Parish Bulletin 8 March 2009

NEWSLETTER

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

8^th.March.2009.SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, and Feast also of Sts;Senan and John of God and Silvanus.

A MEDITATION ON THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS FOR LENT.

Lent is a time to tame the wild beasts in our lives.Over the centuries, these have been associated with what came to be known as the Seven Deadly Sins or the Seven Capital Sins. An article appeared in a newspaper last week depicting them and, strangely, analysing them on the basis of which of them were easier for men or women, related to their different makeups,to commit.This article stated that some people had forgotten what the seven sins and the opposite virtues were.So, perhaps we should take a brief look at them both.All of us should know that the seven are; pride; covetousness; lust; anger; gluttony; envy and sloth.In opposition to them the virtues are known as Humility;Charity;Chastity; Patience;Temperance;Kindness and Diligence. The list goes back to the 6^th C to Pope Gregory the Great and again comes up in Dante`s Divine Comedy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the recent statement of Bishop Gianfranco Girotti of the Sacred Penetentiary in the Vatican, include in these seven deadly sins, modern sins such as environmental pollution,genetic manipulation,obscene wealth,infliction of poverty,drug trafficking,morally debatable experiments, and violation of the human rights of nature.This all makes a great deal of sense, but the basics are still the same ; the roots are clear.

Pride;(superbia) It is considered to be the most serious; it was the sin of Lucifer who became Satan.It is the desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others and having an excessive love of self, keeping God out of the picture.Vanity and narcissism are prime examples of the sin of pride. It has nothing to do with a positive appreciation of self, healthy self esteem and an awareness of talents given as gifts by God,all of which are necessary for good healthy human growth.It is,in fact, assuming that all we have and are is due to self and no one else, not even God and that frame of mind eventually gets a fall.The book of Proverbs states that one of the six things the Lord hates is the proud look.The devil, the father of pride, tried to tempt Jesus, in the desert, to sin by pride,but failed, since Jesus referred all that He had and was, was due to the love of the heavenly Father.Once we see how much we need God, how much we owe Him, how much we depend on Him and how much He loves us, we will be able to conquer the temptation to commit the deadly sin of pride.Pride always gets a fall.

Fr.Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF. Fr. B. Condron.C.C.

Parochial House. Castletown Finea.

044.9661126/0872510855. 043.81141.

Email: moorep@eircom.net

Sunday Masses

10.15 St. Peter's Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s

11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.

11.15. St.Michael's Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and

Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael's 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.

Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea.

Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl.

10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK IN THE PARISH

Collection for February 28^th.February /1^st.March.Weekly Envelope €1465.00. and Offertory Collection €\Lenten Offerings.Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections and Lenten Offerings Collection; we are most deeply grateful.A report on 6 weeks of envelope collection will issue mid March. Month of March dedicated to St Joseph.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church.U.N. Year of Astronomy.

Sunday 8^th.SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT and Feast of Sts;Senan,John of God and Silvanus.

THE SACRED SEASON OF LENT CONTINUES.

Monday 9^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast also of Sts;Frances of Rome,Catherine of Bologna,Pacian, Veremund and Aibert.

Tuesday 10^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast of Sts;John Oglivie,Forty Martyrs of England and Wales and Macrinus.Liturgy Committee meet at 7.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.

Wednesday 11^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast of Sts; Aengus, Constantine,Sopohorinus,and Candidus.

Thursday 12^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast of Sts; Maximilian,Theophanes,Pope Innocent I,and Seraphina.Legion of Mary Meeting.Room I. 8.p.m.Diocesan Meeting of St.Joseph`s Young Priests` Society with Mass followed by meeting in Parish Centre.

Friday.13^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast of Sts; Euphrasia, Roderick,Sabinus, Joseph of Arimathea and Blessed Ida of Louvain.

Saturday 14^th.Second Week of Lent and Feast of Sts;Maud,Leobinus,Mathilda and Eutychius.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and before and after Vigil Mass. Confessions at 3.p.m.Vigil Mass at 7.p.m. Polish Mass at 8.p.m.

Sunday 15^th.THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT and Feast also of Sts; Longinus,Isaac of Spoleto,Louise de Maurillac,Clement Hofbauer and Lucretia.

MASS INTENTIONS (8^th.March to 15^th. March 09.)

Sunday.8^th.Readings Gen.22.1-29-13,15-18.Ps.115 Rom.8.31-34.Mk.9.2-10. Mass.Sat.at 10.00.a.m.Ann.Jimmy McGlynn, Water Lane.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7.p.m. Vigil Ann.John O Rourke, Shrunaheala.St.Peter`s 10.15.a.m. Ann. Michael, Margaret and Martin Fagan.St.Michael`s 11.15.a.m.Ann.May Blacoe. Church St.

Monday: 9^th.Readings;Dan.9.4-10.Ps.79.Lk.6.36-38.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann. Decd.members of Smyth Family,Loughpark.

Tuesday 10^th.Readings.Is1.10,16-20.Ps.49.Mt.23.1-12.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Ann.Joe Shiels, Glenview.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.Liturgy Meeting at 7.p.m.Room I.Parish Centre.

Wednesday 11^th.Readings.Jer.18.18-20.Ps.30.Mt.20.17-28.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann.Oliver Halpin, Church St.

Thursday 12^th.Readings.Jer.17.5-10.Ps.1.Lk.16.19-31.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.8.00.p.m. St.Joseph`s Young Priests` Society Mass and Meeting afterwards in the Parish Centre.

Friday 13^th.Readings.Gen.37.3-4,12-13,17-28.Ps.104.Mt.21.21,33-43,45-46..Mass at 8.15.a.m.

Saturday 14^th.Readings.Mic.7.14-15,18-20.Ps.102.Lk.15.1-3,11-32.Mass at 10.00.a.m Ann.Decd. Members of Castlepollard Branch.I.C.A. Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Sean Murphy, The Square.Polish Mass at 8.p.m..

Sunday 15^th.Readings.Ex. 20.1-17,Ps.18.I Cor.1.22-25.Jn.2.13-25. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at 11.15.a.m.Ann.Laura McCormack, Stonetown.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times,
Noel O
Connor, Mullingar,Rose Clarke nee Paterson, Birmingham and late Glenview.all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES FOR THE WEEK.

Baptism preparation course on Third Wednesday at.8.p.m.

Those with babies for Baptism should register for this course

in the Parish Centre, two weeks beforehand.It will be run by the Castlepollard Group,Wed,Mar.18^th.at 8.p.m.Parents, who have no babysitters, may take the baby along.

Parish Centre Programme for week,Mar.8^th.-.Mar.15^th.

Monday 9^th. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Tuesday 10^th.I.C.A.Meeting, Room I. 10.30.a.m.Dancing Class 8.30.p.m. to 10.00.p.m. MCH.8.30.p.m.Room I. A.A. Meeting will take place.

Wednesday 11^th.Dancing 4-5.p.m. MCH. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Thursday 12^th.Art Class MCH. 10.30.a.m. to 12.30.p.m.Dancing 4-6p.m. MCH.Legion of Mary Meeting Room I. 8.p.m.St.Joseph`s Young Priests`Society Meeting at 8.3.0.p.m. MCH.

