Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 3rd Sunday of Lent – 23rd March 2025

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 22^nd March
7.30 p.m. Abbeylara / Carra Active Retirement over 50’s, Mass for the deceased members of the group.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 23^rd March.
9.30 a.m. Michael Earley. Months’ Memory.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 29^th March.
7.30 p.m. Joseph and Elizabeth Creamer, (A) Robinstown.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 30^th March.
9.30 a.m. Fintan Murtagh (5^th A) Creevy House, & his sister Imelda Staunton and all the deceased members of the Murtagh Family.
Frank Reilly, Creevy, his brother Michael, his parents Michael & Bridget Reilly and Fr. Pat Masterson.

Holy Hour: Every Friday from 3p.m. to 4p.m. in Abbeylara.

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €1,237; Priests dues – €582; Lourdes Invalid Fund – €5: Thank you.

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Monday 24th: Set dancing 6.30-7.30pm 

Tuesday 25th: Energy plus school of Dance 6-7pm

Thursday 27th:  Active retirement group 11-1pm 

Self-defence for kids 6.30-7.30

Save the date.  Abbeylara Parish Centre is hosting its first Artisan food and craft fair on Sunday April 6^th from 12.30-3.30pm.  A great family day out.  Food and craft stalls galore. Delicious food and drinks, handmade crafts and live music on the day.  Kids Zone and face painting. Free admission. All welcome.  

Calling all budding performers and musicians.  We are looking for young and old to perform at our “busking stand” at Abbeylara’s Artisan food and craft fair family day out on Sunday 6th April.   If you sing or play an instrument or both, please contact 0872243034 or contact us on Instagram @abbeylaraparishcentre. 

Senior Citizens Party: “Invites for this year’s Senior Citizens Party, on 13th April are at the back of both our Churches, also you can get them in Macken’s Filling Station in Granard. Kindly fill in & return to or phone any Committee Member by the 4th April.”
3^rd Sunday of Lent:
Jesus extends His invitation to us once again to “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.” Our Church gives us this Third Sunday of Lent–Mid-point to Golgotha–to pause with Jesus, to refresh ourselves spiritually, to assess our Lenten journey and to continue with greater determination.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you release us from the snares of death; Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, your compassion fills us with hope; Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you teach us to overcome our sins with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; Lord, have mercy.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 2nd Sunday of Lent 2025 – 16th March

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Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 15^th March.
7.30 p.m. Paddy Kiernan, Mary, John Joe, Charlie and Elizabeth Kiernan, late of Killina, whose anniversaries occur at this time.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 16^th March
9.30 a.m.  Tom Lynch, (A) Creevy.

St. Bernard’s: Sunday 16^th March.
7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass (for St. Patricks Day)

Monday 17^th March. St. Patrick’s Day – St. Mary’s.
9.30 a.m. Michael & Elizabeth Reynolds, their son Michael and all the deceased members of the Reynolds and Farrell families.
11.30 a.m. Mass in Granard
7 p.m. Mass in Granard.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 22^nd March
7.30 p.m. Abbeylara / Carra Active Retirement over 50’s Mass for the deceased members of the group.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 23^rd March.
9.30 a.m. Michael Earley. Months’ Memory.

Holy Hour: Every Friday from 3p.m. to 4p.m. in Abbeylara.

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €832; Priests dues – €316;  Lenten Alms – €10: Thank you.

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Tuesday 18th: Energy plus school of dance 6-7.30pm

Thursday 20th: The first meeting of Abbeylara active retirement takes place this Thursday 20th   11-1pm. Meeting fortnightly thereafter. Membership fees due €15.  Trip to Punchestown races planned for Thursday 1st May for paid up members. 

Thursday 20th: Self-defence 6.30-7.30pm 

Sunday 16th: Official opening of St. Bernard’s Afterschool on Sunday 16th at 1pm. 

Children’s tractor/trike run starting from the afterschool at 12.50 followed by the official opening by Mairead McGuinness.  Please no scooters or 2 wheeled bikes.  Refreshments served. All welcome.  

