Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Portlaoise Parish

Transcription

1 24th January 2010 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Portlaoise Parish Sunday Masses Assumption, The Heath Sunday 9:30am Holy Cross, Ratheniska Sunday 10am Scoil Bhrid, Knockmay Saturday: 6:15pm Parish Church Saturday: 7:30pm Sunday: 8:30am 10:00am, 11:15am & 12:30pm Daily Mass Parish Church 7.30am & 10am. Parish Radio 106.5fm Priests of the Parish Msgr. John Byrne P.P Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick C.C Fr. Joe O Neill C.C Fr. Kevin Walsh C.C Fr. Peter Uzochukwu C.C Fr. Tom O Connor P.E. (Parish Chaplain) Sue Ryder, Kilminchy Priest on Duty Diocesan Website: St. Peter & Paul s Church GREAT WORDS US Barack Obama's rhetorical skill, his ability to captivate and inspire audiences with his powerful speeches, has led some writers to describe him as the greatest orator of his generation. His speeches draw on speeches past, consciously creating a sense of history, purpose and continuity. As in any great orator, Barack Obama recognises that great truths can be remembered best by one small quote. Keeping things short and succinct will make one's words more memorable than a great big rambling speech. Then of course politicians can be charged with empty rhetoric, it takes a big personality to put the weight of truth and integrity behind his or her words. When Jesus is invited to stand up and preach back at his own hometown synagogue he chooses his reading with care. What Jesus chooses to read is to be a statement about his own mission priorities. He chooses to speak of social injustice. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, he reads, because he has anointed me to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed. Then Jesus points to himself as the fulfilment of the ancient prophecy before handing back the scroll and sitting down. Jesus has obeyed all the rules of public speaking, he has considered the purpose of his reading, chosen words that will best convey his purpose, and delivered them powerfully and succinctly. How will Jesus listeners respond to his claim? Today s reading doesn t give us the listeners response so we have time to imagine what our own response would have been. Would we have been inspired and motivated to hear Jesus speak these words? Would we suddenly see the ancient prophecy as just that, an ancient prophecy, or as mission to be fulfilled under Jesus leadership? Could we imagine the poetry of these words resonating two thousand years later? Haiti Earthquake Appeal Envelopes are available in Church porches if you wish to contribute to the Haiti Earthquake appeal. Please return the envelope next weekend or you can leave it into the Parish Centre. Communion Calls Fr. Joe will attend his calls on Monday 25th January. Fr. Paul will attend his Calls on Tuesday 26th & Thursday 28th January.

2 EASY P.C. COMPUTER SALES, REPAIRS & UPGRADES Engineer callout service to home or office arranged at a time to suit you. Laptops & computers serviced, upgraded and repaired. Complete new systems including 3 year onsite warranty delivered & installed. Selection of USB memory sticks, printers, cables and accessories. Next day delivery on orders in stock placed before 3pm Phone Greg Augustine on Or E- m ail engineering@easy- pc.ie for Free Estim ates & Pricing. Emo, Co. Laois. Special Packages now available for Communion & Confirmation Meals, Parties & 21st s a speciality - buffets from 5. Complimentary slideshow presentation for your night. Contact reception for enquiries on (057) or reception@gandoninn.com Water Softeners Iron Filters, Ultra Violet Filters (For Bacteria Control) Complete Home & Industrial Water Treatment Systems Sales & Service Local Authority Grants available to bring individual private well supplies up to E.U. Standards providing dwelling is at least 7 yrs old. ( Not available to people on mains water supplies) Aqua Treatment Dromadoon, Mountrath Rd, Portlaoise Tel: (057) / (087) Website:

