Clonmacnois Parish

March 27th 2022

4th Sunday of Lent (C)

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

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

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

 

 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity.’

The parable of the Prodigal Son has been described as the greatest short story ever written. It is a story that repeats itself in our lives, describing as it does the journey from sin to repentance. The young man’s journey begins with selfishness: ‘Give me my share now’. All sin is rooted in selfishness. It leads him to distance himself from his father as he opts for the high life in ‘a far country’. All sin puts distance between us and our Father. Eventually he ‘comes to his senses’, and decides to return home to the father who never gave up on him. All sin leads to disappointment and regret. This wonderful story speaks to us of the emptiness of life lived at a distance from God; the yearning in every heart to be welcomed home no matter what, and the astounding fact that our God eternally scans the horizon on the lookout for the return of His children. Would our prisons and institutions be less full if people had been welcomed and welcome at home? ‘All roads out of hell lead home’.

 

 SHANNONBRIDGE

Saturday 26th March 7pm  (Vigil of 4th Sunday of Lent

-Harry Gunning (5th Anniv.) Died 22.3.2017

-Hubert (Louis) Darcy died 20.3.2019

Monday 28thMarch  10am 

Tuesday 29th March 10am

Wednesday 30th March 10am

Thursday 31st March 10am

Friday 1st April 10am

Saturday 2nd April 7pm Paddy & Mary Martin  (Anniv.)

[Sunday Readings for 3rd April 1 st Reading: Is 43:16-21; 2nd Reading: 2 Phil 3:8-14; Gospel: Jn 8:1-11. ]

CLONFANLOUGH

Sun 27th March 10:30am  Joe Darcy & dec’d family members

Friday 1st April  7pm

Sun 3rd April 10:30am Pro Populo

 

Feast Days for coming week

Friday 1 April: St. Ceallach. (Celsus).

He was abbot of Armagh in the eleventh century. He died on a visit to Munster and was buried at Lismore according to his wishes

Sat.  2 April: St. Francis of Paola.

OFFERTORY 19/20th March €440

Trócaire Boxes are available in the Church porches. Please take one home during the Season of Lent for Trócaire’s Lenten campaign which has appealed that we do not forget the many millions of people in countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo who are displaced by conflict and some are facing famine. The generosity of the people of Ireland is deeply appreciated. Every cent and euro donated to Trócaire will be used to support people who are facing a deep crisis and to ensure no one is forgotten.

 

Thought for the Week:

 I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. ~ Mother Teresa

Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God ~ Anonymous

 

Act of Consecration Prayer Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer. Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war. Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation. Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world. Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge, and teach us forgiveness. Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons. Queen of the Rosary, make us realise our need to pray and to love. Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity. Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world. Amen. (Extract from  Consecration of Russia, Ukraine and all humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary – Pope Francis, Feast of the Annunciation 25th March. )

MINISTRIES IN CHURCH

 CHURCH CARE Gemma Moore/Doris Claffey  Clonfanlough: Josie Egan&Betty Dolan/ (April) Bernie Kenny/Margaret Langtry  READER April 2nd 2022 @ 7pm Dympna O’Carroll April 3rd  @ 10:30 Della Fitzgerald Eucharistic Minister April 2nd  Marie McManus (S/B), April 3rd  Bridie Coughlan  Church Counters Clonfanlough (March)

DEATHS - Please pray for the repose of the souls of Rose Egan, Killygally, Belmont; (sister of late Rita Kenny, Shannonbridge), also Michael (Larry) Langtry  son of Brendan  & Rosemary Langtry and nephew of Joe Langtry, Tullabeg

 

Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage The annual pilgrimage is going ahead this year, from May 23- May27, four nights. The total cost is €679 (Hotel Agena) or €699 (Hotel La Solitude) For further details call Mons. Bernard Noonan @ 090 6481180.For Booking contact Joe Walsh Tours, 69 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 DO1FW11. Tel 012410800 or email: info@joewalshtours.ie.

 

First Friday Friday next is the First Friday. The usual house calls will be done at the usual times.

 

Lough Derg The Lough Derg pilgrimage season re-opens on Sunday May 1st with the one - day retreats. The three - day pilgrimage commences on Wednesday June 1st and continue through all of June July and August. Booking is essential. Ph. + 353 (0) 71 9861518. Pilgrimage, in the words of Pope Francis, is “the most eloquent expression of the faith of God’s people.

