Bulletin 5th February 2012

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Sunday 5th February 2012
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s:Saturday 4th / Sunday 5th Feb.
7.30 p.m. Michael Lynch, (A) Abbeylara.
11.00 a.m. Tony & Babs Sheridan & his brother Br. Oliver.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 5th February.
9.30 a.m. Lena Heaney (3rd A) & Deceased members of the Plunkett family.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 11th / Sunday 12th Feb.

7.30 p.m. William Crawford. (A)

11.00 a.m. Margaret Dowd (14th A) & Noel O’Connor (9th A).

St. Mary’s; Sunday 12th Feb.
9.30 a.m. Jackie Kiernan, (7th A) his grandson Shane, his parents Thomas & Bridget and his sister Christeen.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday 6.30 Wednesday 7.30 p. m.
Friday 7.30 p.m.James & Mary Galligan(A) St. Mary’s: Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 p.m.

Eucharistic Ministers:
Maureen Galligan & Brigie Burns; Annie Reilly; Rose Gregory & Beatrice Cunningham:

Readers:
Mary O’Connor; Michelle Maguire: John Fay:

Baptism: We welcome into the Christian Community, Sophie Noelle, daughter of Aileen & Maurice O’Connor, Ballywillian.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Christina McQuade, Courtown, Co. Wexford who died on Sat 14th Jan. Mother-in-law of Fiona Brady McQuade, Springtown.

Collections: Offertory – €1,152. Lourdes Invalid Fund – €177

First Penance & First Holy Communion Enrolment: Takes place on Saturday 4th Feb. for Abbeylara School at the 7.30 p.m. Mass and on Sunday 5th Feb. for Aughnagarron School at the 9.30 a.m. Mass.

Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s at 8.30 p.m.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night.

St. Mary’s Carra: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thursday morning.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Mill Hill Missionaries: We welcome to our Parish Fr. Donal Harney MHM. He will speak at Masses next week end Sat. 11th & Sun 12th Feb. A collection will be taken up after Holy Communion. Please support.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Takes place Sun 27th May to Fri 1st June. Cost €699 Contact JWT 012410811, 012410812. Any person with special needs who wishes to be considered for the pilgrimage, please contact Fr. Ml 6686270.

Accord: Marriage anRelationship Counselling:d Relationship Counselling: “If you can’t talk to each other talk to Accord” contact 015053112 0433347222 email admin@accord.ie web: www.accord.ie . See notice board.

Longford Women’s Link: Hold a collection at all Masses this weekend Sat. 4th Sun. 5th Feb.. Please support.

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Parish Draw: Congratulations to the following winners in the Parish Draw.
€300 – Kitty Hughes, Carriglass.
€200 – Tommy & Celia Connolly, Creevy.
€100- Michael & Carmel Reilly, Carra
€100 – Mary & John Connell, Robinstown.
€50- Mary Reilly, Abbeylara.
€50 – Mary & Padraic Slevin, Robinstown.
This is the final 2011 draw. Many thanks for your ongoing support of the draw. Sincere thanks to all the collectors.

Parish Draw 2012: You are invited to take part in that draw please. Your entry fee for the full year is €100; half year €50; quarter year €25. Collectors are kindly requested to collect your subscriptions please.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancement: Next meeting Thur 9th Feb at 8.30 in the Sports Centre.

Abbeylara Community Alert: The Text Alert system is now in operation. Anyone still wishing to join Text alert is welcome to do so. Application forms available in the Church. Next meeting Monday 27th Feb.

Confirmation Parents: The gathering for all parents (mothers & fathers) of Confirmation pupils in both National Schools due to be held on Mon 6th Feb. in Abbeylara School Hall at 8pm is postponed. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. This gathering will now be on Thur 9th Feb in Abbeylara School Hall at 8pm. Sr. Anna Burke & Fr. James McKiernan will lead the event.

Blood Donation Clinic: Takes place on Tue 7th Wed 8th & Thur 9th Feb in the Longford Arms Hotel from 4.30pm to 8pm Help ensure essential blood supplies are always available by giving blood regularly. giveblood.ie. You get more than your give.

Irish Guide Dogs: Fundraising Volunteer Recruitment on Thursday 9th Feb in Farrell’s Bar & Lounge Ballinalee, Co. Longford at 8.30pm. Details from 0214878200; lo call 1850506300;info@guidedogs.ie; www.guidedogs.ie.

World Day of prayer for the Sick: – Takes place on Sat. 11th Feb which is the feast of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. Holy Mass for everyone but especially the sick on Sat. 11th Feb. in Carra at 12 noon. Prayers for the sick at All Masses next weekend. This is part of our preparation/ participation in the Eucharistic Congress.

Bereavement Course: Begins on Wed. 22nd Feb. (FOR 6 WEEKS) in the Family Centre Longford at 8pm. Booking & further details from 043 3346827; 0872843034; See I will not forget you……I have carved you on the palm of my hand. See notice board.

Fairtrade Fortnight: Takes place from Mon 27th Feb. to Sun.11th March. Theme: “Take a step in 2012.” Phone 014753515; web www.fairtrade.ie

The Experience of the Eucharist: With Liam Lawton on Monday 27th Tue 28th Feb. in All Hallows College Dublin. Details from 018373745 ext 552; email adultlearning@allhallowds.ie; ww.alhallowds.ie.

Active Retirement, We were delighted to see so many members at our last meeting, our next meeting is on Thursday 9th Feb. 11am. Special guest will be Mary Mulvey from Longford Community Resources. We are starting our Yoga Classes on Monday next 6th Feb at 11am. These classes are for members only and each class is from 11 to 12.30.

Abbeylara GAA Club Lotto results 31/01/12
Numbers drawn: 5 6 11 17 €20 Winners: Denis Flynn, Abbeylara, Mary Galligan, Toneymore, Michael Shanaghy Corlesmore, Lacken, Philomena McHugh Springtown, Terry Drake Kinkillew, Liz & Peter McEntire Springtown. Next draw 7/2/

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Bulletin 29th January 2012

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Sunday 29th January 2012
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s; Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th Jan.
7.30 p.m. Dec. Members of Abbeylara GAA Club.
11.00 a.m. Miriam Gilligan. (A).

St. Mary’s Sunday 28th January:
9.30 a.m. Brendan Brady. Months Memory.

St. Bernard’s:Saturday 4th / Sunday 5th February.
7.30 p.m. Michael Lynch, (A) Abbeylara.
11.00 a.m. Tony & Babs Sheridan & his brother Br. Oliver (A).

St. Mary’s: Sunday 5th February.
9.30 a.m. Lena Heaney (3rd A) & Deceased members of the Plunkett family.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday 7.30 p.m.
Wed 7.30 p.m. Christopher Galligan .
Friday 7.30 p.m. John Lynch, (A) Ballywillian.

St. Mary’s: Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 p.m

Eucharistic Ministers:
Maeve O’Reilly & Alice Daly: Bridget Lynch: V. McGivney & Annie Reilly:

Readers:
Alice Daly; Rosaleen Mahon; Ann Marie Brady:

Altar Society (February)

St. Bernard’s: Mary O’Reilly.

St. Mary’s: Geraldine Rabbitt & Annie Reilly.

Collections: Offertory: €1,110 Thank you.

