28 March 2015 Issue No:5

Groups return to their schools with the intention of undertaking a project that will benefit the school, the school community or a charity that is dear to their hearts. The projects vary greatly. Some groups have coordi-nated peer mentoring programmes in their schools, they have fundraised for sports equipment, they have ran sports days, they have organised icebreakers to help first years and transition year students to get to know each other better. They have created a space for 6th year students to relax, they have put on musicals and run talent shows. One of last year's groups from Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa, Doon won a Limerick Garda Youth Award. Un-fortunately one of their teachers, Mr. Alan Feeley, someone who epitomised all the qualities of leadership and service died quite suddenly. As a tribute to this teacher and as a way of raising awareness of organ donation, this group embarked on a campaign titled #LiveLifeGiveLife. The main focus of the campaign was the promotion and sale of wristbands in the school and the local community. The money raised was donated to organ donation and the Donal Walsh Foundation. The group’s efforts have earned them the Special achievement award that they would like to dedicate to their late teacher, Mr. Alan Feeley. As you can see the list of projects undertaken by Anois students is endless!

One of this year’s Anois students, Eimear Kiely, from Colaiste Laurel Hill FCJ has written an article about her Anois experience which has been pub-lished by The Irish Catholic newspaper. I’m sure you’ve all read it but just in case we said we’d reprint it here! We are so proud of her! Congratulations Eimear—hope you’re feeling better soon!

After hearing about the Anois Programme from other students in my school who attended I immediately knew that it was for me. I was very nervous at the thoughts of leaving home for four days but I have to say everybody made me feel very comfortable and we were all like one big hap-py family by the time we left on Thursday afternoon. Each day was very different and we were set new challenges and tasks that would test us both physically and mentally. Each school group was assigned three lead-ers and a break away room where various tasks would be set for the school group to complete. The aim of the set tasks were to improve communica-tion, participation and listening skills. In the evenings after supper we would take part in activities such as a table quiz, Anois Idol, etc. During these activities we were spilt up into different groups away from the boundaries of our school groups. This was quite daunting at first but after the initial awkwardness it was like we had known each other all our lives.

Anois is a youth leadership programme offered to secondary school students by the youth ministry team of the Limerick Diocese. It is a programme that has been running in the dio-cese since 1994. It is similar to the 'Meitheal' programme run in the Kildare and Leighlin diocese and also run by Scala as part of the Redemptorist Youth Ministry in Cork. Finding a residential venue that can cater for about 55 young people can be difficult. As a result Anois has been run in many different venues but has found a home in St Patrick's College Thurles for the last 10 years. Anois has adapted Paulo Freire’s ‘Training for Transfor-mation’ programme, which is often used with community development groups, to make it more accessible to young students. All the students who apply are interviewed by Aoife Walsh (Co-ordinator) and Fr Chris O’Donnell. After deliberations with their team in the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre eight students are chosen to represent their school. This year the programme ran over three weeks in St Patrick’s College Thurles. Each week forty students from five different schools and 17 leaders (mostly college students) spend four very full days and nights working together to develop their leadership skills.

We arrived on a dark, wet Sunday evening, with a lot of luggage!! E we were soon sent up the stairs to drop off our bags before we begun (what we didn't know then) was to be the best week of our lives. We joined together in the main hall for some initial ice breakers before each school group headed away to their breakaway rooms to complete the first set of team challenges. These challenges ranged from pushing a straw through a potato to unravelling a human knot.

The highlight of day 2 was definitely Anois Idol. We were all split up into different groups and given a song to perform in front of the whole group and of course some very estimated judges. The world renowned Sister Im-maculata even made an appearance on the night with some of her very close friends. To say it was fun would be an understatement! We had an absolute ball.... There were certain renditions of "I will survive" and "Mamma Mia" that will never be heard again!!

The following day began with a brisk walk around the grounds of St. Pat-ricks College before all 59 joined in the Ref for the breakfast. It seemed a bit unusual for 59 to be seated in the one room for breakfast but we soon be-came accustomed to it and it was one of the things that we all missed when we got. The days also started and ended with prayer. It was not like the prayer we are used to at Mass. Nice stories were chosen and verses read and we got to play our part. We sat in silence and also got to sing songs that might not normally be thought of as fitting for prayer. Morning prayer always finished with an action song or fun liturgical dancing to wake us up and night prayer always finished with a bed time story that had a positive message. Each school group and their leaders took it in turns to prepare either the morning or evening ceremony. Throughout the day we did nu-merous activities focusing on trust and communication before enjoying a table quiz with a difference in the evening.

