Parish Office Contact Details
Parish Office: Mon - Fri 9am – 5pm
Tel: 6472088
Fax: 6476231
email: stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net
www.stmarysathlone.org
CHRIST THE KING
This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. It is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. On this day, we contemplate the kingship of Jesus our Redeemer.
In this Sunday's Gospel, we will hear Saint John's account of Pilate's interrogation of Jesus before the sentence of crucifixion. Pontius Pilate asks Jesus: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answers: "My kingdom does not belong to this world." He then goes on to answer Pilate's subsequent question "Then you are a king?" by stating "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
This dialogue between Pilate and Jesus reminds us that Our Lord's kingship is real, yet it is unlike political kingship. He did not come to rule over peoples and territories. For Him, to reign was to serve! His throne was the cross where He revealed His power, the power of love. With this power, Christ the King set people free from the slavery of sin and reconciled them to God the Father. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus witnessed to the truth that God is love. On Calvary, He witnessed this truth to the full with the sacrifice of His own life. He conquered Satan, the "ruler of this world" (John 12:31).
We gather in our churches this Sunday, as we do every Sunday, to worship Christ our King. We celebrate the memorial of His death and resurrection. The King of the Universe comes to us under the humble forms of bread and wine to nourish us with His true Body and Blood. Our Eucharistic King strengthens us to overcome evil with good, and hatred and violence with forgiveness and love.
It is our choice whether or not we wish to accept and serve a king whose kingship is not based on human power, but on loving and serving others.
Today's celebration of Christ the King concludes the 'YEAR OF FAITH'
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Thank you for your contribution towards the Offertory Collection for Sunday 17th November which amounted to €4,446.00
Thank you for your contribution toward the collection for Syria & the Philippines which amounted to €9,440.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
James Ryan, (Brother of Imelda McKiernan, Hillquarter)
Eric Williams, Coosan Point & Saggart, Dublin
MONTHS MEMORY MASSES
Frances Ryan 7:00 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Peace (Sat 30th Nov)
Olive Funnell 11:30 a.m. St. Mary's (Sun 1st )
We welcome into the Christian Community
Alicia Morrissey
Who was baptised recently. Congratulations to her parents.
ENROLMENT FOR CONFIRMATION:
Will take place on Tuesday 26th November, 8 p.m. in St. Mary's Church. All confirmation candidates along with parents/guardians are requested to attend.
ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS AT AIT:
Will take place on Thursday 28th November at John McCormack Hall at 11 a.m. All welcome.
DISTRICT MASS:
For deceased residents of Altown, Moydrum & Garrycastle will take place on Thursday 28th November at 8 p.m. in Garrycastle GAA Centre. All welcome.
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES:
Are presently being distributed to households in the Parish. A marked decline in the use of Parish Collection envelopes has taken place over the years. This has resulted in a much smaller number of our parishioners carrying the burden of supporting the parish and the parish clergy.
If you are not currently using envelopes, or have not received a box of envelopes recently, we would encourage you to contact the Parish Office where a box of envelopes can be provided for you.
Use of the envelopes also enables the parish to avail of the tax refund for authorised charities.
Our thanks to all those who help each year to distribute the envelopes.
SAMARITAN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
Will take place on Thursday 12th December at 8 p.m. in the Franciscan Friary. It will feature the Army Band of the 2nd Brigade conducted by Capt. Declan Whitston, Tenor David Martin, Athlone A Cappella & The Athlone Pipe Band. Cathal Murray of RTE will act as compere for the evening. Ticket €10 from Castle Gift Shop, Midland Sound Equipment, Cunningham's Pharmacy.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IRELAND:
are seeking volunteers for their National Christmas Appeal/Collection on 13th & 14th December at Tesco Stores. To donate some of your time in a Tesco store near you please contact 01 6236414 or email: Maureen@mdi.ie or visit www.mdi.ie
HOLY SOULS:
Monthly hour for the Holy Souls continues in the Adoration Chapel on Saturday 30th November from 4-5 p.m. All welcome.
