Clonmacnois Parish

March 28th 2021

Palm (Passion) Sunday

Fr. Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/tomas.macconchoille  (Live)

https://fb.me/saintciarans  (saved to it afterwards 

PALM SUNDAY
‘Blessings on him who comes on the name of the Lord’ Today we turn our faces to Jerusalem once again and are transported back to the event that marked the beginning of the week we call ‘holy’. It’s a curious scene as the King of Peace comes to His city riding on a donkey. Contrary to popular opinion, the donkey was regarded as a noble animal in Palestine. When a king went to war, he rode on a horse. When he came offering peace, he rode on a donkey. Holy Week is a week of contrasts, a week of exaltation and humiliation, acclamation and condemnation, darkness and light, betrayal and loyalty, despair and hope, sadness and joy, fickleness and faithfulness, human suffering and divine triumph. During the days ahead, through word, music and especially through symbol, we remember and enter into the greatest story ever told. Our lives are determined more by what is done to us than by what we do and in His passion and death, Jesus shows us how to respond to what is done to us. In His final hours on earth He absorbs and transforms hatred and returns it as love.
Holy Week is an academy of love.
 
)
 
Confessions during Holy Week 2021 During the Pandemic, the obligation of the “Easter Duty” remains suspended and many may choose for safety reasons not to come to Confession. Should you desire Confession please make contact, with your local priest who will assist you with the matter. Alternatively, you may follow the advice of Pope Francis who in accordance with a longstanding tradition of the church advises: “speak directly with God, your Father, and tell him the truth. Say, “Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me”, and ask for pardon with all your heart. Make an act of contrition, the pope said, and promise God, “‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.” And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God. (Pope Francis, March 20th 2020)
CELEBRATING HOLY WEEK AT HOME LEAFLET There are copies of this guide to help us journey through these days  ALSO copies of the  Way of the Cross Leaflet  ALSO a Holy Week Prayer Card left in both churches
 ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Sat March 27th 7p.m. Gerard Greene & parents Thomas & Catherine Greene
Clocks advance 1 hour tonight.
Sun March 28th 10:30am Passion (Palm)  Sunday  
March 29th Monday in Holy Week 10am
March 30th Tues in Holy Week  10am
[ Chrism Mass will take place in Saint Mel’s Cathedral on Tuesday 30th March at 7.00pm and will be livestreamed, available at www.longfordparish.com ]
March 31st Wed in Holy Week 10am
Holy Thursday 1st April
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7p.m.
Good Friday 2nd April
12 Noon Stations ( from HighSt) 
All Day: Way of the Heart Shannonbridge Village) Using images of the Stations and texts and hopefully with our wonderful Locals giving a window in their home. A possible prayerful  “Way of the Cross” for  you as you go down the street beginning at the Bridge. If it’s outside your 5k I will do my best to put them up on our online platforms.
7pm. Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday
 Holy Saturday 7p.m. Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday 10:30a.m. Missa Pro Populo
****** 
TRÓCAIRE - Please return either your Trócaire  Box or the contents  in an envelope to the Presbytery at your earliest convenience.
DEATHS - Please pray for the repose of the souls of Margaret Harte (Rowry, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork) Mother of Joey Rigney Clonbonniffe.  Josie Egan, Ballyclare, Mother of Maeve Buckley one of our school parents in Clonmacnois N.S. ;
 OFFERTORY March 17th  €185 March 21st  €480
CLONMACNOIS PARISH FINANCE  Thank you for your continued support via
 Moran’s Gala   or Presbytery Letterbox
Clonfanlough Church  Front Porch Box  It’s just inside the front door to the left.
Clonfanlough Box Sun 10:30-12:15 at pier. 
Bank Transfer (Do give your Box No. or name in bank narrative)   Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
 
