CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN JAN 28th 2018

.ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION A.G.M. on Tuesday 30th Jan 2018 at 10:45a.m.  (after 10 Mass) in Shannonbridge Hall.

FIRST SATURDAY Healing Day – Emmanuel House of Providence on the 3rd of February

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES  2018 from 21st—26th August 2018. included is the Festival of Families on Saturday 25th August 2018 and the final Mass on Sunday 26th August 2018. Registration is required for the weekday events. The organisers seek volunteers, There is a wonderful website where you will find the latest information on all the events taking place information on all the events taking place in preparation for and during the world meeting of families. The website is: http://www.worldmeeting2018.ie

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SEWING CLASSES / WORKSHOPS AT BELMONT MILLS - Learn how to use your sewing machine and basic stitching. Workshops on Saturday 27th January, 11am-1pm and Tuesday 30th January, 6pm-8pm. Beginners and advanced sewing classes starting in February. Early booking is advised. Limited places. Contact Sandra on 086 3769459.

 ST. CIARAN’S, SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 27th  8p.m.  Kathleen Lantry (Anniv)

Mon 29th   7:00p.m. Mass (Fr. Cox morn. Appt)

Tues 30th 10:00a.m. Mass

Wed 31st 10:00a.m. Mass

Thurs 1st Feb 10:00a.m. Mass

Fri 2nd. Feb 10:00a.m. Mass 1st Friday (adoration to 11am. )

Saturday 3rd Feb 10:00a.m. Mass [Traditional Blessing of Throats: St. Blaise]

Saturday 3rd February 8p.m. Edel Anderson (1st A.)

ST. CIARAN’S, CLONFANLOUGH

Sun 28th 10:30a.m. Mary, Jack & Pat Maloney

Fri 2nd February 7:00p.m. First Fri Mass [eve of St. Blaise & blessing of Throats]

Sun 4th February 10:30a.m. Patrick (Paddy ) Dolan 1st Anniv

CLUAIN CHIARAIN mass Wed, Jan 31st  @7:30pa.m.

MINISTRIES

Shannonbridge: Sat 3rd Feb 2018@8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 4 Darragh, Lauren & Isobel

Reader:  Anderson  Family (Edel’s 1st Anniv.)

Euch. Minister: Martha Murphy

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weeklyDympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Geraldine Darcy

Clonfanlough:Sun 4th Feb ‘18 @  10:30

Altar Servers:Group 2 Tadgh T, Charlie G.

Reader: Mary Kelly

Min. of Eucharist: Ann Guinan

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (Feb) Bridie Coughlan..

Note if anyone would like to help in Church care, contact me 086 8319500

SIGN OF PEACE is suspended for the present because of the flu and on the advice of +Francis.

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL : Free to our parish readers. This Missal contains all the Readings and Prayers of the Mass for 2018. There are some extra copies available at €5 each. If you would like a copy, please contact me

GOD’S WORD 2018 I also have copies of the Daily readings with a short reflection for €6

SAINTS  OF THE WEEK Mon 29th St. Gildas the Wise Tues 30th St. Hyacinthe Mariscotti Wed 31st St. John Bosco   Thurs 1st Feb St. Brigid, Secondary Patron of Ireland  Fri 2nd   February Presentation of the Lord Sat 3rd Feb St. Blaise

PILATES CLASS   Mondays 11a.m. €8 per class  Shannonbridge Hall

EXERCISE CLASS  Tuesdays @ 8p.m.  Shannonbridge Hall

EXERCISE CLASS  Tuesdays @ 8p.m.  Shannonbridge Hall

CONGRATULATIONS   to the East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support new Bus Service which will serve our local communities in transporting 8 patients per day to the University Hospital Galway for their treatment .  This was only possible through fundraising & donations. The hope is to have 3 vehicles along with this initial vehicle.

A Word in Your Ear.....

