Sacraments

Celebrating the sacraments is at the core of our parish life. Our big moments in life are marked in a solemn way from womb to tomb.

On this page we will provide all the details for the celebration of the sacraments and there is a link to more information on each sacrament.

Baptism Arrangements

Baptism is celebrated in our parish at the following times:

Reconciliation (Confession)

Programme for Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Brendan Pastoral area.

Mid August – Meeting of Pastoral Team (Priests & Pastoral Ministers) to plan schedule for the year ahead.
Mid August – We prepare all the paper work (printing enrolment forms and letters for each school in the Pastoral Area, Worksheets to be used throughout the year together with readings and prayers of the faithful for use at 6 Sacramental Masses (October to March)
First week of September Enrolment Forms and Letters of Invitation to Parents sent home through schools.
Third week of September meet with Teachers from 2^nd & 6^th Class together with Principals to confirm dates for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Last Week of September, meet Parents in each Parish. Parents invited to bring their enrolment forms to this meeting.
First Weekend in October, Enrolment Weekend. Children and parents invited to attend Mass in their Parish where enrolment takes place and children are invited to bring a Nameplate to the Altar which will be displayed in the church for the year ahead.
Second week in October, Sacramental Masses start. The Sacramental Masses will happen on the same weekend in each parish. Prior to each Mass, Joan (Birr), Vonnie (Coolderry & Kinnitty) and Tara (Shinrone & Clonlisk) will call to the schools to remind the children that their Sacramental Mass is happening the following weekend and we bring Worksheets, 2^nd Reading & Prayers of the Faithful.
Early February our Pastoral Team run Confirmation Retreats for all the Confirmation Children in the Pastoral Area.
Pastoral Minister liaise with the Teachers regarding First Reconciliation Services, First Holy Communion & Confirmation Ceremonies and assist with preparation of booklets for ceremonies.

Eucharist and First Communion

First Communion ceremonies take place in the month of May. A programme of preparation takes place throughout the year.
For dates and details please click below.

Confirmation

Confirmation is celebrated each year in our parish.

Marriage Arrangements

In this diocese, church weddings can take place on any day other than Sundays and major feast days..

Holy Orders

The ongoing life of the church depends on vocations to the priesthood. Our diocese has a director of vocations and we’d be delighted to make an introduction for any interested candidates. Talk to any of the priests to get more information. The Diocesan website may also have useful information about Vocations in our diocese.

Housebound and Sacrament of the Sick

Every First Friday of the month, the priests visit the housebound with Holy Communion. If you are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty and would like to be visited by a priest on the First Friday, please feel free to contact the Parish Secretary in the Parish Office, Tel: 059 915 6890 to be included on the First Friday visits.

Funerals

To arrange a funeral ceremony please contact the parish office Tel: 059 915 6890 or contact any of the priests.

Reflection

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between people. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in worry, my worry may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” (John Henry Newman)