25th december 2011 - portlaoise parish birth of jesus about two thousand years ago, in the town of...

Happy Christmas

I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas. On behalf of the Priests of the Parish I express our gratitude for the support and encouragement we received over the past year. We do not take that support and encouragement for granted and greatly appreciate it. Quite a few changes to the Parish team in 2011 - we bade farewell to Paul Fitzpatrick who left ministry, to Fr. Joe O’Neill who is enjoying a warmer clime as he ministers as a Priests in Dallas,

Texas, and to Fr. Peter Uzochukwu who is back in his home Diocese in Nigeria. We will remember all three with affection and gratitude during the Christmas season. We welcomed on board Fr. Jimmy O’Reilly and Fr. George Augustine. We are glad to have them with us. We are very grateful to all who support our Parish. There is much doom and gloom about when it comes to talking about Church. It is written and reported about as if it is something out of history. Dying rather than living. Thankfully that is not our experience on the ground in Portlaoise Parish. There are over 500 people active in the various parish ministries in our three churches and our Mass centre at Scoil Bhríde. As priests serving in the Parish we are continually encouraged and edified by the great numbers who worship with us, not only on Sundays, but also on weekdays. We have a large number of young people involved in the Parish - 47 went to Madrid for World Youth Day, we have 40 currently undertaking projects of service to Parish and Community as part of their quest to achieve a ‘John Paul II’ Youth Award. Their most recent event - The Live Crib on the 17th/18th December was greatly appreciated by many parishioners. There are many reasons to be thankful and hopeful. A big ‘thank you’ also to all our Parish Staff, our Sacristans and all at the Parish Centre who provide a great service to the Parish and the Community of Portlaoise.

At Christmas we remember that God has come near to us in Jesus Christ, our 'Emmanuel'. It is a time when we are reminded of the hope that we experience through the coming of our Saviour. At the moment, there is a focus in the news on the many problems facing us in the Country and in the Church. Many people feel burdened with financial and other worries that just won’t go away. However, we must not forget that Christ came to save us, and so whatever difficulties we face at this present time, we should not despair.

The heart of the Christmas story is that in Jesus ‘God has visited his people’. Let us make him welcome. I pray for all that the grace of the Christmas message will brighten our lives, renew our faith and strengthen our bonds of friendship.

May the Peace of Christ dwell in our hearts throughout 2012.

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Sales & Service Local Authority Grants available to bring individual private

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♦ Laptops & computers serviced, upgraded and repaired. ♦ Complete new systems including 3 year onsite

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accessories. ♦ Next day delivery on orders in stock placed before 3pm

Terry & Tom Downey Auto Services & Repairs Service and repairs carried out to all makes of cars, vans trucks, etc. - Petrol & Diesel - Overhauls - Body Repairs -

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Tel: (057) 8621982 “Wellview”, New Rd, Portlaoise (opp K.W.S.)

Wishing all our Friends and Customers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

`Ëá Vt~xá`Ëá Vt~xá`Ëá Vt~xá`Ëá Vt~xá No cake too big or too small. Cakes for all occasions.

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The Birth of Jesus About two thousand years ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. She was engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter. One day an angel appeared before her and told her she had been chosen to have a special baby. The baby would be God's son and she must call him Jesus. Soon after the

angel's visit, Mary and Joseph were married.

Mary was due to have her baby when they were told they had to go on a long journey to Bethlehem, which was where Joseph came from. This was because they had to pay a special tax. Mary had to ride on a donkey for a few days over the hills of Galilee.

At last Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. It was crowded with other people who needed to pay their taxes. Mary was very tired and needed a place to stay. At each inn, the story was the same. There was no room for them. Eventually, one kind innkeeper said he had a stable where he kept his animals. They were welcome to stay there..

And so it was that a few hours later, Mary gave birth to her son in that stable. She wrapped Jesus in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger full of hay. At the same time, on a hillside overlooking Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching over their sheep. A bright light appeared in the sky. They were very afraid. It was an angel sent by God. The angel told them not to be afraid, because he had some good news. He said the Son of God had been born and they would find Him

in Bethlehem. The shepherds wanted to go and see the baby. When they arrived at the stable, they were filled with joy at seeing Jesus lying in the manger. They knelt down and worshipped Him. They told Mary and Joseph how the angel had appeared in the sky and told them that Jesus was to be the Saviour of the world.

