PROLOGUE: Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy is offered to Nuala and the family of the late John Sheeran, Graigue whose funeral was held on Saturday. We also offer sympathy to Padraig, the late John’s brother, whose wife Margaret nee Keane died on Sunday and to the Lyons family on the death of Ann, The Square who also died on Sunday. Abbeyfeale is heartbroken after losing so many of our people in the last few months. May they all rest in peace.
NEW COURSES AT THE OLD TECH: The following free classes are starting up in January: Beginners Woodturning, Beginners Art, Craft class (Papermaking, paper crafts, felting and more!), Knitting for beginners, Experimenting with art (drawing, painting making etc), Basic cooking, Cookery for blokes, baking (Breads, pastry’s & Desserts), Healthy eating made easy, taste of Italy cookery class, Easy entertaining/summer cookery class, Machine sewing, Furniture Upholstery, Grow your own vegetables class, Beginners Sign Language, Childcare Level 5 & 6, Healthcare Level 5, Beginners Computers, intermediate computers. If you wish to register for any of the above free classes, please call Mary in the office: 06831198 or log onto www.learningandskills.ie, click on ‘our courses, and select the location as ‘Abbeyfeale’.
SMART RECOVERY: www.smartrecovery.ie have daily online meetings throughout the Christmas period.
COME TO BETHLEHEM: An Invitation to all Families in our parish. Due to the restrictions on Mass attendance it is not possible to accommodate all who would like to attend Mass this Christmas. As an alternative we are inviting all families to make a short visit to the Church on Christmas Eve, to visit and pray as a family at the Crib. You are also encouraged to bring the baby Jesus from your own home Nativity set to be blessed. On returning home the youngest member of the family can place the baby Jesus in the family crib. The Church will be open on Christmas Eve from 1.00pm to 4.00pm Fr Tony & Fr Dan will be there to greet you and to give your family a blessing for Christmas. Entrance through the front door of the Church.
.ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: The weather obliged and the rain stayed away on our first outing to the Square where the annual fundraising cake sale took place this year and we raised the bones of €1,000. The monies have been lodged in the Credit Union and the a/c is always open for people to make donations. Many thanks to all those who baked and also to those who purchased and supported. Fr. Tim is presently trying to build a secondary school as education is the only way for people to pull themselves out of poverty and he will be delighted with this addition to his funds and as always he continues to include the people of Abbeyfeale in his prayers.
GLORACH BINGO: The weekly bingo will take place outdoors at the GAA Carpark on the Duagh Road 2pm Sunday, December 20 €3,100 minimum in prizes.
SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION: During the current pandemic it has been difficult for us to assemble as a Christian community to celebrate the sacraments. This year because of the pandemic there will be no parish Reconciliation Service. However, a service of preparation for an act of perfect contrition in the season of Advent will be celebrated online only, on Tuesday evening next at 7.00pm. Parishioners can join us on the parish webcam at www.churchservcies.tv or on www.abeyfeale.ie It will be an ideal way to prepare for Christmas in the current circumstances.
CHRISTMAS MASSES IN ABBEYFEALE: We are delighted to welcome some parishioners to Mass on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. Tickets have been distributed to those who have requested them. For those who have tickets we would ask them to follow the instructions below.·Arrive on time. Be in your seats at least 10 minutes before Mass begins.·Follow the instructions of the stewards at all times. ·On entry to the church sanitize your hands. Masks must be worn at all times while in the church.·Go to the seats you are directed to by the stewards·If you are from the same household you must sit together.·Individuals must sit two metres apart from other individual members of the congregation. ·Remain in your seat at all times. When coming to receive Holy Communion wait for instructions from the stewards.·Holy Communion will be distributed on the hand only.·Leave the church in an orderly fashion and remember to sanitize your hands as you make your exit. ·We ask parishioners not to gather around the doors of the church or to congregate with other people who are not from your family in the car park. ·Wrap up well as windows will be open for ventilation.·Be mindful of safety at all times -Thank you for your cooperation. Masses on Christmas Eve will be celebrated at 11am, 5.00pm, 8.00pm. and 9.30pm and on Christmas Day at 8.00am, 10.00am and 12 noon with admission strictly ticket only. There will be no Mass on St. Steven’s morning at 11am but the Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 6.30pm. During Christmas, all Masses will be livestreamed on the Church Services webcam. The 10.00a.m Mass on Christmas day will also be broadcast live on West Limerick 102FM. In addition, a parish radio system will be installed to enable those who wish to attend Mass in the car park to tune into the Mass on 106fm while remaining in their cars. Holy Communion will be distributed at the Grotto. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate all who would wish to attend Mass this Christmas, but we invite you to join us on the church webcam system and on local radio.
