PRIESTS PHONE NUMBERS
Very Rev. Thomas Dooley P.P. Tel: (057) 8643004 Rev. Pat Hughes C.C., Tel: (057) 8646517Very Rev. Michael Noonan P.E.Tel: (057) 8623431 Very Rev. Jack Walsh P.E. Tel: (057) 8626401
PARISH OFFICE
DIOCESAN WEBSITE SAMARITANS 1850 60 90 90 or 0902 73133 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 087 7640557
AWARELo-call Helpline 1890 303 302 MENTAL HEALTH ASSOC. 083 3476291 / 087 6966133 PHOENIX 1850 20 30 40
MASS TIMES
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington
10am Daily Mass (Mon. – Fri.)
6.15pm (Vigil – Saturday),
9am & 12.15pm Sunday
St. John’s Church, Killenard
10.30am Sunday / MASS TIMES
St. Paul’s Church, Emo
7.30pm (Vigil – Saturday),
11am Sunday
Sacred Heart Church, Rath
9am Sunday
21st December, 2014 –Fourth Sunday of Advent
ANNIVERSARIES–PORTARLINGTONMon. 22nd Dec. 10amMarcella Walsh, Dublin (1st Anniv.) & Marty Walsh, Dublin (1st Anniv.)
Tues. 23rd Dec. 10amBrigid & John Lovern, Foxcroft St. & their Son John Lovern, Galway
Wed. 24th Dec. 10am Mick & Mary Fingleton, Nora Fingleton, Paddy Fingleton, Fergus & Shane McMahon
Wed. 24th Dec. 9pm Vigil Mass –See Anniv.
Thurs. 25th Dec. 9amPeople of the Parish
Thurs. 25th Dec. 12.15pm– See Anniv.
Fri. 26th Dec. 10amChristina Maloney, Manchester & Sadie Shaughnessy, England
Saturday 20th December – 6.15pm
JoJo McEvoy, St. Joseph’s Tce., Margaret Weldon, Patrick’s Ave, Colette O’Callaghan, Deerpark, Michael Murphy, Annamoe, Martin Rogers, Cushina, Kathy & Mick Brennan, Ted Lawlor , Foxcroft St. Marie Crofton, Patrick St., Denis Delaney, Spa St.
Sunday 21st December – 12.15pm
Eugene Boland, (2nd Anniv.) & Mary Boland, Main St., Liz Hyland, Pine Villa, Lydia & Jack Murphy, Deceased members of the Murphy Family, Gracefield, John & Diana McCague, Station Rd., Fran Doyle (nee Storey) U.K.
Eileen & Vincent Meredith, St. Michael’s Park
Mary & Michael Mulhall, Avondale
Wednesday 24th December – 9pm Vigil
Kate, Mary, Fran, Joan & James Browne,
Ger Knight, Niall Cox, Marty Flanagan, Assumpta Tce., Annie Phillips, Seskin, Tommy Dunne, St. Patrick’s Ave., Sean & Eileen Powell, Spa St., Billy & Kathleen Whelan, Marian Hill, Tom & Molly Keegan, Tommy Keegan, Abe Evans, MaryAnn & Cecil Emerson, St. Michael’s Pk., Michael & Cissie Emerson, Spa St., Finian Wyse, Canal Rd., Oliver O’Reilly, Avondale, Tom & Susan Guinan, Tom & Bridget O’Reilly, Congress Tce.
Alan Jones & Noel Jones, Garryhinch
Thursday 25th December – 12.15pm
Fiona Lambe, Avondale, Sheila, Elizabeth & Patrick Taylor & dec. members of the Taylor Family, St. Michael’s Pk., & Bradford, England,
Willie Slattery & dec. members of the Slattery Family, Kitty Byrne & dec. members of the Byrne, Power & O’Dwyer families, Johnny Moore, Athy
Saturday 27th December – 6.15pm
Christopher Mooney, Kilbride Hse., Maureen McDermott, Garryhinch (17th Anniv.)
Sunday 28th December – 12.15pm
Pat Butler, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Shandra, Margaret, Michael & Liam Lawlor, Garryhinch, Danny, Ellen & James Malone & dec. members of the Malone Family, Lauri Lawlor Snr. & Lauri Lawlor Jnr., Kilbride, Richard & Mary Byrne, Patrick St., Dec. members of the Byrne Family, Cloneygowan, Peter & Dinah Grumbly, Ballinagar, Dec.members of the King Family, Clane. / ANNIVERSARIES - KILLENARD
Sunday 21st December – 10.30am
John Donnelly, Killenard (M.M.)
