Sunday, May 29, 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


CORPUS CHRISTI
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
28th/29th May, 2016

“Do This in Memory of Me”
 
If there is any command to which we have been religiously obedient it is this command of ‘not forgetting’.
“Do this in my memory!”
Do it again and again.
We are still trying to understand what it means.
But, Lord, we have broken the Bread
just as you asked us to do.

If there’s anything to which we’ve been faithful,
it’s this ‘not forgetting’ request.
In big churches, in small crowds,
with friends, with strangers,
we meet, we break the Bread, we share the Cup.
And something happens,
not only to the bread and wine, but to us.

In our meeting together
we remind each other not to forget.
We are still trying to understand
what it really means.
We are still trying to recognise you, Lord,
in the breaking and the sharing. 
But we haven’t forgotten!
Macrina Wiederkehr.
(From the "Do This in Memory" programme.)
 

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Monday to Saturday, 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 29th, at 12.00 noon.
Mass for the Intentions of Students Sitting Examination in Shannonbridge on Saturday, 4th June, at 8.00 p.m.
Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

Pioneer Mass.  A Regional Pioneer Mass will be celebrated in Clonmacnois at 7.30 p.m., on Friday, 3rd June, Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association is based on devotion to the Sacred Heart.  All Pioneers from the Clonmacnois Region are welcome.

Cemetery Sunday will be celebrated in Clonmacnois Cemetery on Saturday, 6th August, at 7.30 p.m.

Monday 30th is the Feast of St. Joan of Arc, burned at the stake in Rouen, France, in her late teens, patroness of soldiers and of France.
Tuesday 31st, The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This feast commemorates May’s visit to her cousin, St. Elizabeth.
Wednesday, 1st June, St. Justin, born in the Holy Land, settled in Rome where he opened a school, martyred 165.
Thursday 2nd, Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, Roman clergy martyred under the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, 303.
Friday 3rd, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a celebration of the immense love of God for us, revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Friday 3rd, St. Kevin, principal patron Diocese of Dublin, wanted to be a hermit but followers gathered around him at Glendalough forming a monastic settlement.  He died 618.
Saturday 4th, The Immaculate Heart of Mary.  This feast celebrates Mary’s instinctive, maternal relationship with her Son in his work of salvation.
Saturday 4th, the Ugandan Martyrs, St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, 22 Ugandan youths martyred 1886.

“Do This in Memory.”  The First Communion children and their parents participate in the liturgy this Sunday, completing the programme.

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

A National Pro-Life Gathering celebrating and supporting the 8th Amendment of the Constitution will be held at Molesworth Street, Dublin, on Saturday next, 4th June, from 3.00 to 4.00 p.m.  celebratethe8th@gmail.com

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

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Dympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Edel Anderson.
Altar Servers for this week:
Group 1, Roisín, Darragh, Matthew, Emily.
Readers for next weekend:
Group 6, Darren Finnerty, Dympna O’Carroll.
Ministers of the Eucharist: 
Group 4, Saturday Evening, M. Claffey.
Sunday, D. Finnerty.
Clonfanlough:-
Altar Servers for Sunday next:
Group 3, Conor, Adam, Charlie, Kelan.
Reader for next Sunday: Ann Guinan.
Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday, Niall O’Shea.

Collection - Ninth World Meeting of Families.  Pope Francis has chosen Ireland to host this meeting in 2018.  Indications are that he or his successor will attend.  Hosting a global gathering of this size will require huge financial outlay.  Three annual church collections will be held to support the hosting of the event.  The first collection is taken up this weekend, 28th/29th May.  www.worldmeet ing2018.ie

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

Oesophageal Cancer Fund.  The recent church gate collection brought in €110.00.  The organisers thank those who contributed.

The Cake Sale and Bric-à-Brac held on Sunday, 8th May, for Parish Funds, realised €1,715.00.  Once again we thank sincerely all who supported the event and the Active Retirement Association who took the initiative. 

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection  €950.00.

Masses for the Dead:-
Saturday 28th, 8.00 p.m., Shannonbridge, Edward and Brigid Cassidy, Shannonbridge.

Please pray for William Ring, Beverly, Massachusetts, who died on 29th April.  His grandfather, Thomas Keena, emigrated from Creevagh in 1904.

