NaomhFíonán.
AnFálCarrach
Nuachtlítir
3RDSUNDAY OF LENT
3RD & 4TH MARCH, 2018.
MASSES DURING THE WEEK & WEEKEND
Mon No Mass
Tue Fri 7.30am & 7pm
Wed 10am & 7pm
Thur 7.30am & 6pm
Weekend Masses
Sat 10am
Sat Vigil 7pm
Sunday Masses
Aifreann 9am
Mass 11am
Confessions
Thur 10am
Sat 6.15pm.
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament Thurs 10am – 9pm.
Divine Mercy recited every Thursday at 5.45pm.
Exposition concludes with Rosary at 8.30pm.
FREAGRA ANtSAILM:
‘Is agatsa a Thiarna, atábriathranabeathasíoraí’.
Reflection
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their lives. Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band -he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’
Thought
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy. ‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present¨.
Fógraí
Sick and Housebound
The above will be attended on Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week; areas as usual. Anyone who is not already on the list and who would wish to have a house call, please contact Fr. Denis G.
Family Prayer for 3rd week of Lent.
Say one decade of The Rosary as a family, at 6pm every evening.
Buíochas/Thanks
I wish to thank all those who attended the parish meeting on Tuesday evening.
It was a very positive meeting. Groups have met and further discussion and work will happen in the coming weeks. Meetings have been arranged as follows:
Finance Group - 7.30pm Tuesday 6th March in Parochial House
Catering Group - 7.30pm Tuesday 13th March in Aras Begley Hall
Child Protection Group - Arranged
Maintenance Group - 8pm Thursday 8th March in Parochial House
Liturgy & Spirituality Group - Monday 5th March in Parochial House
SMA Fathers
An SMA priest will visit the parish this Saturday and Sunday to speak at all the masses about the work of the SMA Fathers. Your support is appreciated.
The Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers) was founded in France in 1856 and when it was established in Ireland in 1878 it was the first exclusively missionary congregation to send out missionaries from Ireland. The main mission of the SMA is in Africa where members work in 17 countries. Today, there are about 800 members and about 300 seminarians preparing to be missionaries. The SMA asks for the support of prayers for the success of its missionary works. Our greatest need is funds to educate our seminarians and to continue the work of our priests among some of the poorest people on earth.
Tax Relief Scheme on Donations to Church
It is possible for the parish to claim tax relief for the year on the weekly contribution of parish envelopes. For the parish to avail of this scheme a CHY3 Form must be completed. This form is for all who pay a minimum of €250 per annum to the parish – and for both PAYE and Self Assessed Tax Payers. These forms are available from the Parochial House. Under the tax relief scheme the parish gets 31% of all donations. This means that at no extra cost to you, the parish can claim tax relief in respect of personal church donations.
We hope that everyone who is eligible for the scheme will participate.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The weekend collection amounted to €309. Thank you for your support. From time to time families and individuals can find themselves in real need. If you find yourself in this situation and would like some help, then contact St. Vincent de Paul on 087 1443464. All requests are dealt with individually and in confidence. SVP are always looking for new members. You will be made most welcome and you will find our work most rewarding. You can also contact us on
SAVE THIS DATE
Saturday 10th March at 2pm in Dublin. We need you at the most important RALLY FOR LIFE in Irish history. Contact Anne on 087 2629585 to book a place on the bus and for more details. Also see posters in the Church Porch.
Pro Life Meeting
Protect the 8th follow up talk and training NW Donegal with Rosemary McGinley, Paddy Manning and Michael Dwyer on Thursday March 8th at Hotel Loch Altan, Gortahork at 8pm in the Ballroom. All welcome!
AifreannnaMarbh
7pm Mass in St Finian's Church,Falcarragh on Saturday 10th March will be in memory of deceased friends and relatives. All those whose names were displayed on baubles in the windows of various businesses in the town before Christmas will be remembered.
Thanks
The local committee of the Special Olympics would like to thank all those who contributed to their recent Church Gate Collection. A total of €370.47 was raised. Thank you.
Mary’s Meals
Mary's Meals has been given permission to hold a Church gate collection on 3rd and 4th March 2018. All help and support is greatly appreciated. This collection will be held in accordance with the conditions of the received Garda Permit. Mary's Meals are now feeding 1,230,171 children every school day in places of education.
Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding a Parent Evening on Tuesday 6th March at 7:00pm in the Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe, and on Thursday 8th of March from 19:30 to 21:00 in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. As Anam Cara Dungloe will need to confirm numbers for teas, coffees, etc, please RSVP to before Monday 5th March or call the Information Line on 085 2888 888.
Interested in Becoming a Foster Carer
Come along to an open Coffee Morning and have an informal chat with current foster carers over a cup of coffee and a scone in The Station House Hotel, Letterkenny on Tuesday 27th February 2018 anytime between 11am - 1pm to see if you could make a positive difference to a child’s life.
Tusla, Donegal always welcome enquires about Fostering & Supported Lodgings. Please contact your local office on 074 9123701 if you are interested in finding out more.