Collectors:
St.Bernard’s: 7.30 p.m. P. J. Reilly Seamus Kiernan; Denis Flynn; Martin Sheridan:

St. Mary’s: 9.30 a.m. Packie Reynolds; Jimmy Earley; Patsy Lynch:

St. Bernard’s: 11.00 a.m. Tom Murphy; John Fay; P.J. Donohue.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Joan Maguire, Donagh, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh who died on Sunday 22nd Jan. Mother of Tina Browne, Carra. May she rest in peace.

Confirmation Enrolment; Takes place on Sat 28th Jan for Abbeylara School at the 7.30 Mass and on Sun 29th Jan for Aughnagarron School at the 9.30 Mass.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night.

St. Mary’s Carra: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thursday morning. Make the effort it will be worth it.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Candlemas Day: Takes place on Thursday 2nd Feb. Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord. Please leave your candles for home and or Church use in either Church for Blessing during Masses.

St. Blaise. Blessing of Throats: Takes place on Fri. 3rd Feb. Feast of St. Blaise in Abbeylara at the 7.30 Mass and on Sat 4th in Carra at the 11am Mass and at all other Masses on Sat. 4th and Sun 5th Feb. Blessing of the throats for our primary school children on Fri. 3rd Feb. in the Schools.

First Friday: Takes place on Friday 3rd Feb. The sick and housebound will be attended as usual.

Confessions: On Fri. 3rd Feb. in Abbeylara at 7pm followed by the First Friday Mass at 7.30pm.

Fr. John Drumgoole: Rosary & prayers for the Beatification of Fr. John Drumgoole takes place
on Fri. 3rd Feb. in Abbeylara after the 7.30 Mass. You are welcome to take part.

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Fatima First Saturday: Mass in St. Mary’s,Carra at 11 a.m. with Confessions before Mass.

First Holy Communion Enrolment: Takes place on Saturday 4th Feb. for Abbeylara School at the 7.30 p.m. Mass and on Sun 5th Feb. for Aughnagarron School at the 9.30 a.m. Mass.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Takes place Sun 27th May to Fri 1st June. Cost €699 Contact JWT 012410811, 012410812. Any person with special needs who wishes to be considered for the pilgrimage please contact Fr. Ml 6686270.

Parish Draw: Takes place on Fri. 3rd Feb. after the 7.30 Mass. You are welcome to attend. Any monies due to the draw please hand in before the draw. This is the final 2011 draw. The 2012 draw will begin afterwards.

Abbeylara Community Alert: Hold an important meeting on Mon. 30th Jan. in the Sports Centre at 8pm. The Text Alert will be finalised at this meeting. Those who have yet to join Text Alert please do so before or at this meeting. Application forms available in the Church.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancemnent: A short meeting was held in the Sports Centre on Thur last. Next meeting on Thur 2nd Feb in the Sports Centre at 8.30pm.

Ministry & Evangelisation Course: A course in Ministry and Evangelisation is being offered by Maryvale Institute (Bermingham) during the coming year. It is a one year course which begins in March and ends in December 2012. It is a distance learning course i.e. students study at home, following a Course book provided by Maryvale. A study Day will be held in Catlepollard, Co Westmeath on Saturday March 10th to introduce students to the Course. Further info from 0449664127/044 9664016/087 2626738. Latest date for registration is March 2nd 2012.

Longford Women’s Link: Hold a collection at all Masses next weekend Sat. 4th Sun. 5th Feb. They provide courses for women to get back to work, counselling, domestic violence, women setting up their own businesses etc. Please support.

Catholic Schools Week: Takes place from Sun. 29th Jan to Sat 4th Feb. Theme: Christ’s Living Body Active in Our World. We ask God in prayer to bless all the work that is being done so very well in our Schools of handing on the Faith.

Confirmation Parents: A very important gathering for all parents (mothers & fathers) of Confirmation pupils in both National Schools will be held on Mon. 6th Feb. in Abbeylara School Hall at 8pm. A full attendance is requested.

Good Wishes: To all the people attending the Abbeylara GAA Club Buffett and presentation of medals to the winners of Reserve League Div 1 and Div 3 panels of players on Sat. 28th Jan in the Piker’sLodge,Gowna.

Abbeylara GAA Club Lotto Results 24/01/12 Numbers drawn 1 14 18 19 €20 Winners. Stephen & Gary Carroll, Ballymorris. Liam Brown Streete, Aisling Clareke Castlenugent, Kein Heaney Abbeylara, Janette Forde Mullingar, Michael Lewwith Ballinrud. Next draw in Crawfords on 31/01/12. Jackpot €5000

Granard Area Action Group:The monthly meeting of the C.E. Sponsoring Committee of Granard Area Action Group will take place on Monday 6 February at 8.00pm in the Information Office, Main Street, Granard. All members are requested to attend as there are many important items on the Agenda concerning the cuts in funding from the Department of Social Protection for the C.E. project.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: Helpers are needed for various functions during the Congress. For details please see web www.iec2012.ie

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Bulletin 22nd January 2012

[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””] Sunday 22nd January 2012
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 21/ Sunday 22nd Jan.
7.30 p.m. Michael & Elizabeth Reynolds & their son, Michael (A)
11.00am Mary Newman (12thA)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 22nd January
9.30 a.m. Kate and Michael Dermody. (A)

St. Bernard’s; Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th Jan.
7.30 p.m. Dec. Members of Abbeylara GAA Club.
11.00 a.m. Miriam Galligan. (A).

St. Mary’s Sunday 28th January:
9.30 pm Brendan Brady Months Memory.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday 7. 30 pm Tom Brady(A) Cloonaghmore,
Wednesday 7.30p.m.
Friday 7.30 p.m. William & Bridget McCormack(A) Springtown

St. Mary’s: Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 p.m.

Eucharistic Ministers: Maureen Galligan & Bridget Burns, Louise Battrim, V. McGivney & Annie Reilly.

Readers: Yvonne Gregory, Tommy Rabbitt, Mel Brady.

Collections: Offertory: €1,273 Thank you.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night.

Spend one Hour with Me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thurs morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Baptism: We welcome into the Christian Community Holly Tara Mary daughter of Dymphna & Gerry Tully, Carrickduff.

Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of; Damien Dawson, Coolarty, Granard who died on Sun. 15th Jan and for John Nolan Ballyhemicken, Kilmoyley Ardfert, Co. Kerry brother in law of Eugene Newman, Newgrove who died on Mon 16th Jan. May they rest in peace.

Readers of the Word of God: Please collect your rota and St. Paul’s Missal for 2012 in the Sacristy after Masses this week-end

Ministers of the Eucharist: Please collect your rota for 2012 in the Sacristy after Masses this week-end.

Christian Unity Week: Takes place from Wed 18th Jan to Wed 25th Jan. Please pray for Unity among Christians.

Confirmation Enrolment; Takes place on Sat 28th Jan for Abbeylara School at the 7.30 Mass and on Sun 29th Jan for Aughnagarron School at the 9.30 Mass.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: Takes place from Sun 10th June to Sun 17th June. www.iec2012.ie

Parish Draw: Congratulation to the following winners in the parish draw.
€300 – Tom Joe & Maureen Donohoe, Springtown.
€200 – Patsy & Mary Fox, Ballywillian.
€100 – Bernard & Louise Reilly Toneymore.
€100 – Dan & Mary Smyth Toberphelim.
€50 – Philomena Macken, Robinstown.
€50- Kevin Lord, Aughnagarron.
Many thanks for your support of the Parish Draw. Also thanks very much to the collectors. The final 2011 draw takes place early in Feb. The 2012 draw will begin later on in Feb

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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Takes place Sun 27th May to Fri 1st June. Cost €699 Contact JWT 012410811, 012410812. Any person with special needs who wishes to be considered for the pilgrimage please contact Fr. Ml 6686270.

