CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 29th 2017

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 Sat 28th/29th Jan

Sat 28th 8:00p.m. Kathleen Lantry  née Norton, Tullabeg, Clonmacnois

Sunday Jan 29th 10:30a.m. Bridget Rigney

Mon 30th & Tues 31st (St. John Bosco) 10:00a.m. Communion Service (No Mass)

Wed 1st Feb (Feast of St. Brigid) 10:00a.m. Margaret, Michael & Denis Kelly

Thurs 2nd (Candlemas Day) 10:00a.m.

Candles for use in the home & Church are blessed on this Day.. If you  have candles you wish blessed, please bring them.

Fri 3rd Feb  (St. Blaise-blessing of throats at 10:00a.m. (Shannonbridge) and 7:00p.m. Clonfanlough

Masses for Sat 4th/5th Feb 2017

Sat 4th Feb 8:00p.m. Michael & Stephen Shrahan (Anniv)

Sun 5th Feb 10:30a.m.  Jack & Mary & Pat Maloney

FIRST FRIDAY Fri. 3rd Feb is the First Friday of the Month. Sick will be visited

RECENT DEATHS Annie Grenham, (nee O’Brien) Ahasrcragh & formerly Raghrabeg

 CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Offertory Jan 22nd  € 665 Shrine €115

2017 PARISH  CALENDARS  & St. Paul Missals (Sunday readings for Parish Readers & if you’d like a copy) some left

 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:  4th Feb 2017 8p.m.

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

Reader: Dympna O’Carroll

Eucharistic Minister:Margaret Duffy

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly Eileen Quinn, Dolly Deeley,

Veronica Hynes

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 5th Feb 2017 10:30a.m.

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

Reader: Sophie Gilson

 Minister of the Eucharist:Ann GuinanMonthly Cleaning Rota   (February ) Maureen Claffey  Bridie Coughlan

Centenary of Fatima Apparitions

Tullamore Parish Pilgrimage June 8-15th. Seven nights full board €749pps. Spiritual Director Fr. Shane Crombie. Contact Pat Kidney 0863192399 or P.J. Smyth 086-8796190

FIRST COMMUNION DATES 2017  1st Confession Wed March 15th First Communion Sat. May 13th

BAPTISM MEETING The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for Baptism will be held in the Parochial House, Ballinahowen on Thursday February 15th and March 15th. Parents can contact me (Tom Cox) about attendance at these meetings.

St. Blaise Feast day 3rd February. An Armenian bishop martyr of the fourth century. Tradition states that he was a physician before becoming a bishop. Since the eight century he has been venerated as patron of those who suffer from diseases of the throat. So throats will be blessed after all Masses on Friday.

there will be blessing of throats after Masses at 10.00 am  (Shannonbridge)and 7.00 pm. (Clonfanlough)

ARDAGH & CLONMACNOIS PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2017 – 27^th May – 1^st June, five nights, fully inclusive price €725. Please contact: Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lower Baggot St., Dublin. Tele: 01-2410812 or 01-2410811. Pilgrimage Director: Monsignor Bernard Noonan, PP, Moate, Tele: 090 6481180. Director Special Section for Sick/Assisted Pilgrims: Rev. Michael Scanlon, PP, Cloghan, Tele 090 457122.

A Prayer in Spring

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

 And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love, The which it is reserved for God above To sanctify to what far ends He will, But which it only needs that we fulfil  (Robert Frost)

Bookings now taken for Spring Station Masses

 DIARY THIS WEEK

MONDAY 30th

Coffee Morning for all in Killeens after 10a.m.  Mass. A time to meet & greet

Social Dancing Classes in Cloghan Hall Mondays 8:30p.m. All Welcome

Walking Group: (Monday&Wednesday) Assemble at Church: earlier time of 7:30pm.

WEDNESDAY 1st February

Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre Mass 7:30p.m.

High St/Belmont Social Dancing at 8p.m. in High Street Hall.  All Welcome

COMPUTER CLASSES all levels, Crank House,, Banagher. Also Manual Handling Course. Call Carmel 057 9152003

Portiuncula University Hospital

Remembrance Service on Monday 6^th February 2017 at 7.30pm in Portiuncula University Hospital Chapel. A service for parents who have experienced bereavement through the death of a child or who have lost a baby through miscarriage , stillbirth or neonatal death.

