Parish of the Assumption

Area Code: 057 Tel: 93 21587 - 93 22415 Fax: 93 51510
www.tullamoreparish.ie 
E-mail Parish Secretary:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

30th April 2023  ~  Sunday

Fr. Joseph Gallagher, P.P., V.G.
Rt Rev Sean Heaney, P.E.
Fr. Joe Campbell, C.C.,
Fr. Fergal Cummins, C.C.
Fr. Damian Budau, C.C
Sr. Margaret Burke.

GET IN TOUCH

St Mary’s Parish Centre, Benburb St, Tullamore, 

Office Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 9.30-1; 1.30-5pm.  

Phone: 0579321587 
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web: www.tullamoreparish.ie

Reception service Friday, 9.30-5.  

Priest available for emergencies 24 hours daily.

Meeting Rooms available: Contact Administrator for details of availability, rates, etc.Teas after 10.00am Mass Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

Bereavement Listening Support:  Ph 0579326604.

WEEKEND MASSES

Church of the Assumption:(Vigil) 6.30pm

Sunday 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.30am & 1.00pm

Durrow:  Sunday 11.30am

WEEKDAY MASSES

Monday-Friday 7.45am, 10.00am

Saturday 10.00am 

First Friday 7.45am & 10.00am

JOIN US ON PARISH WEBCAMS ON PARISH WEBSITE.

CONFESSIONS - Saturday 2.00-3.00pm in the Day Chapel.

JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD

In today’s Gospel, we have the beautiful image of the shepherd and the sheep that gives this fourth Sunday of Easter its familiar name “Good Shepherd Sunday”.  In the parable, Jesus compares himself both to the shepherd and the gate of the sheepfold.  Christ the shepherd knows his own sheep.  At the end of the day, the shepherd brings his sheep into shelter.  The sheep know the voice of their shepherd and each one of them answers to his individual call to them.  He, Jesus the good Shepherd, is literally the door through which the sheep have to pass.  Jesus is the indispensable mediator of salvation between God and those who believe.  We must listen to his voice and follow his individual call to each of us to get to the pasture of peace and security that is union with God in Heaven.

1ST COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION 2024

The Parish runs a preparation programme for pupils who are not attending one of our Catholic Schools and who wish to receive the sacraments of First Confession, First Communion and Confirmation in 2024.  Places are limited and early registration is essential.  Registration forms will be available in the Parish Centre from May 2nd.  The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday May 19th.

BANK HOLIDAY MASS TIMES

Mass at 10.00am only on Monday 1st May.

SEEING YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE GOSPEL

John 10:1-10

In the Middle East, it was the task of the shepherd to find water and pasture and to ensure safety.  In your life who have been the people who nourished you and gave you security?  For whom have you done this? 

Important to the shepherd’s ability to give security to the sheep is the fact that he was known and familiar to them.  They recognised his voice.  Does this resonate in any way with your experience? 

We are familiar with the image of Jesus as the shepherd.  The image of Jesus as the door (or gate) is not so familiar but is one that merits attention.  Jesus presents himself as the door through which we pass and find life.  What are the doors through which you have passed and found life: a situation, a place, a book, an experience, a person?  For whom have you been a door to a richer life?

John Byrne osa Intercom April 2023

VOCATIONS SUNDAY

“Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before.”

- From the Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Vocations Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, and is marked as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The purpose of this day is to fulfill Jesus' instruction to “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates her attention on raising up shepherds for God's people - vocations to Holy Orders (the priesthood and diaconate) and to the religious life - while encouraging all who are discerning their vocation to pray more earnestly that they may hear and respond to God's call.

‘Take the Risk for Christ’:

The Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood will run from Vocations/Good Shepherd Sunday, 30 April 2023.  The Council for Vocations of the Bishops’ Conference has organised this year to promote vocations to the diocesan priesthood.   Over the twelve-month period, it is planned to host events in parishes and at pilgrim sites around the country, and to provide resources for homes and schools.

