Open: Mon - Fri 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Tel: 6472088
Fax: 6476231
Email: stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net
Website: www.stmarysathlone.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Jesus enters the wilderness, that utterly barren strip 35 miles by 15 miles between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Before He mingles with the multitudes, He must meet His Father; before He seeks the faces of men and women He must seek the Face of God; before he preaches the Word He must reflect in the solitude. His encounter with Satan marks the beginning of a warfare that continues to the Hill of Calvary, a conflict between good and evil, slavery and freedom, light and darkness.
The temptations are as old as the human story, where, in every century the reckless pursuit of material possessions, the callous abuse of power, and the insatiable thirst for the spectacular have left deep scars on the human landscape. The theatre of temptation becomes the theatre of triumph and Jesus emerges with undivided heart, and undimmed purpose, strengthened for the road ahead. Temptation is not meant to make us stumble, but to make us strong.
This season of lengthening days, new hope, and fresh beginnings provides us with a sacred space for purposeful reflection on our journey and ultimate destination; a moment to encounter God at the deepest level, to glimpse again His plan for us and to choose light over darkness in all the choices we make on our voyage back to Him.
Gospel Reflection Booklet Lent 2013
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
We thank you most sincerely for your contribution to the Offertory Collection for Sunday 10th February which amounted to €4,544.00.
RECENT DEATHS & DEATH NOTICES RECEIVED
Sr. Thecla Garvey, Mont Vista
Mary O’Hara, St. Anne’s Tce
Bridie Brodrick, Sarsfield Square
Maureen Hanevy, Bishopstown, Moate (Sister of Vera White, Beechpark West)
Sean Fuery, Assumption Road
Edna McKenzie, Iona Park
Christine Clarke, Talbot Ave
MONTHS MEMORY MASSES
Bernard Sweeney 7:00 p.m. Queen of Peace (Sat 23rd)
Alo Byrne 11:30 a.m. St. Mary’s (Sun 24th)
We welcome into the Christian Community
Amelia Kicza Zion Seweryniak Araujo
Sophie Elaine Lynch Emily Melkis Lorcan Kenny McMonagle
Who were baptised recently. Congratulations to their parents.
TROCAIRE BOXES: Are presently being distributed to households in the parish. A word of thanks is due to all those who help each year with the Trocaire boxes. We still have a few areas where we need distributors as follows:
Sarsfield Square Northgate St Court Devenish
Marine View St. Kieran’s Tce Golden Island
Carrick O Brien Hillcourt
Crystal Village Valley Court Ballykeeran
Bullet Rd Kippinstown Cloughanboy
PRAYER & REFLECTION: On Scripture for Lent. 1st Letter of St. John. Will take place on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in St. Anthony’s Franciscan Friary.
DO THIS IN MEMORY: First Communion preparation continues next Sun 24th Feb.
St. Mary’s Church at 10 a.m. for children & parents from St. Mary’s NS, Clonbonny NS, Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí & Athlone Mixed School.
Queen of Peace Church at 10:30 a.m. for children & parents from Coosan NS & Cornamaddy NS.
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.
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH JUBILEE: Meeting of all those interested in taking part in planning the 40th anniversary will take place on Wednesday 20th February at 7:30 p.m. in the sacristy. All are welcome.
KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBANUS - Annual Charity Table Quiz. Will take place in St. Ciaran’s House on Thursday 21st February at 8:30 p.m. In aid of St. Hilda’s services. Table of 4 €40.
REN-CLUB: Winner for Sun 10th Feb was ‘Mark Johnston’. Pro was Kathleen Roper.
PARISH BINGO: Every Sunday night in St. Mary’s Hall & Dean Crowe Theatre starting at 8 p.m. Special bingo on Sun 24th Feb over €3,400 in prizes. €1,000 jackpot must be won on the night.
ATHLONE AGRI-SHOW: Committee meeting in the Fatted Calf, Glasson on Mon 18th Feb at 9 p.m. New members & ideas welcome.
