Parish of Clonmacnois

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.

Tel. 087 231 2353

E-mail: frgerardbrady@eircom.net

shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

27th/28th February, 2016

Lent:

Nobody warns, ‘So many shopping days to Easter!’  No costly gifts, no monetary loss.  Easter seems too easy.  It is - if you forget the cross.  Joseph T. Nolan.

In the Gospel the barren fig tree is given ‘one more year’.  God is the patient gardener ever willing to give us a second chance.  Lent is one such opportunity.

 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon, Weekdays, 10.00 a.m., except Thursday; Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 am., First Friday, 7.00 p.m.

Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

The Rosary is recited in church at 9.45 am. (before Mass) on the weekdays of Lent.

A Holy Hour is facilitated at Árd Ciaráin, Shannonbridge, on the Mondays of Lent, 7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Year of Mercy, Mass, Confessions and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:- Shannonbridge, Thursday, 8.00 p.m., facilitated by Fr. Peter Burke.  Clonfanlough, Friday, 7.00 p.m., facilitated by Fr. Pierre Pepper.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge this Sunday, 28th, at 12.00 noon.

Friday is the First Friday of March.  The Holy Communion calls to the sick and housebound will be made on Friday.

The Confirmation Ceremony of Commitment takes place in St. Ciaran’s Church, Clonfanlough, on Sunday, 6th March, at 10.30 a.m.

Tuesday, 1st March, is the Feast of St. David, c.520-c.601, Bishop and Abbot of Menevia, Patron of Wales.

Friday 4th, St. Casimir, 1458-1484, born in Krakow, son of the king of Poland.  He refused to become engaged in warfare and declined a politically advantageous proposal of marriage with the emperor’s daughter.  He died of tuberculosis at the age of 26 and was canonised in 1521.  A patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.

Saturday 5th, St. Kieran, first Bishop of Ossory (Kilkenny).

Pastoral Letter.  Bishop Francis Duffy has written a Pastoral Letter for the Year of Mercy.  In two pages the letter presents and explains the designated year.  Copies are available at the church doors.  Please take one and read it.  See also: http://www. ardaghdiocese.com  http://www.im.va/content/gdm/en.html

Revised Mass Schedule.  The revised Mass programme comes into effect on the first weekend of July, 2016.  Copies of a statement giving details and background are available at the church doors.

Congratulations to Emer Kilduff and Eoin Matthews who were married on Saturday, 20th February.

The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place

from Friday, 27th May, to Wednesday, 1st June.  Five nights.  Fully inclusive price €715.00.  Flights from Knock.  Contact: Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2,  ' 01 241 0811, 01 241 0812.  Details regarding the special section for the sick from Rev. Michael Scanlon P.P., Cloghan, ' 090 645 7122.  The organisers request the names of sick people who would like to join the pilgrimage.  Names should be submitted as soon as possible, please.

Rosters:

Shannonbridge:- 

Church Cleaners: Kathleen Price, Catherine Curley, Patricia Anderson.

Altar Servers for this week: Group 3, Kate, Paddy, Adam.

Readers for next weekend: Group 6, Darren Finnerty, Dympna O’Carroll.

Ministers of the Eucharist: Group 1, Saturday Evening, M. Murphy (C. Curley).

Sunday, D. Fitzpatrick (M. Killeen).

Clonfanlough:-  Altar Servers for Sunday next: Group 2, Jane, Tadhg, Roisín.

Reader for next Sunday: Sophie Gilson.

Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Niamh Hynes.

Newsletter. Items for inclusion in the Newsletter by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, please.

Shannonbridge Hall.  The interior of the hall has been redecorated at a cost of €5,031.40 which was paid from Church funds.

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection, €845.00.

Contributions to the Lenten Alms Collection, this weekend, please.

Masses for the Dead:-

Saturday 27th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m.,

               Kathleen Lantry, Tullabeg, Month’s Mind.

Sunday 28th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Michael and Mary Kelly, Clonfanlough.

Sunday, 6th March, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m.,

               Joseph, Kathleen and Gregory Mahon, Clonfanlough.

 

 

 

 

 

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Football League.
The 2016 kicks off next Sunday week.
Under the new format we are in Tier 1 - South West with St. Rynaghs, Ferbane, Doon, Tubber, Ballycumber and Erin Rovers.
First game is fixed for Sunday, 6th March, v St. Rynaghs, in Shannonbridge @ 11.00am.
Here's wishing Pat Joe and the lads all the best for a successful season ahead.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Lotto

This week's numbers are 3, 11, 13, 27.
There were two match three winners.
Next week's Jackpot will be €5,400.
Thank you to all our Lotto supporters.

Parish of Clonmacnois

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.

