Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th June 2007 - Birth of St John the Baptist
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am


Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €498. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend:
Altar Servers for this week: Ciara, Dylan
Mass on next Sat eve for the late John & Mary Claffey
Mass on next Sun for the late Stephen Daly

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €187. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Spain, C.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Kieran Kelly
Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul is next Friday the 29th June
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Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association
Shannonbridge ARA are organising an outing to Westport House via Knock on 10th July starting @ 9am. Those who wish to travel are asked to contact Pat Keohane, at 9674117, or one of the committee before 28th June, please.
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Questions people ask
Q: ‘Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’ What does this mean?
A: it is not comparing John’s personal holiness with other people, but stating that the time of Jesus’ kingdom is greater than the age of preparation. As the last of those who prepared for Christ, John is called the greatest. But Jesus has raised people to a new level beyond anything in the days of preparation. The least in the New Kingdom belongs to a higher level of life than anybody before Christ. The oak has greater life than the acorn, the chicken than the egg.

Q. Why was there such a negative reaction by many journalists when the Holy Father spoke about hell?
A. I must admit that I too was surprised by the vehemence of these articles. The Pope has the responsibility of proclaiming the teaching of Jesus, and hell is a part of that teaching. In reminding people about hell the Pope was merely doing his duty. The negative reaction says more about those who wrote in such a manner. Maybe, the reality of hell does not suit their agenda.
(Fr O'Flynn - Intercom)
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Knock Summer Youth Festival, Thurs 26th - Sun 29th July
At Knock Shrine, is an opportunity for young people to take time out to reflect on their lives and what God is offering….."Life to the Full"!
Cost is on donation basis with accommodation & food provided.
Free buses will be provided from certain locations.
For info contact Ann on 094-9388100, or Sheena on 01-6753690.