Clonmacnois Parish

April 24th 2022

2nd Sunday of Easter (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)

 

 

Second Sunday of Easter

 ‘Jesus came and stood among them’.

This is ‘Low Sunday’, a quieter day after the high drama of Easter. Behind closed doors the disciples are dazed and dispirited. Then Jesus appears and the scene is transformed, but Thomas is not there. Eight days later, he is present when Jesus shows himself to His friends again. He encounters the Lord. He sees, he believes and his life is changed forever. If proof were needed of the power and importance of praying with the community, it is surely to be found in today’s Gospel. Where two or three gather in His name, He is present in their midst. We absent ourselves from the Sunday gathering at a cost. It is the first step on the road to faithlessness. As the water lifts and supports the swimmer so does the praying community lift and support its’ individual members in their search for the living God. Our week will always be more beautiful when we begin it around the table of the Lord. The Christian life was never meant to be solitary. Thomas discovered that truth in a striking way during those first Easter days

 

Mercy:A mother sought from Napoleon the pardon of her son. The Emperor said it was the man’s second offence, and justice  demanded his death. ‘I don’t ask for justice, ‘I plead for mercy.’ ‘But’, said the Emperor, ‘he does not deserve mercy.’ ‘Sir,’ cried the mother, ‘it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and  mercy is all I ask.  ‘Well, then,’ said the Emperor, ‘I will have mercy.’ And her son was saved.

The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have  that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness

and love, which nothing can shake. (Cardinal Basil Hume).

 SHANNONBRIDGE

Saturday 23rd April 7pm  May Rock & Nancy Kelly

Mon 25th April 10am Mass

Liam Fitzpatrick (Anniv)

Tues 26th April 10am Mass

Wed 27th April 10am Service

Thurs 28th April 10am Mass

Fri 29th April 7pm Mass

Sat 30th April 7pm

-Oliver Hilliard (m/m)

-Edward & Margaret Cogivan & dec’d members

CLONFANLOUGH

24th April  2nd Sun of Easter  10:30am

1st May 3rd Sun of Easter 10:30am

CLUAIN CHIARAIN

Mass Wednesday, April 27th @ 7:30pm

FIRST COMMUNION May 7th 12 Noon

Feast Days

April 25th St Mark (Evangelist) St Mark’s Gospel was probably written in Rome when he was with St Paul. His is by far the shortest of the four Gospels. He focuses on the central Christian message the suffering, death& resurrection of Jesus

April 29th St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) A native of Sienna, Italy she was declared a patron of Europe in 2000 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- 090 6481180.

BAPTISM  We welcomed Emily Olive Maloney into our Christian Community in Baptism.

MINISTRIES

Readers  April 30th @ 7pm Rachael Carty(SB) / May 1st @  10:30am Declan McEvoy (CF)

Eucharistic Minister Marie McManus 30/4/22 (7pm S/B) Linda Donaghy  01/05/22 (10:30am Clonfanlough) Church Care Jacinta Kelly Ann Keena (SB)/Bernie Kenny/Mgt Langtry (CF)

MAY ROSARIES... Well Clonfert Devotions just around corner and it would be nice if people wished to pray a weekly Rosary at our lovely Church grottos. Even a decade in our family homes for May... Just a

  Clonmacnois Cemetery: Thank you to the many people who maintain plots and keep things tidy. A reminder to please take home and dispose of  withered flowers, wreaths or any other waste from the cemetery when tidying your family grave; please do not dump waste material  along the cemetery walls or into neighbouring property. Thank  you for ensuring our cemetery is kept tidy.

Trócaire Now that the Lenten Season has concluded we  invite you to return your Trócaire box or offerings. Your support for Trócaire is very much

appreciated at these difficult times to respond to the cry of the poor in so many parts  of the world

Lough Derg 2022 reopens 1st May

One day retreats May, August and Sept €45

Three day pilgrimages June, July and August

€80. More details 071-9861518

UKRAINE COLLECTION UPDATE

A note from Fr. Tom Healy (Diocesan Administrator). “”We have now  received all of the returns foe the collection for Ukraine. Thank you for your prompt lodgements. The total for the diocese is €97,704.72.

 This will be forwarded to Trocaire today. Many thanks for all of your kind assistance with this.