Tel. 087 231 2353

E-mail: frgerardbrady@eircom.net

shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

 

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

THE TRANSFIGURATION

20th/21st February, 2016

 

The Transfiguration was to be for the disciples a source of encouragement in the challenging times that would follow.  Often we’re unsure of our ability to face a challenge.  In those instances the encouragement of our peers can make the difference - when somebody says, “You’d be good at that”, or “You can do it.”  We need that attitude if the vocations trend is to be reversed.  We also need prayer.  People do pray.  They pray especially for things that are really important to them.  Let’s hope that some of that fervour can be channelled into our prayer for vocations.

 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon, Weekdays, 10.00 am.; Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 am., Monday, 7.00 p.m.

Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

The Rosary is recited in church at 9.45 am. (before Mass) on the weekdays of Lent.  We compliment those who lead the recitation and those who come early to participate.

A Holy Hour will be facilitated at Árd Ciaráin, Shannonbridge, on the Mondays of Lent, 7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge this Saturday, 20th, at 8.00 p.m.

Sunday 21st is the Feast of St. Peter Damian, 1007-1072, Italian Cardinal, one of the greatest reformers of the Middle Ages.

Monday 22nd, the Chair of St. Peter, a celebration of St. Peter as Bishop of Rome, and a celebration of Christ’s choice of Peter for the service of the whole Church.

Tuesday 23rd, St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Evangelist, bishop of Smyrna in Turkey, martyred 155.

Friday 26th, St. Alexander, who became Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, in 312.  He challenged the Arian heresy which denied the divinity and sinlessness of Christ.  The Emperor Constantine sided with Alexander at the Council of Nicea in 325 and Arianism was officially condemned.  He died the following year, 326.

First Confessions, in St. Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge, on Wednesday 24th, at 7.00 p.m.  Ten children will come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

Vocations.  We welcome Dave Murray, Coosan, Athlone, who will speak at this weekend’s Masses on the urgent issue of Vocations.

Pastoral Letter.  Bishop Francis Duffy has written a Pastoral Letter for the Year of Mercy.  In two pages the letter presents and explains the Year of Mercy.  Copies are available at the church doors.  Please take one and read it.  See also: http://www.ardaghdiocese.com  http://www.im.va/content/gdm/en.html

General Election.  The Irish Bishops have issued a Pastoral Statement in anticipation of the General Election.  It deals with issues including Health, Housing, Education, Security, Human Ecology, particularly the right to life of the unborn.  The statement is essential reading for Catholic voters.  See catholicbishops.ie

Revised Mass Schedule.  The revised Mass programme comes into effect on the first weekend of July, 2016.  Copies of a statement giving details and background are available at the church doors.

Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association resumes its meetings/activities on Tuesday 23rd, at 10.30 a.m., in the Parish Hall.  The €15.00 Affiliation Fee for 2016 is now due.

The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday, 27th May, to Wednesday, 1st June.  Five nights.  Fully inclusive price €715.00.  Flights from Knock.  Contact: Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2,  ' 01 241 0811, 01 241 0812.  Details regarding the special section for the sick from Rev. Michael Scanlon P.P., Cloghan, ' 090 645 7122.  The organisers request the names of sick people who would like to join the pilgrimage.  Names should be submitted as soon as possible, please.

Rosters:

Shannonbridge:-  Church Cleaners: Dympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Edel Anderson.

Altar Servers for this week: Group 2, Fiachra, Seán, Niamh, Rachel.

Readers for next weekend: Group 5, Linda Moran, Catherine Doolan.

Ministers of the Eucharist: Group 4, Saturday Evening, M. Claffey.  Sunday, D. Finnerty.

Clonfanlough:-  Altar Servers for Sunday next: Group 1, Conor S.,  Conor B., Eoin, Abigail.

Reader for next Sunday: Sophie Gilson.

Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Enda Molloy.

Newsletter. Items for inclusion in the Newsletter by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, please.

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection, €850.00.

Contributions to the Lenten Alms Collection, next weekend, please.

Masses for the Dead:

Sunday 21st, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, Peadar Allen, Shannonbridge, Month’s Mind.

Saturday 27th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Kathleen Lantry, Tullabeg, Month’s Mind.

Sunday 28th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Michael and Mary Kelly, Clonfanlough.

 

 

 

Parish of Clonmacnois

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.

Tel. 087 231 2353

E-mail: frgerardbrady@eircom.net

shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

 

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS

l3th/14th February, 2016

There are two things that need to be said in the lead in to this Sunday’s Gospel. The first is the reality of evil in the world. Sometimes there’s a tendency to dismiss that reality. That’s a temptation in itself.  The second point is that the Gospel message isn’t just for others.  Its message is for you and for me.  We’re off guard when we dismiss the reality of evil or when we turn the spotlight on other people.  Complacency is one of the weapons of the tempter.

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon, Weekdays, 10.00 am.; Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 am., Monday, 7.00 p.m.

Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30. A Night Prayer Vigil will take place at the centre on Friday 19th. Mass at 9.00 p.m. Adoration and prayer follow, concluding at 2.10 am. All Welcome. Enquiries: 085 774 6763.

 

The Rosary is recited in church at 9.45 am. (before Mass) on the weekdays of Lent. It is hoped that the majority of daily Massgoers will join the recitation.

A Holy Hour will be facilitated at Árd Ciaráin, Shannonbridge, on the Mondays of Lent, 7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Saturday 20th, at 8.00 p.m.

“Do This in Memory”. The First Communion children and their parents participate in the liturgy on Sunday next, 21st, in St. Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge, at 12.00 noon.

 

Vocations Initiative.  Visiting lay people will speak on the urgent issue of Vocations at Masses next weekend.

 

St. Ciaran’s N.S., Clonmacnois. An enrolment and information evening will be held in the school on Tuesday 16th, at 7.00 p.m.

 

Sunday 14th is the Feast of St. Valentine, a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome. He was put to death for marrying young couples when the Emperor Claudius wanted the men single because they allegedly made better soldiers. His body is in Whitefriars’ Church, Aungier Street, Dublin. The rose is the popular symbol of St. Valentine’s Day but on his burial casket his statue holds a crocus, the symbol of spring.

Sunday 14th, Saints Cyril and Methodius, brothers, Patrons of Europe. Both preached the faith in Moravia. Cyril died at Rome 869, Methodius was made bishop and went to Hungary where he preached the Gospel while enduring many hardships due to jealousy. He died in Slovakia in 885.

Monday 15th, St. Claude La ColombiOre, 1641-1682, He was confessor to St. Margaret Mary whom he encouraged in reviving devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Canonized in 1992.

Wednesday 17th, St. Fintan; studied at Terryglass Co. Tipperary on the shores of Lough Derg, founded a monastery at Clonenagh, Co. Laois, renowned for his austere way of life, died 603.

Wednesday 17th, The Seven Founders of the Servite Order; seven prominent citizens of Flor ence who, in 1233, set themselves up as hermits outside the city. From this beginning devel oped the Servite Order. The Seven Founders were canonised in 1888.

The Pioneer Lenten Challenge offers non-members a Short-Term Pledge for the duration of Lent. www.pioneerassociation.ie,  01 874 9464.

 

A Workshop in Liturgical Music will be held in Ferbane Primary School (next to the Church) on Thursday 18th, 7.30- 9.15 p.m. The event, led by Fr Turlough Baxter and Derek Mahady, will provide music resources for the Year of Mercy and the Mass of St. Mel. All are welcome. Contact St. Mary’s Presbytery, Athlone: 090 647 2088.

 

Rosters:

Shannonbridge:- Church Cleaners: Marion McManus, Catherine Slattery, Ann Corbett.

Altar Servers for this week: Group 1, Roisín, Darragh, Matthew, Emily.

Readers for next weekend: Group 4, Séamus Grennan, Kieran Kelly.

Ministers of the Eucharist: Group 3, Saturday Evening, M. Duffy.

Sunday, Marie McManus.

Clonfanlough:- Altar Servers for Sunday next: Group 3, Conor, Adam, Charlie, Kelan. Reader for next Sunday: Cathal O’Shea.

Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Leanne Quinn.

Newsletter. Items for inclusion in the Newsletter by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, please.

TRÓCAIRE envelopes, containing information leaflets and family fast boxes, are available at the church doors. Please take one. This year’s Lenten campaign concentrates on the effects of climate change and the impact of Trócaire projects in drought stricken regions of the world.

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection, €680.00.

Outstanding contributions to the Shrove Dues as soon as possible, please.

Masses for the Dead:

Saturday 13th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Alan Kelly, Shannonbridge.

Sunday 14th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Padraig Devery, Clonlyon.

Sunday 14th, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, Eddie and Gerry Egan, Woodbank.

Wednesday 17th, Shannonbridge, 10.00 a.m., Mary Simmons, London.

Sunday 21st, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, Peadar Allen, Shannonbridge, Month’s Mind.

Shannonbridge,  Ash Wednesday: Mass at 10.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.

Last week’s numbers were 1, 2, 6 and 27.  There was one match three winner.  The Jackpot this week is €4,800.

GAA National Draw.       

Last chance this week to purchase a ticket in the GAA National Draw; the closing date is this Friday, 12^th February.  The prizes are sponsored by the GAA and all proceeds from the sales go directly to the club.  Tickets are €10 and excellent prizes are on offer; an Opel Corsa car, holidays, All Ireland Final Tickets etc.  Many thanks to all who have supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated.

Parish of Clonmacnois

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.

