Mass Times Sundays:

Cathedral:- Sat. Vigil: 6.30pm; Sunday: 9am, 10.30am & 12 noon St. Joseph’s:- Sat. Vigil: 7pm; Sunday: 8, 10, 11.30am Church:- 9.30am, 11am Friary:- Sat. Vigil: 7.30pm; Sunday: 9.30, 10.30, 12.00 noon Poor Clare Monastery:- 7.45 a.m.

Parish Weekdays: : Mon. – Fri: 7.45am; 10am & 7.30pm; 10am on Saturday St. Joseph’s:- Monday – Saturday: 11am Cloughleigh Church:- Monday – Friday: 9.30am Friary:- Daily: 10am & 1.05pm; 10am on Saturday News Poor Clare Monastery:- Daily at 7.45 am; Daily Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament from 4-6pm in the Chapel.

Phone Numbers: Confessions in Cathedral Saturday After 10am Mass & before and Cathedral:- 6824043; Email: [email protected] Confessions in Cathedral every Saturday: after 6.30pm Mass St. Joseph’s:- 6822166; Cloughleigh: 6840715; Friary: 6828751

12 to 1pm & also before and after 6.30pm Mass St Joseph’s Saturday After 11am Mass Ennis Parish Web Site: http://www.ennisparish.com Parish Office open Mon to Fri 9.30-1pm & 2-5pm Sat 10.30-12noon Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ennis.parish

The Baptism of the Lord 10th January 2016 (Year C) Persons are Gifts

Persons are gifts the father sends me…... wrapped. The Father gave me to myself. Some are wrapped very beautifully they are very Have I ever looked inside the wrapping? attractive when I first see them. Perhaps I've never accepted the gift I am…... Some come in very ordinary wrapping paper. Could the Father's gift be anything but beautiful? Others have been mishandled in the mail. I love the gifts which others who love me give me. Once in a while there is a special Why not this gift from the Father? delivery. And I am a gift to other people. Some persons are gifts that come Am I willing to be given by the Father loosely wrapped; others very to others? - a man for others? tightly. Do others have to be content with the wrapping, and never permitted to enjoy But the wrapping is not the gift, the gift? It is so easy to make this mistake……

It is amusing when babies do it, Every meeting of persons is an exchange of gifts, Sometimes the gift is not easy to open up. But a gift without a giver is not a gift; Sometimes I need others to help….. It is a thing devoid of a relationship to enjoy. Is it because they are afraid? Does it hurt? Friendship is a relationship between persons, Maybe they have been opened up before and Who see themselves as they truly are; gifts of the thrown away. Father to each other, for each other. Could it be that that gift is not for me? A friend is not a friend just for me; but for others through me. Author unknown I am a person. Therefore I am a gift too. A gift to myself first of all. Fáilte-Bienvenue-Willkomen-Benvenuto-Bienvenido-Witajcie-Bemvindo- Welkom-Velkomin-Vitejte-Karibu-Croeso-Valkommen-Tervetuloa-Welcome