Kind regards to your parishioners,

Tom

Fr Tom Healy   

Diocesan Administrator

Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois”

 

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO Draw April 18th '22. Numbers drawn 6-18-23-30

No Winner, Four  Match 3. Jackpot now €5,600

LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE TO Athlone every Saturday from Shannonbridge Church at 1:30pm. Return from Golden Island Athlone at 4:45pm

FOOT CARE Mobile Foot health Practitioner Service House Calls Available. Daytime & Evening. Contact Maura at 086 8053671 to arrange an appointment

PARISH OFFERTORY

Offertory €900, Dues €1,205, Lenten Alms

€371  Monthly €425  Shrine €300, Trócaire €1,710. You can also support our Church by electronic transfer if it is more convenient. Bank details are : Account

Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381 Please put your name and/or your box number in reference section. 

 A Prayer for Peace

As we continue to watch the horrific

images of war, death, displacement of

people and destruction of cities and

infrastructures, the call to pray for

peace was never more deeply felt. On

this Sunday of Divine Mercy, the  following prayer for peace could be said as a family before your lunch today.

Lord Jesus Christ,

You are the true King of peace.

In You alone is found freedom.

Please free our world from conflict.

Bring unity to troubled nations.

Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.

Dispel all darkness and evil.

Protect the dignity of every human life.

Replace hatred with Your love.

Give wisdom to world leaders.

Free them from selfish ambition.

Eliminate all violence and war.

Glorious Virgin Mary,

Saint Michael the Archangel,

Every angel and saint—Please pray for peace.

Pray for unity amongst nations.

Pray for unity amongst all people.

Pray for the most vulnerable.

Pray for those suffering.

Pray for the fearful.

Pray for those most in need.

Pray for us all.

Jesus,Son of the Living God,have mercy on us

Jesus, hear our prayers.

Jesus, I trust in You!  Amen

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Devotions at Cluain Chiarain (beside Clonmacnois Monastic Site) starting at 2pm on Sunday 24th. Details Kathleen 087 6600190

ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS The Rosary will be prayed each day during the month of May at hundreds of grottos around the Island of Ireland. To see a list of locations, or to register a grotto (or other suitable location) simply visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie You can also register by texting 087 278 6552. We are praying for Ireland and for peace in the world

HAPPY ORTHDOX EASTER on the 24th to our Romanian friends across the River in the  “Orthodox Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring “ in Ard Ciaran, Raghrabeg.  we follow different calendars for dating feasts. They follow Julian, we the Gregorian Calendar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clonmacnois Parish

April 17th 2022

Easter Sunday (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)

EASTER SUNDAY

‘He is not here, he has risen’ The Resurrection is the core of the Good News. The stone is removed, the tomb is empty, our deepest worries are scattered, and our God reigns. Jesus whom we worship is not just a dead hero but a living Lord. We live in the light of Easter. We rest secure in the knowledge that the grave will never be our permanent address, but merely the halfway house on our journey home. Easter then marks the birthday of our eternal hope. It is the guarantee of our own resurrection. It is above all the feast of life and calls us to create and promote a culture of life. In a broken world saturated with death and destruction, wars and violence, misery and inequality, we must continue to proclaim that something else is needed; another reality is possible. Goodness has the power to overcome evil. Light can conquer darkness. ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that’ (Martin Luther King). This is what ‘resurrection people’ believe.

 Easter Grace Prayer before a Meal: Lord, as we gather together as family and friends we invite you once again into our lives. May the hope of your resurrection colour our days. May the promise of your spirit working in us light up our lives. May the love you revealed to us shape our giving. May the truth in your word guide our journeys, and may the joy of your kingdom fill our homes. As we gather together underneath the banner of your life, we thank you for all the wonderful food that we can now enjoy, and celebrate your glorious resurrection. Thank you Lord. Amen

ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS The Rosary will be prayed each day during the month of May at hundreds of grottos around the Island of Ireland. To see a list of locations, or to register a grotto (or other suitable location) simply visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie You can also register by texting 087 278 6552. We are praying for Ireland and for peace in the world

  SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 16th April 8pm Holy Saturday 8pm Parish Easter Vigil (Shannonbridge)

Easter Sun. 17th April 12 Noon David Macklin Anniv

Easter Monday 18th 10am

Easter Tuesday 19th 10am

Easter Wednesday 20th 10am

Easter Thursday 21st  10am

Easter Friday 22nd 10am

Saturday 23rd April 7pm  May Rock & Nancy Kelly

CLONFANLOUGH

Easter Sun. 17th April 10:30am

2nd Sun of Easter 24th April 10:30am

CLUAIN CHIARAIN

Mass Tuesday, April 19th @ 9a.m.

