CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 27TH 2016

Masses for November 26/27th

Sat. 26th Nov 8p.m.  Mary Fallon-Galvin (Memorial Mass)

Sun 27th Nov. 10:30a.m.  Philomena Coolahan

Masses for Dec. 3rd/4th

Sat 3rd Dec 8p.m. Billy & Bridget Duffy

Sun 4th Dec 10:30a.m. Peoples Intn.

Sunday Dec 4th  @ 7p.m. Shannonbridge [Advent Evening  Prayer & Benediction ]

Weekday Masses

[Rosary at 9:45a.m. Shannonbridge] 10am  Tue-Sat (Mon 28th Communion Service)

Wed 30th Nov. 7:30 Cluain Chiaráin

Mon 28th Nov. & Fri 2nd Dec 7p.m. Clonfanlough

RECENT DEATHS  In your kindness remember in prayer ...Teresa Fitzpatrick sister of Peter Kelly (Clonfanlough) and Fr. Jim Moran S.J. brother of Sr. Maura OSU (Ard Chiarain)

Sunday Mass in nearby churches:- St. Mary’s, Cloonfad, 10.00 a.m.;

Ballinahowen Sunday 11:30a.m., Sts. Patrick and Saran, High Street, 12.00 noon.;  St. Mary’s, Ferbane, 7.00 p.m.

Offertory Nov 19th/20th   €705  Shrine €190

  

2017 Bible Diaries  for some years I have supplied Bible Diaries (Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. If you’d like to get one at cost price €7 please contact me (Tom Cox) One possible gift idea!

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL 2017 – Readers may collect their copy in the sacristy.  Also available generally to buy for €6.00. 

OFFERTORY BOXES New boxes of envelopes begin this weekend for the next 13th months up to Dec 31st 2017. We hope in future to avail of a taxback facility, where the tax you have already paid on your donation can be  gifted to the Parish.  It doesn’t cost you a cent extra. It’s another reason why the envelope usage really helps your donation go further. Thank you to our distributors, collectors and counters who help in this task.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Annual Christmas Party in Gullanes Hotel Ballinasloe on Friday 9th December at 7.30 sharp. All welcome..Music by Paudie Bennett . Bus leaving Shannonbridge Church at 7pm.  Cost €26 . Contact Sr Margaret Mary 0872990833 / Ann Rohan. 0868142714 

THE PRIORY INSTITUTE is delighted to offer an online Advent Retreat featuring a series of four online reflections given over four weeks in preparation for Christmas. A different speaker will offer each reflection online. Further information:  www.prioryinstitute.com

   UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:    3rd Dec 2016 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 3, Kate, Paddy & Adam

Reader: Catherine Doolan

 Eucharistic Minister: Martha MurphyChurch Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)

 Jacinta Kelly, Mary Killeen, Ann Keena

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 4th Dec 2016 10:30a.m.            

Altar Servers: Group 2 Jane E, Tadgh T, Roisin D.

Reader: Declan McEvoy

 Minister of the Eucharist: Ann Guinan

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (November)

Dorothy Darcy and Joey Rigney

Safeguarding Message from Bishop Francis, 2016 Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas; it has a special atmosphere of expectation and of looking forward to the events of Bethlehem.  During this season many children will participate in nativity plays, carol services and liturgies.   I hope they have a very happy and joyful time with their families and friends. 

I thank our Parish Safeguarding Representatives and our Priests for their very important work in ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults in our Church related activities.  Their vigilance gives reassurance to all.

I encourage anyone with concerns regarding the safety of children or anyone who suffered in the past to contact our Designated Persons: Sean Leydon (087-7431649) or Róisín O’Doherty (087-3327587).

CLONFANLOUGH CHRISTMAS CHOIR

3 names received-any musician(s) out there. I will provide the Carols. It’s just for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Society of St. Vincent De Paul  Christmas Appeal Churchgate Collection  Sat 3rd Dec  8p.m.  Shannonbridge. Support welcome

ADVENT HAPPENINGS

'Preparing for Christmas  with St. Matthew' with Fr. Brendan McConvery CSsR, Scoil an Chroi Naofa, Society St., Ballinasloe, 2.30 - 5.15 pm on Sunday Nov. 27th.  All welcome.

Advent Prayer in Ard Chiarain: Every Monday Nov 28th, Dec 5th,12th, 19th (Carols) at 8.00pm  Led by Fr. Cronan Glynn (Carmelite) OCarm

CHRISTMAS  PARTIES  

A warm invitation and welcome to all our Senior Citizens to the local Christmas Parties. Enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment.