Save the date.  Abbeylara Parish Centre is hosting its first Artisan food and craft fair on Sunday April 6^th from 12.30-3.30pm.  A great family day out.  Food and craft stalls galore. Delicious food and drinks, handmade crafts and live music on the day.  Kids Zone and face painting. Free admission. All welcome.  

Senior Citizens Party: “Invites for this year’s Senior Citizens Party, on the 13th April are at the back of both our Churches, also you can get them in Macken’s Filling Station in Granard. Kindly fill in & return to or phone any Committee Member by the 4th April.”

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 23rd February 2025

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     


St. Bernard’s: Saturday 22^nd February
7.30 p.m. Barney Earley, (15^th A) Ballyboy and Noreen Earley, (11^th A) and all the deceased members of their families.
Fr. Seamus Fulham, (2^nd A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 23^rd February
7.30 p.m. Jackie Kiernan, (20^th A) Dalystown, his grandson Shane, his parents Thomas and Bridet, sister Christine and brother Tom. Jackie’s parents in law Margaret and Peter Kiernan and all the deceased member of both families.

Michael Lord, (3^rd A) Corduff and Blanchardstown and a native of Aughnagarron.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 1^st March
7.30 p.m. Josephine Reilly, (23^rd A) Derragh and Ballinacross.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 2^nd March
9.30 a.m.  Paddy and Annie Reilly (A) and all the deceased members of the Reilly family.
James and Mary Lynch (A) and Paddy Mallon and all the deceased members of the Lynch and Mallon families.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Willie Donohoe who died in Wembley on Thursday 23^rd January 2025, brother of Tom Joe Donohoe, Springtown. Funeral Mass on Sunday 23^rd February at 11.30 a.m. in St. Michaels Church, Tipperary Town. May he rest in peace.

Holy Hour: Every Friday from 3p.m. to 4p.m. in Abbeylara.

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €747.60; Loudes Invalid Fund – €15: Thank you.

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Monday – Start date for Kids Set dancing: 6.30-7.30pm phone 086 8948877

Tuesday – Energy plus school of dance: 6-7.30pm 

Thursday – Children’s self-defence: 6.30-7.30pm.

Cookery Demonstration: Takes place on Thursday 6^th March in Abbeylara Parish Centre from 7 p.m. to 9p.m. Doors open at 6.30 p.m.  Special Guest Gary O’Hanlon. Tickets €20.

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Reflection:

Lord God Almighty, Lord our God, our refuge for ever and ever, bless us as we gather in your presence and turn to you. May we be your children, who can simply believe and stand firm in our lives and in our calling. We thank you for giving us your grace and constant help.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 2nd Sunday after Christmas – 19th January 2025

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:.
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 18^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Mena Macken, (1^st A) Robinstown

St. Mary’s: Sunday 19^th January
9.30 a.m. Michael and Kate Dermody, (A) Ballinrud and Carra.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 25^th January
7.30 p.m. Michael Lynch, (31^st A) Toneymore:
All the deceased members of the Prunty family.
Janey Brady, (3^rd A) Camagh and all the deceased members of the Brady family and also Mary Anne and Willie McEnerney, Camagh.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 26^th January
9.30 a.m.  –

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €780.50 Priests Dues – €60; Loudes Invalid Fund – 101: Thank you.

Prize winners Abbeylara Parish Centre Development Draw 

First draw 21st April 2024 in Crawfords

1 Early bird draw – €500 – PJ Reilly, Ballinacross

2 First prize – €1000- O’Reilly family, Ballywillian

3 Second prize – €500- Aidan Reynolds, Coolarty

4 Third prize – €250- Liam Reilly, Mullinalaghta

Second draw 14th July 2024 in Crawfords

1. First prize – €1000- Deirdre Enright, Limerick

2. Second prize – €500- Margaret Keenan, Abbeylara 

3. Third prize – €250- Cormac & Laura Smyth, Kilkenny

Third draw 2nd November 2024 in Crawfords.

1. First prize – €1000- Jimmy & Geraldine Hand, Dring

2. Second prize – €500- Caelum, Ollie & Willie Crawford, Dublin 

3. Third prize – €250 -Stephanie Scanlon, Carrickduff

Fourth draw 15th December 2024 in Crawfords.