Determination and commitment were on the cards on day 3 as the Anois Mini Olympics were dawning..... Some people (leaders especially!!!!!) had their game faces on and they were going to stop at nothing to emerge victo-rious at the end!!! We even had some very tough referees on the day! We all had great fun and the best was yet to come as that night as after the girls and some boys changed into their onesies, an evening of talent lay before us! Each person had to perform a certain talent what ever it might be. The tal-ent ranged from the usual, but beautiful singing and dancing to magic, hurl-ing tricks and even a portrait of the beautiful Aoife Wash. It was amazing to see how comfortable everybody had got around each other and some peo-ple even shared talent that most others didn't even know existed. It was a truly magical evening surrounded by friends old and new......

This year the Anois programme ran for three weeks and as a college student who is currently on placement with the Youth Ministry Team I have been asked to write about the experience from my perspective as a leader on the programme. This was my first year taking part and as I had never previously been involved as a student I really didn’t know what to expect when taking on this role. Was I nervous? Anx-ious? The simple answer is yes, but I was surrounded by great people who helped me to fill in whatever blanks I had and I felt at home in no time. This year I was a leader for two out of the three weeks and my word for the whole experience is “unexplainable”. (I’m not sure that’s even a word but you know what I mean!) As a leader you really see the changes that take place for the school teams over the course of the few days. What caught my attention was the changes in the students and in the group structure; seeing students grow in confidence and start-ing to feel more feel more comfortable in themselves while learning to trust in one another was simply amazing. The best part of this week for me was realising that as a leader I had helped those changes to happen! I hated leaving it all at the end of week one but what kept me going was the knowledge that I would be returning for the third week. Going into that third week I was definitely more equipped and bet-ter prepared. Little did I know that as a leader I would also grow in confidence and the skills learned on Anois have also gotten me thinking about my own future career path. Saying goodbye to everyone at the end of week three was even harder that the first week but I took so much with me, new friends, new skills and a deeper understanding of leadership. I am so glad to have been able to share this experience with such an amazing group of students and leaders. My only regret? That I didn’t get involved in Anois sooner! If it’s something you’d like to do let Aoife and Chris know ASAP! I’ve already put my name down for 2016. Bring it on!

Everybody woke with heavy hearts on the last day because nobody wanted to go home. We were having way too much fun to leave..... We had all made so many new friends and learnt so much in such a short space of time. We did activities that brought us outside of our comfort zones and helped us come over our fears whatever they might have been. The Anois experience is hard to de-scribe because it is one in a lifetime. Unless you were lucky enough to have been on the journey you couldn't possibly describe everything that happened on it. A few birthdays were also celebrated throughout the 3 weeks!! E It is a jam packed experience that leaves you thankful that you were on it and hopefully that you will be lucky enough to go back as a leader some day in the future.

On behalf of everybody who took part in the Anois Programme 2015, I would like to thank Chris and Aoife for giving us all the opportunity to be part of it......... It was an experience I really enjoyed and I am so glad that I got the opportunity. The programme has helped to me grow in self confidence and for that I am eternally grateful. Everybody was accepted for who they are with motors of judgment. The leadership skills are such a bonus to everyday life as we'll. Currently we are working on a project in our school to raise awareness of men-tal health and we are also in the process of organising fundraisers for MS Ireland as it is a charity close to all of our hearts. Hopefully our project will be a success but if it isn't we know that the experiences we had and the friendships we made will hopefully stay with us for ever. My advice to anybody that is lucky enough to have the opportunity to apply is to grab it with open arms and if you get in, go with an open mind and a decision to embrace everything that is thrown at you. That's what I did and I can honestly say that it truly was "The best week of my life" The friendships we made and the existing friendships that were deepened were such a big part of the experience. I got to know the seven others from my school so much better and also made so many great friends from other schools. We were surrounded by really good people and everyone’s talent was encouraged and celebrated. Not only were the students warm and friendly the leaders were incredible. They were so friendly and talented and the music and singing and dancing was very enjoyable.

January’s Mass Rocks really did rock... With over 120 people in attendance St. Joseph’s Parish Centre was bursting at

the seems and the it was great to celebrate the Eucharist together with such joy and fun. We had great fun before

Mass catching up with friends from Anois and of course with some icebreakers and games. We were genuinely wor-

ried about the foundations at one stage as “Just Dance” had everyone on their feet and the place was literally hop-

ping! Bishop Leahy was able to join us for a while too which was lovely and we always appreciate his support.

February’s Mass Rocks was a little quieter (probably our fault

for not posting it properly for people on facebook). It was still

a lovely gathering though and we had The Evangelists

plugged in for the first time. Cormac O’Shea sounded a little

different but we put it down to the amplification. (Thanks

for filling in Cathal!)

April 25th

May 30th

June 27th

7pm in St Joseph’s Parish Centre

Pope Francis has been as ac�ve as ever on the social media front. I think he has been inspired by our own

Bishop Brendan who has been busy pos�ng some great videos on the Diocesan Website and Facebook Page.