The Birth of Jesus

Joseph

Mary

Angel

Shepherd

Bethlehem

Jesus

Baby

Manger

Savior

Caesar

Child

Census

Son

Shepherds

Mary

Joseph

Angel

Manger

Messiah

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Baby

Well done to all those Well done to all those Well done to all those Well done to all those who participated in and supported who participated in and supported who participated in and supported who participated in and supported the Live Crib and Carol Service.the Live Crib and Carol Service.the Live Crib and Carol Service.the Live Crib and Carol Service.

A Star shines brightly from above,

Church Bells ring of Peace and Love.

For in a Glorious, Wondrous Way,

Christ the King is born Today.

A Scene so Peaceful in the night,

The Starry Sky is soft and bright.

The brightest of lights shine from a Star,

Guiding three Wise Men from afar.

A stable is where the Christ Child lay,

In a Manger filled with golden hay.

All the Shepherds kneeled to pray,

On this a Glorious Christmas Day.

Embrace the night and feel the glow,

For Heaven touched the earth below.

Our hearts are filled with so much love,

That only comes from Heaven above.

A Christmas ParableA Christmas ParableA Christmas ParableA Christmas Parable Once upon a time, there was a man who didn’t believe in the Christmas story. He was a kind and decent man but he saw no reason why God would become “human”. One Christmas Eve the family went to Church and he was at home by himself. It began to snow. Suddenly there was a flurry of noise outside the window. The man went out to investigate. He found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow.

I can’t leave these poor creatures here to freeze in the snow he thought. But how can I help them? Then he remembered the barn. It would be dry and warm in there. So he quickly put on his coat and boots. He opened the barn doors wide and put on the light. But the birds did not go in. Food will bring them in he thought. So he sprinkled breadcrumbs on the snow to make a trail into the barn. But the birds ignored the breadcrumbs and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. He tried to shoo them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. The birds scattered in every direction except into the warm lighted barn. “They find me a strange and terrifying creature” he said to himself. If only there was someway I could let them know that I only want to help them” he thought. The man could think of no way to convince the birds that he was their friend. Then he thought “If only I could be a bird, just like one of them, even for a moment and speak their language, then they would know they could trust me”! Just at that moment the Church bells began to ring. The man stood silently for a while listening to the bells. Then he lifted his face towards Heaven. Now “I understand” he whispered, “now I know why you had to do it. You took flesh to be like one of us so that we might no longer be afraid”.

The Cuisle Centre Cancer Support Service Block Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cuislecentre.com

The Cuisle Centre would like to

wish everybody a Very Happy

Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

We would like to thank everybody

for their support at our

Sale of Work & Christmas Raffle

and for the donations of gifts,

bakery and crafts for the sale.

2011 Christmas Raffle Winners

1st - Heather Neale

2nd - Richard Roe

3rd - Patricia Mernagh

4th - Patricia Coakley

5th - Lisa Walsh

6th - Nuala Flood

7th - Ann Smith

8th - Jean, Jake & Luke Coonan

9th - Margaret Lalor

Sellers Prize: Ann Marie Conlon

Contact Stella, Ann or Linda on (057) 8681492

Fax No.: (057) 8666515 *** Please do not respond to our text service as this is an outwardly

service only, please respond by phoning 057-8681492***

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Counsellor - Psychotherapist

Strictly Confidential - Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Emotional Distress, Loss / Bereavement, Depression.

086 - 1241297

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A little tribute, small and tender,A little tribute, small and tender,A little tribute, small and tender,A little tribute, small and tender,

Just to say we still remember.Just to say we still remember.Just to say we still remember.Just to say we still remember.

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Long time ago in Bethlehem, So the Holy Bible say,

Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, Was born on Christmas Day.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, A king was born today,

And man will live for evermore, Because of Christmas Day.

Trumpets sound and Angels sing, Listen to what they say,


Now Joseph and his wife Mary, Came to Bethlehem that night,

They find no place to bear the child, Not a single room was in sight, By and by they find a nook, In a stable all forlorn,

And in a manger cold and dark, Mary’s little boy was born,

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today, And man will live for evermore, Because of Christmas Day.

Trumpets sound and Angels sing, Listen to what they say,


Man will live for evermore because of Christmas DayMan will live for evermore because of Christmas DayMan will live for evermore because of Christmas DayMan will live for evermore because of Christmas Day

RELIGIOUS NOTICES Adoration: Every Monday-Saturday in the Parish Church commencing after 10am Mass, concluding with the Rosary at

7pm (6pm Sat.) and Sunday commencing 2pm, concluding with the rosary at 7pm.

Jim Yorke’s Prayer Meeting: Every Wednesday, 8pm in the Parish Centre.

Divine Mercy Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter & Paul’s Parish Church on Wednesday 4th January at 7:30pm.

