NEWSLETTER
30th August 2026 TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:
Weekend Mass Times:- Saturday - Raheen 7.30pm
Sunday - Ballinagar 10am & Killeigh 11.30am
Funeral Masses
no longer on Sundays in Killeigh Parish.
Pray for:
Terence (Teddy) Berry, Scrubb.
Margaret (Peg) Nolan (Pierce), Bracknagh & formerly Ballykeane.
Joseph (Joe) Campbell, Clonaslee & formerly Ballinagar.
Úna King, Kiltimagh, Mayo.
Monica Carroll, Springfield, Cappincur.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Gráinne McEvoy, Bogtown. 1st Anniversary.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
Caroline Jordan, Knock, Daingean & Surrey, England. Months Mind.
Mary Brady, Clonmore.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Peter & Nora Gallagher, Killeenmore & their Son James.
Deceased Members of the O’Brien Family, Fenter Road.
Joe McKane, Moneyquid &
Deceased Family.
This Week in Killeigh at 10.00am
Wednesday:
Thursday: For the People of the Parish.
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Rita Kelly, Cloneygowan.
Denis Kelly, Alderboro.
Margaret Stynes Dunne, Eamon Stynes & Henry Dunne, Ballycue.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
Johnny Scully, Newtown, Rhode.
Months Mind.
Peter Brickland Snr & Peter Brickland Jnr.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Maura & Harry Bagnall, Fenter.
Margaret (Maggie) Conway & her Parents & Brothers, Bog Road, Killurin.
Mick Kearns, Gurteen & his Parents
Mary & John, Banna, Wexford.
Kitty & Matt Sutherland, Mullahill, Killurin & their Daughters Bernadette (Bernie), Maisie, Patricia, Anne & Trudy.
In Remembrance:
No person is ever truly alone.
To those who live no more,
whom we loved, Echo still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts.
And what they did and who they were becomes part of what we are forever.
Ministers of Holy Eucharist Next Week:-
Killeigh Sun: Mary Berry/Declan Walsh
Raheen Sat: Carolina von Ow/Gretta Clear
Ballinagar Sun: Johnnie Dunne
READERS for next weekend:-
Raheen 7.30pm: Catherine Cleary
B’Gar 10.00am: Scully Family
Killeigh 11.30am: Dolores Martin
Parish Council Selections at all Masses this weekend:
Membership of Parish Finance Council:
Open to all Parishioners.
We ask you to think about offering your gifts, experience and time.
Thanks to:-
Siobhan Arnold Killeigh Area.
Clemence von Ow Ballinagar Area
Pe O’Brien Raheen Area.
Their 4 Years are up now.
We will be choosing 1 Person from the Raheen Area Saturday Night August 29th & 1 Person from the Killeigh Area &
1 Person from the Ballinagar Area SUNDAY August 30th after Mass.
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Tuesday 8th Sept:
A.G.M. of previous Members at 7pm in Parochial House followed by a Meeting of the New P.F.C. with renewed membership at 7.45pm.
Season of Creation 2026
Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this world wide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. This year’s theme is “Living Water”. See www.seasonofcreation.org to access all the materials and to link to a live worldwide online opening prayer at 2pm Irish time on Tuesday, Sept 1st.
Slí an Chroí, St Patrick’s Kiltegan – Autumn Grace Retreat:
This weekend retreat offers an opportunity to look back on the year and on the journey of our lives, in the gentle light of God’s grace. Through guided reflection, prayer, silence, time nature and shared conversation.
Friday 18th September to Sunday 20th September, price €315 including accommodation and meals. Enquires to Michele Sinnott, slianchroi@spms.ie or phone 089 469 0508.
Friday 18th September to Sunday 20th September, price €315 including accommodation and meals. Enquires to Michele Sinnott, slianchroi@spms.ie or phone 089 469 0508.
TAX REFUND ON YOUR DONATIONS TO THE PARISH & CLERGY FUNDS 2025
Many thanks to the people who have returned their Forms already
94 Forms have been submitted to Revenue for a Refund amounting to €19,741.65. Please keep sending in your Forms.
If you still have a Form from 2024/2023/2022 we can still put them through for a refund.
The Parish received back €9,141.83 from Revenue on July 17th & another
€2,794.30 on August 27th.
Frank McEvoy Memorial Road Race takes place next Friday 4th September at 6.30pm. Registration is in Killeigh NS from 5pm
Cleaner Required:
Scoil N Mhuire, Cloneygowan
is seeking a Cleaner to work 12.5 hours per week during term time.
Enquires / Expressions of interest outlining experience etc. should be emailed to the school, principal@cloneygowanns.ie
Ballinagar Planning Group A.G.M.
Tuesday, 8th September 8:30pm
Ballinagar Community Hall
Everyone is very welcome to attend our Annual General Meeting.
Invitation to Culture Night
St Brigids Church of Ireland, Rosenallis Emer Dunne & Band
Admission free - booking advised.
FRIDAY 18th SEPT Doors 8.15 and Show 8.30 - 10pm. To Register, text name and the number of seats to
086 375 8602. Funded by Laois Arts & National Arts Council
Parish Office Open Next Week:
Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 11am-1pm Call 057 93 44161 or leave a message.
The Sports updates to Club and Community notes available on www.killeigh.com
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