Rahan Mucklagh and The Island Parish

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The Parish

Here we recap once again the varies stages of the work on the Island Church latest project. A big thank you is due to all the volunteers who have helped by giving so generously of their time and to those from all parts of the parish who contributed towards the cost of the project.

Fr Seamus Dunican Remembered on 2nd Anniversary of his death. Photo in Killina at Fr Seamus' grave are Fr Martin Carley, who succeeded Fr Seamus as P.P. of Rahan Parish, Michael Dunican, Fr Seamus' brother and U.N. Veterans from Post 27 Portlaoise: Joe McEvoy, Alberto Candies, Tony Flanagan, Jimmy Sheils and Michael Thompson.

Fr. Seamus Dunican was Army Chaplain in Gormanstown from the 1/10/1981 until 1/8/91. During that time he served 3 times in the Lebanon with the 54th, 59nd & 64 Irish Battalions. Fr. Seamus was member of the United Nations Veterans Association which has Posts around the country. He was also a member of Post 27 which is based in Portlaoise. Michael Thompson from this Post made the presentation (posthumous) on Sunday last to Fr. Seamus’ brother Michael Dunican. The medal which was presented is known as the United Nations Peacekeepers Medal which was introduced in 1989 it may be awarded to a member or former member of the Defence Forces or to a member or former member of the Chaplaincy Service.

Statement from Catholic Communications Office: Re celebration of the Sacraments, and the commercial costs facing families.

The primary focus of First Holy Communion is the reception of the Body of Christ by the child for the first time; and, on the continued growth of the spiritual life of the child.
The First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are important days - landmark days - and should be memorable, proud and happy occasions for the child, her/his parents, grandparents, sponsor, brothers, sisters, classmates and school.However all the pressure of trying to make these sacramental days special for the child can cause parents a lot of stress.
Bishops, priests and schools are very concerned about the cost issue facing parents with children for First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation and have discussed this matter in parishes.If the emphasis for sacramental preparation is placed on commercially related concerns, rather than on the spiritual significance of the sacrament, then it is not a good preparation for Catholic children.

Maura Rigney, Ballycumber, whose Funeral took place in Mucklagh Cemetery Wed. 25th Jan. 2012. It was one of the biggest funerals ever seen in the Parish.

The First Spring Day. 'I wonder if the sap is stirring yet, If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate, If frozen snowdrops feels as yet the sun and crocus fires are kindling one by one: Sing, robin, sing; I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring'. (Christina Rosetti).

Our Parish Christmas Cribs, in the churches of Killina, Mucklagh and The Island.

Christmas comes early at St Colman's N.S. Pupils from the Infant Classes perform some festive numbers for their parents on Friday 2nd Dec. 2011. They wished us all a Happy Christmas.

Better late then never: On Saturday 9th July 2011 Fr Eugene McLoughlin celebrated Mass in the Island Church with his family, friends and parish school mates in thanksgiving on the Silver Jubilee of his Ordination. A reception in Rahan Hall followed.

A Child has been born to us, He is Christ the Lord. For Reflection on today's feast 'Mary Mother of God' click on the image.

The Annual Christmas Dinner of the Rahan Active Retirment Group was held in Clonmore House on Sunday 27th Nov. 2011. A good time was had by all. (Chick on square beneath photo to enlarge picture and then click on arrow to play slide show).

Champions for the third time: Girls from St Colman's School Mucklagh defeated the Gaelscoil in the final of the Cumann na mBunscol County Final on Sat. last 12th November 2011. Congrats.

Pleased with a job well done, Sacristan Bridget Downes and Building Committee Member, Brendan Sammon in the newly finished Island Church extension.The work on the vestry and meeting room is now all but complete - The heating and water is connected. The end is in sight. A big thank you is due to all the volunteers who have helped by giving so generously of their time and to those who contributed towards the cost of the project.

Special Pioneer Association Mass in Killina on Sunday 4th Dec. 2011 where 12 people from the community received their Gold Pin (50 Years a Pioneer) 3 received their Silver Pin (25 Years a Pioneer) and 1 the Fr Cullen Medal (55 Years a Pioneer) Fr Barry Condron was the main concelebrant assisted by Fr Ned Daly, Mountbolus and Fr Carley, PP Rahan. The event was organised by Sr Oliver and Joe Keyes.

Bingo Day at Carthage's Nursing Home, Mucklagh. As with Bingo everywhere - it is a serious matter.

Funeral of Sr. Ciaran McGlynn, Presentation Sister, Granard, Co. Longford and Tuam, Co. Galway who died on the 20th November and her Requiem Mass & Funeral took place in Killina on 22nd Nov. 2011. Sr Cieran served in Killina for 13 years.

