PROLOGUE: "If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you."
Steven Wright

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION 1968-2018. On Saturday, June 16 the parish will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish Church with a special Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Brendan Leahy. The Parish Pastoral Council is planning a community celebration and they extend an invitation to all parishioners to join us for this unique celebration. We are asking parishioners who normally attend Mass on Sunday to consider coming to the Vigil Mass on Saturday evening. The Mass will be an hour later at 7.30p.m to enable as many parishioners to attend if they so wish. It promises to be a great gathering, refreshments will be served afterwards in a specially erected marquee in the church car park.

OUTING: The Thomond Archaeological and Historical society are having a half-day outing in the Rathkeale/Palatine area of County Limerick on Sunday, June 10. Contact Pat O’Donovan at 0879977340 if you are interested.

EXHIBITION: The Parish Jubilee Memorabilia Exhibition of church and parish memorabilia to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish church on June 23, 1968 will be open on Friday, June 8 from 11—1pm. Saturday, June 9 from 11.30—12.30pm and 5.30pm—7.30pm. Sunday 10 from 9.45am—1pm. The Jubilee celebrations continue the following weekend with a special Mass at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 16 following by entertainment and food in the Marquee.

The exhibition will be located in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Eucharistic Adoration will continue on Friday, June 8 in the main Church from 8am – 10pm.

GLÓRACH SUMMER SOLSTICE CONCERT: After the resounding success that was our Seán Keane concert last month, here at the Glórach Theatre we are actively preparing for the visit of Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley to the venue on Friday, June 22. Mike Hanrahan has an extensive biography, but will be best remembered by many for being a member of the group, Stockton’s Wing. Critically acclaimed for their expert fusion of traditional Irish music, folk and other genres, Mike penned what was probably their most famous song, Beautiful Affair. After leaving Stockton’s Wing, Mike played with other Irish luminaries including the Furey’s, Ronnie Drew and Jim McCann. Joining Mike on the night will be renowned Irish folk singer Eleanor Shanley, who has sang with a diverse range of famed Irish musicians throughout the years. First coming to prominence with De Danann, Eleanor has also recorded with U2, the Dubliners and Sharon Shannon. A wonderful night of music and song is guaranteed, to book tickets at a very competitive €15 please contact 0871383940.

MOLADH GO DEO LE DIA: Fifty years ago this week, parishioners in Abbeyfeale were preparing for the opening of their new parish church. No doubt there was a lot of excitement in the air. For more than two years they had watched the construction of the building and had seen their new place of worship slowly develop into the beautiful church building that we have today. Over the past fifty years the Parish Church has been the venue for many significant personal, family and community occasions. There are many stories to share linked with this wonderful house of prayer. Much of the past fifty years is captured in a book especially complied to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the church. The book contains many wonderful coloured photographs that show off the splendour of the Church, its stained glass windows and general embellishment. The title of the publication is Moladh go Deo Le Dia. (Praise be to God forever). It will be launched next weekend at the 6.30p.m Vigil Mass and will be on sale afterwards. Price €10.

HOLY WELL: Thanks to all who joined us on the Walk to the Well last Sunday. We especially thank the Cotter family for their welcome and hospitality. Thanks to all who helped in any way.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STUDY: West Limerick Resources are currently conducting a survey and needs analysis of Social Enterprise in West Limerick. The purpose of this study is to identify gaps in community services and facilities across the West Limerick area and also to identify the supports needed by existing Social Enterprises and Groups. All information collected from the survey will be treated in the strictest of confidence. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZ8BHVS.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: There will be far fewer “visiting” volunteers this year at St. Ita’s Faith camp. This is very suitable for any student who is doing JP2 awards. Please contact Martina at 087-2788834 as we need people aged 15+ to supervise so the camp can go ahead. Garda vetting forms to be completed ASAP.

FREE WORKSHOP ON LADYBIRDS AND SHIELDBUGS: West Limerick Resources invites you to attend a free workshop on ‘Identifying Ladybirds and Shieldbugs’ taking place on Monday, June 11, at 7.30pm, in St Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale. To register your place, please contact Elaine, at West Limerick Resources, edillon@wlr.ie or 069 66296. All are welcome to attend.

