Parish Newsletter- 28th June 2026

Please pray for Eunan Doherty, Letterkenny; 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.

The Cost of Discipleship
Matthew presents the radical cost and profound rewards of Christian discipleship, demanding that Jesus hold absolute priority over our lives, comfort, and most treasured relationships. In this passage, Jesus transitions from tough warnings about the sacrifices required of His followers to a beautiful assurance of the eternal weight carried by even our smallest acts of hospitality.
Jesus famously states, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus is not commanding us to love our families less, but to love Him more. When Christ occupies the absolute center of our lives, our human relationships are not destroyed; rather, they are ordered correctly and transformed by His love. Commentators note that if any ordinary human teacher demanded greater love than that shown to one’s own parents or children, it would be absurd. By placing Himself above the most sacred earthly bonds, Jesus reveals His divine nature.
Jesus demands that we take up our cross and follow Him, declaring that “whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Taking up the cross was a vivid image of public execution and total submission to a higher authority. For modern disciples, it represents dying to the ego, relinquishing our own self-will, and laying down our personal comfort. True spiritual life cannot be hoarded or fiercely protected.
Jesus shifts His tone from challenging demands to beautiful promises, assuring that “whoever receives you receives me.” The disciples were sent out as Christ’s direct representatives. This means that the way a community treats a vulnerable missionary, a stranger, or a fellow believer is how they treat Christ Himself.
In the dry, arid climate of ancient Israel, providing cold water took extra effort. Jesus guarantees that even the most simple, ordinary, and hidden acts of kindness – when done out of devotion to Him – carry immense salvific weight and will never lose their reward.

Collections 20th/21st June – Development Fund: €730; Peter’s Pence: €500.
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: 

Please join us for Eucharistic Adoration after the evening Masses. Stay 5 or 10mins. You decide how long you want to stay. Your presence will be most welcomed. Eucharistic Adoration on Monday and Friday at 5.00pm also.

St Oliver Plunkett Annual Mass takes place this Sunday 28th June in Loughcrew at 3.00pm with homilist Bishop Denis Nulty. All are welcome.

Clara Town Band Free Concert: Enjoy an evening of music as we open our doors for a Special Rehearsal in Clara Church on Monday 29th June @ 7.00pm. All are welcome.

The Annual National Grandparents Pilgrimage celebrating the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will take place on Sunday 26th July at Knock Shrine, commencing at 2.30pm with the anointing of the sick. Chief Celebrant Archbishop- Eamon Martin. A day of grace and blessing for the whole family as we honour grandparents. All are welcome. See: www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org

Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes September 2026, led by Bishop Deenihan, 8th September. For further inquiries phone Joe Walsh tours (01) 241 0800 or visit www.joewalshtours.ie.

Image details: Detail from “Recommandation aux apôtres” by James Tissot; Brooklyn Museum

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