Saturday, April 30, 2016


Parish of Clonmacnois

The Parochial House, Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified, competent, specialist building contractors for refurbishment and repair works at Shannonbridge Parochial House, Co. Offaly, to be considered for inclusion in a select tender list.  These works will include high level roof works to an historic building.  Respondents must have a proven track record of renovation work on heritage buildings and should include a minimum of 3 examples of projects of a similar nature, size and complexity, completed in the region within the past 5 years. Submissions should include details of all necessary Insurances, Health and Safety competencies and evidence of Technical and Financial resources to manage the project. Contractors will be required to provide a performance bond for the works.

Replies should be sent to:-

Quinn Barnwall Buggy Architects, Bloomfield House,
Bloomfield Avenue, South Circular Road,
Dublin, D08 WT10.

Replies should be received by Tuesday, 24th May, 2016.

Parish of Clonmacnois
ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE
ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.
Tel. 087 231 2353
shannonbridge.blogspot.ie
www.shannonbridge.com

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
30th April/1st May, 2016

"Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you." 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00 a.m.  Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m., First Friday, 7.00 p.m.
Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Sunday, 1st May, at 12.00 noon.
Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

Sunday, 1st May, is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, a celebration of manual work.
Monday 2nd, St. Athanasius, 295-373, defended the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy which denied his full divinity.
Tuesday 3rd, Saints Philip and James, Apostles; St. Philip was born at Bethsaida and was initially a disciple of St. John the Baptist.  St. James, the son of Alphaeus, ruled the Church at Jerusalem and wrote an Epistle, martyred in the year 62.
Wednesday 4th, St. Conleth, chaplain to St. Brigid’s community, first bishop of Kildare.
Thursday 5th, Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice, 1762-1844, founder of the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers.  He was beatified in Rome on 6th October, 1996.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Francis Duffy, in St. Ciaran’s Parish Church, Shannonbridge, on Saturday, 14th May, at 11.00 a.m.

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

May Altar in honour of Our Lady.  This long-standing tradition is perpetuated in our schools.  Let’s hope it is also a feature of the homes of the parish during the month of May.  The basic requirements are simple - a small table or ledge, a white cloth, a statue or image of Mary and some wild flowers or flowers from the garden.  The altar can serve as a focal point for family prayer during Mary’s month.

Baptism.  Peadar Jack Quirke,
son of Gerard and Lucy (McLoughlin) Quirke, Shannonbridge,
was welcomed into the Christian community on Sunday last, 24th April.

Congratulations to the ten children who received First Holy Communion on Sunday Last.  We also compliment and thank their parents, their teacher, and all who enhanced the celebration and the occasion.

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

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Mairéad Darcy, Martha Murphy, Marie McManus.
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: Noelle Daly.
Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday, Leanne Quinn.

Cake Sale and Bric-à-Brac.  Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association hold a cake sale in Shannonbridge Hall on Sunday next, 8th May, after 12.00 o’clock Mass.  All proceeds in aid of Parish Funds.  Donations of home baking, confectionery and bric-à-brac would be greatly appreciated, and will be received at the Hall on Saturday from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m.  It is hoped that the venture will receive the support of the entire parish.

Shannonbridge G.A.A. Lá na gClubanna at Shannonbridge G.A.A. Grounds on Sunday next, 8th May, 2.00 to 5.00 p.m.  Music, dancing, barbeque.  Shannonbridge’s first ever colour fun run!   Entertainment for the whole community.

Contributions to the Collection for the Holy Land, next weekend, please.

Parish Lands have been let for the sum of 640.00.

Recent collection totals:-
Sunday last,............................. 1,260.00.
Ukraine Collection....................... 445.00.
Monthly Collection, April,............. 560.00.
Easter Dues...............................2,605.00.
Thank you very much.

Masses for the Dead:-
Saturday 30th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., May Rocke, Shannonbridge, and her deceased sisters and brother.
Saturday, 7th May, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Pat and Patrick Duffy, and Bessie O’Connor, Clonmacnois.
Sunday 8th, 12.00 noon, Shannonbridge, Patricia Killeen,
Shannonbridge.                                              


 

 


Monday, April 25, 2016


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 OF EASTER

FIRST COMMUNION DAY

23rd/24th April, 2016

 

As they were eating Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them.  'Take it', he said, 'this is my body.'  Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, 'This is my blood, the blood of the covenant. which is to be poured out for many.  (Mark, 14:22-24)

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Weekdays, 10.00 a.m.  Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m.
Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Sunday 24th, at 10.30 a.m.
Station Mass for Glebe, at the home of Breda and Brendan Maleney, on Wednesday 27th at 8.00 p.m.
Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

