NEWSLETTER
9th August 2026 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:
Weekend Mass Times:- Saturday - Raheen 7.30pm
Sunday - Ballinagar 10am & Killeigh 11.30am
Funeral Masses
no longer on Sundays in Killeigh Parish.
Pray for:
Caroline Jordan, Knock, Daingean & Surrey, England.
John (Johnny) Scully, Rhode.
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
Maureen Hyland, Cloneygowan &
Deceased Bryan Family, Kilcooney.
Stephen & Catherine Byrne, Cloneygowan & their Son Pat & Grand-daughter Adrianne & Bridie Doheny.
Jim & Christina Byrne, Cloneygowan.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
Trisha & Padraig Hanlon, Ballinagar.
Pete Slattery, Toberlaheen.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Oliver, Betty & Joe Gorman, Fenter.
Ned & Sadie Martin & Bridie Murray & Deceased Family, Killeigh.
This Week in the Parish:
Mon: Funeral Mass
for Caroline Jordon in Ballinagar.
Wed: Funeral Mass
for Johnny Scully in Ballinagar.
For the Holy Day: August 15th Sat.
The Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Raheen Vigil Mass Friday at 7.30pm.
Killeigh Saturday at 10.00am
MASSES FOR NEXT WEEKEND:
RAHEEN: SATURDAY 7.30pm
James & Joanna conroy, Urney House, Cloneygowan.
Jim & Babs Seery, Ballydownan &
their Son Seamus & Daughter Peg Leavy.
Bernadette Starkin, Milltownpass.
BALLINAGAR: SUNDAY 10.00am
Matthew Daly, Alderborough House.
KILLEIGH: SUNDAY 11.30am
Deceased Members of the Meredith & Dunne Families, Ballymooney &
Michael Connolly.
Michael Brophy, Meelaghans.
Paddy Brazil, Clonad.
Ministers of Holy Eucharist Next Week:-
Killeigh Sun: Marie Geraghty/Henry Bagnall
Raheen Sat: Brendan and Imelda Garry
Ballinagar Sun: John McDonald
READERS for next weekend:-
Raheen 7.30pm: Seery Family
B’Gar 10.00am: Catherine Dolan Jnr
Killeigh 11.30am: Patricia Nunan
Rosary in Annagharvey Cemetery on Wednesday August 12th at 8pm.
Candle Shrine Donate Button:
You now can make a donation for the Candle Shrine on the parish website under the “Donate” button on the home page.
THANKS
I wish to extend a sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved in the funeral of Msgr Tom Coonan, last weekend.
· Those who did Stewarding in the church at Ballinagar.
· Those who did Stewarding around parking at all 3 churches.
· To our united Choirs of the Parish & others who joined for this special occasion.
· To Seán Scully, Organist.
· Eoin Carton, Director.
· To Sacristans in all 3 churches.
· To all who attended the Reposing Sunday pm; the Funeral Mass & Burial Ceremony.
· To all who stood for ages in Guards of Honour at all 3 churches.
· Thanks to Bishop Denis and
all Fr. Tom’s Clergy Colleagues.
· Thanks be to God, for all the Blessings Msgr. Tom was given over a long lifetime. R.I.P.
Fr. John Stapleton.
Msgr Coonan’s Funeral Mass was recorded and can be viewed for the next two weeks on Killeigh Parish Webcam.
Scroll down to Recordings.
Prayer for Life, Unity and Peace.
The Annual Crossing of Ireland with a statue of Our Lady takes place on the 15/16/17th August as in previous years.
Sunday the 16th August Rosary in Killeigh Church at 3pm. It is hoped many will join in the Rosary and accompany the Statue on part of the journey. Rosary beads, will be available.
Ballinagar Planning Group A.G.M.
Tuesday, 8th September 8:30pm
Ballinagar Community Hall
Everyone is very welcome to attend our Annual General Meeting.
We are looking for new volunteers to join our group and help us continue making our community and village an even better place. New members bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and different perspectives, and we'd love to hear your ideas. Whether you can spare a little time or a lot, your support would be greatly appreciated.
National Heritage week -
“Killeigh told through Visual Stories” Exhibition Sunday 16th August Killeigh Community Centre at 12.15 - 3.45pm. The exhibition features nine small sculptural artworks created by local participants. All welcome and discover the artworks and celebrate Killeigh’s rich cultural heritage.
Historical Walk and Talk
of Monastic Village of Killeigh .
Killeigh Tidy Towns/ KRDA. Monday 17th Aug 7pm-8:30 pm Meeting in the new Killeigh Community Centre
Killeigh Community Centre Official Opening Sunday 27th Sept 3.30pm.
Centre open from 2.30 - 5pm.
Killeigh Tidy Towns are also planning "Rugs On The Green " again this year for the Saturday 22nd Aug time to be confirmed.
Parish Office Open Next Week:
Tues, Thurs & Friday 11am-1pm. Call 057 93 44161 or leave a message.
TAX REFUND ON YOUR DONATIONS TO THE PARISH & CLERGY FUNDS 2025
Many thanks to the people who have returned their Forms already
88 Forms have been submitted to Revenue for a Refund amounting to €19,121.85. Please keep sending in your Forms.
Another 3 Forms have been submitted this week for €627.04
If you still have a Form from 2024/2023/2022 we can still put them through for a refund.
The Parish received back €9,141.83 from Revenue on July 17th.
Re: Forest Management carried out by IForUT SA-FM/COC-013526
See Posters on notice board for all the information. Closing date 16th Sept 2026.
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.
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.
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
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
Safeguarding:- Director & D.L.P. :- Ailish Higgins : Email:- safeguarding@kandle.ie Phone:- 085-8021633
Data Protection Officer: David O’Brien email: dpo@kandle or 056 777 5417
Local Safeguarding Reps:
Breda O’Connor; Mary Dempsey; Concepta Murphy; Catherine Guinan TUSLA 044-9353997
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