Abbeylara GAA Club: Hold their Annual presentation night on Sat 28th Jan in the Pikers Lodge Gowna. At this function the Reserve League Div 1 and Div 3 winners will receive their medals. A great night’s entertainment with food in buffet form and music in store. Tickets available for any Club Officer and committee. Your support would be appreciated. Meeting on Thur. 26th Jan in the Sports Centre 9.30pm to arrange the above function. All officers and committee members please attend. Membership of the Club is now due. Adults €25; couple €40 player €50 includes membership and insurance; player student €35; non player student & \OAP €10. Please pay your membership fee to Pat McHugh, Patsy Lynch or any club officer before Thursday 1st March.

Thanks: Abbeylara GAA Club says thanks very much to the GAA President Christy Cooney and the Communications Officer Croke Park Alan Milton who came to our Club & Parish on Tue 17th Jan. This was a very creative and positive gathering. Sincere thanks to all the people who took part in this Ag Eisteacht programme.

Longford GAA Gaeltacht Grants: Application forms are available from the Club Secretary Bernard Smyth 0872664518. Completed forms must be returned by the County Board before Fri 3rd Feb

Community Employment Schemes; Public meeting for all voluntary and community groups on Mon 23rd Jan in Edi Centre, Masterteck Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford at 8pm.

Active Retirement: Next meeting on January 26th in the Sports Centre at 11.am. We will make you welcome and you’ll be saying why didn’t I come sooner. We are now trying to organise a day out to Dublin Zoo and see some of our other friends. Phone 6686057 Maureen.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancement: A very constructive meeting was held on Thur last in the Sports Centre. Work on cementing our official title and fundraising were discussed. A table quiz with the theme “How well do you know your Parish”is in the pipeline. Next meeting Thur 26th Jan 8.30 in the Sports Centre. All are welcome

EmployAbility Midlands: (formerly MESA)Are you a person with a disability looking for work or work experience? An Employment Officer from EmployAbility Midlands will be available in the Granard Area Action Group, Granard, on Mon 23rd Jan 2012 from 2.30– 4.30pm. EmployAbility Midlands is a service which enables people with disabilities to access mainstream employment and work experience. For further information or to make an appointment please use any of the contact details: Tel: Brenda 0863872855 or email: longford@employabilitymidlands.comwww.employabilitymidlands.com

Abbeylara GAA Club Lotto Results 17/01/12:Numbers drawn 5 8 22 30 €20 Winners; Shauna Galligan, Toneyore, Tom Pettit Toneymore. Karen Gallagher Killosana. Dinah Smith, Abbeylara. Terry & Annie Denneny, Ballinacross. Kevin Kiernan Dalystown. Next draw in Crawords on 24/01/12 . Jackpot €4,900

Abbeylara Community Alert: A good response to the text alert at the meeting on Thursday last. Anyone who still wishes to join can do so by collecting their application form from the Church. It is hoped to have the text alert up and running in the next two to three weeks. Next meeting on Monday 30th Jan in the Sports Centre at 8pm

Abbeylara NS Parents: An important meeting about budget cuts for all parents of pupils in Abbeylara NS will be held on Monday 23rd Jan in the School Hall at 8pm. A full attendance is requested.

Welcome Home: To Lauren Kelly Abbeylara.

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Bulletin 15th January 2012

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Sunday 15th January 2012
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s:
Saturday 14th / Sunday 15th January
7.30 p.m. Mary Gallagher. (1st A)
11.00 a.m. Deirdre Reynolds. (8th A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 15th January.
9.30 a.m. Parishioners Intentions.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 21/ Sunday 22nd Jan.
7.30 p.m. Michael &Elizabeth Reynolds & their son, Michael (A)
11.00am Mary Newman. (12thA)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 22nd January
9.30 a.m. Kate and Michael Dermody. (A)

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7.30 p.m.

St. Mary’s: Carra:
Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Thursday 7.30 p.m.

Eucharistic Ministers:
Maeve O’Reilly; Carmel Reilly; V. McGivney & Annie Reilly:

Readers:
Niamh Sheridan; Shelly Mahon; Mel Brady:

Collections:
Offertory: €1,625. Defibrillator Collection: €440.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night.

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Philomena Kissane Greenhills, Walkinstown, Dublin who died on Thur 12th Jan. Aunt of Irene Lynch Toneymore. May she rest in peace.

Spend one Hour with Me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Baptism: We welcome into the Christian Community, Saoirse Grace, daughter of Geraldine & Martin Moran, Dalystown.

Readers of the Word of God: Your rota for 2012 and St. Paul Sunday missal 2012 is now available. Please call to the Sacristy after Masses this week-end Sat 14th and 15th to collect your rota and Missal.

Ministers of the Eucharist: Your rota for 2012 is now available. Please call to the Sacristy after Masses this week-end Sat 14th Sun 15th to collect your rota.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: The theme of the 50th International Congress is The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another, but what does “communion” mean? While many people associate the word “communion” strictly with the Blessed Sacrament, the idea of communion is significantly broader than that. Communion is a relationship of mutual love and self giving which flows from our relationship with Jesus Christ. To be continued…..

Ards Friary: Retreat and conference Centre 2012 programme available from www.ardsfriary.ie. A few copies available in the Churches.

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Abbeylara GAA Club: Hold their Annual Presentation Night on Sat 28th Jan in the Pikers Lodge, Gowna. At this function the Reserve League Div 1 and Div 3 winners will receive their medals. A great night’s entertainment with music & food in Buffet form is in store. Tickets available from any Club Officer. Your support would be appreciated. Meeting on Tuesday 17th Jan. in the Sports Centre at 9.30 pm to arrange the above function. All officers and committee members please attend. Membership of the Club is now due. Adult €25; Couple €40; Player €50 includes membership and insurance. Player student €35; Non player student & OAP €10. Please pay your membership fee to Pay McHugh, Patsy Lynch or any Club Officer before Thur 1st March.

Welcome: Abbeylara GAA Club welcomes the GAA President Christy Cooney who will visit our Club on Tue 17th Jan in the Sports Centre at 7pm.

Christian Unity Week: Takes place from Wed 18th Jan to Wed 25th Jan. Please pray for Unity among Christians.

Adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Please consider giving some of your time to adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Come on Thursday morning to Carra or on Friday during the day to Abbeylara and let the Lord do the rest.

Appreciation: A donation of $500 for Abbeylara Church was donated by Ellen Robinson & John McNally, New York USA in loving memory of Bernadette Kiernan Conneally, Creevy and Kilgolia, Finea. Many thanks for this generous gift.

Parish Draw: Takes place on Friday 20th January after the 7.30 Mass. You are welcome to attend. Any monies due to the draw please hand in before the draw.