CHRISTMAS DUES: The Christmas Dues Collection will be taken up at all Masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. Fr Tony thanks you for your generosity and support during the last year.
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER: A special Christmas Newsletter will be available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
RIBBON CEREMONY: There will be no ribbon ceremony in Relig Ide Naofa this Christmas. The committee have put up Christmas Trees and people can put up their own ribbons in memory of their loved ones at their convenience.
SOLDIER RETURNS: Christmas Eve 1961 was a joyous day for Cpl Tadhg Quinn of Port, Abbeyfeale, when he came home to Abbeyfeale from army duty in the Congo. Older people in the community recall the Siege of Jodotville, where he was stationed at the age of 18. He told me that he actually arrived between 4-6am on Christmas morning and there was snow when he reached Mountmahon. PROLOGUE: Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.
DEATHS: We offer our sympathy to the family of the late Philomena Curtin, nee Ahern on her recent death. We also offer our sympathies to the family of the late Ned Ahern, New St. whose burial took place on Monday. We also offer our sympathies to Kevin Hennessy on the death of his brother and to Sean and Tom Healy on the recent death of their brother Eddie. May they all rest in peace.
WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Clara Daly daughter of Steven and Mairead and Paul Murphy son of Teddy and Teresa who celebrated the sacrament of Marriage here in Abbeyfeale last Friday. We wish them every blessing in their married life together.
INVITATION TO VISIT THE CRIB: Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan have issued an invitation to families in the parish to bring their children to the church on Christmas Eve afternoon to visit the crib which is located at the back of the main aisle. They have suggested bringing the infant Jesus for a blessing before returning home and placing Him in the crib at home.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: At Fr. Tim’s request we are not holding an envelope collection and are collecting any envelopes already in the shops. So, our sole fundraiser this year will be the annual cake sale taking place in the Square on Friday morning.
GLORACH BINGO: Outdoors at the GAA Carpark on the Duagh Road 2pm Sunday, December 20 €3,100 minimum in prizes.
CHRISTMAS MASSES IN ABBEYFEALE: Masses on Christmas Eve will be celebrated at 5.00pm and 8.00pm. and on Christmas Day at 8.00am, 10.00am and 12noon with admission strictly ticket only. Draw for tickets will take place on Thursday, December 17 and the draw will be live streamed on the church webcam at 7.00pm.
During Christmas, all Masses will be livestreamed on the Church Services webcam. The 10.00a.m Mass on Christmas day will also be broadcast live on West Limerick 102FM. In addition, a parish radio system will be installed to enable those who wish to attend Mass in the car park to tune into the Mass on 106fm while remaining in their cars. Holy Communion will be distributed at the Grotto. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate all who would wish to attend Mass this Christmas, but we invite you to join us on the church webcam system and on local radio.
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA: For the past 25 years or so the Abbeyfeale for Africa committee have been organising a Christmas Cake Sale as a fundraiser for Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan. Life in South Sudan was never easy but this year add Covid and a Civil War over the border to the mix. Life must be extremely tough and fundraisers such as ours can help to make life somewhat easier for Fr. Tim. This year, Abbeyfeale For Africa are fundraising for Fr. Tim by distributing envelopes to shops around town: Gibbons Killlarney Road, O’Donoghue’s Spar, Convent St, Heavenly Gifts, Main St., Kathleen’s Food Store, Convent St., Batt Harnett, The Square and Ann Lyons, The Square and Moss The Farmer’s Killarney Road, please return the envelope to Abbeyfeale Credit Union and lodge to Abbeyfeale For Africa account which is always open for donations. The committee have also decided to move from St. Ita’s Hall and hold the annual cake sale outdoors in the Square alongside the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market on Friday, December 18 from 10-12 noon. We hope our usual bakers will deliver their goods to the Square on the morning as we won’t be able to have drop off points this year. We will be observing social distancing and wearing masks and ask our loyal customers to do the same. All inquiries to Mairead at 0868594983.