 

Accord Marriage Preparation Programme

Join Accord and train as a marriage preparation programme facilitator. Are you an excellent communicator with an enthusiasm for supporting couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage and future family life? Formal training will be provided in presenting and facilitating our Marriage Preparation Programme. Gain on going support and Continuous Personal Development by being part of the Accord Marriage Preparation team. Our programmes are engaging and interactive and cover topics such as good communication skills, how to deal with conflict and the responsibility and significance of the Sacrament of Marriage. Please contact Aisling on 01 5053112 or email: marriagepreparation@accord.ie

 

National Collection in aid of Ukraine: This collection will take place in all churches on today Sunday March 27th . Please bring your donation to Mass in an envelope marked ’Ukraine’  (some pre-printed envelopes in church porch for your convenience) dand put it in the offertory basket   Thank you for your generous support in these difficult times when all face increasing prices in our shopping baskets

COVID GOING FORWARD You will like me have been startled by increased infection rates in recent days– no change to protocols in church received. Let’s be v igilant & mindful of each other

 

 A Mother’s Day Prayer to Mary Our Mother. “Holy Mother, amid our struggles and weaknesses, amid the mystery of iniquity that is evil and war, you remind us that God never abandons us, but continues to look upon us with love, ever ready to forgive us and raise us up to new life. He has given you to us and may your Immaculate Heart a refuge for the Church and for all humanity. By God’s gracious will, you are ever with us: even in the most trouble moments of our history, you are there to guide us with tender love. We turn now to you and knock at the door of your heart. We are your beloved children. every age you make yourself known to us, calling us to conversion. At this dark hour, help us and grant us your comfort. Say to us once more: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother ?”. You are able to untie the knots of our hearts and of our times. In you we place our trust. We are confident that, especially in moments of trial, you will not be deaf to our pain and will come to our aid”. “Therefore, Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world. Amen.

MOTHER’S DAY: Sunday March 27th’22: This is the day when we honour all mothers and what has now become an important annual event. It gives families an opportunity to show their appreciation for mothers and grandmothers and to acknowledge the central place a mother has in the life of her family. We take this opportunity to salute all the mothers of our parish and we also remember those mothers who have now gone to their eternal reward and are greatly missed by their families.

 

Parish Pastoral Council There will be a meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council on Tuesday next (29th) at 8 p.m. in the Parochial House, Shannonbridge. All members please attend

 

Ukrainian Proverb The truth doesn’t drown in water and it doesn’t burn in fire.

 

SPRING FORWARD/ FALL BACK !! Clocks go forward one hour this weekend.

LOTTO DRAW  21-3-22  Numbers drawn on Facebook Live  11-15-19-26 No winner, Three Match 3 Jackpot now €4,800

Lotto can be played online also at clubforce

Happy Mother’s Day

 

 

Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin March 13th 2022

 

Clonmacnois Parish

March 13th 2022

2nd  Sunday of Lent (C)

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

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

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

 SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 12th Mar 7pm Maureen Rock (2A)

Mon 14th 10am

Tues 15th 10am

Wed 16th  10am

7pm Vigil of St. Patricks Day

Thurs 17th (Mass in Clonfanlough)

Fri 18th 10am

Sat 19th 7pm Vigil Mass

CLONFANLOUGH  

Sun 13th March 10:30am Michael & Mary Kelly & dec’d family member  

Thursday 17th March 10:30am

Sunday 20th March 10:30a.m. Mary (Sis) Gunning M/M

Feast Days for coming week

 Thursday 17 March: St. Patrick’s Day.

We invite you to join us for Mass, when we can come together to celebrate this day in-person for the first time in two years

 

 Friday 18 March: St. Cyril of Jerusalem. Saturday 19 March: St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

TRÓCAIRE LENTEN CAMPAIGN - Trócaire Boxes are available in the Church porches. Please take one home during the Season of Lent.

RECENT DEATH Pat Joe Norton Clonmacnois, Shannonbridge Nancy Horan Ballinahowen (Mother of Kathleen Egan)

CLUAIN CHIARAIN

Mass Wednesday, March 16th @ 7pm

OFFERTORY  March 6th €480

A Prayer for  Peace.  

 

O Prince of Peace, Once more we hear the guns of war,                                                                           

Once more we see the faces of frightened children.                                                                                      

We pray for the people of Ukraine, that they may be granted peace:                                                              

  We pray for the people of Russia, that they may demand peace:                                                                         We pray for our country, that we may be a positive part of peace making in this world.                                                                                                                                                          

O Prince of Peace, Lead us from this dark time to a deeper understanding of the global human family.                                                                                                                                                         

So all may break bread together in the secure embrace of peace.  Amen.

 

St. Patrick’s Prayer I arise today Through the strength of heaven Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lighting Swiftness of wind, depth of sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock. I surround myself today with the power of God; God’s strength to comfort me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s good sense to guide me God’s eye to look before me, God’s word to speak to me, God’s hand to lead me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s angels to

Lough Derg 2022:   Pilgrimage Season re-opens  on  Sunday 1st May 2022.

