Parish of the Assumption

Area Code: 057 Tel: 93 21587 - 93 22415 Fax: 93 51510
www.tullamoreparish.ie 
E-mail Parish Secretary:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

27th August 2023  ~  21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Joseph Gallagher, P.P., V.G.
Rt Rev Sean Heaney, P.E.
Fr. Joe Campbell, C.C.,
Fr. Fergal Cummins, C.C.
Fr. Damian Budau, C.C
Sr. Margaret Burke.

GET IN TOUCH

St Mary’s Parish Centre, Benburb St, Tullamore, 

Office Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 9.30-1; 1.30-5pm.  

Phone: 0579321587 
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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.
Teas after 10.00am Mass Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

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

JOIN US ON PARISH WEBCAMS ON PARISH WEBSITE.

CONFESSIONS - Saturday 2.00-3.00pm in the Day Chapel.

“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?”

Imagine if Jesus asked this question of each of us today.  How would we respond?  Jesus addressed the question originally to a gathering that knew Him, had seen Him at work, had heard Him speak out on social issues of the day, had seen him care for the sick and who showed great compassion and love for those in need.  Without doubt on that day his audience was more than capable of expressing an opinion.  Peter’s instantaneous response was surely an act of true and genuine faith in both Jesus the man and His message.  But, like today, not all those present had the same enthusiasm or faith of Peter.  Also, the early Church that Peter tended bears little or no resemblance to the Church of today.

The present audience is skeptical, more critical, more demanding and asks more questions of the Church.  For many their faith is more like a gift or talent that was inherited at baptism and has neither been cherished nor nurtured in subsequent years.  Consequently, the commitment and participation is often on an “ad hoc” basis while seeking all the benefits at the same time.  Jesus and his message was, and still is at the very heart of the Church.  Both Peter and Pope Francis were and are dependent on those who believe in and try to live out their commitment to Jesus and His message on a daily basis.  Pope Francis, the present successor of Peter, like Jesus is regarded as a kind, caring and compassionate man.  He is the voice of the poor, the hungry and the marginalized.  His effectiveness, legacy and leadership depend on us and how we respond to the question “who do you say that I am?”  Is our faith just a label or a lifetime commitment?

SEEING YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE GOSPEL

Matthew 16:13-20

This marks a turning point in the life of Jesus, and of the disciples.  It is the first time that his disciples recognise him as the Messiah.  Recall turning points in your own life when you came to some deeper understanding of who Jesus is. 

‘Who do you say that I am?’  This is possibly the most important question that Jesus puts to us.  In your heart of hearts, how do you answer this question? 

Jesus praises Peter for his faith and comments that this was not his own doing but a gift of God.  Perhaps there have been times when you have been more than usually conscious that faith is a gift.  Be thankful for the gift you have received. 

These are troubled times for the Church and the promise of Jesus that ‘the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it’ are an encouragement.  What helps you to draw strength from this promise of Jesus?   What signs of hope do you see in the Church today?

- John Byrne osa Intercom July/August 2023

DURROW BLESSING OF GRAVES

Cemetery Sunday in Durrow will be on the 10th September with blessing of graves taking place after the 11.0am Mass.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We are created to make somebody else’s life better.  Somebody out there needs what you have…. Your smile, your love, your words and your encouragement.  Share your gifts today.

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 0864669926 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 28 ...10.00 Patrick Rattigan

Tues 29 ..10.00 Liam Lloyd

Thurs 31 ..7.45 William & Maud Delahunty

Sat   2 ....10.00 Paddy & Kathleen Larkin, Spollenstown

Sun   3 ...  8.30 Eileen, John & Kathleen Butler, William Bell

............ 10.00 Mathilda, Nicky, Nicky Jnr, Billy & Audrie Kelly, Vera & Bill Dumpleton & Family

...... .....11.30 Mary Finn, 1st Ann

 ............1.00 Andy Walsh, Mon Mem

Durrow Sun 3, 11.30am:  Nicholas Walsh; John & Elizabeth Roe; Joseph & Brian Bermingham & Paddy, Mary & Mike Molloy; Jimmy & Molly Daly; Ted O’Brien

DEATHS 

We offer our sympathy to the family of Maureen Droogan.

BAPTISMS

Welcome to God’s family Rían Paddy Gorman & Skye Sonia Guilfoyle Almeida who were baptised recently. 

COLLECTIONS

Plate: Tullamore €1835; Durrow €116 

Holyday Durrow €116; Envelopes €1716

Cemetery Sunday €9083

Thank you for your continued support.

COMMUNITY NOTICES 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION continues daily in Church of Assumption.  Urgent cover required: Fri. 3-4pm, 4-5pm & 5-6pm. Ph. Pat 085 1162668

RCIA PROGRAMME 2023/24:  Are you, or someone you know interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church?  RCIA, the Rite 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 Diocesan Office 0449348841.

THORNSBERRY ESTATE RESIDENTS:  Mass Wed 30, 7pm, Thornsberry Estate.  All are welcome.

ST  PHILOMENA’S NS:  Reopens Wed 30.

FIONA PENDER’S MEMORIAL WALK/RUN:  Sun 3 Sept, 11.30am at Fiona’s Monument.  This marks Fiona’s 27th year missing.  All very  welcome.

AA:  Offaly House, Offaly St, Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat 8.15pm; Tues, Wed, Fri 1pm; Sun 12noon & 8.15pm.

AL-ANON for families of those suffering from addiction, Thurdays, 8pm, Darmagh Community Centre, Tihilly.

DOCHAS OFFALY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Mon–Fri, 9.30-5pm. Ph 0579328268. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

ALONE for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties.  Ph 0818 222 024, 8am-8pm daily.

OFFALY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES:  0579351886 or 0860419154.  www.odvss.ie