Shannonbridge :  Sun, Dec 4th 1p.m.

Clonfanlough Dec 11th  1p.m. onwards

GIFT COLLECTION FOR S.V.P.

With the blessing of children at Mass on the 10th Dec in Shannonbridge at 8p.m. & the 11th Dec. in Clonfanlough at 10:30a.m.

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul would appreciate practical gifts for children in need, such as underwear, socks, T-shirts, toothbrushes etc.. Please wrap gifts and label with age & gender.

CAROL SERVICE  in Clonmacnois Monastic Grounds on Dec 11th at 4p.m. in C of I Church

INTRODUCTION OF MINISTRY OF PARISH CATECHIST AND OF PERMANENT DEACONS - Further information on the Ministry of Parish Catechist is  available from Fr Nigel Charles, Boherquill, Lismacaffrey, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 043 6685847, nigelcharles2003@yahoo.co.uk 

Further information on the Order of Deacon is available from Fr Aidan Ryan, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.  090 643 0124. Email: aidanfryan@eircom.net   Also at the following website: www.vocations.ie

CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER NOV. 20TH 2016

Masses for November 19/20th

Sat. 19th Nov 8p.m.  Kieran & Richard Hynes (Do This In Memory of Me” Mass with First Communicants)

Sun 20th Nov. 10:30a.m.  Larry & Brigid Rohan. 

Clonmacnois Cemetery Rosary 3p.m. Sunday 20th Nov.

Masses for November 26/27th

Sat. 26th Nov 8p.m.  Mary Fallon-Galvin (Memorial Mass)

Sun 27th Nov. 10:30a.m.  Philomena Coolahan

Weekday Masses

[Rosary at 9:45a.m. Shannonbridge]Mon 21st 10am Mass People’s Intns

Tues 22nd 10am Communion Service

Wed 23rd-–Sat 26th 10:00a.m. Mass

Wed 23rd Nov. 7:30p.m. Cluain Chiaráin

Fri 25th 7p.m. Mass Clonfanlough

Sunday Mass in nearby churches:- St. Mary’s, Cloonfad, 10.00 a.m.;

Ballinahowen Sunday 11:30a.m., Sts. Patrick and Saran, High Street, 12.00 noon.;  St. Mary’s, Ferbane, 7.00 p.m.

Offertory Nov 12th/13th   €770

SAINTS OF THE WEEK  Mon 21st Presentation of the B.V.M.; Tues 22nd St. Cecilia, Wed 23rd St. Columban, Thurs 24th St. Andrew Dung-Lac & companion martyrs; Fri 25th St. Catherine of Alexandria, Sat 26th St. Leonard

2017 Bible Diaries  for some years I have supplied Bible Diaries (Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. If you’d like to get one at cost price €7 please contact me (Tom Cox) One possible gift idea!

Carol Service  in Clonmacnois on Dec 11th at 4p.m. in C of I Church

Advent Adult Faith Development Gathering:  'Preparing for Christmas  with St. Matthew' with Fr. Brendan McConvery CSsR, Scoil an Chroi Naofa, Society St., Ballinasloe, 2.30 - 5.15 pm on Sunday Nov. 27th.  All welcome.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Annual Christmas Party in Gullanes Hotel Ballinasloe on Friday 9th December at 7.30 sharp.....All welcome....music by Paudie Bennett . Bus leaving Shannonbridge Church at 7 pm.  Cost €26 . Contact Sr Margaret Mary 0872990833 / Ann Rohan. 0868142714 

Society of St. Vincent De Paul  Christmas Appeal Churchgate Collection  Sat 3rd Dec  8p.m.  Shannonbridge. Support welcome

                 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:    26th Nov 2016 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 2, Fiachra, Sean, Niamh & Rachel

Reader: Linda Moran

 Eucharistic Minister: Marie McManus

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)

 Mairead Darcy, Martha Murphy, Marie McManus

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 27th Nov 2016 10:30a.m.            

Altar Servers: Group 1 Conor S., Conor B., Eoin S., Abigail K.

Reader: Anne Rohan

 Minister of the Eucharist: Mary Kelly

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (November)

Dorothy Darcy and Joey Rigney

CLONFANLOUGH CHRISTMAS CHOIR

If you’d like to be involved in forming a Choir for just Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only– could you contact me. Your help is needed.

