Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese officially commissioned the new borehole in the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul following extensive works by Fr. Michael Domingo and his community.  The work, supported by students from Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish provides the parish with an invaluable resource.

Fr. Michael Domingo and the parishioners of Ikire Parish, Nigeria have expressed their thanks to the Confirmation students of Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish who donated €2,840 towards the provision of running water for their parish.  Work commenced on the project this week following a geophysical survey and groundwater evaluation.

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St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society made their annual pilgrimage to Knock recently.  Joining them on the day were members of the Altar Servers, their parents, pilgrims from the parish, and their Spiritual Director Fr. Ciarán.  St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society is a Catholic lay organisation which supports students on their journey to priesthood.  It promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Denis Nulty remarked, “So how do we encourage priests and lay people to encourage vocations? Begin a conversation at parish level. Priestly vocations are everyone’s business, but if priests, deacons, parish pastoral workers, parish council members don’t lead the conversation, who will? Archbishop Charles Chaput asked one time at a Diocesan Conference: “How many of you know the name of Mother Teresa’s Parish Priest when she was a child?”  What was his point?  Mother Teresa didn’t become Mother Teresa (and later St. Teresa) by herself. She had someone who preached the Word of God to her. None of us know who we are influencing, who we are prompting to drill deeper into God’s word, and the profound affect that preaching will have on our world.”

Sr. Nina and Sr. Anna along with Dimitri from St. Elisabeth’s Convent in Belarus visited Ashbourne-Donaghmore Parish recently.  They were most grateful for the support they received from parishioners during their visit at which they displayed traditional arts, crafts, icons, pottery, embroidery and other religious goods.  Proceeds from the sale of their crafts assists the sisters in providing spiritual and social help for more that 500 orphaned children with special needs.  In addition, they operate a rehab centre where over 300 socially vulnerable and disadvantaged people are offered support and shelter.

Pope Francis appointed Canon Thomas Deenihan of the Diocese of Cork & Ross as the new Bishop of Meath.  The announcement was made after Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, 18th June 2018.

Address by Bishop Michael Smith
Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar
Monday 18 June 2018

I warmly welcome today’s appointment by the Holy Father Pope Francis of Canon Thomas Deenihan of the Diocese of Cork & Ross as the Bishop of Meath.

I can assure Canon Tom that he will receive a warm welcome in the Diocese of Meath, where it has been my privilege to serve as Bishop among the priests, religious and lay people.

I believe his appointment will greatly benefit the Church in the Diocese of Meath and will also contribute significantly to the work of the Irish Episcopal Conference and its commissions and agencies.

I offer my prayerful good wishes to Canon Tom and to the members of his family.  I pray God’s blessing on him as he takes up this new ministry and I assure him of my prayers.

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Ciara Nichol and Eugene Duff, members of the Parish Pastoral Council, along with Fr. Derek presented a donation of €2,150 to Niall O’ Shea, Head of Financial Development and Brenda Drumm, WMOF Communications Manager who visited the Parish during the week.  Thanks to parishioners who supported a raffle on the Parish Family Day and the recent Clann Ceol 2018 Concert, the parish were able to support the Solidarity Fund of the World Meeting of Families.

First Holy Communion children, their families and parishioners are invited to join together, Wednesday 30th May at 7pm in Ashbourne Church to celebrate May, the month of Mary with a May Procession.  Children will be invited to lead the rosary and the procession will return to the church for Benediction.  Please bring your Rosary beads!  All welcome!

The annual cemetery devotions take place next weekend:

Killegland         Friday 1st June 7.00 pm

Donaghmore     Sunday 3rd June after 10 am Mass

St. Declan’s      Sunday 3rd June at 6.00 pm

Ashbourne        Sunday 3rd June at 7.00 pm

Greenogue        Sunday 3rd June at 8.00 pm