It’s the late 4th century. You’re aBritish monk named Pelagius. You travel to

Rome and you’re appalled by how much the

Romans eat and drink, by their low moral

standards. You attribute the general air of

laxity to St Augustine, who believed man can

attain perfection only through divine grace,

not human effort. This just sounds to you like

an excuse not to try. You believe free will

means that we are free to make good choices,

and that we should be severely punished if we

don’t. So you track down Augustine in North Africa, where he tells you to ‘lighten up’, to chill out! A guy can strive for perfection but that will only get you so far. Perfection is a killer in fact! Did you notice the significant increase in those taking exercise on our roads since New Year’s Day, cycling, running and power-walking! All in search of the perfect body, all Pelagians.

       My friend has a Smart Watch that displays his pulse rate, how many steps he’s taken that day, and hours he’s slept. It’s all about maximising his fitness. As he shows it to me he starts saying

how, during a very stressful meeting, his heart rate tripled. Even as he is recalling this story his pulse rate starts rising. I wonder if the app is a help or a hindrance to his achieving physical perfection.

At the start of the year, many of us experience an inner battle, between the self that has over-indulged and feels dissatisfied, and the self that wants to be, as Radiohead’s song puts it, ‘Fitter, happier, more productive, not drinking too much, taking

regular exercise.’ And by now many of us have embarked on self-help strategies to achieve that

lower pulse, deeper sleep and greater fitness. Or, what Americans call ‘self-optimising’.

Authors - Andre Spicer and Carl Cederstrom - have explored this desire to be ‘the best me I can be,’ as well as the pressures that self-improvement puts on people; and they suggest that the punishing ideals of this culture are unhelpful - even detrimental to our well-being. Their own experiment of trying to improve a particular area of their life each month ends with them discovering what we all know: that

saying is easier than doing. But this desire to be a better version of ourselves is more

than faddish; it’s fundamental and it raises important questions: ‘What is the best I can be?’ ‘Can I do it on my own?’ My annual attempt at self-optimising usually involves negotiations around bread, beer, watching sport, taking exercise and a resolve to feed the soul. The latter is always the one I find hardest. And the reasons are not hard to find. A pithy proverb in the Old Testament sums up the problem somewhat elegantly: ‘Habit is the ballast that chains the dog to its vomit!’

Curiously, it’s this failure that can lead back to the source of the perfection being sought. The Benjamin Franklin quote that ‘God helps those who help themselves’, often mistakenly attributed

to the Bible, is really the opposite of what scripture is saying. Scripture has much to say on self-help and its pitfalls. Real success is found in forgetting the self rather than in relying on the self. Trying to be the best version of ourselves is a worthy aim, but it involves more than achieving a low pulse rate and higher productivity. It requires a trust that people find their best selves when they give up the self-help and look, instead, to the source of the perfection they desire.-Dick Lyng.

RADIO MARIA IRELAND is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station. Prayer, Catechesis, Uplifting music, Talks, Interviews and Testimonies – all commercial free – Listen via FREE App “RADIO MARIA IRELAND”, streaming on www.radiomaria.ie or via PHONE – get live radio feed by calling +353 (0) 1 437 3277 (no extra charges apply). Please join our growing faith family!

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN JAN 21ST 2018

ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION A.G.M. on Tuesday 30th Jan 2018 at 10:45a.m.  (after 10 Mass )in Shannonbridge Hall.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES  2018 from 21st—26th August 2018. included is the Festival of Families on Saturday 25th August 2018 and the final Mass on Sunday 26th August 2018. Registration is required for the weekday events. The organisers seek volunteers, There is a wonderful website where you will find the latest information on all the events taking place information on all the events taking place in preparation for and during the world meeting of families. The website is: http://www.worldmeeting2018.ie

RECENT DEATH Margaret (Mae) Moore  (nee Coughlan) Ballylin, Ferbane & formerly Clonasra.

SEWING CLASSES / WORKSHOPS AT BELMONT MILLS - Learn how to use your sewing machine and basic stitching. Workshops on Saturday 27th January, 11am-1pm and Tuesday 30th January, 6pm-8pm. Beginners and advanced sewing classes starting in February. Early booking is advised. Limited places. Contact Sandra on 086 3769459.

