Feast of The Baptism of the Lord
Parish Phone Nos. (021) 4871180.
Emergency No: 087 0956190
Monsignor Kevin O’Callaghan: (021) 7336053
Parish Centre/Sacristy: (021) 4289768
Ring for bookings: Baptisms & Marriages etc
WEEKEND MASSES
Ovens:
Vigil: 7.30pm.
Sunday: 9.30am & 11.30am.
Masses on the Webcam from Ovens Church. churchservices.tv/ovens
WEEKDAY MASSES
Ovens: Monday 7.30pm.
9.30am: Tues to Friday. (Via Webcam)
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
No Office Hours until further notice.
If you need to make contact for any reason ring 021 4289768 and we will return your call as soon as possible.
January 1st, New Year’s Day, Lá Coille, is also the beautiful Feast Day of Our Lady, “Mary the Holy Mother of God”.
As we begin the New Year we pray through the words of this Prayer.
Mary, the Lord is with you.
You are our companion along the way and the inspiration of our Faith journey.
Welcome into our hearts and homes today.
Your openness, faith and trust touches our hearts to welcome the gift of the Spirit, as promised by your Son Jesus.
When we contemplate you as a woman filled with faith, your spirit of initiative inspires us to be good news in our church and world.
In trust we pray with you:
My soul glorifies the Lord.
The almighty has done great things.
With you Mary, we go to the Father in a spirit of Love.
Amen.
We wish all Parishioners a Happy, Healthy and above all a safe 2021.
Le gach Beannacht ó Monsignor Kevin, Fr. Liam & the Parish Assembly.
FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
On Wednesday last, 6th January we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, the day on which the three kings, Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior came from the east, guided by the star, to visit the Child Jesus. The Kings brought with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh. These gifts were said to symbolise aspects of Christ’s Life. Gold suggested his royalty as King of the Jews, Frankincense His divinity and Myrrh His humanity, because Myrrh suggests death and burial. May the Star of Bethlehem bring peace, happiness & love in your lives this New Year, 2021
This Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It is also the Feast Day of our own Baptism.
Since March, 2020 it has been a very difficult year for parents anxious to have their children Baptised. A Baptism is always a very special occasion and a family spiritual time also. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19 Baptisms had to be cancelled for some months, as Churches had to remain closed. Some families had their children’s Baptisms cancelled a couple of times. When we were allowed to have Baptisms again, the numbers attending had to be very much reduced, only Parents, Sponsors and Grandparents allowed to attend. At the moment, once again, no Baptisms are allowed. However, 52 children were Baptised in 2020.
Baptism Preparation Meetings, usually held on a Saturday morning once a month, had to be cancelled as well. These meetings were very well received by families.
The Baptism Preparation Teams in our parish, Dan Healy, Margo Murphy, Cáit McCarthy, Geraldine McCarthy & Mary O’Callaghan are looking forward to being able to get back to meeting families again sometime in 2021.
In Previous years our Annual Service of Prayer & Thanksgiving for the children baptised in our parish during the year would be held on this Sunday, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Unfortunately, it can’t be held this year. Please God, with the roll out of the vaccine, we will be in a better place later this year.
TAX-BACK
During a turbulent financial year, 2020, the support of the parishioners has been wonderful. Generous contributions from Mass Offerings and donations during lockdown have been a huge help to keep the parish functioning, as normal as is allowed.
The proceeds of the tax-back system have also been a substantial help, with the parish receiving €6,623.98 from Revenue during 2020. New members, who are taxpayers, and have contributed at least €250 during 2020 can still join the system by contacting Fr. Liam.
To all contributors, in whatever way, your support has been tremendous & is gratefully acknowledged & appreciated.
ST.VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
The local conference of St. Mary’s, wishes to thank you most sincerely, the parishioners of Ovens and Farran, for your kind donations which amounted to €3,710. This was received either at the Church or by envelopes handed to local volunteers. It was just slightly less than last year, despite the very difficult circumstances prevailing and is extremely generous indeed.
On behalf of St. Mary’s and the families who benefit from your generosity we wish you a safe and hopefully a better 2021.
ÉIRE ÓG, HELPING THE COMMUNITY
In light of the Government decision to move the country back to Level 5, the Club is reactivating our Covid 19 Community Response Team.
If any member of our community requires support during these difficult times, prescriptions and groceries collected, or if we can support you in any way please Contact: Club PRO John Hourihan on 086 3178214 and a member of the club will be only too delighted to come to your assistance.
Also if any member of our club wants to volunteer to help out, please contact the above number and your name will be added to our response team.
FRIENDS OF KILCREA
After 25 years of maintaining Kilcrea Friary, we find, due to old age and lack of funds, we can no longer carry on. As a thank you to the people of the parish for their support over the years, we would like to give a copy of the book on Kilcrea to anyone who would like one. Some books have already been given out, but there are a few copies still available.
Contact: Oliver O’Callaghan on 021 7331090.
RECENT BAPTISMS
Grace Rebecca Twomey, Grange Manor
Grace Elizabeth O’Connell, Killumney
Callan James Michael Kelly, Donoughmore
Jack Darragh Rodgers, Kilcrea
We congratulate them and their parents and we welcome them to the Parish Family.
RECENT DEATHS
Kathleen McCarthy, Farran
Darragh Guinevan, Knockanemore
Tim Sheehan, Ballineadig
May they Rest in Peace.