 "CUMHACHT AN NÁDÚIR" - A wildlife Documentary exploring the power of nature during the pandemic, Part 2 of this very interesting Documentary will be on TG4 on next Wednesday 31st March at 9.30pm.
SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO DRAW
March 22nd Result  8-12-3--31 No winner. Two Match 3 Winners.  Jackpot now €9,400 Draw on 29th March on Facebook Live
THRESHOLD OF HOPE: A unique online musical gathering on Tuesday 30 March at 8pm, with gifted and creative singer, facilitator and spiritual director Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, from the Aran Islands. This is a free event open to all. Join via live streaming at www.churchservices.tv/deirdrenichinneide
A BEAUTIFUL IDEA FOR PALM SUNDAY 28th March You might like (again!) to join in displaying (window/door) a branch to celebrate Palm Sunday. It could be any green branch you can get. PALM SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE I plan to walk from Clonfanlough to Shannonbridge after Morning Mass beginning 12 Noon.  I have little Palm Crosses left in both Churches since last weekend which you can write your intention on (sharpie, or pin a paper on). You can put Cross and/or intention  in an envelope for privacy & I can collect in advance and carry them from both churches (leave on altar) , I can burn them in our Easter Fire. No offering please in envelopes!
HOLY WEEK AT HOME For Palm Sunday please have your palm ready and holy water to bless it at the same time we do so at Mass. Have your children help. For Good Friday have a cross at hand for veneration at the same time we do it at the ceremony. For the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and for Easter Sunday have a candle and holy water ready and keep the candle lighting for the Mass, we will renew our baptismal promises together. It would be a very good thing to come together as a family for these ceremonies
HOLY WEEK THOUGHT  Sometimes, taking a simple approach to life, without trying to analyse it or figure it out too much, can be helpful. I remember an old priest preaching a sermon years ago. It was simple and short and maybe that is why it has stayed with me. He focused on looking at the day gone by rather than on any particular season e.g. Advent, Christmas, Lent or Easter. He put it like this. He said that our day has not been wasted if we have been able to do three things : 1.Say some prayer, 2.Do some work 3.Be kind to some person.
 
 RTE HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday 28th March –
RTÉ News Channel, 2.15pm, Mass from the Cathedral of SS. Patrick and Felim, celebrated by Bishop Martin Hayes - https://www.churchservices.tv/cavancathedral
Monday – 29th March
RTÉ News Channel, 1030am, Mass, Holy Family Church, Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary https://www.churchservices.tv/ardfinnan
Tuesday – 30th March
RTÉ News Channel, 1030am - Mass, Mary Immaculate Refuge of Sinners, Rathmines, Dublin. https://www.churchservices.tv/maryimmacdublin 
Wednesday – 31st March
RTÉ News Channel, 1030am - Mass, The Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, Courtown, Wexford- https://www.churchservices.tv/riverchapel
Holy Thursday - 1st April
RTÉ One, 16.40 (repeated Radio 1 Extra / LW252, 1900) - Mass of the Lord's Supper with members of RTÉ Cor Linn
Good Friday - 2nd April
RTÉ One / Radio 1 Extra / LW252, 1500-1600 - Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday from Knock Basilica.
Holy Saturday - 3rd April
RTÉ One, 1200 noon. Countdown to Calvary (Rpt). Downton Abbey star and Cambridge University theology graduate, Hugh Bonneville, tells the story of the last days of Jesus' life.
EASTER VIGIL RTÉ One / Radio 1 Extra / LW252, 2300-0015 (on Radio1) - Easter Vigil Mass from Knock Basilica, 2240-2355 on RTÉ One Television. (Radio will air it with a slight delay at 2300.)
Easter Sunday 4th April
RTÉ One / Radio 1 Extra / LW252,
1000-1100 - Easter Sunday Mass from « La Carità » COVID hospital in Locarno, Switzerland with commentary and translation (This Mass will air with a delay on Radio 1 Extra / LW252 at 1100-1200).
 
12.25-12.55 (approx) Pope Francis' Easter Urbi et Orbi Message and Blessing
 
 A Íosa, fuair tú bás ar ár son. D’éirigh tú ó na mairbh.
Tiocfaidh tú arís
 
 
 
ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Sat March 27th 7p.m. Gerard Greene & parents Thomas & Catherine Greene
Clocks advance 1 hour tonight.
Sun March 28th 10:30am Passion (Palm)  Sunday  
March 29th Monday in Holy Week 10am
March 30th Tues in Holy Week  10am
[ Chrism Mass will take place in Saint Mel’s Cathedral on Tuesday 30th March at 7.00pm and will be livestreamed, available at www.longfordparish.com ]
March 31st Wed in Holy Week 10am
Holy Thursday 1st April
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7p.m.
Good Friday 2nd April
12 Noon Stations ( from HighSt) 
All Day: Way of the Heart Shannonbridge Village) Using images of the Stations and texts and hopefully with our wonderful Locals giving a window in their home. A possible prayerful  “Way of the Cross” for  you as you go down the street beginning at the Bridge. If it’s outside your 5k I will do my best to put them up on our online platforms.
7pm. Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday
 Holy Saturday 7p.m. Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday 10:30a.m. Missa Pro Populo
****** 
TRÓCAIRE - Please return either your Trócaire  Box or the contents  in an envelope to the Presbytery at your earliest convenience.
DEATHS - Please pray for the repose of the souls of Margaret Harte (Rowry, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork) Mother of Joey Rigney Clonbonniffe.  Josie Egan, Ballyclare, Mother of Maeve Buckley one of our school parents in Clonmacnois N.S. ;
 OFFERTORY March 17th  €185 March 21st  €480
CLONMACNOIS PARISH FINANCE  Thank you for your continued support via
 Moran’s Gala   or Presbytery Letterbox
Clonfanlough Church  Front Porch Box  It’s just inside the front door to the left.
Clonfanlough Box Sun 10:30-12:15 at pier. 
Bank Transfer (Do give your Box No. or name in bank narrative)   Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
 
 
 

 

Clonmacnois Parish

March 21st 2021

FifthSunday of Lent

Fr. Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/tomas.macconchoille  (Live)
https://fb.me/saintciarans  (saved to it afterwards)
 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
‘Unless a wheat grain falls to the ground and dies it remains only a single grain’. By using the image of the wheat grain falling to the ground and dying Jesus teaches that life comes through death, greatness through service. The image captures in a striking way the story of His own mission and ministry. By dying, He destroyed our death. From the time of Jesus, the history of the Church has been adorned with examples of valiant souls who, through their blood, provided the seed of renewal and rebirth. ‘The blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church’. Not only the Church but the world in general owes everything to people who give selflessly. We can recall the heroic sacrifices of our parents, who never counted the cost. The simple grain of wheat contains the wisdom of the ages. It is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich. Self-sacrifice and selfforgetfulness are the master keys to true happiness. It is indeed in giving that we receive. It is in sharing that we retain. It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. If we choose to become wrapped up in ourselves, we become very small parcels. The great Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso expressed it better than most when he wrote that ‘the meaning of life is to find your gift, but the purpose of life is to give it away’.
 
 ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Saturday March 20th 7p.m.  Hubert (Louis) Darcy 2nd Anniv.
Exposition from 12 Noon to 6p.m.
 
Sun March 21st  5th Sunday Lent 10:30
Mon  22nd 10am Harry Gunning 4th A
Tues March 23rd 10am Mass St Turibius of Montgrovejo
Wed March 24th 10am Mass St. Macartan, St. Oscar Romero.
Thurs March 25th 10am Mass
The feast of the Annunciation goes back to the fourth or fifth century. Its central focus is the Incarnation: God has become one of us. At the Annunciation the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus. Mary has an important part to play in God’s plan. From all eternity God destined her to be the mother of Jesus and closely related to him in the creation and redemption of the world.
Fri March 26th 10am Mass
Sat March 27th 7p.m. Gerard Greene & parents Thomas & Catherine Greene
Clocks advance 1 hour tonight.
Sun March 28th 10:30am Passion (Palm)  Sunday
Although there will be no public celebration of Palm Sunday, I hope to have blessed palm available at the church doors for people to take home where they will serve as a reminder of the victory of Christ which we celebrate during Holy Week. VOLUNTEERS DONATING PALM VERY WELCOME!  However I must advise to use the Sanitiser adjacent as truthfully people go rooting for a “better sprig” !!
Alternatively!! we invite you to take a branch from your own garden and we will bless those remotely online on the day.
****** 
 OFFERTORY March 14th  €509
CLONMACNOIS PARISH FINANCE  Thank you for your continued support via
 Moran’s Gala   or Presbytery Letterbox
Clonfanlough Church  Front Porch Box  It’s just inside the front door to the left.
Clonfanlough Box Sun 10:30-12:15 at pier. 
Bank Transfer (Do give your Box No. or name in bank narrative)   Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
 OF LOCAL INTEREST
TV PROGRAMME “ CUMHACHT AN NÁDÚIR” A wildlife documentary exploring the power of nature during the pandemic including a feature on the local area of Clonony, Shannon Harbour. Will be broadcast on TG4 next Wed. 24th March at 9.30 p.m
 
A PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH Loving Father, guide of those who listen and helper of those who hear Your voice. Speak to me as you did to Joseph so that Your dream for our world may become my dream. A world of compassion, tenderness and forgiveness for all. Amen.
 To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the Covid pandemic. (Pope Francis)
 GROW IN LOVE” SERIES ONLINE Just to let you know that the Religious Education programme is available freely online during the Covid—19 lockdown by Veritas. Simply login on www.growinlove.ie website with these details: Email: trial@growinlove.ie Password: growinlove
 
THRESHOLD OF HOPE: A unique online musical gathering on Tuesday 30 March at 8pm, with gifted and creative singer, facilitator and spiritual director Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, from the Aran Islands. This is a free event open to all. Join via live streaming at www.churchservices.tv/deirdrenichinneide
LIVING WITH ADDICTION IN THE FAMILY: With Mick Devine, March 27th, 10.00am-12.30pm (via Zoom). Families that live with addiction experience shame, guilt and anxiety and feel it is 'all my fault. Recovery is possible This workshop will offer positive tools for managing addiction in the family so that all family members can work towards greater wellbeing. Cost €10 or €20 per family. Register and link: info@galilee.ie All Welcome.
 
HOLY WEEK  will be soon upon us and again this year we are online.  I invite you to take time to join us online on Facebook (see address above) for each of the days leading up to Easter. All our ceremonies will be online. In order to make it more meaningful and to be more involved please try the following: For Palm Sunday please have your palm ready (I will try & cut some—anyone got a hedge needs a trim!!) and holy water (I will bless any water at start of Mass) to bless it at the same time we do so at Mass. Have your children help. For Good Friday have a cross at hand for veneration at the same time we do it at the ceremony. For the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and for Easter Sunday have a candle and holy water ready and keep the candle lighting for the Mass, we will renew our baptismal promises together. Thank you for preparing Keep well. Fr Tom 
KNOCK LENTEN CONVERSATIONS
 Thursday 25 March‘Studying Christian Faith’
Dr Máire Campbell is assistant principal of a primary school in North Dublin, Judith King is an internationally recognised psychotherapist and Margaret Naughton is a busy hospital chaplain. Yet they have all found time to fulfil their passion of doing a PhD in theological studies. They share with us how their theological studies enriches their faith and their work. www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live or on Facebook @knockshrine.
  SHANNONBRIDGE GAA 
Weekly lotto result 15/03/2021
Tonight’s lotto results 3-19-20-25
3 match three wins €100 each and no jackpot winner.  Next weeks jackpot is a massive €9,200
WEST OFFALY TRAINING  are offering Train the Trainer, QQI Level 6. This course will be offered online from March for 10 sessions. For more information, call 057 9152003/086 8413082 mail josephine@westoffalytraining.com
.A Mini-Lenten Retreat on Zoom for Holy Week & Easter In preparation for the Easter Triduum, ‘The Hook of Faith’ is happy to offer a ‘Mini-Lenten Retreat in Preparation for Holy Week’ on Tuesday 23rd , Wednesday 24 th and Thursday 25th March. The retreat will be held on Zoom and will be led by Fr Billy Swan. Each conference begins at 8.00 pm. The three conferences will anticipate the Triduum and will therefore focus on the Eucharist (Tuesday 23rd); the Cross and the Mystery of Suffering (Wednesday 24th); the Resurrection, Joy and Hope (Thursday 25th) . To take part, all you need to do is send an email to: thehookoffaith@gmail.com. All are welcome.
WALK FOR CLUB & COUNTY Damien Brazil (Clongowney) and John Ryan (Woodbank) join the "Walk for Club & County" along the Grand Canal on Saturday, March 27th. Please support them in raising funds for our Rachra Club & County www.grandcanalwalk.ie TRÓCAIRE BOXES - Are available in the Church for collection. Please support. A BEAUTIFUL IDEA FOR PALM SUNDAY 28th March You might like (again!) to join in displaying (window/door) a branch to celebrate Palm Sunday. It could be any green branch you can get. PALM SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE I plan to walk from Clonfanlough to Shannonbridge after Morning Mass beginning 12 Noon.  I have little Palm Crosses left in both Churches this weekend which you can write your intention on (sharpie, or pin a paper on). You can put Cross and/or intention  in an envelope for privacy & I can collect in advance and carry them from both churches (leave on altar) , I can burn them in our Easter Fire. No offering please in envelopes!
 
