5th Sunday of Easter, Year C, 18th May 2025

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Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones

Recently Deceased:  Bridget Maher, Pottlerath.  Vigil Prayers, Sunday at 7pm in Molloy’s, Callan.  Funeral Mass, Monday at 11am in Kilmanagh. 

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Anniversaries:  John Robinson, Graigue-Hayden (Sat 6.30)

Philip Murphy, Ballyline (Sun 9am)

Betty Nugent, Dowrath (Sun 10:15)

Dan Cahill Redhouse, Mon 7pm

Very Rev. Richard Canon Phelan,  Kilmanagh

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Anniversaries Next Weekend

Mary Harrison, Clonard.  Also Nick Harrison & Paul Harrison (Sun 10:15)

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Cemetery Mass

The annual Cemetery Mass at Ballykeeffe is almost upon us.  It takes place on Sunday, 25th May at 7pm in the cemetery.

We now make an appeal to all who are busy cleaning and preparing graves, PLEASE take home any withered wreathes or any other used/unwanted items.  Leaving them in the cemetery for someone else to clean up is unfair and unnecessary.

We will organize a general cleanup of the cemetery nearer the time.

Advance notice.  For the cemetery Mass, there will be a strict traffic management system in place, to make sure the road does not become blocked with parked cars.  Consider car-pooling with family and friends in order to travel to the Mass.  Please follow the instructions of the stewards on the day.

 

Eucharistic Ministers

We welcome our new Eucharistic Ministers who have joined our dedicated team , assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. 

 

Lourdes

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes starts on Monday, 19th of May.  To coincide with the Lourdes Pilgrimage, this Sunday we will take up the annual Lourdes Collection.  This money is used to help defray the costs of bringing pilgrims with additional needs to Lourdes.  Your support is appreciated.

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Trocaire

€420 was donated to Trocaire from the parish.  Thanks to those who contributed to this appeal.  The money will be put to good use.

The appeal is now ended.  If you wish to make a donation to Trocaire, you can do so online, or send a cheque to ‘Trocaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare,’

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Baptisms

The earliest availability for baptisms is July.  Dates in July are already booked, but it is possible to join other families on these dates.  Note, the church that is already booked for the baptism is the venue for the baptisms.

 

Website

We maintain a parish cluster website which can be accessed through www.ballycallan.com.  It contains parish information form our cluster of Ballycallan, Tullaroan & Freshford.  The newsletter is also published on the site each week.

 

Mass Cards

Sign Mass Cards are available in the sacristies.  These are available for deceased, the sick and special intentions.  Please make sure to leave the name of the person  for whom you wish the Mass to be offered.

 

CEMETERY CLEANUP

Get your brush, your bucket and your spade and join us on Wednesday night at 6.30pm for a general clean up of the cemetery.  If you cant make it on Wednesday, some committee members will be there on Thursday too.  Do help if you can. Many hands name light work

Fun Fact

While Pope Leo XIV holds a doctorate in Canon Law, his first degree was  in Mathematics.  So, when Jesus multiplied the loaves an fish, Pope Leo can probably tell you exactly how he did it! (joke)

 

First Holy Communion

This sacrament will be celebrated on Saturday,

7th June at 11am in Kilmanagh. 

 

Phone Problems

Due to a poor service from my phone provider, the parish number 056 776 9894 has become unreliable.  If you are having difficulty getting through, use my mobile number 086 818 0954 instead. 

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Parish Webcam

As the phone (and internet), are disrupted, the webcam to the church in Kilmanagh is also affected.  Apologies.  We hope to have this up and running once again in the near future.

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Rosary Rally

Join over 10,000 Pilgrims | All Ireland Rosary Rally | Knock | Saturday, 7th June.

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Anam Cara

Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Wednesday 21st May at 7.30pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles.

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4th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday), Year C, 11th May 2025

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Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones

Anniversaries:  Anne  Darcy, Ballykeeffe (Sat 6.30)

John Dunne, Ballycloven (Sun 9am)

Pierce Hogan, Ballykeeffe, shared with, Dan Fitzpatrick,  Ballykeeffe, Month’s Mind. (Sun 10:15). 

Nell Teehan, Corstown (Mon 7pm)

John O’Connor, Kilmanagh (Fri 10am)

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Anniversaries Next Weekend

John Robinson, Graigue-Hayden (Sat ,6.30)

Philip Murphy, Ballyline (Sun 9am)

Betty Nugent, Dowrath (Sun 10:15)

 

Vocations Sunday – Jubilee Year of Hope

As we celebrate Vocations Sunday in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to reflect on the call God places in every heart. Whether to priesthood, religious life, marriage, or committed single life, each vocation is a response to God’s faithful love and a source of hope for the Church and the world. In a time that longs for light and direction, those who answer God’s call become signs of His presence and promise. Let us pray for a deepening of vocation awareness in our communities and encourage one another to listen with open hearts. May this Jubilee Year inspire many to say “yes” to God with courage and joy.

 

Booking Anniversaries

Because of the growing number of anniversaries, we now request, where possible,  families to share weekend Masses.  Weekday Masses are available for families who would like their own private Mass

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Welcome, Pope Leo XIV

With joy and gratitude, we welcome Pope Leo XIV as the new shepherd of the universal Church. Chosen by the Holy Spirit to lead in this Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo brings a fresh chapter rooted in faith, unity, and service. Let us keep him in our prayers as he begins his ministry, that he may guide the Church with wisdom, compassion, and the peace of Christ.