Friday 13^th.Block Booking .

Sat 14^th.6-10.p.m. Reserved booking.

Catholic Newspapers available each weekend in parish. Please support.

Please purchase the paper in the church or from the kind members of the Legion of Mary who sell them in the parish.We thank them for this.

Altar Servers Group for the
week.Mar.8^th..2009.Group 6 Boys.Barry Higgins; Joseph Rabbitt;Lee Kiernan; Aaaron O Reilly and Darragh O Reilly.Servers are expected to be present on their week of duty.

Alcoholics Anonymous Group weekly meeting in Parish Centre.

AA group will continue here on Tues,10^th.at 8.30.p.m. in Room I. Parish Centre.To get information,please tel. 087.6282646 Bill..

Pope`s intentions for your prayer for the month of March.

That,the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world.

That,in the light of the letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the Popular Republic of China, may commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace.

Fatima Pilgrimage 7^th-14^th.May 2009. Details in Church Porch Notices.

For those details, please contact Maura at 0868069891/0449371170.

Confirmation meeting and day with a call for help for hospitality.

Thanks to all who helped with the meeting for Parents on March 5^th at 8.p.m. in Parish Centre,and to all who helped with refreshments afterwards which is deeply appreciated.Confirmation is on 26^thMarch at 11.00.a.m. There will be hospitality for all three parishes in the Parish Centre afterwards.The Parents Council are requesting cakes, buns and other goodies for the day from parishioners for this.Please support their efforts in welcoming all and serving the all important refreshments, after wards.Extra help is also needed for this and for cleaning up grounds and church for pastoral visit of bishop and Confirmation families and visitors

The Year of St.Paul in parish and area. Events planned and in place.

There will be a Novena on some themes of St.Paul`s life and teaching here in the church with a different speaker during Mass each of the nights, commencing on March 25^th. and ending on April 6^th.The Novena will pray for all who are ill, those who have faith and family problems and for a deepening of our own individual faith.We expect parishioners and others to come to this time of indulgenced prayer in this special Year of St.Paul, who is a very powerful saint. Talks on St.Paul in the Parish Centre are now for booking.Please use the booking form in church..

The icon of St.Paul, will travel through the deanery commencing in April and ending in June, with special ceremonies when it is in the churches of each parish.Then, the talks on St.Paul, for which we will have to book, will be 30^th.April,7^th and 28^th.May.

Mullingar Choral Society. Presents Mendelssohn`s Elijah. 08.03.09.

This magnificent performance will be at 8.p.m. in Christ the King Cathedral.Tickets are €20 available at Arts Centre, Day`s Bazaar and at door on night.Please support.

Castlepollard Hurling Club.Underage A.G.M.G.A.A.Complex.11.03.09.

Parents of all underage hurlers are invited to attend this vital meeting at 9.p.m.as well as all other parties, with a vested interest in the underage scheme.Please come along.

Parish Newsletter 22 February 2009

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Parish Newsletter 15 February 2009

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Parish Newsletter 8 February 2009

This post was published to Castlepollard Parish at 14:52:55 06/02/2009
Parish Newsletter 8 February 2009


NEWSLETTER
CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH
8th.February .FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, and Feast also of Sts;Jerome Emiliani,Josephine Bakhita,John of Matha and Honoratus.Anointing of the Sick for World Day of Prayer for the Sick.150 Year Celebration for Lourdes ends this week.
17th. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK.HELD ON THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES EACH YEAR IN THE CHURCH.HOW IS IT HELPFUL TO ILL PEOPLE?
Pope John Paul established World Day of Prayer for the Sick 17 years ago with a view to helping all who were ill at home and in hospital feel they were always included in the prayers of the Church.It was arranged as well that the World Day of Prayer would be held in Lourdes and in another city in the world on the same day.The Cardinal in charge of the Commission for Pastoral Care for all Health Care Personnel and the sick themselves,Lorenzo Barragan from Mexico and living in Rome, would represent the Holy Father at the different venue each year, while the Lourdes ceremony would go on as usual on its own.At these celebrations great emphasis is placed on the Sacraments of Confession and the Anointing of the Sick and the Mass is also celebrated, during which the annual Message for World Day of Prayer for the Sick from the Pope is read. This year that message in not yet to hand and extracts will be published in next week`s newsletter, if we receive it on the day.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick, really concentrates on giving those who are ill a clearer identity with the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus.It proclaims that that unity with Christ in His sufferings makes their suffering help to build up what is lacking in the Body of Christ.Christ died an ignominious death on the Cross, after much agony and torture of a heinous kind, for the days beforehand. He did not suffer from disease of any kind nor from an accident of one sort or another.But all who do then,as members of His Body, The Church, represent Him in suffering.His redemptive suffering is joined with theirs, making theirs also salvific and with generous purpose, in the context of redemption. The sick who unite their suffering with those of Jesus, now have a calling of great worth and become effective instruments for Christ`s work.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick also draws into its net of prayer all who care for the sick in the, spiritual, medical and ancilliary services and all who worry about those who are ill, as well as all involved in caring and every other back up service for the ill, the housebound, those who are impaired in any way,and all who suffer from various terminal diseases.It is indeed a day of great charity and bringsblessings.


Fr.Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF. Fr. B. Condron.C.C.
Parochial House. Castletown Finea.
044.9661126/0872510855. 043.81141.
Email: moorep@eircom.net

Sunday Masses
10.15 St. Peter’s Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s
11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.
11.15. St.Michael’s Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and
Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael’s 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.
Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea.
Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl.
10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK
FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS

Collection for January 31st./February 1st.Weekly Envelope,€1356.20. and Offertory Collection €.Candlemas Offerings. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections and the Candlemas Offerings,for which we are most deeply grateful. Month of February dedicated to the Purity of The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacredness of Human Life.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N. Year of Astronomy.

Sunday 8th.FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME. and Feast of St;Jerome Emiliani,Josephine Bakhita,John of Matha and Honoratus.Anointing of Sick at 11.15.a.m. Mass today.
THE SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME CONTINUES.
Monday 9th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast also of Sts;Teine,Apollonia and Rinaldo.
Tuesday 10th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Scholastica and Arnold.
Wednesday 11th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Gobnait and OUR LADY OF LOURDES.World Day of Prayer for the Sick.Mass at 3.p.m. Maple Court.7.30.p.m. Mass to close the 150th year of Lourdes.
Thursday 12th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Julian, Reginald and Damian.Legion of Mary Meeting 8.p.m.
Friday.13th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Jordan and Fosca.
Saturday 14th.Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Cyril and Methodius, Patrons of Europe and Valentine and Antoninus. Mass at 11.00.a.m.not 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and before and after Vigil Mass.Confessions at 3.p.m.Vigil Mass at 7.p.m.Polish Mass not this weekend but next weekend.
Sunday 15th.SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME and Feast also of Sts;Siegfried,Faustina and Georgia.

