The Church of the Annunciation in Carrig remains open during this time and don’t forget that mass will be celebrated each morning this week in the Marian Hall at 10am.

There will be a Diocesan Assembly from 5 to 8 November which all priests of the diocese will be in attendance. The theme of the assembly is Discernment Towards Decision and forms an important part of the planning for our diocese, cluster and parish.

Mass in Birr during the Assembly will be at 10am on Mon – Weds of that week but please note that there will be no funerals during that time. This is a direction of Bishop Fintan and will be in place across the diocese.

Emergency cover will be available as usual by ringing the Parish Mobile 086 3531955.

Enrolment for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation & Holy Communion took place at Masses on last weekend. If you were unable to attend  please contact Fr David or Fr Michael 057 9120098 or 086 3531955, or Joan Hogan our sacramental co-ordinator 089 4400853

First Reconciliation  7.30pm each evening

Tues 6 March St Brendan’s, Killeen & Parish Preparation Programme

Weds 7 March Mercy & Crinkill

Thurs 8 March  Carrig  (in Church of the Annunciation Carrig)

First Holy Communion 11am each day

Sat 19 May Mercy & Crinkill

Sat 26 May St Brendan’s, Killeen & Parish Preparation Programme

Sun 27 May Carrig (in Church of the Annunciation Carrig)

Confirmation

Sat 21 April  11am Carrig, Crinkill & Mercy

Sat 21 April   3pm  Killeen, Parish Preparation Programme & St Brendan’s

All celebrations in St Brendan’s Church except where stated

Speakers will include Maria Steen (Iona Institute) on Faith and Family, Martin Kennedy who will guide participants through the recently launched ‘Amoris Programme’ for use in parishes and families, Fr Harry Bohan will present the ‘Grow in Love – Meaning of Life’ programme which originated in Sixmilebridge parish, and the Killaloe Diocesan Youth Forum will also make a presentation.  Contact Fr. Arnold Rosney in Shannon to register for the conference.  WMOF2018@killaloediocese.ie

The next meeting of the PPC in October will coincide with preparation for the 2018 World Meeting of Families.

We wish everyone well whether heading back to the same school or starting out in a new one.

God of wisdom and might,
we praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin
a new school year.
Bless them and their teachers and staff.
Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds
as they search for understanding;
and peace and zeal to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Following the recent parish audit by the diocesan committee for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults it was noted that updated training and information was required for a number of groups and individuals. This has been arranged to be held in Birr on Wednesday 11 October. We will be in touch with those concerned in early September.

Read more about the emergency appeal and further information at trocaire.org

The ceremonies will be at the following times:

11am  Carrig, Crinkill and Mercy schools

3pm  Killeen and St Brendan’s schools and the Parish Preparation Programme.

More details and the dates for the celebration of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time will be published in September.