3 PORTLAOI SE PARI SH COMMUNI TY LOTTO DRAW HELD THURSDAY 21ST JANUARY 2010 NUMBERS DRAWN No Jackpot Winner Match 3s Won 40 each Next Week s Jackpot: 12,000 WINNER Jim Tuohy Ethna Dunne Damien Kearns Caroline Costigan John Lynch Maura Hartford Mary Lowry Bridget Culleton Jim & Esther Rock Helen Dillon Tony Noctor Andy Bergin Martin Dowling Seamus Brophy Emma Bartley Elaine Heffernan Chris Harris Catherine Fennelly Niall Treacy Mary Maher Pat Dempsey Ben Lawlor Gordon Fitzpatrick Anne O Keeffe Deirdre Heffernan PROMOTER Paul Dooley Parish Centre Parish Centre Nicholas Keary Maureen Lynch Maura O Brien Maura Buggy M Culleton Lily Kelly Lily Kelly Joe Matthews D & MCarroll Bobby Haslam Anthony Preston Eileen Preston Ann Heffernan Michael Lawlor Mary Martley Paddy O Connor J Hogan Paul Dooley Ann Hetherington Mary Arthur Anne O Keeffe Anne O Keeffe SOLICITORS TOP QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES Buying & Selling Property Car Accidents Accidents at Work Making Wills Probate and Estate Planning Landlord and Tenant matters Company & Commercial Law. Please contact us for an appointment at: A.J. DUNCAN & CO., 2 WESLEY TERRACE, PORTLAOISE. Phone: (057) Fax: (057) info@ajduncanandco.ie Web: Portlaoise Parish Schools School Enrolm ent Enrolm ent of pupils for 1 st September 2010 in the following Portlaoise Parish Schools will close on Monday 1 st February Please Contact the Principals of the Schools. Sacred Heart, Church Ave., Portlaoise. Ms. Maura Conroy - Tel: (057) Scoil Mhuire, Church Ave., Portlaoise. Ms. Anne Buggie - Tel: (057) St. Paul s, Borris Road, Portlaoise Mr. Des Sutton - Tel: (057) Scoil Bhríde, Knockm ay, Portlaoise Mr. Ted Laffey - Tel: Parents / Guardians Enrolm ent Form s available from relevant schools. Please m ake sure your enrolm ent form is in on tim e and please bring a copy of his / her Birth Certificate & Baptism al Certificate.

4 FREE ESTIMATES! FREE COURTESY CAR! FREE RECOVERY! WHEN YOUR VEHICLE IS REPAIRED AT FRAN S CRASH REPAIRS, Clonminam Industrial Estate, Portlaoise, Laois. Tel: (057) Mobile: (Conditions Apply) M & M Pic t ur e Fr amin g New Road, Port laoise. (opp. K.W.S.) Tel: (057) For all your framing needs INSTANT HEAT Locall Private Houses Offices / Shops Warehousing Conference Centres Commercial Heaters to suit all applications High Stocks Safety Assured Delivery Service Clonminham Ind Est, Portlaoise Tel: (057) Portarlington Ind Est, Portarlington Tel: (057) WHARTONS TRAVEL PORTLAOISE MANCHESTER UNITED VS MAN CITY CARLING CUP SEMI FINAL 27th January 2010, 1 Night 159 p.p.s, Day Trip 129 p.p. MANCHESTER UNITED VS PORTSMOUTH 6th February 2010, 1 Night 199 p.p.s., 2 Nights 249 p.p.s. MANCHESTER UNITED VS STOKE CITY 9th May 2010, 2 Night Trip 249 p.p.s. 100 Deposit Secures LUXURY COACH FROM PORTLAOISE - NEW 3 STAR HOTEL! Contact: (057) / john@whartonstravel.com

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6 Complete Range of Glass Glass and Mirror cut to size Tabletops & Shelving Decorative Glass and Show er Glass Colour Splash Backs and W orktops Safety Glass and MORE. FULL REPAI R AND FI TTI NG SERVI CE Phone: ( ) Fax ( ) TI MAHOE RD., PORTLAOI SE. Independent Tree Services Professional Tree Surgery Tr ee and Shr ub Pr uning, Tr ee Felling, Hedge Tr imming, Gar den Maint enance, Tr ee Healt h / Condit ion Sur veys. Fully Qualif ied and I nsur ed. All sit es lef t clean and t idy. Phone: (057) Mobile: Costume and Fancy Dress Hire The Heath, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Tel: (057) / marion.garcia@costumehire.ie Costumes for all Occasions 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th Birthday Parties, etc. Plenty to choose from. Portlaoise Rugby Football Club Newly Refurbished Clubhouse is available for Parties, Functions etc. Contact: COLLINS FURNITURE REMOVALS STORAGE WAREHOUSE Terry Dow ney Auto Services & Repairs Service and repairs carried out to all makes of cars, vans trucks, etc. - Petrol & Diesel - Overhauls - Body Repairs - Spraying - Personal attention. Contact Terry Downey at Wellview, New Rd, Portlaoise (opp K.W.S.) Tel: (057) MI CON HOME I NSULATI ON The ONLY Portlaoise Based Home I nsulation Experts. Wall and Attic I nsulation. Graphite 27 Plus Bonded Bead Wall I nsulation. Grant Approved. I.A.B. Approved. Attics a Speciality!! CLONAD, PORTLAOI SE, CO. LAOI S Contact: SAM BARTLEY S TAXI Tel: If you need to get home, pick up the phone! Gas and Oil Boiler Service and Repair Plumbing & Heating R. G. I. CONTACT:

7 New Year Offer! 12 Month Family Membership 2 Adults and up to 3 Children. Gym & Pool inclusive of Classes only 82 per month!! Free Swimming Lessons worth 50 for each Child / or STAR Camp. Free Powerplate Sessions for Parents worth 60. OFFER CLOSES 31st JANUARY 2010 (057) FOR SALE Car Trailer, 6ft 4 x 4ft 4 with 22 inch deep sides. Steel frame, timber floor & sides, ladder rack, lights and mud guards, all in good condition, 300 o.n.o. Also Dog Trailer with lights, mud guards, good tyres, suitable for 2 or 3 large dogs, in excellent condition, 300 o.n.o. Contact: Meeting Room s Whatever the occasion from Boardroom to AGM s. We have the perfect m eeting room for you. Fully inclusive of Projector, Screen and Flip Chart. We won t be beaten on price!! Call ( ) now STRESS MANAGEMENT Identify root causes of Stress. Move from fearing change to embracing it. Tools to help you relax & deal with everyday challenges. Relaxation Techniques. VENUE: PORTLAOISE PARISH CENTRE DATE: WEDNESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY TIME: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Free Course - All are Welcome! Contact Maureen

8 CASTLE ARMS HOTEL The Square, Durrow, Co. Laois We have launched a NEW WEDDING BROCHURE & FANTASTIC WEDDING DAY PACKAGES! KEEGAN S FUNERAL DIRECTORS 5 0 Years of Professional Service in Portlaoise. Contact Matthew on: / * 4 Course Buffet Packages from pp* * 4 Course Seated Service Packages from pp* A REALLY SPECIAL DAY FOR A VERY NICE PRICE! Please contact the Hotel for further information Telephone: (057) info@castlearmshotel.ie Kellyville Centre, (057) All you need under the one roof at Mulhalls. Large Selection of Wines - Beers - Spirits Fresh Fruit & Veg. and Home Baking Newspapers One Hour Photo. 8 Beef Burgers 6 Chicken Legs 2 Mini Steaks 8 Meat Balls 4 Chicken Fillets 5 Pork Chops Stuffed Cooked Chicken now Available MULHALLS NOW OFFERING FREE HOME DELIVERY - CHECK INSTORE FOR DETAILS! each Mon - Sat 7:30am - 8:00pm and Sun 8:00am - 7:00pm LEONARD CARPETS LTD KEA-LEW BUSINESS PARK, PORTLAOISE, TEL. / FAX. (057) Carpet - Vinyls & Floor Covering Specialists. All Types of Carpets - Plain or Pattern. Carpet Measuring / Fitting Service. Hearth and Centre Floor Rugs. Blinds - All Latest Shades. Roller, Venetian & Vertical Blinds. Measuring & Fitting (Blinds) Service.

9 BROWNE S ANIMAL FEEDS CLONMINAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS. (057) Full range of Animal Feeds. 50% OFF Rail! Haylidge, Shavings. Wellingtons LESS 20%. Great Value in Outdoor Horse Rugs. Dog Food Including Beta, Royal Canin, Redmills, Massbrook. 2 Bags of 15kg Dog Food for only Outdoor Clothing Now Reduced - Jackets, Fleeces: 35% OFF Feed the Birds - Best Value in Town!! Peanuts, Wild Bird Seed, Suet Balls and Feeders - Huge Range to choose from. We are now Stocking Coal and Briquettes including ECO BRITE: Doubles: Anthracite at Incredibly Competitive Prices: 40kg Coal Top Grade Premium Coal 40kg Eco Brite Briquettes OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:30am - 5:30pm. SATURDAY 9:30am - 5:00pm. LUNCH EACH DAY 1:30pm - 2:30pm