INFORMATION MEETING ON PERMANENT DIACONATE  in Ballinasloe Family Centre, (near health Centre) town side of Ballinasloe. On Mon 30th Jan from 8-10p.m. Speakers will include Deacon William Gacquin & his wife Carmel (Curraghboy, Athlone) and Deacon Seamus Talbot & his wife Teresa (Kilteevan, Roscommon).

William & Seamus were ordained as Deacons for the Elphin Diocese in 2012 following completion of a year of discernment & a subsequent 3 year formation programme. Both are involved in parish ministry and last year Seamus was appointed Administrator of Kilbride & Derrane Parish.

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                     CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 22ND 2017

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 Jan 21st/22nd

Sat 21st 8:00p.m. Peoples Intentions

[Do This in Memory of Me Mass]

Sun 22nd 10:30a.m. John Loonam & dec'd family members

Weekday Masses

Mon 24th— Thursday 26th 10:00a.m.

Fri 27th 10a.m. Kathleen & Joe Turley

Sat 28th 10:00a.m. 

Masses for Sat 28th/29th Jan

Sat 28th 8:00p.m. Kathleen Lantry  née Norton, Tullabet, Clonmacnois

Sunday Jan 29th 10:30a.m. Bridget Rigney

FIRST COMMUNION DATES 2017  First Confession Wed March 15th

First Communion Sat. May 13th

Saints of the Week: Tues 24th St. Francis De Sales, Wed 25th  Conversion of St. Paul (Feast), Thu 26th Ss Timothy & Titus, Fri 27th  St. Angela Merici (Founder of the Ursuline Order);Sat 28th St. Thomas Aquinas

 CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Offertory Jan 15th  €  705

Lourdes Fund  €705

PULPIT SWAP! We welcome this weekend Fr. Peter Burke  (PP Ferbane) to Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough for Mass.

2017 PARISH  CALENDARS some left

 ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL 2017 – Parish Readers may collect their free copy in the sacristy.  Also available generally to buy for €5.00. 

2017 BIBLE DIARIES 6 copies remain. stock being returned Jan 30th. Containing Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. Cost price €7 available from me (Fr. Tom Cox)

 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:  28th Jan 2017 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 1 Darragh, Matthew, & Emily

Reader: Catherine Doolan

Eucharistic Minister:Marian McManus

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Jacinta Kelly, Mary Killeen, Ann Keena

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 29th Jan 2017 10:30a.m.

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

Reader: Declan McEvoy

 Minister of the Eucharist:Mary Kelly

Monthly Cleaning Rota   (January ) Mary Guinan Anne Guinan

Centenary of Fatima Apparitions

Tullamore Parish Pilgrimage June 8-15th. Seven nights full board €749pps. Spiritual Director Fr. Shane Crombie. Contact Pat Kidney 0863192399 or P.J. Smyth 086-8796190

 BAPTISM MEETING The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for Baptism will be held in the Parochial House, Ballinahowen on Thursday February 15th and March 15th. Parents can contact me (Tom Cox) about attendance at these meetings.

Ark Centre Fr Don Michele Barone in association with Ark of Divine Mercy will be in SS Peters&Pauls church on Thursday 26th of January 2017. Starting at 7.00pm with concelebrated Mass with Fr Jim Candon. After the Mass Fr Barone will bless Salt Water and oils. He will then give a talk and individual Blessings to all. Further Details from The Ark Centre phone Kathleen or Paul on 087 7828283. Or 087 1637393.

Ministry of Parish Catechist and of Permanent Deacons

The diocese is actively promoting these two new important initiatives:

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 websites: http://www.dublindiocese.ie/vocations/permanent-diaconate/ and   www.vocations.ie

Catholic Schools’ Week takes place this year from January 29th-February 4th. Catholic Schools’ Week is an annual all-Ireland celebration which invites schools to give expression in an exceptional way to the ethos of Catholic Education. It acknowledges the tremendous contribution that our Catholic primary and post-primary schools make, not just to Irish society, but to the mission of the Church. This year's theme ‘Catholic schools: Learning with Pope Francis to care for our common home’ has been informed by Laudato Si’, the 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis on care for our common home. We invite you to share this opportunity with our young people by asking them what they have been learning in school and showing an interest in the themes of the week.

