NEWSLETTER
24th May 2026 PENTECOST SUNDAY
Pray for:
Mick Clear, Gorteen. Funeral Mass Monday 11am in Killeigh.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Bill Kelly, Gorteen.
Andy & Vera Buckley, Daingean.
Martin & Mary Dunne, Scrubb.
Joseph & Elizabeth Dunne, Hawkswood.
Joe Malone, Moneyquid &
Deceased Family.
William Molloy, Thornsbury, Tullamore & his Son Michael & his Parents
Bridget & Michael Molloy, Gorteen.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Michael & May Murphy, Geashill &
Their Daughter Ann.
Joe Grennan, Clara.
Peter Tobin, his Grandparents
Fran & Margaret Tobin & Deceased Family.
Mary Kelly, Alderborough.
P.J. Pender & his Parents Poll & John,
Ballykeane.
Tom & Kathleen Mannion, Geashill.
Paddy & Anne Daly, Geashill.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Andy Tyrrell, Toberlaheen.
Bridget & Anthony Malone & Deceased of the Malone, McHugh & Fennelly Families.
Mary O’Neill, Cloncon.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Frank Gorman, Killeigh.
Matt, Dinah & Paddy O’Brien, Ballinvalley.
Rita Condron, Killeenmore.
Mass This Week in Killeigh:
Monday: Funeral for Mick Clear. 11.00am
Thursday & Friday. 10.00am
Wed: Readings & Holy Communion10am
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Noel Daly, Killurin & his Parents
James & Catherine & his Brothers
Gerry & Shay & Sisters Rita & Patsy.
John & Catherine Flynn, Killeenmore & their Daughter Anne.
Pat Joe Flynn, Manchester &
Deceased Family.
John & Elizabeth Arnold, Ballyaville & Deceased Family.
Patty Dunne, Killurin & her Parents
Simon & Ellen Walsh & her Brother Joe, Derrygolan.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Tom Bracken, Fear na Mona.
Mary McEvoy, Ard & her Parents
Annie & George & her Brother Jim.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Mella & Denis Plunkett, Killeenmore.
James Dillon, Gorteen.
Ministers of Holy Eucharist Next Week:-
Killeigh Sat: Sally Green/Dolores Martin
Killeigh Sun: Mary Berry/Declan Walsh
Rah Sat: Elysia McCormac/P. O’Bricn
Ballinagar Sun: Hugh Murphy
READERS for next weekend:-
Killeigh 6pm: Brigid Brickland
Raheen 7.30pm: Eithne O’Byrne
B’Gar 10.30am: Paul Bolger
Killeigh 11.30am: Plunkett & Dillon Families
Bring a Newsletter to your Neighbour
First Holy Communion:
Congratulations to the Girls and Boys of Killeigh & Geashill National Schools who received their First Communion this weekend.
Remember in your prayers all the Girls & Boys in the parish who have received their First Communion.
Retired Priests Collection TODAY. The generosity of parishioners in supporting this collection is deeply appreciated.
Kildare & Leighlin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
Bishop Denis Nulty invites you to join with him and parishioners from across the diocese at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock on Sunday 7th June 2026, Ceremonies begin at 2.30pm in the Basilica.
Bus leaving Mountmellick at 8.30am & Killeigh 8.40am approx.
Call Carol in Mountmellick Parish 057 86 24390 to book your seat.
Killeigh Community Centre
Monday 25th May at 8pm there is a free event
‘The Power of Plants’. This is an introduction to Western herbal medicine and local herbs, learn about the healing power of plants for everyday wellbeing
Bingo: Every Tuesday night in Killeigh Community Centre. Doors open 6.30. Bingo starts at 7.30pm. Great prizes to be won. 085 823 9699
Keep an eye on our Social media pages for classes. Email with any queries to.
info@killeighcommunitycentre.com
Killeigh Coffee Morning Wed 27th 10.30am - 12.30pm - all welcome.
‘Love is patient, love is kind’.
Graveyard Masses 2026:
Killeigh … Sat June 6th 6.00pm
Ballinagar.. Sun June 14th 10.30am
Annagharvey.
Tues Jun16th 7.30pm
Raheen… Sat June 20th 7.30pm
Pastoral Area Update:
See the MAP on Newsletter page of www.killeigh.com
Annual Rosary Rally Saturday June 6th at Knock Shrine. Keynote Speakers.
Buses arranged across Ireland see www.allirelandrosaryrally.com
for more info. Pick up a leaflet or see the Poster.
Growth in the Holy Spirit Monthly Retreat Saturday 30th May 10am to 1.00pm in St. Peter and Paul's Parish Church Portlaoise R32K023.