10 I n Today s Gospel Jesus goes to the synagogue and reads from the Bible. The reading says, The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He says the reading is all about him. Colour the picture showing Jesus reading from the scroll in the synagogue. A Synagogue is where the Jewish people meet to pray and to listen to the Word of God. M y Prayer Dear Father in heaven, I know you sent Jesus to give us good news. Help me to be good news to everyone around me. Amen. Help Jesus find his way to the synagogue.

11 Com plete the W ordsearch below! PROCLAIM SPIRIT POOR PREACH TODAY SCRIPTURE SYNAGOGUE SIGHT PROPHET FREEDOM NEWS ANOINTED POWER GOOD GALILEE TAUGHT SABBATH BLIND PRISONERS SCROLL Play and Pray WHEN: Sundays at 11.15am Mass WHERE: Play & Pray Room (old Sacristy) WHO: Junior Infant, Senior Infant & First Class pupils. The children are invited to leave the Mass after the Opening Prayer and re-join the Mass at Communion time. The children will gather to listen to children s stories from the Bible & partake in religious activities. How to Enrol: Contact Margaret on or call to the Parish Centre. Want to beat those January Blues??? Contact for more details. Now is the perfect time to start a fitness programme. A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer available to work with you & help you achieve all your health goals regardless of your fitness level, age and/ or training preferences. A fun & friendly atmosphere guaranteed. Excellent rates available.

12 For Sale 2000 Jeep Cherokee Commercial. 2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel, 98,500 miles, one owner since new, Tax 03/2010, D.O.E. 04/2010, 2,995 o.n.o., Contact Eamon on Sand & Gravel Small loads of sand, gravel, chippings etc. delivered (up to 5 tonnes). Contact (086) Portlaoise Stone Centre Ltd. Unit 3b Clonminam Business Park Portlaoise Prop. Terry Swayne Tel: (057) / Fax: (057) Mobile: (087) terrysw@eircom.net Open Monday - Friday 8.30am pm Saturday & evenings by appointment We supply an extensive range of headstones & plaques in granite, marble and limestone. Any design in the above made to order. We also supply bronze eternal lamps, statues etc. Sandblasting cleaning carried out. Inscriptions added. Old headstones renovated. Cement top & wide range of chippings available. 25 years experience. All grave work carried out to a high standard. Top quality at a competitive rate. Call us today for a Free quotation. Midway, Abbeyleix Rd., Portlaoise, Co. Laois Ample free parking at the hotel!. Adults 4 course dinner 22.95p.p. & children 12.95p.p. AT Bookings now being taken for Confirmation and Communion. Fantastic menu for both Adults and kids! To book call Caitriona or Linda on (057)

13 The Cuisle Centre Cancer Support Service Block Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois We are a registered charity offering professional support to people diagnosed with cancer and their families. W e provide a Variety of Services including: Acupuncture, Counselling, Massage, Prosthesis Fittings, Reflexology and Manual Lym phatic Drainage. All Services are FREE of charge. Group Meeting: Wednesday - Coffee morning from 11: 00am - 1: 00pm Women s & Men s Monthly Support Group Meetings Workshops 1 st Thursday of every month 8: 00pm - 9: 30pm Open Mon to Thurs 9 am - 5 pm & Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Phone: ( ) w w w.cuislecentre.com

14 ORCHID EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FETAC LEVEL 5 COURSES IN Courses Commencing in Portlaoise Feb A) Special Needs Assisting (FETAC Level 5) Commencing Monday 1st February 7pm - 9pm. B) Understanding Special Needs (FETAC Level 5) Commencing Tuesday 2nd February 7pm - 9pm. Courses are part-time, 16 weeks duration, 2 hours per week. Venue: Laois Education Centre, Block Rd., Portlaoise. For Details Contact Clodagh at Orchid Educational Services on MOUNTRATH COMMUNITYSCHOOL Tr ansit ion Year Mini-Company Paws off pet supplies 3.3 Kg of Turkey and Veg. Complete Dog Food at 3 each Buy 5 Bags Get One Free Dog Collar and Lead Sets Small 8 - Medium 10 - Large 12 9 Non - Slip Dog Bowls 6 each. Cont act : O /