MASS INTENTIONS (8th. February to 15th.February.2009.)
Sunday.8th.Readings;Job.7.1-4,6-7. Ps.146.I.Cor.9.16-19,22-23. Mk.1.29-39.. Mass.Sat.at 10.00.a.m.Ann.Lily and Mattie Fagan.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7 p.m. Vigil.Ann.Mary Devine. Sunday.St.Peter`s 10.15.a.m. 11.15.a.m.Anniv.Jack Kennedy, Glenview.Anointing of Sick at Mass. Funeral Mass at 2.00.p.m.
Monday: 9th.Readings;Gen.1.1-19.Ps.103.Mk.6.53-56.Mass at 8.15.a.m.
Tuesday 10th.Readings.Gen.1.20-2.4.Ps.8.Mk.7.1-13.Mass at 8.15.a.m.
Wednesday 11th.Readings.Gen 2.4-9,15-17.Ps.103.Mk.7.14-23.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m. 7.30.p.m. Lourdes Year closing Mass.May Kelleghan memory included.
Thursday 12th.Readings.Gen.2.18-25.Ps.127.Mk.7.24-30.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.
Friday 13th.Readings.Gen.3.1-8.Ps.31. Mk.7.31-37.Mass at 8.15.a.m.
Saturday 14th.Readings.Acts.13.46-49.Ps.116.Lk.11.29-32.Mass at 11.00.a.m Ann.Triona Corrigan,CastleHeights.Confessions after Mass and none at 3.p.m.and before but not after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Mary O Reilly and her son Patrick, Water St.
Sunday 15th.Readings.Lev.13.1-2,44-46.Ps.31.I Cor.10.31-11.1. Mk.1.40-45. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at 11.15.a.m. First Ann. Dan Devine and memory of Mary, Pakenhamhall Rd.

R.I.P.
Please pray for all who have died in recent times,
Patrick Fivey,Late of Mullingar Rd and Granard who died in Crewe,England,John O Neill, Kinturk and Moyvore,Philip O Reilly, Loughpark
all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES FOR THE WEEK.
Baptism preparation course on Third Wednesday at.8.p.m.
Those with babies for Baptism should register for this course
in the Parish Centre, two weeks beforehand.It will be run by the Multy Group,Wed,Feb.18th.at 8.p.m.Parents, who have no babysitters, may take the baby along.

Parish Centre Programme for week,Feb 8th.to Feb.15th.
Monday 9th.6-7.p.m.Weightwatching/ Gymnastic class.Room I. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.
Tuesday 10th.10.30.a.m. Room.I.C.A. Meeting.Dancing Class 8.30.p.m. to 10.00.p.m. MCH.8.30.p.m.Room I. A.A. Meeting will take place.
Wednesday 11th.Dancing 4-5.p.m. MCH. No Bowles MCH 8.p.m.Castlepollard Celtic.MCH.8.p.m. to 9.30.p.m.
Thursday 12th.Art Class MCH. 10.30.a.m. to 12.30.p.m.Dancing 4-6p.m. MCH.Legion of Mary Meeting Room I. 8.p.m.
Friday 13th.Room I.10.00.a.m. to 2.00p.m. Finea N.S. booking.Block Booking rest of evening.
Sunday 15th. 2.30.p.m. to 5.00.p.m. Pioneer Quiz MCH.
Catholic Newspapers available each weekend in parish. Please support.
Please purchase the paper in the church or from the kind members of the Legion of Mary who sell them in the parish.We thank them for this.

Altar Servers Group for the week.Feb.8th.2009.Group 1 Girls.Niamh McCarthy,Lucy Murray, Shannon Daly and Siobhan Nea.Servers are expected to be present on their week of duty.

Alcoholics Anonymous Group weekly meeting in Parish Centre.
AA group will continue here on Tues,10th..at 8.30.p.m. in Room I. Parish Centre.To get information,please tel. 087.6282646 Bill..

Pope’s intentions for your prayer for the month of February.
That,the Pastors of the Church may always be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in their teaching and in their service of God`s people.
That,the Church in Africa may find adequate ways and means to promote reconciliation, justice and peace, efficaciously, according to the indications of the Synod of the Bishops` Special Assembly for Africa.

Fatima Pilgrimage 7th-14th.May 2009. Details in Church Porch Notices.
For those details, please contact Maura at 0868069891/0449371170.

Notices in Church Notice Boards. Helpful hints about these please.
No one may put notice in the boards or in the church or on church seats without permission, for obvious reasons.This weeks there are official notices on the boards about,Kells swimming pool; play volunteers for the paediatric unit in the hospital and also citizens information volunteers.

Parish Newsletter 1 February 2009

NEWSLETTER

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

1^st.February .FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF SILVER JUBILEE OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF BISHOP MICHAEL SMITH, and Feast also of Sts;Brigid, Mary of the Gael and Patroness of Ireland.Last day of week of prayer for The Catholic School.

THE COMMENCEMENT OF SPRING PUTS US IN TOUCH WITH LIFE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINING IT AS A GIFT FROM GOD TO US ALONG WITH OUR WORLD.

The feast of St.Brigid brings the touch of Spring into our hearts at this time of year.Even though the sting of this severe winter is still with us, the recent growth of snowdrops and other little jewels of Spring in gardens and hedges, tell us life is beginning to burst out.This hopefilled time is symbolic of the love for life that St.Brigid had and the respect she showed for all the gifts of God.Followed by the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple next day, we find the symbol of the lighted candle put before us.This also shows the path of hope and light and life which Jesus offers us as the Light of the Nations.One of the great gifts of Spring is that the days lengthen and there is more light around and so more hope brightening up our lives.Later in the week we celebrate St.Blaise and a little later World Day of prayer for the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11^th.

On St.Blaise`s day, we think of the sick and we celebrate the blessing of throats, which is very traditional and gives people confidence to feel that God is close to them and helps them have good health and heals them from bad health.God does not want us to be unwell and so He gives sustenance to our well being and health.On World Day of the Sick, which is now celebrating its 17^th year ,since it was established by Pope John Paul, people who are ill get great hope and a helpful boost to know that the whole Church is praying for and with them.It also highlights the Sacrament of the Sick, which is lifegiving for those who want to be healed.Then, this Day of the Sick is associated deliberately with Lourdes and the healing arena of prayer that Lourdes has become over the years.Anyone who pilgrims to Lourdes for healing usually gets more that expected in inner peace and joy, coming from the great atmosphere of prayer and respect and care for those who are ill, giving us a deep appreciation of the gifts of life and health.Let us pray that in the coming week and month, we will all deepen our respect for life, from womb to tomb and thank God for all He has given us in our faith, our spirit, minds, bodies and world.

Fr.Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF. Fr. B. Condron.C.C.

Parochial House. Castletown Finea.

044.9661126/0872510855. 043.81141.

Email: moorep@eircom.net

Sunday Masses

10.15 St. Peter's Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s

11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.

11.15. St.Michael's Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and

Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael's 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.

Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea.

Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl.

10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK

POPE`S INTENTIONS FOR PRAYER DURING THE MONTH.

FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS.

Collection for January 24^th./25^th.Weekly Envelope,€834.87 and Offertory Collection €636.12. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections and the Retired Priests` Fund Collection,for which we are most deeply grateful. Month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150^th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N. Year of Astronomy.