Sunday, May 22, 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


TRINITY  SUNDAY

21st/22nd May, 2016

 

Trinity is mystery not puzzle. 
This is how one woman put it.
 
‘I am a daughter, and a wife, and mother -
Three things, yet I am one totality.
To my parents, I will always be their child,
To my husband, a companion and a mate,
To my children, the one who gave them birth
and nurtured them till they reached adult state.
I seem to each of them a different person;
They each know a different kind of “me”,
But I am one, within myself a trinity,
And each of them finds unity in me.’
 
 
Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Monday to Saturday, 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 Saturday 21st, at 8.00 p.m.
Mass is celebrated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

The “Do This in Memory” programme concludes on Sunday next, 29th May, Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ, St. Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge, 12.00 noon.  The  First Communion children and their parents are the main participants in the Liturgy.

Confirmation.  Congratulations to the nineteen children who were Confirmed on Saturday last.  Our thanks again to Bishop Francis Duffy and all who did so much to make it a memorable day.
 
Sunday 22nd is the Feast of St. Rita, born in Italy,1386.  On the death of her abusive husband she was admitted to the monastery of the Augustinian Nuns at Casica.  She spent her time in prayer, charity and devotion to Our Lord’s Passion, and died of tuberculosis on 22nd May, 1457.  She is a patron of abuse victims.
Tuesday 24th is celebrated in Australia as the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Wednesday 25th, St. Bede the Venerable, 673-735, an English monk and prolific writer, patron of scholars.
Wednesday 25th, St. Gregory VII, 1028-1085, Pope, worked for reform, died in exile.
Wednesday 25th, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, 1566-1607, Carmelite, offered her life for the spiritual renewal of the Church.
Thursday 26th, St. Philip Neri, 1515-1607, ordained priest in Rome at 46, worked for the spiritual improvement of the Romans, renowned for his cheerfulness.
Friday 27th, St. Augustine of Canterbury,  sent by Pope Gregory the Great to preach to the people of England; arrived in Kent in 597, died 604.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes commences on Friday, 27th.  Remember in prayer the pilgrims, assisted pilgrims and voluntary staff who are taking part.
Lough Derg.  Pilgrims may commence the Three Day Pilgrimage on any day from Wednesday, 1st June, until Saturday, 13th August.  The cost is €70.00 to cover boat fare and accommodation.  No reservation is required for the Three Day Pilgrimage. 
One Day Retreats take place on designated dates in May, August and September.  The cost, €40.00, includes boat fare and a light lunch.  Reservations essential.  For more information contact: ' 071 986 1518,  email: info@loughderg.org or visit: www. loughderg.org.

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

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners:
Marion McManus, Catherina Slattery, Ann Corbett.
Altar Servers for this week:
Group 3, Kate, Paddy, Adam.
Readers for next weekend:
Group 5, Linda Moran, Catherine Doolan.
Ministers of the Eucharist: 
Group 3, Saturday Evening, Darren Finnerty.
   Sunday, Dympna O’Carroll.
Clonfanlough:-
Altar Servers for Sunday next:
Group 2, Jane, Tadhg, Roisín.
Reader for next Sunday: Mary Kelly.
Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday, Ann Guinan.

Tax Reclaim.  The Revenue Commissioners have in place a Tax Reclaim scheme for donations to eligible charities.  From 2013 donations from all individual donors are eligible, both P.A.Y.E. and Self Assessed and combinations of these systems.  The refund will be paid at a common rate of 31%. Revenue will refund to the Church the tax paid on donations of €250.00 or more.  This simple scheme would be of great benefit to parish finances.  (Prior to 2013 the scheme applied to P.A.Y.E. donors only.)

Collection, Ninth World Meeting of Families.  Pope Francis has chosen Ireland to host this meeting in 2018.  Indications are that he or his successor will attend.  Hosting a global gathering of this size will require huge financial outlay.  Three annual church collections will be held to support the hosting of the event.  The first collection will be taken up next weekend, Saturday/Sunday, 28th/29th May.  www.worldmeeting2018.ie
 
Recent collection totals:- 
Sunday, 8th May,........ €615.00.                   
Sunday, 15th May,...... €495.00.
Thank you very much.

