PARISHES OF PORTARLINGTON & EMO

PRIESTS PHONE NUMBERS

Very Rev. Thomas Dooley P.P. Tel: (057) 8643004  Rev. Joe O’Neill C.C., Tel: (057) 8646517
Very Rev. Michael Noonan P.E. Tel: (057) 8623431 (Please note the temporary number has been cancelled).
PARISH OFFICE
Tel: 057 8643004 - Email: portarlingtonparishoffice@eircom.net / Parish Office Hours: 9.30am – 1.30pm Mon. – Fri.
Anniversary Masses, Baptisms and Weddings can be booked by contacting the Parish Office during opening hours.
DIOCESE www.kandle.ie SAMARITANS 24-hour helpline: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 087 7640557 AWARE Lo-call Helpline 1890 303 302 G.R.O.W. www.grow.ie Info:1890 474 474
PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVES: Jackie McNulty; Frances O’Dwyer; Mary Joyce; Clare Nerney
Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Tel: 085-8021633 dlp@kandle.ie

MASS TIMES VIA LIVE FEAST DAYS DURING THE WEEK

STREAMING Mon. 14th December – St. John of the Cross
Fri. 18th December – St. Flannan
St. Michael’s Church,
Portarlington
Saturday 6.15pm
Sunday 9am and 12.15pm
Monday to Friday 10am

Sunday 13th December 2020 – 3rd Sunday of ADVENT – Gaudete Sunday – Year B
ANNIVERSARIES PORTARLINGTON
WEEKEND OF
12th / 13th DECEMBER 2020
Saturday 12th December 6.15pm
Paddy Boylan, Spa Street (M.M.)
Ann Reed, Cambridge, UK & formerly Stradbally
(1st Anniv.); Peter (Dick) Murphy, Gracefield;
Margaret Kennedy, Gracefield; Patrick (Paddy)
Confrey; Deceased members of the Dowling
Family; Bernie Nolan, St. Joseph’s Terrace (12th
Anniv.); Redmond Hanlon, Gracefield;
Michael Hanlon, Assumpta Tce.
Sunday 13th December 12.15pm
Gabriel (Gay) Taaffe, Crowe Lane (M.M.);
Deceased members of the Taaffe Family;
James & Josephine Nolan; Deceased members
of the Nolan Family, Walsh Island;
Clare O’Byrne, Station Road (4th Anniv.);
Eugene & Mary Boland, Main Street; Jim
Fahey, Arlington Estate (3rd Anniv.); Cyril &
Marie O’Brien, The Hawthorn, Patrick Street;
Darren O’Neill, St. Brigid’s Square
WEEKDAY ANNIVERSARIES
Monday 14th December – 10am
Thomas Kennedy, St. Michael’s Park
Tuesday 15th December – 10am
Paddy Young, Bracklone Street
Wednesday 16th December – 10am
Christy & Pat Kennedy, Lucan, Dublin
Thursday 17th December – 10am
Danny, Ellen & James Malone, Gracefield
Friday 18th December – 10am
John Lynch, Kilbride (3rd Anniv.)
Kathleen Mangan, Crann Nua (B/Day Rem.)
ANNIVERSARIES RATH
Sunday 13th December – 9am
Eamon, Anne & David Mullen, Bracklone St;
Paddy & Cora O’Dwyer, Newbridge; Michael
Moran, Joseph Moran, Harry Boyd, Courtwood;
Frank Lonergan, Courtwood
 DECEASED 
Prayers are requested for the following who
died recently: -
Catherine Finn, New Mill Court
Patsy O’Malley, Clanmalire Crescent
Michael Ward, St. Michael’s Park
Jacinta Moore (nee Booth), Australia
(Sister of the late Richard Booth)
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
2020
20CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
Thursday 24th December, 2020
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington,
10am, 4pm, 6pm and 9pm Mass

St. John’s Church, Killenard 7.30pm

St. Paul’s Church, Emo 9pm

Sacred Heart Church, Rath 7pm
CHRISTMAS 2020
In the Parishes of Emo & Portarlington
please note that we are NOT using a ticket
system for the Christmas Masses.

Be aware that the dispensation from
Mass still holds & you are under no
obligation to attend Mass during the
Christmas period.

Even though there are a number of
additional Masses over the Christmas
season, you are still encouraged to
participate in the Mass via radio or
webcam, especially those who consider
themselves vulnerable due to age
or ill health.

If you wish to attend a Mass, we suggest
you could go to one of the 10am week-day
Masses during the Christmas Season.

Families are also encouraged to follow
the Christmas liturgies, where possible, on
the Webcam and could then visit their
Church and Crib any time over the
Christmas period.

