Ballycallan, Killaloe & Kilmanagh News
Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudate Sunday, 15th December 2024
Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones
Recently Deceased:
Mary Egan, Ballykeeffe
Marie Delahunty, Castleinch
Martin Mahony, Dereen, Durrow
Anniversaries: Stephen Hennessy, Pottlerath, Month’s Mind (Sat 6.30)
James & Anne Lynch, Ballycallan. Also Michael, Gail & Kelly-Ann Lynch (Sun 10:15)
Mai Murphy, Killeen (Fri 10am).
Anniversaries Next Weekend
Tom & Breda Ryall, Michael’s Church (Sat 6.30)
Billy Neary, Dareen (Sun 9am)
Ber Dooley, Dean Cavanagh Place (Month’s Mind, Sun 10:15am)
Parish Carol Service
This takes place in Ballycallan Church next Tuesday, 17th December at 7.30pm. It’s a time of music, reflection and prayer in preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus. All are welcome to attend
Christmas Party
Thanks to all who made last Sunday’s Christmas party a lovely occasion. The PPC and Michele for organising the event. Ballycallan Hall Committee and Paul Kenna for hosting the event; the local musicians for fantastic entertainment; the dancers who gave a great performance. Thanks also to those who donated items for the raffle.
Christmas Mass Cards
Now available in the church sacristies, signed Christmas Mass cards Price €2 each. Masses between Christmas and Epiphany will be offered for the intentions requested. Please make sure to leave the names of individuals or families to whom you’re sending the cards.
Advent in the Diocese
The Bible—A Message of Hope: Join Fr. Seán Maher for an evening exploring the hope-filled message of the scriptures: Tues, 17th Dec, 7om, St, Kieran’s College
Evening Retreat—Forgiveness our Hope. Led by the city priests with an opportunity for confessions. Wed, 18th Dec, 7pm, St. Patrick’s Church
Diocesan Carol Service—A Story of Hope St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 22nd December, 7.30pm
Christmas Mass Diary
Our Masses for Christmas are as follows:
Monday, 23rd, 7pm Mass, Killaloe, including penitential.
Tuesday, Christmas eve, 6.30pm, Kilmanagh
Wednesday, Christmas day, 9am Killaloe, 10:15, Ballycallan.
Anam Cara
Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Wednesday 18th December at 7.30pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles.
This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or how recent their death was. You do not need to register in advance.
We also offer an online support group meeting. To find out more call 01 4045378 or email info@anamcara.ie
St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Draw
The next St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration draw will take place on Wednesday, 18th December.
GBC GAA /ST.BRIGID’S CAMOGIE & PARISH CHRISTMAS LOTTO DRAW.
This year’s Christmas Gaa/Parish Lotto draw will take place in The Pound, Ballycallan on Saturday 21st December 2024. There will be Door Prizes in addition to extra Lucky Dips on the night. The draw will take place at 10pm and all are welcome. Thank you to all who support the Local Lotto, and we look forward to seeing you there.
SeniorLine – Don’t be alone and lift the phone - Freephone 1800 80 45 91.
Would like someone to talk to over Christmas? SeniorLine is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year 10am-10pm, Freephone 1800 80 45 91.
You may feel isolated, alone, bereaved or far from family.
SeniorLine’s older volunteers are trained to listen, to support and refer to other helpful services if necessary.
So don’t be alone and lift the phone. Phone SeniorLine 1800 80 45 91, No problem too big or too small.”
Confessions - Forgiveness our Hope
Fr. Raymond Dempsey and the City Priests will lead a short evening Retreat and an opportunity for reconciliation at St Patrick’s Parish Church on Wednesday, 18th December at 7.00pm.