SOLDIER RETURNS: Christmas Eve 1961 was a joyous day for Cpl Tadhg Quinn of Port, Abbeyfeale, when he came home to Abbeyfeale from army duty in the Congo. Older people in the community recall the Siege of Jodotville, where he was stationed at the age of 18.
SHOP LOCAL: At this challenging time of restrictions for all shops and businesses we encourage parishioners to support where possible local shops and businesses, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
GO FUND ME FUNDRAISER: A cousin of Fr. Tim Galvin, Kilmanahan and South Sudan knowing that he is attempting to build a secondary school in his mission parish and being aware of his fondness for the quotation ‘Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire’( WB Yeats) decided to film a short video entitled ‘ A spark for Tim’ and to set up a go fund me page on www.gofundmeasparkfortim.com Log on to donate and to see the video.
VISIT PARISH CHURCH: The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open each weekday from 11.00am to 6.00pm and on Sunday’s from 1.00pm – 6pm.
NOONANS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS; The family have organised an online fundraiser and you can donate at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/noonans-lights-for-charity
WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO PLAYING THEIR PART: WL102fm has provided a great service throughout West Limerick since the lockdown began with Mass broadcast every Sunday morning at 10am to all the people who are cocooning . Advertising and fundraising pay their expenses and like everyone else they need money to survive. Please buy a ticket for their weekly draw and help them stay on air – it’s as simple as that – .you’ll never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry. Tickets on sale at Ann Lyons’s, The Square for €2 each and also at Moss the Farmers’, Killarney Road.
SPEECH WRITING: Action Talks is the newly launched Action Aid National Speech Writing Competition. The competition is open to all students aged 14 to 17. The first prize is a €500 One4All voucher for the winning student and a €500 One4All voucher for their teacher. To enter, write a five-minute or 600-word speech. Entries are to be sent by email from the student’s teacher to comms.ireland by Friday, January 15, 2021.
PASTORAL SUPPORT TO PARISHIONERS IN NURSING HOMES: Due to the necessary Covid -19 restrictions it is not possible for Fr Tony to visit parishioners in Nursing Homes this Christmas. Fr Tony is asking family members to let him know which nursing homes their relatives are resident in so that he can write to them for Christmas. All contact details will remain confidential to Fr Tony. You can email the contact details to mullinstrev or text 087-2600414.
HOLY COMMUNION CALLS: Fr Tony has resumed Holy Communion Calls to those confined at home, he will telephone first.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS: The Lyreacrompane and District Journal, Number 13, is available at Annes Shop in the Square and at Twohig’s SuperValu in Abbeyfeale. Pat McLoughlin’s new book is also available at Ann Lyons’s with Pat donating all proceeds to St. Ita’s Hospital. Le Chéile is a new musical treat for Christmas CD in aid of Friends of Saint Ita’s Newcastle West, and the Butterfly Club Rathkeale. It is on sale at present costing €10. The CD includes the following artists, Coolcappa choir members, Michael Nash, Ann Phelan, Jean O’Brien, Charlie Reynolds, Fr. Tim Curtin, Canon Tony Mullins, Fr. Liam Enright, Michael Enright, Theresa Doyle McMahon, Enda Walsh, Michael Doyle, Siobhan Doody and the Newcastle West Choir.
CHURCH NEWS: Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414 Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030 Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219. The church has re opened and Masses are also on line on www. Church Services tv. Masses at the usual times: 7pm Monday, 10am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday except in the event of a funeral when Mass will be at 11am. Saturday morning at 11am and Vigil Mass at 6.30pm. Sunday Masses at 10am and 12 noon. Intentions for next weekend Saturday 6.30pm Joan Ahern, Moss, Denis & Nora Keane. Philly & Donie Cusack, Cratloe. Mary Enright, Caherlane. John D Murphy, Ballaugh. Sunday 10am Hector & Peg Browne. Quinn & Codyre Family. John D & Mary Ita Collins and their son John and deceased family members of the Enright family. Geraldine Woulfe, Cratloe. 12noon Jim O’Connell 4 St Ita’s Road. Mike Barry , Caherlane 1st. Anniversary. Ricky Loughnane. Jim Lane, New Street. Eileen & Paddy Cahill, Hannon O’Neill and deceased family members. Due to the Covi-19 restrictions it is not possible to have the annual St Vincent de Paul Church Gate Collection. You can donate to your local Vincent de Paul conference by phone. Just call: ROI 0818 176 176.
The obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been suspended during these times. You will need to layer up if you do attend Mass as ventilation is necessary to protect from the virus. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open every day from 11-6pm for private prayer. Mass Intentions: Parishioners can link in online through the Church Services TV Network and the 10.00am Sunday morning Mass will continue to be broadcast on West Limerick 102FM. All contacts with the church should be through the telephone or by email. Fealechurch Tel Church 068/51915 during Mass times. Parish Finance: I am very aware that it is a challenging and stressful time for everyone. During this time of economic uncertainty, the ongoing financial support of all who contribute to the parish is greatly appreciated. In recent weeks we have put a donate facility on the parish website and parishioners have begun to use this facility to make contributions to the parish. This is a simple method of contributing to the parish. Just click on to the parish website at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie and you will see a Donate button on the right hand side on the front page of the website. Just follow the instructions and you will be able to make your donation to the parish.
ABBEYFEALE COMMUNITY ALERT: Plug out Christmas Tree Lights going to bed and always close all doors so that if God forbid fire does break out then it will be confined and give you time to get out. Make sure your smoke alarm is working and everyone should have a carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen or in any room with a stove or open fire. No harm too to have an idea of an escape route in your head. If you want to consolidate your loans do not contact companies on line entitled Euro Loans or Euro Lending. They will look for all your banking details and will then take money out of your account rather than put it in. If you have reached the age and wish to get a panic button you will need to provide contact numbers for three people who live in the vicinity. There are people all over the world sitting by computer screens trying to come up with new ideas for removing your hard earned money from your bank accounts so put no information such as your mother’s maiden name which is frequently used as a security question up on FB. There’s no need to put up your date of birth either. Never divulge pin numbers to anyone either. Do not send details of your credit card by email. An Garda Síochána are hoping that by raising awareness of some simple crime prevention measures, such as locking up and lighting up, less Irish families will have to endure the pain of being burgled this winter. If going out, Irish homeowners should endeavour to make sure their home looks occupied – to Lock Up and Light Up. Use timer switches to turn on lights, lock all doors and windows, store keys away from windows and letterboxes, and use your alarm. Taking these simple steps will lessen a home’s vulnerability, deter burglars and protect homes. ( Lock up, light up campaign). If you have a panic button, check to make sure it is working by pressing it and speaking to the monitoring service – that’s why they are there 24 hours a day and why you are paying a yearly monitoring service fee. Gardai are asking people to let them know when people call selling goods or offering services on 068 30010. Try and make a note of their general description ie height, accent, hair colour, tattoos etc. Write down the vehicle reg. colour and make. When 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 €72. There may be some confusion over the word free – the equipment which costs in the region of €400 is provided free of charge by Pobal as is the first year of monitoring but after that you will be charged by the installing company for the monitoring. I have not included the phone numbers of the committee in this notice but if you want to get a panic button then ring Abbeyfeale Garda Station on 068 30010 and they will contact one of us. Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month payable from day one. Then, in year two you will also receive a bill for the monitoring fee so in year one the bill will be €90 and in year two and every other year after it will €162 approx. If you wish you can arrange a direct debit and pay this amount off monthly. Committee members are Michael O’Kelly N.T., Chairman Seamus Stack, Secretary Mossie Gleeson, Assistant Treasurer Kathleen Collins, Assistant Secretary Mary McArthur, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Catherine Daly, Maurice O’Connell, Assistant Treasurer Marian Harnett.
.ALONE: We provide resources and training to new and well established befriending and support services. Training options are available to both the staff of services and their volunteers. Further information : email hello or call ALONE on 01-679 1032.
WEST LIMERICK RESOURCES: The Offices of West Limerick Resources remain closed to the public but all staff are available to contact. Please ring 069 62222 with any queries and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
HELPLINES: Text 50808 to receive support from a volunteer. Hospice Bereavement Line 1800807077 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm. Jigsaw support line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729). It will provide free mental health support and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and parents or concerned adults who live in the Republic of Ireland.
Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. ACCORD; are now offering over the phone counselling for couples, Individuals & family members during this time of unprecedented stress & pressure during these weeks of COVID-19. Call: 01 5313331. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560. Counselling Appointment 061/314213. ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024. Hours may be extended to meet the demand.
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Abbeyfeale Gathering Festival 