Community notes June 17th 2018

PROLOGUE:  “A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.”
Author Unknown

DEATHS:  We offer sincere sympathy to the families of the following who have died recently:  Mrs. Joan McCarthy, Jim Heffernan, Mary Ita Leahy and Jim Vaughan.  May they rest in peace.

WEDDING BELLS:  Congratulations to Jeremiah, son of Jeremiah and Teresa Sheehan, Knocknasna who married Mary McSweeney of Enniskeane, Co. Cork on Saturday last.  We wish them every happiness and long years together.

JUBILEE MASS:  Special Mass with Bishop Leahy is at 7.30pm this Saturday night.  Everyone welcome.

ANNUAL DOG SHOW:  This fundraiser for Abbeyfeale’s Town Park takes place on Sunday, June 17 from 2pm.  There will be trophies for the winners of all classes.

PARISHIONERS PRAY FOR STUDENTS:  The students currently sitting exams are being prayed for by parishioners who took their name tags from the tree during a special Mass on the eve of the commencement of the exams.

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION 1968-2018.  On Saturday, June 16 the parish will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of our parish Church with a special Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Brendan Leahy.  We are asking parishioners who normally attend Mass on Sunday to consider coming to the Vigil Mass on Saturday evening.  The Mass will be an hour later at 7.30p.m to enable as many parishioners to attend if they so wish. Parish priest Fr. Tony in his message to parishioners at last weekend Masses said; “While we celebrate the building of this beautiful church we also want it to be a celebration of community, good neighbourliness is a key principle in sustaining community life and this is very evident here in our parish.  Why not take time out and join neighbours and fellow parishioners next Saturday evening for this special unique celebration.”   It promises to be a great gathering, refreshments will be served afterwards in a specially erected marquee in the church car park.

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

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

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

WALK AROUND KNOCKNASNA:  Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Knocknasna is proud to announce another charity event this year, in aid of “Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland”. This organisation is in need of funding and has been shown to help children with autism and their families with their social and communication skills in a very positive way. The walk will commence at 12 midday on Friday outside the school, June 15th and all are welcome to participate in our walk around the locality. We have chosen the colour “blue” as our theme, so be sure and turn up to support this very worthy cause! It promises to be a great day for pupils, parents, and members of the Abbeyfeale community. There will be a cupán tae for all after the walk with special guests!!

GLÓRACH SUMMER SOLSTICE CONCERT:  We are actively preparing for the visit of Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley on Friday, June 22.  Mike Hanrahan, a past member of Stockton’s Wing has an extensive biography, but will be best remembered by many for being a member of the group, Stockton’s Wing and penned their most well-known hit, Beautiful Affair.  Joining Mike on the night will be renowned Irish folk singer Eleanor Shanley came to prominence with De Danann and also recorded with U2, the Dubliners and Sharon Shannon.  A wonderful night of music and song is guaranteed with doors open at 7.15, concert starts at at 8.30pm, to book tickets at a very competitive €15 please contact 0871383940.

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. 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’ and at the church after Mass.

YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING:  Contact Aoife Walsh on [email protected] if you would like to participate in the new round of training with the diocese beginning in September.

MUSIC CAMP:  Teenagers (13 -17yrs) in Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas are invited to a three day music camp at Newcastle West Community Centre, starting on Wednesday, June 13 at 11am.  A joint initiative between Limerick Youth Service & Music Generation, the music camps is suitable for all levels, including beginners.  As part of the camps, teenagers will have the opportunity to write and perform their own song, record it and even design the artwork for their single!  This exciting programme costs €25 for the 3 days (11am-3pm) and with spaces limited, interested parties are asked to contact Amanda 061-412444 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY ALERT: Abbeyfeale Garda Station 068 30010 (if station unattended the call will automatically be forwarded to NCW station 069 20650.  Helpline for crime victims is 116006. Opening hours are; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 – 6.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4pm.Sunday- Closed. Summer Outing tickets selling fast.  Call to Kathleen’s Foodstore for yours.   Never, ever give banking details to anyone on the phone or at the door.  Lock windows and doors even if you are only going out for a few minutes.  Put handbags in the boot not the passenger seat. Wear sunscreen, have the container beside the Holy Water and apply both on your way out the door!  Once you reach the age of 65 and live alone or with a person/s aged over 65 you are entitled to receive a monitored alarm system. But if you have younger people living in the house who are out for long periods of the day then because you are spending hours alone you are also entitled to the system provided that you are over 65.  The free equipment is provided by Pobal following an application from Abbeyfeale Community Alert, there will be a monitoring fee to be paid from the second year of installation to the installing company of €66.  Should you not have a landline the installing company Task provide a sim card at a rate of €7.50 per month.  Please note that this fee is payable in a lump sum each year after year one. Committee members are Sean Broderick, Micheal O’Kelly N.T., Seamus Stack, Mossie Gleeson, Kathleen Collins, Mary McArthur, Buddy and Brenda Barry, John O’Sullivan, Billy Quirke N.T., Cllr. Francis Foley, Mary Jo O’Connell, James Joy, Denis Collins, Marian Harnett.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH NOTES: Canon Anthony Mullins 087/2600414.  Fr Joseph Foley CC Tel: Mobile: 087 – 2618412. Fr Brendan Duggan 087/0562674 Parish Office:  Parish 068/31133 Open 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tues. – Fri.     Email: [email protected] Limerick Social Services:     061-314111   Accord NCW 069/61000.  .    Parish Church 068/51915.  Limerick Social Services:     061-314111.   A.A. 061-311222 Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203, 068/ 31262, 068/5198. Parish Support Worker 068/31019.   St Vincent De Paul 087/1213560.  087 – 2618412.  To book a Mass intention telephone the church 068/51915 during Mass times.  Counselling Appointment    061/314213. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans: 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 061-306792.   Masses:   No morning Mass Monday, evening Mass at 7pm.  Saturday Masses 11am and 6.30pm.  Sunday 9.15am and 12 noon.  Mass Intentions: Saturday 11am, Margaret and Tomas Enright and family.  Vigil Mass 7.30pm.  Sunday 9.15am Margaret and Tom Finucane, St. Ita’s Terrace and Miheal and Margaret Finucane, New York.  12 noon.  Hauleen Foley, Ballaugh – 2^nd anniversary.

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.

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

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

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