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16 1/2 Price Sale Starts at Fifty-Seven, Main St., Portarlington, Co. Laois (057) Prop. Mary Miller Tuesday 26th January at 10:00am All Winter Stock 50% & More OFF Van Dal Shoes 50% OFF All Stock must clear to make way for New Stock arriving daily! Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Late Opening Thursday until 8:00pm Large Sizes Available LANDSCAPING! Recession Price Specials Kerbing, Paving, Fencing Lawn Turf, Tree & Hedge Planting Maintenance Quotes for Grass Cutting SCHOOL CALENDARS RATHENISKA N.S., ST. FRANCIS & ST. PAUL S PRIMARY SCHOOL, 5.00 EACH. CONTACT: O tymagicmemories@hotmail.com Call Richard for a Free Quote on / (057) New 8 Week Term commencing Tuesday 26th January 2010 Venue: St. Mary s Hall Portlaoise Fun Fit Hula Class 1 for 4-6 4:15pm Fun Fit Hula Class 2 for 4-6 5:15pm Hip Hop Hula Class for :15pm Cost per Child Discounts available for Multiple Family Members. Class suitable for anybody looking for a fun new way to exercise. Fun fit classes for kids aged 4-12 years. Have fun and keep fit while learning to dance, hula hoop and much more. Booking essential! Contact Marian on or happyheartsclub@eircom.net