(Rosary at 7pm). Celebrant: Fr. Thady Doyle. Exposition of the Most Holy Blessed Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine Mercy

followed by Blessing with the Relics of St. Faustina.

Rosary will be prayed in the Parish Centre with Lil Doyle after the 10am Mass on 10th January.

USEFUL SERVICES Caroline’s Holistics: M.N.R.R.I Reflexology, Back Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candle Treatment. Treatments one hour costing €30. Contact: 086-4055618 (Abbeyleix). Maths Grinds: Call Nicholas 086-8521879.

Sean Doyle Light Engineering, Granstown, Ballacolla, Laois, 087-2068972 / 057-8734089: Ash Pan Carriers, Clothes Line Poles, Bicycle Stands, Strong Steel Rotary Clotheslines, Winders & Pulleys for old lines, bird feeder posts, repairs, hand rails etc.

COMMUNITY NOTICES SECTION 50+ Active Age Group: The committee wish all our members a Happy & Peaceful Christmas and

Good Health for 2012. Club resumes on Wednesday 4th January with a film in the Parish Centre at

3pm. New members always welcome. Contact 057-8620420 or 057-8621571.

S.V.P. Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ozanam House, Dublin Rd., Portlaoise, 057-8660486 / confidential line 086-7655793: Opening hours; Monday to Friday 10am to 4:15pm and Saturday 10:30am to 4pm. We sell good as new clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac and all money goes back into the community. Donations of good quality clothes, furniture etc. are very much appreciated.

Laois Talking Newspaper: Free weekly cassette available for anyone who is visually impaired, has literacy problems, or

any disability that prevents them from reading or even holding the printed paper. For more info. or to order please contact

Angela at Portlaoise Support Group, 057-8661754.

Gorta, 5 Kelton House: Donations of the following items would be much appreciated - Ladies, Mens, Children’s Clothing,

Books, Curtains, Bed Linen, Shoes, Ornaments, Gift Sets and small Furniture. All items must be clean and in good

condition. Open Mon. to Sat. 10am to 5pm. Call Liz 057-8622966.

Ring Found recently in the Parish Church. Contact 057-8621586 for details.

GROW Community Mental Health Support Group meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Community Mental Health

Centre, Bridge St., Portlaoise. If you are suffering from depression, shyness, anxiety, panic attacks, come along.

Sue Ryder Charity Shop: Donations always welcome of ladies & gents good quality clothing, shoes, bric-a-brac,

jewellery, gift sets, curtains, household appliances, unwanted presents, bed linen, blankets, furniture etc. Call Marguerite

057-8672506.

Clonaslee Annual St. Stephen’s Day Walk in aid of Laois Hospice: There will be a long walk of 10 miles and a short

walk of 3-4 miles both well signposted commencing from the Community Centre. Refreshments will be served after the

walk. Sponsorship cards available from Lucy Feighery 057-8648063, Michael Dunne 8648010, Sheila Bourke 8648084 or

Mary Lynch 8621249. This walk will take place regardless of weather conditions through mountain and forest terrain.

Recycle your old phones, boxed DVD's & boxed CD's: The Heath National School Parents council have provided a box

at the reception area of the school where you can bring in all your old phones, boxed DVD's & boxed CD's to raise funds for

the Heath national school . Receive a ticket for each item and be in with the chance to win a One4All voucher worth €50.

Please Support.

Laois Hunt Pony Club & The Heath National School Parents Council In Association With Laois Hunt will hold a

New Year’s Day Cross Country Ride on Sunday January 1st 2012: Meet at the Heath Church at 12.30pm. Face Painting, Fun Family, Auction Day, Spectators FREE, Riders Fee €30 per Adult and €20 per Child, family rates available. Pony Rides, Vintage Car Display, and much more. Refreshments provided in the Heath Hall. Please Support. All proceeds benefit Scoil an Fhraoich Mhóir, The Heath , co. Laois. Pint Sized Challenge January 2012: Park/Ratheniska GAA Club players will be taking part in the GAA's "Pint Sized

Challenge Initiative" as part of the "Off the Booze and On the Ball for January". Each participant will pledge to refrain from

alcohol for the month of January in an effort to spread awareness of alcohol abuse and the dangers it can cause in modern

Irish society. If you would like to sponsor any of our players, the Club and Player would really appreciate any help you are

willing to give. Please contact any Club member or player. For more information on the GAA's alcohol awareness initiative,

please go to http://www.gaa.ie/asap

Christmas and New Year Greetings: The Park/Ratheniska GAA Club would like to take this opportunity to pass on our

Christmas wishes to all our Supporters and Members. Many thanks to you all for your continued support and patronage over

the course of the 2011 year, a year which saw us win titles in Minor and U-21 Hurling, along with our Laois and Leinster

Junior Hurling Championship wins. We hope you enjoyed the year as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you

all again in 2012.

