First Friday: Friday next the 3rd of April is the First Friday of the month. The sick and housebound WILL NOT be visited this month in keeping with Covid-19 guidelines. In the event of sever illness and emergency contact Fr. Tom on his mobile at 087-2285355. Mass on the First Friday will be offered for the intentions of all our sick at home, hospitals and nursing homes
A Prayer for Healthcare Workers During this time of Coronavirus COVID –19
Loving God We place into your care All our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers. Give them courage of heart And strength of mind and body. Keep them safe from harm. May they know our deep gratitude for all they are doing to heal and help those affected by the coronavirus. God of all consolation may they know your protection and peace. Bless them in these challenging days and bless their families. Amen Message from Pope Francis “Tonight before falling asleep think about when we will return to the street. When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party. Let’s think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other. We think about when it will be all a memory but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift. We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious. Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter. We will go back to laughing together. Strength and courage.
Corona Virus Prayer:
Dear God, I pray for healing for all affected by this deadly virus. Only You can move in a mighty way and do the impossible for them. We pray for all negative outcomes to be resolved by Your healing hands. Bless and embrace each and every single person and bring full healing to their bodies, minds and spirits. Amen
Daily Mass 9.30am Monday-Friday & Sunday at 11am – via webcam and radio link.
In View of the Government Statement and the need to avoid indoor public gatherings of more than 100 people, and the difficulty of guaranteeing this in practice, following consultation I have decided as follows:
All public Masses in this diocese, Sundays and weekdays (with the exception of Funeral Masses and the Celebration of Marriage – see below) are suspended until 29 March or until further notice.
The obligation to be physically present at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (including St. Patrick’s Day) is therefore suspended for everybody until further notice.
Priests will continue to remember the needs of parishioners at Mass celebrated privately.
The faithful are encouraged to join spiritually in the celebration of Mass, either on parish radio or on web-cam. Parishes that have web-cams include: Kilrush, Roscrea, Ennis, Quin, Nenagh and Shannon.
Parishioners are also encouraged to pray at home, including especially prayers for the sick, for those who are caring for the sick and for all who are working so hard to protect us.
Baptisms The Irish Bishops’ Conference has issued guidelines in relation to the celebration of Baptism which will continue to be followed. Only immediate family should attend the celebration of Baptism. People who might be susceptible to severe reactions to the virus should not attend.
Weddings It is important that we observe the government guidelines in relation to public gatherings. The recommendation is that no gathering of more than 100 persons take place indoors. Wedding guests should be limited to the Bridal Party and immediate family. Guests are asked to observe the hygiene protocols and observe social distance while in the Church.
Funerals We appreciate that a bereavement is a very sensitive time in the life of any family and that the support of friends and neighbours is an integral part of the grieving and healing process. This has involved the tradition of expressing sympathy by attendance at the funeral rites and making physical contact with the bereaved. In the light of the guidelines received we ask that only immediate family and close friends would attend the funeral liturgy, observing the protocols already mentioned. At such a time as this, a thoughtful card or note expressing sympathy might be effective in expressing our solidarity with the bereaved.
The 64th Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 26th June to Wednesday 1st July; €725 full board with €20 discount for online booking to: joewalshtours.ie . Assisted or sick pilgrims are to contact directly Fr. Tom Ryan 065-6824043.
Two seven day pilgrimages are leaving Shannon Airport on Sept. 9th -16th Spiritual Director Fr Tom O’Gorman (First week almost full) & Sept 16th-23rd Spiritual Director Fr. Martin Shanahan. Arrive Mostar airport (40 minutes to shrine) and depart Split airport. Price €745 Contact Jimmy 065 9059328; 085 7385385.
A Parish Mission will take place in our Parish from April 26th-May10th. The first week is dedicated to visitation to all the houses in the Parish. The Second week will be dedicated to Special Themed Masses and Prayers. The theme of our Parish Mission is “Rejoice and Be Glad” Several people will be visiting homes throughout the parish. The Pastoral