By Marian Harnett
DEATH: Sincere sympathy to Mrs. McEnery on the death of her husband James, late of Kilconlea Upr. May he rest in peace.
NOONAN’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Our official opening is on Sunday, November 21 at 4 PM. Limerick all Ireland winning goalkeeper, the great Nickie Quaid, will flick the switch to begin our fundraising event. A host of county champions will be in attendance and of course the main man himself Santa will be there to greet all the children and take their letters back to the North Pole. So an open invitation to all which promises to be a great evening. Many thanks to everyone for their continued support.
- TIM GALVIN: This week Fr Tim returns to his parish in South Sudan. It was a blessing for all of us to have Fr Tim at home among us for the past few weeks. We thank him for sharing his experiences of missionary work with us on Mission Sunday. We wish him a safe journey and we pray continued blessings on his ministry to the people of South Sudan.
We will continue to pray for Fr Tim and for all missionaries.
SEÁN KEANE RETURNS TO THE GLÓRACH: We are delighted to announce that Seán Keane will visit the Glórach on Friday, December 3rd at 8pm. A night not to be missed in the newly renovated theatre. Tickets can be booked by ringing the booking line on 087 1383940.
HAVE A BREAK: Daughters of Charity – Disability Support Services. Would you like to share your home and your heart with a child with disabilities? Have-a-Break is a Home-Based Respite Service which facilitates children with disabilities going to the home of a Carer for Short Breaks. This could be for a day, a night or even a few hours depending on your availability; Experience of caring in any capacity is not essential but can be beneficial , Training and Support is provided. Payment will also be provided depending on level of involvement. For more information please contact Catherine O’Sullivan, Have-a-Break Coordinator Daughters of Charity Lisnagry, on 087-4132888 or 061-501438 or email
[email protected]
HANDEL’S MESSIAH: Dublin Bach Singers, Sharon Lyons-Soprano, Leanne Fitzgerald—Alto, Conor Prendiville—Tenor, Rory Dunne– Bass, Marlborough Baroque, Thérése Timoney,- Leader and conducted by Blánaid Murphy performing in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, December 11 @ 8pm. Tickets €25 each, available from Eventbrite, www.eventbrite.ie , at the Killarney Parish Office or T: 087 6077344.
IRISH SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SURVEY: The National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) and Healing Untold Grief Groups (HUGG) have launched the first national study of adults bereaved or affected by suicide in Ireland. You can find out more and access the survey by visiting www.hugg.ie/suicide-bereavement-survey. You will also find a link to the survey on the diocesan website.
BISHOPS OF IRELAND GO ON PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: The Covid-19 pandemic has been a particularly difficult time for those who have lost loved ones and have often had to cope with their grief without many of the usual spiritual and community supports. To pastorally support everyone who has suffered the pain of bereavement during the pandemic, and in the context of the month of November as the traditional time when we remember our dead, on next Sunday, 14 November at 3.00pm, the Bishops of Ireland will undertake a pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock. The bishops will concelebrate Mass for all those who have died in our country during the pandemic, and for their families. At the Mass the bishops will also offer prayers of thanksgiving for all those who so selflessly sacrificed so much during the pandemic. This Mass will be live-streamed on www.knockshrine.ie and broadcast on the RTÉ News Now digital television channel and online.
GLÓRACH BINGO: The diabolical weather conditions of the last day in October were quickly forgotten as wonderfully calm conditions settled on the GAA grounds on Sunday. A large crowd turned up to our drive-in Bingo and we were delighted to welcome Maureen Hickey back to the fold. Of extreme importance to note, our starting time is changing to 1.30 pm. With darkness descending on the edge of town at an earlier stage in the evening, it is of paramount importance that all are exiting the grounds in daylight and hence the starting time is half an hour earlier than normal. While plans for a November concert have had to be put on hold, we are looking forward to hosting Seán Keane on Friday, December 3rd, tickets can be booked at 0871383940.
COVID-19: Despite the opening up of all areas of society below are some points that we all need to keep in mind as we go about our daily business: Be conscious of those in the community who have underlying conditions and continue to be vulnerable. Continue to support our frontline workers by acting responsibly at all times 67 Covid related deaths in Ireland were reported to health authorities last week. 58 died in October and 9 in September. The increasing numbers of people admitted to our hospitals with COVID-19 is putting the health system under increasing pressure and leading to the postponement of vital services for non COVID patients. Continue to wear a mask while indoors in churches and public buildings Parishioners are strongly advised to refrain from shaking hands with mourners when attending funerals
Ensure social distancing at all times Those attending Mass are still required to wear face masks as we are in an enclosed area and all visitors to the church should continue to sanitize their hands. Windows will remain open for ventilation purposes. As the autumn approaches and the temperatures drop, parishioners are urged to wrap up well. Some seats will remain closed off to help maintain some distance between people attending Mass. Any person with COVID-19 symptoms should not attend Mass. You should self-isolate and contact your doctor. We need to remind ourselves not to become complacent as we try to return to life with fewer restrictions. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and understanding. Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits as existing measures remain (social distance/no physical handshakes/no full choir/no holy water in fonts/one way entry and exit/to Communion/Communion in hand only etc.) All advised to be responsible as the incidence rate is very high at the moment. Dispensation from Sunday Mass and Holy Days obligation remains while Mass during the week is encouraged in lieu.