20 April 2024

For the week beginning on Sunday 5th. September 2021

 

Church Interior

NUMBERS IN CHURCH

The announcement by the Government last week has some important implications for us. 

As and from Monday 6th. September 2021 we can operate to 50% capacity for all ceremonies, except for weddings which still stands at 100 people until Oct 22nd. 

This means pods and social distance regulations for churches no longer apply and tickets will no longer be required.The only restriction will be 50% of capacity. 

Face masks must continue to be worn.

This 50% increase is regardless of vaccination status and also pertains to funerals. Funerals have been heavily impacted and the increase in those attending to half the capacity of the church will be very welcome.

COMMUNION & CONFIRMATIOM

Intended dates for First Holy Communion

Sept. 11th. 11.00 am  Scoil Bhríde;     12.30 pm Scoil Mhuire
Sept. 18th. 11.00 am  Durrow;             12.30 pm Ballinamere
Sept. 25th. 11.00 am  Gael Scoil;        12.30 pm St. Joseph's;   2.00 pm  St. Joseph's
Oct.    3rd.  10.00 am  Parish School
Oct.    9th.  11.00 am  St Joseph's;      12.30 pm St Joseph's;    2.00 pm  St Joseph’s 

Intended dates for Confirmation

Oct. 1st.     7.00 pm   Gaelscoil & Parish School
Oct. 2nd.  11.15 am   St. Philomena's;      12.45 pm  Scoil Mhuire & Scoil Bhríde
                   3.00 pm  Scoil Eoin Phóil & St. Joseph's;   4.30 pm  Ballinamere & Durrow.

MASS INTENTIONS   

Click  for the full list of Mass Intentions to be celebrated this week.

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM: Please contact the parish secretary.

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

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: To book the Church for weddings, contact the Parish Secretary. 

SEEING YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE GOSPEL

(Mark 7:31-37)

The healing of the deaf mute provides us with anopportunity to reflect on the importance of communication in our lives.  The healing touch of Jesus brought the man from isolation into community.  Who have been the people who touched you when you felt isolated and alone (perhaps during the recent lockdown) and helped you to come out of painful aloneness?  For whom have you done this?

Deafness is symbolic of being unable to hear what is  being said to us.  What a difference when our ears are opened!  Perhaps you can recall a time when your ears were opened and you heard in a new way that you were loved – by God or by another person.

Words are not the only form of communication.  Actions can speak louder than words.  Recall times when this was brought home to you.

Being able to say what is in you is the other side of communication.  Perhaps there have been occasions when you have struggled to find words to express what is deepest in you – your faith, your values, your love.  Then something changed and you found words.  What was it like to be able to express your deepest self?

John Byrne osa, Intercom September 21

CHARITABLE DONATIONS – CHY4 CERTS

All parishioners who donated €250 or more to the parish in 2020 have been sent a CHY4 cert.  When you sign and return it to us we will be able to seek a tax refund of approximately 45% of the total donated.  Thank you to all who have signed and returned their certs and we would appeal to all parishioners to return them as soon as possible.Please ensure that you include your PPS no.  If you did not receive one or have mislaid your cert and would like a new one issued, please contact Noeleen, the Parish Secretary.

We sincerely thank all of our parishioners who have continued to be such a huge support to us over the past difficult eighteen months 

DEFIBRILLATOR

We are hoping, with your help, to raise funds to replace the defibrillator on the Church grounds, which is now obsolete.  In addition to this we hope to provide training on the use of the machine (approximate cost €5000).  Tom Whelan intends to cycle 100km to raise funds for this and would appreciate your sponsorship.  The cycle will take place on 22nd September 2021.

NEW LIBRARY APP FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Tullamore Library is starting a new programme to help the older person in the community to be able to get online to join the library and use their digital services. This is a very useful app during the times we find ourselves in as individuals will be able to access books online through eBooks and also audio books.

<<Click Here for more information>>

COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

In-Person and Online in Accord Tullamore.  Phone 057 93 41831 or 086 4669926
or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TULLAMORE COMMUNITY & FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

”Early Years Programme” – online course for parents on Zoom lasting 6 weeks.  If interested ph Imelda 0860879124, Margaret 0861806109 or Kieran 0871213737

VOCATIONS NOTICE

The Diocesan Vocations Team has a new Facebook Page: DioceseOfMeathVocations   & a new Instagram Account:  dioceseofmeathvocations, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Ph Fr Tony Gonoude 044 9373923

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE

ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  Ph 0818 222 024, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm daily.

BALLYCOMMON TELEWORK & TRAINING CENTRE

BTTC is offering a range of free/affordable services.  Ph 0579353177/9353441, 
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

MONEY ADVICE AND BUDGETING SERVICE (MABS)

MABS ( a free, confidential service forople who have problems with money management): Nationl Helpline 0761072000 Mon - Fri 9:00 am to 8:00 pm  

SHALOM WORLD MINISTRIES

Shalom World is a 24/7 commercial free Catholic television network for the whole family. Use the floating link to access the live "Shalom Media Gallery" or click on the icon on the right to find out more about Shalom World Ministries.

Shalom copy
Given the COVID-19 precautionary measures, our churches are inaccessible for the faithful. Participation in the daily sacraments is beyond reach for them. Shalom World TV, a Catholic media ministry of the Shalom Ministries, is an official partner with the Vatican and is authorized to telecast papal liturgies directly via its free high-definition television channel. Shalom World is committed to producing free yet high-quality Catholic content such as Daily Mass, devotionals, shows, music, youth programs, children’s programs, conventions, retreats, and cultural exchange segments. The programming is absolutely free and can be watched live or on-demand. The most recent addition, in response to COVID-19, is a 4th channel to the existing 3 channels, for exclusive live telecast of daily Holy Mass around the clock, with special prayers for an end to coronavirus .

We are broadcasting Daily Mass Live from Saints Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise, Co. Laois at 10:00 am everyday during this challenging time.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is our patron in Ireland  and Shalom World is endorsed by Catholic leaders from around the globe .