[36 hour Adoration & Retreat begins]

Mass Wednesday, April 20th @ 8:00pm

OFFERTORY 9/10th April €535

Feast Days April 21st St Anselm A French saint, Anselm was from Normandy. He became Archbishop of Canterbury and died in 1109.

WALK WITH US

 Jesus, you know what it’s like to feel abandoned lost and afraid. Walk with us And show us how to walk with others, who live in fear, who face death through hunger or war. Show us how to pray for those we do not know and will not meet, but who are always loved by you. Walk with us Jesus, Amen. Linda Jones/CAFOD

AN EASTER SUNDAY BLESSING

Risen Jesus,

Bless this family as we gather to eat together. May we always welcome those who come to share a meal at our table. Your friends recognised you when you broke the bread for them; may we also recognise you in the breaking of bread and in each other. We ask this in the name of the God who loves us, the risen Jesus who gave his life that we might have new life in the Spirit. Amen.

From Grapevine—Do This in Memory Program

MINISTRIES

Readers  April 23rd @ 7pm Fiachra Anderson  April 24th @  10:30am Maura Molloy 

Eucharistic Minister Sinead Ryan 23/4/22 (7pm S/B) Enda Molloy 24/4/22 (10:30am Clonfanlough) Church Care Martha Murphy, Marie McManus (S)/Bernie Kenny/Mgt Langtry (C)

Easter Reflection

Breaking through the powers of darkness

Bursting from the stifling tomb

He slipped into the graveyard garden

 To smell the blossom air.

 

Tell them Mary, Jesus said,

That I have journeyed far

Into the darkest deeps I’ve seen

In nights without a star.

 

Tell them Mary, Jesus said,

That fear will flee my light

That through the ground will tremble

And despair will stalk the earth

I hold them firmly in my hand

Through terror, to new birth.

 

Tell them Mary, Jesus said,

The globe and all that’s made

Is clasped to God’s great bosom

They must not be afraid.

For though they fall and die, He said

And the black earth wrapped them tight

They will know the warmth

Of God’s healing hands I

n the early morning light.

 

Tell them Mary, Jesus said,

Smelling the blossomed air

Tell my people to rise with me

To heal the earth’s despair. Edwina Gately

 

Trócaire 2022 Holy Week is the traditional time for returning your Lenten Trócaire savings (Boxes). With the crisis in the Ukraine we can easily forget that a similar crisis exists in many other parts of our globe. This year, while the Trócaire campaign focused on Thandekile and her family from Zimbabwe, it has also been engaged in funding and supporting the people of Ukraine who have lost family, their homes and senseless destruction of their towns and cities. Your support and generosity to these causes are a witness to your understanding and empathy that we are a ‘global family’ and when one suffers all suffer. Please return your Box/offerings this week—no contribution is too small and is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

RETURN TO SUNDAY MASS The Irish Bishops at their recent meeting encourage people to return to their churches, welcoming each other back as we gather once more together. From this Easter Sunday, they’ve announced that this will once again be deemed an essential expression of faith for all in our Church As always, those whose health is vulnerable or who are unwell  will not be under any obligation to attend Mass. Please let us all keep safe

 

 DIVINE MERCY NOVENA (begins Good Friday 15th April.) Devotions at Cluain Chiarain (beside Clonmacnois Monastic Site) starting at 2pm on Sunday 24th. Details Kathleen 087 6600190

SILENT RETREAT at Cluain Chiarain, Clonmacnois. Tuesday April 19th (Mass 9am, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for 36 hours). Ending with Holy Mass 8pm Wednesday, 20th April. Details Kathleen 087 6600190

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO Draw April 11th '22. Numbers drawn 1-7-21-26

No Winner, Four  Match 3. Jackpot now €5,400

 

GRADUATION OF CATECHISTS We congratulate Dympna Fitzpatrick, Cloghan Road, Shannonbridge from our parish who will be  among the 23 volunteer Catechists who receive their certificate of Catechesis in the course facilitated by Maryvale Institute. Fr. Tom Healy Diocesan Administrator will present the certificates at the 10am Mass on Saturday, April 23rd in St. Mel’s Cathedral. Catechists work primarily in the area of sacramental preparation in our parishes and pastoral areas. We wish Dympna and her colleagues every blessing.

