Pewsheet – 15th June 2025

Oriel Hosford, Parish Youth Leader writes ’As we look ahead to the new youth group year beginning in September, we are reaching out for your support. We are delighted to share that the youth group is growing in number, with more young people getting involved and building friendships through fun, faith-filled activities.

This past year alone, we’ve enjoyed a range of events including a Sleepout, BBQ, Bowling night, Movie night, and Games night—each one helping to build a sense of community and belonging among our youth.

In order for the youth group to continue meeting each month, we must have two vetted and trained adult leaders present at each session.

We are asking those who are already parish safeguarded and Garda vetted to consider volunteering to supervise just one or two evenings from 7:30pm to 9:00pm on the third Saturday of each month.

Without sufficient adult supervision, the youth group cannot go ahead.

If you are available to help, please contact Oriel at 087 341 2445 or Brenda at 087 697 6552.

Anyone willing to become Garda vetted /Safeguarding Trained for future involvement would also be greatly appreciated, as this will allow more people to be available and reduce how often each individual is called upon.

By supporting our youth in this way, you are not only helping to sustain the youth group—you are also playing a vital role in encouraging and nurturing the future of the Church. Many thanks, Oriel’

Music Notes 15-06-2025

Hymns at St Mary’s

537 O God our help in ages past

305 O Breath of Life

6 Immortal, invisible

324 God whose almighty word

The writer of our second hymn today was Bessie Porter Head. She was born in the mid-19th century in Northern Ireland into the family of Tobias Porter, a manager of flour mills. Her upbringing in a family that valued faith and education laid the groundwork for her future contributions to Christian literature and hymnody.

Bessie spent time as a missionary in South Africa and on her return to England became involved with the Keswick Convention. This was an evangelical group interested in the renewal of faith and spirituality who still meet annually in Keswick, Cumbria. They produced a number of hymnals to which Bessie contributed.

Perhaps her most celebrated hymn, ‘O Breath of Life,’ emerged during a period when the church sought spiritual renewal and collective revival. Written in the late 19th century, the hymn reflects

Bessie’s profound understanding of scripture and her desire to rekindle spiritual fervour among congregations. Its verses are suffused with imagery of God’s life-giving breath and the rejuvenation of weary souls, a theme that resonated deeply during a time of religious introspection. The simplicity and emotional strength of the hymn have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a staple in worship settings around the world.

Bébhinn 087 228 5965

bebhinnmuire@gmail.com