Abbeylara GAA Club Lotto Results 10/01/12 Numbers drawn: 8 15 20 22: €20 Winners: Colin Sheridan, Toneymore: David Murphy c/o Michael Gettings; Kathleen Reilly, Creevy; Gabriel Lynch, Abbeylara; Bernard Gilligan, Ballywillian; Ciara & Sheila Murphy, Carra. Next draw 17/1/12. Jackpot €4,800.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancement: A vast amount of topics up for discussion at the meeting on Thur night last and major lobbying will be called for in the next couple of months. Next meeting Thur 19th Jan in the Sports Centre at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Abbeylara Community Alert: Text explanation hand out available in our Churches and Schools. Meeting Tuesday 24th Jan 2012 @ 8pm.

Granard Area Action Group;:The monthly meeting of Granard Area Action Group due to be held on Monday 9 January was postponed as a mark of respect to the late Brendan Brady RIP former C.E. supervisor with the group. The meeting has now been rescheduled for Monday 16 January at 8.00pm in the Information Office. All members are requested to attend.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES. PUBLIC MEETING FOR ALL VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS MON 23RD. JAN 2012 AT 8P.M.EDI CENTRE, MASTERTECH BUSINESS PARK, ATHLONE RD., LONGFORD. This meeting has been arranged to discuss the serious implications for Voluntary and Community Groups arising from cuts to Community Employment funding in the recent Budget. Over 300 participants and 17 Supervisors are engaged in Community Employment Schemes throughout county Longford. Childcare, social services, Tidy Towns, care of the elderly and disabled, information services, local enterprise, sport and recreation depend on CE. In the recent budget the grant to schemes was reduced from €1,500 per participant/per annum to €500. This money was necessary to cover Audit Fees, Insurance, Facilities for workers including heat, light, IT, phones, tools and materials. This is an immediate reduction of €300,000 to this county. Very few schemes can survive this cut in expenditure. This meeting will provide an opportunity to share information, document the implications these changes will have on communities and initiate appropriate responses. Please ensure all community and voluntary groups are represented at this meeting in order to develop a united strategy to protect our services at this most critical time.

Active Retirement: Details next week.

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Bulletin 8th January 2012

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Sunday 8th January 2012
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s: Saturday7th / Sunday 8th Jan.
7.30 p.m. Dec Members of the Prunty Family
11.00 a.m. Tommy Sheridan, (12th A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 8th January.
9.30 a.m. Parishioners Intentions.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 14th / Sunday 15th January
7.30 p.m. Mary Gallagher. (1st A)
11.00 a.m. Deirdre Reynolds. (8th A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 15th January.
9.30 a.m. Parishioners Intentions.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7.30 p.m.

St. Mary’s: Carra:
Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Tom and Bridget Lynch and deceased members of the Lynch family, Creevy.

Eucharistic Ministers: John Fay; Aishling Rabbitt; Joan Murphy & Bernard Smyth:

Readers:Annette Drake; Christina Grier; David Feeley:

Collections:
Christmas Dues Priests Revenue: Many thanks for your very generous contribution to the Christmas Dues it is really very much appreciated.

Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of: Brendan Brady, Springtown, who died on Sat 31st Dec. and for Anne May Kneit formerly Anne May Cunningham late of Clooneen, Granard who died in Sidney Australia on Sat. 31st Dec., sister of Larry Cunningham, Cloughernal. May they rest in peace.

Readers of the Word of God: please continue to use the 2011 rota until you receive your new rota and St. Paul Sunday Missal 2012.

Ministers of the Eucharist: Please continue to use the 2011rota until you receive your new rota.

Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s at 8.30 p.m.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thursday morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Defibrillators: A collection will be held on Sat 7th & Sun 8th Jan at all Masses. Funds are urgently needed for the maintenance, upgrading and servicing of the parish Defibrillators as well as training in the use of Defibrillators. Please support as generously as possible.

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Abbeylara Community Alert: Text explanation hand out available in our Churches and Schools. Meeting 17th Jan 2012 @ 8pm.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: The Congress will take place in 2 main venues: the RDS and Croke Park and will consist of a programme of Prayer, Masses and liturgical celebrations in 7 languages; a Eucharistic Procession, Adoration and Benediction; over 150 workshops and discussion groups; 18 keynote addresses by international speakers, catechesis and testimonies; over 100 exhibition stands; cultural events, film music, concerts, theatre, 100s of choirs; dedicated space and events for over 2,500 young people.

Abbeylara GAA Club: The meeting due to be held on Tue 3rd Jan was cancelled as a mark of respect to the late Brendan Brady. The meeting is rearranged for Tuesday 10th Jan in the Sports Centre at 9.30pm. All officers and committee members please attend.

Adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Sincere thanks to those who adore the Most Blessed Sacrament on Thursday in Carra and on Friday in Abbeylara. More people are kindly invited to adore the Most Blessed Sacrament. This is a wonderful spiritual way to receive blessings and strength. Please contact Fr. Michael 6686270 or come to either Church. Details of times available elsewhere in our bulletin.

Granard Area Action Group: The monthly meeting of the Community Employment sponsoring group will be held on Monday 9 January in the Information Office Main Street Granard at 8.00pm. All members are requested to attend as there are many important issues to be discussed regarding the future of C.E.

Abbeylara Tidy Towns: Continued ….. Congratulations to the main Draw Prize winners: 1st prize: Christmas Hamper – Ms. Caroline Holohan c/o Ulster Bank Granard: 2nd prize: Fuel voucher for Macken’s filling station – Ms. Rosemary Reilly. 3rd prize: Voucher for The Piker’s Lodge, Gowna – Stefano – Alfredo takeaway, Granard. 4th prize: A bottle of Brandy – Carmel Reilly, Carra. 5th prize: A bottle of Whiskey – Pasty Lynch Ballywillian. Congratulations also to those who won spot prizes, and a big thank you to Denis Fahey who forfeited his prize and went on to auction it to help raise much needed funds. Thank you to sponsors on the night: Mary Brady, Gerry Kiernan Family Butchers, P.J. Farrell, Abbeylara, Garden Centre, Alice Daly, Aine Flynn, Supervalu, Sheila Fahey, P.J. & Fiona Reilly, Johnnie Macken and The Piker’s Lodge, Gowna. The Tidy Towns would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Active Retirement, The first meeting of the New Year will be on Thursday January 12th. Looking forward to meeting you all and hearing how we all spent Christmas and the New Year. The Active Retirement members would like to wish Lauren Kelly a speedy recovery.

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Bulletin 1st January 2012

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Sunday 1st January 2012

Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s:Saturday 31st Dec./ Sunday 1st Jan. 2012
7.30 p.m. Nancy Walsh. (5th A)
11.00 a.m. Parishioners Inentions.

St. Mary’s Sunday 1st January.
9.30 a.m. Parishioners Intentions,

St. Bernard’s: Sat.7th / Sun. 8th Jan.
7.30 p.m. Dec Members of the Prunty Family
11.00 a.m. Tommy Sheridan, (12th A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 8th January.
9.30 a.m. Fr. Michael Egan (21stA)

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s😐
Monday & Wednesday 7.30 p.m.

St. Mary’s: Carra Tuesday 7.30 p.m.

The Ephphany of the Lord:- Is celebrated on Friday 6th Jan. and is a Holy Day of Obligation.

St. Mary’s: Carra:
Thursday 5th Jan 7.30 Vigil Mass. Friday 6th Jan. 9.30 a.m.

St. Bernard’s Abbeylara:
Friday 6th Jan 11.00 a.m. & 7.30pm Ellen(A) & Larry McHugh, Springtonw.