Sunday 1^st.FOURTH SUNDAY OF YEAR,SILVER JUBILEE OF ORDINATION OF BISHOP SMITH. and Feast of St;Brigid and End of Week of Prayer for the Catholic School.Blessing of St.Brigid Crosses.New boxes of envelopes commence today.Candlemas Offerings this Weekend.Silver Jubilee Mass in Cathedral at 3.p.m.

THE SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME CONTINUES.

Monday 2^nd.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast also of Sts;Simeon and Anna and THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.CANDLEMAS DAY AND DAY OF PRAYER FOR THOSE LIVING THE CONSECRATED LIFE.Blessing of Candles today.You may leave in candles for this.

Tuesday 3^rd.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Blaise and Ansgar.Blessing of Throats today at 8.15.a.m. and 7.30.p.m. Masses.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.

Wednesday 4^th.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts; John de Britto,Veronica,Gilbert and Andrew Corsini.

Thursday 5^th.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Agatha and Catherine de Ricci.Legion of Mary Meeting 8.p.m.

Friday.6^th.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Dorothy,Paul Miki and his Companions, The Nagasaki Martyrs.First Friday of the Month with calls to ill and housebound and evening Mass at 7.30.for those whose names are on the Parish List of the Dead.

Saturday 7^th.Fourth Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Mel,Theodore, Luke the Wonderworker,Romuald and Blessed Rizzerios.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and before and after Vigil Mass.Confessions at 3.p.m.Vigil Mass at 7.p.m.

Sunday 8^th.FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME and Feast also of Sts;Jerome Emiliani,Josephine Bakhita,John of Matha and Honoratus.Anointing of the Sick will take place at 11.15.a.m. Mass to anticipate World Day of Prayer for the Sick on 11^th February.

MASS INTENTIONS (1^st February to 8^th.February.2009.)

Sunday.1^st.Readings;Deut.18.15-20.Ps.94.I Cor.7.32-35.Mk.1.21-28. Mass.Sat.at 10.00.a.m.Ann.Peter Masterson, Robinstown and Patrick..Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7 p.m. Vigil.Ann.Thomas O Driscoll, Limerick. Sunday.St.Peter`s 10.15.a.m. 11.15.a.m.Anniv.Jospeh Markey, Cresley 3.p.m.Mass Cathedral for Silver Jubilee of Bishop Smith. Offerings Weekend.

Monday: 2^nd.Readings;Mal.3 1-4.Ps.23. Lk.2.22-40.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Mass 8.15.a.m.Blessing of Candles.

Tuesday 3^rd.Readings.Heb.12.1-4.Ps.21.Mk.5.21-43.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Followed by Blessing of Throats with similar blessing after 7.30.p.m. Mass This Mass also is to pray for the support of a helpful counsellors good work, positively experienced by many, in the area. Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.

Wednesday 4^th.Readings.Heb.12.4-7,11-15.Ps.102.Mk.6.1-6.Mass at 8.15.a.m.

Thursday 5^th.Readings.Heb.12.18-19,21-24.Ps.47.Mk.6.7-13.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.

Friday 6^th.Readings.Heb13.1-8.Ps.26.Mk.6.14-19..Mass at 8.15.a.m.List of Dead Mass and Ann for Decd members Gaynor Family, Milltown at 7.30.p.m.Pioneers meet after Mass.

Saturday 7^th.Readings.Heb.13.15-1720-21.Ps.22.Mk.6.30-34.Mass at 10.00.a.m Ann.Lily and Mattie Fagan, Dublin and Castlepollard. Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Mary Devine, Pakenhamhall Rd.

Sunday 8^th.Readings.Job.7.1-4,6-7.Ps.146.I Cor.9.16-19,22-23. Mk.1.29-39. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at 11.15.a.m. Ann.Jack Kennedy, Glenview.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times,

Lil O Donoghue,Lanesborough, mother of Michael in St.Peter`s,

all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES FOR THE WEEK.

Baptism preparation course on Third Wednesday at.8.p.m.

Those with babies for Baptism should register for this course

in the Parish Centre, two weeks beforehand.It will be run by the Multy Group,Wed,Feb.18^th.at 8.p.m.Parents, who have no babysitters, may take the baby along.

Parish Centre Programme for week,Feb 1^st.to Feb.8^th.

Sunday 1^st.MCH.3-5.p.m.Ballycomoyle G.A.A.

Monday 2^nd.6-7.p.m.Weightwatching/ Gymnastic class.Room I. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Tuesday 3^rd.Dancing Class 8.30.p.m. to 10.00.p.m. MCH.8.30.p.m.Room I. A.A. Meeting will take place.

Wednesday 4^th.Dancing 4-5.p.m. MCH. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Thursday 5^th.Art Class MCH. 10.30.a.m. to 12.30.p.m.Dancing 4-6p.m. MCH.Legion of Mary Meeting Room I. 8.p.m.Community Council Meeting 9.p.m.

Friday 6^th.Block Booking.

Catholic Newspapers available each weekend in parish. Please support.

Please purchase the paper in the church or from the kind members of the Legion of Mary who sell them in the parish.We thank them for this.

Altar Servers Group for the
week.Feb.1^st.2009.Group 7
Boys.Sean Lancaster, Thomas Brady and Barry Dowdall.Servers are expected to be present on their week of duty.

Alcoholics Anonymous Group weekly meeting in Parish Centre.

AA group will continue here on Tues,3^rd.at 8.30.p.m. in Room I. Parish Centre.To get information,please tel. 087.6282646 Bill..

Pope`s intentions for your prayer for the month of February.

That,the Pastors of the Church may always be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in their teaching and in their service of God`s people.

That,the Church in Africa may find adequate ways and means to promote reconciliation, justice and peace, efficaciously, according to the indications of the Synod of the Bishops` Special Assembly for Africa.

Annual Weekly Envelope Collection.Dispensation of Boxes.Notice.

The boxes have been dispensed by those who kindly do this work each year at end of January.Please support your parish through this system.

North Westmeath Suicide Outreach Group Monthly Meeting Notice

The monthly meeting will take place in the Annebrook Hotel, Mullingar,on Thurs.3^rd.Feb. New Volunteers very welcome.Contact no. is 087.7979890.Please support.

Parish Newsletter 25 January 2009

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

25^th.January .THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND FEAST OF CONVERSION OF SAUL.CHRISTIAN UNITY SUNDAY. and Feast also of Sts;Donatus and Gregory the Eastern Theologian.Christian Unity Week of Prayer ends today.

THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW BOX OF ENVELOPES YEAR AND HOW PARISHIONERS CAN HELP ITS SUCCESS.

At this time , each year, the new boxes of envelopes are prepared for dispensing by those who kindly deliver them to the homes in the last week of January.We are deeply grateful to all who collect and count each week and to all prepare as well as deliver the boxes of envelopes.

Each person over 18, who has an income, is invited to help the good running of the parish and to take a box of envelopes.It is essential that the weekly envelope be returned each weekend.We request that €2 as a minimum be put into it or €5, if that can be afforded. The finances accruing from this collection pays for all the repairs and projects taken on in the parish. For instance, most of the cost of repairing the cemetery walks came from this fund, with close on €10,000 still to be paid.We are most grateful to all, who hand in the weekly envelope.We note that our most loyal contributors are the pensioners, some who can least afford it and other people who are very careful to ensure they get the envelope in each week. This is invaluable assistance to the fund and is most deeply appreciated.

