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.

‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’
Last week’s Gospel showed us the immense, almost impossible love of a father forgiving a son who treated him in a truly abominable, offensive and hurtful way. This week’s Gospel has the same theme – forgiveness – but we see it in human form – in the person of Jesus. “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I,” is the same as the father’s words in last week’s parable, “my son was lost, but is now found.” Yet, there is something more in this story. Human love and human forgiveness can never be perfect. They will always have questions, doubts, reservations, nuances which taint the purity of their motivations. When Jesus says to the crowd, “Let the person who is without sin cast the first stone” notice that he is not saying that the woman did not sin or break the Law of Moses. He does not say to them, “This woman has not sinned”. Rather, in a wonderfully insightful and sensitive way, he reminds everyone else present that they, too, are united in sin with this woman. Likewise, after the crowd have gone, he says to her, “go and sin no more.” Jesus forgives her without questions, or demands or judgements, but there is also a challenge to her – “go and sin no more.” The forgiveness of God in last week’s Gospel, and of Jesus in this week’s Gospel, is exactly the same – no judgements or penances. Finally, we must remember why the challenge to ‘sin no more’ is always before us. If we frame in the negative, ‘you’ll go to hell’ way, we will always feel guilty and ashamed and doubt that we are truly forgiven. However, if we truly hear the words of Jesus; that he “came that we might have life, and have it to the full.” and that he “does not call us servants, but friends” then we will see the challenge to ‘sin no more’ as the invitation to ‘life’ and ‘friendship’ and to what God knows is ‘true happiness’.

Program of Prayer for Clara/Horseleap parish
‘Come to the Stillness’ – Lent 2025.
Horseleap – Mass every Tuesday morning @ 10.00am.
Clara – 8th, 9th & 10th April @ 7:30pm: Triduum of Masses for Lent.
Clara – 10th April @ 7:30pm: Sacrament of God’s Forgiveness during Mass.

Thanks to all who helped and supported Daffodil Day in Clara on Friday 28th March. €3,841 was collected.

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.

Knock Shrine, Croagh Patrick, and Lough Derg are issuing a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Passport for 2025. See pilgrimpassport.ie for further details.

We’re looking for volunteers to join our Conversational English Group in Clara, helping migrants improve their English skills as it’s not their first language. No teaching experience is required, and training is provided! For more details, contact – Leona (087) 602 8801 or email

Collections 29th/30th March: Development Fund: €1,595; Plate: €835; Offerings: €30.
Thank You Very Much!

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