Eucharistic Ministers:
Maureen Galligan & Brigie Burns; Mary Fox; Rose Gregory & Beatrice Cunningham;

Readers:
|Annette Drake; Michelle Maguire; Jane Reilly:

Collections: Offertory: €2144.
Thank you very much for your ongoing financial support to the various collections throughout the year. All these finances are used for the upkeep of our parish property especially our Churches, for the day to day parish running expenses and manyother financial needs.
Co. Longford Social Services: €388

Altar Society: (January)

St.Bernard’s: Patty Fitzgerald:

St. Mary’s: Marie Dalton & Margaret Murphy:

Collectors:
St. Bernard’s: 7.30 p.m. Michael Brady; Packie Lynch; Alice Daly; Dan Smyth:

St. Mary’s: 9.30 a.m. Pat Battrim; Frank Malone; Peter Kelly; Kevin Kiernan:

St. Bernard’s:11.00 a.m. Pauric Kiernan; Patrick Reilly; Patsy Fox; Ciaran Drake:

Marriage: Congratulations to Helen Reilly, Carra & Graham Plunkett, Togher, Finea who were married on Tuesday 27th Dec. in Carra Church.

Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of: Mary Heslin, Castletown, Finea who died on Monday 19th December, mother of Mary Grier, Cloughernal , for Lily Murray, An Rath Bheag, Abbeylara who died on Thursday 22nd Dec.and for Fergal O’Boyle, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo died Thur 29th Dec husband of Elaine Walsh Carrickduff: May they rest in peace.

First Friday: Takes place on Fri 6th Jan. The sick and housebound will be attended as usual.

Confessions: On Friday 6th Jan. in Abbeylara at 7pm followed by First Friday Mass at 7.30pm.

Fr. John Drumgoole: Rosary and prayers for the Beatification of Fr. John Drumgoole takes place on Fri 6th Jan in Abbeylara after 7.30 Mass. You are welcome to take part

Fatima First Saturday Mass: On Sat 7th Jan. in Carra at 11am with Confessions before Mass.

Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s at 8.30 p.m.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

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Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. to 7.30p.m. All welcome.

Abbeylara Tidy Towns: Abbeylara Tidy Town would like to thank all those who attended their Annual Christmas Draw and Party in Crawford’s lounge on Saturday night last Dec. 10th. A great night was had by all and a big word of thanks to Mary O Connor, who’s wonderful singing talent really made the night. A word of thanks to all those who donated prizes, all the shops and members who helped sell lines, to Tina in Crawford’s Lounge for the use of her premises, the committee members who supplied the sandwiches and all those who helped out during the year. To be continued next week.

Thanks: To all the people who attended, the Carol Service, Confessions & Masses during the Christmas Season. A special word of thanks to all those people who helped in any way to prepare for and celebrate these Sacraments. Sincerest thanks to the people who prepared our Churches so fittingly for the celebration of Christmas. It was very encouraging for us all to have our Churches so full of people for Christmas.

Defibrillators: A collection will be held on Sat 7th & Sun 8th Jan at all Masses. Funds are urgently needed for the maintenance, upgrading and servicing of the parish Defibrillators as well as training in the use of Defibrillators. Please support as generously as possible.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: The world will be watching and joining us in prayer and we will have simultaneous translation in Spanish, Polish, Irish, German, French, Italian and sign language; 7 websites, 5 social media channels and will welcome 100s of media from around the globe in a massive celebration of faith and culture.

Abbeylara GAA Club – Race Night: Many thanks to all the people who supported this fund raising event in any way. A very enjoyable and successful night was had by all present. Club Meeting on Tue 3rd Jan in the Sports Centre at 8.30pm. Club Lotto. No draw on Tue 27th Dec because of Christmas next draw on Tue 3rd Jan in Crawfords: Jackpot €4,700 Thanks very much for your support of the Lotto throughout the year.

Abbeylara Community Alert: Text alert explanation hand out available in our Churches and Schools. Meeting 17th Jan 2012 @ 8pm.

Get Well Wishes: To Lauren Kelly, Abbeylara who is recovering in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin after her recent ordeal. Hope to see you home soon. Get well wishes also to all our other people who are sick or suffering.

Abbeylara Gun Club: The Club wishes to thank all who attended their Christmas Draw and Raffle in Crawford’s Lounge on Saturday the 17th of December, in spite of the poor weather. Congratulations to the following winners of the draw; 1st prize €500 Michael Nicholson Jnr. Abbeylara, 2nd prize €300 Maura Martin Cloonagh Dring, 3rd prize €200 Larry Bannon, Legan, 4th prize €100 Hughbert Kelly Ballyjamesduff.  A special word of thanks to all who bought and help sell tickets for the draw, Na Fianna for their excellent music on the night, to Tina and Staff for the use of her premises and providing refreshments on the night and to those who sponsored spot prizes. The club wishes all our supporters A Very Happy New Year.

Granard Area Action Group The monthly meeting of the Community Employment sponsoring group will be held on Monday 9 January in the Information Office Main Street Granard at 8.00pm. All members are requested to attend as there are many important issues to be discussed regarding the future of C.E.

Scor: All those interested in taking part in Scor please contact Trisha Mahon asap in order to prepare for Scor which begins in February.

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Bulletin 18th December 2011 – 4th Sunday of Advent

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Sunday 18th Dec. 2011
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 17th / Sunday 18th Dec.
7.30 p.m. Tommy Macken, (A) Robinstown.
11.00 a.m. Bernadette Gilligan. (3rdA)

St. Mary’s: Carra: Sunday 18th Dec.
9.30 a.m. Tommy Heaney, (4thA) Cloughernal & Dec. Members of the Heaney & Smith Families Cloughernal and Castletown.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday, 19th 6.30 p.m. Wednesday 21st. 7.30p.m. Bernard & Ellen Reilly & Dec Members of the Reilly Family Toneymore. Friday 23rd 7.30 p.m,

St. Mary’s: Carra.
Tue 20th Dec 6.30 p.m. Thur 22nd Dec7.30 p.m.

Christmas Arrangements:
Sat 24th Dec Christmas Eve
St. Mary’s Carra 7.30 Mary Nicholson(A)

St. Bernard’s Abbeylaa: 12.00 Midnight Mass. Parishioners Intentions.
Sunday 25th Dec Christmas Day:

Carra 9.30 a.m. Johnnie Mahon. (30th A)

Abbeylara: 11am Parishioners Intentions

St. Bernard’s:

Monday 26th Dec. 7.30p.m. Eamonn Brady. (A)
Wednesday 28th Dec. Thomas & Ena Quinn., (A) & Dec Members of the Quinn Family.
Friday 30th Dec. Brian & Maureen Smyth. (A).

St. Mary’s: Carra
Tue 27th 7.30 Thur 29th Dec. Liam Reilly, Months Memory.

Collections: Offertory: 8th Dec. – €655.
Last weekend – €1,274. Guide Dogs – €383

Eucharistic Ministers: Maeve O’Reilly & Alice Daly; Cathy Reilly; V. McGivney & Annie Reilly:

Readers: Kay Cassidy; Rosaleen Mahon, Maureen Donoghue:

Death: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Anna Byrne (nee Daly) Killaney, Carrickmacross, a native of Granard, who died on Mon 12th Dec. Former teacher in St. Bernard’s NS, Abbeylara. May she rest in peace.