OFFERTORY BOXES New boxes of envelopes to cover from Nov 27th (1st Sunday of Advent) to the end of 2017 should have arrived to your home at this stage. Thank you to our distributors.  If you haven’t received one or would like a box of envelopes just let me know (Tom Cox 086 8319500)

I am most grateful to all who contribute to this parish by any means and if you’d like  to give a  yearly donation instead of the weekly envelope system– that is,  of course, fine.

Something to think about for some, would be if you would  prefer to enact a Direct Debit/Standing  Order in place of the envelope and  we can help in this regard by providing a form that you  fill in, giving your bank permission to deduct a particular sum on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.  I appreciate your generosity and support to the mission of this parish .

 Annual Remembrance Mass at AIT on Thursday 24th November at 11am. For all the deceased staff, students and friends of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), All welcome.

CLONMACNOIS N.S. Family Fun Table Quiz   on Friday 25th November in Shannonbridge Hall, beginning 7:30p.m.  €20 per table, 5 persons per table (must include minimum 1 child per table). 2 Children’s  questions included in each round.

THANK YOU to all who took part in The Oct 31st Hallowe’en Party Fundraiser  which raised €500 for Temple Street Hospital.

INTRODUCTION OF MINISTRY OF PARISH CATECHIST AND OF PERMANENT DEACONS - Further information on the Ministry of Parish Catechist is  available from Fr Nigel Charles, Boherquill, Lismacaffrey, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 043 668 5847, nigelcharles2003@yahoo.co.uk 

Further information on the Order of Deacon is available from Fr Aidan Ryan, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.  090 643 0124. Email: aidanfryan@eircom.net   Also at the following website: www.vocations.ie

CHRISTMAS  PARTIES Note it down!

 This is an open invitation to all Senior Citizens to the local Christmas Parties. Enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment!

Shannonbridge :  Sunday, Dec 4th 1p.m.

Clonfanlough December 11th  1p.m. onwards

CONGRATULATIONS to Conor Butler, Tara Dunican, Maria Egan & Sarah Murphy– all past pupils of Clonmacnois N.S. who received their John Paul II Awards in St. Mel’s Cathedral last Sunday 13th November.

SHANNONBRIDGE CHOIR  members asked to attend for  8pm Mass

CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER NOV. 13TH

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE                                                                  

  ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH                                                                     

Fr. Tom Cox Adm. (Administrator) Tel. 090 9674125/ 086-8319500                                  

E-mail: thomascox@eircom.net   shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

Masses for November 12th/13th

Sat 12th 8p.m.        Michael Anderson (3rd Anniv)

Sun 13th 10:30a.m. Brigid McEvoy

Masses for November 19th/20th

Sat. 19th Nov 8p.m.  Kieran & Richard Hynes (Do This In Memory of Me” Mass with First Communicants)

Sun 20th Nov. 10:30a.m.  Larry & Brigid Rohan.

Clonmacnois Cemetery Rosary 3p.m. Sunday 20th Nov.

Weekday Masses

[Rosary at 9:45a.m. Shannonbridge]Mon 14th –Sat 19th 10:00a.m.

Mon 14th 7p.m. Clonfanlough

Wed 16th Nov. 7:30p.m. Cluain Chiaráin

Fri 18th 9p.m. Mass Cluain Chiaráin  Night Prayer Vigil (Adoration & prayers follow. Finishes at 2:10a.m. All welcome . Enquiries to Dave at 085-7746763

Sunday Mass in nearby churches:- St. Mary’s, Cloonfad, 10.00 a.m.;

Ballinahowen Sunday 11:30a.m., Sts. Patrick and Saran, High Street, 12.00 noon.;  St. Mary’s, Ferbane, 7.00 p.m.

Offertory Nov 5th/6th   €775

Shrine (Candles) €115

 Used Household Goods Sale

Emerald Ballroom, Ballinasloe, 26th Nov 11am-6p.m.. Goods for sale either for cash or donation to be delivered to Emerald Ballroom on Thurs 7—p.m. or Fri 9a.m.-11p.m. Proceeds to provision of indoor sports facility for the town. Email householdsale@gmail.com

CONCLUDING A YEAR OF  MERCY

Novena for Mercy in the Family (Nov 11-20th.)    Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Holy Family of Nazareth, bless our family. Keep anger and violence far from our door. May our home be a place of love, mercy and forgiveness. Share our moments of happiness with us. Whenever things are difficult, help us to overcome together the problems that come our way.
Be with families in Ireland and around the world who are homeless or suffering.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph come into our home and our hearts and stay with us always. Amen.