One tweet of Pope Francis that we really liked was one he posted on March 5th.

“If we are too a�ached to riches, we are not free. We are slaves.”

Giuseppe Maria Desa was born in the village of Cuper�no, then in the Province of Apulia, in the Kingdom of Naples, now in the

Italian Province of Lecce. His father died before his birth, and the family home was seized to se,le the large debts he had le-,

and his mother was forced to give birth to him in a garden shed in 1603. He was not very bright in school. He found learning diffi-

cult. When he decided to become a monk he was turned down by different congrega�ons. He did not give up and finally he was

accepted into the community of the Franciscans of La Grotella (the li,le gro,o).

He was a very good kind and prayerful monk but he s�ll had a hard �me with his studies. When it came to his most important

exams, the examiner happened to ask him to explain the only thing he knew well, and so he passed and was made a deacon, and

later a priest. A-er this, God began to work many amazing miracles through St. Joseph. It is said that o-en people saw him rise

from the ground while saying Mass or praying. On other occasions he went into ecstasy and he would be completely wrapped up

in talking with God. He was renowned for his prayer and holiness and he prayed especially for people who found learning diffi-

cult.

Pope Clement XIII canonized him in 1767. He has been declared the patron saint of air travellers, aviators, astronauts, people

with a mental disability, test takers and poor students. As most of us will never be astronauts we are more likely to pray to him

to help with exams. For all those doing orals at the moment and facing into Junior, Leaving and College exams, we hope St Jo-

seph of Cuper�no will help you and that the things you love will turn up in your exams.

Whatever you do don’t ask Chris for study �ps, he loved the Leaving so much he did it twice!

A Student Prayer

Now that I lay me down to study

I pray to God I won’t go nu,y,

If I should fail to learn the junk,

I pray the Lord, I won’t flunk.

But if I do, don’t pity me at all;

Just lay my bones in the exam hall.

Tell my teachers I did my best,

Then pile my books upon my chest.

Now I lay me down to rest

And pray I’ll pass tomorrow’s test.

If I should die before I wake,

That’s one less test I’ll have to take. Amen

Prayer to Saint Joseph of Cuper no

O Saint Joseph of Cuper�no,

who by your prayer, obtained from God

the blessing to be asked at your examina�on

only the ques�ons you knew:

Grant that we may, like you,

succeed in the exams we take .

In return, we promise to make you known and to encour-

age others to pray to you for their scholas�c needs as

well. Saint Joseph of Cuper�no, pray for us. Amen

“I can’t believe it’s Pancake Tuesday again. Honestly, it just Crêped up on me.” Pancake Tuesday has come and gone but here in the Li-

merick Pastoral Centre we celebrated it in true style by firstly slaving away over a hot surface for hours making pancakes for all those

arrived in starva�on and in dire need of a pancake. Secondly we offered all those who arrived, the chance to win three amazing prizes;

two Easter eggs, a Toblerone and a box of Jellies, if they guessed the exact number or a close enough number to how many midget gems

were in the jar. There were exactly 564 jellies in the jar with Paul McNamara coming in a very close first place followed by Aisling White

in second place and a-er much delibera�on by our many boards on the parish commi,ee we can officially announce Kathlynn Garry in

third place. Congrats guys!! ☺ And last but not least we offered all who came to give a small dona�on towards Trocaire and to write

what they were giving up and taking up for lent. A great give up on the board was to ‘take up subway lessons from Liam Mullane’. All in

all a great day was had with over 52 a,endee’s and approximately 144 pancakes were eaten. HOLY CREPE!! If pancake Tuesday could

only become pancake week….

My dear friends,

I had a very disturbing email this morning from a close friend who witnessed something very

shocking on Saturday night — Fr Chris O’Donnell decked out like some Johnny Travolta

wanna-be in red satin and tight trousers, dancing in a most un-priestly like way with

some… trollope hussy woman in the Race Course! This so called charity event in aid of Adare

GAA Club saw Fr Chris, gyrating, shimmy-ing and prancing around the stage while being pawed

and mauled by this mystery woman in front of a crowd of 1000 people! She couldn’t keep her hands

off him and I have to say I expected more from him. That Fr Chris could flaunt himself so provocatively and

so openly really does make me afraid for the future of our Church and he’s not doing he’s own future any good either! I

mean who would want a Bishop or a Pope who had spent time spinning, twirling, twisting and twizzling in a shiny shirt

while this trollope woman was groping him as spectators watched on! Sure he’d be

a laughing stock! I am simply flabbergasted and speechless and I’m afraid I

have no option but to bring this matter further. However I will need some

hard evidence so if anyone has a video of this catastrophe will you please

forward it to me. It will be difficult to watch but I feel it’s important that

I see this spectacle with my own eyes.

