Parish Newsletter- 3rd Sunday of Easter: 19 April 2026

Please pray for Eileen Moran, The Green; and for Des Baggot, New Road: both recently deceased. R.I.P.

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-8.00pm
All are welcome!
Come and find peace in the Lord.

On The Road to Emmaus…
Everyone knows the story of the two men on their way to Emmaus who come upon a man on the road that they do not recognize is the risen Jesus himself. A conversation begins and the two men tell Jesus about “the things” that had just happened in Jerusalem. Jesus playfully asks them, “What sort of things?” The things about “Jesus the Nazarene…a prophet mighty in deed and word,” they answer. And then they admit their bewilderment. “Some women from our group, however, have astounded us,” they say to their unrecognized Lord. Like all the others in those other stories, they too don’t really know what to make of it. An empty tomb? Risen from the dead? What on earth can it mean? But that’s when Jesus begins his loving catechesis. His truth gently assuages their bewilderment. Walking with them, not leaving them- a significant spiritual detail- Jesus begins to open their minds and set their hearts on fire. By means of his teaching, and by the gift of his even unrecognized presence, the Lord brings the two bewildered disciples not just to knowledge but to desire. And then Jesus breaks the bread. And then they recognize him. They see the risen Lord. Which is just what the Lord does with bewildered disciples, and not just these two on their way to Emmaus, but also you and me. Bewildered, Jesus gently leads us into sacramental reality, to sacramental sight. Luke is telling us is what will assuage our bewilderment, replacing it with illumination: the sacramental Body and Blood of Jesus, the Holy Eucharist. So, what does it mean for us? What it means is that if you’re wondering just how Easter applies to you, wondering what difference it makes, then the best thing to do would be to read your Bible and go to Mass. What’s amazing about this story from Luke is that it describes something that you can do today, every day and Sunday after Sunday. Your hearts can burn with Christ’s truth too. You can recognize him too. To love without fear of death- is where one ought to begin, begging for the illumination that is the gift of Word and Sacrament, the necessary truth & food of Easter people.

Collections 11th/12th April – Development Fund: €2,915; Plate: €755; Easter Offerings: €1,010; Trocaire: €5,160.
Thank You Very Much!

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Dates for Your Diary!
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.

Annual Mass of Remembrance on Wednesday 22nd April at 2.00pm in St. Paul’s Church, Delvin Road, Mullingar, in memory of people buried in the Hospital Cemetery from 1907 to 1970 and deceased patients and staff. See www.mullingarparish.ie

Catholic Mothers Ireland is hosting an evening for Women on Wednesday 22nd April in St Peter’s Parish, Lurgan.

VOCATIONS SUNDAY 26th April If you feel called to be a priest, open your heart to Jesus, follow the Lord and do not be afraid. Contact Vocations Director Fr Tony Gonoude Phone on (044) 937 3923 or see www.meathvocations.com

Family Carers Ireland Step Up Walk on Sunday 26th April at 11.00am in Lough Boora Discovery Park. Registration €10 per adult, children free. Sign up at www.familycarers.ie/get-involved

A DISCOVERING CHRIST COURSE, Tuesday 5th May at Ceili Community Centre, Kilbeggan. 7 Tuesday evenings starting at 7.30pm. The course is about the Meaning of Life and how to deepen the faith in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. All are welcome. For information or registration text or phone (087) 978 9150.

Pilgrimage to Lisieux, September 18th to 21st. €795 includes flights, coaching, full religious programme. Phone (057) 935 5050 or email

National Epilepsy Week 2026, 18th to 25th May. For further information, please visit www.epilepsy.ie.

Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock – Sunday 9th August.

Pilgrimage to Padua & Assisi to celebrate the Franciscan Jubilee year led by Bishop Deenihan, 26th September for 5 nights. Contact Joe Walsh tours, (01) 241 0800.

Image: Detail from The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road painted 1886–1894 by James Tissot. Brooklyn Museum

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