Use Lit Candle & Holy Water (available in Church), bless each person on forehead present & end with the Our Father.

SAINTS OF THE WEEK  Mon 14th St. Laurence O’Toole, Tues 15th St. Albert the Great, Wed 16th St. Margaret of Scotland/St. Gertrude, Thurs 17th St Elizabeth of Hungary/St. Hilda

CHOIR  members asked to attend for  8pm Mass

                  UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:    19th Nov 2016 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 1, Roisin, Darragh, Matthew & Emily

Reader: Seamus Grennan

 Eucharistic Minister: Margaret Duffy

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)

 Anne Ryan, Lena Turley, Maureen Mitchell

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 20th Nov 2016 10:30a.m.            

Altar Servers: Group 3 Conor D., Adam E., Charlie G., Kelan C.

Reader: Bridie Coughlan

 Minister of the Eucharist: Enda Molloy

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (November)

Dorothy Darcy and Joey Rigney

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE A book is in each Church for you to write names of deceased loved ones in & remembered at our Masses 

CHRISTMAS  PARTIES Note it down!

 This is an open invitation to all Senior Citizens to the lo cal Christmas Parties. Enjoy an afternoon of food and entertainment!

Shannonbridge :  Sunday, Dec 4th 1p.m.

Clonfanlough December 11th  1p.m. onwards

STATION MASS in the home of Edel & Micheal Anderson , Creevagh on Friday 18th at 8p.m.

Advent Adult Faith Development Gathering:  'Preparing for Christmas  with St. Matthew' with Fr. Brendan McConvery CSsR, Scoil an Chroi Naofa, Society St., Ballinasloe, 2.30 - 5.15 pm on Sunday Nov. 27th.  All welcome.

OFFERTORY BOXES New boxes are due to be delivered shortly to homes in the parish. If you haven’t received one before and would like to be included, please contact me. Or if there are any errors, omissions to correct.. Thank you.. Fr. Tom Cox 086 8319500

 Annual Remembrance Mass at AIT on Thursday 24th November at 11am. For all the deceased staff, students and friends of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), All welcome.

PARISH  CATECHIST & PERMANENT  DIACONATE  Extra Copies of Bishop Francis’s letter on these two new  ministries are available at the Porch.

Catechist & Diaconate in Brief

Catechist: For male & female students. 2 years duration (with 3 Saturday Study Days + 1 Saturday retreat , begins Autumn 2017,   Distance learning (study materials & complete assignments at home) in conjunction with  Maryvale Institute Birmingham.  Cost €1000 p.a. but if enrolling to be parish catechist, parish meets fees.

Parish Catechists can assist parish faith development programmes, assist at times of bereavement, involvement with youth & many other roles .

Permanent Diaconate An Ordained role there from early days of the Church. Open to Males (age 35-60 if married/ age 25-60 if unmarried). Serve Ministry of Charity/Word/Altar. Takes 4 years (preliminary year of discernment plus 3 years formation in part-time course). Cost of Diaconate Program met by Diocese.

Further enquiries to Fr. Tom Cox 086 8319500

Congratulations to Maria Egan, Clonlyon daughter of Niamh & Declan who receives a John Paul II Award in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday 13th Nov

Shannonbridge GAA Club Lotto

This week's numbers are 8, 12, 15 and 18.
There are 5 match 3 winners.
Jackpot next week will be €3,800.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Lotto

This week's numbers are 3, 15, 12 and 26.
There are two match three winners.
Jackpot next week will be €3,600.

CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER NOV 6TH 2016

                                                                                                             

ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, SHANNONBRIDGE                                          

                          ST. CIARAN’S CHURCH, CLONFANLOUGH                                                                     

Fr. Tom Cox Adm. (Administrator) Tel. 090 9674125/ 086-8319500                                 

 E-mail: thomascox@eircom.net   shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

www.shannonbridge.com

Masses for November 5/6th

Sat 5th 8:00p.m. Kieran Kenny (1st A)

Sun 6th 10:30a.m. Devery family (Clonlyon) & Sonny & Nancy Egan (Clongowney)

Masses for November 12th/13th

Sat 12th 8p.m.        Michael Anderson (3rd Anniv)

Sun 13th 10:30a.m. Brigid McEvoy

Weekday Masses

[Rosary at 9:45a.m. Shannonbridge]Mon 7th –Fri 11th 10:00a.m.

