5th December.pub - Portlaoise Parish

5th December
2010
Second Sunday of Advent.
Portlaoise Parish
Sunday Masses
www.portlaoiseparish.ie
Assumption, The Heath
Diocesan Website: www.kandle.ie
St. Peter &
Paul’s Church
What’s Your Excuse?
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.
057 8692153
Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick C.C.
057 8621671
Fr. Joe O’Neill C.C.
057 8661139
Fr. Kevin Walsh C.C.
057 8661605
From a very young age we start
programming our subconscious, but
once programmed, the tables are
turned, and our subconscious starts
dictating to us. Today John the Baptist
appears in the wilderness proclaiming,
“Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven
has come near.” John is asking us to
change the way we live, but doesn’t
changing our behaviour involve a
certain amount of re-programming?
Alarm bells begin to ring. Our
sub-conscious, unwilling to undo a
lifetime of programming begins to
throw up a whole raft of excuses.
John the Baptist
“You’re fine just the way you are,”
it tells us, “you have a few little faults but you don’t need to make any
radical changes.” “Preparing a way for the Lord is all very well,”
our subconscious whispers, “but right now isn’t a good time.” Perhaps
our subconscious is telling us that we’ve tried to change before and it
hasn’t worked out so why try again. Perhaps the thought of change isn’t
even an option. Perhaps all we are hearing is Advent ‘rhetoric’ and it’s
washing over us in a tide of ‘heard-it-all-before-boredom.’
What John is asking of us is really not as difficult as we might suppose.
Preparing a way for the Lord simply means allowing change by removing
the obstacles that exist in our hearts. Key to change is the belief that
what we have always considered uncomfortable and tedious, could in
fact be exciting and life changing. We have to begin by identifying what
areas of our lives need changing and we must do it in the spirit of
embarking upon a new adventure. More importantly we have to make a
game plan in order to make change a reality. The last thing we want is
to pay lip service to ‘change’ as the Pharisees and Sadducees are guilty
of in today’s reading. Our subconscious might be already telling us that
this all sounds too much like hard work, but John counters our
objections, reminding us that we have the Holy Spirit to help us towards
God when all else fails.
Fr. Peter Uzochukwu C.C.
057 8622301
MASS
TIMES FOR THE COMING WEEK:
Fr. Tom O’Connor P.E.
(Parish Chaplain)
Sue Ryder, Kilminchy
Priest on Duty
Monday & Tuesday: 7:30am & 10:00am.
Wednesday - Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Vigil 7:30pm, 8:30am, 10am, 12:30pm & 7:30pm.
The Heath: 9:30am. Ratheniska: 10:00am.
057 8621364
Thursday & Friday: 7:30am & 10am. Saturday 10am
See Reflection inside Linkup.
Accord Portlaoise
057057-8661581
accordportlaoise@hotmail.com
Planning on getting married in 2011?
Book your marriage preparation course with Accord.
By phoning 057 8661581 or visit www.accord.ie
Need help with your relationship?
Contact Accord relationship and marriage counselling.
057 8661581 or e-mail accordportlaoise@hotmail.com
“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 086 - 3376114
Or E-mail engineering@easy-pc.ie for Free Estimates & Pricing.
Timahoe Road,
Portlaoise.
(OPP McDonalds)
Phone number: 087 - 2849121
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) 8622400 / 8662525
(087) 2580318
Website: www.aquatreatment.ie
Parish
r
u
O
t
Suppor o Online @
ott
Play L laoiseparish.ie
www.p
ort
Results Thursday 2nd December 2010
04
20
25
TOP QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES
Accredited Mediator
(Mediation Forum Ireland)
PORTLAOISE PARISH COMMUNITY LOTTO
07
SOLICITORS
No Jackpot
Winner
19
Match 3s Won
€53
EACH
MATCH 3 WINNER
PROMOTER
Dan Conroy
Nancy & Seamus Conroy
Mairead O’Loughlin
Marie & Des
Phil Devaney
Peggy Clarke
Teresa Galvin
Mary O’Loughlin
Brid Byrne
Tom Hilliard
Bernie Condon
Willie Aird
Tony Flanagan
Patrick O’Dwyer
Breda Hosey
Tim Drennan
Ellen Saunders
Donal Bergin
Mary Hanly
Parish Office
Parish Centre
Maura Loughlin
Mary O’Reilly
Lena Kelly
Kitty Laffan
Frank Cullen
Betty Lynch
Kathleen Brown
Alice Hilliard
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Patrick O’Dwyer
Bernie Tynan
Mary Arthur
Mary Arthur
Joan Bergin
Frances Byrne
€12,000 Books of Lotto Tickets available in
the Parish Centre
Next Week’s Jackpot €12,000
Buying & Selling
Property
Car Accidents
Compulsory
Purchase Orders
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) 8621066
Fax: (057) 8661725
E-mail: info@ajduncanandco.ie
Web: www.ajduncanandco.ie
KEEGAN’S
FUNERAL
DIRECTORS
50 Years of Professional
Service in Portlaoise.
