NEWSLETTER
27th Dec 2025
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH.
Pray for:-
Thomas [Tommy] Garry Patrick Street Portarlington
Danny Gallagher Treascon, Portarlington
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Ted Garry, Fenter.
Mary & Michael McKenna, Newtown & Deceased Family.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Albert & Philomena Henchy, Ard.
Dinny Henchy, Geashill.
Bill Kelly, Shranure.
Pat & Kathleen Kaye, Urney &
Sr. M. Laserian Kaye, CSB, Melbourne &
Deceased Kaye Family Members.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Bridget Dolan, Ballyduff.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Frankie Walsh, Cloncon.
Mass in Killeigh, Thurs 11am:
World day of prayer for Peace.
FEASTDAY;- Mary, Mother of God
Private Intention
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Simon & Mary B. Walsh, Derrygolan & their children John Vincent, P.J. & Sr. Mary.
Oliver & Alan Dunne, Killurin.
Peg Kelly, Gorteen.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Dick & Lil Reynolds, Bloomville & Michael & May Devane, Bloomville & England.
Michael Dowling Monaghan, Backwood.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
.
Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Sally Green/Dolores Martin
Killeigh Sun: Mary Berry/Declan Walsh
Raheen Sat: Mary Begnall/Eithne O’Byrne
Ballinagar Sun: Catherine Guinan
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Brigid Brickland
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Catherine Cleary
Ballinagar 10.30am: Johnnie Dunne
Killeigh 11.30am: Patricia Nunan
Christmas Message 2025 from XDenis Nulty
It is up on the church notice boards to read.
BANK SEPA NEW RULES:
When making Cheque Donations Please mark Cheques as follows
for the Parish “Killeigh Parish” and for the Clergy mark Cheques “Killeigh Clergy Fund” & for the Parish Draw mark it “Killeigh Parish Ticket A/C”.
Ballinagar Gaa and Ballinagar Planning Group are coming together in the New Year to promote a Healthy Eating and Exercise Programme. Starting Tuesday the 6th January 2026 for 6 weeks at 7pm in Ballinagar Hall a Healthy Food Made easy Cooking programme. This includes Cooking, Tips on shopping and budgeting, Nutrition information, Reading and understanding food labels and Simple family recipes. This is a free event. Booking is essential due to limited spaces. Contact Claire 087 779 9853 or chall@offalyldc.ie. Following on from that on Saturday the 10th of January at 11am in the Gaa field they are starting their Annual Operation Transformation Programme so come on down and join in the fun for a chat a walk and pick up a few tips and become a member of the walking track or the GAA.
SeniorLine:- Would you like someone to talk to? SeniorLine is Ireland’s national telephone service for older people open every day of the year 10am-10pm.
Freephone 1800 80 45 91.
You may feel isolated, alone, bereaved or far from family.
SeniorLine’s older volunteers are trained to listen, to support and refer to other helpful services if necessary.
So don’t be alone and lift the phone. 1800 80 45 91.
No problem too big or too small.
Invitation to Mass for the closing of the Jubilee Year:
Dioceses across the world will mark the closing of the Jubilee Year on the Feast of the Holy Family, This Sunday
This day coincides with the closing of Holy Doors in the Roman Basilicas of Saint Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
The Jubilee Year will officially conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome by Pope Leo on January 6.
Bishop Denis invites all parishioners across the diocese to join him in giving thanks for the graces of the Jubilee Year in the celebration of the Mass, in the Cathedral of the Assumption Carlow, at 10:30 am This Sunday Morning. Music by the Cathedral Choir.
Parish Office Closed until Tuesday January 6th:
Please leave a message on
057 93 44161 with your Name and Number. IF URGENT
Call the 087 number given.
Candle Shrine Donate Button.
You now can make a donation for the Candle Shrine on the parish website under the “Donate” button on the home page.
The Sports updates to Club and Community notes available on www.killeigh.com
Notices on Church Boards:
Need approval from the Parish Office before they go up.
DATES FOR YOUR 2026 DIARY
Confirmation:
Friday 13th March
First Communions:
May Sat 16th Cloneygowan &
Ballinagar
May Sat 23rd Geashill & Killeigh
Road Safety:
Which of these would you prefer to bring you home this weekend?
TAXI, GARDA, AMBULANCE UNDERTAKER?
Drive Carefully.
Don’t Drink or Take Drugs.
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