1.  First prize – €1000 -Marett Smith, Ballinacross

2. Second prize – €500- Colm P Smyth, Naas

3. Third prize – €250 -Philip Smyth, Carragh

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Tuesday 21st:  Energy plus school of dance: 6-7.30pm. Thursday 23rd: Children’s self-defence: 6.30-7.30pm 

Abbeylara GAA Club: Champions Dinner Dance takes place in Pikers Lodge on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025

Tickets €50 .   Please contact Patsy Lynch 087 915 0478 OR Aoibheann Smyth 087 758 9033 or Irene Lynch 0871508530 to secure your seat.

*There will be strictly no money taken on the door; you must have a prepaid ticket to be seated for dinner* 

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, revolut or bank transfer so we urge you to make contact ASAP so you’re not disappointed! Limited spaces for what promises to be a great night.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – The Baptism of the Lord – Sunday 12th January 2025

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 11^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Mary Gallagher, (14^th A) Abbeylara.
Nancy and William Crawford, (A) Abbeylara.
Bernard and Maureen Smyth (A) and their son Peter and daughter Mary Keogh.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 12^th January 2025
9.30 a.m. Tom and Bridget Lynch, (A) Creevy and all the deceased members of the Lynch & Kiernan families.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 18^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Mena Macken, (1^st A) Robinstown

St. Mary’s: Sunday 19^th January
9.30 a.m. Michael and Kate Dermody, (A) Ballinrud and Carra.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool Abbeylara:
Two Job Opportunities. Afterschool Manager and Afterschool Childcare Assistant. To apply please send CV to stbernardsafterschoolchairman@gmail.com

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €771.50; Priests Dues – €302; Cemetery – €5; Candle Shrine (Sept. – Dec) €782.: Thank you.

Abbeylara GFC: Dinner Dance will take place in the Pikers Lodge on Sunday 2^nd February. Contact Committee members for tickets; The Abbeylara GFC Lotto now stands at €20,000. Tickets can be bought online through the Clubforce app.   Please support.

Abbeylara Parish Centre:
Tuesday 14th – Energy Plus School of Dance:  6-7.30pm 
Wednesday 15th – Community Cafe:  1pm-3pm, “Join us for tea and chats!”
Thursday 16th -Active Retirement Group:  11am-1pm. Self- defence 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Saturday 18th – Social dancing: 7pm-11.30pm

Prayer for 2025

“Dear God, thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said ‘no,’ ‘not yet,’ or ‘wait.’ We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts.”

Prayer
Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed Him to be Your Son, anointing Him with the Holy Spirit: grant that we may be faithful to our call as Children of God, listening to you, guided by Your Spirit, to fulfil our unique and definite purpose. Amen.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 5th January 2025

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St Bernard’s: Saturday 4^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Eamon Brady, (37^th A) Derragh and Fr. John Brady (3^rd A) Knock and formerly Derragh.
Philomena Kelly, (4^th A) Kinkillew and all the deceased members of the Kelly and Farrell families.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 5^th January
9.30 a.m. Mary Bernadette Coyle, (6^th A) Terry Coyle (26^th A) and their son Stephen Gerard (6^th A) Cloughernal and Rathcronin and all the deceased members of the Coyle family, Kilcogy Lower and O’Donnell family, Westport.

St. Bernard’s:
Monday 6^th January 7.30 p.m. Helen Brady, (7^th A) Camagh.
Thomas (38^th A) & Nancy (18^th A) Walsh, Toneymore and all the deceased members of their families.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 11^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Mary Gallagher, (14^th A) Abbeylara.
Nancy and William Crawford, (A) Abbeylara.
Bernard and Maureen Smyth (A) and their son Peter and daughter Mary Keogh.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 12^th January 2025
9.30 a.m. Tom and Bridget Lynch, (A) Creevy and all the deceased members of the Lynch & Kiernan families.

Weekday Masses
Monday 6^th January – 9.30 a.m. in Carra.
Monday 6^th January- 11.30 a.m. in Granard.

