Parish Newsletter- 11th January 2026: The Baptism of the Lord
| Mass times for the week ahead | MASS INTENTIONS |
|---|---|
| Saturday 10th January @7.00pm Clara | Sean & Trudy Cushen. Deceased of Bastic family. Frank, Kathleen & Frances Newman. |
| Sunday 11th January @10.00am Horseleap | Bernard & Bridget Keegan. |
| Sunday 11th January @11.30am Clara | Michael O’Meara. Prim Digan. Eddie Mitchell. |
| Tuesday 13th January @7.30pm Clara | St. Hilary No Intention |
| Wednesday 14th January @7.30pm Clara | Tom, Molly & deceased of Newman family |
| Thursday 15th January @10.00am Clara | St. Ita No Intention. |
| Friday 16th January @10.00am Clara | St. Fursa No Intention. |
| Saturday 17th January @10.00am Clara | St. Anthony, Abbot Kieran Stones. Anne & Paula Hynes |
| Saturday 17th January @7.00pm Clara | Mary Delaney (Month’s Mind). |
| Sunday 18th January @10.00am Horseleap | Mick Clavin. |
| Sunday 18th January @11.30am Clara | Sean & Maureen Berry. Michael Quinn. |
Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist
CLARA: Monday & Friday – 5.00pm-6.00pm
CLARA: Tuesday & Wednesday – after 7.30pm Mass to 9.00pm.
HORSELEAP: Tuesday – 7.00pm-9.00pm
All are welcome!
Come and find peace in the Lord.
The New Year invites us to begin again with hope. We step forward not trusting in our own strength, but in God’s faithfulness, which is new every morning. Christian living is a daily choice to love, forgive, and serve, even when it is difficult. As the year unfolds, we are called to walk humbly with God, listen to His Word, and let our lives reflect Christ’s light to others. Each day becomes a fresh opportunity to grow in faith and to live with purpose, gratitude, and love.
Happy New Year to All!
May we do the Spirit’s work of Healing and Renewal
Today’s gospel begins with Jesus joining humanity in the water of baptism. John first resists Jesus’ desire to be baptized and says, “I need to be baptised by you.” John’s confusion is also our confusion: Why would Jesus, without sin, want or need to be baptized? Here we see that God is not a distant God but rather comes to our lives, our wounds, our fears, and even our hopes. God enters the spaces where we feel abandoned, overwhelmed, or unworthy. God does not abandon us, but enters the waters with us. Jesus’ baptism teaches us that God is with us and in solidarity with us. God does not flee from the world’s pain but comes to be with us. And in a world where so many people feel erased or cast aside, Jesus’ baptism declares that everyone is important. Jesus emerges from the Jordan empowered to confront injustice, heal the broken-hearted, challenge oppressive systems, elevate the marginalized, and proclaim God’s kingdom. Similarly, our baptism sends us out into the world on the same path. Right now, the Earth is crying under a climate crisis, people of colour suffer from racism, refugees flee for their lives, and the poor are simply trying to survive. Marginalized communities are fighting for their safety and dignity. As God calls us beloved, we must also stand with every person who has been told they are not. The waters of baptism flow outward toward justice, repair, and courage. At his baptism, Jesus is named Beloved, and so are we. God tells us who are baptized: I love you, you are mine, and I am pleased with you. May we live out of God’s love and join the Spirit’s work of healing, justice, and renewal. May the waters that touched Jesus continue to renew us as we live out God’s calling.
Collections 3rd/4th January- Development Fund: €1,240; Plate: €635; Christmas Offerings: €525.
Thank You Very Much!
For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can support our parish with a quick and simple donation, by simply clicking the button below:
Scoil Phroinsiais Naofa/St. Francis Boys National School is now enrolling for September 2026. Please use the link on our website for enrolling and ensure that your Eircode is included.
St Vincent de Paul now offer a free ‘Listening Service’ every Wednesday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Clara Blood Donor Clinic Monday 12th January from 5pm to 8.30pm in Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa. Check your eligibility on www.giveblood.ie or call 1800 731137.
Catholic Schools Week 18-24 January. Catholic Schools: Normal Lives, Called to Holiness! Catholic Schools Week celebrates the extraordinary call to holiness in the midst of ordinary life. Inspired by Pope Francis’s reflection on St. Carlo Acutis—canonised as the first millennial saint—this year’s theme invites pupils, teachers, families, and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible. Holiness is not for a few, but for all; not reserved for religious professionals or mystics, but for every student, teacher, parent, (and grandparent!) living each day in friendship with Jesus Christ.
Songs of Praise, A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity commencing Sunday 18th January 7.00pm to 8.00pm at the Carmelite church, Moate. Hosted by local church choirs. All are welcome.
The Offaly Camino Canal Way Walk and Mass from Fiona Pender Memorial at 8.30am along the Canal to Croghan Hill on St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday Saturday 31st January. Mass on Croghan Hill @1.30pm. All welcome in any capacity or distance or to join us at Holy Mass at Croghan Hill. Looking for people to help raise funds for Self Help Africa. Info and sponsorship cards from Laz Molloy, (086) 677 8807; Ricey Scully (086) 815 3047; Nora Kavanagh (087) 994 5964 or Ronan Scully, (087) 618 9094, www.selfhelpafrica.org email
Trip to Medjugorje, June 17th to 24th. Cost €805 once booked before the end of January. Contact 087 123 2611 or 01 8788159 for further information.
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