We are trying to organise the return of envelopes that should come in and do not.Apart from making a banker`s order available, which some are using, we hope, through the Committee being set up, to keep the collection boosted, to make contact with people who genuinely will support the collection, but from time to time need reminding about sending in their contribution. We hope you will not be irritated by this approach, but if the collection continues to drop in income, we will be unable to run the parish properly. In the pipe line quite a lot of repair and renewal work has to be done on the roof of all three of our churches and the two parochial houses as well as on heating systems and surfacing in grounds.This is all quite expensive and will have to be done in stages.So we must build up the envelope fund to encounter these demands. Shortly, in each parish, a finance committee will be set up, as a response to the diocesan directive and it will be responsible along with the priest for all of this.Each parish has to ensure that it looks after its property and particularly the buildings in its charge.We know that you, our parishioners, with a great history of generosity and Christian responsibility, will be foremost in ensuring this, through your continued support and particularly through the weekly envelope collection, which is a convenient and fruitful resource.

Fr.Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF. Fr. B. Condron.C.C.

Parochial House. Castletown Finea.

0449661126/0872510855. 043.81141.

e.mail. moorep@eicom.net

Sunday Masses

10.15 St. Peter's Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s

11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.

11.15. St.Michael's Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and

Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael's 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.

Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea.

Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl.

10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK IN THE PARISH

POPE`S INTENTIONS FOR PRAYER DURING THE MONTH.

FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS.

Collection for January 17^th./18^th.Weekly Envelope,€1366.30 and Offertory Collection €Retired Priests`Fund. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections,Retired Priests` Fund Collection,for which we are most deeply grateful. Month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150^th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N. Year of Astronomy.

Sunday 25^th.THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR, FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF SAUL AND CHRISTIAN UNITY SUNDAY and Feast of Sts;Donatus and Gregory the Theologian.End of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.Baptism at 12 noon.Unity Ceremony at 8.p.m.Blessing and Installation of Icon of St.Paul.

THE SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME COMMENCES.

Monday 26^th.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast also of Sts;Timothy,Titus and Paula.Commencement of Catholic Schools Week. "A Vision for Life."continues until Feb.1^st.

Tuesday 27^th.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Angela Merici and Julian.

Wednesday 28^th.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Thomas Aquinas and Valerius.Deanery Meeting, Delvin at 3.p.m.

Thursday 29^th.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Gildas the Wise, Sabinian,Constantine and Papias.Legion of Mary Meeting 8.p.m.25^th.Anniv.of Episcopal Ordination of Michael Smith.

Friday.30^th.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Aidan, Bathilde,Hyacinth Mariscotti,Irish Martyrs, Francis Taylor and Margaret Ball. Ballycomoyle Club.Dinner Dance.

Saturday 31^st.Third Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;John Bosco,Founder of the Salesians.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and before and after Vigil Mass.Confessions at 3.p.m.Vigil Mass at 7.p.m.

Sunday 1^st.FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF SILVER JUBILEE OF BISHOP MICHAEL SMITH. and Feast also of Sts;Brigid, Patroness of Ireland.Mass in Cathedral at 3.p.m. for 25^th.Anniv.Celebration.

MASS INTENTIONS (25^th.January to 1^st.February.2009.)

Sunday.25^th.Readings;Jon.3.1-5,10.Ps.24.I Cor.7.29-31.Mk.1.14-20. Mass.Sat.at 10.00.a.m.Ann.Saoirse Casserly-Farrelly.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7 p.m. Vigil.Ann.John and Annie Hennessy, Gilbertstown. Sunday.St.Peter`s 10.15.a.m. Ann.Carmel Shiels, the Staff.11.15.a.m.Anniv.Michael Davitt,Dublin Rd.Baptism 3.p.m.Unity Ceremony at 8.p.m.

Monday: 26^th.Readings;2 Tim.1.1-8.Ps.95.Lk.10.1-9.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann.Anthony McGlynn, Water St.

Tuesday 27^th.Readings.Heb.10.1-10.Ps.39.Mk.3.31-35.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann. Kathleen, Patrick and Thomas Dowd,Green St.

Wednesday 28^th.Readings.Heb.10.11-18.Ps.109.Mk.4.1-20.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann. Bernadette and Michael Carroll,The Square.Deanery Meeting 3.p.m. Delvin.

Thursday 29^th.Readings.Heb.10.19-25.Ps.23. Mk.4.21-25..Mass at 8.15.a.m.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m. Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.

Friday 30^th.Readings.Heb10.32-39.Ps.36.Mk.4.26-34.Mass at 8.15.a.m.

Saturday 31^st.Readings.Heb.11.1-2,8-19.Ps.Lk.1.69-75.Mk.4.35-41.Mass at 10.00.a.m Ann.Peter Masterson, Robinstown, with memory of Patrick also.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Thomas O Driscoll, Limerick.

Sunday 1^st.Readings.Deut.18.15-20.Ps.94.I Cor.7.32-35.Mk.1.21-28. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at 11.15.a.m. Ann. Joseph Markey,Cresley.3.p.m. Silver Jubilee Mass of Bishop Michael Smith.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times,

all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES FOR THE WEEK.

Baptism preparation course on Third Wednesday at.8.p.m.

Those with babies for Baptism should register for this course

in the Parish Centre, two weeks beforehand.It will be run by the Multy Group,Wed,Feb.18^th.at 8.p.m.Parents, who have no babysitters, may take the baby along.

Parish Centre Programme for week, Jan 25^th.to Feb.1^st.

Sunday 25^th.MCH.3-5.p.m.Comhaltas.Clann Lir Branch

Monday 26^th.6-7.p.m.Weightwatching/ Gymnastic class.Room I. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Tuesday 27^th.Dancing Class 8.30.p.m. to 10.00.p.m. MCH.8.30.p.m.Room I. A.A. Meeting will take place.

Wednesday 28^th.Dancing 4-5.p.m. MCH. Bowles MCH 8.p.m.

Thursday 29^th.Dancing 4-6p.m. MCH.Legion of Mary Meeting Room I. 8.p.m.

Friday 30^th.Block Booking.

Catholic Newspapers available each weekend in parish. Please support.

Please purchase the paper in the church or from the kind members of the Legion of Mary who sell them in the parish.We thank them for this.

Altar Servers Group for the
week.Jan 25^th.2009.Group 4
Boys.Ciaran Fagan,Oisin Weitzman,Jason Hannon and Michael Carroll.Servers are expected to be present on their week of duty.

Alcoholics Anonymous Group weekly meeting in Parish Centre.

AA group will continue here on Tues,27^th.at 8.30.p.m. in Room I. Parish Centre.To get information,please tel. 087.6282646 Bill..

Pope`s intentions for your prayer for the month of February.

That,the Pastors of the Church may always be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in their teaching and in their service of God`s people.

That,the Church in Africa may find adequate ways and means to promote reconciliation, justice and peace, efficaciously, according to the indications of the Synod of the Bishops` Specail Assembly for Africa.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18^th.to 25^th.Jan. in St.Paul`s Year.