St. Mary’s Church, Carrick, Finea.
Mass for Fr. Michael Campbell and Fr. Frank Gray on Sunday 5^th January at 12.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool Abbeylara:
Two Job Opportunities. Afterschool Manager and Afterschool Childcare Assistant. To apply please send CV to stbernardsafterschoolchairman@gmail.com

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €468.70; Priests Dues – €25: Thank you.

Abbeylara Parish Centre: Tuesday 7th – Energy plus school of dance:  6-7.30pm. Thursday 9th – Self Defence:  6.30-7.30

The Message of Epiphany – When the Magi followed the light of a star to Jesus – builds on this model of worldly action. We are called to testify to the light and we are called to follow the light. This is the common theme of the Gospel readings for January 5 and 6: testifying to and following the light. But, as the Gospel reading for Epiphany reminds us, Christ’s presence as temporal and divine authority is a threat to the authority of empire, the authority of kings, the authority of unjust rulers and regimes.

In Matthew 2, King Herod hears news of the Word made flesh, the light of the world, “the king of the Jews” (2:2) and “he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him” (2:3). Herod asserts his authority over the chief priests and scribes (also frightened) by calling them together. He then refuses to repeat the title of king given to Jesus by the Magi, instead asking where the Messiah (Christos) was to be born. These are tactics of those seeking to consolidate their power: they assert their authority and refuse to recognize other authorities as equal. Christ’s call to follow the light and testify to the light challenges these kinds of tactics and this kind of power.

Nevertheless, the wise men follow the light to the manger, to Jesus, to the light of the world, and are overcome with joy. They carry their treasure chests to pay homage to Christ and offer him gifts, establishing a new site of worship, away from Herod’s center of authority. In this, they fulfill the call to testify to and follow the light while also submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ over the authority of King Herod. Matthew testifies to the very real danger of challenging a dominant, oppressive power a few verses later in Matthew 2:16.
In John 1, Jesus Christ has authority as the Word of God made flesh and we are called to join messengers testifying to Christ’s light. Matthew’s Magi are examples of those who follow the light that leads to the Light. Today, likewise, both readings call us to testify to Christ – to share our stories – and to follow Christ – to care, feed, shelter, and serve – even, perhaps especially, when doing so de-centers the powers of our day.
May we continue to proclaim good news that leads us away from oppressive regimes. May we continue to seek the light that leads to life and chooses to dwell among us.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin -29th December 2024- Feast of the Holy Family

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Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernards: Saturday 28^th December
7.30 p.m.  Barney Gilligan, (A) Cooldoney

St. Mary’s: Sunday 29^th December
9.30 a.m.  Johnny Donohoe, (3^rd A) Creevy.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 4^th January 2025
7.30 p.m. Eamon Brady, (37^th A) Derragh and Fr. John Brady (3^rd A) Knock and formerly Derragh.
Philomena Kelly, (4^th A) Kinkillew and all the deceased members of the Kelly and Farrell families.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 5^th January
9.30 a.m. Mary Bernadette Coyle, (6^th A) Terry Coyle (26^th A) and their son Stephen Gerard (6^th A) Cloughernal and Rathcronin and all the deceased members of the Coyle family, Kilcogy Lower and O’Donnell family, Westport.

St. Bernard’s:
Monday 6^th January 7.30 p.m. Helen Brady, (7^th A) Camagh.
Thomas (38^th A) & Nancy (18^th A) Walsh, Toneymore and all the deceased members of their  families.

Weekday Masses in Granard and Abbeylara Parish as follows:
Monday 30^th December – 9.30 a.m. in Granard.
Tuesday 31^st December – 9.30 a.m. in Granard.
Wednesday 1^st January 11.30 a.m. in Granard.
Masses as normal every morning at 9.30 a.m. in Granard.
Monday 6^th January – 9.30 a.m. in Carra.
Monday 6^th January- 11.30 a.m. in Granard.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool Abbeylara:
Two Job Opportunities. Afterschool Manager and Afterschool Childcare Assistant. To apply please send CV to stbernardsafterschoolchairman@gmail.com

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: December 21^st -Offertory – €1,184; Priest Dues – €380:
December 25^th – Offertory – €1639.30; Heating €10;  Cemetery – €10; Priests Dues – €2,548. Thank you.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool CLG: Our committee will be holding a Movie Night for children on the 29th of December at 3pm in Abbeylara Community Centre. Refreshments provided on the night for children and their parents. Children are asked to bring their own blankets and cushions. Local GAA heroes will also be present on the night to greet the children. All donations greatly appreciated. Supervalu Granard have also kindly donated €1000 worth of vouchers to help in the setting up of our afterschool. We are so grateful to them.