Sunday 24th is the Feast of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1578-1622, a Capuchin who preached in Switzerland where he was martyred by extremists.
Monday 25th, St. Mark, Evangelist, writer of the second Gospel; his symbol in a winged lion.  Founded the Church of Alexandria in Egypt.
Wednesday 27th, St. Asicus, an expert craftsman in metalwork who accompanied St. Patrick.  He was placed in charge of the Church at Elphin and is patron of that diocese.
Thursday 28th, St. Peter Chanel, Marist, born in France 1803, a member of the famous perfume dynasty, martyred on the island of Futuna for baptising the chief’s son.
Thursday 28th, St. Louis Marie de Montfort, 1673-1716, a native of France, he founded three congregations, the Company of Mary, the Daughters of Wisdom and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel.  Spent the last ten years of his life as an itinerant preacher.  The spirituality of the Legion of Mary is based on his writings.
Friday 29th, St. Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380, renowned peacemaker in Italy and in Europe.  She achieved the end of the Papal exile in Avignon.  Patroness of Europe.
Saturday 30th, St. Pius V, 1504-1572.  He implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent.
Sunday, 1st May, St. Joseph the Worker, a celebration of manual work.

The pre-Confirmation Ceremony of Light will take place in Shannonbridge Church on Thursday, 28th April, at 7.30 p.m.  The candidates for Confirmation and their fathers and mothers are expected to be present.  Each child should bring his/her Baptismal Candle.

The Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was solemnly installed at the Redemptorist Church of St. Alphonsus in Rome on 26th April, 1866.  In celebration of 150 years with the Redemptorists the icon is currently on pilgrimage to the Cathedrals of Ireland.  The icon visits St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th.  Mass on Monday at 7.30 p.m.; Healing Service, 9.00 p.m.  Mass on Tuesday at 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m.  Prayer Service for Primary Schools at 11.30 a.m.

Easter Monday, 24th April, 1916.  The reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic by Patrick Pearse outside the General Post Office, on O’Connell Street, Dublin, marked the beginning of the Easter Rising.  This Sunday is the actual centenary of that event.
Congratulations to Amy Heraghty and Anthony Dunne
who were married on Tuesday, 29th March.
Amy is a member of the teaching staff of St. Ciaran’s N.S., Clonmacnois.
 
Census, 2016 — this Sunday night, 24th April.

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Anne Ryan, Lena Turley, Maureen Mitchell.
Altar Servers for this week: Group 2, Fiachra, Seán, Niamh, Rachel.
Readers for next weekend: Group 2, Kieran O’Connor, Olive Costello.
Ministers of the Eucharist:  Group 1, Saturday Evening, M. Murphy, (C. Curley).
                                                                  Sunday, D. Fitzpatrick, (M. Killeen).
Clonfanlough:-
Altar Servers for Sunday next: Group 1, Conor S., Conor B., Eoin, Abigail.
Reader for next Sunday: Ann Rohan.
Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Niall O’Shea.

A Diocesan Safeguarding Conference will be held in St. Mel’s College, Longford, on Wednesday 27th, at 8.00 p.m.  Speaker, Pat McKenna, Childwatch.  Topic, Internet Safety.  Parents and representatives of parish pastoral councils are welcome.  Parish Safeguarding Representatives are asked to attend at 7.00 p.m. for an update on safeguarding policy and vetting.  Email unaepurcell@gmail.com or text 087 902 5316 if attending the conference.


Cake Sale and Bric-à-Brac.  Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association will hold a cake sale in Shannonbridge Hall on Sunday, 8th May, after 12.00 o’clock Mass.  All proceeds in aid of Parish Funds.  Donations of home baking, confectionery and bric-à-brac would be greatly appreciated.  The group are to be complimented on their spontaneity and initiative in holding the sale.  It is hoped that their venture will receive the support of the entire parish.


Ukraine.  Pope Francis has announced that every Catholic Church in Europe is to hold a special collection this weekend, 23rd/24th, to help alleviate the suffering of people in Ukraine.
Following the visit of Fr. Oliver McCrossan S.S.C., subscription envelopes may be returned this weekend or as soon as possible, please.

Contributions to the Monthly Collection for May, next weekend, please.

Recent collection totals:-
Sunday, 10th April,............. 805.00.
Sunday, 17th April,............. 775.00.
Trócaire II.....................       242.00.
(Trócaire total..............     2,216.00.)
Thank you very much.

Masses for the Dead:-
Saturday 23rd, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Edward and Margaret Cogavin,
and deceased members of the Cogavin Family.
Wednesday 27th, Shannonbridge, 10.00 a.m., Liam Fitzpatrick, Shannonbridge.
Saturday 30th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., May Rocke, Shannonbridge,
and her deceased sisters and brother.



Monday, April 18, 2016

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
Last week’s numbers were 5, 6, 17 and 25.  There were two match three winners.  The Jackpot next week is €6,800.  Thank you to all who support our lotto.

