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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Clonmacnois Parish

March 7th 2021

Third Sunday of Lent

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

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com
     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie
FACEBOOK https://fb.me/saintciarans
 
St. Patrick’s Day Novena.
St. Patrick’s Day is ten days away, the anniversary of Lockdown as I write, “a Novena Time”. It was this time last year (March 12th)  our Churches closed….. all changed, changed utterly. “The normal” became “A new normal”, a changed normal for everyone, everywhere and at every age. Patrick is the Patron of our Country. In the recent past St. Patrick’s Day has become “Paddy's Day”, a day of secular celebration and sadly at times a day of excess alcohol consumption. It had become a day that had lost its roots of faith and hope, the faith of our fathers and our mothers. Patrick was a real person. He was strong, humble, brave and prayerful. He had a passionate love for the Irish people. His Breastplate Prayer is a powerful prayer of protection.
 Christ be with me
Christ be beside me
Christ be before me
Christ be behind me.
Christ be at my right hand.
Christ be at my left hand.
Christ be with me everywhere I Go.
Christ be my friend for ever and ever . Amen.
This year let us turn again to Patrick and rediscover his faith, friendship and protection for all of our land and for all of our people who are far away. This week I invite you to do two things. I ask you to pray St. Patrick’s Breastplate printed above as a prayer of novena during the coming days. In the Lenten Pack (still some in Churches) there is a St. Patrick’s Day Card. Use it or get more to write to your friends, neighbours or family abroad or to peoples  in Nursing Homes (post free even-see details below!)  and Hospitals and people who have not been home in ages.
We will also place a book in the Church for the coming week. I invite you to write the names of family or friends living abroad this St. Patrick’s Day, writing the name of the country where they are. We will place their names on the Altar for our Mass on St. Patrick’s Day in order to remember them in a prayer of peace and protection, the prayer of Patrick for them.
 
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.
  ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Sat March 6th 7:00p.m. Mary, John & Francis Smyth (Anniv.)
Sun March 7th 10:30a.m. John Joe Maleney (Anniv.)
Mon March 8th  10am Mass
 St John of God (1495-1550) He devoted his life to the care of the poor and the sick. Seeing the good he was doing many people began to back him with money and provisions. The utter humility of John of God, which led to a total selfless dedication to others, is most impressive.
Tues March 9th 7p.m. Maureen Rock
 St Frances of Rome (1348-1440) Born of wealthy parents, Francis found herself attracted to the religious life during her youth. She longed for a life style of prayer and service to the poor of the city, so while raising a family, she organized a group of women to minister to the needs of the poor.
Wed March 10th  10a.m. Mass James & Ellen Crowe (Clongowney)
Thurs March 11th  10a.m. Mass
Fri March 12th 10a.m. Mass
Sat March 13th 7p.m.  Anniv. Tom & Bina Nugent
Sun March 14th 10:30a.m. Peoples Intention
ADORATION Shannonbridge 12-6p.m.
****** 
RECENT DEATHS  Brendan Dee (Ahascragh & Shannonbridge) 2./3/21
 OFFERTORY Feb. 28  €747
Feb. Shrine €560  Feb. Monthly €505  Shrove Dues Envelopes   €1,680 
CHURCH COLLECTIONS We are extremely grateful and greatly appreciate your generosity in these challenging times. Thanks to Moran’s Gala Fergal & Linda Moran  and staff for kindly facilitating the collection of the envelopes.Other Options include
-Presbytery Letterbox
-Clonfanlough Box Sunday 10:30-12:15 at pier.
ALSO Clonfanlough Church Porch Box There is now  a secure box in the Church Porch in Clonfanlough for ease of submitting Parish Envelopes any time. It’s just inside the front door to the left.
Bank Transfer (Do give your Box No. or name in bank narrative)   Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
 
 A SHORT LENTEN PRAYER .....
May there be peace within you today. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you embrace endless possibilities that will always come your way. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
May you feel unburdened, free and energised by a sense of God in your life. May you know that it's ok not to have it all worked out and that God will also help you work it out too!
May you treasure this day as a precious gift and be open to some surprise along the way. May you finish today with a sense of gratitude, knowing you have done your best and that no more is asked of you. Amen
STAY STRONG When things get hard, have strong roots. Do not let rough times beat you down. Stress is just temporary, like a winter and wind are for a tree. It goes away after sometime. In the end, all will be well. Stay strong, stand tall and keep on being the amazing person you are.
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
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
"Stop turning my Father's house into a market"
When Jesus shows anger, we should take notice. What gave rise to His deep anger in this  episode in the Temple? Firstly, ordinary people coming as pilgrims for the Feast of  Passover were being exploited by the moneychangers. Secondly, the trading in the Court of the Gentiles was preventing these people from finding a space to worship in what should
be a House of Prayer for all people. In all of this, the House of God was being disrespected greatly. In Old Testament Times, God always had a designated
place in which to meet His people from Abraham a Bethel to Moses at the burning bush to  Solomon in his temple. The meeting place within garden as people was always holy ground. It still is. While it is true that God can be in the "book of creation" and
in the faces of people, we should have a heightened sense of awareness, reverence,  dignity and respect for His special presence in His house. It’s beannaithe Tigh Dé. 
“The House of God is not a place where people meet in a trivial spirit of  festivity. There should be religious awe in being face to face with God" (Cardinal Robert Sarah).  When Jesus shows anger we need to take notice.
 
