By Marian Harnett
PROLOGUE: It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and ends next Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) April 11. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary and Novena Prayers will be said at the 12noon Mass next Sunday. All are welcome to join us online at www.abbeyfealeparish.ie or churchservices.tv/abbeyfeale
AN SIOPA NUA: Delighted to see queues forming on the Main St. all weekend to visit the new shop which has opened in Mary Dan G’s. It’s a real blast from the past with Mary Flynn of the welcoming smile and late of Ann Lyons’, behind the shop counter. The counter by the way came from Mike O’Donnell’s down New St., they have posters from the 60’s and beyond and a fine selection of home baking as well as all the usual groceries, sweets, ice cream and a new addition on the Main St. – a coffee machine. We want to wish An Siopa Nua great success in the years of trading that lie before it and it’s lovely to have Mary to call to, as always. she has the welcome mat out for everyone.
CHURCH RADIO107FM: The signal from the Church Radio has been extended to a radius of 3 miles approximately. Parishioners can tune into all Masses and Church ceremonies on 107FM. This service will be of benefit to parishioners who do not have access to the internet and the church webcam. We ask you to assist elderly parishioners in tuning in their radios.
EASTER THE FEAST OF HOPE: Martin Luther King Jr. said of Easter, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime. “The signs of spring are all around us. It is a season of hope and optimism. Springtime brings new life renewal, growth, and hope. In his Easter message, Bishop Brendan Leahy says that “Easter is hope, and the great way to fan the flames of hope in our lives is to put aside, as much as we can, our own worries and go out to love one another. Every time we do an act of love for someone, we give them a reason to hope” We have great hope in the risen Christ. He is with us to encourage us, to strengthen us, enabling us to persevere through these difficult days. Easter is the ultimate message of hope as we struggle in this period of uncertainty. We also find hope in the goodness of the people around us. We are grateful to all who have willingly gone out to serve the community, especially the sick, those living alone and the vulnerable. “Every time we do an act of love for someone we give them a reason to hope.” When the Pandemic ends, as it surely will, we should let the extraordinary acts of kindness experienced during the lockdown period become the normal practice in our lives. In that way hope will live on in our lives. The Easter Message has its origin in the dark days of Jesus’ suffering and then blossoms into the Good News of resurrection. Our hope is firm; it is based in Jesus Christ and in the goodness of humanity. Let us bring this message of hope to everyone we meet this Easter week. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, that is our special gift to all who feel despondent at this time. Fr Dan and I are grateful for the encouragement and support we receive from so many parishioners. Sincere thanks for your continued financial support. We wish you and your families our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter. Fr Tony Mullins. Mass Intentions: Thursday 10am Sean Enright, Upper Purt. Friday 10am Denise Sheehan, Brosna/ Kildimo. Saturday 6.30pm Patrick Lane and deceased family members. Phyllis Cotter, Purt. Sunday10am Tom & Patrick McCarthy, Caherhayes . 12noon Johnny & Maureen Joy, The Square and their parents. Dan Murphy, Main Street and Killarney Road. Monday7pm Austin Daly, The Grove 3rd Anniversary. Parish Finance: Sincere thanks to parishioners who continue to support the church through their weekly offerings. Your weekly contributions enable us to keep the parish functioning and we are grateful for that. As well as using the weekly envelopes, parishioners can also use the DONATE button on the parish website www.abbeyfealeparish.ie. An increasing number of parishioners are opting to use this electronic donating system. It is a completely secure and confidential method of supporting the church. Fr Tony Mullins 0872600414, Fr Dan Lane (Retired) 087/2533030, Fr Denis Mullane 087/26219.
VIRTUAL FLEADH BY THE FEALE: A major benefit of running our fleadh workshops virtually this year is being able to access tutors from all over the world. Another of our tutors is Brogan McAuliffe who will be teaching the concertina. Brogan is a sister of our flute & tin whistle tutor Órlaith! Born in London, Brogan has won 4 All-Ireland titles and has performed in world class venues including the Royal Albert Hall. Brogan has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout Ireland and we are looking forward to having her with us this year! See our Facebook page for registration details.
WELL DONE: A huge thank you is due to all the people who worked so hard to prepare the church for the online Easter ceremonies from Ann and Maurice O’Meara the church clerks ably assisted by Bridie Scully Collins, to Riona and her cantors who provided the musical accompaniment, to the readers and of course to Fr. Tony and Fr. Dan who presided over the Holy Week events. It was the next best thing to be able to tune in each day on church services.tv/Abbeyfeale or www. abbeyfealeparish.ie
TAKEOUT AVAILABLE: We all need something to look forward to during these months of pandemic so why not treat yourself to a meal from Leen’s Hotel. Available from 1-8pm seven days a week. Ring 068 31121 to place an order. Conor McCarthy’s Kitchen Table has also reopened for Takeaway and the Green Gourmet in Convent St. is open for takeaway until 3pm Monday to Friday.
FREE ONLINE START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: If you are thinking of starting your own business or if you have recently become self-employed, join our free four part Start Your Own Business Training starting Wednesday, April 14. For further information or to book your place, please contact Brenda Heath at [email protected]
MANAGING STRESS IN OUR DAILY LIVES: Free online SHEP (Social & Health Education Programme) Course for 12 people only. The Covid 19 situation over the last 3 months has been challenging for everyone and brought significant stresses across all society. The ongoing situation makes it important that we, individually and as communities, look at how we best care for our wellbeing. This course is for people who would like to work together with others in a supportive environment to explore ways to enhance their well-being and ways of managing stress. This 8-week course will start on Thursday, April 15 and finish on Thursday, June 3, eight Thursdays in a row from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It is essential to register for this course by contacting Adrienne O’Connell on 087 2773294 or [email protected]