LECTIO DIUNA on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm at Presentation Convent.  "It is 1, be not afraid" (John)

RECENT BAPTISMS Ronan Joseph Connor 23 Belfry Heights.

Station Mass for Killountain on Monday 20th April at 8pm at Jim & Luarena Goggins

Thank You The parish clergy would like to compliment all who turned out in such huge numbers for the Easter ceremonies.  It was very gratifying for the different groups who worked so hard preparing for the various ceremonies.  The priests also wish to express their gratitude for the extremely generous Easter collection.

Gaggin ICA Guild Annual General Meeting will take place in the community hall Gaggin 23rd April at 8.30pm sharp.  All members requested to attend and new members are always welcome.  Guest will attend.

Bandon Tidy Towns Work Night Meet at 7pm Tuesday night at Hartes car park. (weather permitting) More volunteers most welcome "Many hands make light work".

Bandon Flower Club presents a flower arranging demonstration by Catherine Coulter A.O.I.F.A. in Munster Arms Hotel on Mon. 20th at 8pm.  Also Plant sale.  Visitors Welcome.

Gurrane National School are holding their inter school sports on Friday lst May at 6pm in Brinny pitch.  All are welcome.

Cumann Seanchaise Na Banndan Bandon Local history society A talk entitled "Bandon Golf Club through the ages" will be given by John McKinley & Paddy O'Flynn at the Parish centre at the rear of St. Patrick's Church, Bandon on Wednesday 22nd April at 8pm.  New members very welcome.

Stonemason Joe Twomey of Crossbarry has signed up with The Niall Mellon Township Trust and will travel to south Africa in November.  He needs to raise:E5000 for the building of houses.  Please support by attending a Coffee Morning at Hamlet's (behind the Blue Haven) Kinsale on Sat. 25th April 10am-12noon.  Music by the Equinox Trio.  Thank you.

Laragh National School Table Quiz The parents association of Laragh N.S. are organising a Table Quiz in the Ash Tree, Old Chapel on Friday 24th April at 8pm.  Cost 10 per person with 4 people per team.  Everybody is welcome and we would appreciate your support.

Cake Sale at Rosmini Resource Centre, Heron Court, Market Quay, Bandon.  Thursday April 23rd 10am - 3pm.  All proceeds towards the Rosmini Resource Centre.

Bandon Toastmasters meet 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month in the Bandon room of the Munster Arms Hotel, at 8.15pm sharp.  Visitors always welcome.  Next meeting is on the 22nd April.  Kinsale next meeting is on the 29th April in The Blue Haven Hotel at 8pm.  All Welcome

Doubting Thomas a saying we are all familiar with, even as children.  In reality isn't there a bit of doubting Thomas in all of us.  The story of Thomas in today's Gospel reminds us of the importance of saying it as it is, even in prayer.

We all recognise Jesus as a man of faith, but even Jesus questioned many of the religious concepts & traditional values of his time.  We live in a time where we question everything & rightly so, because if we don't question how can we come to our own personal beliefs.

Is it an act of faith of folly to pretend to believe what one really does not believe?  Thomas was told about Jesus by the other disciples & yet he refused to believe "Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands I refuse to believe".  Thomas asked the questions because he was seeking answers, we all need the search for the truth within our lives.  From time to time we all examine our faith especially in times of difficulty & who among us have not had difficulties in our lives.

Real deep faith never just happens, we must always build on our faith.  In good times and in bad may we always have the courage to say with doubting Thomas.

My Lord and my God.                                                           Fr.  Paul