Holy Mass @ 10.00 am - Confessions available after Mass. Retreat continues in the Parish Centre in the Ratheniska Room after Mass at 10.45am
ARE YOU, OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, LIVING WITH A LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITION?
If so, you may be interested in the ‘Living Well Programme’. Living Well is a FREE, Online 7week self-management group programme for adults living with long term health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke and others to name but a few. There are spaces available for the Online Programme due to start in early June. To book your place please contact
Aine 041 6850676 / 087 1140371 or Elaine 041 6860710 / 087 4308735
(Closing date is Friday 5th June)
Candle Shrine Donate Button.
You now can make a donation for the Candle Shrine on the parish website under the “Donate” button on the home page.
Parish Office Open Next Week:
Tues, Thurs & Friday 11-1pm.
Call 057 93 44161 or leave a message.
Mass Times.
Saturday evening Mass in Killeigh is at 6pm.
Saturday evening in Raheen at 7.30pm
Sunday morning in Ballinagar at 10.30am
Sunday morning in Killeigh at 11.30am
These times are provisional.
A Copy of the Scroll of the Prophet Isaiah, found in 1948 in a cave near the Dead Sea.
Carbon dated showing it was writen in 70 B.C.
Interesting Catholic News
View interesting videos.
Welcome and Thank God for Pope Leo.
Pope Leo XIV The untold story of new elected Pope Robert Prevost:
In 1975 Robert Prevost was at the top of his game. Chicago math teacher. Devout Catholic. Accepted into Harvard Law. He had everything a young man could dream of, But then—he made a decision that no one saw coming...Read MORE...
Congratulations to the Committee.
All updates on Facebook page.
Email:- info@killeighcommunitycentre.com
Useful contacts for Information on Marian Shrines, and others:-
http://www.knock-shrine.ie/
History; Pilgrims Guide; Facilities; Accommodation; News; Shop; etc
http://en.lourdes-france.org/tv-lourdes/
See Live TV from the shrine; Deepen [history, Messages, Cures, etc]; Youth
http://sacredsites.com/europe/
portugal/fatima.html
Sacred Sites; Places of Peace and Power throughout the world
SLIDE SHOWS:-
Visit your ancestors grave in
Visit your ancestors grave in
Thanks to work of Roseanna and Emma.
See slides of the Easter Morning Mass on the mountain
View some pics from the Official Opening of Ballinagar School.
See slides of the Easter Morning Mass on the mountain
View some pics from the Official Opening of Ballinagar School.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Warning signs of a STROKE:
The following can help you recognise if someone is having a stroke and ACT FAST if you see any of them.
The following can help you recognise if someone is having a stroke and ACT FAST if you see any of them.
F – FACE: Ask the person to smile-does one side droop?
A – ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms and keep them there.
S – SPEECH: Can the person repeat a sentence? Is their speech slurred?
T – TIME: If you see any of the above signs – even just one – call 999 for an ambulance
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Suicidal Thoughts?
Share the Load!
….others can help you carry it.
Midlands Living Links 086-1600641
MABS – Money Advice – Hibernian Hse, 076-107-2710 (free & confidential).
C.I.C. – Citizens Information Centre
Mon-Sat, 10.30am-12.30pm 057 9352204.
Samaritans: 1850 60 90 90
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or 0818 277 438
Suicidal Thoughts?
Share the Load!
….others can help you carry it.
Midlands Living Links 086-1600641
MABS – Money Advice – Hibernian Hse, 076-107-2710 (free & confidential).
C.I.C. – Citizens Information Centre
Mon-Sat, 10.30am-12.30pm 057 9352204.
Samaritans: 1850 60 90 90
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or 0818 277 438
Samaritans new freephone number 116 123
visit www.3ts.ie/need-help/ for a full list of crisis helplines
Domestic Violence
We can help! Contact Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service (ODVSS)
on our Confidential Information Line 057 9351886. (Open Mon to Fri 10am to 12pm2pm to 4pm)
Have you got a number in your phone after the letters I.C.E.?
In Case of Emergency?
DO IT NOW!
Grow: World Community Mental Health Movement in Ireland.
You alone can dot it,
but you can’t do it alone.
If you are anxious, depressed,
or feeling suicidal,
GROW can support you.
Strictly Confidential. www.grow.ie
Young Adult Group Monday 7.30pm,
Community Group Thurs 3.00pm
Community Health Centre 057 9351124.
You alone can dot it,
but you can’t do it alone.
If you are anxious, depressed,
or feeling suicidal,
GROW can support you.
Strictly Confidential. www.grow.ie
Young Adult Group Monday 7.30pm,
Community Group Thurs 3.00pm
Community Health Centre 057 9351124.
