RECENT BAPTISMS: Roan Dempsey, Clancool Beg.  Louis Francois Guedan, 2 Riverview Estate

LECTIO DIVINA 'from that dav many broke away and would not remain in his company'(john 6) Some could not decide or allow love to transform them, what about you?  Read Peter's reply in today's Gospel. next meeting September 7th.

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH Father Denis O' Leary P.P. - 023 884 3794.  Father Myles Mc Sweeney - 023 886 5067

STATION MASS for Carhue North, Lsragh & Shinagh will be held on Saturday 29th August, at 10-30am at Christy and Bernie Dalv's.

HERITAGE CENTRE, North Main St. Heritage week 22nd - 30th August.  To foster awareness of our heritage entrance to above centre is free during this week

GAGGIN CHAPEL: the annual clean up of Gaggin Chapel grounds will take place on Monday night next 24th August at 7.30pm. All volunteers are most welcome

WRIGGLETTO - relaxed weekly music and movement classes for you and your pre-school child (infant age 5).  New term begins in September in Bandon.  Try it out for free-reserve a demo space or call Mairead Gallagher on 021 4776908

CUMANN SEANCRAIS NA BANNDAN - Wednesday 26th August.  National Heritage week: A visit to the Rosscarbery area.  Leave St. Patrick's car park, Bandon at 6.30pm or meet at Celtic Ross Hotel at 7.30pm. Guide Fachtna O'Callaghan.  New members welcome 

DEERPARK COMMUINTY PRE-SCHOOL - is holding an information and open evening in the family centre on Tuesday 25th August at 8pm.  There are limited places available, parents are welcome to attend or contact Rose Holland on 023 884 3357 or 023 884 2743

A MEETING OF THE BANDON BRANCH OF COPE FOUNDATION will take place in the Munster Arms Hotel on Monday 24th Aug at 8pm sharp.  All members are requested to please attend.

GAGGIN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION will hold their next meeting on Tuesday 25th Aug at 8.30pm in the community hall.  All members please attend

ST BROGAN'S COLLEGE, Bandon.  Morning computers course for beginners.  There is no materials / books /course fee required to be purchased.  The course starts in mid- September and we will be happy to discuss any queries.  Some spaces are still available.  Further info & application forms can be obtained by phoning the school 023 884 1120 or Irene Houlihan on 023 884 1688.

BANDON & SURROUNDING AREAS LADIES FOOTBALL CLUBS U-12 + U-14 training everv Monday 7-8pm until further notice times will change shortly for school term.  Training will finish on October 19th for this year.  Adults + U16 will train together until further notice.  New members welcome.

BANDON OPINION September issue is out on Thursday next, August 27th.

BANDON TIDY TOWNS WORK NIGHTS Meet at 7pm every Tuesday at Hartes car park. (weather permitting) More volunteers most welcome "Many hands make light work"

There's very much a take-it-or-leave-it approach evident in today's Gospel (John 6:60-69).  There's no attempt at gentle persuasion.  Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever.  Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this?

Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means.  Now why would they do that?  Why would they take serious someone who makes so outlandish a claim?

Two reasons perhaps.  First, there's something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what.  There's an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him that tells you he's not the type to make nonsensical statements.  Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic.  Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him.

Second reason: his works.  Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power.  Miracles we call them.  Because we've not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannot fully appreciate their effect. just imagine if you witnessed someone performing even on of hearings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked?  Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person?

Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim.  Why?  Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won't either.  As St Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.