Also if you know who he was dancing with you might let me know.

This woman could be one of those unstable types with a thing for

priests with flowing ginger locks and if I knew where she lived I

could just call and let her know that Chris is spoken for, that he’s

in a very committed relationship with the Lord and doesn’t have

time for boogying, frolicking, hopping, bopping and cavorting and

if she knows what’s good for her she’ll leave well enough alone.

Obviously I’ll let her down gently but at the same time someone

has to mark her card for her!

I’m sorry that I’ve had to bring you news of such blatant wantonness

and immorality during this holy season of Lent but I ask you to de-

vote your prayers to Fr Chris and to other priests who have been

tempted by the sequins, sparkles and shining lights of salsa. Oh and of

course we can’t forget Trocaire. Please give generously to their Lenten

Campaign.

God Bless you all, Sr C x

“I can’t believe it’s Pancake Tuesday again. Honestly, it just Crêped up on me!” Ha Ha Ha!

Pancake Tuesday has come and gone but here in the Pastoral Centre we celebrated in style by

slaving away over a hot stove for hours making pancakes for all those who arrived in starva-

tion and in dire need of a pancake! Not only did we offer people our delicious pancakes we

also gave them the chance to win three amazing prizes; two Easter eggs, a Toblerone and a

box of Jellies. All they had to do was guess the number of jellies in the jar—easy peasy! As it

happens there were exactly 564 jellies in the jar. Well done to Paul McNamara who came first

followed very closely by Aisling White in second place and after much deliberation by our

board of management and esteemed judges we can officially announce Kathlynn Garry came

third. Congrats guys!! ☺ Thanks to everyone who attended for making a donation towards

Trocaire’s Lenten campaign and for letting us know what you’re giving up and taking up for

lent. Someone has decided to take up subway lessons from Liam Mullane! It was great to see

so many of you and hopefully you enjoyed your pancakes. You did eat approximately 144 of

them! HOLY CREPE!! Next year we should have a pancake week, Tuesday is not enough!

A sample of some of the things people are giving up or taking up??

The Holy Bible

Q: What do you call a sleepwalking nun?

A: A roamin' Catholic!

Q: Why did the priest giggle?

A: Mass hysteria!

Q: Why did Moses spend 40 years wandering in the desert?

A: Because even then men found it hard to ask for directions!

Q: What do you call a Catholic service that is very very important?

A: Critical Mass!

You may have heard the song “Hero” by American

band Family of the Year . It features in the Oscar win-

ning movie Boyhood and if you haven't’ heard it you

should check it out… or just watch this cover by brother

and sister Nathan and Eva Leach because it’s better

than the original! This video which was recorded by Na-

than and Eva’s mum at home in their kitchen in South

Carolina has had over 10 million views on you tube and

it makes me think of all the talent we see every year in

the Bru and at Anois. Check it out….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MjHA3cLKn0

Jordan’s

Quality Quote

He who can give

thanks for a little will

always find that he has

enough…

My Comfort Zone I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn’t fail.

The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,

But I stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much.

I said I didn’t care for things like commission checks and such.

I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,

But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win.

I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I’d never felt before,

I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you’re in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,

Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

–author unknown

On Thursday the 19th of March our youth ministry team had the privilege of spending the day with 450 students

and their teachers in UL. These students were taking part in the Seinn initiative, a joint venture run by the Dio-

ceses of Limerick and Kilalloe to promote Liturgical Music in secondary schools.

These talented singers and musicians along side their equally talented teachers have been busy

learning some wonderful songs, practicing solos and instruments over the last few months and the

result was a fantastic concert in the University Concert Hall last week. Huge credit is due to all the

soloists, musicians and singers and unfortunately we don’t have room to include the names of all 450

students here however we must commend two people who we know and love, Anna McMahon who

was one of the soloists on the night and Jaffar (of the renowned Abbas clan) who had to introduce

some of the songs; you were both fantastic!

We must mention of course those who put the whole event together, Ian Callanan, Nodlaig

Liston, Noirín Lynch, Carmel Plant, Marie McNamara and Richard Purcell. They were ably

supported on the day by a team of about 20 volunteers and we hope that you all had a

nice lie in on Friday!

As well as learning some wonderful new mu-

sic and getting to make lots of new friends,

students also had the opportunity during the

day to take part in some faith based work-

shops. Our role on the day as volunteers was

to make this event an enjoyable and memora-

ble occasion for the students and we were so lucky to have been able to spend a day

with such gifted, friendly and fun people! All the volunteers would I’m sure agree that

the students who attended on the day did themselves, their families and their schools

proud and at the end of the day I hope they went home with music in their souls and joy

in their hearts (and new friends to add on Facebook!)