Una O’Leary, Killenure, Caroline McGrath, Bray, Sylvester & Sarah Boland, Son Colin Boland, Peg Boland, Ballycarroll, Mary Flanagan, Killenard, Kathy Stack, Lilly Histed (nee Grattan), Christopher & Catherine
Grattan, Ballycarroll
Wednesday 24th December – 7.30pm Vigil
Deirdre Conroy, Lea Rd., Frank Noone, Jack & Kathleen Carroll, Ballycarroll, Frances & Peter O’Reilly, Ballybrittas, Maureen & Thomas McNamara, Lea, Marie & Bob O’Connor, Lea
Thursday 25th December – 10.30am
Patrick Costello, Jack Costello, Janina Gudiene
Sunday 28th December – 10.30m
Deirdre Conroy, Lea Road, Brian Ducie
ANNIVERSARIES- EMO
Saturday 20th December – 7.30pm
Deceased members of the Langford & Travers Families, Willie Gleeson, Tommy Hurley, Ballybrittas, Edward & Josephine Dunne, Clonamone, Frank Behan, Donal Fenlon, Ballybrittas, Norah Scully, Coolaghy, Catherine Ramsbottom, New Inn, Kevin Eustace, Kildare, Bridie Kavanagh, The Commons, Laurence Kehoe, Coolbanagher, Paddy & Kate Walsh & deceased members of the Walsh Family, Cappakeel, Molly, Martin & Sean Brophy, Killeen.
Sunday 21st December – 11am
Johnny Christie, Coolbanagher,
Brigid Carroll, New Inn
Thursday 25th December – 11am
Patrick Mangan & deceased members of the Mangan Family, Caron, Patsy Mangan, Margaret O’Connor, John, Ger, James & Norah O’Connor, Rossmore, Vicarstown
Saturday 27th December – 7.30pm
Cecilia Kennedy, Arklow, Martin Buggy, Knightstown
ANNIVERSARIES - RATH
Sunday 21st December – 9am
Pat Behan, Courtwood
Wednesday 24th December – 7.30pm Vigil
Kathleen Boland, Jamestown; Eamonn Bailey, Ashgrove, Ballybrittas
DECEASED
Your prayers are requested for the following:-
Fran Doyle (nee Storey), Richmond, UK
Gloria Mulhall, Woodenbridge
CHRISTMAS EVE REMINDER
Don’t forget to light a candle to welcome the Holy Family into your home this Christmas & to pray the prayer of St. Francis (found on the back of your Reach Out 2014 card from Bishop Denis) as we welcome the peace of Christ into our world, home & heart. / LECTORS
Portarlington
Sat. 27th Dec. 6.15pm Sarah Dunne
Sun. 28th Dec. 9am John Prior / 12.15pm Anita Donoher
Killenard
Sun. 28th Dec. 10.30am Declan Kirrane
Emo
Sat. 27th Dec. Stephanie Lewis
Sun. 28th Dec. Ellen Dunne
Rath
Sun. 28th Dec. Margaret Donoher
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Portarlington
Sat. 27th / Sun. 28th Dec. Team C
Killenard
Sun. 29th Dec. Team D
The Rota for the Christmas Ceremonies were sent out to the Eucharistic Ministers.
PENITENTIAL SERVICE
Mountmellick:Mon. 22nd Dec. 7.30pm
Portarlington Tues. 23rd Dec. 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS
Portarlington: Wed. 24th Dec.11–12 Noon
& 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Killenard: Wed. 24th Dec. 6.30pm – 7.15pm
Emo:Wed. 24th Dec. 7.30-8.30pm
CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve – Wed. 24th December
Portarlington: 9pm Killenard: 7.30pm
Emo: 9pm Rath: 7.30pm
Christmas Day – Thurs. 25th December
Portarlington: 9am & 12.15pm
Killenard: 10.30am
Rath: 9am Emo: 11am
St. Stephen’s Day - Friday 26th December
Portarlington: 10am Mass
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Collection for the support of the Priests of the Parish will take place at all Masses on Christmas Day. Envelope available in your development boxes or at the Church Porch.
PORTARLINGTON PARISH ENVELOPES
The envelope boxes are available at the Church porches. The boxes contain weekly collection envelopes & special collection envelopes. To register please write your name & address on first envelope. This contribution goes towards the upkeep of schools, churches & parish buildings. We thank all who contributed during the past year.