Bookings now taken for Spring Station Masses

 DIARY THIS WEEK

MONDAY 23rd

Coffee Morning for all in Killeens after 10a.m.  Mass. A time to meet & greet

Social Dancing Classes in Cloghan Hall Mondays 8:30p.m. All Welcome

Walking Group: (Monday&Wednesday) Assemble at Church: earlier time of 7:30pm.

WEDNESDAY 25th

Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre Mass 7:30p.m.

High St/Belmont Social Dancing at 8p.m. in High Street Hall.  All Welcome

COMPUTER CLASSES all levels, Crank House,, Banagher. Also Manual Handling Course. Call Carmel 057 9152003

Portiuncula University Hospital

Remembrance Service on Monday 6^th February 2017 at 7.30pm in Portiuncula University Hospital Chapel. A service for parents who have experienced bereavement through the death of a child or who have lost a baby through miscarriage , stillbirth or neonatal death.

INFORMATION MEETING ON PERMANENT DIACONATE  in Ballinasloe Family Centre, (near health Centre) town side of Ballinasloe. On Mon 30th Jan from 8-10p.m. Speakers will include Deacon William Gacquin & his wife Carmel (Curraghboy, Athlone) and Deacon Seamus Talbot & his wife Teresa (Kilteevan, Roscommon).

William & Seamus were ordained as Deacons for the Elphin Diocese in 2012 following completion of a year of discernment & a subsequent 3 year formation programme. Both are involved in parish ministry and last year Seamus was appointed Administrator of Kilbride & Derrane Parish.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY Jan 18-25th Father of love you have called us to confraternity with your Son and to be witnesses to the gospel. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit enable us to overcome divisions and remain steadfast that our joy may be complete. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 15TH 2017

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 Jan 14th/15th

World Day of Migrants & Refugees

Sat 14th 8p.m. Shannonbridge Tommy, Geraldine & Simon McManus

Sun 15th 10:30a.m. Clonfanlough Peter & Earl Kelly (Anniversary)  & Memorial Mass for Sr. Brigid Kelly Carrowkeel & USA

Weekday

Mon 16th-Thurs 19th 10a.m. Mass

Friday 20th  No 10a.m. Mass.

Saturday 21st 12 Noon Peadar Allen 1st Anniversary (note change of time from 10am)

Masses for Jan 21st/22nd

Sat 21st 8:00p.m. Peoples Intentions

[Do This in Memory of Me Mass]

Sun 22nd 10:30a.m. John Loonam & dec'd family members

RECENT DEATHS Tom Egan (Edenderry) brother of Mary Hynes & Bridget Mooney.  Anne (Nancy) Egan (Ballyvora, Ferbane) sister of Danny Farrelly  Kathleen Doyle (Castledaly) sister of late Thomas Nugent and aunt of Nicky Nugent (Butchers, Shannonbridge)

CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Offertory Jan 6th  €460  Jan 8th 2017 €1,005.00 Shrine €160

Christmas Dues  €2,925 lodged to Clergy Income Fund.

PULPIT SWAP! On Jan 21st/22nd we welcome Fr. Peter Burke to Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough for Mass.

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL 2017 – Parish Readers may collect their free copy in the sacristy.  Also available generally to buy for €5.00. 

2017 BIBLE DIARIES 12 Left, stock being returned this week. Containing Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. Cost price €7 available from me (Fr. Tom Cox)

 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:  21st Jan 2017 8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 3. Kate & Paddy

Reader: Linda Moran

 Eucharistic Minister: Sinead Ryan

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Mairead Darcy, Martha Murphy, Marie McManus

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 22nd Jan 2017 10:30a.m.

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

Reader: Anne Rohan

 Minister of the Eucharist:Enda Molloy

Monthly Cleaning Rota   (January ) Mary Guinan Anne Guinan

2017 PARISH  CALENDARS some left

FIRST COMMUNION DATE 2017  Sat. May 13th

Centenary of Fatima Apparitions

Tullamore Parish Pilgrimage June 8-15th. Seven nights full board €749pps. Spiritual Director Fr. Shane Crombie. Contact Pat Kidney 0863192399 or P.J. Smyth 086-8796190

CAROL SINGING  Christmas Eve raised €660 for Offaly Hospice. Thank

BAPTISM MEETING The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for Baptism will be held in the Parochial House, Ballinahowen on Thursday 19th January from 8-9p.m. Subsequent pre-baptism meetings are scheduled for February 15th and March 15th. Parents can contact me (Tom Cox) about attendance at these meetings.