Limerick Schools who took part in this year’s Seinn:

Castletroy College

Colaiste Chiaráin, Croom

Colaiste Íosaf, Kilmallock

Colaiste Mhuire, Askeaton

Colaiste Nano Nagle, (Presentation)

Colaiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale

Colaiste Laurel Hill FCJ

Laurel Hill FCJ Secondary School

Salesian Secondary School

Scoil Carmel

Scoil Pól, Kilfinane

St Clements College

St Nessan’s (Thomond College)

Le�ers to God

This issue’s letter to God is answered by Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon. Eamonn is a

native of Crecora. He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese in 1989.

Eamonn is a former Director of the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre and

has also lectured in Mary Immaculate College. As well as fulfilling other Di-

ocesan roles he is currently tasked with organising the 2016 Synod. Éamonn

was born in 1965 which makes him 50 this year! Happy Birthday Éamonn!

Dear God,

I have done many things in my life that I’m not proud of and I can’t even confess to my Parish Priest, not even to my sister who in my opinion is the closest thing to a best friend I will ever have. My family have been having problems and I’m starting to lose faith in God so I guess I’m asking for guidance in my heart to bring me back to your family. Also a good friend of mine is very ill and I ask you to bless her with your love. Thank you,

From a girl aged 12 from County Limerick

Dear Friend,

You say that you feel that you are losing your Faith – believe me you are in good company! In fact many of the

greatest saints struggled with doubts and questions at one time or another. Mother Teresa herself felt alone and

separated from God. Indeed we all have times of doubt, I think it is part of our faith journey. At such times, a prayer

that I often say is a line from scripture “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” This is a time to ‘hang in there’ and

through prayer, try to remain connected. Faith is not about having answers but living with questions, if we knew the

answers to all of life’s questions then it would not be faith!

In your letter you also say that you feel guilty about something but you say you cannot tell anyone. Jesus reassures

us by his life and the wonderful stories he told that God is always more than willing and ready to forgive us no mat-

ter what. Remember the beautiful story of ‘The Prodigal Son’ when the father (symbolising God) welcomed back his

wayward son with open arms, or the story of the lost sheep who was found by the Good Shepherd.

I know you say it is very difficult but please do to chat to somebody about whatever is on your mind. I am sure your

sister will understand and similarly your priest will listen with care. Sometimes when we ‘bottle something up’ it

builds up inside us and grows in to something much bigger that it actually is – saying it out to a trusted friend can

be like letting the air out of a balloon. A problem shared is a problem halved so please do speak to your sister or

your priest.

In the meantime let’s keep each other in prayer.

Eamonn Fitzgibbon

Our honourable mentions sec-tion just keeps getting bigger and bigger! We just know and love such talented people. Here is a sample of some of the people and events that we want to celebrate! And remem-ber people like Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Roy Keane and Paul O’Connell were catapulted into stardom after featuring in Yolo!

We were delighted to hear that Mary O’ Brien from Ballyneety graduated from Waterford as a nurse and has been let loose into the big bad world.

In a special edition of the Limerick Post printed to cel-ebrate Limerick we were delighted to see one of Diarmaid Greene's beautiful photos of Thomond Park lit up at night.

Emma Chawke was once again in action with the Granagh Players and we were disappointed that she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for her role in ‘The Buds of Ballybunion’.

Not only was Eleanor O’Brien photographed with President Michael D. Higgins but she also won an award for all her volunteering work with the community games as part of the 'Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards'. As part of this achievement Eleanor was invited all the way 'up' to Down for the celebration! Well done Eleanor!

Congrats to Sarah Ryan who had a great night in the 'Stroller' pub Ballyneety to raise money for the Rapunzel Foundation. The Rapunzel Founda-tion is a charitable organization that works to improve the lives of those living with hair loss (alopecia). Sarah bravely and generously had 14inches cut off her hair and collected lots of money for the foundation. Mairead O'Donnell won nearly every raffle prize and a great night was had by all! Thanks Sarah.

Former Anois Student Niall O Halloran and one of the former stars of 'The Witness' musical Evan Cotter have both qualified for the live shows in the Voice of Ireland. We wish them the very best of luck as they do Limerick proud. Also on a singing front we want to congratulate Enda Walsh on winning the Christopher Lynch singing Bursary. Those who have attended Mass Rocks have heard Enda’s beautiful singing. Also Enda travelled to New York with the Coláiste na Trócaire choir to sing on St Patrick’s day. Finally on a music front Gill McNamara’s band ‘Little Tents’ will be representing Limerick in the Irish Youth Music Awards 2015 in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on April 18th!! Check out their single ‘This Time’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2hJU7t10qM. While you are on Youtube you should also look up ‘Paddy Dennehy and the Red Herring’ and hear and see the wonderful Johanna O’Brien! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEiMfzghNsA

Our very own Martha Moloney turned 21 and celebrated in style in Flannerys. It was a very sensible celebra-tion and the only thing that was green at the end of the night was her hair! Happy birthday Martha!

