We extend our congratulations to Ashbourne Senior Citizens who celebrate the 40th anniversary of their establishment in our community.  Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan joined them this weekend and celebrated Mass in thanksgiving for the contribution the group makes to the lives of so many in our community.  The group meets on weekday mornings in the day centre opposite the Credit Union.  Founding members Evelyn McLoughlin, Mary Flanagan, Éilish Rafferty, and Ann Moore were honoured at the gathering.  The local Girl Guides presented gifts to those gathered and former Commissioner of the Girl Guides, Áine Fitzgerald-O’ Reilly who retired from her position recently after 30 years was also honoured.

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In conjunction with Super Valu, Ashbourne, the Parish launches it’s Christmas Care Appeal this weekend in support of those who live alone or families who find Christmas difficult financially.

If you would like to donate to the Appeal, advise those at the tills that you would like to make a contribution to the Parish Christmas Care Appeal, indicating the monetary value you wish to donate.  This will appear on your till receipt.

Closer to Christmas, monies donated will be apportioned to ‘gift cards’ and distributed to those in need.  This will enable the parish to reach out to more families than in previous years.

The cards can be redeemed for food, household, or solid fuel.  In addition, the card can be used to top up electricity meters and gas meter cards through Super Valu.  The tokens cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol.

Take up the challenge of supporting and sustaining the faith of millions of persecuted and suffering Christians around the world by praying for them on Wednesday, light a red candle in your home, wear something red or check out the work of Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnireland.org/redwednesday/Christians around the world are being persecuted because of their faith.  Will you show your support for the Suffering Church?  The external lighting of our church will turn red on Wednesday 28th November at 5pm in an attempt to shine a light on Christian persecution and highlight the injustices perpetrated against other faith groups.  Christians in many parts of the world suffer: name-calling, harassment, denial of work, homelessness, eviction, physical abuse, kidnap, false imprisonment, torture, discrimination, oppression, violence and murder.  Red is the Christian colour of martyrdom.  Christians are the most persecuted faith group in today’s world and #RedWednesday will honour all Christians who suffer and die for their faithfulness to Christ’s message of peace and love.

Proceeds from the sale of Christmas Cards from the Parish Office support persecuted Christians in the Holy Land.  They are now available from the Parish Office.

The John Paul II Awards were officially launched in Ashbourne Community School this week.  The Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and had such belief and confidence in them.  Through the Award, young people will be enabled to take an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community, and society.

Who can participate in the award

Students in full-time education who have completed Junior Certificate, anyone between the ages of 16 and 18.

How does the award work?

There are three elements to each award: parish involvement, social awareness and a presentation.

The number of hours completed determines which of the four awards are presented at a diocesan awards night.

Further details are available on www.thepopejohnpauliiaward.com/meath

Brochures and application forms are available from the Parish Office.  The closing date for applications is 30th November.

The Annual Memorial Service took place this weekend.  The theme was taken from Psalm 34:  ‘The Lord will Heal the Broken Heart’.  The names of families’ loved ones who died during the year were written on white hearts and placed on a large red broken heart.

This weekend our parish celebrated a Mass of Remembrance, praying particularly for families whose lives have been touched by grief through road traffic accidents, suicide, stillbirth and infant deaths.  During the Mass, the congregation prayed for the success of the work of ASAP – Ashbourne Suicide Awareness and Prevention, a local initiative which aims to offer a message of hope and support through information and initiatives for those who are suffering with their mental health in our community.

During his homily, Fr. Derek reflected, “…. loss comes in to our lives in many different ways: on the threshold of new life, or the end of a long life; it comes through tragedy or an accident,  the cold reality of war and conflict.  It comes through famine or natural disaster, it comes through suicide, or illness.  It will always find its own way into our lives.  What we share in common, is the reality of their absence.”

“As many of you know first hand, grief ignites difference responses in different people: anger, resentment, fear, withdrawal in to one self to mention a few, but grief can ignite within others a desire to offer others hope, a desire to make sure no one else has to suffer the way they suffered.”

“That is how ASAP came about and I am delighted to welcome Rosemary Conway, a founder member of ASAP here in Ashbourne.”

Rosemary shared, “This summer our community was devastated by some tragic losses and following a meeting of concerned people, the ASAP group was formed.   Our website www.asapmeath.ie has information on where to go for help, keep track of events, and we are currently working on a personal stories piece where we hope to inspire others and reassure them, that they are not alone.

I want to leave you some wise words from our leader, Eugene Kennedy,

 “Lets talk about depression, even on our good days”,

And always remember “Its ok not to be ok’.”

The children of our parish continued their preparation for Confirmation this weekend.  The theme of their Ritual Mass was ‘In November, we Remember’.  Parents created a ten foot candle and the children fixed smaller candles depicting the names of their family’s loved ones who sleep in the Lord’s peace.

Fr. Derek explained, “Through Baptism and Confirmation, we become part of a family ‘that never forgets us’.  Let’s think about it for a moment!  When we pray at Mass. We pray for ‘our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection.’    It doesn’t matter if we know them or not….they are our brothers and sisters.”

“In November as we remember, we are reminded that no one is forgotten and just as we pray for those who have died, they will be praying for us, praying for those of you preparing for your confirmation because they want you to be part of this family that never forgets us.  Let us never forget and keep the flame of faith burning brightly in our hearts.”

The Ashbourne Knights of St. Columbanus are hosting a table quiz in aid of Christmas Day Dinners for the homeless in Dublin, Friday 16th November at 8.30pm in Donaghmore-Ashbourne GAA Club.

Cost per table of four is €40.

The Knights of St. Columbanus are a fraternal order dedicated to the living out of the Gospel in their daily lives.

All welcome.