 ST. CIARAN’S, SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 20th 8p.m.  Mass Tommy, Geraldine & Simon McManus

Mon 22nd  10a.m. Communion Service

Tues 23rd 10a.m. Communion Service

Wed 24th   10a.m. Communion Service

Thur 25th 10a.m. Communion Service

Fri  26th 10a.m. Communion Service

Sat 27th 10a.m. Communion Service

Sat 27th  8p.m.  Mass Kathleen Lantry

ST. CIARAN’S, CLONFANLOUGH

Sun 21st 10:30a.m. John Loonam & dec’d family

Sun 28th 10:30a.m. Mary, Jack & Pat Maloney

CLUAIN CHIARAIN mass Wed, Jan 24th  @7:30pa.m.

MINISTRIES

Shannonbridge: Sat 27th Jan 2018@8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 3 Rachael, Kate, Paddy & Cliodhna

Reader:   Patti Corbett

Euch. Minister: Marie McManus

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Marion McManus, Catherina Slattery, Ann Corbett

Clonfanlough:Sun 28th Jan ‘18 @  10:30

Altar Servers:Group 1 Abigail K.

Reader: Declan McEvoy 

Min. of Eucharist: Mary Kelly

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (Jan) Mary Guinan,Anne Guinan

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL : Free to our parish readers. This Missal contains all the Readings and Prayers of the Mass for 2018. There are some extra copies available at €5 each. If you would like a copy, please contact me

GOD’S WORD 2018 I also have copies of the Daily readings with a short reflection for €6

OFFERTORY Jan 13/14th Offertory Collection €705

January Monthly €800 (to date)

LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIM FUND €450 to date.. If you wish to make a donation, simply mark “Lourdes” on an envelope & drop it in.

DONATION TO SVP €130 made on behalf of the Parish from  Collection made at the Carol Service on Jan 6th 2018.

SAINTS Mon 22nd  St. Vincent (Deacon) Tues 23rd St. John the Almsgiver Wed 24th St. Francis De Sales Thurs 25th Conversion of St. Paul (Apostle) Fri 26th St. Timothy & Titus (Bishops) Sat 27th St. Angela Merici

 . PILATES CLASS   Mondays 11a.m. €8 per class  Shannonbridge Hall

EXERCISE CLASS  Tuesdays @ 8p.m.  Shannonbridge Hall

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL This Missal contains all the Readings and Prayers of the Mass for 2018. There are some extra copies available at €6 each. If you would like a copy, please call to Sacristy

PARISH SAFEGUARDING: The Parish Safeguarding Representatives for the Parish of Clonmacnois is Joey Rigney & Eileen Quinn.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Catholic schools week will take place across Ireland from 28th January – 4th February and will focus on Family, with the theme: “Catholic Schools – called to be family of Families. Catholic Schools will be invited to reflect on and to celebrate the relationship that exists between home, school and parish. It also presents a special opportunity for school families to celebrate the fact that parents are the primary educators of their children, as well as the vital role that Catholic schools play in supporting parents as they raise their children.

STATION MASSES  AREAS

For many years it has been part of the Irish Catholic tradition to have mass in your home and it is still a lovely form of prayer, especially in this year of the World Meeting of Families.  If you would like to host a Station Mass please contact me (Tom Cox) at 086 8319500

 Station Mass Areas are:  (1)Chapel St & Hill, (2)Ballyhearth, (3)Clongowney, (4)Carrowkeel,  (5)Clonfanlough & Lakefield (6)Clonmacnois & Tullabeg (7)Clonlyon  (8) Glebe, (9)Aughincabe/Clerhane/Creevagh (10)Shannonbridge (11) St. Kieran’s Park, (12)Garrymore, Woodbank, Clondelara, Charlestown, Lecarrow, Blackwater

THE POOR CLARES IN GALWAY - Are hosting a Cloister Day on Saturday, January 27th from 10am to 5pm. The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life with a view to vocation discernment. To book a place contact Sr. Faustina at: poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com.