The Feast of the Holy Family:
The First Sunday after Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Holy Family, celebrates the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The lectionary readings for this day are: Isaiah 61:10-62:3: This passage is often used as a prophecy of the coming Messiah, who will bring joy and salvation to the world.

Prayer to the Holy Family: O most loving Jesus, Who by Your surpassing virtues and the example of Your home life hallowed the household in which You choose to live while on earth, mercifully look down upon this family, whose members, humbly prostrate before You, implore Your protection. Remember that we are bound and consecrated to You by a special devotion. Protect us in Your mercy, deliver us from danger, help us in our necessities, and impart to us strength to persevere always in the imitation of Your Holy Family, so that, by serving You and loving You faithfully during this mortal life, we may at length give You eternal praise in heaven.
O Mary, dearest Mother, we implore Your assistance, knowing that Your divine Son will hearken to Your petition.
Most glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, help us with Your powerful patronage, and place our petitions in Mary’s hands, that she may offer them to Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Abbeylara Parish Newsletter – 22nd December 2024 – 4th Sunday of Advent

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 21^st December
7.30 p.m. Thomas Snr. (20^th A) and Thomas Lynch Jnr. (5^th A) Kilbride Hse.
Tommy and Elizabeth Macken, Robinstown (A) and all the deceased members of the Macken and Kiernan families.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 22^nd December
9.30 a.m. Mary Nicholson, (A)

St. Bernards: Saturday 28^th December
7.30 p.m.  Barney Gilligan, (A) Cooldoney

St. Mary’s: Sunday 29^th December
9.30 a.m.  Johnny Donohoe, (3^rd A) Creevy.

Christmas Arrangements 2024
Christmas Eve
Tuesday 24^th Decemebr, 9.30 a.m.  St. Mary’s Church, Granard.
Tuesday 24^th December, 6.00p.m.  – St. Mary’s Church, Granard.
Tuesday 24^th December, 8.00 p.m.  – St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara.
Tuesday 24^th December, 12 midnight – St. Mary’s Church Granard.
Christmas Day
Wednesday 25^th December, 8.30 a.m. St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara.
Wednesday 25^th December, 10.00 a.m. – St. Mary’s Church, Carra. Johnnie Mahon, (43^rd A)
Wednesday 25^th December, 11.30 a.m. – St. Mary’s Church, Granard.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool Abbeylara:
Two Job Opportunities. Afterschool Manager and Afterschool Childcare Assistant. To apply please send CV to stbernardsafterschoolchairman@gmail.com

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €1,378; Cemetery – €21; Priest Dues – €150; Heating – €20; Propagation of the Faith €16: Thank you.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of John Joe Pettit, Main St. Granard, died on Saturday 14^th December.  May he rest in peace.

St. Bernard’s Afterschool CLG:

Our committee  will be holding a Movie Night for children on the 29th of December at 3pm in Abbeylara Community Centre. Refreshments provided on the night for children and their parents. Children are asked to bring their own blankets and cushions. Local GAA heroes will also be present on the night to greet the children. All donations greatly appreciated.
Supervalu Granard have also kindly donated €1000 worth of vouchers to help in the setting up of our afterschool. We are so grateful to them.