Christian Unity week of Prayer commenced, with the theme;"that they may be one in your hands".The ceremony here this year takes place in the Church of Ireland on Sunday 25^th. Feast of Conversion of Saul at 8.p.m, with compline and talk, as well as refreshments,

Annual Weekly Envelope Collection.Dispensation of Boxes.Notice.

The boxes will be dispensed by those who kindly do this work each year at end of January.Those who kindly dispense the boxes and literature are requested to come to the Parochial House on Wed. 28^th.at 8.p.m.The Trocaire boxes will be dispensed this week too..

Ballycomoyle G.A.A.Club Annual Dinner Dance.Bloomfield Hotel.

This will be on Friday 30^th.Jan.Tickets available.087.2207374.Please support this local club which does great work in the area.

Ringtown Camogie Club Annual General Meeting on 29^th.January.

This will take place in Ringtown at 8.p.m.next Thursday.

North Westmeath Suicide Outreach Group Monthly Meeting Notice

The monthly meeting will take place in the Annebrook Hotel, Mullingar,on Thurs.3^rd.Feb. New Volunteers very welcome.Contact no. is 087.7979890.Please support.

Church Cleaning for the month of January ending.Thursday 29^th.

The church will be hoovered on that date. Cleaning may take place as suits after that. We are very grateful to all who do this good work.

Parish Bulletin 11 January 2009

NEWSLETTER

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

11^th.January .FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and Feast also of Sts;Benedict Biscop,Honoratus, Theodosius and Salvius.Renewal of Baptismal vows at Masses.Pioneer Collection this weekend.

THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHALLENGES US TO UNDERSTAND AND LIVE OUR BAPTISMAL CALLING.

The Father looked down with favour on the Son`s Baptism and the Holy Spirit anointed Him and His mission was sealed at that moment, in full view of the people.It was also the great moment of the manifestation of Jesus.He is proclaimed Messiah and goes about doing good, working the signs that make Him known as the Servant of God.He is the one who brings good news to the poor and tells of salvation.The Baptism by John, in the Jordan, was the sealing point at the commencement of the public ministry of Jesus.It also put a strong emphasis on the importance of Baptism itself. During His ministry,Jesus stressed the necessity of Baptism for salvation and was keen to remind us that without Baptism we could not enter the kingdom. "Unless you are baptised with water and the Holy Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." In the early Church, the Apostles carried out that mission to Baptise and all who heard the message of the Gospel and clung to it, desired to be Baptised and were, as the initiation into discipleship of Jesus, as well as fulfilling His mandate for salvation.

Apart from the very central message that Baptism is needed in our lives, to be saved by God, there is also included a call to live with our lives ordered to the life of Christ in the role of priest, prophet and king. The Father also looks on us with favour too from the moment of Baptism.

To live the life of priest entailed by Baptism, one must value and practice praying and worshipping and giving praise and thanks to God.We learn to offer ourselves and our lives with the death and resurrection of Jesus, in the Mass.We also see the importance of daily prayer, keeping us in union with the life of the Trinity, a share of which we received on our Baptism day.We use every other opportunity to praise God and thank Him for He does for us as we fulfil the priestly dimension of our Baptism.

In the prophetic role conferred on us in Baptism, we are called to live the Christian life fully each day, bearing witness to the Gospel message, living the Commandments and Beatitudes and doing our best to be like Christ and in Christ and for Christ.

In the kingly role, conferred in Baptism, we are called to be of good influence and give good example. We can rule the minds and lives of others with the mind of Christ in all things and all the values of Gospel living, by the way we show what rules our lives.If we are of good influence, then, we will flavour the world with Christ and that really is what a well lived Baptism should do for each of us.

Fr. Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF.

Parochial House.

0449661126/0872510855.

moorep@eicom.net e.mail.

Fr. B. Condron.C.C.

Castletown Finea.

043.81141.

Sunday Masses

10.15 St. Peter's Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s

11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.

11.15. St.Michael's Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and

Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael's 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.

Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea.

Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl.

10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK IN THE PARISHPOPE`S INTENTIONS FOR PRAYER DURING THE MONTH.

FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS.

Collection for January 3^rd./4^th.Weekly Envelope,€1184.00 and Offertory Collection €609.32. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections,Cardinal Toppo Appeal,which realised €2,500.for which we are most deeply grateful, Christmas Offerings and other occasional collections. Month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150^th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N. Year of Astronomy.

Sunday11^th.FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and Feast of Sts;Benedict Biscop, Honoratus,Hyginus, Theodosius and Salvius.Renewal of Baptismal vows.

THE SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME COMMENCES.

Monday 12^th.First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast also of Sts;Arcadius, Aelred of Rievaux and Modestus.

Tuesday 13^th.First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts; Hilary, Veronica and Hildemar.

Wednesday 14^th.First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Felix of Nola, Sava and Macrina.

Thursday 15^th.First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts; Ita, Maurus,Isidore,Remigius and Paul the Hermit.Legion of Mary Meeting 8.p.m.

Friday.16^th. First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Fursa, Honoratus,Marcel and Priscilla. Maryvale Evening in Parish Centre.

Saturday 17^th.First Week in Ordinary Time and Feast of Sts;Anthony the Abbot.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and before and after Vigil Mass.Confessions at 3.p.m.Vigil Mass at 7.p.m. Mary vale Course Parish Centre all day.

Sunday 18^th.`SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND DAY OF PRAYER FOR MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES and Feast also of Sts;Prisca, Liberata and Margaret of Hungary.Collection for upkeep of retired priests, in the diocese, at all Masses.

MASS INTENTIONS (11^th.January to 18^th.January.2009.)

Sunday.11^th.Readings;Is.55.1-11.Ps.Is.12.2-6.Acts 10.34-38.Mk.1.7-11. Mass.Sat.at 10.00.a.m.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7 p.m. Vigil.Ann.Claire Scarlett Sunday.10.15.St.Peter`s.11.15.a.m.Anniv.Bridie Devine, Pakenhamhall Rd.

Monday: 12^th.Readings;Heb.1.1-6.Ps.96.Mk.1.14-20.Mass.8.15.a.m.

Tuesday 13^th.Readings.Heb.2.5-12. Ps.8. Mk.1.21-28..Mass at 8.15.a.m.Ann. James and Margaret Murray, Slieveboy.Mass 3.p.m. Maple Court.

Wednesday 14^th.Readings.Heb.2.14-18.Ps.104. Mk.1.29-39.Mass at 8.15.a.m.

Thursday 15^th.Readings.Heb.3.7-14.Ps.94.Mk.1.40-45.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.

Friday 16^th.Readings.Heb.4.1`-5.Ps.77.Mk.2.1-12.Mass at 8.15.a.m. Ann for.Ellen Finglas late Mullingar Rd. Maryvale evening in Parish Centre.

Saturday 17^th.Readings.Heb.4.12-16.Ps.18.Mk.2.13-17.Mass at 10.00.a.m-Decd. Members of Gibbons Family, Mullingar Rd.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Helen and Pat Gaffney, Glenview.Maryvale Course Parish Centre all day.