Pontifical University – St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Higher Diploma in Theological Studies One-year part-time evening course. Lectures are held on: Mon’s & Wed’s 6.30-9.30pmFour Saturdays ( 2 Sat every semester) 10am – 4pm. Info etcContact 01-7084772 email: admissions@spcm.ie or maynoothcollee.ie
Safeguarding:- Director & D.L.P. :- Ailish Higgins : Email:- safeguarding@kandle.ie Phone:- 085-8021633
Data Protection Officer: David O’Brien email: dpo@kandle or 056 777 5417
Local Safeguarding Reps:
Breda O’Connor; Mary Dempsey; Concepta Murphy; Catherine Guinan TUSLA 044-9353997
Pope Leo XIV
The untold story of new elected Pope Robert Prevost:
In 1975 Robert Prevost was at the top of his game. Chicago math teacher. Devout Catholic. Accepted into Harvard Law. He had everything a young man could dream of, But then—he made a decision that no one saw coming. He said no to Harvard
No to a six-figure future. No to fame. No to comfort
And yes—to something few dare to choose: A life of complete surrender. He joined a missionary group and moved to Peru. Not to the cities. Not to the tourist spots .
But to the *most* remote villages—where children die from treatable diseases. And families walk miles just for clean water. There were no roads. No running water. No WiFi
Just mountains. Silence And poverty. But he embraced it like home
Robert didn’t just live *among* the people. He became *one* of them
• Learned Quechua—the sacred language of the Incas
• Carried food on foot for days
• Slept on dirt floors with the villagers
• Prayed under the stars
When he wasn’t building shelters. He taught math to barefoot kids under broken rooftops. When he wasn’t teaching. He carried the sick on donkeys to get help. When he wasn’t healing. He listened—truly listened—to stories no one else cared to hear.
While his friends from back home became lawyers and doctors. He became something else entirely.
A shepherd
A brother
A quiet warrior of faith
And slowly—his legend grew. His acts weren’t broadcasted. But they echoed through the Andes
Bishops noticed
Priests noticed
And eventually—the Vatican noticed
They called him back to lead his entire Augustinian order. From serving a village. To overseeing 2,800 brothers in over 40 countries.
Still—he kept his same sandals
Still—he walked with the poor
Still—he rejected luxury
Then came the call that changed everything:
Rome wanted him closer. In 2020 He was appointed Archbishop and assigned to govern other bishops globally. It was rare. But Robert had never chased tradition. He wasn’t just fluent in Latin or Canon Law.
He was fluent in *compassion*
In humility
In listening
In *presence*
The Vatican didn’t just see a priest. They saw a *leader with soul*. On September 30, 2023. Pope Francis made it official:
Robert Prevost was named a Cardinal. Just one step below the Pope
And then… in 2025
History was made. For the first time ever
An American
A former math teacher
A missionary to the forgotten
Was elevated as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church
And he didn’t forget the people who shaped him. To this day [the day he became Pope] Robert still returns to the same villages.
Still prays in Quechua
Still sits on dirt floors
Still holds the hands of the elderly in silence
Because leadership he believes:
Is about *presence* not position
The world is obsessed with power.
But Robert Prevost proves:
• Titles mean nothing without service
• Knowledge is useless without love
• And faith—without sacrifice—is noise
He turned down the world. And changed it instead.
Message to Priests & People on the death of Pope Francis
It is with great sadness that we learned of the news of the death of Pope Francis. While we knew he was very ill, seeing him on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, greeting the faithful, brought great comfort. The announcement of his death on Easter Monday morning was all the more a shock and sad, at the suddenness of his passing.
Pope Francis came from the periphery, as the first Pope from the Americas, and those at the periphery - the poor, the migrant, the prisoner, the refugee, the outcast – were always at the centre of his pontificate. Only last Holy Thursday, despite his own frailty, he took time to visit Rome’s Regina Coeli prison and his first visit outside Rome as Pope was to the tiny island of Lampedusa to remember the many drowned at sea, in search of refuge and a new beginning on mainland Europe.
Pope Francis will be remembered for many things and there will be much commentary over the next while, but for me, his message of inclusion and mercy was key. “The name of God is mercy” he reminded us. And now we commend him to the mercy of God.
I ask every parish to celebrate a Requiem Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis on a date and time that is convenient for you. You may ring your Church Bells 88 times, if you wish, at the end of that Mass (once for every year of his life). We should include Pope Francis in our intercessory prayers for the dead at all Masses over the coming days.
I will celebrate a Requiem Mass in the Cathedral on Thursday 24 April at 10am for the repose of his soul.
At the heart of Pope Francis’ message of hope in this Jubilee Year was the reality of the life, death and resurrection of Christ and in this Easter Octave, Pope Francis is welcomed into the eternal embrace of the resurrection. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Every blessing and good wish to all of you during this Easter Octave,
22 April 2025 + Denis