Contact Matthew on:
087 - 2549195 / 087 - 2369887
At the age of eleven or thereabouts women acquire
a poise and an ability to handle difficult situations
which a man, if he is lucky, manages to achieve
somewhere in the later seventies - PG Wodehouse
_|tÅ `vZÜtà{ 9 VÉA
Chartered Certified Accountants & Professional Tax Advisors
8/9 Old Mill,
Church Ave,
Portlaoise.
Accounts Prepared. Tax Plans.
V.A.T., R.C.T. & Employer Taxes.
Income Tax & Corporation Tax.
Sorting out back year taxes and C2’s.
Dublin Road,
Roscrea,
Co Tipperary.
Tel: (0505) 22992 / (0505) 23007 / www.lmcgrath.com
Liam McGrath F.C.C.A., A.I.T.I.: A member of The Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants & The Irish Taxation Institute.
Sand & Gravel
Small loads of sand, gravel, chippings
etc. delivered (up to 5 tonnes).
Independent Tree Services
Professional Tree Surgery
Tree and Shrub Pruning, Tree Felling, Hedge Trimming,
Garden Maintenance, Tree Health / Condition Surveys.
Fully Qualified and Insured. All sites left clean and tidy.
Phone: (057) 8628597
Mobile: 087 - 1380687
Edel Mc Cormack
B.Rel.Sc., Dip Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsello r - Psychotherapist
Strictly Confidential - Low Self
Esteem, Anxiety, Emotional Distress,
Loss / Bereavement, Depression.
Contact Tom @
(086) 2210312
086 - 1241297
COLLINS FURNITURE REMOVALS
STORAGE
WAREHOUSE
Portlaoise Rugby
Football Club
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Newly Refurbished Clubhouse is
available for Parties, Functions etc.
FREE Internet security (with repairs)
Web Design & Marketing
Contact: Martina @ 087-9027658
ICS, 11 Dun Masc, Portlaoise. 057-8621438
87-6833612
Put this number in your mobile phone now!
FREE Search Engine Ranking Report
SAM BARTLEY’S
Emo, Co. Laois.
TAXI
Parties & 21st’s a speciality - buffets from €5.
Complimentary slideshow presentation for your night.
Voucher back offer - call now for details!
Contact reception for enquiries on
Tel: 087 9149299
(057) 8626622 or e-mail: reception@gandoninn.com
If you need to get home, pick up the phone!
MICON HOME INSULATION
The ONLY Portlaoise Based Home
Insulation Experts. Wall and Attic
Insulation. Graphite 27 Plus Bonded
Bead Wall Insulation. Grant Approved.
I.A.B. Approved. Attics a Speciality!!
CLONAD, PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS
Contact: 087 - 2210977
Gas and Oil Boiler Service and Repair
Plumbing & Heating
R. G. I.
CONTACT: 087 - 6454870
2011 Yearly and Half Yearly Vouchers
Now Available
Over €200,000 will be paid out in this current year.
1/2 Year (26 draws) for only €50.00
Full Year (52 Draws) for only €100.00
An ideal Christmas present for you or your family and friends
and at the same time supporting Portlaoise Parish.
Details at Parish Centre
You may also join the parish lotto online at www.portlaoiseparish.ie
If you wish to join, please, fill in the selection below and return to Michelle Conroy in
the Parish Office. You may join for the full year (€100) or for half year (€50).