Parish Calendar
Our Parish Calendar is now available in the porches of our churches. Please also take a copy for family, neighbours and friends, with our very best wishes. Kindley sponsored by Molloy’s Undertakers & Sculptors, Callan
***
Second Sunday of Advent, Year C, 8th December, 2024
Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones
Anniversaries: Mary & Seán Keane, Kilmanagh. Also Johnny Marnell, Pollough (Sat 6.30pm)
Patrick & Mary Murphy, Corstown (Sun 10:15)
Patrick & Bridget Pollard, Damma, (Mon 7pm)
Anniversaries Next Weekend
Stephen Hennessy, Pottlerath, Month’s Mind (Sat 6.30)
James & Anne Lynch, Ballycallan. Also Michael, Gail & Kelly-Ann Lynch (Sun 10:15)
The Second Sunday of Advent: A Time of Expectation and Grace
As we journey through Advent, the second Sunday invites us to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, and preparation. This week, we also celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a reminder of God's abundant grace and the purity with which Mary was chosen to be the Mother of our Savior.
The Immaculate Conception isn't about the conception of Jesus, but rather, the moment Mary was conceived in her mother's womb, free from original sin. It’s a profound reminder that from the very beginning, God prepared Mary to bear Christ, marking the start of God's ultimate plan for salvation.
In this season of waiting, we are called to prepare our hearts, not only for the birth of Christ but for the grace that comes through the purity of Mary's “yes” to God's will. Let this week inspire us to say “yes” in our own lives, to trust in God's plan, and to walk in the hope and peace that Mary so beautifully exemplifies.
May this Advent deepen our anticipation for the coming of Christ, and may we, like Mary, be vessels of God's grace and love.
Immaculate Conception of Mary
As this important feast day falls on a Sunday, the celebration transfers to the following day, Monday. We will offer Mass in Killaloe at 7pm for the occasion. All welcome.
Christmas Party
Following the success of last year's Christmas party in Kilmanagh Hall, we will hold this year’s Christmas Party on December 8th in Ballycallan Hall starting at 2pm. While it’s dubbed ‘senior citizens’, anyone is welcome to join us.
The party is organised by the Parish Pastoral Council, supported by Ballycallan Hall Committee. All welcome.
Cathedral Bookshop
On Sunday after 11:00 am Mass, Chapter House Giftshop will move to the Cathedral
- this will make it easier for people to get Christmas cards, Cribs or gifts in advance of the
scramble of the weeks ahead.
Christmas Mass Cards
Now available in the church sacristies, signed Christmas Mass cards Price €2 each. Masses between Christmas and Epiphany will be offered for the intentions requested. Please make sure to leave the names of individuals or families to whom you’re sending the cards.
Parish Carol Service
This will take place in Ballycallan Church on the 17th December at 7.30pm. It’s a time of music, reflection and prayer in preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus . All are welcome to attend
Advent Programme in the Diocese
Towards a Theology of Hope—Bishop Niall of the hope our faith brings. Wednesday, 11th Dec, St. Kieran’s College, 7pm
Taizé Prayer—A Time of Hope. Prayer with teenagers from our diocese, Friday 13th Dec, 7pm, St. Mary’s Cathedral
Advent Godly Play—A morning for primary school children to reflect through Godly Play, the hope-filled message of Advent. Sat, 14th December, 10.30am, St. Mary’s Chapter House (Behind the Cathedral).
The Bible—A Message of Hope: Join Fr. Seán Maher for an evening exploring the hope-filled message of the scriptures: Tues, 17th Dec, 7om, St, Kieran’s College
Evening Retreat—Forgiveness our Hope. Led by the city priests with n opportunity for confessions. Wed, 18th Dec, 7pm, St. Patrick’s Church
Diocesan Carol Service—A Story of Hope
Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 22nd December, 7.30pm.
Sunday’s Advent Booklets
A guide for each Sunday is available free, on the Ossory website
The Parish Finance Committee will meet, next Thursday at 8pm in the parish house.
Anam Cara
Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Wednesday 18th December at 7.30pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles.
This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or how recent their death was. You do not need to register in advance.
We also offer an online support group meeting. To find out more call 01 4045378 or email info@anamcara.ie
Christmas School Mass
The School Christmas Mass will take place, next Friday, 13th, at 10am in Kilmanagh. All welcome.