REN-CLUB:
Winner for Sunday 17th November was 'Mick Murphy'. Promoter was John Darnley.
LOST:
Gold gents ring with black stone insert in Athlone during the week of 4th November. If found please contact St. Mary's Presbytery. Reward offered.
OUR LADY'S BOWER:
Are holding a Bazaar, Jumble sale & auction in the school gym on Thursday 5th December at 7 p.m. Cakes, toys, games & plenty of fun for everyone. Thank you to the local business community for donating fabulous prizes & vouchers. Proceeds to 'Rachael's Wish To Walk'.
LOG ON LEARN - COMPUTER CLASSES FOR SENIORS:
Delivered by Transition Year students. Would you like to learn how to use a computer or improve your skills? One-to-one free tuition is provided by young people in a friendly classroom environment. Enrolling now for classes starting Wednesday 27th November 3.30 to 4.30 pm. Venue: Our Lady's Bower Senior School, Retreat Road, Athlone. Contact 090 6474777 to register & for further details.
ATHLONE COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Open evening on Thursday 28th November at 7 p.m. Boys & girls in their final year in Primary School together with Parents/Guardians are cordially invited to attend.
KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBANUS - ATHLONE COUNCIL:
Annual Mass for deceased members will take place on Wednesday 27th November at 8:30 p.m. in St. Ciaran's House. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Francis Duffy. Families & relatives of deceased members are cordially invited to attend.
ESKER HOUSE WOMEN'S REFUGE & DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICE:
16 days of awareness on domestic violence. 'A Walk in Her Shoes' & Lantern release will take place on Thursday 5th December from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Walk starting at the Strand Car Park & releasing lanterns from Burgess Park. Contact 6474122 or email: info@eskerhouse.ie for more information.
PASTORAL CARE:
Please inform us of anyone who needs the prayers and support of the parish whether they are elderly, sick, hospitalised or grieving. The Presbytery may be called at any time for the Sacrament of sick. Also, we will gladly bring the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass due to sickness or infirmity.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 25th November - Sunday 1st December
ST. MARY'S
Mon 9:30 Holy Souls
Tue 9:30 Peggy Flynn
Wed 9:30 Conchessa McKenna
7:30 John & Sean Gallagher & Tommy, Michael & Kathleen Carty
Thurs 9:30 Margaret, William & Paddy Burke
7:30 James & Mary Dunning
Fri 9:30 Dec'd members of the Hussey Family
7:30 Shared Mass:
1. Patrick & Elizabeth Cunningham
2. Michael Mannion 3. Eamon Wykes
4. Mary & Patrick Byrne 5. Private Intention
6. James & Kathleen Coyle
Sat 9:30 Eddie O'Shea & Dec'd members of the O'Shea Family
Sun 10:00 Mass for the people of the Parish
11:30 Olive Funnell (Months Memory)
12:45 Mark Lawlor
6:00 Dec'd members of the Parker & Dolan Families
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon 7:00 Holy Souls
Tue 7:00 Dec'd members of the O'Reilly Family & Patsy Doyle
Wed 7:00 Paddy, Paul & Nuala Jameson
Thurs 7:00 Michael & Mary Kenny
Fri 7:00 Shared Mass:
1. Noel Mulligan 2. Jack & Eileen Egan
3. Margaret & James Waldron
4. Elizabeth Kenny
5. Thomas Malone
6. Tommy, Kathleen & Katie Daly
Sat 7:00 Frances Ryan (Months Memory)
Sun 10:30 Phoebe O'Donnell
Sun 12:00 Michéal & Michael Seery
FRIARY
Weekdays: 8.00 and 10.00 a.m.
Tuesday's: 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. (St. Anthony's Novena)
Sundays: 7:30 p.m., (Sat. Vigil) 7:30; 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.