Your Name & Address
If you are purchasing this as a gift please tick here.
We will prepare a gift voucher with a Christmas Card which you can give to the recipient.
Name and Address of Recipient
Numbers Chosen:
(choose 4 numbers from 1 - 31)
Please Tick: 6 Month Subscription €50.00
26 draws
1 Year Subscription €100.00
52 draws
JOHN THE BAPTIST
PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS
This week’s Gospel tells us that in the days before Jesus
began his ministry, a man called John began preaching
and telling the people to prepare for the coming King.
When John told people to prepare for the King, he didn't
mean that they should go home and sweep the floor,
pick up their toys, and make their beds. He meant that
they should prepare their hearts. How? By repenting of
their sins and turning toward God. When they did this,
John would baptise them in the Jordan River. That is
how he got the name, "John the Baptist." It is important
for you and me to make our hearts ready for the coming
King too. We do that by confessing our sins and asking
God to forgive us. If we will do that, the Bible tells us
that he will forgive us and make our hearts clean. Then
we will be ready for Jesus when he comes.
My Prayer
Father, every day we do things for
which we need your forgiveness.
We ask you to forgive us and
make our hearts ready for the
coming King. Amen.
Peace
The Second Sunday of Advent is the Sunday
of Peace. We light two purple candle on this
Sunday. Colour two candles purple on the
wreath below.
.
Communion Preparation continues each
Sunday with Mass (The Heath at
9:30am, Ratheniska at 10:00am,
Portlaoise Parish Church at 11:15am
Family Mass).
♦ Play and Pray continues each Sunday at
the 11:15am Family Mass in Portlaoise
Parish Church.
♦
Feast of the Immaculate Conception - 8th December
Today we celebrate and remember Mary, who became the Mother of God. On this day, we
remember that Mary was filled with grace from the very first moment of her life and that from
that very first moment God knew that she would become the mother of his Son.
Did you know?
Mary’s mother and father were called Anne and Joachim? They are now St. Anne and St. Joachim
and we celebrate their Feast Day on 26th July. St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers and St.
Joachim is the patron saint of fathers. Anne and Joachim were also Jesus’ grandparents.
Mary has many names or titles. See how many you can find in this Wordsearch.
HELP OF
CHRISTIANS
HOLY MARY
IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION
MARY MOTHER
OF GOD
MORNING STAR
MOTHER OF CHRIST
MOTHER OF THE
CHURCH
MYSTICAL ROSE
QUEEN OF ANGELS
QUEEN OF PEACE
SAINT NICHOLAS
(December 6th)
Saint Nicholas was a bishop who loved
children. According to legend he liked to leave
small gifts for the
children to surprise
them. When St.
Nicholas
died,
people kept up the
tradition of giving
gifts to the children
on a special day.
We remember Saint
Nicholas & how
much he showed
his love for God
by surprising the
children with gifts.
Help St. Nicholas find his lost presents
Vale Oil
Clonminam, Portlaoise.
Serving the Local Community since 1954
• Home Heating Oils (Kero-Kleen)
• Tractor Diesel
• Complete range of Shell Lubricants & Greases
• Plastic Oil Storage Tanks
Why not check your tank today and phone:
057 - 8621811
or
Walter at 086 - 8231215
or
Your Local Driver Salesman
John O’ Reilly at 087 - 7882519
Discounts available!
Vale Oil - For Value, Service & Reliability!
Meeting Rooms
Whatever the occasion from Boardroom to
AGM’s.
We have the perfect meeting room for you.
Fully inclusive of Projector, Screen and
Flip Chart.
We won’t be beaten on price!!
Call (057) 8681200 now
Sunday
11th December at 7.30pm
Many Raffles!!
First Raffle Free. Come along & support!!
You could win your Christmas Dinner and More!!
RELIGIOUS NOTICES
2nd Anniversary Mass for Mrs.
Elizabeth Ging, New Rd. will be
celebrated in the Parish Church this
Saturday 4th December at 7:30pm.
Months Mind Mass for Joseph Dom
Lawless will be celebrated in the
Parish Church this Saturday 4th
December at 7:30pm.