 TROCAIRE BOXES
Trocaire boxes available in all Churches and Post Offices.  You can donate to Trocaire in the following ways- (1) Donate securely online to: www.trocaire.org (2) Return your box or envelope to your church or parochial house. (3) Give by Callsave to: 1850 408 408 (4) Post your donation by return envelope to: Trocaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
KNOCK LENTEN CONVERSATIONS  Baroness Nuala O'Loan, Senator Ronan Mullen discuss their own faith, how it informs their public service and the challenges people of faith encounter in the public sphere today. www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live or on Facebook @knockshrine
DOG FOULING IN CEMETERY I have received concerned comments from parishioners upset at encountering dog fouling/urinating  in Clonmacnois Cemetery. I realise that more people are visiting cemeteries in our present circumstances– but we need to remember it’s a shared space and sacred to our memory of our deceased family members. People are understandably sensitive to this. Thanks to some locals for bringing away grave materials dumped (no other word fits it is dumping) there. There are bags of clay and stones abandoned which is unfair as there is no agency to collect them.  I must check now for remaining Christmas holly wreaths before the Easter Lilies arrive!! 
MOTHERS DAY 14th March  I have ordered some items for our young friends in the parish to get “crafty” (literally) for Mother’s Day.. I’m just hoping they arrive in time in the post!     
COVID 19 SUPPORT LINE  ALONE is the name of a support line for older people who have concerns relating to the virus Covid 19. Professional staff are available to answer queries, and give advice and reassurance when necessary. This service is open 7 days a week, 8.00am to 8.00pm. Phone 0818222024.
 SHANNONBRIDGE GAA  Lotto Results March 1st 2021 19-22-26-28 No Jackpot Winner. Two Match 3  Next Weeks Jackpot is €8,800. Draw on FB
Mobile Foot Health Service - House Calls Contact Maura  086-8053671 to arrange an appointment.      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Clonmacnois Parish

February 28th 2021

Second Sunday of Lent

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

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK https://fb.me/saintciarans

 

SECOND  SUNDAY OF LENT
‘He was transfigured’
Mountains in Scripture are places of revelation. We think of Nebo, Sinai, Tabor, Calvary. Mountains provide a different perspective. From the height, we see things in a new way. The Tabor event happened 1,800 feet above the plain, when Peter, James and John had withdrawn from the crowd, recalling the wilderness experience of Jesus, which was recounted in last Sunday’s Gospel. The disciples had been accompanying Jesus for a long time. They had walked with Him, talked with Him, listened to Him, but it was only in the quiet space that they saw Him in a different light. Jesus showed His disciples His glory, a glory that had been there all the time. We miss things that have been there all along. Most people spend their time ‘looking at’ life, but not actually ‘seeing into’ it. Children see magic, because they look for it. If only we opened ourselves to the world around us with the eyes of wonder we would notice the fingerprint of God in ordinary things from the spider’s web to the robin’s nest; from the rising of the sun to its’ setting; from the milky way to the ebb and flow of the tide. The glory of heaven is constantly breaking-in. Earth is the place where heaven unfolds. Heaven is very near. All we need is perception. ‘Nature is a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants to us a glimpse of His infinite beauty and goodness’. (St. Francis)
ALL MASSES ONLINE—LEVEL 5
Sat. 27th Feb. 7pm. Vigil 2nd Sun. of Lent John, Mary & Pat Maloney & Frank Moran anniversaries
Sun. 28th Feb 10:30am 2nd Sun. of Lent
Michael & Mary Kelly & family Members. & Amy Drὂll (Died in New York, sister of Michael Kelly) apologies for typing error last week.
Mon March 1st 10am Mass
St David St David is the patron saint of Wales, where he was an abbot and bishop in the sixth century. Several Irish saints of the time were his pupils. He died in 601.
Tues March 2nd 10am Mass
Wed March 3rd 10am Mass
Thurs March 4th (St. Casimir ) 10am James Joseph McManus (Leitra) (30th Anniv.)
Fri March 5th (First Friday)  7p.m.
St Kieran of Ossory  He was a priest and bishop who studied on the continent. He is associated with Ossory, Co Kilkenny, where he lives as a hermit on his father’s domain.
Sat March 6th 7:00p.m.
Sun March 7th 10:30a.m. John Joe Maleney (Anniv.)
ADORATION Shannonbridge 12-6p.m.
****** 
 OFFERTORY Feb. 21st  €309
February online €100 Annual Donation  €700 Shrove Dues Envelopes for Priests Income €1,249 (€1,447 in 2020)  February Monthly Envelopes €450
CHURCH COLLECTIONS We deeply appreciate your support during this difficult time. .Name of Account Clonmacnois Parochial Account.
BIC-BOFIIE2DXXX    
IBAN-IE90BOFI90368011629381
WORLD BOOK DAY QUIZ - Thursday 4th March is World Book Day. World Book Day is Ireland’s biggest annual event promoting the enjoyment of books and reading. Offaly Libraries would like to invite you to participate in our World Book Day Family Quiz. This is a fun quiz for all the family with multiple choice questions against the clock... Tickets must be booked in advance through Eventbrite. Quiz will commence @ 6pm
 SHANNONBRIDGE GAA  Lotto Results 15th Feb 2021  5-21-27-31
No Jackpot or Match three winners. €400 added to Next weeks jackpot €8,600! Draw on Facebook Live
 