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin – 3rd Sunday of Advent 2024

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 14^th December
7.30 p.m. Patrick and Christine Maguire and their sons Peter & Paddy Maguire.
Mass of Remembrance for Anne Creamer, Robinstown.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 15^th December
9.30 a.m. Patrick and Mary Harton, their daughters Kathleen and Nuala, Grand-daughter Marian and son in law Packie Smith.
Tommy Heaney (17^th A) and all the deceased members of the Heaney and Smith families.
Patsy Reilly, (6^th A) formerly Aughnagarron.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 21^st December
7.30 p.m. Thomas Snr. (20^th A) and Thomas Lynch Jnr. (5^th A) Kilbride Hse.
Tommy and Elizabeth Macken, Robinstown (A) and all the deceased members of the Macken and Kiernan families.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 22^nd December
9.30 a.m. Mary Nicholson, (A)

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €560; Cemetery – €51; Priest Dues – €220; Heating – €5; Prpagation of the Faith €5: Thank you.

Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of:
Joe Doran, Lisnamuck , Longford Town, Longford. Died Wednesday 11^th December. Nephew of Monica Kiernan, Clough.
John (Johnny) Smyth,Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim / Hartstown, Dublin / Abbeylara, Co. Longford. Died Wednesday 11^th December.
May they rest in peace.

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Monday 16th – Set dancing 6.30pm -7.30pm 
Tuesday 17th – Energy plus Dance Classes 6pm-7pm.
Wednesday 18th- Community Cafe 1pm-3pm, Join us for tea and chats with other members of the community. 
 Wednesday 18th – Abbeylara national school Christmas play 5pm-9pm
Thursday 19th Active retirement group -11am -1pm. Thursday 19th- Self Defence 6.30pm- 7.30pm.
Saturday 21st- Social dancing.

3^rd Sunday of Advent:
Known as “Gaudete,” (rejoice) Sunday, the pink candle in the Advent Wreath is a reminder of the explosive power of the season. We receive reminders of the reason for this joy all throughout the readings this weekend, and it is always connected with the presence of the Savior. The Lord is near.

The Four Sundays and Themes of Advent.
First candle / Sunday: HOPE (The Prophecy Candle)
Second candle / Sunday: PEACE (The Bethlehem Candle)
Third candle / Sunday: JOY (The Shepherd’s Candle)
Fourth candle / Sunday: LOVE (The Angel’s Candle)

Abbeylara Parish Bulletin

Priest on Duty:  Fr. Simon Cadam – Phone 086 2401295.
www.abbeylaraparish.com     

Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Saturday 7^th December
7.30 pm. Mary Joe Lynch, (1^st A) Toneymore.
Michael and Brigid Kiernan and their son Luke and all the deceased members of the Kiernan family.
Bernadette Gilligan, (16^th A) Bridie (7^th A) and Barney (A) Cloonaghmore.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 8^th December
9.30 a.m. Margaret (1^st A) and her husband Liam (13^th A) Reilly, Carrickduff and all the deceased members of the Reilly and Grier families.
Stephen Grier, (4^th A) Cloughernal and all the deceased members of the Grier family and Shane McGuigan.
Joseph (Joe) Kelly (39^th A) Cloughernal.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 14^th December
7.30 p.m. Patrick and Christine Maguire and their sons Peter & Paddy Maguire.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 15^th December
9.30 a.m. Patrick and Mary Harton, their daughters Kathleen and Nuala , Grand-daughter Marian and son in law Packie Smith.
Tommy Heaney (17^th A) and all the deceased members of the Heaney and Smith families.
Patsy Reilly, (6^th A) formerly Aughnagarron.

Mass Bookings: Please contact Patricia Mahon for booking Masses, certs etc. Phone no 086 0685092

Collections: Offertory – €470.90; Cemetery – €70; Priest Dues – €50; Heating – €20: Thank you.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Oliver J Reilly, Corrolanna, Lismacaffrey, Westmeath / Longford.  Brother of Catherine McCormack, Abbeylara.  May he rest in peace.

Abbeylara Parish Centre Events:
Monday – Zumba 7:30 – 8:30pm. Tuesday – Energy Plus Dance classes 6:30 – 7:30pm..
Thursday – Self Defence class 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Sunday 1st December – Christmas Markets from 1pm

A-G BINGO – At 3PM. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to our Bingo.

2^nd Sunday of Advent:
The journey through Advent continues, and on this Second Sunday, our hearts turn toward the profound and transformative concept of peace. The second candle, often called the “Bethlehem Candle” or the “Candle of Peace,” symbolizes the peace emanating from the humble town of Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace was born.