Tel. 087 231 2353

E-mail: frgerardbrady@eircom.net

shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

 

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TEMPERANCE SUNDAY

6th/7th February, 2016

 

Temperance Sunday, coming as it does, on the threshold of Lent, invites us to take a different approach.  It invites us to enjoy a life free of the scourges of alcohol and drug abuse.  Over the years thousands of people have accepted that invitation, have taken on that challenge, and as a consequence, have enjoyed life to the full.  That opportunity is open to all.

 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Weekdays, 10.00 a.m.; Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m., Ash Wednesday, 7.00 p.m.

Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Sunday 7th, at 12.00 noon.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a day of fast and abstinence.  Fast = one full meal and two “collations”, light meals.  Abstinence = the use of meat or its products is forbidden.  Ashes will be blessed and distributed at Mass, 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.

Sunday 7th is the Feast of St. Mel, Founder and First Bishop of Ardagh.  Patron of the Diocese.  Tradition has it that he was nephew of St. Patrick whom he accompanied or followed to Ireland.  Died in 488.

Monday 8th, St. Jerome Emiliani.  After a military career he founded a congregation for the care of orphans and the poor, died 1537.

Monday 8th, St. Josephine Bakhita, 1868 - 1947, thought to be the only canonised saint from Sudan.

Wednesday 10th, St. Scholastica, born in Italy, sister of St. Benedict and one of the first Benedictine nuns, died 543.

Thursday 11th is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to 14 year-old Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes and introduced herself as The Immaculate Conception.  This feast is observed as World Day of the Sick.

Thursday 11th, St. Gobnait, Ballyvourney, West Cork, celebrated for her care and curing of the sick.

Baptism.  John Peter Kelly, son of Karol and Cathy (McDermott) Kelly, Currow, Clonfanlough, was welcomed into the Christian community on Sunday, 31st January.

The Pioneer Lenten Challenge offers non-members a Short-Term Pledge for the duration of Lent.  www.pioneerassociation.ie,  ' 01 874 9464.

Golden Pioneers.  We congratulate the six Golden Jubilarians who receive their emblems and diplomas this Sunday.  Eleven children enroll as Young Pioneers.  It is hoped that many of them will become full members when they turn sixteen.

St. Ciaran’s School Board of Management will meet in the school, on Monday 8th, at 7.30 p.m.

Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association resumes its meetings/activities on Tuesday 23rd February, at 10.30 a.m., in the Parish Hall.  The €15.00 Affiliation Fee for 2016 is now due.

Rosters:-

Shannonbridge:-  Church Cleaners:

Geraldine Brennan, Dolly Deeley, Veronica Hynes.

Altar Servers for this week: Group 3, Kate, Paddy, Adam.

Readers for next weekend:

Group 3, Michaela Anderson, Eileen Quinn.
Ministers of the Eucharist:

Group 2, Saturday Evening, S. Ryan (M. Flannery):

                       Sunday, Marian McManus.

Clonfanlough:-  Altar Servers for Sunday next:

Group 2, Jane, Tadhg, Roisín.

Reader for next Sunday: Declan McEvoy.

Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday:- Niall O’Shea.

Newsletter.  Items for inclusion in the Newsletter by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, please.

Parochial Lands at Shannonbridge are to be let until 31st December, 2016.  Contact Frank Sugrue, Auctioneer and Valuer, Belmont, 090 645 7215, 087 234 1625, fsugrue @eircom.net

TRÓCAIRE envelopes, containing information leaflets and family fast boxes, are available at the church doors.  Please take one.  This year’s Lenten campaign concentrates on the effects of climate change and the impact of Trócaire projects in drought stricken regions of the world.

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection, €570.00.

Masses for the Dead:-

Saturday 6th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Joseph and Kathleen Turley, Shannonbridge.

Sunday 7th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Kieran and Mary Daly, and Tom Mannion, Ballyhearth.

Wednesday 10th, Clonfanlough, 7.00 p.m., Jack, Mary and Pat Maloney, Chapel Street.

Saturday 13th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Alan Kelly, Shannonbridge.

Sunday 14th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Padraig Devery, Clonlyon.

Sunday 14th, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, Eddie and Gerry Egan, Woodbank.

 

.

 

 

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes.

Mock Wedding – A Big Thank You.

On behalf of Shannonbridge GAA Club Committee, we would sincerely like to thank everyone who supported our mock wedding last Saturday night, the organizers, our sponsors, the brilliant workers, the supporters of the night, thank you all.  It was a brilliant success.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.

Last week’s numbers were 5, 15, 21 and 26.  There was one match three winner.  The Jackpot this week is €4,600.

Membership.

Membership for 2016 is now due and can be paid to Club Registrar Declan McEvoy, or to any committee member, by March 31^st.  New members are very welcome.  The rates are: player €30, family €50, non playing member €20, senior and student €10.