I would also like to remember the late          Seamus Grennan of Shannonbridge who began the Catechist Course but sadly ill health interrupted. Leaba i measc na nAingeal agus na Naomh go raibh aige

 

Easter Thanks A special word of thanks to all those who helped us celebrate Holy Week and Easter this year. Having not celebrated Easter  in person for two years it is good to be back. Thanks again to all who played a part in our celebrations this Holy Week

 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- 090 6481180.

 

LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE TO Athlone every Saturday from Shannonbridge Church at 1:30pm. Return from Golden Island Athlone at 4:45pm

APOLOGIES for being unable to stream Holy Week Ceremonies. There is no network capability in Clonfanlough & in Shannonbridge I was not actually on the ceremonies so was unable to control camera and sound from the altar as I usually do using a MEVO streaming camer

We wish you a time of new life, new hopes and new possibilities as we celebrate the feast of Easter

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Clonmacnois Parish

April 10th 2022

Passion (Palm) Sunday (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)

 

 

PALM SUNDAY

‘Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord’

It is Holy Week again. We take our place beside the cross and begin the lonely road with Jesus that leads to the Hill of Calvary. It is a week of contrasts, shot through with moments of acclamation and condemnation, betrayal and loyalty, despair and hope, darkness and light, sadness and joy. It is a week that gives meaning to all suffering, which is shown as the price of love and the path to glory: ‘no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown’. The drama of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday is the story of the Triumph of Failure and the Triumph of Love. We have heard the story a thousand times, but we need to be reassured again that our God is near; we do not walk alone; our journey has a destination; death is not a voyage into the unknown, but, rather a journey home. By His cross and resurrection He has set us free

 

PRAYER BEFORE CRUCIFIX  Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech of Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity. With true repentance and contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while with deep affection and grief of soul, I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five precious wounds, having before my eyes the words which David Thy prophet put on Thy lips concerning Thee O Good Jesus. “They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones.” Amen. (Psalm 21:17- 18) Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory be to the Father

ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS The Rosary will be prayed each day during the month of May at hundreds of grottos around the Island of Ireland. To see a list of locations, or to register a grotto (or other suitable location) simply visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie You can also register by texting 087 278 6552. We are praying for Ireland and for peace in the world

 

 SHANNONBRIDGE

Sat 9th April 7pm Tom & Bina Nugent (Anniv.) Confession afterward

Mon 11th April 10am

Tues 12th April 10am

Wed 13th April 10am

Thurs 14th April 6:30pm Holy Thursday

Fri 15th April 3pm  Good Friday

Sat 16th April 8pm Holy Saturday 8pm Parish Easter Vigil (Shannonbridge)

Easter Sun. 17th April 12 Noon

CLONFANLOUGH

Sun 10th April 10:30am Michael J. Molloy & parents Michael and Annie

[Do This in Memory Mass ]

Thurs 14th April 6:30pm Holy Thursday

Fri 15th April 7pm  Good Friday

Sat 16th April 8pm Holy Saturday 8pm Parish Easter Vigil (Shannonbridge)

Easter Sun. 17th April 10:30am

CLUAIN CHIARAIN

Mass Wednesday, April 13th @ 7:30pm

BAPTISM - We welcome into our Christian Community Oliver Hugo Coughlan  who was baptised recently.

OFFERTORY 26th/27th March €700 Ukraine Appeal €1,000

TRÓCAIRE BOXES - Can be left into Churches during these days. ‘Let us not grow tired of doing good’. (Pope Francis) . or you may use the envelope in yearly box.. Some left at Church porches

This year the Thandekile family in Zimbabwe are on the Lenten boxes. Conflict, injustice, climate change and Covid are hurting so many around the world

UKRAINE FUNDRAISER DRAMA

Moore & Clonfad Drama Society (back by popular demand), will present a 3 act comedy ‘The Stations', by Carole King, on Sunday, 10th April at 8.00pm in Moore Community Hall. Lots of laughs guaranteed. All proceeds in aid of Unicef Ukraine Appeal.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA  begins  Good Friday 15th April. Mass in Cluain Chiarain on Sunday 24th at 2pm at Cluain Ciaran. We place our trust in Jesus & ask for His mercy & protection

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- 090 6481180.