Cathedral Hospital & Sick Calls St. Joseph’s Remembered in Masses this Week: 17th January, 2015 Mass intentions for scheduled Masses in St. 6.30pm: Maura 1st Anniv & Vincent Roughan, Priest on Duty: Joseph’s Church should be booked through the Parish Fr. Tom O’Gorman Office. For all other events ,call Fr John 0656822166. Highfield Pk. Sun 10th: 9am: O’Dwyer families, . Please call: 065 6869098 Remembered in Masses this Week: Tina Doyle, Clover Hill. Wednesday: Sun 10th 8am: Thomas Scanlon, Newcastlewest. Mary Brogan, College Green. Fr. Ger Fitzgerald 10am: PJ Foudy, Ivy Hill. 10.30am: Michael Lynch, Clare Rd. Please call: 065 6869098 11.30am: Pat Kilker, St. Senan’s Road. MM. Patrick Feeney, St Michael’s Villas. Mon 11am: Margaret & Thomas O’Mahoney, Tralee. Vincent Neylon, Parnell St. Newly Baptised Tues 11am: John & Maureen Arthur, Rd. Tom Kelly, College Rd. We welcome into the Wed 11am: Michael Purcell, Birr. Michelle Malone, Waterpark View. Christian Community Thu 11am: Bridget Greene, Corrovorrin Ave & Mayo. Tony Shannon, Clancy Park. through the Sacrament 1st Anniv Fri 11am: Anthony Dormer, Rosanore. 12noon: Bridie Rynne, Castlewood Park. 1st Anniv. of Baptism: Finn Patrick O’Connell; Sat 11am: Bridie Rynne, Castlewood Park. Mon: 7.45am: Stephen Cunningham, . 7pm: Brid Madigan, Ivy Hill. 10am: Patrick McMahon, Carmody St. Caleb Jude McNulty Bereavement team meeting: Thu Sun 17th 10am: Thomas (Toss) O’Sullivan, New Rd. 7.30pm: Billy & Michael Shanahan, Clonroadmore. 11.30am: Ann O’Connor, Corrovorrin Grove. Tues:7.45am Book of Intentions. 14th Jan, Cathedral House 8pm. 10am: Tom, Sheila, Patk, Bridget & Peggy Cotter, Loughville. 7.30pm: P.J. & Lily Brooks, College Park. Rest in Peace Wed:7.45am: Andrew Cunningham, Donegal & Florida. Mai Molloy, Dubline & late Steeles’ Tce & Turnpike Rd; Anne Tierney, Rd; 10am: Bartholomew Torpey, Shragh & London. Kathleen Hegarty, Clareview, Limerick, sister of Sean O’Shea & Eileen Purcell, Ard na 7.30pm: Alice Brennan, O’Connell St. Greine; Ann Carmel Keane, , sister of Maureen Roche, Kilrush Rd; Noreen Thurs:7.45am: James & Maura Doohan. Moloney, , wife of Andy of Andy’s shop, Drumbiggle, Fr. Tom O’Dea A.P., 10am: Lucy Bradley, Showgrounds Rd. ; Michael Nestor, Maurice’s Mills, brother of Tom, Golflink’s Rd; Mary 7.30pm: Christina Griffin, Parnell St. Moloney, London & Hermitage, sister of Flan, Stan, Paddy, Michael, John Joe & Berna; Fri:7.45am Sean Foudy, Kilrush Rd. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. 10am: Martin, Ml, Catherine & Maura Hassett, . Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. 7.30pm: Michael McMahon, Gallows Hill. Sat:10am: James Sheedy, Greendale, Clonroad. 6.30pm: Patrick Molloy, Dalcassian Park. MM Jubilee Year of Mercy Sun 17th: 9am: Maud & Samuel Cutt, College Green. 10.30am: Gillian Brennan, Considine Rd. Visit the Year of Mercy Jubilee Room at the back of the Patrick Lyons, Avondale, Kilrush Rd. Nora & Kevin Ryan, Greendale. Cathedral and experience the great gift of Mercy and the Delia Armstrong, Cahercalla. Catherine Cotter, College View, Clonroadmore. Blessings it brings. Kathleen Regan, Considine Rd. 1st Anniv 12noon: Louis Galvin, Honeywell. 1st Anniv Walk of Mercy — Turas na Trócaire Roster for Cathedral: Stop and Pray at the following stations: Sunday 17th January, 2016 (cards available at the Mercy room door) Readers: Group 3 Eucharistic Ministers Weekday: Group 1 1) Baptism; Eucharistic Ministers Sunday: Group 1 2) Annunciation; Readers, please collect new 2016 Rotas and Sunday Mass Books from Sacristy. 3) Greater love than this; 4) Peter & Paul Icon; Cloughleigh 5) Mercy Window; Remembered in Masses this Week: Sun 10th 9.30am: Mary Foley, Cusack Lawn. 6) Pieta/Mary; 11am: Myra Moriarty, Cusack Road. 1st Anniv. Tue 9.30am: Book of Intentions. 