NEWSLETTER
12th October 2025
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Pray for:-
Declan McKenna, Fenter.
Orlaith Maddams, Née Cleary,
Perth, Australia & Killeenmore.
George Chambers, Knocklyon, Dublin.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Danny Cummins, Killurin.
Mary & Patrick Gorman & their Son Paul, Raheenduff.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Tom Hynes, Killelary.
Peter Hackett, Ard.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
For the People of the Parish.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Anthony (Tony) Berry, Scrubb Cross.
Months Mind.
Masses during week:-
Killeigh 10am: Thursday & Friday.
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Phil Deering, Killeigh.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Ninian Falkner, Geashill.
Yvonne O’Connor, Cloneygowan.
James Daly, Geashill.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Gerry Dillon, Gorteen.
Christopher Cahill, Galway.
Jimmy & Maisie Dillon, Gorteen.
Molly Morris & Tom Dillon.
========================================
Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Ann Geraghty/Teresa McInerney
Killeigh Sun: Aidan Flanagan/Ann Flanagan
Raheen Sat: Mary Begnall/Eithna O’Byrne
Ballinagar Sun: Johnnie Dunne
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Deirdre Feery
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Mariena Corcoran
Ballinagar 10.30am: Margaret Murphy
Killeigh 11.30am: Róisín O’Connor
TAX RELIEF for 2024:
(109 Forms back to date & we have applied for a Tax Return of €25,186.88 on them). (2 This Week for €512.17)
We have received so far €12,763.03.
If you did not get a letter and gave over €250 to the Parish & Clergy Envelopes please contact the Office.
Parish Office open next week:
Tues, Thurs & Fri 11-1pm
Call 057 93 44161 leave a message with your Name and Number.
Sympathy Cards and
Mass Bouquets - Available in the Sacristies after masses.
World Mission Sunday October 19th:
See Notice on board.
Envelope in your Box.
No White Envelope.
Thank You for your continued support to all the collections.
Remembering and Praying
for those who have died since
November 1st 2024 at Masses
The weekend of Nov 1st & 2nd:
Saturday 1st November:
Killeigh 6.00pm &
Raheen 7.30pm
Sunday 2nd Ballinagar 10.30am.
We remember those who died or were buried in the Parish or from the Parish or came back to the Parish.
A Family Member or Neighbour is invited to carry a candle to the Altar.
Candles will be available at the entrances into the churches.
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”.
Prayers for the Pre-Synodal Assembly of the Catholic Church in Ireland-
All Catholics are invited to pray for a special gathering that will take place in Kilkenny October 18th, called a Pre-Synodal Assembly of the Catholic Church in Ireland. This assembly is an important juncture on the journey towards a National Synodal Assembly to be held in 2026.
A preparatory document, entitled Baptised and Sent can be viewed on www.synod.ie/baptised-and-sent-preparatory-document-available-now/
Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the conversations at Kilkenny, and those flowing from it, as we walk together as sisters and brothers of Christ, united by our baptism and filled with hope.
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”.
Dance in Aid of C. of I. Parochial Hall Window, Portarlington. Sat Oct 25th 8.30-11.30pm. €10 + Raffle.
Music by Glór Tíre Star Alex Roe.
Confidential Counselling Nationwide via telephone and Zoom. Our service is donation-based, because we do not want finances to prevent anyone from receiving support.
If any of your parishioners, are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, please know that we are here to help.
Call: 091 562 175 or counselling@antobarnua.com
The Guild of St Philip, Portlaoise, provides a befriending service for prisoners in Portlaoise and Midlands, who have no family visits. This experience greatly affects their ability to adjust to life 'outside' as law abiding citizens. The Guild is a positive force in the lives of prisoners visited. If you are interested in becoming a Guild member please contact 086 046 2405
Céilí Catholic Community:
Beloved Women’s Weekend Retreat 28th-30th Nov in Cuan Phadraig, Harbour Rd, Kilbeggan, Westmeath.
N91 NY28. Talks, Prayers, Testimony Faith Sharing, Praise and worship, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession. For Booking contact chidimmmma3@gmail.com or
089 969 1206
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
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
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