CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN APRIL 26TH 2020

MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS

3rd Week of Easter - 27th April – 03rd May 2020

-Sat 25 7:00pm(S/B)  Sun 26 10:30am  (Clonfanlough)

-Monday.   27th April      St Asicus.  10am Liam Fitzpatrick & Deceased Family Members.               

-Tues 28th April        St. Peter Chanel. 10am

-Wed 29th April.   St. Catherine of Siena. 10am

-Thursday 30th April.          St. Pius V.    10am

-Fri01st May  (First Friday)  St. Joseph the Worker. 

-Sat, 02nd May St. Athanasius  7pm  Shannonbridge

-Sunday, 03rd May    -   4th Sunday of Easter   10:30                             

X

Jesus Said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”.

 Please pray for the repose of the souls of Bernie McHugh nee Ganly)  Liss, Glasson. Sister of Patricia Anderson Creevagh. May she rest in peace

ACCORD, Covid-19 Couples and Relationships Support Line. If you need to speak to an experienced couples or relationship counsellor during this time of unprecedented stress and pressure on family life, contact 01 531 3331, 9 – 8 p.m. Mon. to Fri.

FIRST FRIDAY this week. Unfortunately, due to the public health emergency it is not possible to make the usual visits to the sick and  housebound. As before I will make contact but we are not permitted to housecall, unless asked by families for the Sacrament of the Sick.

WALK & BLESS Just by way of connection & solidarity & mainly focusing on our Senior parishioners, I plan to walk (maybe cycle!) most of the parish, simply stop at  the wall of whatever house wishes ( please indicate by putting a candle or Cross on wall) and pray from the roadside the Prayer of Blessing of a home.  It’s all very weather reliant but hopefully Sunday afternoon Chapel St/Glebe/Clonlyon/Clongowney on Tues afternoon 2pm onwards (S/b village& Cloghan Rd out/ Wed Morn 11 onwards out to Clonmacnois & beyond) . So if u see me wandering around- you’ll know what I’m at!

PUBLIC MASS it is a great sadness that it is not possible for us to gather to celebrate Mass together in or outdoors. Churches remain open- doors are wedged open to minimise surface contact. We are all doing the best we can to protect public health and care for each other. Thankfully we can still invite the Lord into our lives and place our trust in His infinite goodness. I live-stream Mass each day (Mon to Friday 10am, Saturday 7pm, Sunday 10:30am on my Facebook Page (search "Tom Cox" or go to https://www.facebook.com/tomas.macconchoille).. I then put it on the "Parish of Clonmacnois" Facebook page. Quite a lot find it helpful. I really miss you, Choir, Readers, Servers, Eucharistic Ministers but it's the best we can do and we’ve a duty to safeguard each other health. For the moment we are unable to gather in the House of God but we can always invite the Lord into our houses and homes.  We isolate now-So when we gather again-No one is missing

RACHRA GAA “Do It for Dan”  are completing a Shave or Dye this Sunday, the 26th of April in aid of  Laois boy 1yr old Dan Donoher . His parents are former Laois footballers Niall & Aisling. Full details on Club site & please support

Act of Spiritual Communion

 “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come , and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen”

BORD NA Móna On top of Covid-19 the region received a blow with the announcement of job losses. I’ve written on this before– but we all fear the region go into decline unless a multi-agency approach is taken.

Will this occur with the national & international economic shock of Covid-19? The Pandemic has shown our common humanity & yet how inequal a world & society we have created. An economy that is less human, less relational & treats people as disposable  will ultimately destroy everyone.. It is part of basic humanity to be connected to those you pay money to& receive money from.  The Christian in each of us however know that people will prevail, we can adapt & change and all shall be well. Let’s meet each other as human beings who deserve respect & care. In an area of renowned heritage & beauty remember –we are Ciaran’s People

A BEAUTIFUL WORLD STARTS WITH YOU.(thanks to Ronan Scully  Clara)

Be the one who comforts, consoles and listens, and you will be comforted, consoled and heard. Be the one who loves and cares, and you will be loved and cared for️.

Be the one who supports, helps and gives, and you will be supported and blessed.

Be the one who encourages, and you will receive encouragement.

Be the one who is kind and caring,  and you will have kindness and care shown to you

Be the one who is considerate,  and you will receive consideration.

Be the one who nurtures and is good to nature and animals, and nature and animals in turn will be good to you. Be the one who shows admiration and you will be admired.

Be the one who values truth and respect, and you will be respected.

Be the one who takes action for the good of others, and you will move life forward.