Awards Evening: Well done to all players who received awards on Sunday evening last, presented by Kilkenny’s All Ireland's winning Captain 2011, Brian Hogan.

Presentation Sisters, Killina and visitors, Celebrate their Feastday 21st Nov. 2011 in the Convent Killina, Rahan.

Art Work - Advent Wreaths by 2nd Class St Colman's School Mucklagh.

Congratulations to Melissa Larkin, Beechmount Park, Mucklagh who was married to Michael Brady, Killeigh in St Colman's Church on 11th Nov. 2011. Happy and long life together.

The List of the Dead for the past 2 years in Mucklagh Area of Parish.

Celebrating who we were and who we are - Second Annual Thrashing at The Thatch, Rahan, Sunday 30th Oct. 2011. All in aid of Ballinamere Autistic Unit, Killina Resource Unit and Rahan Pre-School Autistic Unit. Thank You Tony Hickey and the members of your Committee.

These photos show the wreckage of my car after the freak accident on Monday 17th Oct. in Mucklagh when two huge branches from trees smashed onto my car. I had a truly miraculous escape from serious injury or even possible death. I thank Almighty God & the Powers above for my safe dilverance.

Stairway To Heaven

In this month of November when nature seems to die around us, as Christians our thoughts turn to those who have died.

All Saints and All Souls day are the feast of every saint and every soul who have died and are now with God.

We are reminded that just as the saints in heaven pray for us so we are called to pray for the Holy Souls – those who are still been healed and purified on their way to heaven.

We need each other!

Rahan Parishioners - The Looby Sisters from The Derries attended World Youth Day in Madrid. Read Marie's Account of their experience in Madrid and see their wonderful photographs.

Our Parish Christian Community:Welcomes Sarah Kate & Emer Ciara Hanniffy, (Twins) Tegan Court. Aaron Martin & Eoin Patrick Flanagan, (Twins) Blueball also Kyle Martin Berry, Lynally Grove, James Patrick Hyland, Kilgortin and Siobhan Cassidy-Lyttle, Salford, England who were baptised in St. Colman’s Church last weekend. Congrations to all the parents.

Congratulations to Orla Berry, The Island, Ballycumber and Alan Hughes, Dolphin's Barn, Dublin, who were married in St. Colman's Church, Mucklagh, Saturday 3rd Sept. 2011. We wish them every blessing in life.

Meet some of Fr Johnny's friends while on holidays in Australia and Fiji.

Keeping Ireland Country and celebrating our identity and roots. The Tullamore Agricultural Show, the largest ever, attracted 60,000 people to our locality on Sunday 14th Aug. 2011. Congratulations to the Organising Committee and all involved.

Good wishes to Aisling Kelly, Mucklagh and Joseph Gallagher, Pullough married 11th August in Mucklagh. Also Lorraine McCourt and Noel Conroy College View who married in Killina on 12th Aug. 2011.

The work on the new Vestry in The Island is taking shape. The old Vestry area has been dismantled and the foundation for the new project has been completed. On the weekend the block layers have started their work. Well done to all concerned.

Tullamore Agricultural Show: Will be held this Sunday in Butterfield Estate. It is estimated that 50,000 visitors will converge on us for the show this weekend. We wish the Organising Committee every success for the smooth running of this most important Argricultural Show in Ireland.

Congratulations to Fiona Daly, Beechmount Park and Niall Hoctor who married in Mucklagh on 5th Aug. 2011. Anita Clear and Damien Bracken maried on 4th Aug. in Killina. Lisa Doyle and David Cleary College View married on 5th Aug. in Killina.

A very large crowd turned up for Mass and Blessing of Graves in New and Old Cemeteries in Mucklagh on Sunday 5th June 2011.

Congratulations Shane Monaghan, Screggan and Marie Mooney, Ross Rd. who were married on Sat. 4th June in St Colman's Church. Both families have long associations with the Parish.

Home coming for the Shamrock's Senior Hurling Team after their magnificent game in Croke Park on Sunday 29th May against Crumlin, Dublin. The Community appriciated their spirited effort.

St Carthage's Day, Killina.

Celebration of St Carthage's Day 15th May 2011, Killina started with Mass at 3.00pm celebrated by Fr Martin Carley PP, followed by the Procession of Blessed Sacrament around the Convent walks, finishing off with Benediction at the Back of the Convent. Taking part were St Bridget's Pipe Band, Mountbolus, Killina Choir and members of Comhaltas, some of the children who made their 1st Holy Communion the previous day. It was a cold and windy afternoon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

On 8th May The parish welcomed Bishop Michael Smith to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on 47 of our young adults from our two Primary Schools, Mucklagh & Rahan in St Carthage’s Church, Killina at 1.00pm. Pray for the outpouring of the Spirit on our youth and renewal of faith in the lives of their parents, families and parishioners.