Christmas Nativity Musical – Hosanna Rock: ~Takes place on Tue 20th Dec in Abbeylara Church at 7.30pm. Presented by St. Bernard’s NS. You are welcome to attend.

Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s at 8.30 p.m.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Confessions Penitential Service: Takes place on Wed 21st Dec in Abbeylara at 8pm. A number of visiting priests will be available for individual Confessions.

 Christmas Calls: The sick and housebound will be visited on Friday 23rd Dec. Please inform them.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: – Takes place from June 10th to 17th 2012 in Dublin. Our Christmas spiritual preparation can also help our preparation for the congress

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A Message for Advent 2011: Living in hope and welcoming Christ is a letter written by our Bishop Colm O’Reilly to the people of the Dioceses of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. Copies of this letter are available in our Churches. Please take one home to read and share.

County Longford Social services: Hold their annual collection at all Masses this weekend Sat 17th Sun 18th Dec. Please support.

Gun Club: The Club are having their annual Christmas draw in Crawford’s lounge on Saturday. Dec the 17th. Music on the night by Na Fianna. Everyone welcome

Carol Service: On Sunday 18th Dec. in Abbeylara Church at 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Abbeylara Tidy Towns: Abbeylara Tidy Town would like to thank all those who attended their Annual Christmas Draw and Party in Crawford’s lounge on Saturday night last Dec. 10th. A good night was had by all. Full details in next bulletin.

Abbeylara Community Alert: Meeting took place last Tue 13th in the Sports Centre with over twenty people in attendance. Garda Tracey Shanley, Community Garda Granard Area gave us a very informative presentation on many aspects of security and the prevention of crime. It was agreed at the meeting for representatives from the townlands to call and procure the mobile numbers of the residence with a subscription fee of €5 to cover operating costs for one year. Next meeting will be 17th January at 8pm. Large attendance expected.

Abbeylara GAA Club Race Night: Will take place Monday 26th Dec. (St. Stephen’s Day) in Crawford’s at 8pm. Lines on sale around the parish for €5 per horse and €5 per jockey. As this is one of the club’s major fund raiser of the year we request and need your support please. Anyone still with cards and money please return them immediately. Meeting of the club’s officers and committee on Tuesday 20th Dec. in the Sports Centre at 9.30 p.m. to arrange the race night

Santa: Comes to Abbeylara on Sun 18th Dec in Crawford’s at 3pm. Wishing all our children a happy Santa Day.

Abbeylara GAA Club: Lotto Results. 13/12/11
Numbers Drawn 14 21 23 26 €20 winners:
Karen & Colin Farrell Abbeylara, Karen Farrell Abbeylara, John Johnson, Abbeylara, Bernard Gilligan Cooldoney, Marcella Flynn c/o Maura Sheridan Carra, Barney & Irene Lynch Toneymore. Next draw 20/12/11 Jackpot 4,600.

Contact/Keeping in Touch: To all our people living away in other places we send our warmest Christmas Greetings and Prayers.

Welcome: Warmest welcome to those who are coming home for Christmas to those with us for their first Christmas, to Foreign Nationalists living among us, and to those visiting among us.

Christmas Greetings – Appreciation & Thanks : I thank you all very much for your support to our Parish. Your support is important and appreciated. Each family will receive a Christmas Card/New Year Calendar greeting during this week. My Masses and Prayers during Christmas will be offered for you all.

Happy Christmas Everybody.

Fr. Michael.

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Bulletin 11th December 2011

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Sunday 11th Dec. 2011
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 10th / Sunday 11th Dec
7.30 p.m. Joe and Bridie Feely. (A)
11.00 a.m. Parishioners Intentions.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 11th Dec.
9.30 a.m. Joseph Kelly, (A) Cloughernal.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 17th / Sunday 18th Dec
7.30 p.m. Tommy Macken, (A) Robinstown.
11.00 a.m. Bernadette Gilligan. (3rdA)

St. Mary’s: Carra:
9.30 a.m. Tommy Heaney, (4thA) Cloughernal and Dec Members of the Heaney & Smith Families of Cloughernal and Castletown.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7.30 p.m.

St. Mary’s: Carra:
Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Lily & Pat Hourican, (A) Dalystown.
Thursday 7.30 p.m.

Collection:
Offertory: €1,171. Thank you.

 Eucharistic Ministers: John Fay; Annie Reilly; V. McGivney & Annie Reilly:

Readers:Mary O’Connor; Tommy Rabbitt; Mary Reilly:

Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of; Mary Ellen Comaskey, Tullygullion, who died on Sunday 4th Dec. mother of Foncie Comaskey, Carra. Eamon McAdam, Belturbet, Co. Cavan who died on Thursday 8th Dec. Brother in law of the late Philip Anderson, Camagh. John Kiernan, Kilasona who died on Fri 9th Dec. brother of Jimmy Kiernan, Carbronbore. May they rest in peace.

Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s at 8.30 p.m.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

Parish Draw: Congratulations to the following winners in the Parish Draw.
€300 – Cieran & Joanne Drake, Cloonaghmore.
€200 – James & Rita Kiernan, Cartronbore. €100 – Sarah Walsh, Ballinacross.
€100- Brian & Bridie Lynch, Carrickduff.
€50 – Raymond Brady, Derragh.
€50 – Bernard & Irene Lynch, Toneymore.
Many thanks for your ongoing support. Also thanks to the collectors.

November Dues: Many thanks to everybody who contributed to the Nov dues, priest’s revenue. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Christmas Youth Retreat: Takes place from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th Dec. in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare. This is a Catholic Youth Retreat for 16 to 35 year olds. No cost – donation only. Bring a sleeping bag. Free buses. Don’t miss a fantastic weekend filled with great music inspiring talks, workshops, prayer celebration of the Christmas season and a chance to meet new people. Contact 01 6753690; 0858289231; www.youth2000,ie.

County Longford Social Services: Hold their annual collection at all Masses next weekend Sat 17th Sun 18th Dec. They deliver meals on wheels and provide transport services to and from hospitals, clinics and St. Joseph’s day care centre. Please support.

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Abbeylara Parish Community Alert: Hold a very important meeting on Tuesday 13th Dec. in the Sports Centre at 8pm. In order to get the mobile phone text system into operation it is necessary that each townland be represented at this meeting please.

Abbeylara GAA Club Race Night: Will take place Monday 26th Dec. (St. Stephen’s Day) in Crawford’s at 8pm. Lines on sale around the parish for €5 per horse and €5 per jockey. As this is one of the club’s major fund raiser of the year we request and need your support please. Meeting of the club’s officers and committee on Tuesday 13th Dec. in the Sports Centre at 9.30 p.m. to arrange the race night.

Mass Servers Clothes for Carra Church: Any family/individual with a black soutane and white surplice that they no longer need, please leave into Carra Church or Aughnagarron N.S. or Fr. Michael for use by new Mass servers in Carra Church.

50th International Eucharistic Congress: The Congress takes place once every four years, somewhere in the world for eight days, the next International Eucharistic Congress will be hosted in Dublin from June 10th to 17th 2012 and expects 25,000 pilgrims to participate each day, 12,000 international pilgrims from five continents, 80,000 participants in the Closing Ceremony and between 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers. It will mark a momentous occasion in the history of the Catholic Church in Ireland, an immense opportunity of rrnewal for all of us.