CHURCH UNITY WEEK: Church Unity Week this year is celebrated from 18-25 January. At a local level, we had our Joint Ecumenical Carol Service in December at Teampall Conor, Clonmacnois on Dec 11th. This is a very special year for Church Unity. 500 years ago this year (1517) Fr Martin Luther OSA began his Reforming campaign. 2017 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been selected with this in mind. The theme: “Reconciliation – The Love of Christ Compels Us” (2 Corinthians 5:14-20) has been chosen. The materials for the 2017 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has two stresses:: reflection upon the main concerns of the churches marked by Martin Luther’s Reformation and secondly recognizing the pain of the subsequent deep divisions which afflicted the unity of the Church. In selecting this theme, it is viewed as an opportunity to take steps toward reconciliation

World Day of Migrants & Refugees

For over a hundred years the third Sunday of January is devoted to the plight of Migrants and Refugees worldwide. In his pastoral letter for this special Sunday Pope Francis chose the theme ‘Minor Migrants, Vulnerable and Voiceless.’ The Pope is very concerned as we all are about hardship suffered due to wars, persecution and natural disasters. Millions of people - including women, men and children - have to leave their native countries to seek refuge elsewhere. Let us welcome those who seek refuge in Ireland. A trait associated with Irish people is to always welcome the stranger. We can recite this prayer for them:

Lord, be present to migrants and all those dispossessed. Be present to those who cannot be with their own people. Be present to those who long to see even one friendly face. Be among those who yearn for a warm greeting. Help us to reach out to your people to create a just world for all. Amen.

 DIARY THIS WEEK

MONDAY 16th

Coffee Morning for all in Killeens after 10a.m.  Mass. A time to meet & greet

Social Dancing Classes in Cloghan Hall Mondays 8:30p.m. All Welcome

Walking Group: (Monday&Wednesday) Assemble at Church: earlier time of 7:30pm.

TUESDAY 17th

Parish Pastoral Council meeting in Hall at 8p.m.

WEDNESDAY 18th

Pastoral Area Meeting for Reps of Parish  Councils from our 4 parish Pastoral Area, in the Parochial House,  Ferbane on Wed 18th Jan at 8p.m.

 Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre Mass 7:30p.m.

High St/Belmont Social Dancing at 8p.m. in High Street Hall.  All Welcome

FRIDAY 20th

CLONMACNOIS PRAYER VIGIL in Cluain Chiarain Prayer Centre on Friday 20th January. Mass at 9pm. Adoration and Prayers follow. Finishes at 2.10am. All Welcome. Enquiries Dave; 085-7746763. (‘These ruins are still charged with a great mission’ St. Pope John Paul II).

Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th

Lourdes Fund Collection Our Annual Collection to assist with our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (May 27th-June 1st) will be taken up as a  second collection after Communion in Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough this weekend (Jan 14th/15th.) Your generous support would be very much appreciated.  The organisers request the names of sick people who would like to join the pilgrimage. The fund is used to subsidise the air fare of sick or assisted people who join the Diocesan Pilgrimage.  Generous support will be greatly appreciated.

COMPUTER CLASSES all levels, Crank House,, Banagher. Also Manual Handling Course. Call Carmel 057 9152003

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CLONMACNOIS PARISH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 8TH 2017

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 Jan 7th/8th

Sat. 7th Jan 2017   Shannonbridge 8:00p.m. Jimmy & Joe Coleman & dec'd

Sun 8th Jan 2017 10:30a.m. Clonfanlough

Masses for Jan 14th/15th

Sat 14th 8p.m. Shannonbridge Tommy, Geraldine & Simon McManus

Sun 15th 10:30a.m. Clonfanlough Peter & Earl Kelly (Anniversary)  & Memorial Mass for St. Brigid Kelly Carrowkeel & USA

Recent Deaths  Brendan (Barney) Claffey (Birr/Cloghan) brother of Patty Corbett.  Maureen Claffey  (wife of late Michael Claffey, Shannonbridge) Bridget (Bridie) Carry  14 St. Kieran’s Park, Shannonbridge

CHURCH COLLECTIONS

Offertory Jan 1st 2017    €680

Shrine €80

Christmas Dues  €2,830 to date. Thank you to all who have returned their envelope. You can do so at any Mass.

 Mass for the Intentions of the People of the Parish, Missa pro Populo, in Shannonbridge, on Saturday 14th at 10a.m.

 ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL 2017 – Parish Readers may collect their free copy in the sacristy.  Also available generally to buy for €5.00. 

2017 BIBLE DIARIES in stock. Containing Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. Cost price €7 available from me (Fr. Tom Cox)

 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:  14th Jan 2017 8p.m.

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

Reader: Seamus Grennan

 Eucharistic Minister: Dympna Fitzpatrick

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Anne Ryan, Lena Turley, Maureen Mitchell

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 15th Jan 2017 10:30a.m.

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

Reader: Bridie Coughlan

 Minister of the Eucharist:Anne Rohan

Monthly Cleaning Rota   (January ) Mary Guinan Anne Guinan

2017 PARISH CALENDAR  Limited number available in Sacristy for anyone who did not receive one.

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 BABIES BAPTISED IN CLONMACNOIS PARISH IN 2016

John Peter Kelly

Kian Shay Hynes

Peadar Jack Quirke,

Nevaeh Harper Darcy

Dylan Simon McManus

Conor James Turley

Sean Ryan

Molly Ryan  

Ȇanna Hugh Mitchell

Alice Mary Daly

(apologies if I’ve left out anyone...I searched every bulletin of 2016!I will happily correct)

What started at our Christening needs to be validated by our personal decisions.

We haven't left our Baptism behind us.  It faces us each day as God's HOPE of each of us.

BAPTISM MEETING The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for Baptism will be held in the Parochial House, Ballinahowen on Thursday 19th January from 8-9p.m. Subsequent pre-baptism meetings are scheduled for February 15th and March 15th. Parents can contact me (Tom Cox) about attendance at these meetings.

CHURCH UNITY WEEK: Church Unity Week this year is celebrated from 18-25 January. At a local level, we had our Joint Ecumenical Carol Service in December at Teampall Conor, Clonmacnois on Dec 11th. This is a very special year for Church Unity. 500 years ago this year (1517) Fr Martin Luther OSA began his Reforming campaign. 2017 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been selected with this in mind. The theme: “Reconciliation – The Love of Christ Compels Us” (2 Corinthians 5:14-20) has been chosen. The materials for the 2017 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has two stresses:: reflection upon the main concerns of the churches marked by Martin Luther’s Reformation and secondly recognizing the pain of the subsequent deep divisions which afflicted the unity of the Church. In selecting this theme, it is viewed as an opportunity to take steps toward reconciliation

 DIARY DATES

MONDAY 9TH

Clonmacnois N.S.  Reopens on Monday, January 9th 2016

Social Dancing Classes in Cloghan Hall Mondays 8p.m.

Wednesday 11th

 Cluain Ciaráin Prayer Centre.  The celebration of Mass resumes on Wednesday 11th January, at 7.30 p.m. 

Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th

Lourdes Fund Collection

Our Annual Collection to assist with our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (May 27th-June 1st) will be taken up as a

second collection after Communion in Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough on next weekend. January 14th/15th. Your generous support would be very much appreciated.

The organisers request the names of sick people who would like to join the pilgrimage.

The fund is used to subsidise the air fare of sick or assisted people who join the Diocesan Pilgrimage.  Generous support will be greatly appreciated.

INVITATION TO MINISTRIES

Like to get involved in parish? A New Year can be a time to consider taking up a new role in life. We’d be happy to hear from people who may like to volunteer time or talent in these or many other roles (Readers, Choirs, Church Care, Eucharistic Ministry etc.). We would be very happy to hear from you.

CLONMACNOIS PARISH JAN 1ST 2017

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. 31st/January 1st 2017

Sat Dec 31st 8p.m.-  Shannonbridge

Sun Jan 1st 2017 10:30a.m. Paul Kelly (3rd A) Clonfanlough

Weekdays

 Jan 2nd Holiday Monday No Mass

Tues 3rd/Wed 4th/Thurs 5th 10a.m.

Thurs 5th 8p.m. (Eve of Epiphany)

Fri 6th Clonfanlough 10:30a.m. (Epiphany) replaces 7pm First Fri eve Mass.

Masses for Jan 7th/8th

Sat. 7th Jan 2017 Shannonbridge 8:00p.m. Jimmy & Joe Coleman & dec'd

Sun 8th Jan 2017 10:30a.m. Clonfanlough

Saints of the Day: Sun Jan 1st Mary-Mother of God, Fri 6th Epiphany (Holyday of Obligation), Sat 7th St. Raymond

Offertory Dec 25th    €1440

Shrine €90

Christmas Dues Thank you to all who have returned their envelope. You can do so at any Mass.