17 RELI GI OUS NOTI CES Portlaoise Prayer Group: Meeting every Wednesday evening at 8.15pm in the Parish Centre. FOR SALE SECTI ON For Sale: Quinny Buggy - Buzz 3, Aqua Colour, as new, only one year old, complete with rain cover, buggy bag, foot muff, changing bag and sun parasol, only selling in order to purchase a double buggy, 280, Contact: For Sale: Desktop P.C., 2 years old, 175, Contact: / (057) USEFUL SERVI CES Ca roline s H olist ics: M.N.R.R.I, Reflexology, I ndian Head Massage, Hop i Ear Can d le Tr eat m en t & Pedicure. All treatments one hour costing 40. Contact: (Abbeyleix Area). Experienced Childm inder Available to mind child / children in minders home, loving and fun home from home environment, full-time or part-time places av ailable, Kilm inchy area, Contact: Maths Grinds Available: Contact: Germ an Grinds Available: German native speaking woman available for German Grinds (qualified teacher), p l e a s e c o n t a c t Ch r i s t i n a o n (057) or Reflexology Practitioner Available: Fo r a n a p p o i n t m e n t, co n t a ct : Experienced Childm inder Available to mind Child / Children in minder s own home, non - smoker, full clean drivers license, all hours considered. Contact: anytime. LOST & FOUND Sum of Money Found on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise on Thursday 14th January. Contact: Lost: Silver Watch (Solid Bracelet) with black face, lost between Church Avenue and Main Street. Contact: COMMUNI TY NOTES Com haltas: First big event of the year for Portlaoise Comhaltas takes place next Saturday week, 30th January at Sky Venue, Heritage Hotel with a fundraiser featuring Goitse (I rish word pronounced gwi- t cha). The event marks our first 12 months in existence and we would like to see you all there. D o o r s o p e n 8 p m f o r 8 : 3 0 p m performance, ending about 10: 30pm. Ti ck e t s 1 0 a v a i l a b l e a t t h e Dunamaise Arts Centre or on the door. SMALL NOTI CES W ORDS COMMUNI TY NOTES P i l g r i m a g e t o M e d j u g o r j e : Thursday 22nd to Thursday 29th April, 599, Special Offer 100 off if paid in full before 1st February. Places are limited. To book, contact Larry Cummins / Christine Dalton on (057) / Laois / Kildare Reflexology Netw ork: Our first session and an interesting workshop will be on January 30th from 11am - 4pm 'I nfertility and Reflexology' (Lua McI lraith). A few places are available f o r n o n m em b er s in r elat ed t herapies. Ot her workshops for February include: February 1 3 th 'The Power of Now' (John Doherty) and February 2 0 th 'Dreams a j our ney t o t he sour ce'. ( Mar y Carbery). The workshops will be held in Suaimhneas Emo. For further inform at ion and booking go to w w w.suaim hneas. ie/ index. ht m or suaimhneas22@eircom.net or call (057) Com m unity Gam es Art Com p. St. Mary's and St. Paul's areas Portlaoise: Boys and Girls U-8, U-12, U-14 and U-16. The closing date for the above competition is Th u r sd ay 2 8 t h Jan u ar y Pictures will be collected from schools on this date. All pictures must be of a Community Games activity. Please ensure t hat pict ur es have t he following information on the back of each - Name and address of participant, Date of Birth, Gender and Name of School. The Migraine Association of I reland [ MAI ] will hold a migraine sem inar in t he Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on Sunday, January 31st from 2-5pm. The event is open to migraine sufferers and to all those who live, work and deal wit h migraineurs on a regular basis s u c h a s f a m i l y m e m b e r s, employers, health professionals, etc. Present at ions will be given by migraine experts - before the floor is opened for questions. The event is free for M.A.I. members and 5 for non-members, children and partners go free. For more information see: w w w. m ig r ain e. ie and t o b ook c a l l o r e m a i l info@migraine.ie Grow I t Yourself G.I.Y.: I nterested in growing your own food? The next meeting of Portlaoise G.I.Y. will be held on Thursday 28th January in Portlaoise Library at 6: 30pm. These m eet ings are for back garden growers of all abilities and are free of charge and open to all. For further details, contact AW ARE: Need help for Depression? Weekly Aware Meetings are held in the Parish Centre, St Peter & Paul s Church, Portlaoise on Monday s at 8pm. Contact: (059) Parents Together: Parent & Toddler Group, Contact: ACCORD Marriage & Relationship Counselling GORTA 5 Kelton House, Portlaoise, (057) SUE RYDER SHOP (057) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Dublin Road, Portlaoise, (057) GROW Support for people suffering from Depression & Anxiety, LAOIS SUPPORT SERVICE AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE / AMEN Support Service for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse, LAOIS TALKING NEWSPAPER (057) LEGION OF MARY ALATEEN / (057) AL-ANON MEETING Tuesday Night 8:00pm in Mount St. Anne s LA LECHE MONTHLY MEETING Parish Centre - 1st Tue of the month, 10am CURA Support for Crisis Pregnancy, Day for Consecrated Life This is the day each year when we celebrate the gift of Religious Life in the worldwide Church, together with the richness and diversity of the religious vocation. I n this diocese we will gather together with the Religious of our diocese in the Cathedral in Carlow at 7 :0 0 p.m. on Tuesday 2 nd February for a celebration of Evening Prayer. All are welcome. This gives us an opportunity to support the many Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests who have given their lives in service to our diocese and throughout the world. Prayer for those in Consecrated Life Gracious God, w e praise & thank you for blessing our diocese w ith dedicated religious. W e pray that their life- giving presence m ay flourish am ong us. Help us all to know how w e can affirm, support and encourage one another as w e try to em brace life in all its m ystery. May our com m on Baptism al call invite each one of us to prom ote your Kingdom of love and peace. Am en.

