For the week beginning on Sunday 18th. July 2021

BLESSING OF GRAVES

Unfortunately our normal Cemetery Sunday Celebrations will not go ahead again this year.  Instead the Priests will privately bless the graves of our beloved dead around the time they would have usually taken place. 

MASS INTENTIONS   

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

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM: Please contact the parish secretary.

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

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

THEOLOGY OF THE ARTS - DOES THE CHURCH NEED ART?

The Priory Institute  week-long online Summer School will run from 8-13 August and again from 22-27 August. The course includes six recorded presentations and is very flexible as it is delivered entirely online.

To find out more and register <<click here>> 

COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

In-Person and Online in Accord Tullamore.  Phone 057 93 41831 or 086 4669926

or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE DEEP END - TAKE A BREAK

We all need a break sometimes.  I remember once reading a selection of entries for a Mother’s Day competition, in which people were asked why their mother deserved to win a prize.  They all had themes in common – she never does anything for herself; she’s always thinking of other people; I can’t remember the last time she took a break.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples need a break.  They have returned from their mission, eager to catch up with Jesus, but there is so much happening that they barely have time to eat.  Jesus sees their need, and invites them to take a boat with him to a quiet place for rest, as the crowds have followed them on foot.  Jesus is moved by them because they are’ like sheep without a shepherd’.  He is the Good Shepherd who always cares for his flock, and he responds with compassion and love.

No doubt the disciples are drafted into help: it turns out it is not break time!  We can imagine their exhaustion.  We all feel tired or overwhelmed from time to time, from work or family pressures or simply trying to balance everything.  Postponing our own needs to care for others is familiar to every parent or caregiver.  We don’t know if the disciples got a rest at that point, but we know that Jesus valued time apart as he later sends the disciples off in the boat again while he goes away by himself to pray.  In the chaos of life, even when there are demands on our time and energy, it is important to take some time to reflect and to pray.

Tríona Doherty, Intercom July/Aug 2021

SEEING YOUR LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE GOSPEL

Mark 6:30-34

The apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught.  Perhaps you have had the experience of being able to check in with somebody and share an experience.  What was that like for you?

Jesus saw the apostles needed to rest and eat.  What has been your experience of finding a restful place after a busy day?  What kind of nourishment have you found necessary in order to maintain energy and enthusiasm?  Did your experience during the Covid19 pandemic give you any insights about this?

When Jesus saw the crowd, he recognised their need and reached out to them.  Who has been a Jesus person for you? Someone who recognised your need and reached out to you?  For whom have you been a Jesus person in that way?

It sometimes can be difficult to strike a balance between responding to the needs of others and meeting our own need for rest and nourishment.  What has helped you to keep the balance right?

John Byrne OSA, Intercom July/Aug 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.

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 .