Water Safety Classes in Portlaoise Leisure Centre commence for Adults (16+) on Tuesday 10th January 2012 from 9pm

to 10pm. Children (11 to 16 years) Saturday 14th January 2012 from 9am to 10am. Pre-registration is essential from 8pm to

9pm in Portlaoise Leisure Centre or leave your name at reception or ring Sports Section in Laois County Council on

057-8664007.

Christmas and New Year Greetings from Irish Guide

Dogs Laois Branch: We would like to wish all our friends

and supporters a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous

New Year, especially our Church gate collectors and all

those who have raised funds for I.G.D. in 2011. Your sup-

port is greatly appreciated.

Ratheniska Goose Club: The members of Ratheniska

Goose Club committee would like to thank you for your

contribution to our annual event. A very special word of

thanks to all those who donated gifts and especially to those

who helped out on the night. Thanks also to those who came

along on the night, your contribution greatly helped the

success of the event and was very much appreciated.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ratheniska Cemetery: The St. Aongus Club Ratheniska

thank most sincerely all who participated in keeping the

cemetery up to such a high standard throughout the year. A

special word of thanks to C&D Moran for their kind

donation of the memorial stone erected in the cemetery.

St. Vincent de Paul: As we approach Christmas at the end

of a year that has been difficult for so many we thank God

for his provision. We are presently delivering hampers/fuel

that has been donated for people who are struggling. We are

touched by the generosity we see and we are privileged to be

able to help in some way. We say thank you to all who

donated to our appeals and to the people who helped with

our collections. We wish you all a joyous and peaceful

Christmas and may you all be blessed by your generosity.

Thank you!

Pioneer News: The Portlaoise Pioneer Centre would like to

wish all their members and supporters a very Happy and

Peaceful Christmas. A special word of thanks to the Linkup

and the Parish Centre for their help during the year and not

forgetting all the kind supporters who contributed to the

various fundraising during the year. Thank You!

Lourdes Committee Christmas Raffle Results:

1st - Lorraine Conroy 2nd - Peter Fox

3rd - Shirley Melia 4th - Christopher Carroll

5th - Tadhg McEvoy 6th - Marie Dempsey

7th - Colleen O’ Connor 8th - Josie Dunne

9th - Eva Brennan 10th - Lorraine Conroy

11th - Maura Murphy

D.I.Y. MAN

AVAILABLE Any odd jobs! Painting,

window cleaning, gutter

cleaning, chimney

cleaning etc. Contact:

087-6564990

ALFIE’S POOCH PARLOUR

Dog Grooming Service &

Boutique Pet Shop

Peppers Lane, Portlaoise. We are fully insured & certified. Visit for our quality service, great prices, loyalty scheme &

more!

Tel.: 086-1037352 www.alfiespoochparlour.com

CLEANING

SERVICE Carpet and Upholstery cleaning, also timber & tiled floors cleaned & polished. Contact:

087-2441590

ADRIAN MAHER Plumbing&Heating

Services PORTLAOISE

All works covered including Oil Boiler Service & Repair. Very reasonable rates. Contact Adrian on

086 - 8509411

Hugh Thompson MIDLAND HEATING

SERVICES Plumbing & Heating Commissioning, Servicing and Repair of Oil Boilers & Single Burner Cookers. Ballyfin, Portlaoise. Call:

086 - 3758503

WANTED All types of modern furniture; 3-piece suites, tables and chairs, bedroom furniture etc., must be in good

condition, cash paid. Contact:

Mc Donnells Furniture

057-8643304

087-2592634

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Renovation work, extensions,

new builds, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, tiling, timber flooring, painting & decorating, cabinet fitting, furniture assembly, garden fencing, paving.

No job too big or too small! C2 registered. Insurance work. For a free quotation, please

contact Fintan on

086-3806989

HOUSE TO RENT

4 Bedroom House to rent in the

Downs, Portlaoise. Contact:

087-9911457

OIL BOILER SERVICE Carbon Monoxide Testing, Carbon Dioxide Testing and

Efficiency Testing.

SOLID FUEL STOVE SERVICING

Rope and Bricks Changed and Grates replaced

Contact Tom:

086 - 3925819

PAINTER &

DECORATOR Serving Laois, Offaly & Kildare Painting and wall papering.