7) Mercy Room; Thu 9.30am: Bridget Crosse Kinnane, . Sun 17th11am: John & Annie Lane, Hermitage. at the Mercy Room an invitation to: Live the Word: sit As you reflect on the year gone what have you learnt? How can you bring that learning into listen this new year? You become a better person by taking on board the lessons watch you have learnt and using those learnings throughout your daily life. reflect Ecumenical Remembrance Service for all Pilgrimages 2016 remembered on The Cahercalla Hospice Yellow Ennis Parish Pilgrimage to Poland:13th May to Ribbon Christmas Remembrance Tree, (which Féile Bhaiste ár dTiarna 20th May. Return flight from Shannon to Krakow, Ceiliúrfar Baiste ár dTiarna Íosa Críost ag Naomh was located at Market Square, Ennis) will be held 7 nights’ accommodation in three star hotel, half Eoin Baiste in abhainn na Iordáinne inniu. Ócáid on Friday January 15th; 6pm; The Oratory, board. All baggage and check in fees included. mhór i stair an tslánaithe ab ea é. Chuir Íosa tús Cahercalla Hospital. A warm welcome to all to Spiritual Director, Fr Tom Hogan, Leader, Mary lena bheatha phoiblí. Leagann na Soiscéil uile join us for this special event. O' Sullivan. Full time accompaniment by a béim ar ungadh Íosa leis an Spiorad Naomh ag a Cahercalla Hospice Charity shop has moved to Cultural Connections’ representative. For details bhaiste. Nochtadh an Spioraid Naomh i bhfoirm and booking form, contact Mary at 0871247669. choilm os a chionn agus chualathas guth an Athar the Market square next to Precious Pets. Come and visit our lovely new shop and avail of our Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 7 nights; Pilgrimage ag rá “Is é seo mo mhac muirneach. Éistigí opening sale beginning this Friday. Buy one, get to Medjugorje 7 nights, Date 15th June ex leis.” (Matha 3:16-17) Tá tagairt do na flaithis ag one half price on all floor rails. Shannon with Spiritual Director. Price €679; oscailt ag baiste Íosa i ngach ceann de na Soiscéil. Le cumhacht an Spioraid sin chuaigh sé thart ag Contact Bernadette Murphy: 0861634553 0r Clare Hospice at Cahercalla; Weekly Draw déanamh na maithe agus ag cur as do chumhacht 0656821627 Results; Year 15 Week 30; Tuesday January 5th; an pheaca. Ó thús na hEaglaise tuigtear go bhfuil 1st Prize €650: Brendan Daly, Ennis; 2nd Prize Lourdes 2016: The 60th Pilgrimage from the dlúthbhaint idir ár mbaiste agus baiste an Tiarna. €200: Maurice Walshe, Ennis. Killaloe Diocese to Lourdes will take place from Baisteadh sinn in ainm na Tríonóide Rónaofa. Is 26th June to 1st July. €687pps full board, no féidir linn machnamh ar ár mbaiste agus ar ár ICA Fergus Guild Meeting - Thursday January change in price. Book online at mbeatha inniu. Is féidir linn ár móideanna baiste a 14th - St Joseph's Meeting Room; 7:30pm. We www.joewalshtours.ie and get €10 discount. . athnuachan freisin. Feidhmíonn an Spiorad go would like to wish all our members A Happy New The Diocese of Killaloe pilgrimage to Rome ciúin san anam ag cabhrú leis an duine Year, new members welcomed maireachtáil de réir an tsoiscéil. Mar sin: during the Holy Year; 1st August - 6th August. Toonagh Charity Walk for Seeking Vision Accommodation at the Pontifical Irish College in Tar chugainn, a Naomhspioraid Bheannaithe; Clare Sunset Foundation; Sunday 17th Jan; the city centre. There will be an opportunity to Comhairligh sinn in am is i dtráth; 2.30pm; Register Toonagh Hall: 11.30am: Entry attend a liturgy with Pope Francis and to walk Treoraigh sinn ar ród na beatha seo, Is stiúir sinn go ríocht na ngrást. Áiméan fee €10; 3 Routes to suit all levels of fitness 2k, through the holy doors in all four Papal Basilicas. 