League Division One Fixture.
Shannonbridge v Ferbane, on Saturday 23rd. April, at 4.30, in Ferbane.

Grand National Sweep.
Many thanks to all who supported our sweep on the Grand National.  The winners were 1st. Ciara Finn €100, 2nd. Olive Costello €50, 3rd. Mary Killeen €30 and last finisher John Deeley €20.

Intermediate Football Championship.

The draw for the Intermediate Championship is as follows:  Group 1: Shannonbridge, Daingean, Tullamore and Clonbullogue.  Group 2: Erin Rovers, Bracknagh and Rhode.  Earliest date for the first round is the weekend of 23rd. July.

Sunday, April 10, 2016


Parish of Clonmacnois

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH

Fr. Gerard Brady P.P.

Tel. 087 231 2353


shannonbridge.blogspot.ie


THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

9th/10th April, 2016

 

It can be difficult to adjust to changed circumstances in life.  Peter wanted to go back to fishing, the scene with which he was familiar.  But the return was unsuccessful until the Lord intervened.  The huge catch of fish is symbolic of the countless people the disciples would win for the faith and for the Church.  Whatever our mission in life, it needs the Lord’s blessing.

 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Monday to Friday, 10.00 a.m.  Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m.

An American group, en route to Clonmacnois, will celebrate Mass in Shannonbridge Church, this Sunday, 10th, at 11.00 a.m.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Sunday 10th, at 12.00 noon.

Sunday next, 17th, is the Annual Day of Prayer for Vocations, Vocations Sunday.


A Night Prayer Vigil will take place at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre on Friday 15th. Mass at 9.00 p.m. Adoration and prayer follow, concluding at 2.10 am. All Welcome. Enquiries: David Murray,  085 774 6763.

Fr. Gian Maria Di Giorgio O.F.M., Cap., will celebrate Mass at the centre on Wednesday 20th, at 7.30 p.m.  He will have with him the glove of  St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio).  All are welcome.


Monday 11th is the Feast of St. Stanislaus, 26th July, 1030 - 11th April, 1079, Patron Saint of Poland; Bishop of Krakow from 1072; murdered by King Boleslaw II after Stanislaus excommunicated him for serious misconduct.

Wednesday 13th, St. Martin I, the last pope venerated as a martyr.  He died in 656 from harsh treatment in exile and in prison.

Friday 15th, St. Anastasia, one of the martyrs included in Eucharistic Prayer I.

Saturday 16th, St. Bernadette Soubirous, of Lourdes, 1844-1879.  In 1858 she experienced eighteen apparitions of Our Lady.  She achieved sanctity through her humble simplicity, her trust, and her patient endurance of much suffering.


First Holy Communion in St. Ciaran’s Church, Clonfanlough, on Sunday 24th April, at 12.00 noon.  Mass in Shannonbridge at 10.30 a.m.  Please note switched Mass times. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Francis Duffy, in St. Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge, on Saturday, 14th May, at 11.00 a.m.

The Ceremony of Light will take place in Shannonbridge Church on Thursday, 28th April, at 7.30 p.m.  The candidates for Confirmation and their fathers and mothers are expected to be present.  Each child should bring his/her Baptismal Candle.


Anniversary.  This Sunday is the thirty-third anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Emeritus Colm O’Reilly, 10th April, 1983.  Remember him in prayer.

Fr. Oliver McCrossan S.S.C., a Columban missionary priest who has worked in the Philippines, will speak at all Masses in the parish next weekend, Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th, about the work of the Columbans around the world.


Training for School Boards of Management will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, on Monday 11th, 7.00 to 9.00 p.m.  Registration, 6.30 p.m.

St. Ciaran’s School Board of Management will meet in the school, on Monday week, 18th, at 7.30 p.m.


Newsletter.  Next issue, Saturday/Sunday, 23rd/24th April.  Items for inclusion should be submitted by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday 21st, please. 
  

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-

Church Cleaners: Dympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Edel 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 3,
Saturday Evening, M. Duffy.                                                                 
     Sunday, Marie McManus.

Clonfanlough:-

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

Reader for next Sunday: Alan Devery/Leanne Devery.

Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Ann Guinan.


Cake Sale.  Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association will hold a cake sale in Shannonbridge Hall on Sunday, 8th May, after 12.00 o’clock Mass.  All proceeds in aid of Parish Funds.  The group are to be complimented on their spontaneity and initiative.  Support will be greatly appreciated.


Thank you for last Sunday’s collection,  €870.00.


Masses for the Dead:-
Saturday 9th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Francie and Thomas Coleman,
    and deceased members of the Coleman Family, Shannonbridge.
Sunday 10th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Michael Molloy and
    Michael and Annie Molloy, Glebe.
Saturday 16th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., David Macklin, Shannonbridge.
Sunday 17th, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, Margaret Carty,
    St. Kieran’s Park, Shannonbridge, first anniversary.

