Reflecting on the Gospel
The opening lines of today’s Gospel shows Jesus in conflict with those who criticise his disciples for not fasting. His reply to the people, however, reveals that this Gospel is not really about fasting. First Jesus gives a reason why his disciples do not fast. The Bible often uses the image Bridegroom for God. Jesus is telling them he is the Bridegroom (God) now present with his
people. Jesus is God with us-a time to rejoice, be happy - The Lord is near.  In and through Jesus the life and love of God are available to us. We are now invited into an intimate?  How could you grow in intimacy with Jesus?  Is there a freshness, a newness about your friendship with Jesus? Or is it like an old garment- worn out, cold etc, etc. If we are living in a new loving relationship with Christ, we are in a “new creation”. We can rejoice in the Lord always. Here is something new. Here is an intimacy/friendship between God and humankind that is far beyond human imagining.
 
 

Faith Sharing in the Home:

1.  How do you grow in intimacy with Jesus?
2.  Is your relationship with Jesus simply an old garment, or is there a transforming, fresh newness about your friendship with Jesus?
3.  What are some habits in your life you need to change in order to relate to God/your spouse/your family in a new way?
 

                Key words and Phrases in the Gospel
bridegroom , new, old
     Connecting  the  Gospel  with  First  Reading
The  First  Reading  from  Hosea  dose  not  focus  on  fasting  and  so  provides  the  clue  that  this  Gospel  is not  about  fasting  but  about  the  loving- intimate  presence  of  the  Bridegroom ( God ) . Jesus  claims  to  be  the  Bridegroom  suggesting  a  loving  type  of  relationship.

                                Bishop’s   Letter
Copies  of  the  Bishop’s  letter  are  available  at  the Church  door  for  anyone  who   has  not  received  it.We   ask  everyone  to  read  the  letter    carefully.

                                          First  Friday  
Friday  next  is  the  First  Friday:

                Masses:   Kilcolman-9.30am,  Confessions  9,00am.
                                Coolderry-9.30am,   Confessions  9.00am

                                 Carers Association
Would you like to be part of a Parish Carers Association. To visit the sick, the bereaved, those living alone, people  in hospitals etc. If you are interested please give your  name to one of the priests.

                                              Lent

The Holy Season of Lent begins on the 7Th March -Ash Wednesday. If you wish to save a little money for the poor by fasting during Lent you will find  a Trocaire box at the doors of the Church this weekend.

                        Kilcolman   Apostolic     work
A meeting of the above society will take place on Thursday, March 2cnd in Ballyeigan Hall.

First Saturday devotions to Our Lady
This being the Jubilee year of the Birth of Jesus, we are hoping to spread Devotion to the Immaculate heart of Mary by answering her call to Fatima. Our Lady asked for a short devotion on five consecutive First Saturdays in reparation for our sins. While it is hoped that some parishioners would like to continue the First Saturday Devotions - Five would be saying “ Yes” to our Lady. 
In our parish , First Saturday devotions take place in Coolderry Church immediately after 9.30am mass. Some parishioners might prefer to do the Devotion at home or with a neighbour. The prayers which are said after the Rosary on first Saturdays are on pages 6 to 10 of the booklet which are free and available. Please take as many as you wish.