Months Mind Mass for James Ryan,
34 O’ Moore Place will be celebrated at
7:30pm in the Parish Church.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
Monthly Meeting will be held in the
Prayer Room on Friday 10th December
at 7:30pm. New members are always
welcome. Our January meeting will be
held on 14th January at 7:30pm in the
Prayer Room.
Portlaoise Prayer Group: Meeting
every Wednesday evening at 8.15pm
in the Parish Centre.
Rosary will be prayed at the Grotto on
the 8th December at 8pm for the Feast
of the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Eucharistic
Adoration:
Every
Monday to Saturday in the Parish
Church commencing after 10am Mass
and concluding with the Rosary at
7pm, Sunday commencing at 2pm and
concluding with rosary at 7pm.
USEFUL SERVICES
Maths Grinds Available: Contact
Nicholas on 086 - 8521879.
German Grinds Available: German
native speaking woman (currently
leading the Play & Pray Group)
available for German grinds. Fully
qualified teacher. Contact Christina on
057-8680317.
Cleaning Service Available: Carpet
and Upholstery Cleaning, also timber
and tiled floors cleaned and polished.
Contact: 087-2441590.
Caroline’s Holistics: M.N.R.R.I,
Reflexology, Indian Head Massage,
Hopi Ear Candle Treatment &
Pedicure. All
treatments one hour
costing €30. Contact: 086 - 4055618
(Abbeyleix Area).
Old Cars & Other Scrap Removed
for free: Contact: 085 - 1597659.
Flowers for Christmas: Stradbally
Flower & Garden Club present Helen
Lucas (A.O.I.F.A) on Wednesday 1st
Dec. at 8pm in St. Josephs Hall,
Stradbally, supper served. Adm. €10.
Available: Lady available for Cleaning
and Ironing, 7 days per week, own
car, service available in all the Laois
area, Contact: 085 - 7133514.
Primary School Grinds Available:
Reasonable rates. Contact Shelly on
086 - 4017166.
Sean Doyle Light Engineering Granstown, Ballacolla, Co. Laois.
Tel: 057-8734089 / 087-2068972:
Clothes Line Poles, Bicycle Stands,
Strong Steel Rotary Clotheslines,
Winders & Pulleys for old lines etc.
FOR SALE SECTION
For Sale: Graco Buggy and matching
Car Seat, Baby Changing Unit includes
Bath, Feeding Booster Seat for meal
times, Bumbo Baby Sitter (Blue), all in
excellent condition, Contact Breda on
087 - 2223917.
For Sale: Ride on Childs Yellow Sports
Car, one year old, used twice, bought
for €200 , se lling fo r €70 o .n.o .,
Contact: 057-8667195 after 6pm or
086 - 3657589.
For Sale: Springer Spaniel X Pups,
black & white, 2 months old, Contact:
087 - 6885017.
For Sale: Bathroom Glass Bowl, Sink
and Stand, bought for €500, will sell
for €150 o.n.o., also 20 clear glass
blocks with cement and dividers, €50,
Contact: 087 - 7485677.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Gorta, 5 Kelton House, Portlaoise:
Donations of the following items would
be much appreciated: Ladies, Mens,
Children’s Clothing, Books, Curtains
Bed Linen, Shoes, Ornaments, Gift
Sets & small Furniture. All items must
be clean and in good condition. Open
Mon. to Sat., 10am-5pm. Contact Liz
on (057) 8622966.
Music By Candlelight in Aid of
Midlands Region 'Living Links' who
provide support to the suicide
bereaved: 11th December 2010 in St.
Brigid's Church Rosenallis at 8pm.
Performances by Melissa Young,
Orlaith Murphy, Gerry Gorman and
Children's Choir. Tickets €10 each or
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children)
for €20. To purchase tickets please
contact Melissa on 087 - 6639853.
St. Mary’s Community Games: The
Carlton Shearwater Plaza Hotel in
Ballinasloe, Co. Galway was the venue
for the Volunteers Awards which took
place recently. Des Carroll Chairman of
St. Mary's Community Games received
the Adult Volunteer Award for Laois.
Tommy Lyons St. Mary's received the
Youth Volunteer Award for Laois.
Congratulations to both Des & Tommy
who received their awards for the
dedication and work they have put into
Community Games in Laois.