Lorna O’ Byrne was one of seven students to receive an award at ‘The School of Law Essay Competition Awards Ceremony’ in UCC. Lorna’s essay explored whether or not a child's interests are always best served by remain-ing in the care of his/her biological family. Over 300 en-tries were received nationally and Lorna was in the top seven.

Grainne O’ Malley from Castletroy College won an award in the ‘Business through the Ages’ sen-ior category.

Best of Luck to Kate Staple-ton and Shauna Doran who are both taking part in the Limerick Rose! Good Luck!

On an athletics front Fio-na O’Shea has been win-ning medals for fun and at the National indoor Championship in Athlone won the triple jump with ease and is the new title holder.

Not only is James Deegan starring in the MIDAS production of ‘Les Miserables’ he also was voted in as Student Union President! He is following in the footsteps of Elaine/Johanna and Niall Carmody – big boots to fill there James but no better man! Congrats also to Cliodhna McCoy, the new Entertainments Officer. Clíodhna is also in Les Mis along with Shannon O’Sullivan Glynn and they are currently per-forming to great acclaim. Sorry if there were others in the show that we didn’t rec-ognise! It just means that you convinced us that you were French peasants!

We must also congratu-late Johanna and Elaine for doing so well and finishing 3rd in the All Ireland One Act play awards. They achieved this honour on the back of their incredible pro-duction of ‘I’M NOT ADHD, I’M BOLD’ – a gripping play that had audiences gripped wherever it played.

While we are talking about all things drama related let’s not forget the Limerick Panto Society. While Christmas may feel a long time ago now, the Limerick Panto Society put on a great production of 'Cinderella’ and it involved the following talented people: Marion & Melissa Lynch, Lau-ren & Kristen Shaw, Fiona Hannon and Michael O’Brien. Also on a musi-cal front Maria Kelly and Sadhbh McCoy featured in Sister Act in Shan-non.

More recently, Ciara Moore won all round her at Féile Luimnigh! She won the Marcel Marceau Cup for U18 mime and came second in the U18 prose reading, the U18 solo verse and the U18 poetry compo-sition as well as finishing third in U18 drama! WOW! Well done Ciara!

Congrats to Karen and the Kiely family – they were all out in uniform and marching for the Band parade and also on St Patrick’s day and they looked and sounded brilliant. The Von Trapp family, eat your heart out.

As always please inform of us of any moments of greatness that can be attributed to Anois, Lourdes and Muintearas people! If it wasn’t for the Limerick Leader, the Weekly Observer and the Irish Catho-lic, we could have missed some of these great achievements!

Niamh Ryan and Sile Monynihan have gotten the year off to a great start with the Limerick Camogie team. To date they have beaten Tipperary and Wexford and drew with Galway - here's hoping it could be the start of another great year! Niamh also starred in UL's team in the Ashbourne Cup as well as showing her slick dance moves in the Ballybricken Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser!

Meanwhile former Anois students Adrian Breen and John Fitzgibbon have been involved in the Limerick Senior Hurling league matches. Also in the West GAA awards Jack Neville (Ballysteen) won the Junior ‘A’ Football award and Brendan O’Connor (Croagh/Kilfinny) won the U21 B Hurling award. Also we want to congratulate Kilmallock (and Paudie Hurley’s brother Liam) for getting to the All Ireland Hurling club final and giving us a lot to shout about this year.

Congratulations also to Micheal O’Lough-lin. At the recent Mary Immaculate Col-lege (MIC) GAA Bursary Awards ceremony Micheal was presented with a GAA bursa-ry by Mr. Robert Frost, Chairperson of the Munster GAA. No excuses now for not buying a decent Limerick jersey! (That was Chris! Come on the Banner!)

In basketball, Ciara and Aoife Lane and Tommy Walsh both won league and cup medals at the North Munster Basketball Cup Finals in UL recently. Aoife and Tommy both won MVP (Most Val-uable Player) awards for their per-formances with their respective teams.

All events require Consent Forms which you can download from the Muintearas Íosa Facebook page or online at http://

www.limerickdiocese.org/uploads/youth%20ministry/Muintearas%20Iosa%20Event%20BookingConsent%20%20Code%20of%20Behaviour%202014.pdf

Muintearas Íosa Easter Weekend 3rd to 5th April - Boland’s Meadows Foynes

Mass Rocks 7pm 25April / 30May (Exam Mass) / 27June 7pm St Joseph’s Parish Centre

Lourdes Newbies Gathering 18th April (Venue to be Confirmed)

Lourdes Newbies and Oldies Gathering 23rd May (Venue to be Confirmed)

Lourdes Parents Meeting 28th May - Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre

The parents meeting is just for parents! (The Clue is in the name guys!!)

