Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin January 8th 2023

 

Clonmacnois Parish

January 8th 2023

Baptism of the Lord (A)

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

Email: clonmaacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

‘Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptised by John’

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings to a conclusion the Christmas season. The momentous event at the river Jordan is reported in all four Gospels. It marks the bridge between the hidden life of Jesus in Nazareth and His public ministry. The word Baptism is a transliteration of the Greek word ‘baptizo’, which means to immerse. As He enters the waters of the river, He immerses Himself in our story, which is now raised to a new dignity. He goes to the place where life begins, and He emerges to offer His followers new life. When we went through the waters of Baptism we were drawn into this new life, which is the very life of God. We took the first step on a lifelong walk with Him. We committed ourselves to follow the way He showed us, and to be His witnesses always. We never leave our Baptism behind. We try to live it out every day, and we learn every day. In our often feeble efforts we can identify with the saint of old, who, when asked near the end of his life if he was a Christian, replied with great humility: ‘not yet’! ‘Celebrate the date of your Baptism every year in your heart. Do it.’ (Pope Francis).

Congratulations to all who were welcomed into the Christian Community in our Parish during the past 12 months

 

 SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Sat 7th Jan 7pm Joan Farrelly (2anniv)

Mon 9th 10am Mass

Tues 10th 10am Mass

Wed 11th 10am Mass

Thurs 12th 10am Mass

Fri 13th No Mass

Sat 14th 7pm  Seamus Grennan Anniv;

Michael & Stephen Shrahan Anniv.

 

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Sun 8th  Ann (1st Anniv) & Jimmy Egan

(Communion Children Monthly Mass)

Sun 15th Jan 10:30am Ciarán Kearns 1A

CLUAIN CHIARAIN  Wednesday January 11th 2023  @ 7:30pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 31st/Jan 1st  €500.

Christmas Dues Envelopes for the Priest of the Parish: Sincere thanks for your kindness and generosity. This collection is forwarded to a central fund and each priest gets a monthly allowance.

 

Courage Give me courage, Lord, today to face what comes along. Give me the faith and love I need to fill each day with song. Give me courage, Lord, today to follow in your way; Help me to do what I should do, And hear me when I pray. Give me courage Lord, today And strength to do your will; Lead me and guide me, precious Lord, For I need your presence still. Come, take away my pain You are my Master, Lord, and King and ever shall remain.

MINISTRIES

Readers: 14/1/23 @7pm Grennan Family (SB)/ 15/1/23 @10:30am Kearns Family (Cf) Communion 14/1/23 @7pm Dympna Fitzpatrick 8/1/23@10:30am Anne Rohan Church Care Paula Claffey, Antoinette Kelly, Deirdre Kenny SB:Mary Guinan, Ann Guinan (Jan) (CF) Counters: Clonfanlough  (Jan)  Servers; 14/1/23 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  Hannah M, Oisin K, Jack O’D  15/1/23 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough Mark O’S, Alannah D, Caoimhin D, Saoirse T.   

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Wed. 18th to 25th January 2023.

Catholic Schools Week – Sunday 22nd to 29th January 2023.

  

 A Prayer for the New Year Lord in this New Year which we have begun, may we have enough happiness to keep us agreeable, enough trials to keep us strong, enough sorrow to keep us human, enough freedom to keep us happy, enough failure to keep us humble, enough success to keep us eager, enough wealth to meet our needs, enough faith to banish depression, enough hope to look forward, enough love to give us comfort, And enough determination to keep us going