5k & 10.5k; Start & Finish Toonagh Hall; The pilgrimage is being organised by Kieran Troy Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of Refreshments after walk; Children welcome (no and a guide will be available throughout. The total Jesus by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. It entry fee for children); Info Breda 0851947763; cost per person sharing is €849. Information, Tel: was an important event in the history of Please support, give a little and feel good. 057 9355050 (mornings only) or email: redemption. Jesus began his public life. Each [email protected] gospel lays emphasis on the anointing of Jesus Cosa Damhsa - dance class for kids resumes with the Holy Spirit at his baptism. The heavens in Fahy Hall, Roslevan on Thursday Jan 14th; Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: Two Pilgrimages will were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God 5.30pm - 6.15pm for beginners; 6.15pm - 7pm for leave Shannon in September 2016. Sept 7th & 14th. Fully inclusive 7 Nights. €100 deposit by descend like a dove and alight on him. And a voice improvers/advanced. Learn to set dance, Ceili from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, dance, waltz, jive and more in a fun filled Feb 17th. Price is €649 after the 17th, price is €699. Spiritual Directors, Frs. Tom O'Gorman & with him I am well pleased. Listen to environment. New members always welcome. Paddy Conway. Group Leader, Jimmy Considine. him.’ (Matthew 3:16-17). All the gospels refer to the More details contact Mary 086 3613230; Contact Jimmy @ 9059328 or 085 7385385. heavens opening. With the power of the Holy Spirit Caroline. 086 8078599. Jesus went around doing good and thwarting the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: In power of sin. From the beginning of Music Generation Clare, part of Music response to Pope Francis call to the Year of Generation, ’s national music education there is a close connection between the baptism of Mercy, the Diocese of Killaloe is organising a Christ and our baptism. We were baptised in the programme, are launching the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, direct from name of the Blessed Trinity. We can reflect on this Trazz Experience, a large ensemble music Shannon Airport to Tel Aviv, departing on and on our lives today. We can also renew our experience where traditional music meets jazz. Sunday 23rd October 2016 and returning baptismal vows. The Holy Spirit works quietly Open to all secondary school students who can direct to Shannon on Monday 31st October. helping us to live according to the gospel. play/read music. Rehearsals begin January 17th €1430, half board, including all taxes, coaches Come O Holy Spirit; at 10am in Teach Ceoil, Sraid an Teampaill, and tips. 147 places available. Booking forms: Fr. Enlighten us in everything we do, Ennistymon. See our Facebook page for Tom Ryan, Shannon 061-364133 or Fr. Brendan Guide us on our way through life, application details - closing date is 13th January. Quinlivan, Ennis Cathedral 065-6824043. The And direct us to everlasting life. Amen. For further information tel: 065-6828107/email: form can also be downloaded from the Killaloe [email protected] Diocese website www.killaloediocese.ie. Bingo 10 Week Evening Course in Practical Beginners’ Set Dancing starts Tuesday 12th; Great prizes; In Community Centre Philosophy; Tuesday Jan 12th; 7.30pm; The Fahy Hall; 830pm. Sundays from 8pm. Clare Education Centre, Government Offices, Kilrush Rd; Registration: 7.15pm; Queries to 087 Scoil Chríost Rí Cloughleigh is holding a 228 2382. clothes’ collection fundraiser. Unwanted clothes will be recycled to raise much needed Pilates classes commencing on January 12th funds for our new school development. These Ennis National School; Beginners 6:30pm & clothes are then sent to countries in the Intermediates 7:30pm; Contact Monica: 087 developing world. Bags can be left in the Hall 7763 6733. adjoining Cloughleigh Church after Sunday Sale of Work 2nd Hand Goods Learn the Old time Waltz, Quickstep and Jive. Mass, after weekly masses or any school day Cathedral Grounds Beginner classes start; Thursday 14th; 730pm; until Sunday Jan 31st. Phone 0656820105. Cuan shop opens each week on Fahy Hall: 0873995877 Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat. from 10am-3pm.

