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Parish of the Assumption Area Code: 057 Tel: 93 21587 - 93 22415 Fax: 93 51510 7th January 2024 ~ The Baptism of the Lord Fr. Joseph Gallagher, P.P., V.G. GET IN TOUCH St Mary’s Parish Centre, Benburb St, Tullamore, Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9.30-1; 1.30-5pm. Phone: 0579321587 Web: www.tullamoreparish.ie Reception service Friday, 9.30-5. Priest available for emergencies 24 hours daily. Meeting Rooms available: Contact Administrator for details of availability, rates, etc. Bereavement Listening Support: Ph 0579326604. WEEKEND MASSES Church of the Assumption:(Vigil) 6.30pm Sunday 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.30am & 1.00pm Durrow: Sunday 11.30am WEEKDAY MASSES Monday-Friday 7.45am, 10.00am Saturday 10.00am First Friday 7.45am & 10.00am EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Mon-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 2-6pm Enquiries 085 1162668. JOIN US ON PARISH WEBCAMS ON PARISH WEBSITE. CONFESSIONS - Saturday 2.00-3.00pm in the Day Chapel. COME TO THE WATER Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, the moment when God reveals who Jesus is. Our readings are rich with water imagery. Water is a powerful symbol throughout the Scriptures, from the story of creation and the crossing of the Red Sea, to the wedding feast at Cana and Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. It is a symbol of life and newness, an opportunity for God to reach out to us, be present with us and teach us something, as well as an opportunity for cleansing and a fresh start. Our gospel today tells of Jesus being baptised by John in the river Jordan. This immersion in water marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. By approaching John for baptism, along with all the others, Jesus is identifying with the people and allowing himself to be counted among sinners. It is a sign that he is submitting to God’s will. At this crucial moment, as soon as he emerges from the Jordan, Jesus sees the heavens open and the voice of God confirming him as ‘Beloved Son’. It is a moment of divine approval, confirming Jesus’ identity and launching him on his new mission. The baptism of Jesus is a reminder of our own identity and mission. We are beloved daughters and sons of God, sisters and brothers of Jesus, members of God’s family. In today’s first reading we are invited: ‘Come to the water all you who are thirsty’. We are called to the water, to that moment when we recognise who Jesus is, who we are, and our mission to live as children of God. ‘In order to live a life of holiness, we must first receive new life from God — we must be born from above.’ J. Vernon McGee Triona Doherty, Intercom January 2021 BIBLE COURSE PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS “Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” – Matthew 9:37–38. We welcome Nicola Tamburrino who is preparing to begin seminary training and will be with us in the parish for the month of January. We wish him well on his pastoral placement and we kindly ask you to keep him in your prayers. SEEING YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE GOSPELS Mark 1:7-11 The baptism of Jesus was an extraordinary religious experience for him. Something happened that was a major step forward for Jesus in coming to know that he was the beloved Son of God. We all have events in our lives that are milestones along the road of discovering who we are. What have been these milestones for you? ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Bring to mind experiences in which you knew you were the beloved (of God or of another person) and that the one who loved you was well pleased. Remember these experiences with gratitude, knowing that the only proper response to love received is thankfulness. Perhaps you have also given that experience to another. It is easy to lament the growing secularisation in the world today, but the Spirit of God who spoke loudly to the world in the Christ-event is active today. How can we be open to the new things the Spirit is saying to the church today? John gives an example of humility as a person confident in his own role but not seeking to claim to be more than he is. He acknowledges that Jesus is greater. There is a freedom in being able to acknowledge the gifts of others without losing a sense of one’s own giftedness. Recall times when you were able to do this. John Byrne osa, Intercom Dec 2023 SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms take place monthly on the first Sunday in Tullamore, second Sunday in Durrow, third and fourth Saturday in Tullamore. Pre-Baptism Meetings are on the third Wednesday monthly. Contact the Parish Secretary. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE To book the Church for weddings, contact the Parish Secretary at least three months in advance. All couples getting married must complete a pre-marriage course. Contact ACCORD 0579341831 or www.accord.ie. ACCORD also provide couple and relationship counselling In-Person and Online in Tullamore. Phone 057 9341831 or 086 466 9926 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it NB: NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN MUST BE IN THE PARISH CENTRE BY 9.30AM WEDNESDAY. Only notices from parish groups, non-profit making organizations & clubs included PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR FIONA PENDER, OUR PARISHONER WHO HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE 22nd AUGUST 1996 MASS INTENTIONS Mon....8....10.00....Ned & Eileen Grennan Loughaun Shared Mass Sat 13, 10am: .... DEATHS We offer our sympathy to the families of Doreen Grimes; Kathleen Healion; Joan Darrah nee Hayden; Linda Daly; Bridie O’Reilly nee Keegan. BAPTISMS Welcome to God’s family Saoirse Rosalina Flanagan who was baptised recently COLLECTIONS 24/12 Plate: Tullamore €2442; Durrow €173 25/12 Plate: Tullamore €9394; Durrow €1049 Envelopes €4413 31/12 Plate: Tullamore €3208; Durrow €138 Envelopes: €2392 Thank you for your continued support COMMUNITY NOTICES FRIENDS MIDLAND REGIONAL HOSPITAL: Thanks to all to contributed to Christmas Church Gate collection. Amount raised was €6324.43 ROSARY: Alfie Lambe House, Arden Rd, Sat 13, 8.15pm. All are welcome. GIVE BLOOD, SAVE A LIFE! Mucklagh Community Centre, Mon 8-Wed 10, 15.45-20.00. Ph 1 800 222111. READY: Dinner Dance, Sun 14, Town House, 7pm. Members going on Donegal break please bring deposit. DROP IN CLINIC: Form Filling and Digital Support Hub, Tullamore Library, Mondays 10am-12pm. Free & Confidential Service. Ph 085 856 0160 for details. ST VINCENT DE PAUL: Contact 057 9346507, 087 755 7294, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ALONE support line for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties. Ph 0818 222 024, 8am-8pm. OFFALY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES: Contact 057 9351886 or 086 041 9154 www.odvss.ie
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29 April 2024
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