News

Christmas Offerings

Many thanks to all who returned the Christmas Offerings envelope. Thanks, also, to those from outside the parish, who sent in contributions, and, to a few anonymous contributors.

A sincere thanks to the many men and women who gave so generously of their time to ensure each home received an envelope.

Galway Sri Lanka Relief Fund

As you are aware by now, the recent tsunami has caused widespread devastation in coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Some 30,000 people are estimated to have died so far, and approximately one million rendered homeless and destitute.

Mike Weerakoon, and myself, are two Sri Lankans, who have lived and worked in Ireland for thirty years. We are spear-heading a major fund-raising campaign in Galway to raise funds. Ms Mary Bennett, of 'Treasure Chest', has generously agreed to help co-ordinate this project. A 'Wine and Canapé night' will take place in the Radisson SAS hotel, Galway, on Friday, 14 January, from 6:00 pm. Music, from traditional to rock, will entertain throughout the evening, provided by some of our best musicians. Tickets are available at €50, each. See poster in church porch for details.

An auction and raffles will be held at the event. Proceeds from the evening will go towards providing much-needed help in Sri Lanka. Your support is crucial. Thank you for your kindness.

– Bob D'Silva, Taramuid

A bank account has also been opened to receive donations. The details are as follows:
Galway Sri Lanka Relief Fund, account no: 09197045, sort code: 93-70-96. Branch: AIB, Lynch's Castle, Shop Street, Galway.

Clarinbridge Community Development Association

The Clarinbridge Community Development Association is posting details of the draft proposals for the development of the Cow Park. The proposals are in the form of a laminated map, and they will be on display at the following locations: Kelly's Post Office, Neilan's Post Office, Kilcolgan, Oyster Manor Hotel, Clarinbridge GAA Club, Clarinbridge National School, Killeeneen National School, Bridge Stores, Village Green, Kilcornan Centre.

The CCDA is anxious that the community, as a whole, takes time to study the proposals. Comments or suggestions are most welcome, and can be dropped into the Parish Office. A public meeting is planned to take place in the Oyster Manor Hotel, on Thursday, 17 February, at 8:15 pm. All are welcome to attend.

In Brief ...

• The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association wishes to thank all those who supported and assisted in organising/preparing for the annual Christmas dance last month.

Meetings

• Monday, 17 January, 8:00 pm: All those who read in church [Clarinbridge and Roveagh] are asked to attend. We welcome all readers – those already reading and new volunteers. The meeting will not be for more than one hour.
• Tuesday, 18 January, 8:00 pm: Church stewards [those who pass around the baskets at weekend Masses, and, direct people to their seats when necessary]. We welcome those who have been stewarding for the past few years and those beginning now.

Both of the above meetings will be in "Suaimhneas". Refreshments will be served. Please try to attend if you are involved in either of these areas, or if you would like to get involved in the future.

Baptisms in Clarinbridge during 2004

Available here ... [JPEG, 184kb]

Planning for the Future

Now that we have a place to meet [i.e. "Suaimhneas"], I am looking forward to getting more organised as a Church community.

Priests are getting scarcer [and older!], and we need to plan for the future. Here, in our own parish, I would like very much to form a few new groups, as well as adding fresh voices to existing old ones, e.g. a Liturgy Group, who would help in organising the Sunday liturgy [possibly, present the Prayers of the Faithful, etc.].

We need many more stewards at weekends so that we can have a rota system.

A Baptism Team would meet parents some weeks before the Baptism to explain a little about the Sacrament and the ceremony.

We need more readers – why can't we have some who would represent the younger generation, 16-25?

We also need some more Ministers of the Eucharist, and we would welcome new members for the Altar Society. Training is available [from Áras de Brún] for readers, Ministers of the Eucharist, and Baptism Teams.

No parishioner needs any special education for any of the above – just a willingness to help out in an area that YOU might find suits you. Don't be shy – give it a try! Please see it as an opportunity to help build this community as the Lord would wish it. "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine".

– E.D.

 Sign up online ...

Clarinbridge GAA 

 Lotto News

 No winner | 7 match-3 winners: John Curley, Sue Curley, James Kelly, Maisie Holland, Elizabeth Farrell, Matthew Feeney, Patrick Egan
 Numbers drawn: 3, 6, 15, 19
 Seller's prize: Jim Dunne
 Next week's draw takes place in the Oyster Manor Hotel,
for a jackpot of €6,050.
Thanks, again, for your continued support.

 Clarinbridge GAA Lotto

The weekly Lotto is the club's main source of income. Without the Lotto, the Club would find it very difficult to survive. So, we need more people to help out with it – there are many areas in our parish where tickets are not being sold. You can contact Ann [796754], or any of the team leaders – Johnny Burke [796013], Michael Cormican [086-6035214], Pat Jordan [087-8119454], Joe Egan [796305], or Mike Dillon [087-2518027]. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 In Brief ...

• A hurling club meeting takes place on Tuesday, 11 January, in the Clubhouse, at 8:00 pm, sharp. All club members are asked to attend. Everyone is welcome. Membership will be taken before and after the meeting, costing between €40 and €60.
• The camogie AGM of the Clarinbridge GAA takes place this Sunday, 9 January, at 3:00 pm in the Clubhouse. Assistance required. Please attend.
• The Clarinbridge GAA Club supper takes place in Paddy Burke's, on Saturday, 15 January, at 9:00 pm. Local entertainment. Tickets, at €12.50, are available from club members, local shops, and pubs.