***
First Sunday of Advent, Year C, 1st December 2024
Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones
Anniversaries: Eamon Walsh, Ballycuddihy (Month’s Mind, Sat 6,30)
Arthur & Gary Jamison, Michael’s Church (Sun 10:15)
Tess & Tom Fennelly, Kilmanagh (Fri 10am)
Pat Comerford, Knockeenbaun
The Byrne Family, Ballykeeffe (Mon 7pm)
Kieran Egan, Damma
Anniversaries Next Weekend
Mary & Seán Keane, Kilmanagh. Also Johnny Marnell, Pollough (Sat 6.30pm)
Patrick & Mary Murphy, Corstown (Sun 10:15)
First Sunday of Advent: A Time of Hope and Preparation
As we begin the season of Advent, we enter a time of waiting and anticipation. The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year, and with it comes a call to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Advent is a season of hopeful expectation—an opportunity to reflect on the light that Christ brings into the world. This Sunday, as we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, we remember the theme of hope, looking forward to the joy of Christ's birth at Christmas.
Let this season be one of spiritual renewal. As we wait with hope, let us also be mindful of the ways in which we can bring Christ's love to others, preparing not only our homes but our hearts for His presence in the world.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Advent season. May it be a time of quiet reflection, joyful anticipation, and deepening faith.
Christmas Party
Following the success of last year's Christmas party in Kilmanagh Hall, we will hold this year’s Christmas Party on December 8th in Ballycallan Hall starting at 2pm. While it’s dubbed ‘senior citizens’, anyone is welcome to join us.
The party is organised by the Parish Pastoral Council, supported by Ballycallan Hall Committee. All welcome.
For further details, contact Michele Comerford (PPC), 086 108 0448
Christmas Mass Cards
Now Available in the church sacristies, signed Christmas Mass cards Price €2 each. Masses between Christmas and Epiphany will be offered for the intentions requested. Please make sure to leave the names of individuals or families to whom you’re sending the cards.
Parish Carol Service
This will take place in Ballycallan Church on the 17th December at 7.30pm. It’s a time of music, reflection and prayer in preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus . All are welcome to attend
Advent Evenings of Reflection
The Dominican Community, Black Abbey, Kilkenny, invite you to four Thursday evening reflections on the Gospels for the Sundays of Advent, which will take place on the 5th, 12th and 19th December 2024, from 7.15 p.m. – 8.30 p.m., in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny, facilitated by Father Stephen Cummins, O.P. Further information please contact 056 7721279 or by email
Advent Programme in the Diocese
Towards a Theology of Hope—Bishop Niall of the hope our faith brings. Wednesday, 11th Dec, St. Kieran’s College, 7pm
Taizé Prayer—A Time of Hope. Prayer with teenagers from our diocese, Friday 13th Dec, 7pm, St. Mary’s Cathedral
Advent Godly Play—A morning for primary school children to reflect through Godly Play, the hope-filled message of Advent. Sat, 14th December, 10.30am, St. Mary’s Chapter House (Behind the Cathedral).
The Bible—A Message of Hope: Join Fr. Seán Maher for an evening exploring the hope-filled message of the scriptures: Tues, 17th Dec, 7om, St, Kieran’s College
Evening Retreat—Forgiveness our Hope. Led by the city priests with n opportunity for confessions. Wed, 18th Dec, 7pm, St. Patrick’s Church
Diocesan Carol Service—A Story of Hope Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 22nd December, 7.30pm.
L’Arche Christmas Fair
This Sunday, 1st December, 10am to 3.30pm. Baked goods, Christmas gifts, even Santa’s Cabin. Fantastic Raffle.
Cathedral Draw
There were no winders from our parish in the Cathedral Draw. Winners are posted in the porch of the church. December’s draw will take place in the 18th December
Sunday’s Advent Booklets
A guide for each Sunday is available free, on the Ossory website