Lourdes Fundraising Bag-packing 16th May (Venue to be Confirmed)

We would like to extend our sympathies to the following people. Unfortunately a few grandparents have died. We remember Ciara & Katie Reidy, Kathlynn, Ryan and Jack Garry, Aoife Kilby and Aisling and Ciara Sta-pleton, Rebecca Kiely, James Leahy and Emmet Fitzgerald and Kate Bulfin all of who unfortunately lost a grandmother recently. Also Kate and Amy Mulqueen, Ciara and Pádraig Synott and Aisling Dillon who lost a

grandfather. We also remember Mary O’Brien from Ballyneety whose mother sadly passed away and also Lorna O’Byrne whose grand-uncle Gerry died and Shauna Ó Sé whose aunt sadly died. We hope you are doing ok. Inevitably we mightn’t have heard of bereavements you may have suffered and if so we are sorry for any of the losses you have experienced.

Sincere Sympathy

We also regret to announce that Yvonne Putt has passed away. Yvonne has been part of the Lourdes Pilgrimage for many years and anyone who was in Lourdes at last year’s closing ceremony will re-member the wonderful words she spoke about Lourdes and how much she loved it. She said that Lourdes was a place where she had experienced true acceptance and love. We will miss her deeply, her sense of fun, her love and her spirit. We pray that she is at peace and free from pain.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

By the way the cute li,le puppy in the photo and gracing the cover of this edi�on of YOLO is Kid Kir-wan! Darragh is beso,ed with him and if we let him, he’d go home three �mes a day for cuddles!

In honour of Éamonn’s big birthday we thought it would be interes�ng to look back over

the past 50 years to see how much the world has changed since he was born! We’re not

sure how many of these advances we can a,ribute to Éamonn but knowing him he was

right at the centre of everything, inspiring those around him and encouraging them to do

their best!

Technological Advances since Éamonn was born…

⇒ The wheel was invented!

⇒ TV is now in colour!

⇒ Computers are everywhere and can even fit on your lap!

⇒ Phones don’t have to be kept in boxes on the side of the road anymore—you can even get

ones that fit in your pocket!

⇒ Goodbye Vinyl Records, Hello Case,e Tapes!

⇒ Goodbye Case,e Tapes, Hello CDs!

⇒ Goodbye CDs, Hello Spo�fy!

⇒ The Internet was invented! Email, NePlix, You Tube, Google...

⇒ People now get fillings in their teeth rather than having them pulled!

⇒ New words have entered the dic�onary such as Bootylicious, YOLO, Feminism,

⇒ Paper comes in different colours now!

⇒ Biro’s are now commonly used instead of feathers

⇒ Watermelons and grapes can now be seedless

⇒ The Euro has replaced shillings and pence!

⇒ You don’t have to wait two weeks to have your photographs

developed anymore!

Ha Ha Ha! Happy Birthday Éámonn.

We love you lots and we really do appreciate all that you do!

Did you know that Éamonn could skateboard? (He can’t!)

Eamonn with Karen (a2er Lizzie turned his hair grey!)

Does anyone else think he looks like Gandalf with

that beard? Éamonn and Be�y (before

they met Lizzie!)

When Éamonn grows up he

wants to play for Limerick!

First Holy Communion! What a cu e—where did

it all go wrong?!

Remember when you were happy Éamonn?

Someone once said, ‘As long as there are exams, there will be prayer in schools.’ Exams are a massive moment in the

lives of young people and their families and so they present an opportunity for the church community to reach out to

students and their families. Below are some ideas that could be part of an exam liturgy or Mass. If your Mass or litur-

gy is specifically for exam students and their families you are free to be more crea�ve. However if you celebrate it as

part of a weekend Mass it is important to be sensi�ve to the regular worshipers although it could be a lovely oppor-

tunity for all to experience the fullness of the Chris�an community.

Exam papers and �metable, names/crests of the local secondary schools,

pens, pencils, pencil case, rulers, calculators, cross and prayer cards etc. Inspi-

ra�onal quotes could be placed around the church.

You could begin by processing in with the exam candle while each student

carries an unlit candle with their name on it. They place their candles in the

sacred space or keep it with them in their assigned seats for a later blessing.

A-er a word of welcome invite those present to sit for an offertory procession.

⇒ X brings forward a calculator to remind our students that they can count on the love and prayers of the

church and their families and friends at this �me.

⇒ X brings forward an atlas to remind us that wherever we go in the world God is with us and so we are never

truly alone.

⇒ X brings forward a history book to remind us that God is not just a historical figure. The name ‘Emmanuel’

reminds us that God is with us both in good �mes and in bad.

