LIFE NEWS – A DOCTOR’S OPINION

The reason for repealing the Eight Amendment is not about healthcare, despite what is being claimed. Doctors are being asked to end pregnancies where both the mother and baby are healthy. This goes against the clear duty of a medical doctor to ‘first do no harm’ and a fundamental call to preserve life, not to end it. 

Life is a gift, it is not a choice. Even if a family is planned, the little one conceived is always a miracle of God and nature. From the moment of conception, human life in all its glory and with all its potential is present. As we grow in understanding we now know - and this is fact - from early days the child in the womb has everything in place for his or her journey in the world. All they need is time to grow. Their immortal soul is already longing for God. In the current debate we hear much about the hard cases - stories of incomprehensible suffering for everyone involved. It appears that rape, life limiting conditions of the baby and the health of the mother are the only reasons why people chose to end of the child's life. According to research (eg. the Guttmacher Institute, a very liberal organization in the US) the 3 main reasons people give for having abortions are the negative impact a baby would have on the mother's life, financial instability and relationship problems. While the Church totally and completely rejects abortion, and asks all members to do the same, we should equally be there for mothers. As a Christian community we should support expectant parents in such a loving way that they never feel they have to choose abortion for the lack financial or emotional support. If the 8th amendment is repealed, our culture regarding the unborn will change - like it or not. This has been the pattern time and time again seen in nations where abortion is legalised. This is a fact not a theory or scaremongering. Let us ask God to direct our nation to safeguard life and create a world where mothers, and fathers, have everything they need for themselves and their babies.                                                               

STAND UP FOR LIFE FINAL RALLY

The final "STAND UP FOR LIFE FINAL RALLY" before the referendum will be on Sat. 12th. May starting at  2:00 pm. in Merrion Sq. Dublin.

BUS TO PRO-LIFE RALLY IN DUBLIN

If you would like to take part in the Pro Life Dublin rally you can travel by bus  from the Parochial House, Tullamore leaving at 10:30 am.  sharp. Tel: 087-2563439

ACCORD TRAINING PROGRAMME 

Accord Tullamore is currently recruiting for its "Certificate in Counseling" training programme. Further information from:  www.accord.ie, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0579341831

DIOCESE OF MEATH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

This pilgrimage will be 12-17th. September led by Bishop Smith. The first Meath Pilgrimage was travelled in 1948 and this year marks 70 years of our Diocese travelling with sick and volunteer helpers to Lourdes. 
This is also a special year in Lourdes itself, the apparitions of our Lady to St. Bernadette began on 11 Feb 1848, 160 years ago. 
Our Diocesan pilgrimage is always a special time when people from all over the diocese, sick and healthy, travel together to be inspired and blessed by the healing presence of God through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.
The pilgrimage fare inclusive of return flights and transfers, 5 nights full board, taxes and insurance is €749 for hotel pilgrims. To book contact:- Pilgrimages Abroad Ltd, 164 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2. Tel 01-6359300. 

ROSARY FOR LIFE

The Rosary for life is offered every Monday evening at 6.30pm for the preservation of the 8th Amendment. Please join your prayers with this intention.

TULLAMORE/DURROW COMMUNITY GAMES:
Mon. 21st, Tullamore Harriers 5:30 - 9:00 pm. Boys & girls u8 - u16. €3 per child. PARENTS please bring COPY of birth cert on the night. 

OUR LADY OF CLONFERT MASSES & DEVOTIONS:  
Mass each evening 8:00 pm, except Sun. Further info: 0909675113; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

THREE DAYS IN HONOUR OF ST. PIO 

To mark the 50th anniversary of the death of St Padre Pio, and the centenary of his receiving the Stigmata, we are holding a Triduum - or 3 days of devotion - May 23rd, 24th and 25th.

Each evening will begin with the Rosary at 7:10pm - Mass at 7:30pm, concluding with a short time of Adoration and Benediction. On the final evening there will be a blessing with St. Pio's mitten.