Senior Citizens Christmas Party: Takes place on Sun 11th Dec in Crawford’s Lounge beginning with Holy Mass at 1.30pm followed by Christmas dinner and party. All our Senior Citizens are most welcome.

A Message for Advent 2011: Living in hope and welcoming Christ is a letter written by our Bishop Colm O’Reilly to the people of the Dioceses of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. Copies of this letter are available in our Churches. Please take one home to read and share.

Carol Service: On Sunday 18th Dec. in Abbeylara Church at 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Santa: Comes to Abbeylara on Sunday 18th Dec. in Crawford’s at 3 p.m. Wishing all our Children a happy Santa day.

AED / Defibrillator Re – Training with the Irish Heart Foundation has been rearranged for Wed 14 Dec @ 7.30 in Sports Center Abbeylara. All those trained previously are due to be re-certified in training. A charge of €10. Please contact if attending on this date David 0863118007 Maura 087 6292488 or Rosaleen 0877634413.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancemet: Meeting took place last Thur 8th Dec in the Sports Centre. We had a report from the committee on their meeting with the Keystone representative. He was very impressed with the progress and hopes to have the completed work submitted as soon as possible. The committee agreed to a break until the Thur 12th Jan 2012 in the Sports Centre.

Tidy Towns are holding their Annual Fundraiser in Crawford’s this Saturday night, music by Mary O’ Connor. Christmas Draw and Raffle on the night, all welcome as this is our only fundraiser for 2011.

Abbeylara GAA: Lotto Results 6/12/2011. Numbers drawn: 21 22 25 26 €20 winners. Jason Gaynor Lisryan, Michael Major Cartron, Frank Mulligan Ballinacross, Paul Smith, Cloncovid, Terry & Aine Drake Carrickduff, Tommy & Joan Rabbitt Dalystown. Next draw 13/12/2011 in Crawfords. Jackpot €4,500.

“The Gospel of Luke Birth of Jesus”: Reading anew the Infancy Narratives and using video fottage of Bethlehem, Nazareth & Jerusalem, takes place on Mon 12th Dec in the Sacred Heart NS Granard at 8pm. Speaker Fr. Tom Cox.

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Bulletin 3rd December 2011 2nd Sunday of Advent

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Sunday 4th Dec. 2011

Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s:
Saturday 3rd / Sunday 4th Dec.
7.30 p.m. Michael & Brigid Reilly, (A) Creevy & her brother Fr. Pat Masterson (A)
11.00 a.m. Marcella & Michael Donohoe. (A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 4th Dec.
9.30 a.m. Terry Coyle, (a) Cloughernal.

St. Bernard’s:Saturday 10th / Sunday 11th Dec.
7.30 p.m. Joe and Bridie Feely(A)
11.00 a.m. Parishioners Intentions.

St. Mary’s: Sunday 11th Dec.
9.30 a.m. Joseph Kelly(A) Cloughernal.

The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady: Takes place on Thursday 8th Dec. It is a Holy Day of obligation.

Masses: as follows.

St. Bernard’s: Wed 7th – 7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass.

St. Mary’s Carra: Thursday 8th – 9.30 a.m. Michael & Brigid Kiernan & Dec. Members of Kiernana Family.

St. Bernard’s: Thur 8th -11.00 a.m.& 7.30p.m.

Weekday Masses:
St. Bernard’s: Monday 7.30 p.m.
Friday 7.30p.m. Deceased members of the Lynch Family, Toneymore.

St. Mary’s: Carra:
Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Mary Mullally, New York and Aughnagarron, aunt of Margaret Sullivan, Aughnagarron.

Deaths: Your prayers are rquested for the happy repose of the souls of Mary Mullally, New York, a native of Aughnagarron who died on Fri 11th Nov,aunt of Mgt. Sullivan, Aughnagarron. Rose Fox Drueel, Ballinalee, who died on Sun 20th Nov, mother of Ita Farrell. Carra. Josephine McKay, Clontarf, Dublin formerly Josephine O’Reilly, Derragh who died on Thur 1st Dec.May they rest in peace.

Collections:
Offertory – €1595
Society for the Prevention ofCruelty to Children – €406
Mission Sunday to date – €515
Cemetery Fund to date – €315
Eucharistic Ministers: (8th Dec.)
Maureen Galligan & Brigie Burns; Louise Battrim; Mary Reilly & T. J. Walsh:

(Next Weekend) Ann Sheridan & Kathleen Reilly; Bridget Lynch; Joan Murphy & Bernard Smyth:

Readers: (8th Dec.)

Yvonne Gregory; Christina Grier; Paul Masterson:

(Next weekend) Alice Daly; Shelly Mahon; Patricia Masterson:

Prayer Meeting: in Tommy and Collette Doyle’s Tue 6th Dec at 8 pm with Fr. Kevin Smyth celebrating a Family Tree Healing Mass. All are welcome. More information call 043 6685912.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

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Holy Hour of Thanksgiving: – Takes place on Wed 7th Dec. in Abbeylara at 6.30 finishing with Mass at 7.30 p.m. This Holy Hour is in thanksgiving for Graces and Blessings received by our sick and us all. It is also in preparation for the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the IEC 2012.

Parish Draw: On Fri 9th Dec in Abbeylara after the 7.30pm Mass. You are welcome to attend. Any money due to the draw please hand in before then.

Abbeylara Parish Community Alert: The Garda Siochana has initiated a new “tex alert” warning system. Everyone in our parish with a mobile phone needs to be connected to this system in an effort to combat crime. The idea is if a crime has been reported in a certain area of our parish this report will be text to all mobile phones signed up and therefore heighten our awareness in our own areas. An important meeting is on Tuesday 13th Dec in the Sports Centre at 8pm. People are needed from each townland of our parish to attend and become members of “tex alert”.

50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012: Takes place from Sunday 10th to Sun 17June 2012. Theme for each day: Sun 10th is the feast of The Body & Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi. Mon 11th – Baptism & Ecumenism. Tue 12th – Marriage & Family. Wed 13th Priesthood & Ministry. Thu 14th Reconciliation. Friday 15th Suffering & Healing. Saturday 16th The Word through Mary. Sunday 17th Final Eucharist at Croke Park.

Route 66 Fundraiser: On Sat, 10th Sun. 11th Dec Longford senior footballers are taking part in a major fundraising event for Longford Social Services. The players are cycling the equivalent length of Route 66 or 4000km. All people young and old are invited to take part on Sun, 11th Dec. in fun Santa walk/cycle/push from Pearse Park to the Market square in aid of County Longford Social Services. The Social Services help people in all parishes in Longford. This is a great opportunity to support this worthy cause. Children don’t miss your chance to meet and chat your favourite county player. Bring your camera for what will be a memorable occasion.

Carra Graveyard: A big thank you to a few good men who tidied the graveyard and swept the car park. Your good deeds will go before you.

AED / Defibrillator Re – Training with the Irish Heart Foundation has been rearranged for Wed 14 December @ 7.30 in Sports Center Abbeylara. All those trained previously are due to be re-certified in training. A charge of 10 euro. Please contact if attending on this date David 0863118007 Maura 087 6292488 or Rosaleen 0877634413.

Abbeylara GAA: Lotto Results Date 29.11.11
Numbers Drawn 12-19-25-28
€20 Winners: Keith Murtagh, C/o Crawford’s; Aine Flynn, Ballyboy; Tom Cronogue, Granard; Declan Kiernan, Granard; Michael & Rosaleen Mahon, Ballinrud; Bernard Gilligan, Ballywillan;Next Draw 6th December in Crawford’s Lounge.Jackpot €4,400.