18 5 0 + Active Age Group Activities January Program m e: W ed. 2 7 th Jan.: Rehearsal for Bealtaine Concert 2.30pm. A.G.M. 3.30pm. Membership Subscription of 15 for 12 monthly year (2010). Mountm ellick Em broidery Classes resume this Monday 18th January from 7: 30pm to 9: 30pm in Portlaoise Parish Centre. New members always welcome. Bus to Clonfert for a Day of Prayer & Healing w ith Eddie Stones on Saturday 3 0 th January: Bus leaves Athy 8: 00am, Ballylinan 8: 15am, Stradbally 8: 30am, Portlaoise 8: 45am, Mountrath 9: 00am. Contact Eileen on or All are Welcome. Concern: A meeting to finalise the Concern Christmas Fast Collection will be held in the Parish Centre on Tuesday 26th January following the 10am Mass. All sponsorship cards and collections should be returned to this m eet ing. All funds are urgent ly needed. I f anyone with money is unable t o at t end t his m eet ing, p lease con t act Sheila Duff on (057) / or Helen Corbett 0n (057) / NA FI ANNA: Local band Na Fianna are representing the East in the All I reland Talent Show this Sunday 24th January on R.T.E. 1 at 6: 30pm. Dam ian an d Joh n Walsh f r om Ballinakill, Lee Campion from Durrow and Ross Hennessy from Kilkenny need your support. Please vote as often as you can for NA FI ANNA. Laois Sw im m ing Club: Trials are now being held at Portlaoise Leisure Ce n t r e o n Mo n d a y Ev e n i n g s throughout January between 5pm and 7pm for ent ry into t he newest Swimming Club in Laois. The I dea for the Club is to: I mprove Swimming Ability I mprove Physical Fitness Progress Swimmers to Competitive Levels Any parent with a child interested in taking part in the trials, please contact: Ann Marie Maher, Sport Section, Laois County Council on (057) or Debbie Murphy (Head Coach) on Ardara Hillw alking: On Saturday 30th January there will be an 'A' grade walk of 5-8 hours. This will be the Winter Torchlight Challenge (bring your torch), meet at the Clonaslee Community Centre at 1pm. The 2 walks in February are FREE open walks! Non members welcome! 7 th Feb: this walk is 'C' grade (5mls / 3hrs) Brittas Wood & Lake, meet at Clonaslee 1: 30pm. On Feb 2 1 st: Clear Lake 'B' grade (5 mls / 3.5 hrs), meet Cadamstown at 1: 30pm. Cont act Michael on For all walks wear waterproof hill walking footwear. New members welcome. For the 2010 Calendar of Walks, visit our website M.R.C.S. Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services - Life after Separat ion or Divorce: Course beginning 16th February, 23rd Feb., 2nd March and 9th March in Portlaoise Parish Centre. The course will be held one evening each week and each session starts at 7pm and finishes at 9: 30pm with a short break. The course aims to help people pick up the pieces following a break-up by giving them information on separation and divorce from an emotional perspective, with a view to helping them re-build their lives. Course costs 75. To reserve a p lace, p lease co n t act : Pau li n e Keane on or Pauline.keane@mrcs.ie. I rish Heart Foundation Church Gate Collection takes place next weekend, 30th & 31st January. Please give generously. Coffee M orning Date: Friday 29th January Venue: Parish Centre, Portlaoise Time: 10:30am - 12 noon In aid of St. John Bosco Teenage Care, Dublin (Street Children) Your Kind Support would be much appreciated. Thank You!!! House to Rent 3-Bed House to rent in Rossvale Portlaoise, recently decorated, 600 per m onth, Social Security accepted. Contact: ADRI AN MAHER Plum bing & Heating Services PORTLAOI SE All works covered including Oil Boiler Service & Repair. Very reasonable rates. Contact Adrian on ELECTRI CI AN AVAI LABLE Brian Dooley Electrical C2 Registered Agricultural Dom estic Industrial Com mercial New & Rewire No Job too Big or too Sm all! Stradbally, Co. Laois Laois Upholstery Antique & Modern Furniture re-upholstered. Pick-up and Delivery Service available. Contact Margaret on ( ) Hugh Thom pson MI DLAND HEATI NG SERVI CES Commissioning, Servicing and Repair of Oil Boilers & Single Burner Cookers. Ballyfin, Portlaoise. Call: Servicing & N.C.T. Preparation Mechanical Repairs. Tyres for Sale. Bodywork to Cars & Light Commercials (Vans). Contact: Blades Hair Design 1 9 Main St. Portlaoise. Sham poo & Finish only Colour, Cut & Finish only Full Head Hilites Cut & Finish Don t delay, book your restyle today!! Call Natalie on