⇒ X brings forward an exam candle. Later in the ceremony the students will light their own candle from this can-

dle. This exam candle will be ligh�ng at all of our Masses during the exam period as we try to carry the stu-

dents and their families with our prayers.

If your liturgy is within the context of a Mass you can men�on that we begin each Mass with an exam, an examina-

�on of conscience.

You are the light in our darkness – Lord, have mercy.

You are the hope in our despair – Christ, have mercy.

You are the peace in our chaos – Lord, have mercy.

Isaiah 43: 1-3, Gospel of Pentecost or the final passage of Ma,hew

(know that I am with you..)

• We pray that the Church will carry both students and their families in its thoughts and prayers during the ex-

ams. Lord Hear Us

• We pray for all students especially those who are feeling stressed. May they realise that their worth and value

cannot be measure by exams and may they be carried by the love of family, friends and neighbours. Lord

Hear Us

• We pray that the students will draw on the fruits and gi-s of the Holy Spirit that they possess and we pray

that the Spirit will gi- them with peace, wisdom and courage at this �me. Lord Hear Us

• We remember the families of our students. It can be a stressful �me for everyone and so we pray families will

be a source of blessing, light and love for each other. Lord Hear Us

• We pray in thanksgiving for our teachers and the ways in which our schools and teachers create communi�es

of inspira�on and encouragement. Lord Hear Us

• We pray for young people throughout our country and our world who do not get the opportuni�es to learn

and we also remember those students who may receive very li,le support, may they find within themselves

the inspira�on and determina�on they need to keep going. Lord Hear Us

Create a Create a Create a Create a

Sacred Space Sacred Space Sacred Space Sacred Space

Possible Possible Possible Possible

Entrance Entrance Entrance Entrance

ProcessionProcessionProcessionProcession

Possible Possible Possible Possible

Offertory Offertory Offertory Offertory

ProcessionProcessionProcessionProcession

Penitential Penitential Penitential Penitential

RiteRiteRiteRite

Liturgy of Liturgy of Liturgy of Liturgy of

the Word the Word the Word the Word

Sample Sample Sample Sample

Prayers of Prayers of Prayers of Prayers of

the Faithful the Faithful the Faithful the Faithful

(if not reading the exam prayer from the prayer card)

I asked God to bless you, as I prayed for you today

To guide you and protect you, as you go along your way....

His love is always with you, his promises are true,

And when we give Him all our cares, you know He will see us through

So when the road you're travelling on, seems difficult at best

Just remember we're here praying, and God will do the rest.

Lord you are the light of the world. May your light guide and comfort us. We ask you to both bless this candle, the

students candles and more importantly bless the students. May these lights serve to remind them of your presence.

Light brings comfort and warmth and hope and may this comfort, warmth and hope touch the hearts and lives of the

students especially on difficult days. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

(Light the exam candle from the Paschal candle and if you felt it was safe and feasible, with tapers pass this light to

the students and together pray the prayer that is on their prayer card)

An Exam Prayer (for prayer card)

God stay close to me today

Guide my study and light my way.

Ease my nerves and comfort me

With peace and love so tenderly.

May I remember the things I need

And understand all I study and read.

May I strive to give my best

And do myself jus�ce in each test.

May the topics I know and like appear

On the exam paper to lessen my fear.

And during the moments I may feel stressed

I'll try to remember the ways I'm blessed.

And if there are �mes that I feel at sea,

Help me to trust that you're here with me

Amen

Encourage people to put the names of exam students on slips of paper and place them in a basket. These students

will be remembered in prayer during the exams. Equally you could ask your daily Mass goers to adopt a student.

They could take a name from the basket and pray for that student for the dura�on of the exams (you could ask

them to remember the name/s they have drawn and place them back in a different basket so that you will be le-

with the names people have given.

Students could walk out with their candles and prayer cards.

Obviously the more young people you can include in the liturgy the be,er. These are just a few ideas and people

could pick and choose and bring their own crea�vity to bear on this important occasion. If you have a specific gather-

ing of young people and parents you can add some humour to the end of your liturgy – ‘I’ve got the Leaving’ song, a

funny student prayer and also you could put together a power point presenta�on of funny exam answers. Any effort

made by a parish or a community to reach out to exam students, will be very welcome as young people and their

families are both very apprecia�ve and recep�ve of any efforts made.

Sample Post Sample Post Sample Post Sample Post

Communion Communion Communion Communion

Reflection Reflection Reflection Reflection

Blessing of Blessing of Blessing of Blessing of

Exam CandleExam CandleExam CandleExam Candle

Adopt a Adopt a Adopt a Adopt a

student student student student

orororor

Student Student Student Student

Prayer BasketPrayer BasketPrayer BasketPrayer Basket

Final Final Final Final

ProcessionProcessionProcessionProcession