Padre Pio Pilgrimage
Benevento - San Giovanni - Alba Adriatica
Loreto and Cascia
5th to 12th June 2018
Further details from Nuala 071 9851129.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 2018
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje takes place on 5th September 2018 with Spiritual Director (7 Days) €729 per person. For further information and to book contact Kathleen at 074-9121641 or 086-3721962
BuionCheoilSinsearChloichCheannFhaola
NEW DATE for our Band Sync Time To Mime is 10th March in Ostan Loch Altan. Tickets already purchased for the 17th February are still valid for the 10th March. Tickets are back on sale in CentraDunfanaghy, CentraFalcarragh and Mc ClaffertysEurosparGortahork.
Cloughaneely Band Lotto
3 match 4 winners
Sandra O Donnell, Kevin Ferry, and Catherine Gallagher €35 each. Winning numbers 4, 6, 11, 13, 16 and 18. Next week's drawin Gortahork Parish Hall on Thursday 1st March; jackpot €2,450.
Band uniforms
If there are any band uniforms, jackets, hoodies etc lying in your house, please return to a band committee member or take it to Gortahork parish hall on Thursday evening, as we are short of uniforms etc. Collection can also be organised. Feel free to message via messenger or email Thank you.
PobalEascarrach
Easter Camp 2018 depending on demand
4-12yrs of age - 26th- 29th March and 3rd-6th April. Spaces limited, booking essential. Call 074-9180571 to register.
50/50
Congratulations to James Ferry who won the 50/50 at the bingo this week .The prize was €605 .Thank you to everyone who supports the draw every week.
Pobail Le Chéile and ScoilNaomhFionán art competition
Congratulations to AndreyDoohan, the winner of the sixth class art competition at ScoilNaomhFionán. The theme was the sky at night and the judge was Sarah Kernan. Second prize went to Carol Mc Clafferty and third prize went to Lucia Doohan. A big thank you to the school Principal Catherine, MúinteoirCaitríona and the whole class and to Joe Ruddy from Special Days who made sure that all the children got a goody bag. The art competition was organised by Rosemary Grain from Pobail Le chéile and was in memory of the late Manus McClafferty. Rosemary told the children about Manus' adventures with the Mir Space Station and how he is remembered fondly by all the volunteers at SiopaPobail for his kindness. Pobail Le Chéile was also delighted to work with the school to arrange a visit by an Exploration Dome. All the staff and pupils from junior infants to sixth class learnt all about the sky at night.
'Bloodroot' Book Launch
On Friday 2 March at 8pm, Donegal poet Annemarie NíChurreáin will launch her debut collection ‘BLOODROOT’ in the Shamrock Bar, Falcarragh. Introduction by Doire Press and music by Ger Roche, Andrew Roddy and Friends. Bloodroot is a meditation on the theme of origins and the book references the lives of Ann Lovett, Joanne Hayes, among many other mythological and historical female Irish figures. In her review of 'BLOODROOT' for the Dublin Review of Books poet Mary O' Donnell has described Annemarie's writing as one with "a sure technique, reflective language and much passion. Fresh, vital, highly recommended". The book has been hailed by the London Economic as "the book the world and its women have been waiting for". More information from Doirepress.com. All welcome.
CumannCairdeas
The guest speaker on Tuesday 6th March will be Geraldine Doohan. Geraldine will talk about the therapies she offers at Holistic Harmony. These include Reiki, Integrated Energy Theapy and Bach Flower Remedies. Chair Aerobics at 10am and Geraldines talk at 11am at the YARD. Fáilteroimhachannduine.Tuilleadheolais: Rosemary 07491 80111
A.A. Meetings
Every Sunday and Monday nights in Aras Begley Hall, (hall beside Church), at 8pm.
Friends of CuanMuire
Support Centre for addicts, family and friends – Unit 11, College Court, Ballybofey. Open daily 10am – 4pm.
Al-Anon-Ireland
To find out more about the above and about meetings, email . Confidential Helpline 01 8732600
Dates for your diary:
First Holy Communions - 11am Saturday 5th May, 2018.
Graveyard Sunday - 12 noon Sunday 5th August, 2018.
Ballina Estate Mass - 11am Sunday 3rd June, 2018.
Local Newsletters are now available online, NaomhFíonán, ÚLL, PobalChróistRí and Glór, at "
CuimhneacháinBáis
Died Recently
Teresa Curran, Balliness.
Joe Kelly, Balliness.
Mickey O’ Donnell, Glassagh/Ardsbeg.
Ita Early, Cashelnagor.
Anna Maria Diamond, Edinburgh. Month’s Mind Mass Tue 7pm.
Anniversaries
Adrian Mc Connell, Ballyconnell. Mass Sat 7pm.
Holy Souls. Mass Wed 7pm.
Holy Souls. Mass Thur 6pm.
Tommy Coyle, Ballyboes. Mass Fri 7pm.
Antoin Gallagher, Ray. Mass Sat 10th 10am.
Deceased Friends and Relatives. Mass Sat 10th 7pm.