Twenty three children from St Colman's School Mucklagh made their 1st Holy Communion on Saturday 21st May. Congratulations to these our children, their parents and class teacher Ms Corina Gallagher.

Holy Communion Killina 2011:

We congratulate the 14 children who received their 1st Holy Communion in Killina Church 14th May. Thanks to all who helped, especially the school choir, the readers, and the ladies who did the catering for the Party afterwards in the Secondary School. A special thanks to their class teacher and other teachers who put endless work into the preparation for this day.

Mucklagh Foroige Group entered the Permanent TSB Foroige Youth Citizenship awards, their project was O Brien's shop and they have certainly brought colour and life to the place with their paintings on the windows.

The death and funeral of Sr Vincent O' Connor, Killina. Sr Vincent, a native of Jamestown, Emo, died on Monday 18th April and buried on Wed. 20th. Sr Vincent made her 1st Profession in 1941 and her Final Profession as a Presentation Sister in 1944 in Mount St Anne's Killinard. then served for 28 years in Kildare, followered by appointments to Maynooth, Mountmellick, Achill, Drogheda and finally for the last 21 years here in the parish of Rahan at Presentation Convent, Killina. May she rest in peace.

Celebration of Easter & The Easter Garden, St Colman's Church, Mucklagh.

Celebration of Easter and Beatification of John Paul 11 honoured in St Carthage's Church, Killina.

A huge crowd from surrounding parishes celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday in St Colman's Church, Mucklagh on Sunday May 1st.

Congratulations Pamela Lynch, Agall, Screggan & Shane Cahalan, Roscrea who were married in Killina on 8th April 2011. We wish you a happy and long life together.

Congratulations to Ann & Richard Cowman, Tegan Court on the Baptism of their Triplets, Alex, Eric and Jack, at St Colman's Chruch Mucklagh 26th March 2011. What a handful of Joy.

Rahan Community Alert Party for Active Groups. The highlight of evening was the naming the Person of the Year Award - the late Jack Mooney for his outstaning community work over the years.

The Programme for Holy Week and Easter Ceremonies

Palm Sunday Sunday 17th April: Blessing of Palms & Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession before and after all Masses.
Chrism Mass: The Blessing of the Holy Oils for the coming year in the Cathedral, Mullingar on Wednesday 20th April at 7.30pm. All invited, especially those involved in ministry. (Mass in Mucklagh this day at 9.00 am instead of 7.30pm).
A Mini Bus could be made available for people who wish to travel to the Chrism Mass in Mullingar. Please leave names and contact numbers into the Sacristies or Presbyteries before Palm Sunday Evening. Thank You.
Holy Thursday Ceremonies: Mass of The Last Supper of the Lord: The Island 6.00pm, Mucklagh at 7.30pm and Killina at 8.00pm. Prayers and Adoration at the Altars of Repose until 10pm in all three Churches.
Trocaire Boxes are taken to the Church this evening, placed in Containers & presented at Offertory in the Mass.
Good Friday Ceremonies: The Passion of Christ - Mucklagh at 3.00 pm, Killina at 3.00pm, The Island 6.00pm.
Stations of the Cross: Killina 7.30pm, Stations of the Cross and Communion Service in Mucklagh 7.30pm
Holy Saturday Night – The Resurrection: The Island at 6.00pm, Mucklagh at 7.30pm, Killina at 9.00pm. Confessions Holy Saturday Mucklagh 10 -11.00am, Killina 10 -11am, The Island 11.15am - 12.15pm.
Easter Sunday Masses: As on Sundays: Killina at 10.30am and Mucklagh at 9.00am and 12.
Visitation of the Sick and Housebound: Hopefully these visits can be made during Holy Week, some on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The annual presentation of underage awards night was held in Rahan Hall on 30th Jan. 2011. The presentations were made by Tipperary All Star and All Ireland Medal winner Noel McGrath.

'Trad le Cheile' a three and a half hour concert, of music, song & dance performed by the Rahan Comhaltas & Friends in the Bridge House, Tullamore on the 16th & 17th March 2011.

Shamrock's Senior Citizens Annual Party in Rahan Hall on Sunday 6th March 2011. Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Carley PP. Thirteen from the Nursing Home in Mucklagh were also present.

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