  Benedict’s complex legacy                                            Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who tried to reawaken Christianity in a secularized Europe, died Dec 31st 2022, aged 95. But will forever be remembered as the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the job, Benedict stunned the world on Feb. 11, 2013, when he announced that he no longer had the strength to run the 1.2 billion strong Catholic Church that he had steered for eight years through scandal and indifference. His dramatic decision paved the way for the conclave that elected Pope Francis as his successor. The two popes then lived side-by-side in the Vatican gardens, an unprecedented arrangement that probably set the scene for popes in future years. Francis presided and preached at Benedict’s funeral Mass on Thursday. He praised Benedict’s “kindness” and thanked him for “his testimony of faith and prayer, especially in these final years of retired life.” Benedict never wanted to be pope, apparently. Instead he planned at age 78 to spend his final years writing in the “peace and quiet” of his native Bavaria. Instead, he was forced to follow the footsteps of John Paul II and run the church through the fallout of the clerical sex abuse scandal. .His supporters say that as pope he forced the Catholic Church to make it easier to get rid of abusers. (over 400 laicised & dismissed from priesthood)  Others say he didn't go far enough.  Being elected pope, he once said, felt like a “guillotine” had come down on him. Loved by some, reviled by others. Nevertheless, he set about the job with a single-minded vision to rekindle the faith in a world that, he frequently lamented, seemed to think it could do without God. “In vast areas of the world today, there is a strange forgetfulness of God,” he told 1 million young people gathered for World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, in 2005. “It seems as if everything would be just the same even without him.” He echoed that theme in his final will released by the Vatican on Saturday night, urging the faithful especially in his homeland to “stand firm in the faith!” Two pages in length and dated 2006, the will also touched on a theme dear to his heart of the beneficial dialogue between faith and reason. With some controversial moves, he tried to remind Europe of its Christian heritage. And he set the Catholic Church on a conservative, tradition-minded path that often alienated progressives. He relaxed the restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass and launched a crackdown on others insisting that the church stay true to its doctrine and traditions in the face of a changing world. –I’ve always believed every Pope had a  Mission. John Paul II as the pope of  HOPE—his stirring words “Do Not be afraid” Benedict XVI was the pope of FAITH –developed the Universal Catechism & argued for the reasonableness of Faith with reason. Pope Francis (I feel) is the pope of CHARITY. God knows our world needs it now. (adapted from Fr. Dick Lyng OSA)

 

LOVELY TO  SEE  Rian & Miah Duffy of Clonmacnois on Thursday night on RTE Nationwide (Wed 4th Jan)   as part of Music Generation Roscommon   It’s still on RTE Player

 DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of  Jan 2nd  2023. Numbers drawn 2-17-24-28.  No Winner. Four Match 3 Next draw 9/1/23

 

2023 CALENDARS available in Porches

2023 BIBLE DIARIES  in stock. Cost price €12.50. contains reading texts for year & short reflection

2023 SUNDAY MASS READINGS book available (freely) for Parish Readers

Community Dinners return Jan 9th

 

Anam Cara Midlands, the support group for bereaved parents, will hold their January meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday, January 11 beginning at 7:15pm. A welcome to all bereaved bereaved parents, regardless of the age of the child or circumstances of death, and their door is always open to new attendees.Bereaved parent in the Midlands area can contact Anam Cara on 085 2888888 or by email info@anamcara.ie

 

Offaly Alzheimer Café in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on this Monday January 9th at 10.30 a.m. Special Guest: Beth Wogan from the Tullamore branch of Family Carers Ireland. She will give a talk about the different services that they offer. The Offaly Alzheimer Café provides a warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, social and health care professionals to meet, exchange ideas and learnings. Everybody welcome! For further details contact Claire Dolan 087 7151323 or email Claire.dolan@alzheimer.ie

 

BLESSING OF WALKING TRACK

There will be a blessing of the walking track by Fr Tom Cox on Wednesday 11th January at 7 pm. All members of our parish community are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served on the night.
This takes place as part of the Ireland Lights Up Every Step Co unts Challenge. To partake in the challenge, and help our club be in with a chance of winning €5000, follow these 2 steps:
1. Download the My Life Irish Life app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Join the challenge - TAP Social > Challenges > PendingTAP Leinster - Every Step Counts > Shannonbridge
We hope to see you there on the night and that everyone in our community who wishes to use this fantastic amenity can do so. The walking track is open until 9:30 pm every night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clonmacnois January 6th 2023

 

Clonmacnois Parish

January 6th 2023

Epiphany (A)

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

Email: clonmacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 

 SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Thurs 5th Jan

Parish Mass 7pm (Eve of Epiphany)

Fri 6th Jan 2023 (see Clonfanlough 7pm)

Sat 7th Jan 7pm Joan Farrelly (2anniv)

Mon 9th

Tues 10th

Wed 11th

Thurs 12th

Fri 13th No Mass

Sat 14th 7pm  Seamus Grennan Anniv;

Michael & Stephen Shrahan Anniv.

