Parish Newsletter- 4th Sunday of Easter: 26th April 2026

Please pray for Belinda Power, Clara/Australia; and for Eileen Murphy, Raheen: 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.

I am the Good Shepherd.
There is another important lesson for us in this week’s gospel. If Jesus came to know his God through prayer, reflection and life experiences, then there is absolutely nothing to stop us coming to know the same God. In so far as we can commit ourselves to prayer and spending time alone with God, we can have the same relationship with God that Jesus had. The God Jesus showed us was personal (he calls us by our name) and friendly. God wants us to form a relationship with him, and perhaps the only thing stopping us is a lack of commitment to prayer or a lack of trust in what Jesus tells us is true. A lack of commitment to prayer can be overcome by making decisions just as Jesus did. We don’t have to get up ‘long before dawn…’ or withdraw to a mountain or desert in order to pray. But we can offer God some more time in prayer and aloneness. If the prize is coming to know and relate to a personal, warm and friendly God, then surely it is worth it! If it is a lack of trust in God that prevents us coming to know him, then let us acknowledge that trust is earned in small, steady steps. Let your God ‘call you by name’ (as Jesus said he does) and in silence try to hear him do so. Don’t rush this step but be assured that God wants you to ‘know his voice’ and trust him. Read and listen to the Gospels, recognising that they are not easily said, flippant ideas that can be dismissed as irrelevant or superficial. What Jesus shares with us in the Gospels is a complete life of commitment to prayer and reflection, coupled with an overpowering sense that God is near and longs for a relationship with us. Finally, be aware that what God wants for us is that we “may have life, and have it to the full”. God does not want us to be miserable, dull and boring creatures, constantly praying and without joy and laughter. Again, to quote Pope Francis, we must not “look like we have just come back from a funeral” or that we “have Good Friday without Easter Sunday”. If we do not see the Gospels as exciting, life-filled and attractive, then there is something wrong, not with the Gospels, but maybe with our own eyesight…

Collections 18th/19th April – Development Fund: €1,335; Plate: €760; Easter Offerings: €455; Trocaire: €145.
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: 

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

VOCATIONS SUNDAY
Jesus, the Good Shepherd knows each of us. We are his sheep and he is our way to follow. He asks some to follow him in a closer way. To know him more intensely and to bring him to others. They are to be a way to God. This is the calling of the Priesthood. To know the Lord is to love and to bring love. To serve Him and to serve others. To be a voice for Christ. To be a guide to Him. To be a shepherd for The Shepherd. To lead others to God. Priesthood is this call. However, to not serve, to not love is to be a false shepherd. Let us pray for good shepherds who will be the heart of Christ for others and will carry his sheep on the shoulders of their love.
If you feel called to the religious life or to be a priest, open your heart to Jesus, follow the Lord and do not be afraid. Phone (044) 937 3923 or see www.meathvocations.com

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.

Elizabeth Fleming is hosting her Annual Alzheimers Tea Day at her home in Kilcoursey, Friday 8th of May from 10.30am to 3.00pm.

Darkness Into Light Walk in Mucklagh: Saturday 9th May starting from Mucklagh Old Cemetery at 4.15am. Funds raised will be shared between Pieta Hose and Tullamore Accessible Counselling.

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

ENCOUNTER WEEKEND DONEGAL, Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. 6.00pm Friday 5th June to 10.30pm. Saturday 6th June. Experience the presence of God through the celebration of the Sacraments, Spirit-led worship, inspiring talks, healing service, and fellowship. Come and be refreshed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Bookings at https://encounterschoolofministrydoneg.regfox.com/encounter-conference-donegal

Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock – Sunday 9th August.

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

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: from Free Bible Images. Artist: Paula Nash Giltner

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