ACHONRY
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08/11/2026
LETTER The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 25th October 2026 To love the Lord with all our heart – is this even possible?
A common assumption is that love must just come, that it grows organically, and that it cannot be forced.
That’s infatuation, not true love. Any kind of love – for a parent, spouse, child, or friend – will reach a point during which it is no longer easy.
For love to be true, it must be a free choice and commitment. ‘All your heart, soul, and mind’ sounds rather extreme, even rather dangerous.
The world says that loving anyone totally is a risky proposition – what if the one we love rejects us or lets us down, leaving us with nothing?
And the world is even more terrified to love God totally, who cannot even be seen.
This makes sense; after all, to love totally is to trust that we will find fulfilment precisely by not looking for it ourselves, but by looking to fulfil someone else.
That old, almost clichéd phrase, ‘love grows when it is given away, ’ is actually spot-on in this regard.
True love takes a leap of faith, which is what frightens nonbelievers.
Many people are okay with going to church every now and then or volunteering for a charity from time to time (and posting it on Instagram, of course).
Loving like that does not require us to make any kind of leap, any kind of definitive change, any commitment.
But loving God with everything means that all we do is for love of him.
We trust that he will take care of us. That is heroic; that is what it means to be a saint.
Epriest.com Intercom Magazine St James’ Church Charlestown St Patrick’s Church Bushfield Charlestown http://charlestown.ie Page10 We remember in our prayers Mary Harrington, Shammer/ Charlestown and all those whose anniversaries occur around this time.
May they rest in peace. A sincere thanks to all who have made their contributions (the weekly envelopes and bank transfers) for the support of the parish.
Please know that your support is very much appreciated and not taken for granted.
Fr John Rosary is recited at 9.30am Monday through Saturday before daily Mass and at 7.30pm before vigil Mass.
Saturday evening Also there is a lunchtime Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet recited at 1.30pm Monday through Friday and at 6pm Sunday evening.
Everyone welcome. New and returning members are welcome to join our Parish Choir.
No prior experience required! Practice takes place each Thursday at 7pm in the Parish Church.
Enquiries to: Carmel 0863271196 . Legion of Mary Meeting takes place every Wednesday evening at 7pm in the St James Church Charlestown.
All welcome, enquiries contact Phil on 086 3946233
Three teams of two have volunteered to open and close the Church . The opening times of the Church are as follows: Summer time 9am until 6pm. Winter time 9am-4pm. If anybody would like to help with the opening and closing of the Church, please contact Fr. John If anyone would like a visit, please contact fr. John Parish funerals will take place at 11.00am Monday to Saturday.
The time 11.00am was chosen so that the Mass in the St. Attracta’s Residence can be celebrated on Wednesdays at 2.30pm. A Priest is only allowed to say three Masses for a Sunday, going forward there will be no Sunday funerals.
If there is no Mass intention for the 10am weekday Mass in Charlestown, this Mass will be dropped when there is a funeral Mass at 11am either in Charlestown or Bushfield.
The Parish Pastoral Council held its meeting on
Monday 12th October the following was agreed. November Rosaries in Cemeteries:
Sunday 8th November: Rosary in Bushfield Cemetery after the 9am Mass and Rosary in Tample Cemetery after the 12noon Mass in Charlestown.
Sunday 15th November: Rosary in Charlestown Cemetery after the 12noon Mass . If the weather is inclement the rosaries will be said in the Church.
Annual Bereavement Service:
Sunday 22nd November from 5-6pm. Memorial Tree: To be placed in both Churches, parishioners will be invited to hang the names of their loved ones on the tree, the tree will then become Jesse Tree for Advent and Christmas . Christmas 2026 The Parish Christmas Masses of 2026 are as follows: Charlestown: Christmas Eve 8pm and Christmas Day 12noon Bushfield: Christmas Day 10am. Crib: The Charity chosen for 2026 is the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.
Newsletter: There will be a double issue on
Sunday 20th December and resume weekly on the 3rd January 2027 The Parish Diary for Masses, Weddings is now opened for 2027. The Diary is opened from January to June presently and in the month of May 2027 July to December will be opened.