Mountmellick Photographic Society
For all those who enjoyed our 21st
celebration exhibition in October and
would like another viewing of
members’ photography, as well as
those who were sorry to have missed
it altogether, we will be exhibiting
some of our work in the new library,
O’Moore St. from December 5th to 31st
during library opening hours.
Portlaoise Lions Club Food Appeal
2010 commences on the 10th of
December
at the Laois Shopping
Centre. The Lions of Portlaoise have
erected a “Golden Memories Tree” at
the Laois Shopping Centre and for a
small donation to the food appeal
p e o p le c a n p la c e a p e r s o na l
remembrance of a loved one or
departed friend on the tree. The
appeal is being launched this week by
Laois Football Star Padraig Clancy and
we hope to provide up to 100 hampers
for needy people this Christmas.
St. Vincent de Paul Confidential
Phone Line: If you require our help
please contact us on 087-7655793
in total confidence.
Family Support Group: Supporting
people living with Addiction in Laois.
Venue - Grattan St., Mountrath Rd.,
Portlaoise. Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursdays. Freephone 1800-30-31-37
or contact Bernie on 087 - 2995793.
This is a free and confidential service.
Portlaoise
Basketball
Club:
Training for Boys Basketball is held
every week in St. Mary’s Sports Hall
Portlaoise; Monday 5pm-6pm for 3rd
& 4th Class Boy’s Basketball. Tuesday
5pm-6pm for 5th & 6th Class Boys’
Basketball.
Portlaoise Library - Calling All
Book Lovers! Love Reading? Why
Not Join Our Book Club Today!
Thursday Mornings at 10:30am. Book
Club meet once a month on the last
Thursday of every month. For details
contact 057 - 8622333.
Sue Ryder Shop: Donations always
welcome of ladies & gents good
quality clothing, shoes, bric-a-brac,
jewellery, gift sets, Curtains,
household appliances, unwanted
presents, bed linen, blankets,
furniture etc. Queries to Marguerite at
057 - 8672506.
Meditation Classes: Learn to
meditate, combat stress, focus the
mind, awaken the spirit and begin to
feel open and accept life and it’s
lessons of the self. Wednesday
evenings from 7:30pm - 8:30pm in
Portlaoise Parish Centre. Contact
Claire Healy 086-8679056 or James
Khan 085-7277045 for details.
Heywood Table Quiz: Thanks to one
and all for your support of the table
quiz last Friday night. A great night
was had with a wide variety of
questions during the ten rounds of
general knowledge, music & dingbats.
Congratulations to the winners and
runners up. During the interval the
synthetic pitch was available for
viewing which many people availed of.
Don't forget the synthetic pitch will be
available for bookings to all clubs and
groups in the area in the near future.
Suicide Support: If you have had
the experience of losing a loved one
to suicide and would like to connect
with others who have gone through
the same experience a New Healing
Programme designed by Midlands
Living Links is being established
in Mountmellick. This support group
will offer the opportunity to share
experiences and support each other
and will follow the steps of
the Healing Programme. An introduction night
regarding the Healing
Programme will be held in Laois Partnership Offices, MDA, Mountmellick
Monday December 6th at 7:30pm. All
are welcome.
Volunteers Needed: Laois Support
Service against Domestic Abuse are
seeking assistance from members of
the community at specific times
throughout the year for fundraising
events, such as collecting at flag
days. Volunteer Policy will apply.
Please contact 057-8671100 or e-mail
support@lssada.ie for further info.
Coffee
Morning
MARGARET DALY
Ladies and Gents
Hair Salon
You are invited to come
along to a Coffee Morning
at 10:30am on
Monday 6th December in
Portlaoise Parish Centre.
087 - 1278409
There will also be an opportunity to purchase a beautiful “Scenes of
Laois” Calendar at €10 each. The ideal Christmas gift especially for
Laois people abroad. TV news reader Eileen Dunne will be there to
sign calendars and to meet people and all proceeds will benefit
Asha Kiran, Children’s Orphanage in Hyderabad, India. All support
would be gratefully appreciated.
50+ Active Age Group:
New Members to the club are always
welcome. Contact 057-8620420 or
057-8621571. Art Classes continue
Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30pm in the
Parish Centre. Bowls every Monday at
2pm in the Leisure Centre, €5 incl.
