NEWSLETTER
Pray for:15th February 2026
Brendan Finnegan, Sligo Town.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Jim Plunkett, Quarrymount.
Ann Doolan, Gorteen.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Martin Coughlan, St. Oliver’s. 1st Anniv.
Tommy Mulkearn, Urney.
Michael & Rose Cleary, Ard.
Betty & Paddy Weir, Ard.
Maeve Cleary, Cloneygowan.
Patrick & Kathleen McHugh, Backwood.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Mary & Paddy Dempsey, Knock.
Marie Duffy, Killeenmore.
Benefactors of St. Joseph’s Church, Ballinagar.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Ned & Patty O’Grady, Cloncon.
Masses during the Week:
Killeigh:
Wed: 10.00am Mass. Ash Wednesday
7.30pm Mass. Ash Wednesday
Thursday & Friday: 10.00am
Ballinagar: Ash Wednesday 10.30am
Raheen: Ash Wednesday 7.30pm
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Seán Casey, Mohia Lane. Months Mind.
P.J. White, Hackney, London & Killurin.
Months Mind.
Paddy & Eileen Casey & Kathleen Casey.
Ellen McInerney, Derryadd &
her Parents Margaret & Michael Toohey.
Johnny Cummins, Gorteen.
Tony Corcoran, Clonminch.
Kathleen & Andrew Kinnarney, Killurin.
Teresa Lee, Newtown.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Sean & Sheila Carthy, Bawnmore.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Joe & Margaret Gallagher, Cappyroe &
Deceased Gallagher & Daly Families.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Deceased Garry Family, Derryadd & Killeigh.
Mary & Pat Purcell, Derrybeg &
their Son Paddy, London & Killeigh.
John & Margaret Kelly, Derrybeg &
their Sons John & Matt.
Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Ann Geraghty/Teresa McInerney
Killeigh Sun: Aidan Flanagan/Eilish Flanagan
Raheen Sat: Brendan & Imelda Garry
Ballinagar Sun: Hugh Murphy
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Confirmation Children
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Colette Carthy
Ballinagar 10.30am: Catherine Dolan Jnr
Killeigh 11.30am: Purcell Family
Parish Office Open Next Week:
Wed, Thurs & Friday 11-1pm.
MASSES for Ash Wednesday:-
Killeigh 10.00am / Ballinagar 10.30am
Killeigh & Raheen @ 7.30 pm
Ash Wednesday:- Is the first day of Lent and is one of the two days assigned for ‘Fast & Abstinence’.
Fasting:- Means that the amount of food we eat is considerably reduced.
Abstinence:- Means that we give up a particular kind of food or drink or form of amusement. Traditionally this was all meat and meat products.
Those over 18 are bound by the law of fasting until their sixtieth year, while over 14’s are bound by the law of abstinence.
Pioneer Lenten Challenge & Invitation
A short-term pledge is available via www.pioneerassociation.org
for parishioners who wish to become a “pilgrim of hope” for people who are living under the shadow of addiction.
Next week-end you have an Envelope with a Yellow Stripe across the top for the Lenten Stations for the Clergy Fund.
No White Envelope next week-end.
TRÓCAIRE: Boxes for your Lenten Fast Contributions are available at the Church entrance. Please bring one home and one to neighbours who cannot get out.
BAPTISED AND SENT IN LENT:
A five session Gospel reflection series. Themes for each week, belonging, healing, renewal, and Mission. Mountmellick Parish will host these meetings in the ICA Hall, Davitt Rd, for five Monday evenings (7.30pm/9.00pm) beginning this Monday Feb 16th.
Come along, bring a friend.
Yearly Envelope Boxes
with the Parish Finance Report are being distributed now.
Many thanks to all the Distributors for their great work.
Vintage Club Meeting this Tues 17th at 7.30pm in Killeigh Community Centre. All are welcome. Cormac 086 3025 447
Killeigh Parish Draw:
The Draw Committee of the Parish Finance Council this week announced that the Christmas Draw, with all bills paid made a profit of €18,290. We thank them for their energy and commitment. We thank our Sponsors and our Supporters.
Coffee Morning this Wednesday Feb 18th 10.30am to 12.30 in Killeigh Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Sandra 087 974 9797.
Geashill & Ballinagar Active Retirement Chiropodist Clinic
Please note change of date:
Saturday 28th Feb, in the Old School Geashill. To book an appointment contact Ron on 086 300 5672
Congratulations to our School Teams on their success at the Tullamore Credit Union Schools Quiz 2026.
O.N.E. Association (Organisation of Ex-Service Personnel/Veterans Charity of the Defence Forces.
New Club open in Arden, Tullamore every Thursday 10am-12.30. All are welcome.
Clonaslee College invites you to book a tour of their School.
Contact the Principal Sean Cotter on 057 86 48044 or check out www.clonasleecollege.ie
News Alert for the Rural Social Scheme
New ways to qualify for the RSS in your Local Community
Please contact your Local Supervisor Catherine Dunne 087-1336515
A rural dweller is a person who is 50 years or over, in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment to access the RSS and whose primary residence is in a rural area. Eligible customers may have immediate access to RSS subject to the availability of a suitable placement.
Farm Assist, Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Transitional payment, Disability Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Bereaved Partner's Contributory Pension or Bereaved Partner's Non-Contributory Pension
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