 
 
 

 

Clonmacnois Parish

March 14th 2021

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fr. Tom Cox (Adm) Tel. 090 9674125/  0868319500 

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK https://fb.me/saintciarans

 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
‘God so loved the world that he sent His only Son to save it’
Nicodemus appears on three occasions in the Gospel of John. He was a man of substance, a renowned teacher of the Law, an influential leader within his community and yet he was searching for more. Having heard about Jesus he was curious. Drawn by the simplicity of His message and the power and authority of His preaching, he approaches the Master under cover of darkness. There in the quiet space he elicits from the Lord the wonderfully consoling teaching that summarises the entire Gospel and will change his life forever: ‘God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to save it’. In that tender moment of enlightenment a heart is touched, a thirst is quenched and a curious searcher becomes a devoted follower. The expert in the Law meets Love in person, is surprised by Love and is now impelled to spread that love because love changes the way we hear and speak and respond. The extent of the change in the life of Nicodemus becomes evident when we next meet him defending Jesus at His trial before the Sanhedrin and finally, and most movingly, walking up the Hill of Calvary on Good Friday, carrying precious spices in order to give the Saviour a decent burial. It is he, together with Joseph of Arimathea who take Jesus from the Cross and return Him to His mother. Because of his encounter with Jesus, Nicodemus gave up what he was to become what he was meant to be. Isn’t that the challenge and opportunity of the Lenten journey?
 ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Sat March 13th 7p.m.  Anniv. Tom & Bina Nugent
Sun March 14th 10:30a.m. Peoples Intention
ADORATION Shannonbridge 12-6p.m.
Mon March 15th 10am
Tues March 16th 10am
Tues March 16th 7p.m. Vigil Kieran & Kate Daly (Creevagh), son Kieran Joe, daughter Bessy & Nora & extended family
Wed March 17th 10:30a.m.  St. Patrick’s Day Joe Darcy & Sr. Damien Darcy (Clonmacnois)
Thurs March 18th 10a.m.(St. Cyril of Jerusalem)
Fri March 19th 10a.m. St. Joseph (Private Intn)
Saturday March 20th 7p.m.  Hubert (Louis) Darcy 2nd Anniv.
Sun March 21st  5th Sunday Lent 10:30
****** 
RECENT  DEATHS Louise Coleman (Belmont) daughter of Oliver
 (ESB Shannonbridge) & Winnie
 OFFERTORY March 7th  €760
  Shrove Dues Envelopes   €1,824
Thank you for your generous support of the Lenten Alms Envelope. It funds our Diocese & agencies like Accord, Emigrant support etc.
CLONMACNOIS PARISH FINANCE  Thank you for your continued support via
 Moran’s Gala   or Presbytery Letterbox
Clonfanlough Church  Front Porch Box  It’s just inside the front door to the left.
Clonfanlough Box Sun 10:30-12:15 at pier. 
Bank Transfer (Do give your Box No. or name in bank narrative)   Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
 
 WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS to Michael   Halligan and Anni Hutch who were married in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday 6th March last. Michael is son of Jimmy & Mary Halligan (Clonfanough)
 “CUMHACHT AN NÁDÚIR” - A Wildlife Documentary exploring the power of nature during the pandemic including a feature on the local area of Clonony. This very interesting Documentary will be on TG4 on Wednesday 24th March at 9.30pm.
THRESHOLD OF HOPE - An online musical experience with Deirdre Ní Chinnéide on Tues. 30th March at 8pm. This is a FREE event on www.churchservices.tv/deirdrenichinneide.                ‘AMORIS LAETITIA’ - Family Year - On 19th June the Church will celebrate five years since the publication of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation ‘Amoris Laetitia’ (The Joy of Love) on the beauty and joy of love in the family. On that day Pope Francis will launch a year dedication to the family which will conclude on 26th June 2022 on the occasion of the ‘10th World Meeting of Families’ in Rome. To mark the beginning of this special year the Irish bishops have announced a ‘Week of Prayer’ (13th-19th March). ‘In the family three words need to be used. I will repeat this. Three words, PLEASE, THANK YOU, SORRY. Three essential words’. (Pope Francis, ‘Amoris Laetitia’).
 GROW IN LOVE” SERIES ONLINE Just to let you know that the Religious Education programme is available freely online during the Covid—19 lockdown by Veritas. Simply login on www.growinlove.ie website with these details: Email: trial@growinlove.ie Password: growinlove
MOTHER’S DAY PRAYER A mother is….. Someone who cares, when others care less. Someone who encourages, when others ridicule. Someone who defends, when others condemn. Someone with patience, when others are impatient. Someone who appreciates, when others fail to notice. Someone who gives security in a world of insecurity. Someone who is accepting, when others reject. A mother is a friend for all time, to cherish and protect, as her achievements will linger for generations.
This Friday March 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph. It is especially significant this year because Pope Francis has designated this year 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. Joseph is often called the man of silence, because he speaks no word in the Gospel . He is called the man of dreams, because God spoke to him in his sleep.
Pope Francis writes: I would like to tell you something very personal. I have a great love for St. Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. God often speaks in times of silence . On my table, I have a statue of St. Joseph sleeping. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph so that he can dream about it. in other words, I tell him: pray for this problem.
Prayer to St. Joseph: St. Joseph, you watched over Mary and you were the first to hold the infant Jesus . You minded, cared and protected them with courage and love in times of danger. Please mind our family and our world this year. Protect us from the modern Herod that is Covid 19. Keep us in your loving care, watch over us when we sleep as you did Mary and Jesus and whisper a prayer for our loved ones as they too sleep in the silence of the night.
LOCAL FUNDRAISERS
I’m happy to profile in difficult times for charities– fundraising events by groups/individuals. I became aware of the following but am sure there are more.
WALK FOR CLUB & COUNTY Damien Brazil (Clongowney) and John Ryan (Woodbank) join the "Walk for Club & County" along the Grand Canal on Saturday, March 27th. Please support them in raising funds for our Rachra Club & County at www.grandcanalwalk.ie
FUNDRAISER FOR IRISH CANCER SOCIETY Marian McManus is clocking up the miles every day for March in her fundraiser. Please support. The easiest way is via her personal Facebook page, or directly to her  Well done to recent fundraising by Karagh Fox Kelly & Alison Slattery.
LÁ FHEILE PÁDRAIG - Wed. 17th March. Dóchas linn Naomh Pádraig, aspal mór na hÉireann. 
 
 
AN POST CARE HOMES COMMUNITY FOCUS
An Post will ensure free delivery of all card and letter mail posted to and from residents of Nursing and Care homes in the State until March 31st 2021.
By writing FREEPOST where the stamp would normally be affixed, An Post will carry cards, letters large envelopes and packets weighing up to 2KG without a postage stamp.
Customers can send these items through the Post Office network and post boxes across Ireland.
Customers can send these items through the Post Office network and post boxes across Ireland.
 KNOCK LENTEN CONVERSATIONS  ‘Living the Christian Faith - Lenten Conversations’. Knock Shrine, Thursdays of Lent at 8.30pm, chaired by Fr. Eamonn Conway, DD, Professor of Theology at Mary Immaculate College. Topic for Thursday 18th March: ‘Proclaiming Christian Faith as a priest or religious today’. Sr. Ursula Lawler, Lecturer in Christian Ethics at Mary Immaculate College, returned missionary and editor of the Africa Magazine; Fr. Sean Deegan SPS, Ballyhaunis, Parish Priest Fr. Stephen Farragher and Fr. Eamonn Conway will discuss living priesthood and religious life today in conversation with young Irish Catholic journalist Jason Osbourne. www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live or on Facebook @knockshrine.
 SHANNONBRIDGE GAA 
Weekly lotto result 08/03/2021
Tonight’s lotto results 1-3-24-32
2 match three wins €100 each and no jackpot winner.  Next weeks jackpot is a massive €9000
 
TROCAIRE : Last year, Madris and her children Joy-Faith and Alex appeared on the Lenten box. “In the first few months, I was struggling to choose whether to buy masks for my children to prevent them from getting the Covid 19 virus, or to buy food to prevent them from hunger” says Madris. These are the stark choices faced by so many people across the world affected by Covid, where there are little government safety nets for people who lose their incomes. Thanks to the generosity of parishes in Ireland, Madris was able to feed her family. The support helped provide food, face masks and other key items to help the family survive and trained Madris in how to recycle local materials to create a hand washing tap at the family home Trócaire Boxes: Please take one from the Church Porches during the season of Lent. Thank you.
 
Mobile Foot Health Service - House Calls Contact Maura  086-8053671 to arrange an appointment.
  
Lenten Way of Gentleness Mondays
8 - 9pm at www.churchservices.tv/strandhill. All welcome