Sunday 18^th.Readings.I Sam.3.3-20.19.Ps.39.I Cor.6.13-15,17-20.Jn.1.35-42. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at.11.15.a.m.Ann.Gerry and Catherine Ryan, Freighmore.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times Peter Corrigan,Milltown,

all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Castlepollard Parish History Book

Copies of the recently published parish history book are on sale, please contact Fr. Patrick Moore, 044 9661126.

Parish Bulletin 28 December 2008

NEWSLETTER

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

28^th.December .FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH and Feast of The Holy Innocents.

MAKING READY FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH A MESSAGE FOR PEACE BY POPE BENEDICT XVI.FIGHTING POVERTY TO BUILD PEACE, IS THE THEME OF THAT MESSAGE OF IMPORTANCE .

It is the link between poverty and a lack of peace that Pope Benedict concentrates on in his new year message for 42^nd.World Day of Prayer for Peace.In his theme of Fighting Poverty to Build Peace, he states that poverty is often a contributing factor or a compounding element in conflicts,including armed ones. In turn, these conflicts fuel further tragic situations of poverty.

Going on to tease out some of the challenges in the fight against poverty, such as pandemic diseases, the relationship between disarmament and development, food crises and demographic change,Pope Benedict cautions against initiatives that seek to compromise human dignity for the sake of success against poverty.

Criticising, rightly, programmes based on birth- reduction, he states that the extermination of millions of unborn children, in the name of the fight against poverty, actually constitutes the destruction of the poorest of all human beings.

Considering effective solutions,Pope Benedict points to the need for a combination, on an international scale, of a form of globalisation directed towards the interests of the whole human family and the common code of ethics based, not upon mere consensus, but rooted in the natural law, inscribed by the Creator on the conscience of every human being.

Just as Pope John Paul stated in 1993, Pope Benedict restates, that poverty remains a problem, which the conscience of humanity cannot ignore, since the conditions in which a great number of people are living, are an insult to their innate dignity and therefore, are as a result, a threat to the authentic and harmonious progress of the world community.

Pope Benedict promises that the Church, which is the sign and instrument of communion with God,and of the unity of the entire human race, will continue to offer her contribution so that injustices and misunderstandings may be resolved,leading to a world of greater peace and solidarity.So, therefore, our programme is to fight poverty to build peace.May we all have a peaceful, healthy and fruitful New Year, with the help of the Prince of Peace and Mary, Mother of God.

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH

Fr. Patrick A. Moore P.P.V.F. Fr. B Condron C.C.

Parochial House Castletown Finea

044 9661126 043 81141

087 2510855

moorep@eircom.net

SUNDAY MASSES

10.15 St. Peter’s Centre Weekday Mass 8.15 St. Michael’s

11.00 Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass 10.00

11.15 St. Michael’s Confessions 10.20, 3.00pm,

Vigil 7pm St. Michael’s 6.45pm & 7.30pm Saturday

Vigil 8pm Castletown or Finea

Adoration 3-8pm Mon Thurs incl, 10am-12noon Tues & Wed

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK

FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS

Collection for December 20^th./21^st.Weekly Envelope,€1202.70 and Offertory Collection €631.73. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections,Cardinal Toppo Appeal,which realised €2,500.for which we are most deeply grateful, and other occasional collections.

Month of January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Year of St. Mark in the Liturgy. Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150^th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N.Year of Potatoe.

Sunday 28th.FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH and Feast of The Holy Innocents.Fourth day of Christmas Octave

THE SACRED SEASON OF CHRISTMAS CONTINUES

Monday 29th. Fifth day of Octave of Christmas and Feast also of Sts;Thomas a Beckett,Martyr.

Tuesday 30th.Sixth day of Octave of Christmas and Feast of Sts;Eugene, Anysia and Roger.

Wednesday 31st.Seventh day of the Octave of Christmas and Feast of Sts;Sylvester and Melania.

Thursday 1st.SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE. Feast also of St.Odilo the Abbott. Mass at 10.00.a.m.;Mass for 42nd. World Day of Peace.Eight day of Octave of Christmas.

Friday 2ndBefore Epiphany and Feast of Sts;Basil,Gregory Nazianzen and Adalhard.FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. Mass at 10.00.a.m.and 7.30.p.m. List of the Dead.No First Friday Calls today.

Saturday 3rd.Before Epiphany and Feast of Sts;Munchin and Genevieve,The Holy Name of Jesus.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions before and after Vigil Mass today today.Confessions after Mass at 10.00.a.m.Confessions at 3.p.m.Pioneer Collection this weekend.

Sunday 4th. SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS and Feast of Sts; Mochua and Elizabeth Ann Seton. Baptism 12 noon.

MASS INTENTIONS (28^th.December to 4^th.January.)

Sunday.28^th.Readings;Gen.15.1-6,21.1-3.Ps.104.Heb.18.11=12,17.Lk.2.22.-40 Mass.at 10.00.a.m.Ann.James O Neill and Rose Yarde. Confessions after Mass but not at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7 p.m. Vigil.Ann. Madeleine and Jack Brennan.Sunday.10.15.St.Peter`s.11.15.a.m.Anniv. Thomas Smyth, Donegal and Corbally.

Monday: 29^th.Readings;I John 2.3-11.Ps.95. Lk.2.22-35.Mass.10.00.a.m.

Tuesday 30^th.Readings.I.Jn.2.12-17.Ps.95.Jn.2.36-40.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Month`s Memory Mass for Brigid Daly, Ballycomoyle.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.

Wednesday 31^st.Readings.1 Jn.2.18-21.Ps.95.Lk..2.36-40.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Ann. for Aoife Moore. London.

Thursday 1^st..ReadingsNum.6.22-27.Ps.66.Gal.4.4-7.Lk.2.16-21.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Mass for Peace.Month`s Memory for Peter Reilly,Green Court.Legion of Mary meet at 8.p.m. Room I.Parish Centre.

Friday 2^nd.Readings.I Jn.2.22-28.Ps.97.Jn.1.19-28.Mass at 10.00.a.m.Private Intention.7.30.p.m. List of Dead and Ann.Phil Arkins, Water Lane.

Saturday 3^rd.Readings.I Jn.2.29-3.6.Ps.97.Jn.1.29-34.10.00.a.m.Specail Intention.Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Jack and Bruno Gaffney,Glenview.

Sunday 4^th.Readings.Eccles. 24.1-2,8-12.Ps.147.Eph.I 3-6,15-18.Jn.1.1-18 St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Ann.McGrath Family, Church St.Mass at.11.15.a.m.Ann.Decd. Fivey and Finglas Families.12 noon.Baptism.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times

all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Parish Bulletin 21 December 2008

NEWSLETTER

CASTLEPOLLARD, CASTLETOWN & FINEA PARISH

21^st. December .FOURTH AND FINAL SUNDAY OF ADVENT and Feast of Sts;Peter Canisius.Cardinal Toppo appeal ends this weekend.O Antiphons continue.

MAKING READY FOR THE FEAST OF CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF ADVENT WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR CONVERSION AND CONFESSION IN THE COMING DAYS.