CLONMACNOIS PARISH STATISTICS FOR 2016

Baptisms 11

First Communions 10

Confirmations 19

Marriages 4

Deaths 5

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

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service Re-Opens Wednesday the 4^th 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

  

 UPCOMING CHURCH ROSTERS                                                                 

Shannonbridge:  7th Jan 2017 8p.m.

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

Reader: Michaela Anderson

 Eucharistic Minister: Martha Murphy

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Kathleen Price, Catherine Curley & Patricia Anderson

Clonfanlough:-  Sun 8th Jan 2017 10:30a.m.

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

Reader: Alan Devery

 Minister of the Eucharist:Bridie Coughlan

Monthly Cleaning Rota   (January ) Mary Guinan Anne Guinan

2017 PARISH CALENDAR  available in our Churches to take home. Please be mindful of neighbours or others who may not otherwise receive a Calendar.

BAPTISM We welcome Conor James Turley & Ȇanna Hugh Mitchell  into the  Christian Community in Baptism.

 BLESSINGS OF THE NEW YEAR

-In January–the month of darkness& frost Saints Saran  Manchan –Be with us Lord

-In February – the month of rain, wind and snow – Be with us Lord.

-In March – the month of farmers, lambs, and new life – Be with us Lord.

-In April – the month of swallows, growth and green grass - Be with us Lord.

-In May – the month of the cuckoo, flowers and Summer - Be with us Lord.

-In June – the month of exams, the mid-Summer sun - Be with us Lord.

-In July – the month of holidays, the dry grass and Summers end - Be with us Lord.

-In August – the month of harvest, wheat and corn - Be with us Lord.

-In September – the month of fruits, school and our own St. Ciaran - Be with us Lord.

-In October – the month of falling leaves, nuts and Halloween - Be with us Lord.

-In November – the month of the dead, the Holy Souls and the Saints - Be with us Lord.

-In December – the month of the gift of light and our Saviour - Be with us Lord.Amen.

Air of AULD LANG SYNE (L.M.)

1. An-oth-er year of set-ting suns, of stars by night re-vealed, of spring-ing grass, of ten-der buds by win-ter's snow con-cealed.

2. An-oth-er year of sum-mer's glow,  of au-tumn's gold and brown, of wav-ing fields, and rud-dy fruit the bran-ches weigh-ing down.

3. An-oth-er year of hap-py work, that bet-ter is than play, of sim-ple cares, and love that grows more sweet from day to day.

4. An-oth-er year to fol-low hard, where bet-ter souls have trod, an-oth-er year of life's de-light, an-oth-er year of God.

Wishing All a Happy & Blessed New Year

ANNUAL MUMMERS FESTIVAL takes place in New Inn Leisure Centre on Saturday 7th Jan at 7:30p.m. and Sun 8th Jan at 2:30p.m. A feast of traditional entertainment.

SHANNONBRIDGE COMMUNITY LIBRARY reopening on Thursday 5th January.

1st  FRIDAY Jan 6th Sick will be visited

2017 BIBLE DIARIES in stock. Containing Reading of Day, reflection & journal space. Cost price €7 available from me (Fr. Tom Cox)

BLESSING THE HOME AT EPIPHANY TIME  There is a lovely  family custom in some countries of blessing homes  with blessed chalk. I’ll leave some in the Churches for Jan 5th vigil  (8p.m.) & Jan 6th @ 10:30a.m. Calling on the 3 Magi (Wise Men) Caspar [C], Melchior (M), and Balthasar (B)  Take (blessed) chalk (of any colour) and mark on the lintel of your front door to look like this 20 + C + M + B + 17 saying:

“The three Wise Men, C Caspar,  M Melchior,  B and Balthasar followed the star of God’s Son who became human  20 two thousand 17 and seventeen years ago. ++ May Christ bless our home  ++ and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen”

A Prayer as the year turns…

To you Lord Jesus, I open the door of my heart; I begin again,  Ready for a better year

I make a new start; I begin again.

Ready to live life anew,

I leave my past to your mercy;

I begin again.

Ready for each new day

I leave my present to your car;

I begin again. Ready for life’s challenges I leave my past to your providence;  With your help I begin again. Amen.

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