At the recent meeting of the Parish Finance Council it was agreed that the cost of shrine candles in the parish would be 50 cent each, due to rising costs.
Rosary will be recited at the Lurga Shrine each evening Monday through Saturday at 7pm and 5pm on Sundays for the month of November for the Holy Souls.
All are welcome. Charlestown Drama Group is delighted to take its one-act play, The Donahoe Sisters, written by Geraldine Aron, on the festival circuit this November.
The group will perform at the following venues: Saturday, 31st October at 1pm in The Moat Club, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Friday, 6th November at 7.30pm in Ballina Arts Festival, Saturday, 14th November at 7.30pm in the Town Hall, Kiltimagh and Thursday, 19th November at 7.30pm in St. Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry.
Tickets can be booked directly through the individual venues.
Charlestown Drama Group looks forward to representing the local community as they bring their production to audiences across the festival circuit.
The group will also bring The Donahoe Sisters, along with two other plays, to the Arts Centre in Charlestown on 25th, 26th and 27th February 2027. Tickets for these performances will go on sale nearer the time.
The Sacraments of First Holy Communion, First Penance and Confirmation will be celebrated on the following dates in 2027. First Peance will be celebrated on
Tuesday 9th March at 7.00pm. First Holy Communion
Saturday 24th April at 12.00pm and Confirmation on
Friday 21st May at 11.00am. As a Parish Community we keep in our prayers the children and their families preparing for the sacraments in our parish in the coming year.
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences.
To help all who know this pain there will be a series of 4 Tuesday evening talks on ‘How best to cope after a Bereavement’ held in the Newman Centre, Ballina on November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th from 8-10pm. The course will be presented by Monica Morley, Bereavement Counsellor at Knock Shrine.
Places are limited and can be booked on 096-72066 . There are two sides to everything when it comes to Cloonacool Players in Bruce Adams' hilarious farces - 'When I snap my Fingers' directed by Eileen Davey, and'Mary, Mary' directed by Peadar Conway - both to be staged pre-Christmas.
Be prepared to laugh your socks off. "From Longing to Living (Your Song) – Taking your brave first steps" Saturday, November 7th, 10am - 2pm, Croi Nua, Galway. €40 eventbrite booking fee.
Ad- vance booking required on eventbrite.ie.
Any questions?
Contact Maria at 085 - 7566, mariakingguidance@gmail.com .
PLEASE PRAY FOR OFFERTORY COLLECTION BUSHFIELD CHURCH PARISH FUNERALS HOSPITAL VISITATION BREAVEMENT COURSE NOVEMBER 2026 CHARLESTOWN DRAMA PARISH DAIRY 2027 PARISH CHOIR Dear Jesus, the Venerable Patrick Peyton devoted his priestly life to strengthening the families of the world by calling them to pray together everyday, especially the Rosary.
His message is as important for us now as it was during his life on earth.
We begyou, therefore, to hasten the day of his beatification, so that your faithful people everywhere will remember his message that the family that prays together stays together , will imitate him in his devotion to your Mother and ours, and will be inspired by his holy life to draw ever closer to you with childlike confidence and love.
Amen BEATIFICATION PRAYER LEGION OF MARY LURGA SHRINE CLOONACOOL PLAYERS ROSARY DECEMEBR 2026 ANAM CARA FINANCE COUNCIL IMPORTANT PARISH DATES Page 11 NEWSLETTER MONTH OF OCTOBER / NOVEMBER CHURCH DIARY NEWSLETTER ITEMS : Under the protection of your personal data is important to us.
We are h appy to include your notice in our Parish Bulletin, but please ensure that you have re ceived the consent of any persons referenced before submitting a notice to us.
Please submit items by Wednesday evening at 8pm, via email ( charlestownparish@achonrydiocese.org ) if possible and please include your contact details.