Be the one that does good things for Our World,& our world will help you to achieve good things.

Be the one who shows mercy and compassion,& you will have mercy&compassion shown to you

Be the one who prays&lights candles for others,&you will be heard& have your prayers answered. Be the one who shows courage, and you will overcome your fears.

Be the one who is honest in all your dealings in life, and your life will be one of truth.

Be the one who lends a helping hand, and many hands will help you when in need.

Be the one who lifts others up and higher, and your life will be rich.

Be the one who brings and makes peace, and your world will have as its core peacefulness.

Be the one who shows real forgiveness, and you will also be forgiven.

Be the one filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, and there will be no end to the things for which you'll be thankful.  Be the one who lives with joy,  with hope-with courage, with love,    with purpose,  as your own light  brightly shines.  Be,  in every moment  the special and precious someone  you are truly meant  To Be

CHURCH COLLECTIONS In a time of immense strain on people– thank you for asking and for your generosity. You can either 1)hold on to envelopes until we open (when?) or 2) leave them in Moran’s Gala 3) Or in Clonfanlough 10:15am -12:15pm in boxes at doors as I say Mass inside.

WORD OF THANKS: To all parishioners and friends who are patient, prayerful and supportive in these challenging times. To all who have sent cheques, set up direct debits, handed in their envelopes, agreed to keep their contributions until restrictions are lifted and to all who continue to support the parish. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated.

AGE ACTION & IRISH RED CROSS COVID19 HARDSHIP FUND  Grant of up to €500 per person/household over 70 who are experiencing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Who Can Apply: Older people in need of assistance, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group.

 What Can I Apply For:-

· Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements

· Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs

· Upgraded or New Small Appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.)

· Providing Digital Technology Equipment, for example smart phones or tablets

 · Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills

· Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs

· Contribution towards additional travel costs for essential medical appointments, etc. How Do I Apply: Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989. The Application Form can be downloaded from www.ageaction.ie You might have a neighbour, family or friend who might benefit from this and maybe need a little help filling out the form

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE: ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

GROCERY DELIVERIES—MORAN’S GALA  In light of current situation & if you feel wary of coming into the Shop, phone us  090 9674124 Shannonbridge GAA Club is helping co-ordinate the local response.  if you need assistance, you can call 086 8822451 Many thanks to Brosna Press Print & Design for publishing a Covid Fact sheet and local contacts in  a widely available sheet in the Shannonbridge area. Copies being distributed and locally  in Morans shop 090-9674124

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN APRIL 19th 2020

MASS INTENTIONS

Because celebration of public Masses (in or outdoors) is prohibited for the duration of the Covid-19 outbreak, Mass will be offered privately (with no congregation) for the intentions which have been booked already. I stream daily  Mass on Facebook “Tom Cox” . If you wish to book/cancel or defer a Mass feel free to contact me  please (details to right)  The following will be remembered in Masses this week

Saturday 18th April  7:00p.m.

Monday 20th April  10:00a.m. St. Beuno

Tuesday 21st April 10:00a.m.  St. Anselm of Canterbury

Wednesday 22nd April 10:00a.m.

Thursday 23rd April 10:00a.m. St. George

Friday 24th April 10:00a.m.St. Fidelix

Saturday 25th April 7:00p.m. Edward & Margaret Cogivan & deceased family members 

GROCERY DELIVERIES—MORAN’S GALA  In light of current situation & if you feel wary of coming into the Shop, phone us  090 9674124

Shannonbridge GAA Club is helping co-ordinate the local response.  if you need assistance, you can call 086 8822451 Many thanks to Brosna Press Print & Design for publishing a Covid Fact sheet and local contacts in  a widely available sheet in the Shannonbridge area. Copies being distributed and locally  in Morans shop 090-9674124

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY today. It was instituted by St John Paul Ⅱ in May 2000. The message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina a Polish nun who died in 1938 aged thirty three years. The message of God's Divine Mercy is nothing new. The Church has always taught through Scripture and through tradition that God is merciful, and that forgiveness is available for all sins. His mercy is much greater than any sin. We ought to come before God humbly and with confidence in his Divine Mercy.We can say this prayer today; O fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER  ‘Doubt no longer but believe’