AFTERNOON TEA: On June 15 the Wednesday Club will host afternoon tea on Friday, June 15 from 12.30 – 3.30. Proceeds to Kerry Hospice.

ISSUES WITH IRISH WATER: In order to highlight all issues, Councillor Liam Galvin has asked that anyone with a problem relating to Waste Water / Sewage to contact him directly and he will log everything at once with Irish Water. Liam Galvin 087 985 0435 / liam.galvin@limerick.ie

KNOCK: Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Knock Sunday, June 10 leaving Church 7am sharp. €20 payable in advance. Bernard Broderick 068 31565. Michael Lane 068 32757.Gerard Callaghan 087 298084. David Davy 087 0994272.

COMMUNITY ALERT SUMMER OUTING: We are going to Killarney via the Gap of Dunloe, attending the street party to celebrate July 4 – Independence Day, then going for dinner to Mac’s on High Street, watching the parade and finishing up at Celtic Steps at the Racecourse.. Tickets at €40 each are available from Kathleen’s Foodstore, Convent St. It’s going to be a great, jam packed day so first come, first served.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCING: The Wednesday Club, Abbeyfeale are holding a Tea Dance in Fr Casey’s clubhouse on Sunday, June 10. Dancing to Paddy Quilligan from 3-6pm. Tickets €5 each. Proceeds being divided between Kerry Hospice and Recovery Haven Cancer Support House. All donations gratefully accepted. Raffle.

POPE’S VISIT: A World Meeting of Families collection will take place at all Masses on June 9/10.

POLKAS AT THE RAILWAY: Learn to dance a polka every Monday evening at the Railway, Abbeyfeale. Classes from 8.30pm. No partner needed.

INFORMATION MORNING FOR PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS: West Limerick Resources, in conjunction with the Limerick Childcare Committee, will host an information morning for Parent and Toddlers Groups in the West Limerick area on Wednesday, June 13, from 10am – 12pm at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West. A Free Interactive Messy Play Workshop and a Music and Movement Demonstration for toddlers will take place on the morning as well as information dissemination on upcoming grants from the Limerick Childcare Committee and supports available under the SICAP programme. This event is open to both existing parent and toddler groups, and those interested in establishing groups in their area. Registration essential by contacting Niamh, at West Limerick Resources, on 087 4477338.

USED STAMPS: They can be handed in to the basket behind the Altar.

GRAVEYARD: There will be a weekly clean up in the Reilig Idé Graveyard every Tuesday from 7-9pm. More help is always appreciated as the graveyard is quite big. In order to help with this families are encouraged to maintain their own graves and a neglected one if that family is no longer able to. We appreciate any help you can give.

VOLUNTEERS FOR ADAPT: The Domestic Abuse Services needs your help in Abbeyfeale on June 9/10 for the annual church gate collection, which helps to maintain the services for women and their children, provided by ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services. Please contact Deirdre Barrett at 061 412354 if you would like to help.

INVITATION TO FAMILIES OF RELIGIOUS: Bishop Brendan Leahy invites Families of Religious Sisters, Priests, Brothers and Diocesan Priests of the Diocese of Limerick to Eucharist and Light Refreshments: At Immaculate Conception Church, Newcastle West on Saturday, June 16 at 3.00pm. If you have a family member who is a Religious or Priest from the Diocese but presently serving outside the Diocese or overseas, you are welcome to represent them. Please RSVP to Sr Eileen Lenihan at: eileen@ldo.ie OR Stephanie at 061 350000. Please indicate which venue suits you and the name of your Religious or Priest family member.

ABBEYFEALE PARENT & TODDLER GROUP meets every Tuesday and Thursday in St. Ita’s Hall in Abbeyfeale from 11 – 12:30pm. Contact Mary at West Limerick Resources on 087 9382883.

SIAMSA TÍRE: They are holding auditions for young people aged 7 – 12 on Saturday, June 16 from 10am – 2pm at Siamsa Tire Theatre, Tralee. Audition is by appointment only, so please call 066)7123055 to make an appointment.