Pilgrim Path Day, Easter Monday 18th April.  Join the Prior and team for a guided walk on the lakeshore Lough Derg Pilgrim Path, to celebrate Pilgrim Paths Week.   One day retreats in  May, Aug and  Sept.  Three day pilgrimage  in June, Jul and August.  For further information contact  071 9861518.  www.loughderg.org

IRISH CATHOLIC Copies of the Irish Catholic are available weekly. I will need to reduce by 5 copies unless more subscribe. Cost €2.50

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

‘In their presence He was transfigured’

Peter, James and John see the Lord in a new way on the top of Mount Tabor. They had been with Him for three years, listening to His words and watching His deeds, but it is only when they go with Him to a quiet place, away from the crowd, that they see Him as He is. There they glimpse the splendour of the glory that awaits them at the end, and that memory will sustain them in the challenging days that lie ahead. The encounter is an encounter with Love, as is every encounter with God, and it happens in the quiet place. During these days of Lent may we find that quiet place, and come to see Him as He really is. ‘Silence is God’s call for you to go deeper

 

DONATIONS TO THE PARISH: We very much appreciate your continued generosity at this difficult time. If you wish to offer financial support to the Church by electronic transfer our bank details are as follows: Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.   BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX     IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381

MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER SERVICE House Calls Available Daytime and Evening. Contact Maura at 086-8053671 to arrange an appointment.

LOTTO DRAW  March 7th  2022 Numbers drawn on Facebook Live  19-22-23-29 No winner, One Match 3 Jackpot now €4,400 Lotto can be played online also at clubforce

NOMINATIONS FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL  This weekend sees the second weekend where we seek nomination for the PPC. Thank you to those who have already submitted forms (available in Porch). The more response ..the better! Try to consider people of different ages, background, skill-sets and gender in this Parish Council. It’s not about geography but about a core group of people who harness the wisdom and talent of the Christian community of the Parish of Clonmacnois. You can leave returned ballots in the “post box”in the hallway of both churches or my own letter box at the Parochial House. 

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA  MEMBERSHIP is now due for the coming year. Log on to www.foireann.ie or contact Paula Claffey on 087-6891036 or Vinnie Costello on 087-9010340. Walking track membership €20 for the year. Lights on daily from 6-10pm.

———————————————————— Census: The National Census is taking place on Sunday 3rd April 2022. It will generate a detailed picture of social and living conditions in Ireland and aid planning for the future. Enumerators are calling to every home in the country to deliver and collect forms. Check for I.D. if person seems “dodgy”.

 

MINISTRIES  IN CHURCH              

 CHURCH CARE Marian McManus, Catherina Slattery, Ann Corbett Clonfanlough:Josie Egan&Betty Dolan READER Mar 19th 2022 @ 7pm Kieran OÇonnor March 20th @ 10:30 Ann Guinan  Eucharistic  Minister March 19th Dympna Fitzpatrick  (S/B), March 20th  Declan McEvoy  Church Counters  Clonfanlough (March)

 

IRISH BISHOPS CONFERENCE -

 COVID RESTRICTIONS

*It was acknowledged that all Covid restrictions have been lifted by the Government. Accordingly all restrictions in Church are also lifted. It is permissible to use Holy Water fonts again and to distribute Holy Communion on the tongue.

*It was noted that we should remain sensitive and respectful (by way of responsible social distancing and optional wearing of masks) towards those who may still feel vulnerable or anxious.

*It is suggested that at the Sign of Peace the congregation might be invited to make a gesture or greeting of peace to the people around them, rather than the traditional handshake.

• During the Season of Lent, the bishops encourage everyone to return to Sunday and weekday Mass in our churches, welcoming each other back as we gather once more together. From Easter Sunday, 17 April, Sunday Mass will once again be deemed an essential expression of faith for all in our Church in Ireland. As always, those whose health is vulnerable or who are unwell will not be under any obligation to attend Mass, and should keep themselves safe and pray at home until they are better.

 UKRAINE - The bishops gave much consideration to the shocking developments which have happened in Ukraine in the past fortnight. They commended the outpouring of support and generosity which has been evident in our communities. The bishops offer the following response:

*They ask for continued prayer for the people of Ukraine and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

*They encourage charitable giving through TRÓCAIRE and other agencies. A decision was made to hold a nationwide collection in all churches in aid of the people of Ukraine on March 27th next.

• They comment “As tens of thousands of refugees arrive in Ireland in the near future, there is no doubt that the Gospel is calling on us to open our hearts and our homes. We ask all parish communities to give serious consideration to ways in which refugees can be accommodated and integrated while with us.”