Second Sunday of Christmas

Sat 1^st                     6:00 pm Mary & James McDonnell (M)

Sun 2^nd                   10:00 am              Mick Marren, Roadstown (A)

Mon 3^rd                 The Holy Name of Jesus, St Munchin (bi9shop)

10:00 am        Frank & Evelyn Hunt, & Mgt Doherty,

& dec’d Gilmartin & Hunt families (M)

Tues 4^th                 The Holy Innocents

10:00 am        Special Intention (M)

Wed 5^th St Charles of St Andrew (priest)    

10:00 am        Private Intention (A)

The Epiphany of the Lord

Wed 5^th 6:00 pm                 Mary Walsh, Carniara (M)

Thurs 6^th               10:00 am              Francis & Agnes Henry (A)

Fri          7^th           St Raymond of Penafort (priest)   

10:00 am        Private Intention (A)

Sat 8^th                    10:00 am                      Kathleen & P.J. Nevin (M)

The Baptism of the Lord

Sat 8^th                    6:00 pm Private Intention (M)

Sun 9^th                   10:00 am              Noel & Margaret Mooney (A)

Readers of the Word

Saturday 8^th Jan 6pm: .….. (M)

Sunday 9^th Jan 10am: …… (A)

1^st Reading Is 40:1-5, 9-11. Psalm Ps 103.

2^nd Reading Tit 2:11-14, 3:4-7. Gospel Lk 3:15-16, 21-22.

2^nd Sunday of Christmas 2^nd January: Focus: The Word of God is alive & present among us. Each time we listen to the scriptures, each time we celebrate the sacraments, each time we gather together in the Lord’s name, he reveals himself to us.

The Epiphany of the Lord 6^th January: Focus: Today we hear how the Magi travelled in hope to find the infant king. We, like them, are called to be people of hope.

Priesthood in Achonry Diocese – It is worth saying “yes” to God: For more information contact Achonry Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Paul Kivlehan 094-9860011, or 087- 3683535, E-mail pkivlehan@achonrydiocese.org  

NEW ROOF FOR MULLINABREENA CHURCH

The contract is now signed & work will begin in March for the roof costing €214,500. This is a big undertaking, but necessary. If you are in a position to help, please know that your support is welcome. This can be done by a once off gift contribution or by a little extra on occasion in the weekly offertory, or in any way that is convenient to you. The intention is not to burden you but, insofar as you can help, it would be appreciated. Thank you for your ongoing support & generosity. God bless you all. If you want to contribute direct the Bank details are: Mullinabreena Church IBAN: IE20 BOFI 9054 9111 7571 99

BIC: BOFIIE2D. Thanks to those who have already responded to this appeal.

Congratulations: The Phoenix players won the All Ireland One-Act Drama Festival in Ennis on December 5^th with their play "Plaza Suite". The Cast members were Frank Brennan, Terri Brennan & Lorraine Mulligan, & the show was directed by Tom Walsh.

Banada Abbey Past Pupils Reunion of L.C. Classes 1970 &71. The Reunion in Tubbercurry on Friday 5^th August 2022. Looking forward to meeting up with colleagues from those years. Students who commenced their studies in 1965 & 66 are welcome regardless of when you finished in Banada. This is a great opportunity to meet & celebrate the 50^th Anniversary & reminisce on the days spent together. Please pass this info to relevant friends & family members. For more info call Vincent Brett 0868114095 or email Vincent.brett@hotmail.com

Latest Guidelines Re. Covid Restrictions: "For clarity following recent updated Covid guidance, Religious Services in Places of Worship are unchanged regarding capacity, with all other protective measures in place to ensure the safety of the congregation. Likewise, there are no changes to attendance at wedding services or funeral services however any gatherings after these services must comply with hospitality rules. With regard to wakes in private homes, general advice on household mixing is 3 other households (4 in total) applies." We will wait to see how the situation develops over the coming days to work out how Christmas will be managed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be facilitated in the approach up to Christmas. We will use the same format as at Easter & last Christmas to facilitate penitents safely.  

COVID-19 Support Line for Older People: ALONE manage a national support line & additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries & give advice & reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am - 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

Covid 19: The number of deaths worldwide is now at 5,459,003. 39,861 deaths in the past week. Republic of Ireland deaths 5,912. That’s 7 deaths in Ireland last week. The number of positive cases in Ireland is now 788,559x, so 1 in every 6.5 has now tested positive.

North West STOP would like to most sincerely thank all parishioners for their support during 2021. Demand for services has risen steeply in the past year & your support has ensured we could meet that demand. We wish you & yours a healthy & peaceful Christmas & New Year. Our office will be closed until January 4^th.  Our counselling line will be available throughout the Christmas period by call or text to 086 777 2009.

News from the Hub: The Café at the Hub is now complete. We intend to open the Café on a pop up basis run by volunteers. Contact Noel 087 2502471 if you would like to offer your services.

Collection 2019-21: The Sisters of St. Peter Claver extend their gratitude to the parishes in the diocese who welcomed them as part of their mission appeal. They raised €22,259 in their appeal.  I thank you for your welcome & support. The annual Mission appeal is important as it emphasises the fact that we are all involved in the life & mission of the Universal Church.

Achonry Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 10am to 1pm in Nace O'Dowd Park. We really appreciate your ongoing support.

Book Sale/Swap: AMCE are holding a book sale/swap at the Achonry Market every Saturday. Book sale/swap will also be held in Carrowmore School Eircode F56EF63 every Sunday from 2pm-4pm. If these times don't suit please contact Brid 0866081926 or Margaret 0872875458 to arrange a time.

Parish Offertory Envelopes 2022

The parish offertory boxes for 2022 are available at the church doors. Sincere thanks to all those who are using the envelopes, these contributions have ensured that the parish has not fallen into financial difficulty. Using the envelopes also facilitates the parish in availing of the Revenue tax-back, which is a great financial benefit for our parish. Your parish envelope contribution is our only source of funding for the running of our parish & the maintenance & upkeep of our two churches & our parish buildings. This income has reduced drastically since the start of Covid 19, & only a fraction of those who contributed could have figures submitted for the Revenue-return for 2020. The contract is now signed & work will begin in late February for a new roof on Mullinabreena church costing €214,000. Your support would be much appreciated for this major refurbishment.  If you require a box of envelopes, please let me know & I will add you to the parish database. Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you.

"A world at prayer is a world at peace"

Happy New Year