NEW MASS TIMES: Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon Mass. Holy day’s Mass 11am and 6.30pm. Daily Mass remains as always – 10am unless when there is a funeral. 1010pm

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL: Adoration will continue – from 8am – 10pm every Tuesday and Friday and from 6-8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. New adorers are always welcome.

SUMMER CONCERT: The Annual Summer Concert takes place in Broadford Community Centre on Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m. following a wine reception at 7.15 p.m. This year’s performers are Majella Cullagh (soprano), Tracey Symon (accompanist), the Jansson family (Ellen, Kevin & Anna), Seán McGann (tenor), Martin Gleeson (baritone) and Margaret O’Donnell (accompanist). Tickets are available from Moloney’s Quik Pick (063-84029}, Broadford Post Office or Broadford Surgery (063-84004).

POST OFFICE MOVE: The post office is now located in Tuhoig’s SuperValu on Bridge St.Abbeyfeale.

PARISH OFFICE HOSTS MEETINGS: Narcotics Anonymous meet every Monday night @ 8pm in the parish Office. Al-anon meet on Tuesday evening @ 8pm. A.A. Meet every Wednesday afternoon @ 3pm, Friday night @ 8pm and Sunday mornings @ 10am. These organisations are a great voluntary support to many people and we are happy to host their meetings in our parish office.

BAG PACKERS SOUGHT: Irish Wheelchair Association are holding their National Bag Pack in Tesco Abbeyfeale on July 6/7. Can you volunteer just 2 hours? Register to volunteer at www.iwa.ie/tesco or call 046 9072539. Thank you.

OFFICE MOVE: Please note that the Abbeyfeale Office of West Limerick Resources has relocated to St Ita’s Hall, Convent Street, Abbeyfeale. If you have any enquiries, please call to the office and speak to Nora or you can call Mary on 087 9382883.

LOURDES: Autumn Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Direct from Shannon Airport, staying at the Solitude Hotel, from September 22-27. Full Pilgrimage Programme. Booking forms available from Fr Tony Mullins. Fr John O’Shea & Fr Willie Fitzmaurice.

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER MEETING: Janice and Moss Carraig will lead the Holy Spirit Prayer meeting on the second Sunday of each month in the Desmond Complex. Further information on 087 6174639.

BALLYHAHILL SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: Classes have resumed for the summer months in Ballyhahill Community Centre in social dancing on Monday at 8pm. All are welcome.

LOURDES: Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018 The Lourdes office, is open in the Social Service Centre, Henry St. Office Hours are: 10.00 – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All details concerning the Pilgrimage may be had from the office or from Fr. Tony. The fares for this year will be the same as last year, Pilgrims – All Hotels €719 except The Alba €709 and for a Hospital Pilgrim €609, this is inclusive of travel insurance and coach transfer to and from Lourdes Airport.

FUNDRAISING DANCES: Fundraising dances for the redevelopment of the former Ashford Tavern to the Ashford Community Resource Centre will take place on the first Friday of the month in the Ashford Tavern. Doors open 9pm with dancing from 9.30pm. Forthcoming AttractionsFriday July 6 T.R Dallas. Admission €10.

ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650. Helpline for crime victims is 116006. Opening hours are; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 – 6.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4pm.Sunday- Closed.

Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which is used to improve the condition of an older person’s home is aimed at people 66 years of age and older and is means tested. People with a disability or who are elderly can apply for a grant to purchase grab rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair lift. Contact 061 496000 for further details. There is a not for profit company based in NCW which provide a cost effective housing maintenance, small repairs and adaption service principally for the over 60’s or disabled in West Limerick. Services offered include; roof maintenance, outside maintenance, carpentry and flooring, painting etc. For further information contact Kathleen on 069 69315. Once you reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out for long periods of the day then because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65. The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company of €66. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month. Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.

DANCE CLASSES: Social dance classes with Josephine, Tuesdays, The Railway 8.30pm.

MUSICAL SUMMER CAMP: The Bruach Na Carraige Summer Camp for children between 6 and 15 years will be from July 16-27.

ABHAILE: This is a new service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears. It’s 100% State funded, to qualify you must be: In mortgage arrears on your home. Insolvent. At risk of losing your home because of arrears. Contact local Mabs office.

