CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER DEC 18TH 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
Masses for Dec. 17th/18th
Sat Dec 17th 8p.m.-
- Christina, John & Patrick Turley
- Damien (12th A) & Josephine Kenny
Sun Dec 18th 10:30a.m. Kieran & Anne Pillion
Weekday Masses10amShannonbridge
CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve Dec 24th
Clonfanlough 7p.m.
Shannonbridge 9p.m.
Christmas Day 25th
Clonfanlough 10:30a.m. Mickey Kelly (Lakefield)
Shannonbridge 12 Noon
2017 PARISH CALENDARS will be available from next weekend onwards. Please be mindful of neighbours or others who may not otherwise receive a Calendar.
Dec 11th €865
Shrine €125
Christmas Dues comes up at this time. Thanks to all who contribute to our income as priests.
December Monthly Thank you to all who have already contributed.
As the year turns– a very sincere thank you to all who support the mission of this parish in so many ways in time, talent and treasure. We ask the Christ Child’s blessing on you and yours in these days of the Word made Flesh.
2017 Bible Diaries have arrived. They contain 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 – Parish Readers may collect their free copy in the sacristy. Also available generally to buy for €6.00.
ADVENT PRAYER in Ard Chiarain: concludes MONDAY Dec 19th at 8p.m. with a Carol Service.
BAMBINELLI SUNDAY You’re welcome to bring the Christ figure from your family crib to Christmas Morning Mass for a blessing.
LOCAL CONFESSIONS
Reconciliation Monday Dec 19th
1) 10a.m. Mass Ferbane— an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) after 10a.m. Mass in Ferbane with our Cluster priests.
2) Clonfanlough Mon 19th @ 7pm
Shannonbridge Mon 19th @ 8pm
Tues 20th 7pm Pullough & Boher; 8p.m. Ballinahowen
Wed 21st Cloghan 7pm, Banagher 8pm
Christmas Eve 11-4p.m. (Ferbane)
Christmas is a time when we gather with family and friends. Family is about connection; we are connected in varying ways to our immediate and wider families. Some of our family members are in far flung corners of the globe; although far away they are close to our hearts. Christmas is also a time when we recall the story of God’s close connection with us, his Son born of Mary in Bethlehem and grew up in a family. The gospel of midnight Mass has this reassuring passage “Do not be afraid, listen I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. The connection between us and God is very close, he shared our human life and our family life; he wants each one of us to share his life now and in eternity. Christmas reassures us that God is close to all and especially those who are in need of hope. The news of Jesus is good news, it is news that brings joy and peace to all. We had the good news a few weeks ago that Pope Francis hopes to attend the World Meeting of Families in August 2018. It is an event that highlights the importance of family life. I wish you and your family and your friends a Christmas that is joyful and peaceful because of the birth of Jesus, God among us.
Francis Duffy Bishop Ardagh &Clonmacnois
VOCATIONS NOTE When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord directed him.” Are you prayerfully vigilant about discovering yo ur vocation in Christ? Might He be inviting you to the priesthood? Contact Fr. Simon Cadam 086 2401295
Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service Closed on Thursday the 22nd of December at 1pm. Re-Opens Wednesday the 4th of January at 10am. In case of emergency please contact the Tullamore Gardaí on: 057 93 27600 or National Freephone Helpline on: 1800 341 900
LIVE THE WORD For this festive period value what brings real meaning to Christmas. Spending and giving your time to others is a gift in itself. Pausing to reflect on the year that has been, brings stillness and inner reflection. Practising gratitude focuses on how much we have in our lives. Laughter, good cheer and the exchange of conversation is the flow of life. What you value, your energy will flow to
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
SANTA COMES TO SHANNONBRIDGE! Santa will be arriving to Shannonbridge Hall from 3-6p.m. Sunday 18th December €5 per family all welcome.
SHANNONBRIDGE COMMUNITY LIBRARY A very Happy Christmas to all our customers. We are now closed for the Christmas break; reopening on Thursday 5th January. See you all in the New Year. Rose and Pat.
THANK YOU to all who contributed so generously to donate gifts and toys for the needy at our Christmas Gift appeal last weekend. To all musicians and choir members who gave of their time and talent. It was a wonderful heartwarming experience for us all & your generosity will help the SVP to meet the increasing needs they see.
CHRISTMAS CLAY PIGEON SHOOT for Shannonbridge GAA in Esker Shooting Range, Banagher on Tuesday 27th December at 6pm as a fundraiser to replace the stolen items from the clubhouse. The cost is €35 and cartridges are provided but bring ear muffs/plugs. Prize giving in Killeens at 9.30pm for the best and worst shots of the night with finger food and live music! It promises to be a fun night so please come along and support it. To book contact John Ryan 087 6499296, Cathal Daly 087 9175963 or Jim Killeen 086 8181729.
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