By Marian Harnett

DEATH:  We offer our sympathy to the family of Jimmy Galvin, late of Ballybehy whose funeral took place on Wednesday.  We offer our sympathy to the family of Johnny Doran, Hillview Drive whose funeral took place on Saturday. May they rest in peace.

ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA:  For the past 25 years or so the Abbeyfeale for Africa committee have been organising a Christmas Cake Sale as a fundraiser for Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in South Sudan.  Life in South Sudan was never easy but this year add Covid and a Civil War over the border to the mix.  Life must be extremely tough and fundraisers such as ours can help to make life somewhat easier for Fr. Tim.  This year, Abbeyfeale For Africa are fundraising for Fr. Tim by distributing envelopes to shops around town , please return the envelope to Abbeyfeale Credit Union and lodge to Abbeyfeale For Africa account which is always open for donations.  The committee have also decided to move from St. Ita’s Hall and hold the annual cake sale outdoors in the Square alongside the Abbeyfeale Farmers’ Market on Friday, December 18 from 10-12 noon.  We hope our usual bakers will deliver their goods to the Square on the morning as we won’t be able to have drop off points this year.    We will be observing social distancing and wearing masks and ask our loyal customers to do the same.  All inquiries to Mairead at 0868594983.

PASTORAL SUPPORT TO PARISHIONERS IN NURSING HOMES:  Due to the necessary Covid -19 restrictions it is not possible for Fr Tony to visit parishioners in Nursing Homes this Christmas. Fr Tony is asking family members to let him know which nursing homes their relatives are resident in so that he can write to them for Christmas. All contact details will remain confidential to Fr Tony. You can email the contact details to [email protected] or text 087-2600414.

HOLY COMMUNION CALLS:  Fr Tony has resumed Holy Communion Calls to those confined at home, he will telephone first

VISIT PARISH CHURCH:  The Blessed Sacrament chapel is open each weekday from 11.00am to 6.00pm and on Sunday’s from 1.00pm – 6pm.

AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Mary Culloty O’Sullivan (Soprano) presents “Merry Christmas “an afternoon of Christmas Carols with poetry read by Dolores Carroll Thursday, December 10 at 4pm on Youtube and Facebook Page of St John’s Theatre and Arts Centre, Listowel.

BE WINTER READY:  Be Prepared:  Have a small supply of non perishable, easy-to-prepare foods.  Keep extra supplies of essential medication in case it is difficult to get to the doctor/pharmacy.  Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating/cooking and if possible a suitable alternative should the main supply fail.  Have batteries for torches and alternative light sources in the event of power cuts.  Have a water container to ensure a supply of drinking water.  Know how to turn off your water supply.  Keep mobile phones charged up -have local emergency numbers in your phone.  Have a suitable snow shovel (but any shovel or spade will do).  Know your EIRCODE.  (HSE website).