Abbeylara Rural Enhancement: Good turn out for the meeting on Thursday night last. An appointment has been organized for Monday next with representatives from Keystone Architectural Consultants. We will present a comprehensive analysis of the enhancements put forward by yourselves for our parish in the coming years. We hope to have an information evening in the New Year in an effort to bring all the parishioners up to speed on the developments. Next meeting will be Thursday 8th Dec at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Knock Night Vigil: Bus to Knock on Wed 7th Dec leaving Carra Church at 8pm. Contact 043 6686082: 0872487883.

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Bulletin 27th November 2011 – 1st Sunday of Advent

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Sunday 27th Nov. 2011
Priest on Duty: Fr. Michael Campbell
Phone 043 6686270. 086 8718999
www.abbeylaraparish.com

St. Bernard’s: Sat. 26th / Sun. 27th Nov.
7.30 p.m. Thomas Walsh (25thA) & Dec Members of the Walsh Family.
11.00 a.m. Peter Sheridan. (13th A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 27th Nov.
9.30 a.m. Dec Members of Mulligan Family of Cullyboy & Ballywillian.

St. Bernard’s: Saturday 3rd / Sunday 4th Dec.
7.30 p.m. Michael & Brigid Reilly, (A) Creevy & her
broter Fr. Pat Masterson (A)
11.00 a.m. Marcella & Michael Donohoe. (A)

St. Mary’s: Sunday 4th Dec.
9.30 a.m. Terry Coyle, (a) Cloughernal.

Weekday Masses: St. Bernard’s:
Monday 7.30 p.m. Elizabeth Masterson. (7th A)
Wednesday 7.30 p.m. Friday 7.30 p.m.

 St. Mary’s:
Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Holy Souls. Thursday 7.30p.m.

Collections:
Offertory -€1,443. Dyslexia Workshop – €376.
Cemetery Fund – €261

Readers: Niamh Sheridan; Geraldine Rabbitt; Mary Rose McNally:

Eucharistic Ministers: Maeve O’Reilly & Alice Daly; Carmel Reilly; Rose Gregory & Beatrice Cunningham.

The Irish society for prevention of cruelty to Children: Hold their annual collection on Sat. 26th & Sun 27th Nov at all Masses please support.

Deaths:
Your prayers are requested for the happy response of the souls of; Philip Moran, Boherquill, who died on Monday 21st Nov. and for Liam Reilly, Carrickduff who died on Tuesday 22nd Nov. May they rest in peace.

Altar Society:
St. Bernard’s: Patty Fitzgerald
St. Mary’s: Marian Sheridan & Ann Sheridan:

Collectors:
St. Bernard’s: 7.30 p.m. P.J. Reilly; Seamus Kiernan; Denis Flynn; Martin Sheridan:
St. Mary’s: 9.30 a.m. Packie Reynolds; Jimmy Earley; Patsy Lynch:
St. Bernard’s: 11.00 a.m. John Gilligan; Brendan Brady; Terry Drake; Vincent Quinn:

Abbeylara Parish Christmas Committee: Hold a table quiz on Sat 26th Nov in Crawford’s. Proceeds for the visit of Santa to Abbeylara this Christmas. Please support.

Prayer Meeting: Fr. Kevin Smith from Kilnacrott will give a talk in Tommy & Colette’s on Tuesday 6th Dec. All are welcome.

A/G Bingo: Every Wednesday night at 8.45 p.m.

Spend one Hour with me: Holy Hour from 7a.m. to 8a.m. every Thur morning in St. Mary’s, Carra.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament:
Adoration each Friday in St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeylara from 11a.m. until 7.30p.m. Everyone welcome.

First Friday: Friday 2nd Dec. is the First Friday. The sick and housebound will be attended as usual. Confessions on Friday 2nd Dec. in Abbeylara at 7pm. followed by the 1st Friday Mass at 7.30pm.

Fatima First Sat Mass: – Takes place on Sat. 3rd Dec. in Carra at 11am with confessions before Mass.

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EmployAbility Midlands (formerly MESA)
Are you a person with a disability looking for work or work experience?
An Employment Officer from EmployAbility Midlands will be available in Granard Area Action Group, on Monday November 28th from 2.30 – 4.30pm. EmployAbility Midlands is a service which enables people with disabilities to access work experience / mainstream employment. For further information or to make an appointment please use any of the contact details: Tel: Brenda 086 3872 855 or email:longford@mesa4.com

Grow:” A free workshop promoting positive mental health in the workplace will be held on Tuesday 29th November in the Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road, Longford. For further information contact GROW in Ireland at 057 9351124”

Abbeylara GAA Club Lotto Results 22.11.11
Numbers Drawn; 12, 20, 22, 24
€20 Winners:
Liam McNichols, c/o Devine’s Pub; Maura Sheridan, Carra; Kathy Fagan & Mary Mognagh, Kilcogy; Tom Joe Reilly, Castlenugent; Barney & Irene Lynch, Toneymore; S. Donohue, Grousehall. Next Draw in Crawford’s Lounge 29/11/11. Jackpot €4,300.

50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012: Takes place from Sunday 10th to Sunday 17th June 2012. The International Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity for the Irish Church to welcome pilgrims from allover the world to celebrate our common faith in Jesus Christ. The main events of the Congress will take place at the RDS, Dublin beginning with the Congress opening ceremony on Sun 10th June, which is the feast of Corpus Christi. The closing ceremony for the Congress will take place in Croke Park on Sun June 17. More details in the coming weeks and months. Please pray for the success of the Congress.

Boxes of Offertory Envelopes: Your new boxes of envelopes were distributed during the past week. Please use your 1st envelope this week-end Sat 26th Sun. 27th Nov. Any family who may not have received their new box of envelopes please inform us. This also applies to new families/individuals that have come to our parish. Thanks very much for your ongoing generous financial contributions to the offertory and other collections. These finances are needed for the day to day running expenses of the parish. Thanks also to the pupils of both our National Schools who with their teachers & parents distributed the new boxes of envelopes.

News from Lus na Gréine FRC. Open Invitation to November Remembrance for the Bereaved & Short Talk: Which will take place in the Centre on Tuesday next, the 29th. November, at 8 pm. We welcome all the bereaved in our community.

Senior Citizens Party: We are delighted to host our 4th. Annual Christmas Party in Lus na Gréine on Sunday Dec 4th. Four course Dinner served at 1 p.m. and transport provided where required. Please pass the word to family, friends or neighbours. Music by Chuck & June and Mary O’Connor. Special Guest Artists will also visit. Spot Prizes welcome. A great day is assured.

Volunteer Celebration: Christmas is a special time to thank all of you who contribute to the work of the centre and all who support us in so many and varied ways. We will have a celebration on Tuesday, December, 6th. as a token of our appreciation. Refreshments, Music and a relaxed time to chat. All welcome.

Santa is on his way- The Centre is all excited at the forthcoming visit of Santa & Mrs. Claus on Thursday the 8th. December at 6 pm in the Community Centre. Bozo the Clown and other favourite characters are also promising a visit so a great evening is assured. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Circus Showtime will make it’s first ever visit to the Canon Kelly Community Sports Hall, Granard on Sat 3rd Dec for one show only at 4pm.

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