XMAS SHOEBOX TIME:

CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES:

It is an opportunity to share a little joy and excitement with children who live in circumstances, where these can often be in short supply.

Many children have too many toys these days, so it's a great idea to share them with others less privileged. To build your box at home you will need to wrap a shoebox in colourful paper; choose boy or girl, ages 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14; include €4; secure with elastic band; drop it off at collection point. The 4W’s – something to Wash with, something to Write with, something to Wear and something to make a child go Wow! We ask you not to include;- scary or war related items, liquids, chocolate (jellies are ok), breakables, medicines, sharp objects, books with lots of words or bulky clothes. Drop-off locations at the moment are Dealz or Toymaster Stores nationwide, more will be added later.

Or if you’d prefer, you can build your box online and Team Hope will do the work for you. You can select the items you’d like to see in a box, donate €20 and they will ensure that a box full of lovely gifts gets to the child ! See www.teamhope.i

THE LAST LEG:

Marietta is on the last 5k of her 100k walk for St. Joseph's Foundation, Charleville. The legs are worn off her but she will keep going. Closing date for donations is 16th Nov. See 'granaghcommunity' facebook page for the link to donate online. St. Josephs' continue to provide wonderful services and supports to children and adults with special needs and continue to develop in line with growing demand.

REMEMBERING OUR DECEASED:

For the month of October, we remember our family, friends and neighbours, whose mortuary cards are displayed on the Church noticeboard:- Mary Hynes, Patricia Boyce, Bridie Cagney & Paddy Lynch, Granagh. Catherine Monckton, Dan Sheahan & Thomas Hickey, Kilatal. Bridget O'Brien, Graigacurra. Nora Biggane Dunworth, Kilmore. Nora Morrissey, Doorluss. Mary Ellen McMahon, Coolruss. Thomas O'Gorman, Knockfierna. Billy O'Regan, Liskennett. Thomas Bolster, Stylepark. Johanna O'Gorman, Ballyelan. Paddy Hannan & Eileen Hannon, Kilmacanearla. Mary O'Connell, Milford. Richard Barrett, Mitchelstown. James Fitzgibbon & Patrick Sheehan, England. Catherine McSweeney, Kerry. Nora Collins, Paddy & P.J. O'Donoghue, Banogue. Anastasia Butler, Adare. We also remember our deceased Tea Dancers, Alice Moloney, Patsy Lynch, Castlemahon, Pat & Mary Mangan, Croom. I gComhluadar Dé go raibh a nAnamacha.

CHOMHBHRÓN:

Our sympathies to Kathleen Hartigan and family on the death of her brother Batt Fitzgerald, Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, who passed away peacefully, at Beechwood House Nursing Home, Newcastle West on Thursday 6th. Batt is very sadly missed by his loving sisters Julia, Helen, Nora and Kathleen, brother-in-law Dan, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Batt is predeceased by his parents Tom and Lena, also his brother John. He was reposed at

Harnett’s Funeral Home on Sunday. Requiem Mass was celebrated in The Church of The Assumption, Abbeyfeale with interment afterwards in Reilig Íde Naofa.

ALONE:

Reading their brochure lately, I was struck by some of the stories of people they had helped and that was only four out of 20,000 callers to their helpline. Sadly, what I didn't realise is that more than 90,000 older people (75-90) are living in poverty as well as loneliness and isolation and in addition now, worrying about heating in the coming winter.

Maurice (70) was living with no water, electricity, or WC and the back wall of his house had fallen in, he had no one to turn to. At one stage he was hospitalised for frost bite !

When Anne's parents died, she had nobody. She kept hoping someone would call, she spent twenty-seven of the longest and loneliest years of her life without friends.! In desperation these people rang the ALONE helpline who arranged for one of their Befriending volunteers to visit. This action changed people's lives - they got the help, support and more importantly the friendship they needed. I was told that when the Legion of Mary was active in the parish many years ago, their volunteers used to do home visitation. Maybe it is an idea that could be revived.? Everybody needs Somebody. If you know of any older person living alone and who needs some support, they can contact the helpline, 365 days a year, on 0818-222-024.

READERS:

We are looking to recruit more readers, so if you know of any relatives, friends, teenage boys or girls (5th/6th class upwards) that would like to help out in Church, we would be delighted to hear from them.

Email the parish office at balgranparish@gmail.com and they will be added to next year's rota.

Reminder; Fr. Tom suggested that a parish group should be formed to see if we can do our part to help with crises that arise, either abroad or in our own country. If you would like to participate, please forward your name to Fr. Tom.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sun 6th Nov: Annual Bereavement Mass in Granagh 7pm.

Fri 11th Nov: Granagh Utd, Table Quiz in the Rock Bar.

Sun 27th Nov: Christmas Market in the Community Centre.

DID YOU KNOW:

Ants stretch & yawn when they wake up, like ourselves.

Louis XIV was said to have 413 beds in various palaces.

Attila the Hun, died from a nosebleed, on his wedding night.

Honey is the only food that doesn't spoil.