STATION MASS for the following areas will be in St. Patrick's Church on Monday 18th May at 7.30pm. 1. Gaggin and Cashelbeg; 2. Tullyland, Curravreeda, Lissaphooca, Gurranebeg and Knockanrea; 3. Old Chapel, Meelon and Roundhill; 4. Ballylangley and Carrigcannon; 5. Curraclough and Callatrim.

RECENT BAPTISMS Danny Mark O'Sullivan, Dangan.  Ava Patrice Collins, 4 Cottage Gardens, Castle Road.  Erin Britton, Farnagark, Kilbrittain.  Joe Britton, Farnagark, Kilbrittain.  Madison Rhia Yates, 4 The Gully.  Eve Twohig-McSweeney, Betic House, Knocknagallagh.

BANDON TIDY TOWNS Our work season has begun for 2009.  We would appreciate volunteers to assist our weekly work nights.  Meet at 7.00 p.m. every Tuesday at Harte's Car Park.

THE GAGGIN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION are holding their next meeting on Tuesday May 10th at 8.30pm. All members please attend.

PRESENTATION ASSOCIATES will meet in the Convent.  Thursday 14th May at 8pm. 

GRAMOPHONE CIRCLE Mon I lth May, 8pm.  Gateway Hall.  Everyone welcome.

KILCOLMAN NATIONAL SCHOOL Official opening of new classrooms, Sunday 24th May 2009 at 2pm.  All present and past pupils, parents, staff and everyone from the local community invited to attend

ALZHEIMER'S TEA DAY On Sunday 10th May from 2-6pm, at the home of Laurence and Mary Burchill, Roughgrove, Bandon.  All welcome.

CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING AND BRING AND BUY SALE 10am-12noon Friday 15th May, 2009 in the Gateway.  Everyone welcome

BANDON SUMMER SHOW takes place on Sunday May 17th 2009 at showgrounds, Castlebernard.  Music by Celtic Spirit, Cookery Demonstration, Fun Dog Show, Vintage Display, Baby Show and a display of wild birds of prey.  Arts and crafts exhibition.  A great family day out assured.

LA NA gCLUB Today Sunday May 10th, Bandon GAA Club will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Founding of Cumann Luth-Chleas Gael with an open day starting at 2pm in Charlie Hurley Park.  A fun-day out for all the family with novelty football and hurling events.  Everyone welcome.

GIVE BLOOD 3pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm.  Tuesday & Wednesday 12th & 13th May 2009.

GAA Pavilion, Bandon.  Call 1850 731 137. www.giveblood.ie

What would Paul have done without Barnabas?  For it was Barnabas who introduced the newly converted Paul to the suspicious Christian community in Jerusalem.  The friendship that Barnabas had with Paul ensured that Paul became accepted.

When Paul stood on the toes of some of the Greek-speaking Christians and had to flee Jerusalem for safety to Tarsus, it was Barnabas who made contact with Paul fourteen years later and brought him back to Jerusalem.  Again it was Barnabas who set out with Paul on his first great missionary journey, a journey that would literally change the world.  Even though they quarreled for a time, the friendship between these two men was a pivotal turning point in the Christian story.

Someone once said that no-one is so rich that they can do without a friend. in these stormy economic times we have found ourselves appreciating our friends more and more.  In the good times we were more self-sufficient.  Anything we needed we could buy.  But now we are grateful for the one who can do us a favour and we in turn will help them when they are in need.  It is no longer about money.  Now we realise that we are part of something that money could never buy.  We are part of a community.

At the heart of our community is love.  But our love cannot be 'just words or mere talk'.  Instead it is love in rolled up sleeves.  A love that is prepared to stand in the breach when called upon.  A love that is not timed or measured but freely and generously given, after the example of the Father who loved the Son and the Son who loves each one of us.