Sat 10a.m. Thomas Rocke (Anniv.)

Tues 8th 7p.m. Clonfanlough

 Sunday Mass in nearby churches:- St. Mary’s, Cloonfad, 10.00 a.m.;  Sts. Patrick and Saran, High Street, 12.00 noon.;  St. Mary’s, Ferbane, 7.00 p.m.

Mass in Cluain Chiarain Clonmacnois  Wednesday (9th Nov)  at 7:30p.m.

Offertory Oct 29th/30th  €805

October Monthly Collection” €210

Mission Sunday €450 (to date)

Shrine (Candles) €200

November Dues and November Monthly Collection Envelope  falls this weekend (Nov 5/6th). Thank you for your generosity

 TWO PRAYER IDEAS

In a touching suggestion after the death of his father Anthony “Axel” Foley, his son (Tony aged 11) suggested that people go to mass over the next 8 Sundays, light a candle, photograph it and post to the facebook page dubbed #8masses4no8   and “tag”  8 Facebook friends.  It was a touching idea from a son for his father.  Tony was inspired by what he experienced in Thomond Park  and came up with the idea of getting people to go to Mass to pray for deceased family or friends, including his father, in the run up to Christmas,”

At the same time, with the Year of Mercy due to end on Nov. 20th Archbishop Martin of Armagh has suggested  a

Novena for Mercy in the Family.    Beginning about 6pm  on Friday 11th November & ending on Sunday 20th November. Using this prayer  with a lit candle.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Holy Family of Nazareth, bless our family.

Keep anger and violence far from our door. May our home be a place of love, mercy and forgiveness. Share our moments of happiness with us. Whenever things are difficult, help us to overcome together the problems that come our way.

Be with families in Ireland and around the world who are homeless or suffering.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph come into our home and our hearts and stay with us always. Amen.

Then use Holy Water (available in Church), bless each person on forehead present & end with the Our Father.

                  UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:    12th Nov 2016 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 3, Kate, Paddy & Adam

Reader: Eileen Quinn

 Eucharistic Minister: Marian McManus

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)

 Kathleen Price, Catherine Curley, Patricia Anderson.

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 13th Nov 2016 10:30a.m.            

Altar Servers: Group 2 Jane E., Tadgh T., Roisin D.

Reader: Alan/Leanne Devery

 Minister of the Eucharist: Anne Rohan

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (November)

Dorothy Darcy and Joey Rigney

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE A book is in each Church for you to write names of deceased loved ones in & remembered at our Masses 

CHRISTMAS  PARTIES Note it down!

Shannonbridge :  Sunday, Dec 4th 1p.m.(please note change of date to previously advertised one)

Clonfanlough December 11th  1p.m. onwards

SAINTS OF THE WEEK  Tues  8th Bl John Duns Scotus; Wed 9th Dedication of Lateran Basilica, Thurs 10th St. Leo the Great, Fri 11th St. Martin of Tours, Sat 12th St. Josaphat

Back to School Quotes

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” ~Sydney J. Harris

“Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.” ~William Butler Yeats

PARISH CATECHIST & PERMANENT

DIACONATE  Copies of Bishop Francis’s letter on these two new  ministries are available at the Porch

 The Word of God this Sunday, the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, calls us to resist the temptation to look at reality according to the dim lights of the fallen world and the fractured culture around us. God’s perspective on things is the only true and real reality. Everything else is a cheap illusion and is unworthy of us.

In the first reading from the first book of Maccabees we hear that the pressure to conform to this world rather than to the reality of God’s kingdom has always been with us, and has always been brutal and relentless.

In the Gospel we hear how these twisted voices are brazen enough even to presume to question God made flesh in the person of Jesus!

In contrast to shallowness and lies, St. Paul - in the second letter to the Thessalonians - offers a loftier, brighter, and holier perspective on things which is the pure truth of everything.

The love and grace of God is our best and our everlasting protection from lies that would grind us into the ground.

Asking Our Blessed Lady to pray for our safety on the roads

The new bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, has recently suggested that drivers and passengers might develop a habit of pausing to reflect and to pray each time we set off to use our roads. As well as worshipfully praising God for the awesome gift of human life, such a habit will also help our whole culture to reverence every human life more deeply.

Holy Mother, hear our prayer, Keep us in your loving care, Whatever the perils of the way, Let us not add to them this day. So to our caution and attention, We add a prayer for your protection, To beg God’s blessing on this car, To travel safely near and far. Amen.