We have been spending Advent with purpose and now that it is almost at an end, we must use the few days well. These days should be prayerful and reflective with a view to making a good Confession of our sins.Then, we will be ready to meet and greet our Saviour, on the occasion of His birthday feast on Christmas Day.In the parish this coming week the following are the arrangements and opportunities for an immediate preparation for this great Feast in our lives and the life of the parish;

Sunday 21^st. Confessions after the 11.15.a.m. Mass

Carol Service.8.00.p.m. with Refreshments in Parish

Centre afterwards.

Tuesday 23^rd. Confession Ceremony 8-9.p.m. with 5 Confessors.

Wednesday 24^th. Confessions after the 8.15.a.m. Mass and at 8.15.p.m. to 8.45.p.m. Vigil Mass of Christmas at 9.00.p.m.

Thursday 25^th. Mass at 8.30.a.m. 10.15.a.m. St.Peter`s and 11.15.a.m.

Friday 26^th. Mass at 11.a.m.

Saturday 27^th. Mass at 11.00.a.m. Vigil Mass at 7.00.p.m.

Sunday 28^th. Masses at 10.15.a.m. St.Peter`s and 11.15.a.m.

Please come at 8.p.m. for the Confession ceremony on 23^rd. to be there for the preparation and remain on for the closing prayer and Benediction if possible.

Fr. Tom, Fr, Barry and Fr.P. wish each parishioner and every family a very blessed, peaceful and joyful Christmas and thank you all very much for your great support, encouragement and appreciation for our work and efforts in the parish.We are also very grateful to all the committees, ministries and groups assisting us in the pastoral life of our parish and wish them well at this festive time for all of us.We are in solidarity in prayerful support for all who are grieving, suffering in any way, ill or out of work in our stringent economic times.We pray that the time ahead will be more secure for all of us.May the Lord, Whose birthday we celebrate, bring us peace and contentment this Christmas and in 2009.

Fr.Patrick A. Moore P.P.VF.

Parochial House.

0449661126/0872510855.

moorep@ eicom.net e.mail.

Fr. B. Condron.C.C.

Castletown Finea.

043.81141.

Sunday Masses

10.15 St. Peter’s Centre. Weekday Mass 8.15.a.m. St.Michael`s

11.00. Castletown or Finea Saturday Mass at 10.a.m.

11.15. St.Michael’s Confessions. 10.20.a.m.; 3.00.p.m. and

Vigil 7.p.m. St. Michael’s 6.45.p.m. and 7.30.p.m. Sats.

Vigil 8.p.m. Castletown or Finea. Adoration. 3-8.p.m. Mon-Thurs incl. 10.a.m.-12 noon. Tues and Wed.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK IN THE PARISH

POPE`S INTENTIONS FOR PRAYER DURING THE MONTH.

FEASTS OF SAINTS AND IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS.

Collection for December 13^th./14^th.Weekly Envelope,€612.-00 and Offertory Collection €554.16. Thank you for supporting the Weekly Collections,Cardinal Toppo Appeal, and other occasional collections. Month of December dedicated to the Nativity of Our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ.Year of intense prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life..Year of St.Mark in the Liturgy.Year of St Paul in the Universal Church and 150^th.Ann of the Apparitions by Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes.U.N.Year of Potatoe.

Sunday 21^st. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT and Feast of Sts;Peter Canisius. Cardinal Toppo Appeal ends.Confessions after Mass and Baptism at 12.30.p.m.Carol Service at 8.p.m.O MORNING STAR.

THE SACRED SEASON OF ADVENT CONCLUDES.

Monday 22^nd.Fourth Week of Advent and Feast also of Sts;Flavianus and Blessed Margaret of Savoy.O KING OF THE NATIONS.

Tuesday 23^rd.Fourth Week of Advent and Feast of Sts;John of Kenty.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.Confessions Ceremony 8-9.p.m. O EMMANUEL.

Wednesday 24^th.Fourth Week of Advent and Feast of Sts;Charbal Maklouf.Confessions after 8.15.a.m. Mass and from 8.15.a.m. to 8.45.p.m.Legion of Mary Meeting at 8.p.m.Vigil Mass of Christmas at 9.00.p.m.

Thursday 25^th.FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.Masses at 8.15.a.m.; 10.15.a.m. and 11.15.a.m. Christmas Day is an Offerings Day. No adoration today.

Friday 26^th.Second day of the Octave of Christmas and Feast of St.Stephen the Protomartyr. Mass at 11.00.a.m.

Saturday 27^th.Third day of Octave of Christmas and Feast of Sts;John, the Apostle and Evangelist.Mass at 11.00.a.m.Confessions before and after Vigil Mass today today.Confessions after Mass at 11.00.a.m.

Sunday 28^th. FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH and Feast of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs.Fourth day of Octave of Christmas.

MASS INTENTIONS (21^st.December to 28^th.December.)

Sunday.21^st.Readings;2 Sam 7.1-5,8-12,14.Ps.88.Rom.16.25-27.Lk.1.26-38.Mass.at 10.00.a.m.Ann. Decd.Gaffney Family. Confessions after Mass and at 3.p.m.and before and after Mass at 7.p.m. Vigil.Ann.Michael Fagan, Dublin Rd.Sunday.10.15.Ann.Nancy O Hara, Green St.St.Peter`s.1.15.a.m.Anniv. Alice Courtney, The Square.Confessions after Mass and Baptism at 12.30.p.m.

Monday: 22^nd.Readings;I Sam.1.24-28.Ps.1 Sam.2.1,4-8.Lk.1.46-56.Mass.8.15.a.m.

Tuesday 23^rd.Readings.Mal.3.1-4,23-24.Ps.24.Lk.1.57-66.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Memory Mass for Sean Murphy and his parents.Maple Court Mass at 3.p.m.Confession Ceremony at 8.p.m.

Wednesday 24^th.Readings.2 Sam 7.1-5,8-12,14,16.Ps.88.Lk.1.67-79.Mass at 8.15.a.m.Confession after Mass and at 8.15.p.m. Mass at 9.p.m.Ann. Carmel Finnegan, Green St. Vigil of Christmas.Legion of Mary Meeting at 8.p.m.

Thursday 25^th.Readings;Is.52.7-10.Ps.97.Heb.1.1-6.Jn.1.1-18..Mass at 8.30.a.m. 10.15.a.m. St.Peter`s and 11.15.a.m.Offerings Day.

Friday 26^th.Readings.Acts. 6.8-10.7.54-59. Ps.30.Mt.10.17-22.Mass at 11.00.a.m.Ann. William and Elizabeth McCormack, Glann.

Saturday 27^th.Readings.I Jn.1.1-4,Ps.96.Jn.20.2-8.Mass at 11.00.a.m.Ann. James O Neill And Rose Yarde, Water St. and England.Confessions after Mass not at 3.p.m.and before and after Vigil Mass 7.p.m.Ann.Madeleine and Jack Brennan.

Sunday 28^th.Readings.Gen.15.1-6,21.1-3.Ps 104.Heb.18.11-12,17-19.Lk.2.22-40. St.Peter`s. at 10.15.a.m.Mass at.11.15.a.m.Ann. Thomas Smyth, Donegal and Corbally.

R.I.P.

Please pray for all who have died in recent times

Alfie Murtagh, Mountmellick and late Glenview Cardinal Avery Dulles S.J. New York,all whose anniversaries occur around this time and all whose remains are interred in our cemeteries,

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.