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA CLUB   NOTES

DOON / SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO - The winning numbers in last week’s lotto draw were 2, 3, 8, 15. No jackpot winner. 3 match 3 winners. This week’s jackpot is €6,000 and the draw will be held in Doon on Mon. 22nd January  Congratulations! All at the Club congratulate Congratulations to Ellee McEvoy on picking up her award last Jan 12th  for Offaly Ladies Player of the year..

Check out O’Neills website for the newest range of @RachraGAA gear which is now available for purchase..  https://www.oneills.com/catalogsearch/result/index/…

“Quote, Unquote....” “· In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed - they produced Michelangelo,Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did they produce….? The cuckoo clock.” -Orson Welles.

 ·“What we call social virtues, good fellowship, is commonly but the virtue of pigs in a litter, which lie closer together to keep each other warm. It brings people together in crowds and

mobs in bar-rooms and elsewhere, but it does not deserve the name of virtue.” -Henry David Thoreau. · “Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.” -Albert Einstein. · “Too bad all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs or cutting hair.” -George Burns. · “Much benevolence of the passive order may be traced to a

disinclination or a reluctance to inflict pain upon oneself.” -George Meredith

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN 

JANUARY 14th 2018

CHURCH UNITY WEEK: Church Unity Week is celebrated this year from 18-25 January. The themes this year have been proposed by the churches of the Caribbean. Ecumenical Service in Athlone Methodist Church, Northgate St. on Wed. 24th at 11a.m.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES  2018 from 21st—26th August 2018. included is the Festival of Families on Saturday 25th August 2018 and the final Mass on Sunday 26th August 2018. Registration is required for the weekday events. The organisers seek volunteers, There is a wonderful website where you will find the latest information on all the events taking place information on all the events taking place in preparation for and during the world meeting of families. The website is: http://www.worldmeeting2018.ie

CLONMACNOIS PRAYER VIGIL  in Cluain Chiarain Prayer Centre on Friday 19th of January and every third Friday. Mass at 9pm. Adoration and Prayers follow until 2.10am. All Welcome. Enquiries Dave; 085-7746763.

RECENT DEATH: Sr. William PillionMt. Sackville Dubln & Clonascra

BAPTISM: We welcome baby Conor Trevor Mahon into our Christian Community this weekend.

Newsletter: Bulletin Notices please  Thursday, 5p.m.  Items for the Jan 26/27th bulletin must be in by Fri 19th Jan. Thank you..

 ST. CIARAN’S, SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 13th  8p.m. Tess & Tommy Corbett

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

Mon 15th 10a.m. Mass Private Intn

Tue 16th 10a.m. Mass

Wed 17th 10a.m. Mass

Thurs 18th 10a.m. Mass

Fri 19th

Sat 20th 10a.m. Communion Service

Sat 20th 8p.m. Tommy, Geraldine & Simon McManus

ST. CIARAN’S, CLONFANLOUGH

Sun 14th 10:30a.m. Bridget Rigney (Anniv) [Do This In Memory Mass with First Communicants]

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

Sun 21st 10:30a.m. John Loonam & dec’d family

CLUAIN CHIARAIN mass Wed, Jan 17th @7:30pa.m.

MINISTRIES

Shannonbridge: Sat 20th Jan 2018@8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 2 Niamh & Aoife

Reader:  Ffion Anderson

Euch. Minister: Margaret Duffy

Church Cleaners Shannonbridge (weekly)  Eileen Quinn, Dolly Deeley, Veronica Hynes

Clonfanlough:Sun 21st Jan ‘18 @  10:30

Altar Servers:Group 3 Conor D, Roisin D., Teagan D., Rory D.

Reader: Anne Rohan

Min. of Eucharist: Enda Molloy 

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (Jan) Mary Guinan,Anne Guinan

SIGN OF PEACE is suspended for the present because of the flu and on the advice of +Francis.

ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY MISSAL : Free to our parish readers. This Missal contains all the Readings and Prayers of the Mass for 2018. There are some extra copies available at €5 each. If you would like a copy, please contact me

GOD’S WORD 2018 I also have copies of the Daily readings with a short reflection for €6

OFFERTORY Jan 6th (Epiphany) & 7th €1,195

CHRISTMAS DUES €4,020.. Many thanks for your generous response. (€2,830 in Xmas 2016 Dues)

SAINTS Wed 17 St. Antony, Abbot, Sat 20th St. Fabian & Sebastian, Memrl of B.V.M.