ATHLONE LITTLE THEATRE: Presents ‘The Lonesome West’ directed by Harry Smith from Sun 24th Feb to Sat 2nd March. Curtain up at 8:30 p.m. For booking contact 6474324.
GARRYCASTLE LADIES GAA: Social & Presentation night with buffet being held in the Bounty on Friday 22nd February at 8:30 p.m. Tickets €10 available from any committee member.
RUAH: Elation Ministries, a group of young people committed to spreading the Good News through worship & song, invite you to Ruah on Fri 22nd Feb from 8-9:30 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel, Castle St. It will consist of Prayer through music, time of silence & reflection on scripture from Fr. Aidan Ryan, Ballinahown.
CLONMACNOIS PTAA: Annual Social will take place in Clonfanlough Hall on Fri 22nd Feb from 9:30 p.m. Tickets €10 on the night or by contacting 087 7431649. St. Mary’s Centre wish to thank all who contributed to their annual collection last weekend & to those who assisted in the collection.
ANNUAL MASS: For Deceased members of PROBUS Club will take place in Custume Barracks Oratory on Mon 25th Feb at 11 am. Relatives of deceased members are invited to attend.
DEAN CROWE THEATRE: Presents ’The Field’ on Tues 19th Feb at 11 a.m. Tickets €12 each available from box office 6492129.
HOLY HOUR: For Holy Souls continues in the Adoration Chapel on Sat 23rd Feb from 4-5 p.m. All welcome.
PLAY: ‘Catch me if you can’ a comedy play by Margaret McKenna (Mullan) will take place in St. Kieran’s Community Centre on Sat 23rd Feb at 8 p.m. in aid of Irish Wheelchair Association. All tickets €10.
ATHLONE FILM CLUB: Will hold its annual table quiz in the Olive Bar on Thursday 21st February at 8:30 p.m.
ROSARY: Every Wednesday morning after 9:30 a.m. Mass in St. Mary’s. If you have a few minutes to spare you would be very welcome to join us in the Rosary for Priests everywhere.
MASS TIMES & ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 18th - Sunday 24th February
ST. MARY’S
Mon 9:30 Thomas & Mary Harris & Margaret Freeburn
1:05 Paddy Lydon & Raúl Garcia De Dios
Tue 9:30 John, Ellen & Johnny Dunne
1:05 Dec’d members of the Bannon, Griffin & Toland Families
Wed 9:30 Denis & Angela Monaghan
1:05 Padraig Newell
Thurs 9:30 James & Margaret Fuery
1:05 John & Mary Kate Durr & Dec’d members of the Durr Family
Fri 9:30 James Warby
1:05 Shared Mass:
Mary Jo, Vincent & Tony Breen & Dec’d members of the Breen Family
Thomas, Annie & Denis Byrne, Jack Galvin & May Cauldwell
Sat 9:30 Nora & Joseph Holohan
Sun 10:00 Liam Keogh
11:30 Alo Byrne (Months Memory) & Patrick Byrne (Anniv)
12:45 Hannah & John Kiely
6:00 Kathleen & Emer Kelly
QUEEN OF PEACE
Mon 7:00 John & Elizabeth Kiveney
Tue 7:00 Thomas Feeney
Wed 7:00 Paddy & Kathleen Stewart
Thurs 7:00 Edward & Mary Kiernan & Dec’d members of the Kiernan Family
Fri 7:00 Shared Mass:
1. Patrick & Paddy Devaney
2. Michael, Eoghan & Clive Turley
3. William (Billy) Mitchell 4. Gertie & Joe Gaffey
5. John Parkes & Brendan Cunniffe
6. Kevin & Vincent Horan 7. Jack Murphy
Sat 7:00 Bernard Sweeney (Months Memory)
Sun 10:30 Mass for the people of the Parish
12:00 Marie Colleran
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.