Naomh Fíonán. An Fál Carrach Nuachtlítir THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD 1ST & 2ND FEBRUARY, 2020.

Mass Times and Intentions for the Week

Sat 1st 7: 00 pm Kathleen Doogan, Ballina. Anniversary Carmel Sweeney, Ballyconnell. Anniversary Mary & Johnny Harkin, Balliness. Anniversary John Byrne, Clonbara Anniversary Pete Ferry & Fr Bill Wright, Meencarricka. Anniversary

Sun 2nd 9: 00 am Aifreann 11: 00 am Kathleen Emerson, Greenock/Ray.

Mon 3rd No Mass

Tue 4th 7.00 pm Special Intentions

Wed 5th 9.30 am Mass

Thurs 6th 9.30 am John Sweeney, Carrowcannon. Anniversary

Fri 7th 7.00 pm Brendan Mc Fadden, Moyra. Anniversary

Sat 8th 7.00 pm Con Doherty, Station Road. Anniversary Martin O’ Brien, Balliness. Anniversary

Sun 9th 9: 00 rn Aifreann 11:00 am Mass

Confessions Saturday after 7:00pm Mass.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Thur 10.00am – 9.00pm. Divine Mercy recited every Thursday at 5.30pm Exposition concludes with Rosary at 8.30pm

FREAGRA AN tSAILM ‘Cē hē Rί seo na Glόire? Is ē and Tiarna ē’.

Reflection

Unexpected moments

It was an important day for this little family, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Did they expect everything to go smoothly, or had they already had to let go of some of their dreams and plans? After all, the story of Jesus’ birth had already been unusual, not to mention the shepherds turning up to visit the newborn Messiah. Still, they could not have expected two elderly people to suddenly appear in the Temple with a message about their child – that he was going to do great things but also would be rejected and cause great pain to his mother. Was it at this moment that they realised life would never be the same again? The most important messages can come from unexpected sources. Anna and Simeon were advanced in years, wise and devout people who had lived well, and still hoped and trusted in God’s plan. This encounter was unexpected for them too, taking place close to the end of their lives; but they were ready, willing and able to recognise its significance. Their call was to be among the first people to encounter the Messiah and to share the Good News. What is our call? The story of Anna and Simeon shows us the value of being open to an encounter with Jesus. Despite what we have been through, or what stage we are at in life, there are good things to come. Each of us has something unique to offer. We pray that we will recognise the unexpected opportunities to encounter God that come our way.

Fógraí

Sick and Housebound The above will be attended on Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week; areas as usual. If there is anyone not on the list and who would like to be attended, please contact the parochial house.

Meetings this week Finance Committee Meeting 7.30pm Tuesday 4th in the Parochial House. Maintenance Committee Meeting 8.15pm Thursday 6th in Aras Begley.

February Rota for Ministers of The Word and Eucharist Ministers of the Word - Saturday 7pm - Paul Anthony Mc Fadden. Sunday 9am - Michael Murray. 11am - Beryl O’ Donnell. Ministers of the Eucharist - Saturday 7pm - Bridie Gallagher, Rose Gallagher, Mary Harkin, Brid Doohan. Sunday 9am - Nellie Gallagher. 11am - Rose Ann Rodgers, Kathleen Gallagher, Linda Mc Geady.

Safeguarding Children - Diocese of If you have a concern about the welfare and safety of a child, please contact any of the following: Safeguarding Children Office, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Monastery Avenue , , Co. . Phone 074 9125669. Email [email protected] Designated Liaison Person: Margaret Northage 086 2183011. Tusla - Child and Family Agency 074 9123672/9123770. Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau 01 6663420/016663435.

Ards Friary Some parishioners will be familiar with the Vision programme which is centred on the eight beatitudes and delivered by Fr. Flann Lynch. The programme is now on the internet and Fr. Flann is giving an hour’s introduction to this new version of the programme at the Friary on Tuesday 4th February, 7.30. Anyone interested is most welcome to attend. A special day of refection and prayer for Ministers of the Word and Eucharistic Ministers will be held in Ards Retreat Centre on February 15th from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. The aim will be to enrich peoples understanding of their particular Ministry. Cost: €25 per person (includes a three course lunch). To book places please email [email protected] or tel: 074 91 38909

Retrouvaille – A Lifeline for Married Couples: Do you want to improve the communication with your spouse? Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you hurt, frustrated or angry with your spouse? Does talking about it only make it worse? The Retrouvaille programme can help marriages at all stages. Next programme starts 7th – 9th February 2020. For information contact Tony & Anne (01) 495 3536, Mike & Anne (01) 450 0922, text or call 086 413 5440, or email [email protected] or visit www.retrouvaille.ie. COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL

Medjugorje Medjugorje Afternoon of Prayer, Song and Testimonies will be held in the Mt Hotel, Letterkenny on Sunday the 2nd of February 2020 at 2.30pm. Testimonies by two Donegal Priests and talks also by guides from Medjugorje and the afternoon will conclude with Mass in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny – Everyone welcome.

Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Centre in Letterkenny is organising a Divine Mercy pilgrimage on the 7th to the 14th of July 2020. Spiritual director: Fr. Eamonn Kelly and the Sisters of Merciful Jesus. We will visit many places connected with the Divine Message: Vilnius (the place where the original Divine Mercy image was painted and is now venerated), Bialystok (the place of burial of Bl. Fr. Sopocko), Ostrowek (where Faustina served before entering the convent), Warsaw (where Faustina entered the convent), Krakow and Wadowice. Price: 930 euro. To sign up or get more information please contact us at [email protected], tel. 0749169934 or check on our FB site (@divinemercycentreletterkenny).

GROW Meetings take place in Community Hospital (Entry is via the side entrance). Wheelchair accessible. Time: 7.30pm The Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny Time: 7.30pm The Pastoral Centre is on Monastery Avenue, Cathedral Square, Letterkenny. Parking is available in the Cathedral car park.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul The collection this week amounted to €230. Thank you for your generosity. Our local contact number is 087 1443464.

Church Gate Collections Bluestack Special Needs Foundation will hold their Annual Church Gate Collection this weekend 1st/2nd February 2020. The Annual Church Gate Collection in aid of Alzheimer’s Society of , Donegal Branch will take place on the 8th/9th February 2020. All support is very much appreciated.

SCOIL FHIONÁIN Clarú/ Enrolment takes place for 2020/21 school year on Thursday 6th March 10am - 2.30pm or by appointment. Contact 9135122 - [email protected] - www.scoilfhionain.ie P.P.S.N. agus teastas breithe/birth cert le do thoil. Scoil Fhionáin WalkTOJog 0km-3km Mondays and Wednesdays 6pm. 6 week programme. €2. Commencing Wed 5th Feb@ 6pm. 16+

Cloughaneely Men's Shed Men's Shed would like to acknowledge a donation of old wood-working benches from Rosses Community School. These benches are over 40 years old and the members of the Men's Shed are looking forward to refurbishing them and bringing them back to their original state. Many thanks to the principal Mr John Gorman and his wood working teachers Martin and Eamonn. Cloughaneely Men's Shed operate on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am-1pm in the Ballyconnell Industrial Estate. New members welcome.

Fundraiser for Callum Friel This Sunday 2nd February, a 5k walk will take place from Ionad Naomh Fionnan starting at 2 o’clock and returning to the Ionad for a well deserved cup of tea, everyone welcome.

Suirbhé Thanks to all those who took time to respond to our survey on the Tidy Towns Facebook page. This will help us in our plan to reduce our usage of plastic in the Falcarragh area. If any of you would still like to take the survey you have until Monday next 3rd February when the process will be closed. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

Clocha Coiste Glan agus Glas plan on building a stone seat in a green area in town. The committee are looking for local stone, if anyone is willing to donate we would greatly appreciate it, please contact 0863323367. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Coiste Pleanáil Teanga Cloich Cheann Fhaola Siύlόid Slēibhe le Seamus Doohan – 15ύ Feabhra 10.30r.n. Four Language Planning groups in Donegal are coming together to organise a walk. Is í an Ghaeilge teanga na hócáide. Siύlόid thart ar chόsta Chnoc Fola. Everyone welcome. The walk is suitable to people of all abilities. Please wear suitable footwear and clothes. Tea & coffee in Teach Jack, an Glasaigh after the walk.

Anam Cara Donegal the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding a Bereavement Information Evening on 13th February at 7:00pm in the Raddison Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. This is a free event and open to all bereaved parents. As Anam Cara will need to confirm numbers for teas, coffees, etc, please RSVP to [email protected] before Wednesday 11th September or call 01 4045378.

World Indoor Tug of War The World Indoor Tug of War Championships take place in the Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny on February 20th to 23rd inclusive. More details to follow.

Cloughaneely Band Lotto Next Week's Jackpot €7,450 Congratulations Seamus Rodgers, 1 match 5 winner. Numbers: 2,7,8,10,11,18.

50/50 Congratulations to Sarah Ferry Glasserchoo, who won the 50/50 this week. The prize was €1029. Thank you for supporting the parish draw.

Pobal Eascarrach Take some time out from your hectic day, relax and have some fun and unleash your inner Picasso at Art Classes with Owenie Diver. Starting on 6th February from 7p.m. – 9 p.m. here in the centre. Spaces will be limited so please send a message or call Caitlín at 074-9180571 to book a place. Mná Eascarrach will meet on 5th February at 10p.m. for Storytelling with Carmel, a cuppa and chocolate biscuit. New members and ideas are very welcome.

