28 March 2024

Sunday 2nd. May 2021

 

Praying

Praying in Church

Tullamore & Durrow churches are open during the day for private prayer. There is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Tullamore from 10.30am to 6.00pm. It is a place of quiet prayer and reflection and many people find strength and encouragement during these difficult times.

People are kindly requested to wear face covering at all times while in Church as a protection for self and for others. We look forward to the day when our churches will be allowed to reopen for the public celebration of the the Mass.

 

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR

Would you like to learn about the Holy Spirit- the spirit of love between Jesus and God the Father? Life in the Spirit seminar led by Fr. Pat Collins on ZOOM. 
Course Starts 05 May 2021 on Wednesday  evenings for 7 weeks –– FREE to attend.  Donations welcome.  register on www.newspringtime.ie/shop

MASS INTENTIONS   

Click  for the full list of Mass Intentions to be celebrated this week.

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM: Please contact the parish secretary.

CONFESSIONS: Not taking place at the moment.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: To book the Church for weddings, contact the Parish Secretary. 

FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION

We are thinking of all our young people who are preparing for their sacraments at this time.

It is not possible to set dates for First Communion and Confirmation with current restrictions.  We do not know when the government will ease restrictions and permit the celebration of public Masses in our churches.  When our churches are allowed to reopen then we can make plans and set dates for Confirmation and First Communion.  In the meanwhile we acknowledge the great work that our schools are doing in preparing our young people for the sacraments.  We encourage families to participate in the live streaming of Masses from our parish Churches, to pray regularly and to visit the churches for private prayer.  It is a difficult and uncertain time for everyone and we look forward to better days. 

THE DEEP END – BOUND TOGETHER

Have you ever visited a vineyard, with its rows of vines, heavy with clusters of ripe grapes?  If you’re not familiar with vines, think of an apple tree laden with apples, or a fruit bush ripe for picking.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine to describe his relationship with his disciples.  He tells them that he is the vine, and they are the branches.  The life of Jesus flows into us and sustains us, and this is the reason our lives can bear fruit in love, in kindness, patience, compassion and welcome. 

The symbolism of the vine works on many levels.  If a branch is separated from the vine, it cannot flourish on its own.  It must be connected to the vine from which it gets nourishment.  Each of us must be firmly rooted in Jesus and nourish that relationship.  He invites us to ‘remain’ in him – to rest in him, to be part of him.  And if you look at a vine plant, often its branches are so entangled, it can be hard to know where one ends and another begins.  We note that Jesus is addressing the disciples as a group rather than as individuals: ‘you are the branches’.  We are a community, and we grow together, bound together by the love of God.

Today, we reflect on what itmeans to be so intimately connected with Jesus, the true vine.  We bring to mind the many gifts he has given us, and the ways in which his love bears fruit in our lives.

Tríona Doherty, Intercom May 2021

NEW LIBRARY APP FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Tullamore Library is starting a new programme to help the older person in the community to be able to get online to join the library and use their digital services. This is a very useful app during the times we find ourselves in as individuals will be able to access books online through eBooks and also audio books.

<<Click Here for more information>>

TULLAMORE COMMUNITY & FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

”Early Years Programme” – online course for parents on Zoom lasting 6 weeks.  If interested ph Imelda 0860879124, Margaret 0861806109 or Kieran 0871213737

VOCATIONS NOTICE

The Diocesan Vocations Team has a new Facebook Page: DioceseOfMeathVocations   & a new Instagram Account:  dioceseofmeathvocations, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Ph Fr Tony Gonoude 044 9373923

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE

ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  Ph 0818 222 024, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm daily.

BALLYCOMMON TELEWORK & TRAINING CENTRE

BTTC is offering a range of free/affordable services.  Ph 0579353177/9353441, 
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

MONEY ADVICE AND BUDGETING SERVICE (MABS)

MABS ( a free, confidential service forople who have problems with money management): Nationl Helpline 0761072000 Mon - Fri 9:00 am to 8:00 pm  

SHALOM WORLD MINISTRIES

Shalom World is a 24/7 commercial free Catholic television network for the whole family. Use the floating link to access the live "Shalom Media Gallery" or click on the icon on the right to find out more about Shalom World Ministries.

Shalom copy
Given the COVID-19 precautionary measures, our churches are inaccessible for the faithful. Participation in the daily sacraments is beyond reach for them. Shalom World TV, a Catholic media ministry of the Shalom Ministries, is an official partner with the Vatican and is authorized to telecast papal liturgies directly via its free high-definition television channel. Shalom World is committed to producing free yet high-quality Catholic content such as Daily Mass, devotionals, shows, music, youth programs, children’s programs, conventions, retreats, and cultural exchange segments. The programming is absolutely free and can be watched live or on-demand. The most recent addition, in response to COVID-19, is a 4th channel to the existing 3 channels, for exclusive live telecast of daily Holy Mass around the clock, with special prayers for an end to coronavirus .

We are broadcasting Daily Mass Live from Saints Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise, Co. Laois at 10:00 am everyday during this challenging time.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is our patron in Ireland  and Shalom World is endorsed by Catholic leaders from around the globe .