 THANKS As we fold away Christmas 2017 & put it away in the attic for another year, it is good to pause and to say thanks. My prayer is one of profound gratitude for all of you who “decorated” this time with the lovely lights of your kindness, warmth and generosity and prayer. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity to the 6 “Dues” envelopes which forms my income as a priest and also your ongoing faithful support to our Sunday collection and Monthly Envelope for our parish. Thank you to our Sacristan, all who attend to altar linen, Organist, Choirs, Ministers of the Word and Eucharist & organisers of these as well as Counters, Collectors, those who open and close the Churches. To Parish Council, Finance Committee, members of the School Board of Management , Safeguarding Officers  and to the Ursuline Sisters, to all who put up our unique & beautiful cribs and the Church Care groups in both Churches and all who with flowers and art created the décor of Christmas beauty, wonder and prayer. We don’t forget those men and woman who  laboured outdoors to put up lights at our Playground and Church...I shall miss the sight! I would like to wish everyone in the parish all the Blessings you need in  2018 All this sense of gratitude reminds me of the solidarity, friendship and kindness that is synonymous with  Ciaran’s People

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA CLUB NOTES Sympathy  expressed to the Higgins family on the recent untimely passing of Eileen (Nee Mooney). We hope that they find strength in this Most difficult time. Ar dheis de go raibh a ainm.

Shannonbridge G.A.A./EGM An extraordinary general meeting was held on Sunday last in the clubhouse to ratify committee  members for the coming year. We had a very sizeable attendance and we would like to thank everybody for coming!   Committee members as follows: Chairman; Tony Rohan, Vice; Pakie Brazil Secretary; Lucy Quirke, Asst; Olive Costello  Treasurer: Vincent Costello, Asst; Trevor Mahon  PRO; Jason Mahon Registrar: Declan McEvoy, Asst; Darragh Corbett  County board delegates; Jim Killeen & Damien Brazil Executive Committee meeting

Congratulations to Colette Quinn on winning the top prize €1000 in our Take-your-pick fundraising draw last night! Draw results as follows: €1000 Colette Quinn €500 K Cunniffe Ballinasloe c/o Vinnie Costello €200 Cahill family, Belmont €100 Kieran and Ann Rohan, clonfanlough  €100 Ken Gunning, Shannonbridge  €100 Tomás Ryan, Lukers ShannonbridgeA great night was had by all and the club would like to thank everyone who helped out with the event, organising, selling tickets, collections etc. We would also like to wish everybody a very happy 2018!

 LOURDES COLLECTION - Our Annual Collection to assist with our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be taken up as a second collection after Communion in all Churches of the Parish on this weekend 13th/14th January. Your generous support would be very much appreciated

PILATES CLASS   Mondays 11a.m. €8 per class  Shannonbridge Hall

EXERCISE CLASS  Tuesdays @ 8p.m.  Shannonbridge Hall

MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES SUNDAY

This Sunday we remember migrants and refugees all over the world. We extend a warm welcome to all who have come to make their homes among us in Ireland. “Migrants trust that they will encounter acceptance, solidarity, and help , that they will meet people who will sympathise with the distress and tragedy experienced by others, recognise the values and resources the latter have to offer, and are open to sharing humanly and materially with the needy and disadvantaged. …….When we heal the wounds of refugees, displaced persons, and victims of trafficking, we are practising the commandment of love that Jesus has left us...Their flesh is that of Christ.” (Pope Francis)

NEW SERVER ROTA should be issued next week where we welcome 6 new Servers

IMPORTANT DATES 2018

 First Confession Fri. 2nd March @6:45p.m. Clonfanlough 

First Communion Saturday, April 28th @ 12 Noon.  (Clonfanlough),

Confirmation, Friday May 11th @ 4p.m. Shannonbridge

  

 Celtic Rune of Hospitality

I saw a stranger yesterday I put food in the eating place drink in the drinking place music in the listening place And in the sacred name of the Triune He blessed myself and my house my cattle and my dear ones And the lark said in her song often often often Goes the Christ in the stranger’s guise often often often Goes the Christ in the stranger’s guise.