Tea/Scone. Choir Practice Wednesday
at 4:30pm. Aqua Aerobics Tuesdays
at 11am in the Killeshin Hotel.
Thursdays at 11am there is Aerobics
for over 50’s in the Leisure Centre.
Wed. 8th Dec.: Musical Quiz
Wed. 15th Dec.: Christmas Party.
Spot Prizes required. All members are
requested to contribute to party food.
Details from Josie Meehan.
Sat. 18th Dec.: Christmas Dinner &
Show.
Chorus of Choirs in aid of Acorn
Outreach Mountmellick in Mountmellick
Community Arts Centre on Wednesday
8th December at 8pm. Portlaoise
Gospel Choir, Scoil Phadraig Naofa
Mountmellick, Gael Scoil Thromaire
and special guest Damien Bowe.
M.C. Kevin Lawlor Fitzpatrick. Tickets
€10 available at the door or contact
087-2577721 / 087-2577713.
Santa Parade in Carlow Town
Centre: Wednesday December 8th.
3.30pm from Courthouse to the Liberty
Tree where Santa will turn on the
lights. All welcome to join in carol
singing at the Liberty Tree. Help us
find Santa's missing elf and join in with
a family fun treasure trail around
Carlow Town Centre.
GARDENING SERVICES
Trees cut and hedges
trimmed. Also extensions
to cut higher hedges and
branches, gardens in need
of maintenance catered for.
Reliable service, references
available. Contact Tom on
087-6651326
Christmas Fair in the Owenass Hall,
Mountmellick on Saturday 11th
December at 11am in aid of Eating
Disorders and the Joan Barry Fund
with home baking, christmas cakes,
puddings and hampers, great prizes to
be won in our raffle. Please support.
FOR SALE
Shaen Portlaoise.
Appointments anytime.
ALSO VIBROPLATES
€30 for 10 sessions.
Available anytime.
HOME
IMPROVEMENTS
Renovation work, extensions,
new builds, tiling, timber
flooring, painting & decorating,
cabinet fitting, furniture
assembly, garden fencing,
paving. No job too big or too
small! C2 registered.
For a free quotation, please
contact Fintan on
086-3806989
PAINTER &
DECORATOR
Dancing Poms: 3 x size 5, 1 x
size 5.5, 2 x size 4, 1 x size 2.5,
also pair of Jesters Shoes size
7, as new, white karate suit size
1/40 as new, one childs bed
with mattress in immaculate
condition, two red children’s
coats up to age 11, a lovely
selection of Barbie and Bratz
toys, boxed as new. Contact:
Laois Area, high standard
of work, interior and
exterior painting. For all
your painting needs
contact Paul now on
085 - 2042048
085 - 7133514
SINGERS &
MUSICIANS
REQUIRED!
The 11:15am
Family Mass
Choir are currently seeking
new members, both singers
and musicians, all welcome.
Contact Julie in the Parish
Centre for info. or come
along any Sunday morning.
PLANNING
APPLICATIONS
P.A.S.S. PARTY
Sponsored by Lions Club
Venue:
The Centre
New Road,
Portlaoise.
Date:
Thursday 9th Dec.
from 6:30pm.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
AVAILABLE
For New Homes, House
Extensions, Garages and
Sheds prepared at
reasonable rates.
Surveys of houses also
carried out. Contact:
057 - 8622581
CHILDMINDER
AVAILABLE
To mind child / children in own
home in the Ratheniska / Dysart
Area, have 7 seater people
carrier. Are you going back to
work? Do you need after school
care or just a few hours each
week? Whatever your situation
phone Carmel on
086 - 8271480
FOR SALE
A1 CHIMNEY SWEEP
& GUTTER CLEAN
Good Quality
Turf.
Contact:
Brush & Vac.
No mess - totally clean
job. Bird guards & cowls
fitted. Also Power Washing
- Roofs, Paths, Drives etc.
Contact Martin on
087-6371937
Hugh Thompson
087 - 9616098
TOM THOMPSON
ELECTRICAL
MIDLAND HEATING
SERVICES
Ballyfin, Portlaoise, Laois.
