NEWSLETTER
14th September 2025
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Pray for:-
Tony Berry, Scrubb, Killeigh.
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Clair Cusack, Killurin & her Grandparents Denis & Mary Brazil, Gorteen.
William & Margaret Naughton, Killeenmore
Mick Kearns, Gorteen & his Parents
John & Mary Kearns, Wexford.
Mary & Patrick Grennan, Killurin &
Baby Michael.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Lily Dunne, Árd Ríadha, Geashill.
1st Anniversary.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Assumpta Dunne, Rathfeston.
1st Anniversary.
& Deceased Feehan & Dunbar Families.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Funeral Mass of Tony Berry, Scrubb.
Mass this week in KILLEIGH:- Friday 10.00am.
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
KILLEIGH: SATURDAY 6.00pm
Michael & Margaret Coonan, Hillview.
Sadie Feery, Lockclose.
Molly Hunt, Lockclose.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Jack Hyland, Cloneygowan &
Deceased Hyland Family, Emo.
Dan Brannock, Cloneygowan.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.30am
Denis Dunne, Knock.
Johnnie Scully & Jimmy Scully, Knock.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Annie Lynch, Ballycollin & her Sons
John & Robert & her Parents
Robert & Mary Nolan &
Deceased Nolan Family.
Kathleen Meddings, London & Cappincur & her Parents Kathleen & James Keane.
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Next Week Ministers of Holy Eucharist:-
Killeigh -Sat: Sally Green / Dolores Martin
Killeigh Sun: Mary Berry / Declan Walsh
Raheen Sat: Elysia McCormac / P. O’Brien
Ballinagar Sun: John McDonald
READERS for next week-end:-
Killeigh 6.00pm: Deirdre Feery
Raheen Sat 7.30pm: Betty Crombie
Ballinagar 10.30am: Johnnie Dunne
Killeigh 11.30am: Kelly Family
TAX RELIEF for 2024:
(93 Forms back to date & we have applied for a Tax Return of €22,029.12 on them). (5 This Week for €1,176.43)
We have received so far €10,721.76.
If you did not get a letter and gave over €250 to the Parish & Clergy Envelopes please contact the Office.
Kildare and Leighlin Liturgy Conference Sat September 20th:
A one day conference for all Parishioners. See Posters for details.
Season of Creation:
1st September – 4th October:
“Future generations will never forgive us if we miss the opportunity to protect our common home. We have inherited a garden; we must not leave a desert for our children.”
Br. Brian Johnson O.S.F.
will visit Killeigh Parish and talk at all masses on the Weekend of September 27th/28th for their Annual Appeal.
Last Sunday the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment: the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Frassati,
two young men whose lives —though separated by almost a century — continue to inspire countless people around the world.
One harnessed technology to spread the Gospel; the other climbed mountains while lifting up the poor.
Both remind us that holiness is not confined to a single path. Whether through coding, hiking, serving, or simply living with joy, sanctity is possible in every age and every lifestyle.
Their Canonization is a living invitation: to recognize that holiness is attainable today —
in our families, our work,
our friendships,
and even our digital lives.
Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Frassati, pray for us and for the youth of our time,
that we may follow Christ
with joy, courage, and love.
Killurin Community Track Grand Opening at Killurin GAA, Wednesday 24th September 7-9 pm. All welcome. https://www.killurincad.com/ under News - For further details.
Parish Office open next week:
Wed & Friday 11-1pm
Call 057 93 44161 leave a message with your Name and Number.
Killeigh Community Centre Update: Coffee Morning is back on Wed 24th Sept 10am to 12pm – All welcome!
Killeigh Tidy Towns thanks everyone who supported Rugs on The Green.
Come and join us on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm on the Green.
The day and time will change for winter months and we will keep you posted. Our lovely village is buzzing with community spirit so upwards and onwards.
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.
North Offaly Com. Dev. Network:
Our Meals on Wheels program provides: Nutritious, home-style meals made fresh daily. Daily check-ins from caring volunteers. Flexible meal plans to suit dietary needs. Affordable, subsidized pricing. Peace of mind for families and caregivers.
Who we serve: Seniors, Individuals with limited mobility & anyone recovering from illness or surgery.
Stay healthy. Stay independent. Stay connected. Call Nuala today on
057 93 62755 or 085 2525 666
Invitation to Culture Night
Balcony Theatre Mountmellick Community Arts Centre. Emer Dunne & Band. Admission FREE. FRIDAY 19th SEPT 8pm. Irish, Scottish and American folk songs & music.
Funded by Laois Arts & National Arts Council. Doors 7.45 and Show 8pm.
To register interest call 086 375 8602
Envelope collections low because of your generosity to the Annual Envelope Collection for the Priests of the Parish.
Many thanks for your kind support.
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
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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