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN JAN 6th 2018

ENVELOPES FOR 2018  I hope that by now envelopes for the New Year 2018 have reached your home. If there is an error or an omission, please contact me.  Don’t be alarmed if your number is different to  previous years, this happens with changes in parish lists.

I am very grateful to all who donate and I’d just like to remind you that contributing through the envelope system has the extra benefit for the parish because the parish, as a charitable institution, can reclaim tax on your contributions, provided your total for the year reaches €250 or more. The envelope system is necessary for a paper trail as evidence that you have contributed.

If you’re attending Church in Moore,Cloonfad, Leamonaghan, Ferbane parish– your envelope is kindly returned by those parishes... Thank you for your continued support.

BAPTISM - The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for baptism will be held in the Parochial House in Ballinahown on Thursday 18th January & after that Thursday 15th February. Please contact me in advance.

OFFERTORY Dec 31st  €840

CALENDARS Parish Calendars for 2018 are available at all churches. Our thanks to the distributors of Offertory Boxes, Cards & Calendars in the last few weeks.

CHRISTMAS DUES envelopes are still  welcome. Many thanks. January Monthly Envelope falls due Jan 7th

. GAA Minor Club calendars available in Killeens & Morans- €5. 

PILATES CLASS  returrns Monday 8th at 11a.m. €8 per class

EXERCISE CLASS resumes Tues  9th @ 8p.m.

 ST. CIARAN’S, SHANNONBRIDGE

Fri 5th 8:00p.m. Vigil of Epiphany

Sat  6th Jan 8p.m. Vigil of Sun Michael & Stephen Shrahan

Mon 8th 10a.m. Mass

Tues 9th  10a..m Communion Service

Wed 10th  10a.m. Mass

Thurs 11th 10a.m. Mass

Fri 12th 10a.m. Mass

Sat 13th 12 Noon Peadar Allen (2nd A)

Sat 13th  8p.m. Tess & Tommy Corbett

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

ST. CIARAN’S, CLONFANLOUGH

Sat 6th 2018 @10:30a.m. Epiphany

Sun 7th Jan 2018 10:30a.m. Peter & Earl Kelly

Sun 14th 10:30a.m. Bridget Rigney (Anniv)

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

MINISTRIES

Shannonbridge:  Sat  6th Jan 2018@8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 4 Darragh, Lauren & Isobel

Reader:  Catherine Doolan 

Euch. Minister: Sinead Ryan 

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

Clonfanlough:Sun 7th Jan 2018  @  10:30

Altar Servers:Group 1 Abigail K,ConorS

Reader: Alan/Leanne Devery

Min. of Eucharist: Kay Kelly

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (Jan) Mary Guinan,Anne Guinan

INTER-DENOMINATIONAL CAROL SERVICE January 6th at 4p.m. in Shannonbridge  Church       

 Extraordinary General Meeting  of Shannonbridge GAA on Sunday 7th January @5p.m. in  GAA Clubhouse

 Sunday January 14th we celebrate WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES This years theme: “Welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees”. We pray & remember our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters . Pope Francis has called on all of us to be generous & welcoming to all who find themselves displaced from family &homeland.

EPIPHANY PROCLAMATION  2018  In ancient times before calendars were common, most people did not know the dates for the upcoming Liturgical year. So on the Feast of the Epiphany, it was sung out… (Don’t worry I’m not going to do that!) But here it  is for 2018

 Know, dear brethren,(brothers and sisters,) that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Saviour. On the Fourteenth day of February will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season. On the First day of April you will celebrate with Joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the Thirteenth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the Twentieth day of May the feast of Pentecost. On the sixth day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On the Second day of December the First Sunday of Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

CHALKING THE DOOR

What Is Chalking the Door? This short liturgy is a way of marking our homes, usually at the front or main entrance, with sacred signs and symbols as we ask God's blessing upon those who live, work, or visit throughout the coming year. In Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this service, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God's presence and blessing into our homes   In Deuteronomy 6:9 God tells the people of Israel: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house… You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Chalking the door is a tangible way to honour God in our lives.

