New Beginnings in Sixmilebridge

IN light of the recent damning report evidence in the Murphy Report, it would be expected that the Catholic Church in Ireland would be subdued, silent even, keeping a low profile in face of further criticism.

However, the parish of Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry continues to push the boundaries, challenging the local community to ask the hard question, what is this life all about? What is the meaning to life? How can we reassemble a core from all the devastation of the recent disclosures and revelations, find a true spirituality and rebuild the relationships with others in our community?
People horrified by these recent events and are disillusioned by the constant deluge of change which has beset Ireland over the past year and more, may be interested in the Meaning to Life Programme to be held in Sixmilebridge Church in January, entitled New Beginnings.
“We are being challenged daily in our belief and trust whether due to the lack of integrity in our banking system, the negative effects of the recession in rising unemployment or the frightening breach of trust by some in the Church.
“Reliance on addictive substances poses problems for others in the family, parents need to be vigilant with their children and aware of the dangers and the signs,” a spokesperson for the local Pastoral Council said.
The New Beginnings programme begins on Thursday, January 14 at 8pm with a talk from addiction counsellor Billy Fox. He will speak about coping with addiction and the recovery journey through spirituality.
The second session in the programme will be given by Michael Rogers, from the Tearman Centre, Glendalough. Michael is well known as a facilitator in spiritual life and leads many retreats and his contribution will reflect on how people can nourish the soul through spirituality.
This event will be held in St Finnachta’s parish church on Thursday, January 21 at 8pm.
“Many people have difficulty with organised religion, feel estranged from standard traditional services and some find it hard to pray, or attend mass or services. There may be many reasons why this happens, sometimes it is a temporary phase, for others, it is a permanent barrier to having a spiritual relationship. This can preclude them from any interaction with the parish community,” the spokesperson said.
The third segment features the Celtic Tenors in a concert that includes spiritually enriching, uplifting music. The programme has been chosen specifically to help people on a journey to spirituality through music.
Tickets for this event on Thursday, January 28 are available from local shops and the parish office after weekend masses.