NEWSLETTER
8th November 2026 THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:
Weekend Mass Times:- Saturday - Raheen 6.30pm
Sunday - Ballinagar 10am & Killeigh 11.30am
Funeral Masses
no longer on Sundays in Killeigh Parish.
Raheen Mass Time Change:
Please note mass time in Raheen will change to 6.30pm from 7.30pm for the 4 months of November, December, January & February beginning November 7th.
If you have a Family Member sick at home or in hospital please let us know by contacting the Parish Office
057 93 44161 or
Fr. John.
Pray for:
John Joe Dunne, Curragh, Geashill.
Burial Raheen Cemetery Monday 11.30am.
Michael Lalor, Camross, Laois.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 6.30pm
Margaret Dempsey, Cloneygowan.
Patrick & Ann (Dolly) Briscoe, Geashill.
Eileen Kinnarney, Geashill.
Pat & Maureen O’Rourke, Ballyaville.
Oliver Mulpeter, Ballykeane &
Deceased Mulpeter & Murphy Families.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
For The People of the Parish.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Johnny Dillon, Australia & Gorteen.
1st Anniversary &
Jimmy & Maisie & Deceased Dillon Family.
Frank McEvoy, Hillview Cresent.
Jim McRedmond, Killurin.
John Kinnarney, Killurin.
Hugh & Nora Mahon, Killurin &
Fr. John & Fr. Pat Mahon.
Mick Murray, Meelaghans.
This Week in the Parish:
Raheen Cemetery Monday 11.30am:
John Joe Dunne, Curragh. Burial.
Killeigh at 10.00am
Wednesday & Thursday.
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 6.30pm
Liam Byrne, Annevilla.
Bernard & Josephine Ennis, Cloneygowan & Deceased Family.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
Martin Brophy, Ballyduff, Geashill.
1st Anniv.
Judy Dunne, Ballydownan.
Jim Dolan, Ballinagar.
George & Eileen Black. Knock.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Mary B. Kelly, Ballinvalley. 1st Anniv.
Joe Kelly, Ballycollin, Geashill &
His Infant Daughter born an Angel.
John & Mary McDonald, Ballinvalley.
Ministers of Holy Eucharist Next Week:-
Killeigh Sun: Ann Geraghty/Teresa McInerney
Raheen Sat: Elysia McCormac/P. O’Brien
Ballinagar Sun: Hugh Murphy
READERS for next weekend:-
Raheen 7.30pm: Confirmation Children
B’Gar 10.00am: Brophy Family
Killeigh 11.30am: Confirmation Children
Christmas Timetable –
Vigil Masses -
Killeigh 5pm &
Raheen 7.30pm
Christmas Day - Same as Sundays – Ballinagar 10am & Killeigh 11.30am
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 the priest is paid monthly.
Thanks to all for your kind donations.
Parish Finance Council Meeting:
This Tuesday evening the 10th in the Parochial House at 7pm.
Rosary in Annagharvey Cemetery This Sunday 8th November at 3pm.
St. Padre Pio’s Monthly Mass:
This Tuesday 10th in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore 7.30pm
Parish Draw:
The Killeigh Parish Christmas Draw will take place Thursday 10th of December in the CYMS Hall Cloneygowan at 8pm. Cards will be €2 a Line or a Full Card €20.
Draw Cards & Parish Calendars will go out to Parishioners from November 11th.
The Donate Button will again be in operation.
The Parish Draw Committee have decided to use an Electronic Number Generator for the Draw this year.
Parish Office Open Next Week:
Tues, Wed, Thurs & Friday 11-1pm
Call 057 93 44161 or leave a message.
Cemetery Masses
June 2027
Frid 11th 7.30pm Killeigh
Tues 15th 7.30pm Annagharvey
Sat 19th 7.30pm Raheen
Sun 27th 10.00am Ballinagar
Coffee Morning:
Wednesday Morning Nov 11th in Killeigh Community Centre 10.30am until 12.30. Everyone welcome.
Bingo: Every Tuesday night 7.30pm in Killeigh Community Centre.
Doors open 6.30pm.
RAHEEN CLUB A.G.M.:
Friday 27th November at 7:30pm SHARP in the Old School, Geashill. ALL Players, Members & Officials are invited to attend. Nomination Form for the positions on the Club Executive can be obtained by emailing your request to secretary.raheen.offaly@gaa.ie
Clonaslee Clodiagh Players:
Present Two Shots and a Cow in Mountmellick Arts Centre Thurs & Friday next. Doors open at 7.30pm
The Irish Lung Cancer Community (ILCC). The ILCC is the united voice of people impacted by lung cancer in Ireland offering education, information and support. The ILCC also works to promote more positive perceptions about the disease. A FREE event called "All Ireland Lung Cancer Patient Symposium" in Portlaoise on Saturday the 14th Nov from 11am until 5pm. Register using the following link:
- https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/all-ireland-lung-cancer-patient-symposium-2026-tickets-2003702442945
Our Parish Calendar.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
VIGIL MASSES [Thurs 24th Dec]
Killeigh 5pm Raheen 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS DAY [Friday 25th Dec]
Ballinagar 10am. Killeigh 11.30am
1st Penance:-
Killeigh 7pm Wed 27th Jan
Ballinagar 7pm Tue 2nd Feb
Geashill 7pm Wed 3rd Feb
Cloneygowan 7pm Thur 4th Feb
ASH WEDNESDAY 10th February
CONFIRMATION Fri 12th March
Bishop Denis Nulty
Killeigh & Cloneygowan 11am
Geashill & Ballinagar 2pm
Holy Week Times;
Each one at 7.30pm
HOLY THURSDAY Killeigh
GOOD FRIDAY Ballinagar
HOLY SATURDAY, Raheen Easter Vigil
EASTER SUNDAY 28th March
Ballinagar 10am & Killeigh 11.30am
1st Holy Communion
ALL AT 11.30am
Geashill Saturday 8th May
Ballinagar Saturday 15th May
Killeigh Saturday 22nd May
Cloneygowan Sat 29th May
CEMETERY MASSES JUNE 2027:-
Friday 11th 7.30pm Killeigh
Tuesday 15th 7.30pm Annagharvey
Saturday 19th 7.30pm Raheen
Sunday 27th 10.00am Ballinagar
Mass Times.
Saturday evening in Raheen at 7.30pm [until Oct 31st]
Nov, Dec, Jan, & Feb 6.30pm
Sunday morning in Ballinagar at 10.00am
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