Thank you. CHARLESTOWN SVP HELPLINE 086 889 2098
VENUE DATE TIME CELEBRATIONS AND INTENTIONS AND MEETINGS Charlestown
Saturday 24th 8.00pm Dominic & Ellie Higgins, Kilgarriff Charlestown
Sunday 25th 12.00pm Peter, Maragert, Marie, Noel Mulligan, Madogue Alice McHugh Killaturley, 1st Anniv Kathleen McIntyre & deceased of the McIntyre Family, Corthoon Maureen Jordan, Hagfield Padraig O’Hara & deceased of the O’Hara Family, Bellaghy Joan Foody, Church Street (Month’s Mind) Bridie & Tommie Drudy, Glann Charlestown
Monday 26th 10.00am Nick & Maura Walsh, Charlestown
Tuesday 27th 10.00am Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life Charlestown
Wednesday 28th 10.00am Charlestown
Thursday 29th 10.00am Charlestown
Friday 30th 10.00am Margaret M Flannery, Barrack Street Charlestown
Saturday 31st 10.00am Charles Whittington, Bellaghy 1st Anniv Charlestown
Saturday 31st 8.00pm The Solemnity of All Saints Charlestown
Sunday 1st 12.00pm The Solemnity of All Saints VENUE DATE TIME CELEBRATIONS AND INTENTIONS AND MEETINGS Bushfield
Sunday 25th 9.00am Patrick Doherty, Foxford & late Kilgarriff 1st Anniv Bushfield
Sunday 1st 9.00am The Solemnity of All Saints Webcams in Church & Data Protection The Webcam in Charlestown Church focuses on the area of the Sanctuary and also takes in the first few seats.
In line with Data Protection, please be aware that if you are in these areas you will be viewable.
Parish Eucharistic Adoration: Monday morning at 10.30am until Friday night at 10.00pm PARISH CONTACT Parish Priest Fr. John Maloney Mobile: 083 376 8636
Newsletter & Parish Email charlestownparish@achonrydiocese.org PARISH MINISTRIES Charlestown
Saturday 31st October 8.00pm
Sunday 1st November 12.00pm Reader: Ann Dillon Reader: Sr. Elsie Eucharist: Patricia McArdle Eucharist: Margaret Henry Damien McEntire Sr. Breege Tomy Morley Paddy Colleran Bushfield
Sunday 1st November 9.00am Reader: Eucharist: Caroline Leonard PARISH SAFEGUARDING Francis Mulligan The clock goes back one hour tonight.
On Sunday morning 2am will be come 1am. Don’t for get to change your clocks Page 12 Today’s Scrip ture Readings from Universalis Entrance Antiphon Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face.
Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.
Amen Readings at Mass A reading from the book of Exodus 20:20-26 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the sons of Israel this: ‘“You must not molest the stranger or op- press him, for you lived as strangers in the land of Egypt.
You must not be harsh with the widow, or with the orphan; if you are harsh with them, they will surely cry out to me, and be sure I shall hear their cry; my anger will flare and I shall kill you with the sword, your own wives will be widows, your own children orphans. ‘“If you lend money to any of my people, to any poor man among you, you must not play the usurer with him: you must not de- mand interest from him.‘“If you take another’s cloak as a pledge, you must give it back to him before sunset.
It is all the covering he has; it is the cloak he wraps his body in; what else would he sleep in?
If he cries to me, I will listen, for I am full of pity. ”’ The word of the Lord Responsorial Psalm R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my saviour.
My God is the rock where I take refuge; my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold.
The Lord is worthy of all praise, when I call I am saved from my foes.
R Long life to the Lord, my rock! Praised be the God who saves me, He has given great victories to his king and shown his love for his anointed.
R A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 1:5-10. You observed the sort of life we lived when we were with you, which was for your instruction, and you were led to become imitators of us, and of the Lord; and it was with the joy of the Holy Spirit that you took to the gospel, in spite of the great opposition all round you.
This has made you the great example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia since it was from you that the word of the Lord started to spread – and not only throughout Macedonia and Achaia, for the news of your faith in God has spread everywhere.
We do not need to tell other people about it: other people tell us how we started the work among you, how you broke with idolatry when you were converted to God and became servants of the real, living God; and how you are now waiting for Jesus, his Son, whom he raised from the dead, to come from heaven to save us from the retribution which is coming.
The word of the Lord Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!
Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son.
Alleluia! A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 22:34-40 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law? ’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself.
On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also. ’ The Gospel of the Lord “Perfect love means putting up with other people’s shortcomings, feeling no surprise at their weaknesses, finding encouragement even in the slightest evidence of good qualities in them. ” St. Thérèse of Lisieux Profession of Faith I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen Prayer over the Offerings Look, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we make to your majesty, that whatever is done by us in your ser- vice may be directed above all to your glory.
Through Christ our Lord. Communion Antiphon We will ring out our joy at your saving help and exult in the name of our God.
Prayer after Communion May your Sacraments, O Lord, we pray, perfect in us what lies within them, that what we now celebrate in signs we may one day possess in truth.
Through Christ our Lord. Page 13 s Parish of Gallen and Rynagh St. Mary’s, Cloghan & St. Rynagh’s, Banagher Patrick Kiernan 057 9151338
Parish Website: www.cloghanbanagherparish.ie Church Radio: 106.6 FM Email newsletterstrynaghs@gmail.com Notices to be in before 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
Parish Secretary: Tracy Dolan - Monday or
Friday 10.30 to 12.30 p.m. 086 0705801
Readings : Feast of All Saints/ 1st Nov. 2026 Cloghan SVP 087 9272877
Sat. 31st Sun. 1st Mon. 2nd Tues. 3rd Wed. 4th Thurs. 5th
Fri 6th First
Friday 6.30 p.m. 8 p.m. 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 7 p.m. 9.30 a.m. 9.30 am. 9.30 a.m. 7 p.m.
St. Rynagh’s St. Mary’s Frank, Agnes & Jimmy Fitzgerald, Mary Gleeson, Kier an and David Tom (6th Anniv.) & Ann (34th Anniv.), Malone, Attinkee.
Gavin. John Daly & deceased family, Kylebeg.
Una, Larry, Lily & Eddie Byrne & dec. Murray & Byrne families.
Annette Porter née Quinn, Killimor (requested by K. Gerry Coady and his wife Moyra.
Sarah Catherine (Cissie) McKenna, Emyvale and her p arents Minnie & Johnny and deceased members of the family.
Tom Woods, Ard Abhainn (1st Anniv.) Rose Lockett, Manchester.
Ted O’ Rourke, Manchester. Padraig Horan, Harbour Cross (requested by A. & A) Jim McGuirk, Carga, Co. Monaghan.
The Faithful Departed. Special Intention – Get Well Michael.
Kevin Lacey, Leitrim and The Isle of Wight.
The Faithful Departed. Rita Hatton (requested by B. & Special Intention (requested by M. & Margaret Frances Hatton (Rita) (requested by G. & A .) Special Intention – Get Well Anne (requested by T. & Tim Keady, his parents Walter & Gertrude & sisters Kitty & Mary & deceased Keady & Moran families.
Andy Fenton, Kiltormer and Ballinasloe. Special Intention & Joe Doolan, Derrycarney.
Mary Malynn, parents Dan & Pauline and brother Gera rd.
Sat. 7th Sun. 8th 6.30 p.m. 8 p.m. 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m.
St. Rynagh’s St. Mary’s St. Rynagh’s Anthony (Tony) White, Feighs (3rd Anniv.
Martin Lyons, West End & Brian Corcoran, Harbour Road.
Harry & Margaret Johnson and deceased family.
Rose Lockett, Manchester (requested by the Moran Family) Norman & Eric Winkler, Curraghavarna.
Liam Coolahan (4th Anniv.) & wife Phil (25th Anniv.), Clonlyon, Belmont The Murrihy Family.
John Lynam, parents Nora & Patrick Christopher & de ceased family.
Pat Heffernan, Tullamore and his parents Annie & Martin.
Peter & Rose Loonam. Patrick and Bernadette Troy.
The Faithful Departed. Deceased members of the Rudden & Mulcahy Families.
The Faithful Departed. Jesus Said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Joe Corcoran, Dundal k, brother of Gerry Corcoran, St. Rynagh’s Road.
