Parish Newsletter- 8th February 2026

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 Just One is a Light in Darkness to the Upright.”
At this time in our history, where fear and despair abound throughout our world due to war, oppression, and injustice, the readings for this Sunday call us to be mindful of our mission to bring the light of Christ to our corner of the world. In the Gospel reading, Matthew teaches that those gathered to hear his preaching must let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify their heavenly Father. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bring the Light of Christ to our broken world. It is only in our awareness of the presence of God in our own lives that we are able to experience that light within. It is then that we will be able to radiate the light of Christ to all those we encounter each day. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, speaks of the fountain of life being with God and that “in his light, we shall see light.” Once turned to the unfailing light, we, too, can become light. By God’s gift, we are inflamed and carried upward. We glow inwardly and go forward in mission, radiating the warmth of his abiding presence in our own lives. In this way, we are able to bring the healing presence of God into our daily lives and become instruments of peace for others. As we place ourselves in God’s presence each day and allow his light to fill us, may we accept his call to be instruments of his love. In the midst of the darkness and the confusion of these times, we need to allow God’s presence to illuminate our inner being, so that his love can radiate through us. If we continue to be who God meant us to be, we, like St. Catherine of Siena, will be able to set the world on fire with God’s Love.

Collections 31st January/1st February – Development Fund: €1,090; Plate: €795; Offerings: €5.
Thank You Very Much!

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Dates for Your Diary!
Confirmation: Monday 9th March.
First Holy Communion:
Boys School, Clara: Sunday 3rd May.
Girls School, Clara: Sunday 10th May.
Horseleap & Streamstown Schools: Sunday 17th May.
Blessings of Graves in Clara & Horseleap: Sunday 31st May.

Day for Religious in Diocese: Today, February 8th, the Religious of the Diocese will gather with the Bishop for a Celebration of Sung Evening Prayer at 4.00pm in the Cathedral. This is a way of acknowledging the contribution of Religious to our Diocese. All welcome to this celebration.

Young Adults! (18-40 Yrs) A retreat to prepare for the season of Lent, Abbey of Our Lady of Silence Roscrea, 13-15 February. Prayer, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, friendship in the faith, inspiring talks, confession/personal chat with one of the monks. Contact: Sr Úna 090 6481666 or Michael 086 2453123 or email:

The Irish Cancer Society is seeking dedicated volunteers with organisational skills who are willing to bring Daffodil Day fundraising events to our community. Daffodil Day is Ireland’s largest flagship fundraising day and requires the support of volunteers across the country to coordinate the sale of Daffodil Day merchandise. If you are available on Friday 20th March and can become a Daffodil Day Community Organiser, contact Monica at .

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme provides financial payments, and health supports to eligible people who spent time in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions in Ireland. Eligibility criteria can be found online, and applications can be made via an online portal or by post. Visit: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/ Contact Helpline: (01) 522 9922 to request application pack.

A Catholic Praise and Worship Night will take place on Saturday 21st February at 7:00pm in Emmanuel House, Clonfert, Galway, Eircode H53E5N6.The evening will include praise and worship music, prayer, and time before the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.

Veterans Support Service for retired members of the defence forces is running in the Arden family resource centre Tullamore. This is open to retired members within Offaly every Thursday 10.30 to 12.30.

Pilgrimages 2026

Holy Week Camino: Experience the Camino de Santiago in the Spirit of St. James for Holy Week, Sarria to Santiago – the last 100km! Departing Dublin on 27th March. Contact Marian Pilgrimages (01) 878 8159 or www.marian.ie

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: 15th April for 7 nights. Spiritual Director, Fr Oliver Devine. Phone Amy on (087) 655 2453 for details.

Trip to Medjugorje: June 17th to 24th. Cost €805 when booked before the end of January. Contact (087) 123 2611 or (01) 878 8159 for further information.

Kingscourt Parish Pilgrimage: in the footsteps of St. Blaise to Medjugorje 22/29 September. Bookings; Navan Travel 046 9068600 or (042) 966 7314.

theway.ie – is a new national platform for our church providing high quality content about our catholic faith for all ages. Take a look and share it with your family and friends. You can also follow their content on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.

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