community) Irish Jesuit priest who was known for his life of deep prayer and personal sacrifice. He is recognised for his dedicated work with the poor and afflicted, spending much of his time…
7 May 2023 – 5th Sunday of Easter, (A) 1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Under pressure, a solution is found to deal with new needs of the community Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of…
Presider’s Page for 7 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God. Penitential Rite Trusting in divine…
6 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 4 1st Reading: Acts 13:44-52 After failing to convert Jews, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted…
5 May 2023 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: Bl Edmund Rice, 1762-1844, from Callan, Co Kilkenny, joined other men after his wife died, took vows to work for the Catholic education of boys – CBS. 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised and exalted by God [Paul…
4 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter Optional memorial: St Conleth, born in Wicklow, priested for Brigid and her community in Kildare. Buried beside Brigid. 1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Paul’s summary of Israel’s history, up to the time of Christ Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga…
3 May 2023 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it…
2 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church, born at Aleaxandria c 295, ardent against the Arian heresy. 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Those who were scattered because of the persecution that…
May 1st – Monday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Joseph the Worker (Gen 1:26-2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23024. Ps 89:2-4, 12-14, 16, R/ v 17. Mt 13:54-58. Lect 11:1013 – See below 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that…
30 April 2023 – 4th Sunday of Easter, (A) 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 36-41 Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel first to the Jews, then to pagans, who receive it with joy Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be…
Presider’s Page for 30 April (Fourth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations. Penitential Rite Knowing the God cares for us every step…
29 April 2023 – Saint Catherine of Siena 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that…
28 April 2023 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Peter Chanel, 1803-41, priests and first martyr of Oceania. St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716, priests preacher who wrote about Mary and promoted the daily rosary. 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile…
27 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Asicus, accompanied St Patrick and was his metal work craftsman. In charge of Elphin church, founded by Patrick. 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward…
26 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men…
25 April 2023 – Saint Mark, Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders….