The story of Thomas in today’s gospel reminds us that the journey to Easter faith was difficult even for the first disciples of Jesus. He doubted. Doubt is not a negative quality. It is actually the beginning of wisdom. ‘There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds’, according to celebrated English poet of the nineteenth century, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and the renowned French philosopher of the twelfth century Peter Abelard offered a similar insightful reflection: ‘It is by doubting that we come to investigate and by investigating that we recognise the truth’. Healthy questioning leads to a healthy faith, a faith that does not provide all the answers, but which does provide us with enough light to live with the darkness; enough joy to live with the sorrow; enough certainty to live with the doubts. ‘One who does not ask questions’ according to Pope Francis ‘cannot progress either in knowledge or in faith’. When Thomas finally made the journey from doubt to faith his commitment was total and to the end. As we reflect on his honest struggle, we might dare to make our own the daily prayer of Auschwitz survivor, Elie Wiesel: ‘I pray to the God within me that He will give me the strength to ask Him the right questions’.

CHURCH COLLECTIONS - I would like to thank parishioners who so kindly continue to contribute to our collection. This past week I lodged Offertory €175 Shrine €240 Easter Dues €475  We are extremely grateful and greatly appreciate your generosity in these most difficult times. I continue to pray with and for you all each day.

* For those who don’t use the envelope system, you can still contribute using an ordinary envelope.

* In relation to the Trócaire Lenten Boxes, again I ask you to hold on for the time being or alternatively you can send directly to Trócaire using their envelope which is enclosed with their kit. If paying directly, I ask you to enclose a note naming our parish (Clonmacnois) and diocese (Ardagh & Clonmacnois). Thank you.

BROADCAST MASSES

RADIO  Ferbane 106.5FM 10a.m  ATHLONE 88.4FM 9:30a.m.  Radio Maria  (Saorview)

WEB  www.cloghanbanagherparish.ie livestream & Radio 106.6FM  (Sat 6:30p.m. Mon-Fri 9:30am. )

St. Mel’s Cathedral www.longfordparish.com each day 10a.m.

TV RTE News Now 10:30am. Saorview (channel 21), Sky (521), Virgin Media (200), Eir (517).

DEATHS Please pray for the souls of  

W Kevin Gavin (Kilbegley)12/4/20, Father of Mary Fallon, Shannonbridge  

W Joe Henry (Cloughal) 12/4/20 father of Marie Corbett (formerly Shannonbridge)

W Patrick (Pat) Coughlan 17/4/20 Moydrum Road, Athlone burial in Clonmacnois 

W Joan Murphy (Ferbane) 17/4/20 wife of late Dr. G.Murphy May they rest in peace.

Act of Spiritual Communion

 “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come , and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen”

Nesting Season
There is always
a choice.
Perhaps in these
strange moments
it is a simple one;
to dwell on
what has been taken away
or to dwell
in what we have been given;
to build our nests anew
weaving safe and soft
a chance to breathe,
with all the terrible
possibility that brings;
to reflect,
to wonder,
to sit anew
in the secret depths
of those actions
of holy ordinariness;
eating,
drinking,
walking,
sleeping,
cleaning,
being with,
being alone,
simply being.
Taking the time
to watch the earth
reset and heal,
to allow our inner
sky to clear of
all our worry weather,
often as grey
and insubstantial
as clouds,
until the
one thing necessary
shines through
at last,
and we see
the present moment,
sky blue,
and fragile
as a blackbird’s egg,
nesting secure
in the heart,
deep within
the brambled hedge
of our thorn tangled
thoughts,
awaiting the stillness
of a spring morning
when we grant ourselves
new greening,
awaiting the sunbeam
of divine attention
to warm it to life,
awaiting our
sitting breath,
faith feathered
and yielding,
to hatch within us
a new way.

Brother Richard Hendricks OFM Capuchin

MESSENGER MAGAZINE A combination of ‘cocooning’ and the travel restrictions currently in place all around the country mean that many readers of The Sacred Heart Messenger cannot access their monthly ‘little red book’. Therefore, during this coronavirus crisis we are delighted to make the digital edition of The Messenger available FREE OF CHARGE until we return to normal delivery. Please send email to c.henry@messenger.ie and a link will be sent to you whereby you can read the messenger on computer, tablet or mobile.
ACCORD, Covid-19 Couples and Relationships Support Line.  If you need to speak to an experienced couples or relationship counsellor during this time of unprecedented stress and pressure on family life, contact 01 531 3331, 9.00am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday.

REGINA CAELI (From Easter to Pentecost this prayer takes the place of The Angelus - occasionally we will pray it together .) Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The Son you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia. Let us pray. God of life, you have given joy to the world by the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the prayers of his mother, the Virgin Mary, bring us to the happiness of eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.