Masses for the Dead:-
Sunday 22nd, 12.00 noon, Shannonbridge,
Felix Scicluna, London.
Saturday 28th, 8.00 p.m., Shannonbridge,
Edward and Brigid Cassidy, Shannonbridge.
Please pray for Seán Devery, formerly of Lecarrow, who died in New York on Sunday, 15th May.
 
 
 

Sunday, May 15, 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

PENTECOST SUNDAY
14th/15th May, 2016
Saturday 14th - Confirmation Day


The unexpected election of Pope Francis has been cited as an example of the Holy Spirit breathing new life and inspiration into the Church.  We have all received the Spirit at our Baptism, renewed and reinforced at Confirmation.  We need to remind ourselves that he’s there as our potent ally and unerring guide.

Mass times:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Sunday, 12.00 noon,  Monday to Saturday, 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 Saturday 14th, at 8.00 p.m.

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

German Mass.  A German Catholic pilgrimage group of forty-five members will celebrate Mass in Shannonbridge Church on Thursday 19th, at 10.00 a.m.

Sunday next, Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, is the last opportunity for fulfillment of Easter Duty - the obligation to receive worthily the Blessed Eucharist between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday.

Ordinary Time resumes on Monday 16th.  It is denoted by the wearing of green vestments.

Saturday 14th is the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle, chosen to replace Judas.  Preached in Judea and Turkey.
Sunday 15th, St. Carthage, born Co. Kerry, 555, founded monasteries at Rahan, Co. Offaly and at Lismore.  Died 14th May, 637.  First Bishop and Patron of Lismore.
Sunday 15th, St. Dympna, 7th century, born in Ireland, martyred at Gheel in Belgium, patron saint of those who suffer from mental illnesses.
Monday 16th, St. Brendan, 486-578, a native of Kerry he founded a monastery at Clonfert and is patron of that diocese.
Wednesday 18th, St. John I, the first Pope to visit Constantinople, died in prison, 526.
Thursday 19th is the Feast of the Dedication of St. Mel’s Cathedral, - foundation stone laid, Tuesday, 19th May, 1840; opened for divine worship, 24th September, 1856; solemn consecration, Friday, 19th May, 1893, destroyed by fire, Friday, 25th December, 2009; rededicated, Sunday, 17th May, 2015.
Friday 20th, St. Bernardine of Siena, 1380-1444, Franciscan, preached in Italy promoting devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
Saturday 21st, St. Christopher Magallánes and Companions, 1869-1927, a Mexican priest who resisted the anti-Church government and, with 24 companions, was martyred in 1927.

The Parish Pastoral Council will meet in the Health Centre on Wednesday 18th, at 8.00 p.m. 

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

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Geraldine Brennan, Dolly Deely, Veronica Hynes.
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 3, 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, Niamh Hynes.

The Cake Sale and Bric-à-Brac on Sunday last was an outstanding success, receiving the support of the entire parish and endorsing the principle of fundraising for Parish Funds.  We thank sincerely all who donated cakes, confectionery and bric-à-brac, those who made cash donations and all who came on the day to support the event.  Once again we compliment and thank the Active Retirement Association for their spontaneity and initiative.  As proceeds are still coming in a final figure will be given later.

The Pentecost Dues should be handed in this weekend, please.

Clonmacnois Cemetery.  The footpaths in the cemetery have been refurbished and resurfaced at a cost of €19,374.45, which was paid from Church funds.

Masses for the Dead:-
Sunday 15th, 10.30 a.m., Clonfanlough, Paddy and Frances Kelly and deceased members of the Kelly Family, Clonmacnois.
Sunday 15th, 12.00 noon, Shannonbridge, James and Mary Kate Higgins, Clondelara.
Sunday 22nd, 12.00 noon, Shannonbridge, Felix Scicluna, London.

Sunday, May 08, 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

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
World Communications Day
7th/8th May, 2016


In the time of Christ communication depended on the spoken and the written word.  That remained the case for almost a thousand years until printing was developed.  Radio and telephone marked the dawn of electronic communications.  In recent times that has been revolutionised and it is now a constantly changing medium.
The means of spreading the Gospel message have changed radically but the mandate remains the same.  The same kind of people are required, people of conviction, bringing good news.
Communications are now instant and worldwide.  There is a hunger for the reassurance of Good News.  There are countless vacancies for messengers.  God still asks as he did through the prophet Isaiah, “Whom shall I send?” Is. 6:8.
 