19 EXPERI ENCED TI LER AVAI LABLE Contact John on: OI L BOI LER SERVI CE Carbon Monoxide Testing, Carbon Dioxide Testing and Efficiency Testing. SOLI D FUEL STOVE SERVI CI NG Rope and Bricks Changed and Grates replaced Contact Tom: PORTLAOI SE G.A.A. CLUB Table Quiz Proceeds in aid of Portlaoise Senior Footballers Training Fund. Portlaoise G.A.A. Club at 9 pm on Friday 2 9 th January. Team of four 40. Generous Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd. SUPPORT THE TOW N! Kind Reliable Childm inder Available To care for Child / Children in m inders own hom e. Excellent care provided. References available. 14 years in Childcare, will drop or collect to and from School if necessary. Excellent rate, early m ornings not a problem. Contact: ANYTI ME For Sale: Good Quality Turf, Contact: PORTLAOI SE PARI SH MI SSI ON 20th - 27th February LENT 2010 A Mission Team from the Redemptorist Fathers in Dundalk will conduct a Mission in our Parish in February. The Mission will begin with the Saturday evening Mass of the First Sunday of Lent and conclude the following weekend. We look forward to the Mission as a time of renewal and celebration of our faith. BUY DIRECT Now for the first time you can buy our collection online at Why not have a Party! We will come to you anytime, anywhere. Exclusive Collection at rock bottom prices. No fuss - we set up, we clean up. Host a Party and we will make it worth your while by giving you 10% of the sales!! CONTACT: Alicia: Lilly:

20 Pride of Place All Ireland Winner 2008 Manager Declan Kelly Parish Office At The Parish Centre Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Parish Secretary Michelle Bartley Mon - Fri 9am - 2pm Receptionist Mary Bowe Mon - Thurs 1pm - 5pm Ph: Fax Accounts Michelle Conroy Caretaker Danny Marum 6pm to 10pm Parish Catechist Margaret Dooley Sacristan Martin O Neill (The phone in the sacristy is attended prior to Mass times) Parish Shop Nicholas & Maureen Keary Religious Goods, Books and gifts items Editor Julie Conroy Office Hours Monday to Thursday 11am to 5pm Advertising Deadline Tuesday 5pm julie@portlaoiseparish.ie Now available online at M ASS TI MES FOR THE COMI NG W EEK: Monday Friday: 7 :3 0 am & 1 0 :0 0 am Saturday: 1 0 :0 0 am the Failte We welcomed the following into the Christian Community through Sacrament of Baptism: Leon Patrick Walsh, De Vesci Ct. Fairgreen Hughie Joseph Nevin, Gandon Close Jam ie Lynch-Swayne, The Rock, Ballyroan Jam es Martin Doody, Lake Avenue. The Conversion of Saint Paul 25th January Paul wrote som e of the m ost beaut iful and im portant passages in the whole of the Bible, but his works have also been used, am ong other things, to j ust ify hom ophobia, slavery and ant i- Sem itism. He has also been accused of being anti-fem inist, although m any m odern scholars would argue that in fact he cham pioned the cause of wom en church leaders. In the final analysis, Paul was the first great Christ ian t heologian, est ablishing som e of the building blocks of the faith that we now take for granted, though there are those who argue that in laying out these ground rules, Paul has obscured and separated us from the true teachings of Jesus. But perhaps the true sign of Paul's im portance is that even nearly 2000 years after his d e a t h h e s t i l l i n s p i r e s passion; whatever you feel, it's hard to feel neutral about Paul. For Funeral Arrangements Visit our website: w w w.portlaoiseparish.ie OUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR: Margaret (Peggy) Kelly Rock of Dunam aise Michael Barry Riverview, Tower Hill & late of Sum m erhill May they Rest in Peace. Our Sympathy to their Families. Bereavement Support For those people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. A group meeting will be held monthly every third Wednesday in the Ratheniska Room, Parish Centre at 8:00pm. ALL ARE WELCOME. One to one support is also available by contacting the Secretary in the Parish Centre on (057) New Arrangem ents for The Adoration of the Blessed Sacram ent. Beginning on Sunday 24 th January 2010, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacram ent will occur in the Parish Church at the Tabernacle area in the m ain Sanctuary (we are glad to say that the provision for Eucharistic Adoration in now com plete) if the Parish Church becom es unavailable please keep in m ind that we will have the alterative use of the Prayer Room. Development Fund Envelope Boxes. Weekly contribution envelope boxes are available in the Church Porches. Thank you for your continued support. The Divine Mercy Prayer Meeting The Divine Mercy Prayer Meeting occurs every Monday night 8 9pm in The Prayer Room of the Parish Church. Portlaoise Parish Sunday 17th January Offertory Collection 3, Development Collection 4, , Our thanks and appreciation to all who subscribe so generously to the Parish.