 "FIRST CONFESSION & COMMUNION 2021
We all hoped for an open and inclusive celebration of the Sacraments in our Parish this year. Unfortunately, the need to plan ahead with restrictions in place, still exists. The issues arising are:
1) ) We presume reduced capacity along with the usual public health restrictions both on our gatherings in Church and afterwards as families until 70% of the population are vaccinated.
 2) Preparing children for the two Sacraments (First Confession & First Communion) in a compressed timeframe in school and with limited capacity in churches would bring a huge burden on all involved -School ,Parish and parent body.
3)We discussed this as local Clergy with our Bishop Francis Duffy. It was pointed out that we simply cannot issue dates for 2021.
In our Diocese, a few parish First Communions of 2020 have not been celebrated yet.
For all these reasons and to give some guidance in unclear times, it would be best to defer to 2022 when we hope an “Open Ireland” will prevail for all to celebrate such a First Communion  Day worthily, fully and well. Yours
Tom Cox (Adm. Clonmacnois Parish)
Michelle Donnelly (Class teacher)
  
COVID-10 VACCINATION PROGRAMME
The Irish bishops have encouraged Catholics to support the Covid-19 vaccination programme,
“not only for their own good, but for the protection of life and the health of those who are
vulnerable and for the common good of humanity.” (Irish Bishops) As vaccination is a medical
issue, it is important that people discuss it with their own GP. For further information on the
Church’s position with regard to vaccines, see
https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2020/12/09/bishops-conference-statement-welcomingvaccines-for-the-common-good/
 
A LENTEN PRAYER
We walk about with secret fears and grief's,
With troubles, worries and problems
unknown to those around us……………..
We know not what weighs upon the heart of the person next to us in line,
Ahead of us in traffic, or the man or woman,
boy or girl, passing by us on our way…………..
Help me be gentle, Lord, today with all whose paths cross mine,
Remind me that their burdens are at least
as many and just as heavy as the ones I bear myself. Amen.
 
THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT SUNDAY
Loving God,
there is so much darkness in my life
and I hide from you.
Take my hand
and lead me out of the shadows of my fear.
Help me to change my heart.
Bring me to your truth
and help me to respond to your generous love.
Let me recognize the fullness of your love
which will fill my life.
Free me from the darkness in my heart.
TROCAIRE BOXES
Because of the difficulties in distribution this year due to the Covid lockdown, An Post have very kindly offered to display the Trócaire boxes that
had been intended for a schools audience,
throughout all post offices in the country. These have arrived at Shannonbridge Post Office. Over 120,000 English language boxes and 3,300 Irish boxes will be Distributed nationally . So you can pick up a Trócaire box from any  post office.
Your support can help families like Ajak’s and
Awut’s hurt by conflict survive and thrive.
 
“The word 'listen' contains the same
letters as the word 'silent'.”
 GALILEE ONLINE LENTEN EVENINGS  Hope Springs… Spirituality for Lent 2021 Three Tues. March 9th, 16th & 23rd from 7.30 – 9 p.m. via Zoom. €5 each evening. All welcome. Booking and link: info@galilee.ie
March 9th Elizabeth Davis RSM, the congregational leader of the Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland, has been a teacher and a health care administrator. She holds a doctorate in Scripture and teaches Old Testament at Queen’s College in St. John’s NL.
March 16th Ms. Carol Barry is a retreat director, lecturer, spiritual director here in Ireland and abroad.
March 23rd Ms. Niamh Morris is a Parish Pastoral Worker of the Dublin Diocese, serving in Brackenstown Parish. She is passionate about accompanying people on their journey of faith
 
WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER This First Friday of March is World Day of Prayer with the theme this year of“Building on a Strong Foundation” Please click on: Women’s World Day of Prayer 2021 for resources.  Written by Christian women of Vanuatu
 
FR SEAN McDONAGH BOOK LAUNCH
Fr Seán’s new book, Robots, Ethics and the Future of Jobs, will be launched Thursday 4 March at 7pm by Professor John Sweeney and Dr Lorna Gold. To join the launch on Zoom
just email https://www.messenger.ie/product/robots-ethics-and-the-future-of-jobs/ and wait for the invitation to enter the room!
 
WEST OFFALY TRAINING - Are offering Train the Trainer, QQI Level 6. This course will be offered online from the 15th March for 10 sessions. For more information call 057 9152003 / 086 8413082 or email josephine@westioffalytraining.com.
 
Mobile Foot Health Practitioner Service - House Calls Available Daytime and Evening. Contact Maura at 086-8053671 to arrange an appointment.