 

Cemetery Mass

The annual Cemetery Mass at Ballykeeffe is almost upon us.  It takes place on Sunday, 25th May at 7pm in the cemetery.

We now make an appeal to all who are busy cleaning and preparing graves, PLEASE take home any withered wreathes or any other used/unwanted items.  Leaving them in the cemetery for someone else to clean up is unfair and unnecessary.

We will organize a general cleanup of the cemetery nearer the time.

Advance notice.  For the cemetery Mass, there will be a strict traffic management system in place, to make sure the road does not become blocked with parked cars.  Consider car-pooling with family and friends in order to travel to the Mass.

 

Lourdes

The diocese heads on pilgrimage to Lourdes on Monday, 19th of May.  If anyone would like a petition sent to the grotto, put it in a sealed envelope (do not enclose money), mark on the envelope ‘Lourdes Petition’ and drop it to Fr. Taylor, before next Friday.  It will be delivered to the grotto on your behalf. 

 

Vocations Sunday: A Double Celebration

Vocations Sunday is both a celebration and a prayer. We give thanks for the vocation we received at Baptism, and we pray for new vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Our baptismal call comes from beyond ourselves: the Church names us, marks us with the sign of the cross, and unites us with Christ for life. Throughout our lives, we discover how to live this call—as disciples of Jesus.

At its heart, every vocation is a call to love. As Jesus said: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is lived in the ordinary moments of life—through our commitments, relationships, work, and prayer.

A true vocation brings joy. If our path in following the Lord doesn't bring peace or fulfilment, we may be called to listen again.

We live our vocation within the Church—through prayer, service, and community—as part of the people of God. Donal Neary SJ

 

New Video

Bishop Coll has recorded a video promoting Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life.  You can view it on the Ossory website.  A link is provided on our website too.

 

Lourdes Collection

To coincide with the Lourdes Pilgrimage, next Sunday we will take up the annual Lourdes Collection.  This money is used to help defray the costs of bringing pilgrims with additional needs to Lourdes.  Your support is appreciated.

 

Our Vocations Directors is Fr, Mark Condon, P.P., Danesfort. 

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3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, 4th May 2025

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Pray For Our Deceased Loved Ones

Recently Deceased: William (Bill) Dunphy, Gowran (Nan Delaney’s brother)

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Anniversaries:  Paddy Walsh & Geoff Foxall, Ballycuddihy (Sat 6.20)

Mary Marnell, Pollough (Sun 9am)

Tony Butler, Smiths Cross (Sun 10:15)

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Anniversaries Next Weekend

John Dunne, Ballycloven (Sun 9am)

Pierce Hogan, Ballykeeffe (Sun 10:15).  Shared with, Month’s Mind, Dan Fitzpatrick, Ballykeeffe.

 

Bank Holiday

Please note, there is no evening Mass in Killaloe on account of the bank holiday.

 

Trócaire

You can return your Trocaire boxes to the parish  around now.  You can also still make a donation.  Just put your donation in an envelope and it will be forwarded to them.

Little Village Festival – Mullinahone,

Join us, for a day of community celebration at the Little Village Festival, happening on Sunday, May 4th from 12pm to 6pm at Mullinahone GAA pitch (E41 R6P7). Something for everyone, with activities ranging from music to sports, crafts, and more! Entry: €5  (children under 12 free)

 

Jubilee Year of Hope

Below are some planned events in our diocese for the Jubilee Year:

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Pilgrimage for Mass to Blessed Edmund Ignatius Centre

Bishop Niall invites you in this Jubilee Year of Hope to join with him and the Community for the celebration of Mass in Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, on Tuesday, 6th May 2025 at 7.30 p.m. Theme: Edmund Rice, a man of Hope.

 

Information Evening on Pilgrimage to Lough Derg

Friday,  9th May 2025, St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Loughboy.

Bishop Niall invites you to come along to learn more about our Jubilee Year of Hope Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg, which will take place from 30th May – 1st June 2025.  All welcome.

 

Wood You Believe

Getting the past out of the present

Finding Healing and Hope from Personal and Ancestral Issues, moving beyond Loss, Trauma and Victimhood.

3 Workshops Facilitated by Fr. Jim Cogley

Thurs May 1, 8 and 15:  7 – 9. 30pm

Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny                                          

Cost: 20 euro per night. 50 euro for all three.

Bookings to Jim Maher on 086-127 6649

Fr. Jim uses his wood carvings to explore core human issues.

 

Tullaroan Confirmation

We wish all the best to the young people from Tullaroan who will receive their confirmation next Thursday.  Please keep these young people in your prayers.

 

Lotto

The locals GAA/Parish lotto benefits Graigue-Ballycallan, St. Brigid’s Camogie Club and the parish.  We are grateful to all who run and support the lotto.

 

Newsletter

The Newsletter is compiled and printed by Fr. Liam.  Errors do take place and we do try to correct mistakes and omissions when they occur.  Priority of given to parish, diocese and then wider interest.  Items for inclusion should be submitted by Friday morning. 

 

Booking Anniversaries

Because of the growing number of anniversaries, we now request, where possible,  families to share weekend Masses.  Weekday Masses are available for families who would like their own private Mass.

 

Sunday Funerals

When a funeral does occur, I ask families to opt for a weekday or Saturday funeral instead of a Sunday.  This gives me more time to prepare and not have to cancel booked anniversary Masses. It also gives greater freedom with readings, music etc.

 

Cathedral Draw

There was no winner form our parish in Aprils’ cathedral draw.  Thanks to all who support this ,  results posted in the porch.

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