Parish Newsletter- 23rd August 2026
| Mass times for the week ahead | MASS INTENTIONS |
|---|---|
| Saturday 22nd August @7.00pm Clara | Kevin, Maeve, Kieran and Baby Adrian Coyne. Joe & Annie, Joe & Edel Grennan. |
| Sunday 23rd August @10.00am Horseleap | No Intention. |
| Sunday 23rd August @11.30am Clara | Lillian & Eamonn Fleming. |
| Tuesday 25th August @7.30pm Clara | St. Louis of France Johnny Fitzpatrick. Tim Cotton. Matt & Eileen Fleming. John & Bridget Duffy. |
| Wednesday 26th August @7.30pm Clara | Tom & deceased of Walsh family. |
| Thursday 27th August @10.00am Clara | St. Monica No Intention. |
| Friday 28th August @10.00am Clara | St. Augustine No Intention. |
| Saturday 29th August @10.00am Clara | The Passion of St. John the Baptist No Intention. |
| Saturday 29th August @7.00pm Clara | Kathleen Sawyer (Month’s Mind). Peter Melia. Paddy & Theresa Kelly. Deceased of Kelly & Connell families. |
| Sunday 30th August @10.00am Horseleap | Pat Gleeson. Jan & Ann Sheerin. Patrick & Margaret Kealy. |
| Sunday 30th August @11.30am Clara | Alice Kirwan (Month’s Mind). Vicky O’Meara (Month’s Mind). Johnny, Mary & Frances Colgan. |
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.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues in Clara church on the first Saturday of every month at 2.55pm. Everyone welcome to attend. Join us for even a brief period of time.
Please pray for Michael Handy, Church Road; for Derry Fagan, Railway View; and for Ann McGurrin (nee Mullins) Mayo/Clara: all recently deceased. R.I.P.
But who do you say that I am??
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples a deeply personal question about His identity. The people had many opinions about Him, but Jesus was not looking for public opinion. He wanted a personal response from those who had walked with Him. Peter answered with faith, recognizing Jesus as the promised Saviour and the Son of God. This passage reminds us that faith cannot remain borrowed from our parents, teachers, friends, or religious community. Eventually, each of us must decide who Jesus is in our own life. This recognition changes how we live. If Jesus is truly Lord, then His teachings guide our decisions, His love shapes our relationships, and His presence gives us hope. Knowing facts about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him personally. Faith grows through prayer, Scripture, worship, and daily trust. Owning our faith means choosing to follow Christ even when others misunderstand us. It means remaining honest when dishonesty is easier, forgiving when anger feels justified, and serving when selfishness seems more convenient. A personal faith is not hidden inside the church. It becomes visible in our choices at home, at work, and in the community. Peter was not perfect. He was sometimes impulsive, fearful, and weak. Yet Jesus saw beyond his limitations and entrusted him with a great responsibility. God also sees more in us than we see in ourselves. Our mistakes do not automatically cancel our calling. When we surrender our lives to God, He can transform our weaknesses into instruments of grace. Each of us is called to help build a community where faith is strengthened, people are welcomed, and hope is restored. Life will bring storms, disappointments, temptations, and doubts. A faith built only on emotions may collapse when circumstances change. But a life grounded in Christ can remain steady. Standing firm does not mean that we never struggle. It means that we keep returning to Jesus whenever we fall. We hold on to His love when answers are delayed and continue doing good when results are not immediately visible. Jesus is still asking us the same personal question today: Who is He to us? Let our answer be expressed not only by our lips but also by our lives. When Christ becomes our foundation, difficulties may shake us, but they cannot destroy the hope rooted deeply within us.
Collections 15th/16th August – Development Fund: €1,005; Plate: €510; July Offerings: €115.
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 will re-open on Monday 31st August.
The Irish Synodal Pathway: What has been heard so far?
The Irish Synodal Pathway has discerned one main focal point and seven key priority areas after its extensive consultation process. The focus that emerged is the centrality of Baptism as the foundation of the Christian life and mission; the seven key priority areas are Belonging, Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry, Family, Formation and Catechesis, Healing, Women, and Youth. There is a clear call for renewal. God is asking the Church to adopt through the synodal process, a culture of prayerful listening, dialogue, and walking together in faith going forward. Read more: www.dioceseofmeath.ie/synod
OCIA PROGRAMME 2026/27 Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church? OCIA– the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults- is a faith-formation process which prepares and supports adults who wish to become members of the Catholic Church. Applications are currently being invited for this year’s programme which is due to commence in the autumn. For further details, please contact the Parish Office or visit www.dioceseofmeath.ie/ocia.
Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) is developing a 3-year Community Safety Plan to improve community safety and wellbeing and we need your input. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and remains open until 20th September. Refer to the link to take part: Community Safety Survey
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 1st-30th October. See www.breastcancerireland.com for more information. International Coffee day, 1st October. See www.internationalcoffeeday.org for further information.
Image: FreeBibleimages
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