WEST LIMERICK RADIO AGM: West Limerick 102fm Community Radio Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 12 in the Desmond Complex Newcastle West at 8pm. All are welcome.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018: Papal Mass in Phoenix Park Sunday, August 26. Pope Francis will preside at the Closing Mass in the Phoenix Park. Ticketing is a two-step process: 1. Registration (opening soon) 2. Print tickets at a later date. This is available to parishes / individuals. It is a free event. The venue can accommodate 500,000 people. Involves 3-5km EACH WAY due to the transport routes in place for this event. Guidance will be given re bringing seating / umbrellas / food. The earlier the booking, the closer the corral to the Altar. People needing special assistance can be with their family in a corral or in a designated area with a carer (copy of medical certificate required at booking) Parishes / Pastoral Areas to arrange transport. Book your bus / train asap. Festival of Families in Croke Park Saturday August 25, Pope Francis will be in attendance. This is an evening concert of music and dance, celebrating family life across the world and including five families who will share their faith. Photo identification + ticket will be required to access the venue. To guarantee your ticket for this event please register for one of the days at the RDS Congress (see below) RDS Congress Wednesday 22 – Friday 24 August – Pope Francis will not be in attendance. The Congress programme includes presentations from keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and prayer experiences. There are designated daily programmes for young people (13-17 years) and children (4-12 years). You can register as a daily participant or for the three-day event online: https://www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/Tickets/Congress This includes a ticket to the Festival of Families AND to the Closing Mass. Online Registration for this event is OPEN Cost: €68 Congress or €38 per day / Children free* must be accompanied

SUPPORT GROUP FOR BEREAVEMENT: Abbeyfeale Bereavement Support Group Tel. 068/31230 or 068/51984 or 068/31262.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SHOP: If you have an hour or two to spare why not consider volunteering your time to help the work of St Vincent de Paul. If you are interested contact Fr Tony on 087-2600414. The Abbeyfeale shop will open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week between 10-4pm. Further information 087 1213560.

PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS: Devotions on the first Tuesday of the month in Monagae Church at 7pm. Blessing with 1st. class relic.

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins fealechurch Limerick Social Services: 061-314111 Accord NCW 069/61000. . Parish Church 068/51915. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019. St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560. 087 – 2618412. To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: 6.30pm Ned Lyons, Coolanelig, Duagh. Sean Leahy, Meenahala. Niall O’Mahony, Collins Park. Catherine Lyons, Killarney Rd 3rd Anniversary, Sunday 12noon Danny & Tom Foley, The Hill.

Monday, June 11 7pm Fr Padraig Keogh.

Prayers to St Anthony on Mondays during the 7pm Mass. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fridays during the 10am Mass. Counselling takes place every week in West Limerick Tel 061/3147213 for appointment. A basket for the collection of stamps for Peru is at the back of the altar. The Next Baptismal meeting will take place in Templeglantine sacristy on June 12 @ 8pm.

MASS ON INISFALLEN ISLAND AND ABBEY: Friday, June 15 at 6.30 p.m. Boats leave from Ross Castle from 4.30 p.m. onwards. It is open to all and is a lovely opportunity to join our prayer now with the rich tradition of the monks of old. Thanks to the organisers, the NPWS and the boat operators for their support.

PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUPS: Listowel first Friday of every month. Monagae first Tuesday of every month. Ceremonies begin 6.45pm.

ARDFERT RETREAT CENTRE: Enneagram: Discover the unique person you were made to be! Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding yourself and helping you to communicate effectively with others. June 15-17. For info and to book an event please call 0667134276.

ST. ANTHONY’S NOVENA: June 4-13. Daily 10am & 7pm & Sunday 11.30am at The Franciscan Friary, Killarney. Student Mass: Tuesday June 5 at 7pm. Reconciliation Services: Wednesday, June 6 after 10am & 7pm Masses Blessing of Expectant Mothers: Sunday, June 10 (after 11.30am Mass). Healing Service 6pm. Feast of St Anthony June 13 : Masses with Blessing of the Lillies: 10.00am & 7.00pm & also Blessing of the Children: 4.00pm.

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