TRIED AND TESTED
Luke 4:1-13

Like the season of Spring, Lent is a time of change, growth and new life. It is a time of "new hearts and fresh starts" which begins with the recognition that we are weak and in need of God.
Today's Gospel story of Jesus' temptation in the desert is our story. We all are tested in different ways. From Jesus we learn that the way to victory when overwhelmed by trials and temptations is to abandon oneself to God in total humility, loyalty and dependence. With God's help we are made strong. And when we are strong in God, we have the will and the power for good. Tried and tested Christians are generally humble and confident; open and free; gentle and strong.

Community Activites

Women's World Day of Prayer: This year's service is in St Catherine's, Hophill, Fri 5th at 8.00pm. Theme, compiled by women of Panama, "In faith, Women shape the Future". Homily by Mrs Lucy Field. Cuppa afterwards. All welcome.
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration - 24 hours daily in Hospital Chapel. Can you start, now that Lent is here, to give one hour each week to Jesus. Ph 21232.
Scoil Mhuire: Enrolment forms for Junior Infants available from school Mon 1st-Fri 5 during school hours.
Simon Casey to launch Daffodil Day Mon 1, 11am, Bridge House.
Secular Franciscans: Meeting Tues 2, 7pm, Mercy Convent. New members welcome.
Camogie Club: U-14 training commences Fri 5, 5.30pm, O'Brien Park.
Rugby Club: Youth's Disco, Fri 5, 9-12pm, in aid of youths rugby.
Garden Club: Meeting with guest speaker from Gem Garden Centre, Wed 3, 8pm, Durrow Room, Bridge House.
Children of Mary: Meeting Tues 2, 8pm.
Astronomical Society: Talk, "Fire in the Sky" followed by observation, Mon 1, 8pm, Order of Malta rooms, Tanyard. Details on www.tullamoreastronomy.com.
Irish Wheelchair Assoc: Members and volunteers AGM Tues 2, 7.30pm, Day Care Centre, followed by open meeting 9.00pm with guest speaker Mary Grogan.
Offaly Pro-Life Campaign: Meeting Wed 3, 8.30pm, Bridge House.
Pilgrimages: Fatima with spiritual director Fr John Nally, 7-14 May, ph 51309;Medjugorje with Fr McLaughlin, Rahan, 4-11 Oct, ph Anne 51090/0857236680; Medjugorje 16 Apr. Ph 0906481090. Playground Group petitioning town council for free/safe children's playground. If interested ph 087-9274614
Little Sisters of the Poor collecting in parish from Tues 2.
Lost: Wedding ring, Tesco car park Wed afternoon. Reward. Ph 22200.
Parish Information & Support Services - Confidential Phone Line 26604: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm; 6.00-8.00pm. (Note change in time).
ACCORD Marriage & Relationship counselling Mon-Fri 9.30am-1.30pm, 41831;
Suicide Bereavement Support - group sessions for family members or friends - if interested ph Rita 086-8157320;
CIC Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm, 2-4pm, Sat 10-12 ,52204;
Epiplepsy Assoc Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm 28631;
AA Mon, Thurs, Sat Mercy Convent 8.30pm;
Al-Anon Thurs 8.30pm, 17 Chapel St. 01-8732699;
Vincent De Paul 22072;
Dochas - Cancer Info & Support Drop in centre 12 Henry St, Mon/Wed/Fri 10.30am-12.30pm 28268;
Sexual Abuse & Rape Counselling Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Mon 8-10.30pm. 1800323232;
Grow Thurs 7.30pm Day Care Arden Rd, 51124;
Aware Mon 8.45pm Community Mental Health Centre 1890303302;
Women in Crisis Ozanam House, Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 51886;
Life Pregnancy Care 7B Cormac St Sat 12-3pm 1850281281;
Breastfeeding Support Group 3rd Thurs, 8pm, Education Resource Centre Hospital. 0502-24317; Fibromyalgia Group: Last Tues of month, 8pm, Day Care Centre. 22420;
Anew - support group for women with alcohol problems, Wed 8pm, Ofalia House Edenderry, 086-1024743.