What Do the Numbers and Letters Mean? The first and last numbers simply refer to the current year. The letters C M B come from the traditional names for the three kings: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Some also suggest "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" which means, "May Christ bless this dwelling!"

How To Do It   Mark your calendar: Epiphany is on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. . Many families gather in their homes to celebrate with friends, food, singing, and gifts... and to chalk the door. Find some chalk: Any colour will do! Gather your household: Everyone should be involved. For those who live alone, consider inviting a friend or neighbour. Or gather at your church to chalk the church entrance. Pray: Use the prayers and liturgy below. Write the inscription: Using the chalk, and taking turns, make the following inscription above the outside of your door.    20 + C + M + B + 18                                                                                                        Liturgy & Prayers for Chalking the Door  Leader: Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here.
People: Amen.One or more of the following prayers maybe said:May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.      God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.Loving God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and abiding in your will. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.As participants take turns making the inscription, the leader says:
The three Wise Men, [C] Caspar, [M] Melchior, [B] and Balthasar followed the star to Bethlehem and the child Jesus [20] two thousand, [18] and eighteen years ago. [+ +] May Christ bless our home [+ +], and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.  [Lord’s Prayer ]

 EPIPHANY MASSES 

Fri 5th Jan  @8p.m Shannonbridge

Sat 6th Jan @ 10:30a.m  Clonfanlough

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN JANUARY 7th 2018

Fr. Tom Cox Adm. (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/ 086-8319500 Email: thomascox@eircom.net   

WEB shannonbridge.blogspot.ie 

SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/parishofclonmacnois

 ENVELOPES FOR 2018  I hope that by now envelopes for the New Year 2018 have reached your home. If there is an error or an omission, please contact me.  Don’t be alarmed if your number is different to  previous years, this happens with changes in parish lists.

I am very grateful to all who donate and I’d just like to remind you that contributing through the envelope system has the extra benefit for the parish because the parish, as a charitable institution, can reclaim tax on your contributions, provided your total for the year reaches €250 or more. The envelope system is necessary for a paper trail as evidence that you have contributed.

If you’re attending Church in Moore,Cloonfad, Leamonaghan, Ferbane parish– your envelope is kindly returned by those parishes... Thank you for your continued support.

OFFERTORY Dec 31st  €840

CHRISTMAS DUES Thank You For Your Christmas Dues Parish Contributions! Sincerest thanks to everyone for the generous donations individuals, households have made to the current parish Christmas Dues collection. If you prefer to  not use the Parish envelope, simply write “Dues” on an envelope & drop it in.  Buíochas mór daoibh go léir!

JANUARY MONTHLY ENVELOPE  falls due today. Thank you for your generosity.

 

MARRIAGE - Congratulations to Emma Anderson and David Larkin who were recently married.

BAPTISMS - We welcome into our Christian Community Hollie Dowling and Daimhin Claffey

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CALENDARS Parish Calendars for 2018 are available at all churches. Our thanks to the distributors of Offertory Boxes, Cards & Calendars in the last few weeks.

BAPTISM - The next meeting for parents in our pastoral area who have a child for baptism will be held in the Parochial House in Ballinahown on Thursday 18th January & after that Thursday 15th February. Please contact me in advance.

 ST. CIARAN’S, SHANNONBRIDGE

Fri 5th 8:00p.m. Vigil of Epiphany

Sat  6th Jan 8p.m. Vigil of Sun Michael & Stephen Shrahan

Mon 8th 10a.m. Mass

Tues 9th  10a..m Communion Service

Wed 10th  10a.m. Mass

Thurs 11th 10a.m. Mass

Fri 12th 10a.m. Mass

Sat 13th 12 Noon Peadar Allen (2nd A)

Sat 13th  8p.m. Tess & Tommy Corbett

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

ST. CIARAN’S, CLONFANLOUGH

Sat 6th 2018 @10:30a.m. Epiphany

Sun 7th Jan 2018 10:30a.m. Peter & Earl Kelly

Sun 14th 10:30a.m. Bridget Rigney (Anniv) [Do This In Memory Mass with First Communicants]

[2nd Collection after Communion for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Fund]

CLUAIN CHIARAIN mass Wed, Jan 10th @7:30pa.m.