There will be an exit collection after all Masses today in aid of vocations in the Diocese.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Baptisms take place monthly on the first Sunday in Tullamore, second Sunday in Durrow, third and fourth Saturday in Tullamore.  Pre-Baptism Meetings are on the third Wednesday monthly.  Contact the Parish Secretary.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

To book the Church for weddings, contact the Parish Secretary at least three months in advance.  All couples getting married must complete a pre-marriage course.  Contact ACCORD 0579341831 or www.accord.ie.

ACCORD also provide couple and relationship counselling In-Person and Online in Tullamore.  Phone 057 9341831 or 0864669926 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NB:  NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN MUST BE IN THE PARISH CENTRE BY 9.30AM WEDNESDAY.

Only notices from parish groups, non-profit making organizations & clubs included

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR FIONA PENDER, OUR PARISHONER WHO HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE 22nd AUGUST 1996

MASS INTENTIONS

Mon 1 ....10.00. Denis Bergin

..................... Frances McCormack & Johnny Pidgeon

Wed 3       7.45 .Thomas & Elizabeth Mooney

Thurs 4     7.45  Our Lady’s Mass

Sat 6 .....10.00 .Mary “Moll” Kelly, 1st Ann

.....................Frank Cunningham & Fr Michael Conroy

              . 6.30 .Tony McCormack, Mon Mem

..................... Patrick Westman, Mon Mem

Sun 7        8.30 .Tom Griffin

.....................Ursula Hacker

............10.00 .Ger Doyle, 110 O’Molloy St

..................... Houlihan Family

               11.30  Joe Moran, 1st Ann & wife Mary

.....................Nancy Condron Arden Rd 1st Ann

                 1.00  Ann Shiells, Mon Mem

Durrow 7, 11.30am:  John & Mary Murray; Paddy & Pauline Kilroe & Bernadette Rickard; Michael Murphy; John, Jenny & Jim Donoghue & Family; Jim & Nan Donoghue & Murray Family; Kathleen Shiels; Joe Heffernan

DEATHS

We offer our sympathy to the families of John Brooklyn O’Brien & Frank (Mark) Dalton.

BAPTISMS

Welcome to God’s family Bobby Martin, Daisy May Byrne, Tadhg John Conway, Lena Anastasia Kalitynska & Matthew Joseph Dunne who were baptised recently.

COLLECTIONS

Plate: Tullamore €2593; Durrow €246

Envelopes €4306

Thank you for your continued support.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SAT 6 MAY: To book ph A Boland, 0877914828.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS:  Meeting Tues 2, 6.45pm, Mercy Convent.  New members welcome.

1ST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS TO OUR BLESSED LADY OF FATIMA, Sat 6, Day Chapel, after 10am Mass.  

FAMILY CARERS IRELAND CHURCH GATE COLLECTION this weekend. Your kind support will be so appreciated.

SMA:  Mass, Wed 3, 7.30pm, Day Chapel.  All welcome.

TULLAMORE LIBRARY:  Wide range of courses & activities available.  Contact 0579346832 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

AA:  Offaly House, Offaly St, Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat 8.15pm; Tues, Wed, Fri 1pm; Sun 12noon & 8.15pm.

AL-ANON Thurdays, 8pm, Darmagh Community Centre, Tihilly, Lanello, Clontarf Rd.

DOCHAS OFFALY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Mon–Fri, 9.30-5pm. Ph 0579328268. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

OFFALY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES:  Ph 0579351886 or 0860419154.  www.odvss.ie

ALONE support line for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties.  Ph 0818 222 024, 8am-8pm.

OFFALY HOSPICE CHARITY SHOP: Opening hours Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, Main St. (opposite Lidl)

TULLAMORE RAPE CRISIS CENTRE:  Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm.  Ph 0579322500; Freephone 1800323232

DIOCESAN PIGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:  Departing 12 Sept. Ph 012410800 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Local contact Ann 0877914828.