PORTARLINGTON PARISH CHOIR
Rehearsal on Mon. 22nd Dec. at 7.30pm.
The Choir will hold a Carol Service from
8pm-9pm Christmas Eve before Mass in
St. Michael’s Church.
PARISH CALENDAR 2015
Parish Calendar for 2015 now available.
CLASSICAL FLUTE LESSONS & FRENCH GRINDS All levels and ages catered for. Contact Magali on 0894412929 / 0578647056.
SCHOOL ENROLMENTS
Scoil Naomh Eoin, Killenard
Enrolments Junior InfantsSeptember 2015
Application Forms available from the school office from Mon. 5th January 2015.
Closing date Fri. 30th January 2015.
Rath N.S. – Enrolments for Junior Infants Sept. 2015 - Applications available at school office from Mon. 5th Jan. 2015. Closing date for applications isFri. 30th Jan. 2015.
Emo N.S. – Now enrolling for 2015/2016. For Application form phone the school between 9am &1pm or e-mail . Closing date for application Fri. 13th January.
GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
Meets every Tues. at 7pm in the Annexe, Portarlington (located beside school, opposite St. Michael’s Church). Ph: John 086 8033126.
PORTARLINGTON LEISURE CENTRE
New year – New you, new. Only €199 for gym & pool membership until Jun 2015 for as little as €1 per day. Includes use of the guy, pool, sauna, steam room, fitness classes & assessment programme.
GOAL MILE
Create a family memory attend the GOAL mile. 11am – 11.30am Christmas Day at Portarlington GAA Club. Run, Walk or Jog while the Turkey cooks. No registration required, just turn up.
PORTARLINGTON GAA
Portarlington GAA Dinner Dance will be held on 31st Jan. 2015 commencing 7.30pm in the HeritageHotel, Killenard. Music by Epic with disco until late. Tickets are €35 and can be paid in full or by weekly installments every Tuesday 8-9pm in the small meeting room in the GAA Centre. Keep up to date with what's going on in Portarlington GAA Club by liking our Facebook page or following us on Twitter @PortGAA or our websiteclgportarlington.com
GRINDS
Irish oral & written grinds available - Fiddle lessons available in traditional music. SCT Senior 4 Complete & experience in teaching. References available. Phone 087-9565494
CHILDMINDER/BABYSITTER
Mature, trustworthy girl available for childcare and babysitting. Experienced with children / References available. Ph: 087 9565494.
USED STAMPS FOR THE MISSIONS
Donate to Angela, in Portarlington Pharmacy or to No. 45 Bracklone Street, Portarlington.
EMO ART & CRAFT GROUP
Sincere thanks to all who supported the recent Art & Craft Fair. The raffle raised €416.90 split between Emo Senior Citizens Party & the Field Committee towards their ‘All-weather’ soccer pitch. Raffle winners: 1st6thGrainne Linden, 2ndMary Hurley, 3rdAaron Pratt, 4thMarie Davis, 5thMary Pollard, 7thJim Dorothy, 8thStephanie Lewis. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
ST. CONLETH’S FOOTBALL CLUB
Sincere thanks to all the U8 to Senior level for their hard work & commitment over the past year. Also to the parents for giving also of their time. We will everyone a Happy & Peaceful Christmas & look forward to a successful 2015. / PORTARLINGTON FOLK CHOIR
Will be singing at the 12.15pm Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington on Christmas Day.
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
The Parish Office will be closed from 12.30pm Tues. 23rd Dec.& will re-open Mon. 5th January.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
4th – 11th June 2015 – 7 nights in Hotel Santo Amaro. Accompanied by Spiritual Director. €704 fully inclusive. Discounts for early payment. €150 off if paid in full before the 20th Dec. €100 off is paid in full before 2nd February. Further info: Mary on 086-1627564
TEACH MHUIRE PRAYING COMMUNITY
Meeting will be held on Tues. 13th Jan. in St. Patrick’s Boys N.S. at 8pm.
Faith Talk – “Jesus at Prayer”
Speaker – Michael Nerney. Tues. 27th January 2015 at 8pm. Venue: St. Patrick’s Boys N.S.
Mass for Healing will take place Tues. 3rd Feb. 2015 at 8pm in St. Paul’s Church, Emo. Celebrant – Fr. Jim Bermingham.
All very welcome.