MINISTRIES

Shannonbridge: Sat 13th Jan 2018@8p.m.

Altar Servers: Group 1 Matthew Emily & Ruth

Reader:  Dympna O’Carroll 

Euch. Minister: Marian McManus

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

Clonfanlough:Sun 14th Jan ‘18 @  10:30

Altar Servers:Group 2 TadghT, CharlieG

Reader: Bridie Coughlan

Min. of Eucharist: Anne Rohan

Monthly Cleaning Rota  (Jan) Mary Guinan,Anne Guinan

 Extraordinary General Meeting  of Shannonbridge GAA on Sunday 7th January @5p.m. in  GAA Clubhouse

 . GAA Minor Club 2017 calendars available in Killeens & Morans- €5. 

PILATES CLASS  returns Monday 8th at 11a.m. €8 per class  Shannonbridge Hall

EXERCISE CLASS resumes Tues  9th @ 8p.m.  Shannonbridge Hall

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Meeting Wednesday 10th Jan 2018 at 7p.m.

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES is celebrated next Sunday. We extend a warm welcome to all who have come to make their homes among us in Ireland.

LOURDES COLLECTION - Our Annual Collection to assist with our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be taken up as a second collection after Communion in all Churches of the Parish on next weekend 13th/14th January. Your generous support would be very much appreciated

GENESIS IN REVERSE  I was in Galway during Storm Eleanor and you could only be struck. by the power of nature. Things are changing. The precarious condition of our environment has to be taken seriously. Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ warns that we are approaching ‘tipping-point’. If we fail to act now, the damage will be irreparable An Anglican clergyman, Colin Morris, told this cautionary tale. ‘Genesis in Reverse’ he called it. If one were to write a bible for the 21st century, he said, we would start with the story of how man dismantled the world, rather than how God created it. And it might run like this: “In the end, mankind systematically demolished the home God had given them even though they had nowhere else to go. They plundered the earth, slaughtered one another, and their brothers and sisters of the animal kingdom. And this was the seventh day from the end. They polluted the clear air with the fumes of their machines, poisoned the sea with their garbage and turned rivers into foaming torrents of chemical waste, and began ever so slowly to choke themselves to death. And this was the sixth day from the end. They stifled all truth that wasn’t their truth and scoffed at the warnings of the prophets and were deaf to the ominous sounds of the earth in torment. Arrogance and self-righteousness drowned out wisdom and humility. And this was the fifth day from the end. And they said the strong are entitled to most of what's going and the weak can have the rest. But the more they had to lose, the more they feared those who had nothing to lose, so they built ever bigger walls and larger armies to protect their self-interest. And this was the fourth day from the end. They slept uneasily and awoke afraid and set to work to create the ultimate weapon. Then they said, ‘Now we feel really safe!’ But their enemies didn’t feel safe, so they too created an ultimate weapon, and the whole world lived under the shadow of extinction and called it peace. And this was the third day from the end. Then having proved by their cleverness that they could make anything, they said, now let us make God in our own image, let us gaze into a mirror and worship the one we see there. And this was the second day from the end. And they were mesmerised by the gleaming products of their ingenuity, and they cried ‘Bigger! Faster! Stronger! Richer! Louder! More!’ And they became obsessed with a desire nothing could satisfy. And this was the day before the end. Then there was chaos and uproar, and when the din subsided, human life had vanished. And the ravished earth rested on the seventh day. Then God broke the silence. ‘Back to the drawing board,’ he said sadly.”

 CLONMACNOIS PARISH BAPTISMS  FOR 2017

 James Niall Donaghy,

Patrick Alphonsus Shrahan, Ciarán Peter Ascough,

Daniel Yoshi Morimoto,

Robert Thomas Stanley,

Maeve Molloy,

Harlyn Kate Hennessy

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