PROLOGUE: "Never be afraid to fall apart because it is an opportunity to rebuild yourself the way you wish you had been all along."
Rae Smith

DEATH: We offer our sympathy to the family of Patrick Nash, Knocknasna whose funeral took place on Thursday. May he rest in peace. We also offer our sympathies to Nancy, Ned and Sean Foley on the death of their sister in England. “Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one is gone”

ABBEYFEALE PARISH CHURCH: Fr Tony Mullins PP 087/2600414. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674. Parish Church 068/51915. Parish Office; Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri. (068) 31133 Email: fealechurch Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. Accord NCW 069/61000. Masses: No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm. Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm. Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon. Mass Intentions: Wednesday 31; Feast of All Saints – Masses 10am and 6.30pm. Thursday, November 1; Feast of All Souls Masses 10am and 6.30pm. Confessions following 10am Mass. Friday, November 2 Feast of All Souls and the First Friday 10am Purgatorial and 6.30pm Months Mind Bill Cahill, 5 Hillview Drive. Saturday 6.30pm Michael & Ellen Quille, Ballaugh . Noreen Flynn, Mountmahon. Bridget & James McEnery, Kilconlea Upper. Jackie & Anne Lyons, Knocknasna and their daughter Noreen. Sunday 9.15am Billy Harnett, Drontrasna. Peter O’Connell, Purt. James Harnett, Purt. Bill Harnett & John Joe Collins The Hill. 12noon Maureen & John Griffin. Johnny Lane, Kilconlea Upper. Bridget & Patrick Cleary, Birmingham & Main Street. Monday 7pm Cornelius & Lucy O’Rourke. Friday is the First Friday of the month. Adoration will take place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel 8am- 8pm. Mass @ 10am. Confessions on Thursday after the 10am Mass and before the 6.30pm Mass. Pioneer Meeting after Mass on Monday, November 12. 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. If you know of someone in hospital please notify Fr. Tony.

THANK YOU: Fr Tony wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and expressions of kindness shown to him and his family by parishioners of Abbeyfeale and Athea following the death of his late brother Michael RIP. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

MASS TIMES: Mass Times in the Pastoral Area Unit; Abbeyfeale – Saturday 6.30pm and Sunday 9.15am & 12noon. Athea – Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 10.30am. Mountcollins – Sunday 11am. Templeglantine – Saturday 6pm and Sunday 10.30am. Tournafulla – Saturday 7.30pm.

RICHARD HARRIS FILM AWARD: ‘Pen Pals’, written and directed by local filmmaker, Ray Fennelly, won the prestigious Midwest Short Film Award at the International Richard Harris Film Festival in Limerick last weekend. Ray also co-produced the film while his brother, Steve Fennelly, was the production designer. Congratulations and well done to both of them.

NOTICE FROM THE ADORATION COMMITTEE: From Friday November 2 the Adoration will finish at 8p.m. during the winter months. The Adoration is going very well and is a great benefit to the parish, however we would encourage more to experience the peace and tranquillity of the Eucharist exposed.

STOP PRESS: Sean Keane returns to the Glórach Theatre on Saturday, December 15.

NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON CLIMATE ACTION: The second Regional Gathering as part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action takes place in the Rose Hotel, Tralee on Saturday, November 10 from 11-4pm. It is hoped to explore how we, as a nation, can work together to take action on climate change. Have your say on what you think are the major climate issues facing Ireland and share ideas on how we can work together to raise awareness, unlock opportunities, build resilience, and inspire action. This is a free, ticketed event and we are keen to involve a wide range of groups and individuals from across the South Western seaboard region which includes the counties of Cork, Clare, Kerry and Limerick. This Regional Gathering will include opportunities to discuss challenges and actions specific to these counties as part of a series of regional and local meetings to be held across Ireland. The National Dialogue on Climate Action is a Government of Ireland initiative delivered by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, in engaging people in collaborative action.

MEETING: A meeting of Parish Pastoral Councils of this Area Unit will take place on Wednesday, November 28 at 8pm in Abbeyfeale Church. Please make a note of this date in your diary as we would like as many as possible of the members to attend this information meeting on the new pastoral Area Unit Plan – a follow on from the Synod process. The Pastoral Area Team members are also invited to this meeting.

ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: We had a very enjoyable night in JD’s Cryle View Bar last Friday night at the Table Quiz and raised in excess of €550. Fr. Tim Galvin whose Mission in South Sudan is supported by funds raised by the Abbeyfeale for Africa committee said that the money collected would pay school fees for five students for one year. This was the first of three planned fundraisers for Fr. Tim. Next we’ll be having a church door collection following a short talk from Fr. Tim about his work at the 12 noon Mass on Sunday, November 18. This will, in turn, be followed by the annual cake sale on Sunday, December 9 in St. Ita’s Hall.

TAKE THE PLEDGE FOR THE DEAD: Take the Short term pledge for November. Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the month of November and offer this prayerful act in honour of their deceased loved ones. You can do likewise!

GRAVEYARD PRAYERS: Prayers at the Graveyards next Sunday, November 4 – St Mary’s 2.30pm, Old Graveyard in the Square 2.40pm, Reilig Ide Naofa @ 3pm..

TEA DANCE FOR PALLATIVE CARE, TRALEE: There was a huge turnout at the tea dance in honour of the late Joan O’Keefe Ballymacjordan organised by her close friend Mary Morrissey and Mary is delighted to report that €2,400 has been raised for the Pallative Care Unit in Tralee General. Joan was very well looked after every Wednesday in the Day Unit and her friends and family were anxious to give something back. Many thanks to all who brought food and spot prizes for the raffle, to Mike Condon for the wonderful music, to all who helped with the catering and who sold raffle tickets.

COLLECTIONS: The Graveyards Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend November 3/4. The graveyards committees’ thank you for your support throughout the year. The Fifth National Collection for the World Meeting of Families will take place on the weekend of November 10/11.

TREE OF REMEMBRANCE: The Tree of remembrance will be on the Sanctuary for the month of the Holy Souls. You are invited at your own convenience to place the names of your deceased relatives on it. Tags will be available beside the tree.

INDULGENCES FOR NOVEMBER: Indulgences at the Commemoration of all Souls from 12 noon on November 1 until midnight on November 2: all who have confessed, received Holy Communion, and prayed for the Popes intention (One Our Father and Hail Mary, or any other prayer of one’s choice) can gain one plenary indulgence by visiting a church or oratory, and there reciting one Our Father and the Apostles’ Creed. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls of the departed. Confession may be made at any time within the week preceding or the week following November 1. Holy Communion may be received on any day from November 1 – 8. The faithful who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the Holy Souls on the usual conditions once per day from November 1 -8. The conditions mentioned above apply also for this.

SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS: The daughter of a lady who died recently in Cavan General Hospital said “Sepsis does not discriminate and does not only come from a cut. It can come from surgery, pneumonia, chest infection, even a urinary tract infection. “Early intervention is paramount. Symptoms include a high or low temperature, confusion, fast heartbeat, or failure to pass urine within a 12-hour period. If anyone is showing these symptoms, you need to ask the question about sepsis and please, please get checked out immediately.”

THE RISE AND RISE OF THE HEALY – RAE’S: A play in two acts written by Ray O’Sullivan and directed by Aidan O’Connor in Halla Tadgh Gaelach, Tournafulla Sunday, November 11 at 8pm. Book Tickets on 087 2279657.

“HANDED DOWN”: The life and times of the late Dan Murphy, Main St. Abbeyfeale at the Heritage Centre, Scartaglen on Saturday, November 17, presented by Donal Murphy and music with the Murphy family.

MASS FOR OUR DEAD: The November Bereavement Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 9 at 7pm. Names of deceased parishioners will be called during the Ceremony. Names of relatives from outside the parish will also be accepted and should be submitted to the sacristy.

NOONAN’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: I’ve held out until now but believe it or not Hannah, Tony and Siobhan are all set to switch on their fundraising display for 2018. Saturday, November 24 is the night and everyone is welcome. Let the Christmas season begin!

FUNDRAISER IN TOUR: Tournafulla Development Association are holding a fundraising bingo in Halla Tadhg Gealach, Tournafulla on Sunday, November 4 at 3 pm sharp, with €2,100 in prize money. A double book and two sheets will cost €15. A single book and one sheet €13. Half books are available at €5. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

GLÓRACH BINGO: Every Monday night at 8.30pm.