 

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Fri 6th Jan (Epiphany & First Fri) 7pm

Sun 8th  Ann (1st Anniv) & Jimmy Egan

Sun 15th Jan 10:30am Ciarán Kearns 1A

CLUAIN CHIARAIN  Wednesday January 11th 2023  @ 7:3pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 31st/Jan 1st  €500

 

Sincere Thanks to all who helped or volunteered in anyway during the Christmas in both Churches and to all who help out during the year. Your support is very much appreciated.

Epiphany House Blessing Celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, (January 6, 2023),

 20+ C + M + B + 23

it is a tradition of using chalk to write above the home’s entrance asking for God’s blessing on the home and those who dwell in or visit the home. As the family gathers in prayer, it is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our lives and our home. Mark your front doorway (use chalk)  20+ C + M + B + 23

Here is a suggested format for the blessing:

All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Leader: Peace be to this house and to all who dwell here, in the name of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Reader: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” After their audience with the king, they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother. The prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Using chalk (blessed at the Mass), write on the outside of your house or inside above the front main entrance or next to an entrance: C+M+B+2023

The letters C, M, B have two meanings: • They are the initials of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. • They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and 2023 is the year of the blessing.

 Leader: Asking for God’s blessing we pray:

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

All: Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who live here and all who visit. May we be blessed with health, kindness of heart, gentleness, and the keeping of your law. Fill us with the light of Christ that our love for each other may go out to all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on 6 January. This feast is also called Little Christmas and Women’s Christmas. The Three Kings have arrived from the East to honour the Infant Jesus. They represented the Gentiles and were directed by a star to Bethlehem. They knew that a King was born who deserved homage and respect. They knelt to worship Him and offered Him precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They returned home a different way disregarding Herod’s request. If we follow Jesus Christ we will reach heaven. May God guide us and set us on the right course. Amen

 

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To make music in the heart.  (By Howard Thurman)

Prayer for the New Year May the Lord make my New Year a happy one... Not by shielding me from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening me to bear it if it comes. Not by making my path easy, but by making me sturdy enough to tread any path. Not by taking hardship from me, but by taking all cowardice and fear from my heart as I meet hardships. Amen

New Year’s Resolutions. My New Year’s resolutions, What a pleasure to describe: To be more neat, watch what I eat, Less frequently imbibe; To be benign and patient, Ever caring and polite, With full aplomb serenely calm And nevermore uptight; To suffer asses gladly, Cast aside pretense and pride, In all I wear look debonair, Genteel and dignified. My New Year’s resolutions, How inspiring to review . . . Spectacular! ... too bad they are Impossible to do! -John T. Baker

.MINISTRIES

Readers: 7/1/23 @7pm Dympna O’Carroll(SB)/ 8/1/23 @10:30am Della Fitzgerald (Cf) Communion 7/1/23 @7pm Fergal Moran 8/1/23@10:30am Bridie Coughlan Church Care Dympna Fitzpatrickddddddd, Dympna O’Carroll, Linda Moran SB:Mary Guinan, Ann Guinan (Jan) (CF) Counters: Clonfanlough  (Jan)  Servers; 7/1/23 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  Liam F, James D 8/1/23 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough Ted R, Jack R, Keelan K, Kara K,  

 OFFALY PRO-LIFE - Are organising a baby shower to coincide with Nollaig na mBan. We are asking supporters to donate their excess baby clothes, baby necessities and maternity wear etc. for mothers in need. We will have a van parked in the public car park outside the Heritage Centre in Ferbane from 11am to noon on Saturday 7th January where these items can be dropped off.

DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of  Jan 2nd  2023. Numbers drawn 2-17-24-28.  No Winner. Four Match 3 Next draw 9/1/23

2023 CALENDARS available in Porches

2023 BIBLE DIARIES  in stock. Cost price €12.50. contains reading texts for year & short reflection

2023 SUNDAY MASS READINGS book available (freely) for Parish Readers

School returns 19 April 2005 and ended on 28 February 2013  Jan 5th Thursday 2023

Official Opening Walking Track Wed 11th Jan at 7pm

Community Dinners return Jan 9th

 

Anam Cara Midlands, the support group for bereaved parents, will hold their January meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday, January 11 beginning at 7:15pm. A welcome to all bereaved bereaved parents, regardless of the age of the child or circumstances of death, and their door is always open to new attendees.Bereaved parent in the Midlands area can contact Anam Cara on 085 2888888 or by email info@anamcara.ie

BLESSING OF WALKING TRACK

There will be a blessing of the walking track by Fr Tom Cox on Wednesday 11th January at 7 pm. All members of our parish community are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served on the night.
This takes place as part of the Ireland Lights Up Every Step Co unts Challenge. To partake in the challenge, and help our club be in with a chance of winning €5000, follow these 2 steps:
1. Download the My Life Irish Life app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Join the challenge - TAP Social > Challenges > PendingTAP Leinster - Every Step Counts > Shannonbridge
We hope to see you there on the night and that everyone in our community who wishes to use this fantastic amenity can do so. The walking track is open until 9:30 pm every night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clonmacnois Parish Bulletin January 1st 2023

                                                                Clonmacnois Parish

January 1st 2023

Mary (Mother of  God)  (A)

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

Email: clonmaacnoiseparish@gmail.com

     WEB  shannonbridge.blogspot.ie

FACEBOOK    https://www.facebook.com/

 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

This Feast is well placed, because Christmas is above all the season of the family. These are the days when we return to rest again in the cradle of our life and love. The family is a Gospel in itself. It is good news for society. It is one of nature’s masterpieces. While parents stand at the centre of family life, we are reminded, in the persons of Simeon and Anna that grandparents are a precious gem at the heart of the household too. ‘They sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children’ (Alex Haley). On the threshold of another year, we raise-up in prayer our families, young and old, living and sleeping. May our departed ones sleep in peace, and through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph may our homes continue to be circles of strength, schools of faith and communities of love. Athbhliain shuaimhneach orainn uilig.

 A Christmas Candle Prayer Help me to enter into the real experience of this special time, to let go of needless anxiety and stress To feel peace and healing enter my tired spirit .

 With this Candle I pray this Christmas For Peace in my family For children and young adults in broken families For couples going through the pain of separation For those who dread Christmas, because they have lost a loved one For those who are more lonely at Christmas For families who are fearful of violence because a father or mother drinks too much For those who are losing faith and hope For those who have to spend Christmas in hospital For those who suffer from depression For those worried about their children, about binge-drinking, drugs or violence on the streets For those who cannot come home for Christmas For those who find it difficult to come home to God, to faith and to the church

 

 First Friday Friday next is the First Friday. House Calls during the week.

Dates for 2023

Ash Wednesday – February 22nd

Easter Sunday - April 9th

First Holy Communion – April 22nd

Cemetery Sunday – August 5th 2023

  SHANNONBRIDGE  (Eircode N37 FV05)

Saturday 31st Dec 7pm

Mon 2nd Jan 2023 10am

Tues 3rd Jan 2023 10am

Wed 4th Jan 2023 10am

Thurs 5th Jan

(8:30am Irish Time: funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI)\

Parish Mass 7pm (Eve of Epiphany)

Fri 6th Jan 2023 (see Clonfanlough 7pm)

Sat 7th Jan 7pm Joan Farrelly (2anniv)

CLONFANLOUGH (N37 XR81)

Sun 1st Jan 2023 10:30am John & Agnes O’Shea

Fri 6th Jan (Epiphany & First Fri) 7pm

Sun 8th Jan Ann (1st Anniv) & Jimmy Egan

CLUAIN CHIARAIN 11/1/23 @ 7:3pm                     

OFFERTORY  Dec 25th €1,685

BAPTISM  We welcome into our Christian Community Amelia Grace Sheridan, who received the Sacrament of Baptism in our Parish during the week

RECENTLY DECEASED : We remember and pray for Mary O’Brien (Coosan) formerly Shannonbridge. Sister of Patrica Casey May she now rest in the Home of Jesus. Amen.