May he rest in peace. Burial of Ashes: Tom Woods, Ard Abhainn will be laid to rest in Banagher Cemetery at 10.20 a.m. this
Sunday 1st Nov. Feast of St. Malachy, bishop celebrated on Tues. 3rd Nov.
Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, bishop celebrated on Wed. 4th Nov.
Patron saint of catechists and seminarians.
Feast of St. Martin de Porres celebrated on Thurs. 5th Nov.
Feast of All Saints of Ireland celebrated on
Friday 6th Nov. First Friday celebrated on
Friday 6th Nov. Communion Calls: Wed. 4th Nov. – Cloghan/Banagher area.
Thurs. 5th Nov. – Cloghan area. Fri. 6th Nov. - Banagher area.
Masses on First Friday: St. Rynagh’s 9.30 a.m. and St. Mary’s 7 p.m . The Sacrament of the Anointing will be celebrated during the Mass in St. Rynagh’s and St. Mary’s on the First Friday.
First Friday Communion Calls: Anyone who would like to receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of the month, please contact Tracy, Parish Secretary.
Baptism: We welcome into the Christian Community Noah Rían Mihaies, Shannon View, Banagher, who was baptised in St. Rynagh’s Church last weekend.
Brother Brian Johnson (OSF) will speak about his missionary work at all Masses on the weekend of the 7th/8th Nov.
Rem embering and Praying for our Departed Relatives & Friends – November 2026 We will remember in a special way all those whose Funeral Masses took place in St. Mary’s and St. Ryna gh’s during the last twelve months.
In the words of the Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament “It is a good and wholesome thought to remember and to pray for our dead.” St. Rynagh’s –
Saturday 14th Nov. at 6.30 p.m. and
Saturday 21st Nov. at 6.30 p.m. St. Mary’s –
Saturday 14th Nov. at 8 p.m. All the faithful departed will be remembered at all Masses during the month of November.
St. Rynagh’s Church: Please write the names of your departed relatives and friends and place in the at the front of the altar.
St. Mary’s Church: Please write on the labels prov ided and place them on the Remembrance Tree.
Lumcloon We are delighted to announce that Lumcloon will now be called St. Carlo Acutis Lumcloon.
Bishop Paul Connell will attend a renaming ceremony during the month of November.
Banagher Men’s Shed: Sincere thanks to all who attended and supported the Open Day on Tues. 27th Oct.
It was a very enjoyable and positive new beginning.
Congratulati ons and well done to everyone involved.
Ireland's 3rd National First Saturdays Conference: This year's conference will take place in Knock on Sat. 28th Nov.
The day begins at 10 a.m. and finishes at 5 p.m.
It includes Holy Mass, adoration, talks, and a healing service.
More information and the list of buses going are availab le on www.firstsaturdays.ie . Banagher Active Retirement Club: The next meeting is this Tues. 3rd Nov. 2 to 4.30 p.m.
See you there. Readings from The Pallet: 30th Edition: This year's event will be held on
Friday 6th Nov. in Corrigan's Corner House kicking off at approx. 8.30 p.m. and promises to be a bumper edition full of humour, local banter, pathos, lyricism and celebration.
Everybody is welcome to attend and par ticipate in the celebrations.
Locally Grown & Produced Winter/Spring bedding available at Paul and Mary shop.
Instagram - @sleepyhollowflowers. Clonfert Parents Association - Christmas Bazaa r on
Sunday 6th Dec. in Clonfert Community Hall 2 p.m.
Door prize of €250. Wheel of fortune, tea, coffee, home baking etc.
Please bring cash. Everyone Welcome. Free Community Health Checks Across Offaly: Offaly County Council’s Healthy Ireland programme, is partnering with Croí, the Heart and Stroke Charity, to offer free c ommunity health checks in various locations across Offaly this Nov. and Dec.
Checks include glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and pulse testing, along with lifestyle advice.
Free community health talks will also take place at 11 a at selected venues.
Places are limited, so advance booking is encouraged.
No booking is required for checks at Tullamore Mart or Birr Mart.
View locations and book your free health check : https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/healthy-offaly-free-community-health-checks-2026-4885159Offertory