Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist
Monday & Friday – 5.00pm-6.00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday – after 7.30pm Mass to 9.00pm.
All are welcome!
Come and find peace in the Lord.

‘Your Brother was Dead, and is Alive.’
Today’s Gospel is a story of love — a lesson in how far our heavenly Father is willing to go for us. He runs to us, even when we are far away, when he sees we want to come home. It’s a beautiful, comforting thought during these weeks of Lent, when we spend much time and energy seeking atonement and renewal. This season is a chance to jumpstart our relationship with the Father and prepare ourselves for the great feast of Easter. Understanding how much God the Father loves us can only help. But there are other ways we need to work on ourselves, and that can include our relationships to one another, especially those who have hurt us. If we consider the parable in today’s gospel from the father’s point of view, we may find ourselves confronting this question: how many of us could do what he did? How many of us could be that merciful? Lent should stir in us a sense of humility and a deeper desire to heal wounds, mend fences, bridge differences. That means: Forgive those who have hurt us or insulted us or done us wrong. Honour and respect those who are contrite. It means: Run to meet those who are wounded, and ashamed, and hurt and who want to come home. Open your arms to someone who wants to start over. It means: Know the value of the second chance. Believe in redemption and conversion and hope. When we hear the story of the prodigal son, it can be a useful exercise to ask ourselves: Where do I fit into the story? Which character am I? Am I the son who left, who is detached from the father and is seeking reconciliation and healing? Am I the father, who hungers for a reunion with someone I love? Or am I the other son, the one who stayed, and who harbours jealousy or resentment over long-festering wounds? At one time or another, maybe we have felt like all of them. Consider this an opportunity to reflect more deeply on those we love and how much God the Father loves us. As we continue our journey through Lent, with a goal of spiritual healing and growth in mind, maybe this is a good time to break our stride. Sometimes, to get where you really want to be, you need to run… like the father always runs to us!

Program of Prayer for Clara/Horseleap parish
‘Come to the Stillness’ – Lent 2025.
Horseleap – Mass every Tuesday morning @ 10.00am.
Clara – Wednesday 2nd April @ 7:30pm: Mass & Adoration with Quiet Prayer & Reflection.
Clara – Thursday 3rd April @ 7:00pm: Stations of the Cross.
Clara – 8th, 9th & 10th April @ 7:30pm: Triduum of Masses for Lent.
Clara – 10th April @ 7:30pm: Sacrament of God’s Forgiveness during Mass.

ADORATION RENEWAL FOLLOW-UP BRIEFING IN THE PARISH CENTRE AT 6:45PM ON WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL. ALL ADORERS ARE INVITED AND WELCOME.

During the season of Lent, there is a short, guided prayer meditation taking place each Thursday after 10.00am Mass in the Parish Centre.

Cosy Café meets this Tuesday 8th April, 11.00am- 1.00pm in Kilbeggan Parish Centre. Catherine Ryan O’Brien, Solicitor will speak about what families need to be aware of in legal matters. Occupational therapy with Noelle Dillon, and music & refreshments. Our aim is to help make our parishes more dementia friendly, and to help people with dementia and their carers. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month.

Clara Musical Society will stage ‘Sweet Charity’ from 8th to 12th of April. Tickets from clarams.com or (087) 936 6247.

Carmelite Church Moate: Wednesday 9th April @ 8.00pm – Taizé – Prayer around the Cross.

Family Carers Ireland: Are you caring for a loved one at home with additional needs? Become a member of Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers nationwide. Contact (057) 937 0221 or visit www.familycarers.ie.

Collections 22nd/23rd March: Development Fund: €1,185; Plate: €780; Offerings: €105.
Thank You Very Much!

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