Falcarragh Parkrun Dr Paul Stewart, his wife Bella, together with staff, patients and friends from the / medical centre directed, volunteered & participated at Falcarragh parkrun on Saturday last. They were promoting the new parkrun initiative. The Irish College of General Practitioners and parkrun Ireland have launched a groundbreaking initiative that could see thousands of patients being ‘prescribed’ outdoor, community-based physical activity rather than medication. The initiative aims to improve the health and wellbeing of health care staff, patients and carers, reducing the need for lifelong medication. Ireland spent €498 per person on prescription and over the counter medicines in 2017, which is 20 % higher than the EU average. GP practices will be encouraged to develop closer links with their local parkrun events to become certified ‘parkrun practices’; with health care practitioners, patients and carers all being signposted to parkrun, particularly those who are the least active and have long-term health conditions.

Pobail Le Chéile Turas Ceiliúrtha- Cumann Cairdeas Cumann Cairdeas will be celebrating their 16 year anniversary with a trip on Tuesday 18th February to the Colmcille Heritage Centre in Churchill and Doon Well in . There will also be a two course meal in the Lagoon Restaurant. Price is €20 PP (includes bus,entrance to Heritage Centre, tea/scones on arrival and two course meal.) Bus will be leaving Ionad Naomh Fionnan at 9.30am. The Write Stuff Children's Creative Writing workshop on Thursday 20th February 11am-1pm at Garradh Cholm Cille Centre. A mid-term break workshop to encourage children to express themselves and their ideas in words. €12 per child. To book call Rosemary 074 9180111.

Dail General Election Notice Poll on the Island Friday 7th February 2020. - Athphort NS 10am – 7.30pm Arranmore - Leabgarrow NS 10am – 7.30pm Gola - House of James Sweeney 11am – 3pm Inishbofin Community Centre 11am – 3pm - Co Council premises at pier 12pm – 2pm Tory - National School 11am – 3pm

Udaras Na Gaeltachta Ta Udaras na Gaeltachta ag tairiscint Scoláireacht Printíseachta i réimse leathan ceirdeanna gur fiú níos mó ná €2,000 an ceann iad d’iarrthóirí le cáilíocht mar cheardaí a bhaint amach. Is d’iarrthóirí Gaeltachta le gaeilge líofa na scoláireachtaí seo. Tuilleadh eolais agus foirm iarratais ar fáil ach glaoch ar 091 503121 nó suíomh idirlín an Ūdaráis. Foirm iarratais le bheith ar ais roimh 21/02/20.

Donegal Volunteer Centre Recruiting, Placing & Supporting Volunteers Advice, Training, Governance & Best Practice. Garda Vetting for Organisations Donegal Volunteer Centre Office 074 91 26740 www. volunteerdonegal.ie

SHARED LIVING DONEGAL – offers a home from home for vulnerable elderly people who cannot manage living in their own home. The HSE is looking for home owners who may be interested in providing this care in their home. An information evening is taking place on Tuesday 11th February at 7:OOpm in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny. Contact Sean on 087-6468540 for more information

A.A. Meetings Every Sunday & Monday night in Aras Begley Hall (Hall beside Church), at 8: 00 pm.

Friends of Cuan Muire Support Centre for addicts, family and friends – Unit 11, College Court, . Open daily 10am – 4pm.

Al-Anon-Ireland Al-Anon, which supports those who are or have been affected by alcoholism in others, meets in Parish Hall on Sunday evenings at 8: 00 pm. To find out more about the above and about meetings, email info@al-anon- ireland.org. Confidential Helpline 01 8732600

Dates for 2020: Ash Wednesday - 26th February Easter Sunday - 12th April First Holy Communions - 2nd May @ 11: 00 am. Graveyard Sunday Mass - 2nd August @ 1: 00 pm

Local Newsletters are available online, Naomh Fionán, ÚLL, Pobal Chróist Rí and Glór, at http://www.parishpress.net "

Cuimhneacháin Báis:

Died Recently: Kathleen Emerson, Greenock/Ray. Mairead Gallagher, Cashel who was buried in Gortahork on Thursday.

Anniversaries at this time: Kathleen Doogan. Carmel Sweeney. Mary & Johnny Harkin. John Byrne. Pete Ferry. Fr Bill Wright. John Sweeney. Brendan Mc Fadden. Theresa Furlong, Ballyconnell/Ashbourne. Margaret Anne Mc Ginley, Ballina Road and , whose 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Chapel, Gweedore at 7pm on Monday 3rd February.