Parish Newsletter- 15th May 2022

Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist
Jesus says ‘Come to me all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest.’
Monday & Friday – 5.00-6.00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday – after 7.30pm Mass to 9.00pm.
All are welcome!

We continue to keep the people of Ukraine in our prayers and we pray for all who have died in this needless war.
Loving God, we pray for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders for compassion, strength, and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world; that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us!

Please pray for the soul of Sr. Ignatius Farrell, Tullamore/Streamstown; recently deceased. R.I.P.

Dates for the Diary!
First Communion for Scoil Phroinsiais Naofa 22nd May @ 11.30am.
Blessings of the Graves in Clara – 29th May @ 4.00pm.
Blessings of the Graves in Horseleap – 5th June @ 4.00pm.

In today’s Gospel Judas leaves and Jesus announces that the moment has come for God’s power to be made manifest. This is unexpected at a moment of imminent betrayal. Have there been times for you when the power of God was made manifest in strange circumstances? ‘I shall not be with you much longer.’ Jesus announces a parting of the ways. There are places we must go in life where others cannot come with us. There are places others must go and we cannot accompany them. When have you experienced this going on alone as necessary for a fuller life for yourself, or for someone else? Jesus proclaims love as the distinguishing characteristic of his followers. Have there been times when reaching out to others has heightened your sense of walking in the footsteps of Jesus? Who are the individuals or communities whose love for one another and for others has been a witness to you? Perhaps you have seen examples of this during the Covid pandemic, or in the response to the plight of refugees from Ukraine or from other countries in crisis.

Jesus is still calling priests; he needs you to say yes to his call. Be a priest and find joy, bring people to God, and let Jesus work through you. “A disciple of Jesus has a heart open to his unlimited horizons” (Pope Francis, Message for Vocations Sunday). If you feel called to be a priest, open your heart to Jesus, follow the Lord, and do not be afraid. Vocations Information: Phone: Fr Tony Gonoude on 0449373923. Website; meathvocations.com or email

Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to Older People once a week? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested call 086-1085965 or see here https://alone.ie/volunteers/

Offaly Local Development: Are you interested in expanding your horizons? Do you want to build your mental & physical health, set goals and develop a life plan? Then join us for the new MenPower Programme beginning June 1st, two days per week for 12 weeks. Participation on this programme is free and will not affect social welfare benefits. For more information, please contact Aoife on (087) 738 5989 or via email

PARENTS PLUS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH PARENTS FIRST FOR 1 – 2 HOURS EACH WEEK? WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS TO PASS ON THEIR VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN BRINGING UP CHILDREN. PLEASE PHONE DOLORES OR ATTRACTA ON (057) 932 2996 OR 086 195922.

Collections for 7th/8th May:
Development Fund: €1,195; Plate: €400; Trocaire: €215; Offerings: €245.
Thank You!