NEWSLETTER
7th December 2025
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Pray for:-
Frank Walsh, Ballycrystal & Sligo.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Betty Gallagher, Meelaghans. Months Mind
William Rooney, Meelaghans.
Timmy Egan, Lockclose.
Jack & Kathleen Keenahan, Killurin.
Joseph & Elizabeth Brady, Gorteen.
Seán Lee, Newtown & Deceased Family.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Bridie Donegan, Kilcappa. 1st Anniv.
Martin Gordon, Kilcappagh &
Deceased Gordon Family.
Christopher & Mary Feeney, Cloneygowan & their Daughter Helen.
George & Brigid McHugh, Alderboro.
Paul Bolton & his Uncle Joe Dunne & Deceased Dunne Family, Ballydownan.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Brendan (Benny) Dolan. 1st Anniv &
his Mother Margaret Dolan, Ballyknocken.
Bobby Gorman & his Sister
Maureen Herley, Ballinagar & Tullamore.
Aisling Conroy, Ballymooney.
Sheila Betson, Ballinagar.
Mary Dunne, Geashill Rd, Ballinagar.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Joe & Bea Kelly, Cloncoher.
==========================
Monday: The Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.
Killeigh 10.00am
For the People of the Parish.
& Ballinagar 10.30am
Weekday Masses in Killeigh:
Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am
Private Intentions.
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Mary Brigid Kelly, Ballinvalley.
Months Mind.
Rita Plunkett, Hollow Cottage, Quarrymount
Ger Gonoude, Derrygolan &
Deceased Gonoude Family.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Kathleen & Joe Murphy, Raheenmoyle, Kilcormac.
Mary Mitchell, Ballykeane.
Alo McHugh, Kilcooney.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Martin Brophy, Ballyduff. Months Mind.
Oliver Walsh, Ballinagar.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Aidan O’Hora, Ballinasragh.
Angela Condron, Mountain View, Killeigh.
Eddie & Bridget Cullen, Gorteen.
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Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Sally Green/Dolores Martin
Killeigh Sun: Mary Berry/Declan Walsh
Raheen Sat: Elysia McCormac/P. O’Brien
Ballinagar Sun: Johnnie Dunne
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Kelly Family.
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Betty Crombie
Ballinagar 10.30am: Brophy Family
Killeigh 11.30am: Patricia Nunan
Killeigh Christmas Lights Switch-On
This Sunday 7th Dec at 6pm!
Carol singing, followed by our special guest of honour, and treats for the children afterwards.
Bring your family, your neighbours, and your Christmas cheer — let’s celebrate together and make it a magical evening!
All are welcome!
50th Anniversary Mass for Boards of Management – Monday December 8th
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the CPSMA. To honour this milestone, a special Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Portlaoise Parish Church on Monday December 8th at 7:30pm
We warmly invite all who are currently serving, and all who have served, on Boards of Management in our Catholic primary schools across the diocese to join us for this celebration. Together, we will give thanks for the generosity, dedication, and quiet service that have supported our school communities for five decades. All are most welcome.
Parish Office open next week:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11am-1.
Call 057 93 44161 leave a message with your Name and Number.
Graveyard Masses 2026:
Killeigh ………. Sat June 6th 6.00pm
Ballinagar … Sun June 14th 10.30am
Annagharvey...Tues June 16th 7.30pm
Raheen ……. Sat June 20th 7.30pm
Geashill Ballinagar Active Retirement Christmas Party
This Sunday 7th Dec @ 1.30pm in Tom & Gerry’s Ballinagar. RSVP
Ann 086 1078 315 or
Mary 087 3409 715
Killeigh Annual Christmas Party This Sunday 7th December in the Millennium Room, Bridge House Hotel at 1pm.
Society of Vincent de Paul Annual Church Gate Collection takes place next week-end in Killeigh & Raheen.
Christmas Cards (€3.50/Pkt 6) &
Mass Bouquets available in the Sacristy after Mass.
Only 3 Days Left before the Parish Christmas Draw Wednesday Dec 10th 8.00pm:
In Killurin G.A.A. Clubhouse.
Thanks to everyone for your support, also our
Distributors & Loyal Sponsors.
You can also Pay, if you wish for your Draw Card by using the Donate Button on killeigh.com
up to 6pm on Wednesday.
Please reference your Card No & Name & Address.
Draw Cards available on the night.
If you pay by Cheque please mark it
“Killeigh Parish Ticket Account”.
Reconciliation for Christmas:
Tues 9th Dec: Rosenallis 7pm &
Clonaslee 8pm
Thur 18th Dec: Killeigh 7.30pm
For all of the Parish.
Mon 22nd: Portarlington 7.30pm
Tues 23rd: Mountmellick 7.30pm
Killeigh Community Centre Notes - The Christmas Market is on Sunday 14th Dec 2pm to 6pm, if you wish to have a meet and greet with Santa and receive a gift please email fundraising@killeighcommunitycentre.com. Loads of homemade gifts,books, crafts and food stalls, lovely items to purchase on the day, there will also be a BBQ. Check out our new website www.killeighcommunitycentre.com
€360 was sent to Bishop Nulty as a donation from the Offertory Collection.
Mountmellick Macra Light up Truck & Tractor Run in aid of SOSAD:
Will pass through Killeigh Village, turning for Clonaslee on Sat 13th Dec at approx 6.30-6.45.
All participants are welcome. Assembly in Mountmellick MDA, R32A0PK
Christmas Party Social Dance
Sat 13th Dec 9pm in the Parochial Hall,
The Square, Portarlington. Wear your Christmas Jumper in aid of the
C of I Window Restoration Fund. €10
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.
Click the Link above for fast access.
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.
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
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