WEDNESDAY PRAYER: Parishioners are invited to gather in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Wednesday afternoon at 3p.m to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. This prayer meeting will take place every Wednesday.

JUBLIEE YEAR NEWSLETTER: It is intended to produce a Christmas Newsletter this year. Articles and reports and good wishes from the different organizations of the parish with photographs for this year’s publication are requested. Please submit to the parish office via email; fealechurch.

ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: As Fr. Tim Galvin is in the area at the moment, Abbeyfeale for Africa are having some fundraising events to help with his Mission in South Sudan. . On the weekend of November 17/18 Fr. Tim will speak on his work at the 12 noon Mass, there will be a church door collection and following the Mass there will be a gathering for light refreshments at St. Ita’s Daycare Centre. Then, as usual in early December, the annual cake sale takes place in St. Ita’s Hall. We ask for your support and look forward to assisting Fr Tim with much needed funds as he returns to his parish in South Sudan.

HARNETT INTERNATIONAL REUNION 2019: Planning is continuing apace for the reunion next July 11-14. It will be based at the Devon Inn and include a concert, guided tours, gala dinner and dance and much more. Email HarnettReunion2019 @gmail.com for further information or check out Harnett Reunion FB page.

‘HEDGEHOGS AND LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY’ WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources CLG, in association with Living Limerick, invites you to attend a free workshop on ‘Hedgehogs and Landscape Connectivity’: What do hedgehogs need and why are they declining in Ireland and UK? What can we do to help them? What is landscape connectivity and how does this benefit hedgehogs and other wildlife? All are welcome to attend this interactive workshop on Monday, November 5, at 7.30pm in St. Ita’s Hall, Abbeyfeale. To register your place please contact Elaine, edillon or 069 66296.

DIVERSITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP: West Limerick Resources CLG will host a workshop for individuals/community groups on ‘Diversity Awareness’ on Thursday, November 8, from 7.30-9:30pm, at the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West. Delivered by Doras Luimní, this workshop will provide an overview of the diversity of experiences, impact and needs of displaced communities and approaches that can be applied to support them. Booking essential by contacting Damien Ahern at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or by emailing damien.ahern
WRITING GROUP: Abbeyfeale writing group meet twice monthly, every other Friday. Our next meeting will be on Friday, November 9.

CRAFTY CORNER: Knitting and crochet group have resumed classes on Tuesday nights at St Ita’s Hall Abbeyfeale. New members welcome. Just drop in.

The Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society will host the following talk on Monday 5 November 2018 by Dr Brian Hughes on ‘Everyday Life and Politics in Limerick in 1918’ at Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road in Room T.1.17 Tara Building at 8.00p.m.

1918 was a significant year in Irish politics: a conscription crisis, Spanish ‘flu, an armistice in November, and a general election which saw (some) women vote for the first time alongside resounding victory for the emergent Sinn Féín. But rather than retelling the history of these important episodes in Irish History, this talk will instead offer some thoughts on the many ways in which ordinary life, and inherently local concerns, continued to intrude in the midst of significant national events. By taking a slightly broader view of what the people of Limerick were reading in their newspapers and discussing in their local authorities, the talk will also reflect on both the presence and the absence of national and international politics in the daily lives of the people of Limerick.ART GROUP: If you would like to spend a relaxing few hours join our painting group upstairs at St Ita’s Hall Tuesdays 11am to 1pm.

CRAFT CO-OP: Abbeyfeale Craft Co-op has resumed in St. Ita’s Hall on Thursdays from 11- 2pm. New Member’s Welcome. Any information required contact Mary 087 2237363.

ICA: Abbeyfeale ICA guild meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Further Education and Training Centre, Mountmahon from 7.30 – 9.30pm.. Activities include Talks, Demonstrations and Workshops. New members welcome. Tel. Anne Maria 06831145 for details.

ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Our third annual Christmas Party will take place at Fr. Casey’s on Sunday, November 25 next from 1 – 6pm with lunch being served at 1.30pm sharp. Tickets at €15 are available from all members of the committee (see below) on a first come, first served basis. All tickets need to be collected and paid for in advance before Thursday, November 22 as we need to confirm numbers with our caterer. Ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650) if you are concerned about anti-social behaviour. Tips on home security from the IFA include not hiding keys outside or ladders lying around where the burglar can use them to gain access to the house. They also suggest keeping an eye on your neighbour and his property and hopefully he will do the same for you. Erect sensor lights. Photograph and mark machinery. Abbeyfeale Community Alert have some pens which can be used for marking property and will load them out. Contact any member of the committee should you wish to join our Text Alert Scheme. This was set up to immediately alert the community that an incident has occurred. The hope is that by raising awareness, people would keep a watchful eye out, contact the Gardai if they see something and thus help to deter criminal activity in our area. We have a current alert whereby you are advised to beware of bogus traders calling to homes re works from recent storm damage. 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.

MOLADH GO DEO LE DIA: Much of the past fifty years is captured in a book especially complied to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale. 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). Price €10. The book is available in O’Donoghue’s, Marguerite’s, Ann Lyons’ Moss Harnett’s and following Mass.

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.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT LANTERN PARADE: The fun and spectacle that is the Festival of Light Lantern Parade takes on Saturday, November 3 from 6:30pm in Listowel Town Park. Registration for those that made lanterns from 5:30pm in Listowel Community Centre.

FOOD FAIR: Listowel Food November

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.

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

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE A PRIEST? – Come & See. Exploring Priesthood Retreat November 23/24. Mount St. Anne’s organised by the National Vocations Office. More info at www.vocations.ie.

KNOCKANURE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Rambling House Thursday 1st November at 9pm. All welcome. Come along to enjoy a great night of music, song and dance. Adm free. Contact Ann Flavin on 086/3090948.

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: The first Friday of every month in Listowel. The ceremony begins with the Rosary at 6.45pm, followed by Mass at 7pm.for Saint Padre Pio with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after Mass.

KERRY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: annual November Mass on Monday 5th Nov at 7pm in the Chapel of Christ the Healer for patients who died during the year in Kerry University Hospital including those who died by still birth and miscarriage.

KNOCKANURE RAMBLING HOUSE: Knockalougha, Duagh on the third Tuesday of every month.

PHONE CONNECT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS : The Phone Connect project is a free community based telephone support service offered to older people in the West Limerick Area empowering them to remain independent in their own homes. The weekly service provides a listening ear to the elderly allowing them to share any worries or concerns and to be informed of any local events or services. West Limerick Resources is now seeking volunteers to make these phone-calls from a dedicated space where a mobile phone is available. All volunteers will be Garda Vetted and training will also be made available. If you would be interested in volunteering or require more information, we would be delighted to hear from you so call Damien at West Limerick Resources on 087 9042477 or Stefanie on 087 3663842.

RE-DESIGNED FURNITURE: Back2New re-designed and re-purposed furniture store is now open every Monday (9.30-1.30pm), Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (9.30am-5.30pm) at The Weigh House, Market Yard, Newcastle West. Call in and have a look around our community retail store and you will be amazed at the unique furniture items for sale. Back2New also provide at re-design service, please contact Michaela on 087 2727742 for further information.

IRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST are now accepting applications for their Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Young people aged 11-30 yrs with a variety of special needs including physical and medical conditions, learning difficulties or a young person who may have experienced some challenge in their life are all eligible to apply. This pilgrimage provides respite care for parents and guardians and a free trip for the young person. The closing date for applications is October 31. Further information can be found on the website www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com or 086 1030740 or 087 2809833.

SOCIAL SCHEME RECRUITING POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS: West Limerick Resources is compiling a list of individuals interested in joining the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). Participants on the scheme work 19.5hrs per week and receive a top up payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. To participate on the scheme you must fulfil the following criteria: Be actively farming over 1 hectare of land; Have a valid herd number; Proof of application for the EU Basic Payment Scheme for the current year and be in receipt of Farm Assist, Jobseekers Allowance or other qualifying payments. Spouses, children, brothers and sisters of the herd owner can also join the scheme if they meet relevant criteria. Only one person allowed per herd number. For further details contact Tom or Michelle at West Limerick Resources on 069-61316 or Email: rsswlr. Successful eligible candidates will be placed on a panel from which vacancies will be filled.

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