Ennis Track Athletic Club thank all who SAMARITANS Any unwanted Christmas Gifts can be supported and took part in their Annual Charity Ennis and Clare Branch will be holding dropped into the Parish Office for sale in fun run in Ballyea, on St. Stephen’s Day. A information evenings on Tuesday 12th and the Cuan Shop. We are always looking cheque for €1,150.00 was presented to St. Thursday 14th of January at 7.30pm in their for good quality second hand items for Anne’s School. Centre on the Kilrush Road, for people the Cuan Shop Old mobile phones wanted for Bee for Battens, interested in becoming a Samaritan Volunteer. Irish based campaign supporting babies and Please call 089-2475946 if you are interested young children affected by Battens’ disease. in attending one of the information evenings. Ennis Parish Development Fund for Please drop into Parish Office. Each evening will last approximately 2 hours. Sunday 3rd January, €7,342.00 Today’s Scripture Readings Entrance Antiphon Responsorial Psalm Gospel: Luke 3:15-16.21-22

After the Lord was baptised, the heavens Response: A reading from the holy Gospel were opened, and the Spirit descended Bless the Lord, my soul! according to Luke upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Lord God, how great you are. Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that with whom I am well pleased. Lord God, how great you are, John might be the Christ, so John declared clothed in majesty and glory, before them all, 'I baptise you with water, GLORIA wrapped in light as in a robe! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth but someone is coming, someone who is You stretch out the heavens like a tent. R. more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise Above the rains you build your dwellings. you with the Holy Spirit and fire.' we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord You make the clouds your chariot, God, heavenly King, God, almighty Father. you walk on the wings of the wind, Now when all the people had been baptised Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, you make the winds your messengers and while Jesus after his own baptism was Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, and flashing fire your servants. R. at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy you take away the sins of the world, Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, have mercy on us; How many are your works, O Lord! like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, you take away the sins of the world, In wisdom you have made them all. 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour receive our prayer; The earth is full of your riches. rests on you.' you are seated at the right hand of the Father, There is the sea, vast and wide, The Gospel of the Lord have mercy on us. with its moving swarms past counting, For you alone are the Holy One, living things great and small. R. PROFESSION OF FAITH you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, Second Reading:Tt 2:11-14;3:4-7 I believe in one God, the Father almighty, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the A reading from the letter of St. Paul to Titus. maker of heaven and earth, of all things Father. Amen. visible and invisible. God's grace has been revealed, and it has I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, First Reading: Is 40:1-5.9-11 made salvation possible for the whole human the Only Begotten Son of God, race and taught us that what we have to do is born of the Father before all ages. A reading from the prophet Isaiah. to give up everything that does not lead to God from God, Light from Light, 'Console my people, console them,'says your God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must true God from true God, begotten, not God. be self restrained and live good and religious made, consubstantial with the Father; 'Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to lives here in this present world, while we are through him all things were made. her that her time of service is ended, waiting in hope for the blessing which will For us men and for our salvation that her sin is atoned for, come with the Appearing of the glory of our he came down from heaven, and by the that she has received from the hand of the great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, Lord double punishment for all her crimes.' sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free and became man. For our sake he was A voice cries, 'Prepare in the wilderness from all wickedness and to purify a people so crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered a way for the Lord. that it could be his very own and would have death and was buried, and rose again on no ambition except to do good. Make a straight highway for our God across the third day In accordance with the the desert. When the kindness and love of God our Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and Let every valley be filled in, every mountain saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not is seated at the right hand of the Father. and hill be laid low, let every cliff become because he was concerned with any He will come again in glory to judge the plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of righteous actions we might have done living and the dead and his kingdom will the lord shall be revealed and all mankind ourselves; it was for no reason except his have no end. shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has own compassion that he saved us, by means I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the spoken.' of the cleansing water of rebirth and by giver of life, who proceeds from the Father Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has and the Son, who with the Father and the to Zion. so generously poured over us through Jesus Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Christ our saviour. He did this so that we through the prophets. Jerusalem. should be justified by his grace, to become I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life. Church. I confess one Baptism for the

'Here is your God.' The word of the Lord forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the Here is the Lord coming with power, resurrection of the dead and the life of the his arm subduing all things to him. Gospel Acclamation world to come.

The prize of his victory is with him, Alleluia, alleluia! Amen. his trophies all go before him. Someone is coming, said John, Communion Antiphon He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, someone greater than I. Behold the One of whom John said: I gathering lambs in his arms, He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit have seen and testified that this is the holding them against his breast and with fire. Alleluia! Son of God. and leading to their rest the mother ewes.

The word of the Lord