It gives us great pleasure to report that the first annual “St Brigid’s Day Mass and Churchgate Collection” was a resounding success. Not only did we raise much needed funds for our club development, but we also were able to showcase the tremendous work done by all the members and officers of the club for the youth of the parish. Of course the success was due in no small measure to the young collectors who generously gave up their time and we are justifiably proud of every one of them. Our thanks also to all of the parishioners who once again showed their generosity. Our thanks must also go to the Parish Finance Committee who agreed to our request for the collection and of course to Fr John Meehan S.J., Canon Brian McCloskey and in particular Very Reverend Edward O’Donnell who delivered a magnificent homily whilst con celebrating the 10:30 Mass on behalf of the club. With Fr O’Donnell’s permission we have included a copy of his Homily.
Fr. O’Donnell’s Homily – 4th Sunday in O.T. 2013
The nineteenth century American poet and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “Our chief want in life is somebody who can make us do what we can.” It is nearly always true that it is the influence of another that draws out of us that talent already there but is perhaps undeveloped or untapped? It brings home to us the importance of role models. This can be seen particularly clearly in a sporting organisation. Thank God for those people who have enable us to realise, and to be, that which we are capable off.
At this Sunday Mass we celebrate the-Club Mass of St. Brigid’s Gaelic Athletic Club, and do so in their fifteenth anniversary year. It is a real pleasure to welcome you to this Mass.
The Parish is a family made up of many families families of parents and children, but also the families of different Parish organisations, such as The St Vincent de Paul, or The Third World, or the Parish School, and it includes your family of the Gaelic Athletic Club. Every organisation is not just an organisation in the Parish but a real facet of the Parish. In this Mass we give thanks to God for what you do to make S1. Brigid’s the Parish it is, for the community you help to build and the joy you bring to so many.
Your Club motto translated says “Praise our youth and they will come through” perhaps a more loose translation, “Praise our youth and they will follow” emphasises the importance of role models. Ralph Waldo Emerson Vias right when he said “Our chief want in life is somebody who can make us do what we can.” Role models inspire, encourage, stretch us, drive us to emulate our heroes. Club officials and senior club members, coaches senior sports men and women, must never underestimate their power of influence on the young and their power for doing good.
Of course, role modelling is not just restricted to organisational and sporting prowess there is the example of a life well lived, demonstrated by living by Christian values and practice, and by the radical demands our Catholic view of morality. Such integrity of life underscored the aims of the founding fathers of the GAA in 1884. Of course Jesus Christ is our greatest role model.
S1. Brigid’s Club has over three hundred children actively participating in
the Club, forming friendships, playing games and obtaining regular exercise. Perhaps some are wondering what this has to do with religion, but in fact there is a close relationship. Our faith seeks to make of us well rounded individuals who play their part in contributing to the common good of society. There is more to faith that saying our prayers and keeping out of trouble.
Jesus sought to build up a body friends who related to one another in the ordinary day-to-day things of life. Friendship is an aspect of what St. Paul speaks of in the second reading when he says “Love is always patient and kind”. If we take the word “love” out and substitute the word “friendship” we have: “Friendship is always patient and kind it is never jealous friendship is never boastful or conceited it is never rude or selfish it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Friendship takes no pleasure in other people’s faults, but delights in the truth it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” These are powerful words and is what living our faith is all about.
Friendship leads us to the playing games. There is more to playing games than striking a ball it is a team activity. Playing in a team is real preparation for life there it is learnt to give and to take to praise and to correct to encourage and to strive. It is discovered too that the team that cooperates, one with the other, comes through and develops a real sense of belonging. These skills are required in every selfless individual.
These are exactly the same skills required within the Parish family. I pray that your Club has a strong sense of belonging to St. Brigid’s Parish and of being part of the team that makes up the Parish. As a Parish we recognise that the contribution you make to the development of our young people is invaluable. The Parish needs you you need the Parish. A great saint once said, “The glory of God is man fully alive”. Healthy, sporting, fun loving young people, with a strong sense of family identity, and parish identity, are the glory of God, and of our community. We congratulate your Club on your great achievements for our young parishioners, and wish you well in the endeavours ahead.
Once again many thanks to all involved in such a successful weekend.
