Notes 11/02/2013 - Newtowncashel - Co. Longford

CALLAGHAN’S PLACE
Well done to Newtowncashel Drama Group on their production of “Callaghan’s Place” last weekend. As usual it was a very impressive weekend’s entertainment, with full houses on all three nights!  It was also great to have John McDwyer, the playwright himself, attending Sunday evening’s performance!  Well done to all involved both on stage and behind the scenes!

TEMPERANCE SUNDAY
Congratulations to the four Golden Jubilarians and the Silver Jubilarian who received their emblems and diplomas on Sunday last.  Well done also to the twelve children who enrolled as Young Pioneers.
The Pioneer Association offers non-members a six-week pledge for the Lenten Season.

NEW BABIES
Congratulations to Tara and Neil Farrell, on the birth of their new baby boy last week.
Congratulations also to Gillian Healy and Alan Byrne on the birth of their new baby girl recently.

IRISH BLOOD TRANSFUSION BOARD
The mobile unit of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will hold a donation clinic in The Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, February 12th, 13th and 14th, from 7.30pm to 8.00pm each day.  Blood donors are always needed.  All who are eligible are urged to donate!

ALL IRELAND TALENT SEARCH
Congratulations to Sarah Hanley and Wayne O’Malley, students from Vocational School Ballymahon who came third in the Leinster All-Ireland Semi Final school talent search in aid of child line.  Sarah and Wayne would like to thank the teachers, staff and fellow students, family and friends for their continued support
to the semi-final in TF in Castlebar on Saturday 23rd February at 6.00pm.  There are 27 acts in total on the night and the three top acts will go through to the All-Ireland Final in The Helix on the 9th of March.  Contact school or any member of the families for further details.  We would also like to wish the best of luck to Justin Maguire, Carrickedmond, who is also a finalist on the night.  Votes just cost €1.00 and your support would be greatly appreciated.  All proceeds of the entire competition go directly to Child Line.  A great night’s entertainment is assured for a very worthy cause.

SOUTHERN GAELS
Southern Gaels will hold a meeting this Thursday evening in the Clubhouse at 9.00pm.  All underage coaches are asked to attend please.

ASH WEDNESDAY & EARLY MORNING LENTEN MASSES
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a day of fast and abstinence. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at 7.00am Mass and 8.00pm Mass.
During Lent, Mass will be celebrated at 7.00am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  This arrangement will give a greater number of people an opportunity to receive the ashes and to go to Mass during Lent.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The Stations of the Cross is a devotion that may be performed at any time of the year but is particularly suited to the Lenten Season.  Instead of the Rosary, the Way of the Cross will be followed in the Church on the Fridays of Lent at 7.30pm.  All are urged to make a special effort to participate in this traditional devotion.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
The Annual Pilgrimage takes place from May 27th to June 1st, and the organisers request the names of sick people who would like to join the pilgrimage.  Names should be submitted as soon as possible please to Elizabeth Clyne (043) 332 5156.
The Lourdes Assisted Pilgrims’ Annual Collection will be taken up at Masses next weekend, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February.  The fund is used to subsidise the air fare of sick or assisted people who join the Diocesan Pilgrimage. ~Your generous support is greatly appreciated.

STATIONS
The Spring Stations take place from Monday February 4th to Thursday February 28th.  The households hosting the upcoming stations are as follows:
ELFEET AND LOUGHFARM, Tuesday February 12th, at the home of Monica and Danny Farrell;
DERRYSARRAGH AND COLLUM, Thursday February 14th, at the home of Olivia and John Morrissey;
CARROWBEG AND LEAB, Friday February 15th, at the home of Síle and Gary Mulvihill;
POLLAGH, Monday February 18th, at the home of Maureen and PJ Dowd;
LOUGHAWN AND DERMEANA, Tuesday February 19th, at the home of Kathleen Clarke;
DRUMNEE AND SAINTS’ ISLAND, Thursday February 21st, at the home of Bríd and Michael Hopkins;
CLERAUN AND LISMAGAWLEY, Monday February 25th, at the home of Anna and James Costello;
FORTHILL, Tuesday February 26th, at the home of Rachael and Mark Bermingham;
CROSS AND CLARAS, Thursday February 28th, at the home of Gráinne and Joseph Mulvihill.
Confessions at 7.45pm. Mass at 8.00pm.