Parish Newsletter- 18th February 2024

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

Repent and Believe in The Good News !
In Today’s Gospel, Jesus is about to start his public ministry. Mark tells us this was preceded by a deep inner struggle when his resolve to take on his God-given mission was tested. Recall important decisions in your own life: were they accompanied by struggle and doubt? Who were the angels who supported you at that time? Give thanks for them. Such periods of anxiety may seem like wilderness experiences at the time. Later, with hindsight, we may see them as being good for us. Perhaps, like Jesus, you recall a time when the Spirit of God led you into the wilderness to be tested and after the experience you had a clearer sense of your own identity or your purpose in life. Repent and believe the good news was the heart of the message of Jesus. It was not a call to penance but to a change of heart, a change of attitude, leading to a change in behaviour. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of right relationships: with God, with one another, with creation, with ourselves. It is a change that leads to a fuller life. When have you found that a change in your attitude towards God, others, yourself, or the world around you, has led you to a more fulfilled or more fruitful life? There is an immediacy about the call of Jesus: ‘the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near’. Recall when you had a realisation that NOW was the moment of opportunity – for a change in your life, for a spiritual renewal, or a time to give a wholehearted yes to life…

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS continue in St. Brigid’s Parish Centre, Clara over the next 5 Thursday nights at 8.00pm. Guest speaker each night. Enquiries form Kay on (085) 711 4205. Come and be renewed in your Christian Faith!

Family Carers Ireland: Are you caring for a loved one at home? A spouse, partner, child, close relative or neighbour? Become a member of Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers nationwide. Contact (057) 937-0221 and or for more info visit www.familycarers.ie

Why not check our some good things for Lent on the diocesan website; www.dioceseofmeath.ie

Synod feedback invitation meetings will offer feedback on the Synod which was held in Rome last October and to offer an opportunity for further discernment on the synodal process, which will inform the preparations for the Synod in Rome next October. All interested persons are invited to one of the following meetings: Mullingar Community Centre, Wednesday 21st February or Tullamore Parish Centre Wednesday 28th February. Meetings at 7.00pm, will be facilitated by the Meath Diocesan Synodal Team. It would be helpful to have some familiarity with the document called Towards the 2024 Assembly on www.synod.va.

Student Language Programme: We have European students arriving in Clara to attend school and live with a host family. We are looking for host families to welcome students into their homes. To find out more about the benefits of becoming a host family, contact Miriam on (087) 646-3341

Dates for Your Diary!
Confirmation: Tuesday 9th April
First Holy Communion: Boys School, Clara – Sunday 5th May
Girls School, Clara – Sunday 19th May
Horseleap & Streamstown Schools – Sunday 26th May
Blessings of Graves in Clara & Horseleap – Sunday 2nd June.

Collections for 10th/11th February:
Development Fund: €1,205; Plate: €675; Offerings: €30.
Thank You!

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