Stradbally,  Vicarstown

Timahoe

                                        24th February,2002.

2^nd Sunday of Lent…..The tradition of Lent goes right back to the time of St. Patrick.  The Christians of the early centuries realised that the Resurrection of Jesus was the most significant event of His life, so the celebration of Easter became very important.  Their time of preparation for Easter became our Lent…..Easter became the time for Baptisms, linking the new life of Baptism with the new life of resurrection.

Eventually rules and regulations took over to tell people how to live Lent…..what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, no dances, no marriages………..

The new awakening to the needs of the third world meant the “fasting” laws were changed…..how can you have fasting law with so many starving and hungry in Africa, South America and Asia?  The new agencies to help fight hunger, injustice and slavery became Lent and linked….Trocaire became the Irish Catholic Church’s official Lenten effort for the third world.

Lent remains an Easter Preparation time, a time of renewal, a time for prayer and fasting.  Trocaire not only reminds us about those who are poor, hungry and slaves but a timely reminder to be grateful for all we have ourselves.

Annual Parish Draw The draw for E3,000 will take place on St. Patrick’s Day

Tickets are out and about…….hopefully parishioners will make the draw a

success by buying and selling.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades:

Our Parish parades are parades to Mass  10 am in Vicarstown

10 am in Timahoe and 11.30 am in Stradbally

Hopefully people will plan, organise, take part and enjoy-……………

St. Patrick’s Day our great National celebration.

Whist:- St. Patrick’s Hall, Stradbally on Wednesday, Feb. 27th at 9 O’Clock

All support welcome

A Trocaire box for every home: Take one home from parish Masses this week-end.

Lenten Devotions this week:

Vicarstown on Monday at 7.30 pm

Timahoe on Monday at 7.30 pm

Irish Heart Foundation  A note to thank parishioners for E325 contributed to recent Church gate Collection: Thanking subscribers and collectors.

Required …..A reliable person to mind a 4 year old and a 14 month old in their own home, 3 or 4 days per week telephone:25725

Vicarstown Residents Association:- Cookery Classes start on Tuesday Feb. 26th at 8.30 pm. Contact Margaret 25778 for booking.

World Women’s Day of Prayer…..Prayer service in Sacred Heart Church Stradbally on Friday, March 1st at 8 pm.  All welcome

Timahoe Victory dinner Dance…..Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Friday 8th March….Ladies and Mens Clubs.  Tickets available from Paschal McEvoy, Pat Lowry, Samantha Whelan, Catriona Kelly.

Stradbally Lourdes 2002.  Fixed for September next…..details re booking, Hotel, cost etc next week.

Grow…...mental health Movement  Public Awareness meeting, Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise  Monday 25th Feb. at 8 pm

Aware…..helping to defeat depression, Public Lecture….Is there light at the end of the tunnell? Wed:6th march, 8.30 pm  ……. Bridge House, Tullamore All welcome

A ₂Z Montessori School, Stradbally

The above school will host a talk/lecture (Pre-school education, parenting, managing behaviour) by Mr. Stephen Kealy, clinical psychologist on Monday night, 25th February, at 8 pm.  Booking Contact Liz Mooney  0502/25471

Ballycoolan Megars A.G.M  President  Ned buggy,

 Chairman:Jim Mangan, Sec. PJ Kelly, jr, Treas. Paddy Laffan, Tony Fenlon, PRO Paddy Laffan.

Selectors: PJ Kelly snr and Tom Kelly.  Captain Colm Kelly, V-Captain:Willie Wright.  All set for special excursion to Isle of Man.

Stradbally Anglers Association: Please note subscriptions now due

Stradbally Flower and Garden Club: committee meeting on

Monday 25th at 8.30 pm in St Joseph’s Hall.

Portlaoise Mart Notice: Horse and Pony Sale this Sunday

24th February commencing at 12 mid-day.   Cattle Sale every Tuesday.

Disused Washing Machines, Dryers, Fridges, Dishwashers etc collected and disposed of Contact: 0502/25375 (after 6 pm)

For Sale : Leather 3-2-1 Suite Phone 087