PORTARLINGTON PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2015
Pilgrimage to Lourdes is from 31st July to 7th August (7nights) Full board in a 4* Hotel. Spiritual Director and medical staff will travel with us. Further info. contact: Marie on 087 7589896, Vera on 087 9311813 or any member of the Lourdes Committee. Deposit secures seat. Fare can be paid for by instalments.
EMO / RATH PARISH LOTTO 15.12.14
Numbers 1, 16, 19, 24 – No Jackpot winner
€25 to each of the following
Stephanie Lewis C/o Vera; Shane Carney, Emo Shop; Dolores O’Connor, Emo Shop; Johnny Doonan C/o Majella; Michael Kirwan C/o Emo Shop, Caroline Costello C/o Emo Shop; Stephen Connell C/o Pat Behan; Francis Duffy C/o Francis; Shirley Dempsey C/o Ann Lowry; Majella Corcoran C/o Majella
Next draw 12th January 2015 – Jackpot €4,400
B-FIT FITNESS CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS
Monday & Friday 8-9pm. Located above Xtra Vision, Portarlington. Many other classes available. Facebook @ B-Fit or phone Ed on 089-4946301
DANCING IN GANDON INN
Mon. 22ndDec. Unity / Mon. 29thDec. Tony Bird. Adm: €6. Proceeds in aid of St. Vincent de Paul Society.
EMO TIDY TOWNS
Emo Tidy Towns group wish everyone a Happy Holy Christmas with best wishes for a peaceful 2015.We thank all who have helped to keep our village area clean tidy in 2014 look forward to your continued support in 2015.
May the hope, peace, joy and love
of Christ be with you
and your loved ones this Christmas.
The Priests of the Parish wish all Parishioners a
Happy & Peaceful Christmas. / CAROL SINGING
The Ryan family friends will be singing in Super Valu Portarlington this Wednesday, Christmas Eve, from 10am until 1pm. All proceeds are in aid of victims of the Ebola disease in Sierra Leone Liberia, as well as the displaced children of Syria. Come along on Christmas eve and join in the singing and help make a difference to these people’s lives.
I CATHOLIC PLAYER
Keep up with all the latest videos and live-streams from iCatholic while on the go or use Apple TV or a similar device to watch iCatholic content on your home TV. Free app is now available in the Apple App Store.
MEAL PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
We invite you to light a candle & pray this prayer with whomever you share your Christmas meal this Christmas day.
Loving God,
On this Christmas day we give thanks that Jesus, your Son,
Has come into our world bringing us gifts of peace and joy.
Bless us as we sit down together at this table for our Christmas meal.
Bless the food we share, and help us to remember those who are hungry.
Be with our neighbours and our friends, all who are lonely, sick or away from home.
We pray that our departed loved ones may now sit at your table in heaven.
May the joy of this feast give us strength and light, now and in the days ahead. Amen.
DIAMONDS & TIARA CHARITY GALA BALL
Friday 27th February in the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Killenard. Why not give a gift of a ticket at Christmas and support Laois Hospice. Tickets available from:- Marie 087-7589896; Colette 086-2654277 or Maria 086-3058181
PORTARLINGTON PARENTS & FRIENDS OF MOORE ABBEY
Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the recent Church Gate Collection in aid of the above. Your generosity was much appreciated.
LAOIS HOSPICE CHARITY SHOP
Barrow View, Portarlington
The Management & Staff of the Portarlington Laois Hospice Charity Shop thank all our customers & donors for their continued generosity. We wish everybody a Happy & Peaceful Christmas & New Year.
O’DEMPSEYS FOOTBALL CLUB
Lotto results 15.2.14 – Numbers 5,6,8,25 – No Winner. The Club thank all the ticket sellers & buyers for their work & contribution during the past year. Wishing you all aHappyChristmas and Prosperous New Year.
FRIDAY CUPPA!
Portarlington Social Services announce the commencement of a social event for the elderly in their Centre on the Link Rd. This will take place each from early February, Friday’s from 12 Noon-3pm where you can come meet other people to chat & have a cuppa, maybe a game of cards or a sing song. Volunteers needed to help anyone who may need transport from their homes. Further info. contact any members of Portarlington Social Services or contact the Centre any morning from 9am-12 Noon on 057-8623461.
MOUNTMELLICK MACRA
New Year's EveMasquerade Party will be held in Mountmellick Macra hall commencing 9pm. Music by The Little Fiddle. €10 door charge with proceeds going to the Ben and Jake Connolly Trust. Contact Helen on087 951 1765 or facebook @Mountmellick Macra.