RECENT BAPTISMS: Jordan Saoirse Walsh-Kennedy, Gurteen.  Melissa Grace Bean, Lauragh

MEMORIALS DURING THE COMING WEEK Tues 29th: St. Martha.

Wed 30th: St. Peter Chrysologus

Thurs 31st: St Ignatius of Loyola

Fri lst Aug: St Alphonsus Liguori

GRAVEYARD MASSES The Parish Council wishes to thank most sincerely all who helped organise and all who attended the masses in the different burial grounds in the parish, which concluded with a large attendance last Monday night at Kilbrogan.

BANDON OPINION August issue out on Thursday next, July 31st.  

ST.  BROGANS GAA SUMMER CAMP 10.00am to 2.30pm each day, August Ilth-15th for boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years.  No hurling or football experience necessary.  Lots of fun and games during an action packed week.  For further details contact: 086-3323997.

Modern life is in many ways a search for what keeps us happy.  When do we stop searching?  And what gives us peace of mind?  Each day we are instantly under the influence of advertisements which we confuse with our needs and wants.  We are told that we must buy and use this or that product if we are to be happy.  Without this car, these clothes or that relationship we will not be fulfilled as people.  It has to be said that a lot of us buy into these advertisements, and yes we are happy for a while, but our happiness is short lived, we get bored easily.  In today's gospel Jesus talks about a different kind of treasure, the treasure of the kingdom of God, the most valuable of all treasures, a treasure of everlasting value unlike our prized possessions, which still leave us empty inside.  It is only God who can give rest to our restless hearts and give nourishment to our souls.  For Jesus there was no greater treasure than his father's will.  As followers of Jesus the kingdom of God must be our greatest treasure.  So many people and things in modern life promise us the good life.  Jesus promises us not the good life, but eternal life.  In the word of St Paul in our second reading today.  "we know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him with all those who are called according to his purpose".  This is risky business turning everything to their good.  In his love for us, God has given each of us a great treasure, the treasure of our divine dignity as his children, let us be careful not to throw it away.  Let us pray for the wisdom to know our true needs.

Fr.Paul