Plumbing & Heating
FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS:
086 - 0836029
086 - 3758503
Domestic, Commercial, Industrial
and Agricultural. Be comfortable
and safe this winter. Outside
Lights, Security Lights, Heating
Controls, Electric Smoke Alarm.
Increase your energy rating and
reduce your electricity bill.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
8x4 Sheets of Plywood,
€5 per sheet, 2m
Corryboard 8x4 €2 per
sheet, also 8 x 2 x 3/4
T&G, Two 8x2 sections
€15, use as attic
conversions or flooring,
Call: 086 - 0360534.
Maxi-Cosi infant car seat with
ISOFIX base, Jane dbl tandem
buggy, Ladybird stroller x 2,
Cosatto highchair, Britax car seat,
Loola covers, hood, footmuff &
parasol, Mama's & Papa's nursery
collection, Travel cot,
breastfeeding equipment, walker,
shoulder carrier, etc. Contact:
ADRIAN MAHER
FATIMA SAVINGS CLUB
Commissioning, Servicing
and Repair of Oil Boilers &
Single Burner Cookers.
Ballyfin, Portlaoise. Call:
Plumbing & Heating
Services
PORTLAOISE
All works covered including
Oil Boiler Service & Repair.
Very reasonable rates.
Contact Adrian on
086 - 8509411
PARTYTIME
Costume & Fancy Dress Hire.
The Heath, Portlaoise, Laois.
Tel: (057) 8646834
www.costumehire.ie
Email:
marion.garcia@costumehire.ie
Costumes for all Occasions:
18th, 21st, 30th, 40th Birthday
Parties, etc. Plenty to choose from.
Deluxe Santa Suits available for hire!
087-2493722
PAINTING &
DECORATING
Good Quality Work.
Very clean.
Professional finish.
087 - 7514617
OLD TIME
DANCING AT
THE MEELICK INN
Every Monday night
Doors open at 9pm
Tea & Biscuits at the
interval. Music this
week by Noely.
The Lions Club
Christmas Tree Sale
Will take place in
The Macra Hall, New Road.
From
Saturday 4th December
Until Christmas
Weekdays 11-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 2-5
Trees €40. The Lions Club wish
to thank all those who have
supported them over the years.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
9th - 16th June 2011
Passengers wishing to travel
7 Nights departing from Dublin
to Fatima in June 2011 may
Hotel Avenida
€729 per person sharing
avail of a Savings Club
paying in weekly or monthly Insurance €25 if required and
Single Room Supplement
amounts. Please contact
€25 per night.
Spiritual Director Fr. Jack Walsh
Maura on 086-3344722
Further Information from
or Billy on 086-3322933
Maura O’ Brien
057-8661601 / 086-3344722
for further details.
OIL BOILER SERVICE
Carbon Monoxide Testing,
Carbon Dioxide Testing and
Efficiency Testing.
FIREWOOD
FOR SALE
Rope and Bricks Changed
and Grates replaced
Contact Tom:
Dry Ash & Beech
Blocks delivered.
Also bags of black Turf.
Contact Aiden:
086 - 3925819
086 - 8294528
SOLID FUEL STOVE
SERVICING
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
8th December
Statue of Our Lady at the
Marian Shrine Parish Church
Today is the day on which we celebrate the Immaculate
Conception of the Virgin Mary. Note that it is she, Mary herself,
who is the Immaculate Conception; the day does not refer to
Mary's conceiving Jesus by the Holy Spirit, but to the
conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, by
Mary's father, St. Joachim. The culmination of a long tradition
in the Church came in 1854 when Pius IX gave the infallible
statement:
“The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her
conception, by a singular grace & privilege granted by almighty
God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the
human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”
An Advent Examination . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Advent is the perfect time to clear and
prepare the Way. Advent is a winter
training camp for those who desire peace.
By reflection and prayer, by reading and
meditation, we can make our hearts a place
where a blessing of peace would desire to
abide and where the birth of the Prince of
Peace might take place.
"Daily we can make an Advent
examination. Are there any feelings of
discrimination toward race, sex, or religion?
Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we
look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are
we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their
stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs,
and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we
may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts.
Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac, p. 196
Pretty to look at
But let us remember to look in on our elderly, housebound and those who live alone
during this harsh winter weather!
