A few words from Fr Joe…………..

I was watching a series on Netflix recently about Customs and Excise in the UK, back in the 70’s, having to respond to the massive increase in heroin being imported. A team was set up to recruit existing Customs officers to take on this difficult task from among the 20,000 members. Their method was simple they put up a notice in every office notice board, changing rooms, canteens and ensured that all the members saw what was needed. The notice simply read COULD YOU BE DOING MORE? and invited members to a meeting. It was a simple, but effective way of asking their people whether or not they had a bit more capacity, a desire to serve their organisation in new and challenging ways. From this simple start they met and talked, selected and trained and formed their Drugs Taskforce and achieved amazing results. That simple question has stayed with me all week, asking first of myself and by extension parishioners, both those already involved and those not yet engaged with our core mission, COULD YOU BE DOING MORE? For example, the Mission and Ministry Office is advertising the training program for Catechists, and the Pathways to Ministry course. Just some of the openings for parishioners in the partnership who really want to deepen their own faith commitment and level of service. At Mass in Kilmacud last weekend there was a refreshing invitation for Volunteers for all parish ministries. In Mount Merrion we are actively seeking to renew the Parish Pastoral Council and need up to ten people who can do more, who would love to share their time and talent. In Clonskeagh we are beginning the conversation about ‘Modification of Parishes’ guided by the Council of Priests who have taken some initiative with this pressing need to organise our faith communities, priests and resources in a way that ensures a healthy church. If you are one of those who could be doing more, please reach out to me.