RECENT BAPTISMS Emma Noelle Trunwit: Radharc and Bhaile.  Dawid Kowalczyk: 8 Glasslyn.  Dylan Patrick Hickey: O'Mahony Avenue.  Alex Thomas Brickley: Knockaveale.

STATION MASSES Wednesday, 28th October for Old Chapel, Meelon and Roundhill at 8 p.m. at Denis and Mary Cummins's.  Friday 30th October for Roughgrove, Mallowgatton and Lisnabanree at 8 p.m. at Tom and Norma Hurley's.

SINCERE THANKS has been extended to the parish from The Society for the Propagation of the Faith for our generous contribution to last week's Mission Sunday collection.  The total raised will change the lives of many in mission lands and will enable the continued work of missionaries worldwide.  We are asked to continue praying for our missionary brothers and sisters as our spiritual support can provide great comfort particularly in difficult times.  Amount collected: E6,092

JOURNEYING WITH LUKE An Introduction to Luke's Gospel over 4 Monday nights, from 8.00 to 9.30 pm each night, in Myross Wood Retreat Centre beginning on 9th November 2009.  Cost (for entire programme): -ElO.  Information and bookings from Fr.  Sean O'Sullivan, 021-7336053 or are(@corkandross.org All are welcome.

CONFESSION Prepare for the Feast of All Saints and All Souls by celebrating the forgiveness of God.  On Tuesday 27th October from 7.30pm - 9.00pm in St Patrick's Church, d,()Al@"YOU ,@@n'tome at anytime between 7.30pm and 9.00pna.-

GURRANE COMMUNITY AND PARENTS ASSOCIATION are hosting a Diamonds and Pearls night.  Adrienne Kelly will run a class on bead craft/ jewellery making for adults.  A bead kit will be provided.  Date: Wednesday 4th November.  Time: from 8 to 9.30 pm.  Cost: 25 euro.  Venue: Gurrane Community Hall.  Call 087 957 3573 to reserve a place

BANDON OPINION NOVEMBER issue is out on Thursday next, October 29th.

BANDON TOASTRASTERS We meet 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month in the Munster Arms Hotel at 8.15pm. If you are interested in what Toastmasters is all about, please come to our next meeting which is on Wednesday 28th October.  At toastmasters we like to talk.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT A Christmas Concert featuring the 3 TENORS will be held here in the Church on Wednesday 9th December at 8.00 p.m. Tickets priced 4E25 will be on sale here next week - end.  Profits will be donated to the local branch of Vincent de Paul.

GRAMOPHONE CIRCLE Monday October 26th at 8 pm Gateway Hall.  Everyone welcome.

THE STAFF & PARENT'S OF DEERPARK COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL will be in the Riverview Shopping Centre on Saturday November 7th from lopm - Ipm collecting Coppers for their fundraiser so please bring along any coppers that you may have around the house for this worthwhile Collection. just to remind you, that there are limited placc's available on the new childcare scheme starting in January.  Please Contact Rose Holland 8843357

COUNTY UNDER 21A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL Bandon v Ballinhassig at Pdirc Ui Rinn, Sunday 25th October at 2.00pm.

My own father suffered from physical blindness for the last 15 years of his life.  He was grateful for the care of my mother and other compassionate friends.  My father thankfully did not suffer from spiritual blindness, a darkness where people are unable to see the hand of God in their lives.  As there are many forms of blindness, s@too there are many are2s I where people can reach out and be compassionate.

Who are the blind people we meet?  How can we reach out and lead them to see the hand of God in their daily lives?

We are called to be observant and listen with compassion to the cry of the poor, whether spiritually or materially poor, sitting by the roadside of life.  We must see them not as mere objects needing charity but as people with their own desires and rights.  We often pretend that we know what suits the poor, the marginalised and the lonely better than they do.  But we often forget to put ourselves in their position as blind, abandoned, lonely and desperate.  We must always respect their dignity.  As mission month comes to a close, it is a reminder that we are all missionaries at home or abroad because of our baptism.  We have to respect other persons and recognise their rights.  We have to be attentive to their needs whether spiritual, human or material.

I will always remember how the compassionate presence of my mother and friends gave courage and spiritual strength to my father.  An important component in our missionary work at home is our personal presence among the people in need.

The true witness of our personal presence empowers the life of people.  Our compassionate presence can bring joy, peace and healing.  Our compassionate presence can open the eyes of the suffering and the lonely to see the hand of God in their lives.  We are called to become friends of life to our blind brothers and sisters waiting by the roadside of our daily lives.