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.

Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Clonfanlough on Sunday 8th, at 10.30 a.m.

A Weekend of Prayer for Pentecost will be facilitated at Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre, commencing on Saturday 14th at 3.00 p.m. and concluding on Sunday 15th with 12.00 noon Mass at the monastic site.  All are welcome.  Further information - joannamt@ hotmail.co.uk
Mass is celebrated at the Prayer Centre, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30.

Tuesday 10th is the Feast of St. Comgall, 516-605, Abbot, Down and Connor.
Thursday 12th, Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers martyred in 304.
Thursday 12th, St. Pancras, a boy of 14 who suffered martyrdom at the same time as Sts. Nereus and Achilleus.  A parish and a major railway station in London bear his name.  St. Pancras International Railway Station is the London terminus of the Eurostar rail service.
Friday 13th, Our Lady of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children, Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia, near Fatima, Portugal, on six occasions in 1917.
Saturday 14th, St. Matthias, Apostle, chosen to replace Judas.  Preached in Judea and Turkey.


Sunday next is Pentecost Sunday - celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit.

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

The Revised Mass Schedule in the Pastoral Cluster Area comes into effect on Sunday, 3rd July.  In the Parish of Clonmacnois:- Shannonbridge, Saturday (Vigil), 8.00 p.m.; Clonfanlough, Sunday, 10.30 a.m.  (12.00 noon Mass discontinued).  The proposal that the arrangement alternate between the two churches, on a six-monthly basis, has validity and deserves further consideration.  It does operate successfully in other parishes.
The new schedule will include Mass on Sunday, at 7.00 p.m., in St. Mary’s Church, Ferbane.  

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.

On World Communications Day we thank all who promote the Religious Press in its various forms and formats in the Parish of Clonmacnois.

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

Rosters: Shannonbridge:-
Church Cleaners: Jacinta Kelly, Mary Killeen, Ann Keena.
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: Declan McEvoy.
          Minister of the Eucharist for next Sunday,
Enda Molloy.

Cake Sale and Bric-à-Brac.  Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association hold a cake sale in Shannonbridge Hall this Sunday, 8th, after 12.00 o’clock Mass.  All proceeds in aid of Parish Funds.  The support of the entire parish will be appreciated.

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

Belmont Fishing Club hold an open competition on Sunday 15th, on the Grand Canal at Shannon Harbour, from 2.00 to 6.00 p.m.  For further information contact, 087 938 3553 or follow Belmont Anglers on Facebook.

The Pentecost Dues should be handed in next weekend, please.

Thank you for last Sunday’s collection  820.00.

Masses for the Dead:-
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.
Sunday 15th, 10.30 a.m., Clonfanlough, Paddy and Frances Kelly and deceased members of the Kelly Family, Clonmacnois.
Sunday 15th, 12.00 noon, Shannonbridge, James and Mary Kate Higgins, Clondelara.

 










Monday, May 02, 2016

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
Last week’s numbers were 3, 6, 14 and 24.  There was one match three winner.  The Jackpot this week is €7,200.

Football League.
Shannonbridge got their league programme back on track with a narrow win over Doon on Wednesday night.  In a close game the sides were level at five points each at half time and there was just one point in it with four minutes remaining.  Shannonbridge got the last three scores to win 0-13 to 0-9. 
Team: B. Rohan, W. Keena, P. Maloney, S. Flannery, C. Brazil (0-1), D. Corbett (0-1), R. O'Connor, P. Egan, T. Mahon, J. Darcy (0-1), P. Deeley (0-4), K. Flannery (0-3), E. Egan, R. McEvoy (0-1), G. Kelly (0-1). Subs: J. Egan, M. O'Shea (0-1), A. Kelly.

Lá na gClubanna.

The GAA club day is next Sunday, 8th May, 2pm to 5pm in the Shannonbridge GAA Grounds.  Entertainment for the whole community – Music, Dancing, BBQ, Children’s Art Display, Face Painting, Tug-o-War, Novelty Football Games and Shannonbridge’s first ever Colour Fun Run.  Come along and enjoy.