 

 

Monday, April 04, 2016

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
Last week’s numbers are 8, 10, 19 and 22.  There were three match three winners.  The Jackpot this week is €6,400.

Gallen Community School, All Ireland Senior B Champions.

Congratulations to Gallen C.S. on their great win the All Ireland Final last Saturday, when they defeated Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew  by 1-6 to 0-4 and especially to our club players involved - Barry Rohan, Ronan Hynes, Jack Darcy, Emmet Molloy and Dylan Quinn.

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

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
2nd/3rd April, 2016

“My Lord and my God!”
By pursuing his doubts Thomas has bolstered our faith.  His findings have helped all who believe in the resurrection.  The Lord acknowledged that Thomas had a ‘hands on’ advantage.  “You believe because you can see me.  Happy those who have not seen and yet believe.”  We are the people who have not seen and yet believe.
Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Weekdays, 10.00 a.m.  Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m.
Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge on Monday 4th, at 10.00 a.m., and on Sunday 10th, at 12.00 noon.
The Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, deferred from Good Friday, is celebrated on Monday, 4th April.  Giving her consent to God’s Word, Mary is to become the mother of Jesus.
Monday 4th is the Feast of St. Isidore, 560-636.  He became Archbishop of Seville, Spain, in 600.  Scholar, writer and teacher, he is the patron saint of computer users.
Tuesday 5th, St. Vincent Ferrer, 1350-1419, Spanish Dominican priest, preached missions in Europe, helped bring unity to the Church during the Great Schism which saw rival popes in Avignon, France, and in Rome.
Thursday 7th, St. John Baptist de la Salle, 1651-1715, French educator, founded the De la Salle Brothers, dedicated to the Christian education of poor boys,  patron saint of teachers.
“Do This in Memory”.  The First Communion children and their parents participate in the liturgy on Sunday next, 10th, The Third Sunday of Easter, St. Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon.
First Holy Communion in St. Ciaran’s Church, Confanlough, on Sunday 24th April, at 12.00 noon.  Mass in Shannonbridge at 10.30 a.m.  Please note switched Mass times. 
The Newsletter will not be published on 16th/17th April.  Items relating to the fortnight, 11th to 24th April, should be submitted by 6.00 p.m. on Thursday 7th, for inclusion in next weekend’s issue.
Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Marion McManus, Catherina Slattery, Ann Corbett.
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 1,
Saturday Evening, S. Ryan, (M. Flannery).
   Sunday, Marian McManus.
Clonfanlough:-
Altar Servers for Sunday next: Group 1, Conor S., Conor B., Eoin, Abigail.
Reader for next Sunday: Maria Egan.
Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday: Niamh Hynes.
St. Ciaran’s Youth Club.  This vibrant club is for local children aged between 8 and 13 years.  Activities take place in Clonfanlough Hall on Fridays, 7.30 to 8.30 p.m., October to May.  Parents of member children are club leaders.  Any parent interested in becoming a leader is asked to contact Vivienne Gilson, 086 819 6445.
I.F.A.  Voting in the I.F.A. Presidential and Deputy Presidential elections takes place in Clonfanlough Hall on Monday, 4th April, at 8.30 p.m.  All members are requested to attend.
Well done to the team and mentors from Gallen Community School, Ferbane, who defeated Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, 1-6 to 0-4, to win the Paddy Drummond cup in the All Ireland Post Primary Schools’ B Football Final, at Croke Park on Saturday.  Clonmacnois Parish had five representatives on the winning team.
The National Learning Network, Athlone, has vacancies on its Vocational Training Programmes.  Possible candidates include the unemployed, those who have experienced a personal setback, illness or disability and need support in their life or career.  The aim is to provide the confidence and skills to explore new opportunities. ' 090 647 9293, 087 258 6033.
Contributions to the Monthly Collection for April, this weekend, please.

Recent collection totals:-
Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday......€1,055.00.                      
Monthly Collection, March,...........€564.00.
Trócaire........................................€1,974.00. Thank you very much.
Masses for the Dead:-
Saturday, 2nd April, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Michael, Margaret
and Denis Kelly, Shannonbridge.
Sunday 3rd, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., John Joe Maleney, Glebe, Month’s Mind.
Sunday 3rd, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon, James McBride,
Margaret and Dan McBride, Shannonbridge.
Tuesday 5th, Shannonbridge, 10.00 a.m., Nancy Hession and deceased members of the Hession Family, Ballymacward.
Saturday 9th, Shannonbridge, 8.00 p.m., Francie and Thomas Coleman, and deceased members of the Coleman Family, Shannonbridge.
Sunday 10th, Clonfanlough, 10.30 a.m., Michael Molloy and Michael and Annie Molloy, Glebe.