 

FROM THE DESK

The last two Holy Weeks were overshadowed by the dark clouds of an unseen enemy of a Covid Virus, causing pain, separation and suffering to thousands worldwide. It was an enemy that brought the family of humanity together in shared suffering and solidarity. There were so many examples of quiet heroism and unseen goodness to fight this enemy. This Holy Week however, the clouds are darker and man-made, as we watch nightly the cruel and callous face of war that drives people apart in hostility and fear. The Cross of this Holy Week is not in Calvary but in Kharkiv, Mariupol, Chernigov, Kyiv, places that now have become household names, unknown to many a few months ago.

The “War Machine” describes aptly this years Crucifixion. It has no heart: if feels no pain: and it sheds no tears.

The Garden of Gethsemane anguish is in basements and bombed out shelters and on the borders of Poland. The Face of Christ’s agony is etched on the faces of the children and the mothers as they leave not just their homes and homelands but their husbands, fathers, brothers behind.

So as we walk these days of Holy Week, let us be sober, silent and continue to be shocked beyond words by this virus of hatred and horror. Let us pray our Passion Week as never before with the innocent who suffer, the mothers who grieve and the rescue missions who risk their lives, and hear once again, the scream of the Ukernian people who echo the cry of Jesus on His Cross of today…” My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

MINISTRIES  Ch. Care Maureen Mitchell /Bernie Kenny-Mgt Langtry, Euch Min Dympna Fitzpatrick 16/4/22 / Maura Molloy 17.4.22 

 

 

HOLY WEEK 2022 with our childrens help!
Next week we mark in our ceremonies the story of Holy Week.
On Good Friday April 15th at 12 Noon in Shannonbridge we plan to have Stations of the Cross.
Children are most welcome and if they would like to read a short prayer at one of 14 Stations or hold an image of the Station Or light a candle (safely!)

Easter Sunday April 17th Shannonbridge 12 noon Special family mass with a special blessing for children. We would be delighted if your child  would like to say a prayer or bring up gifts please contact Dympna Fitzpatrick 087 2284392

Easter Hunt after 12 noon mass in Shannonbridge in Playground on Easter Sunday

Please contact Dympna Fitzpatrick 087 2284392

 

HOLY WEEK 2022

We are back in person after a gap of 2 years.

We include here the times of the ceremonies for Holy Week. Because of the presence of the virus so prevalent at this time, we will omit the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday & invite people to bow (not kiss) to the Cross on Good Friday. No Dawn Mass for this year.

 Holy Thursday 14th April: 6:30 Shannonbridge Adoration afterward for an hour / 8:00pm Clonfanlough

Exposition afterwards for an hour in both churches.

Good Friday 15th April : 12 noon Stations of the Cross: Shannonbridge  1pm Confessions 3.00 p.m. The Lord’s Passion (Shannonbridge) 7pm (Clonfanlough) Confessions afterwards. Holy Saturday 16th April 8.00 p.m. Easter Vigil (Shannonbridge)

Easter Sunday 17th April 10.30 a.m Clonfanlough 12 Noon. (Shannonbridge)

 

VOICES FOR PEACE CONCERT: Tuar Ard Arts Centre will host a very special concert on Thursday April 14th (Holy Thursday) at 8pm. The Voices for Peace Concert will feature performances from Larissa Tormey, P.J. Murrihy, Charlie McGettigan, Alex Roe, Caitriona O'Sullivan, Aishling Rafferty, Dave Lawlor and Ger O'Brien. All proceeds will go to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Fund. Tickets: €20. For bookings phone 090 6482042

SILENT RETREAT at Cluain Chiarain, Clonmacnois.  Tuesday April 19th (Mass 9am, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for 36 hours) For World Peace & protection of Human Life & for all blasphemy against the Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ending with Holy Mass 8pm Wednesday, 20th April. Details Kathleen 087 6600190

SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO Draw April 4th '22. Numbers drawn 12-13-21-31

No Winner, One Match 3. Jackpot now €5,200

Loving Father, we prepare to celebrate your love during Holy Week. We thank Jesus for giving us his Body and Blood at the Last Supper. We thank him for dying on the Cross to save us. Help us to become more like Jesus in our love for you and one another. Fill our hearts and homes with your peace and joy as we celebrate His resurrection this Easter. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

RECENT DEATH John Joseph (Johnny) Kenny Kilcormac,, Burial in Clonmacnois Tuesday after 11am Mass Kilcormack