NEWSLETTER
2nd November 2025
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
ALL SOULS.
Pray for:-
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Declan McKenna, Fenter. Months Mind.
His Sisters Geraldine, Hillview Cresent & Evelyn, St. Oliver’s, Geashill.
Jim McRedmond, Killurin. 1st Anniv.
Tess Murray, Scrubb.
Billy Scallon & Alison O’Neill, Arklow.
Kathleen Dunne, Ballinvalley &
Deceased Dunne Family.
Catherine Greene, Gorteen &
Deceased Deering Family, Killurin.
Liturgy for the Holy Souls of the last year.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Liturgy for the Holy Souls of the last year.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Liturgy for the Holy Souls of the last year.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Liturgy for the Holy Souls of the last year.
Masses during week in Killeigh:-
Tues, Wed, Thurs 10am:
Friday 10am: First Friday.
Adoration 9am & Confessions 9.30am
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Joe Dunne, Killurin.
Frank McEvoy, Hillview Cresent.
Michael Murray, Meelaghans.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Annie Bolton, Ballydownan. 1st Anniv.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
George & Eileen Black, Knock.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Hugh & Nora Mahon, Killurin.
Bishop John Mahon & Fr. Pat Mahon.
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Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Ann Geraghty/Teresa McInerney
Killeigh Sun: Aidan Flanagan/Eilish Flanagan
Raheen Sat: Seamus Crombie/Catherine Cleary
Ballinagar Sun: Catherine Guinan
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: McEvoy Family
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Family
Ballinagar 10.30am: Jimmy Wrafter
Killeigh 11.30am: Mahon Family
Christmas Cards available in the Sacristies after Mass.
€3.50 for Pack of 6.
Christmas Mass Bouquets €10
TAX RELIEF for 2024 Donations:
You can send in your Forms anytime. (110 Forms back to date. We have received from Revenue so far €13,288.68.
Parish Finance Committee Meeting this Tuesday 4th in the P.P. House at 7.00pm.
This weekend November 1st & 2nd:
Remembering at Masses and Praying for those who have died since November 1st 2024
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
Rosary in the Cemetery
In Ballinagar Sunday 2nd Nov. @ 3pm Annagharvey Sunday 9th Nov@ 3pm
Take the Short-Term Pledge for the Month of November for deceased family and friends who have gone before us marked with the sign of Faith. Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the month of November and offer this prayerful act in honour of their deceased loved ones. You can do likewise!
November LIST of the Dead:
The Priests of the Parish are required to offer 9 masses for all those whose names are on the lists you send in,
in your purple envelope
P.S. Some people include donations. These are lodged to the ‘Killeigh Clergy Account’ from which priests are paid monthly.
Notices on Church Boards:
Need approval from the Parish Office before they go up.
Parish Office open next week:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
11am-1pm
Call 057 93 44161 leave a message with your Name and Number.
Synod News-
Bishop Denis and the diocesan synod team attended a national pre-synodal assembly in Kilkenny on 18th October. Building on the synodal conversations of the last couple of years, seven key priorities have been identified for the Church in Ireland, as well as the overarching theme of baptism. Also their response to these priorities and overall theme. We prepare for a national assembly in October 2026. For more information on these priorities and how they were arrived at, you can read ‘Baptised and Sent’, on www.sysnod.ie.
Bishop Denis and the diocesan synod team attended a national pre-synodal assembly in Kilkenny on 18th October. Building on the synodal conversations of the last couple of years, seven key priorities have been identified for the Church in Ireland, as well as the overarching theme of baptism. Also their response to these priorities and overall theme. We prepare for a national assembly in October 2026. For more information on these priorities and how they were arrived at, you can read ‘Baptised and Sent’, on www.sysnod.ie.
The essential question: What does it mean for me to be baptised?
Announcing our Christmas Draw Wednesday Dec 10th:
This year it takes place in
Killurin G.A.A. Clubhouse.
We will endeavour to Deliver Draw Cards & A Parish Calendar 2026 to every house.
At the time too – We will activate our “Draw Donate Button” on www.Killeigh.com – so you can join the Draw.
If you pay by Cheque please mark it “Killeigh Parish Ticket Account”.
Change of Venue for Clodiagh Gaels A.G.M.: 14th November at 7.30pm in Killeigh National School. 085 823 9699
Chiropody Geashill/Ballinagar
Please Note Change Of Date.
It will be Friday the 7th November.
Contact 086 107 8315
Killeigh Community Centre Updates:-
Next coffee morning is this Wednesday the 5th November.
Christmas Market December 14th from 2-6pm. If you would like to take a stall contact the Centre by Email: fundraising@killeighcommunitycentre.com
Offaly Local Dev. Co. are helping
Dr. Katie Chapple, a consultant with the LOETB, with a short Youth Literacy Research Project. Tuesday, Nov 4th at 7pm in Ballinagar Hall. We’re looking for: 8–10 young people to join a 30-minute focus group. 3–5 parents for a similar discussion. Sessions will be relaxed and informal —share thoughts in confidence. Participation is voluntary. Consent Forms will need to be signed. I do need to have names in advance, so please message me to register if you or your child would like to take part. Contact chall@offalyldc.ie Thanks so much for your support!
A further €255 came in supporting the Mission Collection.
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
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.
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