FEAST DAYS FOR COMING WEEK

Jan. 2nd Ss Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen (Bishops) These two bishops ministered in Turkey in the fourth century. Jan. 6th The Epiphany of the Lord The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as messiah of Israel, son of God and Savior of the world. This great Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Masses for the Feast Day:

Vigil: Thurs. 7.00pm. (Shannonbridge) Fri.: 7pm . (Clonfanlough)

PARISH IN A YEAR

16 Baptisms 14 Funerals

9 1st Communions 13 Confirmations

.MINISTRIES

Readers: 7/1/23 @7pm Dympna O’Carroll(SB)/ 8/1/23 @10:30am Della Fitzgerald (Cf) Communion 7/1/23 @7pm Fergal Moran 8/1/23@10:30am Bridie Coughlan Church Care Dympna Fitzpatrick, Dympna O’Carroll, Linda Moran SB:Mary Guinan, Ann Guinan (Jan) (CF) Counters: Clonfanlough  (Jan)  Servers; 7/1/23 @ 5pm Shannonbridge  Liam F, James D 8/1/23 @ 10:30am Clonfanlough Ted R, Jack R, Keelan K, Kara K,  

 New Year

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring , happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

For those here we see no more;

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in Christ that is to be.

In Memorian : Alfred Lord Tennysn (1809 - 1892) poet.

Prayer for the New Year

God of all time,

help us enter the New Year quietly,

thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact

and our words carry power.

 

May we walk gently.

 May we speak

only after we have listened well.

Creator of all life,

help us enter the New Year reverently,

aware that you have endowed

every creature and plant,

every person and habitat

with beauty and purpose.

 

May we regard the world with tenderness.

May we honour rather than destroy.

Lover of all souls,

help us enter the New Year joyfully,

willing to laugh and dance and dream,

remembering our many gifts with thanks

and looking forward to blessings yet to come.

May we welcome your lavish love.

In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Vinita Hampton Wright

 

 OFFALY PRO-LIFE - Are organising a baby shower to coincide with Nollaig na mBan. We are asking supporters to donate their excess baby clothes, baby necessities and maternity wear etc. for mothers in need. We will have a van parked in the public car park outside the Heritage Centre in Ferbane from 11am to noon on Saturday 7th January where these items can be dropped off.

EMPLOYABILITY MIDLANDS - Do you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job? If the answer is yes, you can contact Liam on 086 387 3047 or Patricia on 086 145 1074 and we will be happy to tell you more about EmployAbility Midlands. For further information visit www. employabilitymidlands.com.

 ARE YOU, OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, LIVING WITH A LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITION? - If so, then you may be interested in the ‘Living Well Programme’. Living Well is a Free ONLINE, 6 week group self-management programme for adults living with long term health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke and others to name but a few. The Living Well Programme supports people to develop the skills and confidence to live with their health condition. There are spaces available on our January programmes. To book your place please contact Áine (041) 6850676 / (087) 1140371 or Joanne (041) 6860710 / (087) 4308735 or visit www.hse.ie/ livingwell.

DOON/SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTERY

-Draw of Dec 27th  2022. Numbers drawn 4-7-23-31.  No Winner. Five Match 3 Next draw 2/1/23

2023 CALENDARS available in Porches

2023 BIBLE DIARIES  in stock. Cost price €12.50. contains reading texts for year & short reflection

2023 SUNDAY MASS READINGS book available (freely) for Parish Readers

School returns 19 April 2005 and ended on 28 February 2013  Jan 5th Thursday 2023

Official Opening Walking Track Wed 11th Jan at 7pm

Community Dinners return Jan 9th

 A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: (1927-2022)

Pontiff 19 April 2005 to 28 February 2013 

Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict, who governed your Church with love. May your Son welcome him into eternal glory. Amen

 THE NEW YEAR As the dawn breaks on a New Year let us give thanks for all that we hold dear, our families, our health, our friends. The year ahead is our next chance at the art of living. It is an unspoiled page in our book of time. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honour rather than destroy. May we laugh and dance and dream. May we place our hands in in the hand of God who makes all things new

 

Wishing All a Happy New Year