Lenten Evening Prayer in the Church of the Assumption today, Sunday 29th, at 5.30pm. All welcome.
Evening Masses for Lent: Tullamore Monday to Friday 6.15pm. Durrow on Fridays at 8.00pm. Trocaire Boxes have been delivered during the past week. Some available from Sacristy.
First Friday Healing Mass with Eddie Stones Friday 5th at 7.30pm. There will be no 6.15pm this day in keeping with the pattern and style of the nine 1st Friday Healing Masses.
Parent Confirmation Night: The last in the very successful series of parent nights for Confirmation classes will be held this Tuesday at 8.00pm in the Day Chapel for Ballinamere School.
New Readers Training Course: Monday 1st March, 7.30pm, Parochial House; Monday 8th March, 7.30pm, Church of the Assumption.
Great reception in new houses for Welcome Booklet: Teams of staff and volunteers began distributing the parish information booklet in the new housing estates during the week. They met with a very warm reception at the doors and the booklet was very well received. More volunteers would be welcome to help with the distribution - you can pick the night and the area of your choice.
Wider Liturgy Group Meeting: Friday 5th, 5.00-7.00pm, Parochial House. Final planning and preparation for Holy Week and Easter.
Lectio Divina/Praying with Scriptures resumes Tuesday2nd March, 8.00pm, Church of the Assumption. A good preparation for Lent.

Details on all parish activities and notices available on parish website www.tullamoreparish.ie


Mass Intentions: Tues 2: 10.00 Kathleen Breathnach, Clonminch Rd. Wed 3: 10.00 Catherine & Michael Cleary. 6.15 John Coughlan & Family, 15 Thornsberry Estate. Thurs 4: 10.00 Murray Family, Ballyduff. 6.15 Andrew & Margaret Horan, Clara Rd. Sat 6: 7.45 Margaret Brennan. 10.00 Slater Family, Marian Place. 7.00 Michael Hoey, 63 O'Molloy St. Mon Mem. 8.30 May Moore, Convent Rd. 1st Ann. Sun 7: 8.30 Annie & Charlie O'Neill, Dillon St. 10.00 Graham Family, Ballyduff. 11.30 Edward Kelly, New Rd. 1st Ann. 1.00 Colm Grennan. Mon Mem.

Durrow: Fri 5 Mary Gilligan. Mon Mem. Sun 7 Thomas & Mary Delaney, Ballinamona.

Shared Mass: Next shared Mass Sat 20th March, 10am.

Deaths: We offer our sympathy to the families of Mary Gallagher, 3 Callary St; James Larkin, Daingean Rd. If you would like support in your grieving, now or in the future, please ring 26604.

Baptisms: Welcome to the parish community Lee Stephen Hensey, 217 Arden View; Niall Paul Lewis Hogan, Clonminch Rd; Ben Finlay, Aharney; Connor Alex Byrne, 22 Pearse Park; Kian Patrick Damien Dunne Duffy, 22 O'Molloy St; Loyolla Margaret Angela Dunne, 34 Hophill Grove. The pre-Baptism meetings for March are Wednesday 3rd & Wed 17th Mar at 8.30pm in the Parochial House. All parents who wish to have their child baptised in March must attend a meeting. Contact Parish Secretary for details.

Collections: Plate: Tullamore €4627; Durrow €253. Envelopes: €1694. Thank you.

Sunday Mass Times:.Vigil: 7.00pm & 8.30pm. Sun: 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm.
Durrow: 11.30am
Confessions: Saturdays 12-1pm;3-4pm; 6.30-7pm; 7.45-8.15pm. Eve Holydays 6.30-7pm. Eve 1st Fridays 12-1pm; 7.30-8pm.

Please continue to pray for Fiona Pender, our parishioner who has been missing since
22nd Aug ‘96

Faith can never overdraw its account in the bank of Heaven.