Failte
We welcomed the following into the Christian
Community through the Sacrament of
Baptism:
Tommy Alan Ryan,
Lime Tree Avenue, Kilminchy
Ben Peter Ging,
Buttercup Avenue, Esker Hills
Pride of Place
All Ireland Winner
2008
Manager
Declan Kelly
057 8621142
Parish Office At
The Parish Centre
Monday to Friday
9am - 5pm
Parish Secretary
Michelle Bartley
Mon - Fri 9am - 2pm
Georgina Gleeson
Receptionist
Mary Bowe
Mon - Thurs
1pm - 5pm
Ph: 057 8621142
Fax. 057 8660260
Accounts
Michelle Conroy
057 8621142
Caretaker
Danny Marum
6pm to 10pm
Parish Catechist
Margaret Dooley
057 8621142
Sacristan
Martin O’Neill
057 8692151
Orlaith Carol Redmond,
Aghnaharna Drive, Stradbally Road.
For Baptismal details log onto:
www.portlaoiseparish.ie
In the Parish Centre, on
Wednesdays 8th &
15th December from
7.30pm to 8:30pm.
Portlaoise Parish
Sunday 28th November 2010
€2,525.00
€3,500.00
€6,025.00
Our thanks and appreciation to all who subscribe
so generously to the Parish.
Scripture Sharing for Advent.
Monday 6th December 8:00pm
St. Brigid’s Place Community Centre
Tuesday 7th December 7:30pm
O’ Moore Place, Community Centre
Tuesday 7th December 8:00pm
Knockmay Community Centre
Tuesday 7th December 8:00pm
Residence of Pat & Frank Conway,
Colliers Lane.
Tuesday 7th December at 8:00pm
Knockmay Community Centre
(The phone in the sacristy is
attended prior to Mass times)
Parish Shop
Nicholas & Maureen Keary
Religious Goods, Books
and gifts items
Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.
Editor
Julie Conroy
John Gospel Chapter 21
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday
11am to 5pm
OUR PRAYERS ARE
ASKED FOR:
057 8692154
James Tolland - Geddes
47 Dr. Murphy Place
Advertising Deadline
Tuesday 5pm
linkup@portlaoiseparish.ie
Now available to view online at
www.portlaoiseparish.ie
SECOND SUNDAY
OF ADVENT
ISAIAH 11:1-10 ROMANS 15:4-9
MATTHEW 3:1-12
Ouch
“Even now the axe lies at
the root of the trees”
MATTHEW 3:10
Reflection and Prayer
on the Advent Readings
Offertory Collection
Development Collection
REFLECTIONS, ACTIONS
& PRAYERS
__________________
May he Rest in Peace.
Our Sympathy to his Family.
The shirt is full of holes. The
collar’s frayed, the original colour is
anybody’s guess, and if laundered,
it will disintegrate. So why not give
it up already? Sometimes parting
really is such sweet sorrow that we
delay the moment beyond all
reason. So the favourite shirt gets
another reprieve. The crumbling
flower stays pressed in the book.
The relationship has been in death
throes for ages but we pretend not
to
notice.
Whatever
the
unworkable situation is, we’re too
tired or in such deep denial that
we’re going to keep on moving in
the same direction and hope for
different results. You may have
heard: that’s one definition of
insanity. We think of the Advent
season as flowing gently into
Nativity. It’s also hurtling towards
Apocalypse, but that’s the part
we’re not very comfortable with.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of
three “comings” of Christ: as the
child of Bethlehem and the final
Lord of history, as well as the quiet
daily arrivals of grace in which we
recognise the face of Jesus. We’re
pleased to make room for the baby
and for the footprints of Jesus in
friendly sand. But that cosmic Lord
of history? Carrying the axe that
will cut down every fruitless
enterprise? How do we fit that
fellow under the Christmas tree?
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
How do you observe a season of
hope and apocalypse? How do you
incorporate the need for “creative
destruction” in your spiritual life?
TIME TO ACT - Make a list of the
behaviours that characterise you.
Mark those that are keepers and
those that need to be changed or
abandoned. Axe wielding optional.
OFFER A PRAYER - Lord, yours is
the kingdom, the power, and the
glory. Yours is also the prerogative
to wield the axe on fruitless things.
May this awareness keep me
honest!