NEWSLETTER
27th July 2025
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
PRAY FOR:
John Conlon, Rathvilla, Edenderry.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Ned Deering, Derrybeg & Deceased Family.
Michael, Sarah, Maura, Tim Joe & Aage Delaney, Ballinasragh &
Edward & Mary Conroy & Pat Corcoran.
Michael Brophy, Meelaghans &
Deceased Family.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Bridget Daly, Ballymooney. Months Mind.
Kathy Dunne, Knock & Roscommon.
Declan & Brigid Grehan, Knock.
Andy Dolan, Ballyknocken.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Pauline & Tom O’Reilly, Castleblayney, Monaghan.
Masses during the Week 10.00am:
KILLEIGH: First Friday:
Adoration 9am & Confessions 9.30am
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Gabriel Kelly, Alderborough &
his grandson Luke Price, Ard.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
John & Nora O’Meara, Ballinagar & Deceased Family.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
.
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Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Marie Geraghty / Henry Bagnall
Killeigh Sun: Anne Brady/Patricia Nunan
Raheen Sat: Brendan & Imelda Garry
Ballinagar Sun: Johnnie Dunne
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Deirdre Feery
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Elysia McCormack
Ballinagar 10.30am: Jimmy Wrafter
Killeigh 11.30am: Patricia Nunan
Parish Office open next week Tues, Thurs & Friday 11-1pm
Call 057 93 44161 leave a message with your Name and Number.
IF URGENT Call 087 number given …
TAX RELIEF:
A Letter and the approved certification form, CHY4 went out in the post on Friday to all relevant homes. The Parish received €24,186.40 on your 2023 donations. Thanks so much to all who return their forms. This is a great benefit to the Parish. If you did not get a letter and gave over €250 to the Parish & Clergy Envelopes please contact the Office.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
This Sunday 27th July
In recent years the Sunday closest to the Feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne has been designated as ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’. This year that Sunday falls on 27 th July. The National Pilgrimage of the Catholic Grandparents Association takes place that day in Knock with chief celebrant Archbishop Francis Duffy. Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm and Holy Mass at 3pm.
This is the 5th World Day and the theme is ‘Blessed are those who have not lost hope’ (Sir 14:2). Grandparents and the Elderly are central components of the life of every parish. Pope Leo XIV reminds us “embracing the elderly helps us to understand that life is more than just the present moment”. He calls on every parish to become a “protagonist in a ‘revolution’ of gratitude and care”.
Light The Fire – August 3rd
Hill of Slane:
Come and celebrate our Catholic faith on Slane - the hill where St Patrick lit the first Paschal fire in 433AD. This is a divine invitation to witness the Archbishop of Armagh symbolically light the fire of faith, hope and love, first kindled by our patron saint. Eurovision's Dana will sing her song for St Patrick, Light the Fire. Gathering begins at noon and includes mass, Eucharistic healing, praise and worship and Rosary. More info at www.lightthefire.ie or email info@lightthefire.ie
St Brigid’s 3-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg 2025:
Wed 13th Aug – Fri 15th Aug.
Bus pick ups at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Naas, Sallins, Clane, Kilcock, Maynooth and Dunboyne M3 park and ride. For information and bookings: Tel Joe 0872467594 or email deirdregleeson@medwise.ie
Stand for Peace - March for Palestine - Saturday August 2nd:
We are heartbroken and outraged by the suffering in Gaza and Palestine. But this is one action we can take, to come together in peaceful solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Please join the Kilkenny Community Palestine Solidarity Group (KCPSG) for a 'March for Palestine' on Saturday, August 2nd at 1pm, beginning at the Kilkenny Castle Main Gates.
In the words of Pope Leo XIV - "From the Gaza Strip, we hear rising ever more insistently to the heavens, the cries of mothers and fathers who clutch the lifeless bodies of their children..."
KCPSG also holds a weekly vigil every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6pm on the Kilkenny Parade.
KCPSG also holds a weekly vigil every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6pm on the Kilkenny Parade.
Geashill/Ballinagar Active Retirement Outing August 5th:
Trip to High King Tour on the Shannon stopping for a cuppa at Fernhill Garden Centre. On then to the Hudson Bay for Lunch & an hour in Athlone. On to Clonmacnoise and a stop in Shannonbridge. Cost €50.
Book by Thurs 31st July with Ann 086 1078 315 or Mary 087 3409 715
Killeigh Community Centre update:
Badminton, Zumba, Ginny B Fitness, Pilates and Chair Yoga are all still on. Check out our Facebook page for details or email us on info@killeighcommunitycentre.com
On Thursday 31st July there is a new class running from 8.15pm to 9.15pm for 4 weeks – Jive lessons with Emma.
The Sports updates to Club and Community notes available on www.killeigh.com
Sympathy Cards and
Mass Bouquets - Available in the Sacristies after masses.
Bring a Newsletter to your Neighbour
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