Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Few Words from Fr Joe…………………..

I don’t know how many people were received into the Catholic Church during the Easter celebrations, but it seems this was a bumper year. France alone is said to have had 21,400 adults come into full communion with the Church, and most American dioceses have also report increased numbers. Here in Ireland too there seems to be an upsurge as some of those who weren’t baptised as children seek to become members of the Church and some of the new Irish are discovering the Catholic faith and are drawn to it. Some of those entering the Church speak of a spiritual hunger, deep in their hearts, which urges them to seek truth, hope and a manner of living that only comes in a faith community where God is worshipped and true love for others is expressed. Almost every one of those who follow the path of reflection and prayer speak of how they came to admire the Catholic faith, by the example and joy of a Christian they came to know. They speak of observing an inner peace in someone who could only describe that in terms of their relationship with God, following of Jesus and their prayer and worship within a community. It seems that good Christians make good converts, more than books, lectures, sermons or classes. None of us really knows how we influence others, inspire in them a longing to belong, to come to know of God’s love for us all. Yet without our witness to faith, our speaking about our faith journey, with all our struggles and disappointments, there just wouldn’t be so many catechumens finding joy in the sacraments they received at Easter. So please don’t tire of letting others know how and why your faith is central to your life, to your identity and your happiness. Rejoice be glad, for Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia.