Parish Office: Mon - Fri 9am– 5pm
Tel: 6472088
Fax: 6476231
Email: stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net
Web: www.stmarysathlone.org
United under one God!
Since we turned the corner into the new year of 2014, there seems to be a real air of optimism about. Our country's exit out of bailout scheme seems to be a good note with which the economy would begin a new financial year. New car sales are reported to be up on this time last year and the number of people on the live register is slowly reducing. So, all in all, 2014 seems to have gotten off to a good start, at least in economic terms! But, how is the new year of 2014 faring for us in the church?
Well, this week we heard the news of the government's decision to reopen, all be it on a smaller scale, an Irish Embassy in The Vatican. The news was warmly welcomed and was seen as a positive step for both church and state. This week also marked a piece of history on our island as The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Browne, the Pope's Ambassador to Ireland was the first Catholic Bishop to speak in St. Ann's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Belfast. How we have moved on!
Every January, the Christian churches on our island assign one week as Christian Unity Week. It is a week when all the Christian churches on our island come together to celebrate all that unite us. In truth, I believe there is more in our individual Christian faiths that unites us than divides us. Yes, there are differences in some of our doctrines, dogmas and teaching but it is that common Christian identity and rich Christian faith that we celebrate in this Christian Unity Week.
The Ecumenical Service that took place in Saint Ann's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Belfast in this Christian Unity Week is a further and telling reminder to us of how much we have progressed. Yes, it's good for us to have and celebrate our own Christian identity but not at the expense of other Christian denominations. Nothing should ever get in the way of allowing other Christian faiths celebrate their Christian identity. Any faith, Christian or otherwise that brings out the best in its people for the greater good of humanity has to be good.
In many ways, it could be said, that we have complicated God and his message by all the doctrines and dogmas that all of the Christian faiths profess. The basic commandment of Christ to 'love our neighbour' is the very foundation on which our and every other Christian faith is built. If we can remain faithful to that very core Christian Commandment, then our unity will be much greater than our diversity!
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Thank you for your contribution towards the Offertory Collection for Sunday 19th January which amounted to €4,486.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
Danny Howley, Galway (Brother of Margaret King, Retreat Park)
MONTHS MEMORY MASSES
William Derwin 7:00 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Peace (Sat 1st)
Elsie Carroll 11:30 a.m. St. Mary's (Sun 2nd)
ANNIVERSARIES AT THIS TIME:
Marie Campbell, Catherine & Patrick Furey, John & Edward Reilly
RETURN OF PHOTOS:
If you submitted a photo as part of our photographic exhibition or Jubilee booklet to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, then we invite you to collect your photo in Coosan Sacristy after Mass.
MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS & LAITY:
Will conduct a Holy Hour in St. Mary's Church on Saturday 1st February from 4-5 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary & quiet prayer. All welcome.
ST. BRIGID: (Sat 1st February)
If you would like to make your own St. Brigid's Cross a workshop will take place in the Clonmacnois Room, St. Mary's Presbytery on Saturday 1st February at 10 a.m.
St. Brigid has a connection to our diocese through her association with St. Mel who gave her the veil and presided over her religious formation at Ardagh in the 5th Century.
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD: (Sunday 2nd February) (Candlemas Day)
On the occasion of Jesus' presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, two elderly and devout people - Simeon and Anna - acclaim the presence of the child as the One who brings the salvation promised by God for all nations.
If you wish to have candles blessed please leave them into the sacristy beforehand.
ORDINATION DVD:
DVD's of the Bishop's Ordination in St. Mary's last October can be ordered through the parish office. The cost is €10.
CURA:
If you are concerned about an unplanned pregnancy & would you like to talk to someone, in confidence contact Cura. Lo-call 1850 622626. See www.cura.ie for local centre details. All Cura services are free & confidential. Our support service is available to women, men & all family members.
MUSICAL:
St. Joseph's College & St. Aloysius College present 'Grease The Musical' in St. Joseph's College, Summerhill on Thursday 30th, Friday 31st & Saturday 1st February. Booking email: info@summerhillathlone.com or 6492383.
ENROLMENT EVENING:
St. Joseph's College enrolment evening will take place on Tuesday 4th February from 7-9:30 p.m. Principal's Address at 7:30 p.m. & iPad demonstration at 8 p.m. For further information contact 6492383.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE:
For parents who have suffered a bereavement through the death of their children will take place on Monday 3rd February at 7:30 p.m. in Hospital Chapel, Portiuncula.
IHCPT:
Next weekend 1st & 2nd February is the annual church gate collection for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Each Easter we bring a group of local young people with special needs to Lourdes for one week. Your support would be gratefully appreciated.
ICA:
Monthly meeting will take place in the Prince of Wales Hotel on Monday 27th January at 8:30 p.m. New members welcome.
TABLE QUIZ:
In association with Summerhill Parents Association will take place on Wednesday 5th February in Athlone Springs Hotel at 8 p.m.
REN-CLUB:
Winner for Sunday 19th January was 'Neil & Dan Connell'. Promoter was Arlene McNeill.
IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION:
Annual dinner takes places in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Friday 31st January at 8:30 p.m. Tickets €20 available from 087 2388568.
ATHLONE FILM CLUB:
Presents the Russian Film 'White Tiger' on Tuesday 28th January in the Dean Crowe Theatre at 8 p.m. New members welcome.
DR. STEVENS RESOURCE CENTRE:
Now offering the following: Benefit 4 8 hour course (Free) which covers, Internet Banking, shopping online etc & ECDL Course. Places are limited so contact 6473001 to secure a place.
DEAN CROWE THEATRE:
Presents 'Conal Gallen' on Saturday 1st February at 8 p.m. Booking contact 6492129 or online at www.deancrowetheatre.com
RENEW:
Is a group of people who understand that mutual support & personal exploration are key elements in overcoming emotional, psychological & spiritual distress.
Renew provides a context for our experience of distress & contact with others to support our journey towards thriving. More information is available on www.renew-ireland.com. Athlone group meetings take place on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of every month in 2 Garden Vale at 8 p.m. Contact 086 8041625 or 087 7605824 for more information.
EVENING CLASS PROGRAMME:
Enrolment nights will take place on Monday 27th January & Monday 3rd February at Athlone Community College from 7-8 p.m.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK:
The theme for this years is, Catholic Schools—Places of Faith and Learning. We remember all those who are part of our Catholic School communities, pupils, parents and staff.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd February
ST. MARY'S
Mon 9:30 Aidan, Mary & Nicola Ward
Tue 9:30 Agnes Coghlan
Wed 9:30 Private Intention
7:30 Elizabeth & Patrick Doyle
Thurs 9:30 Enda O'Rourke
7:30 Tom & Kieran Nally
Fri 9:30 Pauline & Jimmy Downey & Eva Bastick
7:30 Shared Mass:
Bridie & Patrick Martin
Mary Ryan
Maureen Berry
Sat 9:30 Eileen Farrell
Sun 10:00 Tony Murphy
11:30 Elsie Carroll (Months Memory) & Michael Carroll (Anniv)
12:45 Peter Dawson
6:00 John Cleary
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon 7:00 Noel Gallagher
Tue 7:00 Tim & Delia Lyons
Wed 7:00 Michael & Bridie McManus
Thurs 7:00 Sandra Sheils & Mary Dolan
Fri 7:00 Shared Mass:
Maeve O'Donoghue
James & Aubrey Dunne
Frank Mulvihill
Mick & David Allen & Mary O'Connor
Teresa, William, Lilly & Michael Shine
Meena Thaker
Sat 7:00 William Derwin (Months Memory)
Sun 10:30 Mass for the people of the Parish
12:00 Enda O'Rourke
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.