Please be aware that numbers are
still limited to a maximum of
50 in each Church.
BLESSING OF THE
FAMILY CRIB

ANNIVERSARIES KILLENARD
Sunday 13th December – 10.30am
Christy Carroll Jnr. & deceased members of the
Carroll Family; Martin Terrett, Derrymore
ANNIVERSARIES EMO
Saturday 12th December – 7.30pm
Philip Carney, Killimy, Emo; Rose & Daniel
Keane, Rath; Robert Pigott, Woodbrook (20th
Anniv.); James Kehoe; Elizabeth Kehoe;
Laurence Kehoe, Coolbanagher;
Jim McEvoy, Coolaghy
Sunday 13th December – 11am
Maisie Keegan, Botley Court (1st Anniv.);
Michael Keegan, Botley Court (5th Anniv.)
John Doheny; Dan Doheny; Brigid Delaney,
Killeen (2nd Anniv.); Richard Booth, Killeen (1st
Anniv.); Jacinta Moore (nee Booth), Australia
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
Friday 25th December, 2020
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington
9am, 10.30am & 12.15pm

St. John’s Church, Killenard 10.30am

St. Paul’s Church, Emo 11am

Sacred Heart Church, Rath 9am
CONFESSION FOR CHRISTMAS
A Priest will be available to hear Confession
after the 10am morning masses during the
coming two weeks in St. Michael’s Church.
Confession will be heard in the seats behind the
altar. Please wear face covering or mask and be
aware of social distancing.
God of all people, from the very
beginning of creation
you have shown us your love:
when our need for a Saviour was great
you sent your Son to be born of
the Virgin Mary.
To our lives He brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.
Lord, bless our family and all
who will look upon this crib
in the coming days;
may it remind us of the humble birth
of Jesus, and lift our thoughts to Him,
who is God-with-us, our Emmanuel
and the Saviour of all.
Amen.
 CHRISTMAS STATIONS
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to
the Christmas Stations for the support of the
Priests of the Parish. Your generosity is greatly
appreciated.
CELEBRATION OF MASS VIA
WEBCAM
Live streaming from St. Michael’s
Church, Portarlington as follows:-
Saturday 6.15pm / Sunday 9am &
12.15pm / Monday – Friday 10am
Link to live streaming:
https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-
michaels-church-portarlington
ALONE - COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE FOR
OLDER PEOPLE
The support line is open seven days a week,
8am - 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.
 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL  address on 1st envelope. This contribution goes
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Last year Portarlington Conference of St.
Vincent de Paul spent over €60,000 helping
people in need in this community. The help we
provide to the less well off in our society covers
a broad range of assistance each year as
follows: Food Vouchers €27,000 / Financial
Assistance(Rent, etc.€14,000 / Fuel (Electricity,
Gas, Oil, Solid Fuel) €8,000 / Education
(Fees/Accommodation) etc. €8,000 /
Clothing and Furniture - €6,000
We expect to spend this amount again by the
end of 2020. By supporting our Annual Appeal,
you can help a family through this winter, help
them get back on their feet and give them hope
of a brighter future. You can donate directly to
our work in many of the local shops and
business who have kindly facilitated the Society
by allowing us to place donation buckets on their
premises. You can also drop a donation into the
letterbox at our shop beside the Garda Barracks.
Thank you most sincerely for your generous
support throughout the years. Happy Christmas
& a Happy & Peaceful New Year.
PORTARLINGTON CHRISTMAS
CAROLLERS
Get into the festive cheer with Portarlington
Christmas Carollers, who will broadcast their
2019 Christmas Concert for you. Premiering on
YouTube at 4pm on 20th December, you can
view it and share in the experience, live
comment during the broadcast and sing along to
all our Christmas favourites. Type in the
following to view online:
https://youtu.be/avwCwjbM8Dk
A short trailer of the concert is available from
Facebook as follows:-
https://www.facebook.com/1000011436471
20/videos/3508949782486442/
FAMILY CARERS IRELAND
Available to offer support & advice over the
phone 056-7721424 / 24-hour 1800-240-724
CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBER
Please note Fr. Noonan’s temporary phone
number (8684995) has been cancelled & is now
back to the original number 057-8623431.
SERVICE OF CAROLS, READINGS &
PRAYERS FROM CATHEDRAL PARISH
Live-streaming of carols, readings and prayers
taking place Sun. 20th Dec. at 8.30pm. The
service is led by Bishop Denis from Carlow
Cathedral. Live-stream will be available
on www.iCatholic.ie
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington
Students from Coláiste Íosagáin will host a
Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday next,
15th December in St. Michael’s Church.
People are invited to join us on the Parish
Webcam only, from 2pm.
PORTARLINGTON PARISH
ENVELOPES
The envelope boxes are available at the Church
porches this weekend. The boxes contain
weekly collection envelopes & special collection
envelopes. To register write your name &
towards the upkeep of schools, churches &
parish buildings. Thank all who contributed
during the past year.
REFLEXOLOGY
Experienced Reflexologist & Indian Head
Massage Therapist available for appointments.
Phone Ann on 087 6913986.
DONATION
If you wish to make a donation, the Parish
Account details are as follows and you can do so
on-line or through your Bank: Thank you.
PORTARLINGTON
Bank Name & Address - Bank of Ireland,
Portarlington
Name of Account Portarlington Parish
No. 1 A/c
BIC - BOFIIE2D
IBAN - IE28 BOFI 9018 6154 5717 14
(Please put your name/address in ref. box)
EMO
Bank Name & Address - Bank of Ireland,
Mountmellick
Name of Account - Emo Church No. 1 A/c
BIC - BOFIIE2D
IBAN - IE16 BOFI 9018 1051 4302 54 (Please
put your name/address in ref. box)
ONLINE DONATIONS THROUGH OUR
DIOCESAN WEBSITE
There is a donation facility now on the Kandle
website & people can donate both to parishes
(option for parish & clergy collection) & the
diocese as they wish. On the diocesan button
there is an option to donate to Trocaire, Retired
Priests or other areas. The Diocese will forward
any donations received for parishes.
www.kandle.ie
PARISH DONATION ENVELOPE
Available at the Church Porch. Thanks to all for
your donations – It is greatly appreciated.
WANTED
3 bedroom house for rent in Portarlington /
Mountmellick area. Phone: 086 1017596.
USED POSTAGE STAMPS
If you have any used posted stamps for the
missions please leave into Angela in
Portarlington Pharmacy.
PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday
9.30am to 1.30pm. When calling, please wear a
face mask & adhere to social distancing.
Thank You.
ARLINGTON SOCCER CLUB
LOTTO
Results for 8.12.2020 – Letters N, M, P, R
No jackpot winner. €25 to Michael Luttrell
Snr. & to Carol Carmody. Sellers prize
Mick Ryan. Next jackpot on 22nd
Dec. - €10,000
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT
St. Michael's Parish Church on Sunday
13th December from 4pm to 6pm.
ROSARY
Rosary each day at: -
St. Paul’s Church, Emo – 3pm
St. John’s Church, Killenard 4pm
LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS
VOUCHER APPEAL
Christmas Voucher Appeal
Due to the current restrictions we are
unable to undertake our usual collection
this year. If you wish to make a donation
to our Annual Christmas Appeal you can
do so to Portarlington Credit Union
Account Number 10191
All donations greatly appreciated.
BAMBINELLI SUNDAY
The Blessing of the Bambinelli (Baby
Jesus) is a tradition which began in Rome.
Each year on the Third Sunday of Advent
(Gaudete Sunday), the Holy Father invites
children to bring the Baby Jesus
(Bambinelli) from the family Nativity scene
to Mass for a blessing. This year however
many of us are not able to gather here in
our local parish church for Bambinelli
Sunday due to restrictions so we are
offering this family blessing of the
Bambinelli here in our parish church and
we are encouraging those of you watching
us online to do the same at home. This is
a very simple blessing which can be
prayed by grandparents and parents over
the Bambinelli. After the blessing the
children are invited to wrap up their baby
Jesus and to place him under the
Christmas Tree. On Christmas morning
the Bambinelli is the first Christmas gift to
be unwrapped and placed in the family
crib. And so as we gather on this Gaudete
Sunday to bless the Bambinelli, we do so
as we pray:
 PRAYER 
God, our Father you so loved humankind
that you sent us your only Son Jesus, born
of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us
back to you. We pray that, with your
blessing, these images of Jesus, soon to
come among us, may be a sign of your
presence and love in our homes. Good
Father, give your Blessing to us too, to our
parents, grandparents, to our families and
to our friends. Open our hearts, so that we
may be able to receive Jesus in joy,
always do what he asks and see him in all
those who are in need of our love. We ask
your blessing on our Bambinelli and the
children who present him in the name of
the Father, of the son and of the Holy
Spirit. (A sprinkle of Holy Water may be
used at the time of the blessing). We ask
you this in the name of Jesus, your
beloved Son who comes to give the world
peace and who lives and reigns forever
and ever. Amen.