Also stain and grain varnishing Exterior & Interior All work finished to a high standard. Special rates for O.A.P.’s. Contact Robbie on

086-2018292

PILATES CLASSES At the Rugby Club Togher

Starting Monday 9th January 8:15pm to 9pm

8 week course €60 All levels welcome. Contact: Bríd on

086-3850977

FREE INTERNET SECURITY

With COMPUTER REPAIR (NEW. Now also applies to business computers)

Website design, marketing & hosting

Laptop repairs: Screen and keyboard

replacement, DC jack fix, power supply fix.

IT SUPPORT. Networking, Maintenance,

Backup, Recovery, Upgrades, Broadband.

WANTED: OLD, BROKEN or Unused

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT (anything considered)

PUT THIS NUMBER IN YOU MOBILE NOW!

087-6833612

BABYSITTER

AVAILABLE Mature young Irish lady with extensive experience working with children of all ages

available to babysit all over Laois. I have my own transport and full clean driving licence. For more info. please contact

Emma on

087-6955205

A1 CHIMNEY SWEEP

& GUTTER CLEAN Brush & Vac. No mess - totally clean job. Bird

guards & cowls fitted. Also Power Washing - Roofs, Paths, Drives etc. Contact

Martin on

087-9616098

DORMER HOUSE

TO RENT

Fieldbrook.

2 Bedroom in

Excellent Condition. (Phone After 5pm)

087-2493715

Why Jesus is Better thanWhy Jesus is Better thanWhy Jesus is Better thanWhy Jesus is Better than Santa ClausSanta ClausSanta ClausSanta Claus

SantaSantaSantaSanta lives at the North Pole…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS is everywhere!

SantaSantaSantaSanta rides in a sleigh…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

SantaSantaSantaSanta comes but once a year…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS is an ever-present help.

SantaSantaSantaSanta fills your stockings with goodies…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS supplies all your Needs.

SantaSantaSantaSanta comes down your chimney uninvited…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then

enters your Heart when invited.

You have to queue to see Santa…Santa…Santa…Santa…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS is as close as the mention of His Name.

SantaSantaSantaSanta lets you rest on his lap…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS lets you rest in His Arms.

SantaSantaSantaSanta doesn’t know your name, all he can say is

“Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS knew our Name before we did. Not only

does He know our name, He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future.

SantaSantaSantaSanta has a belly like a bowl full of jelly…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS has a heart full of love.

All SantaSantaSantaSanta can offer is HO-HO-HO…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS offers health, help and hope.

SantaSantaSantaSanta says “You better not cry “…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS says “Cast all your Cares on me for

I care for you”

Santa’sSanta’sSanta’sSanta’s little helpers make toys…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,

repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

SantaSantaSantaSanta may make you chuckle but…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS gives you Joy that is your Strength.

While SantaSantaSantaSanta puts gifts under you tree…

JESUSJESUSJESUSJESUS becomes our Gift and died on a tree.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison.

The First CribThe First CribThe First CribThe First Crib The Christmas story has a powerful hold on the

imagination. In the midwinter a child is born among

us, a child that will save mankind. One of the most

popular places in Italy is the town of Assisi because

of its association with Il poverello, namely, St.

Francis of Assisi. One Christmas in 1223, Francis

went to Grecco in the Valley of Riati. Francis asked

that a shed be set up on the hillside, which depicted

Mary and Joseph and the Child, surrounded by the

shepherds and one or two animals. And he invited

the people of Grecco to come and celebrate

Christmas with him They came together and

walked with their lamps and stood in front of the

first Crib. And St. Francis spoke to them and

preached of the mystery of God’s coming to us in

Jesus. The people were set alight by the simplicity

and the power of his words, because those people

were poor and humble and, perhaps above all,

wanted to experience and receive into their own

hearts, the Word of God, Jesus, to bring hope and

forgiveness and consolation to their lives. They

were fascinated not only by the words of St. Francis

but by entering into the spirit of the first

Christmas by contemplating the crib. From such

humble and simple beginnings, I wonder how,

many cribs are there today in the homes and

Churches of the World?

We need to remember WHO We need to remember WHO We need to remember WHO We need to remember WHO

Christmas is all about. Put Christ Christmas is all about. Put Christ Christmas is all about. Put Christ Christmas is all about. Put Christ

back in CHRISTmas, JESUS is still back in CHRISTmas, JESUS is still back in CHRISTmas, JESUS is still back in CHRISTmas, JESUS is still

the reason for the season!the reason for the season!the reason for the season!the reason for the season!

What is the meaning of each letter in the word What is the meaning of each letter in the word What is the meaning of each letter in the word What is the meaning of each letter in the word

Christmas?Christmas?Christmas?Christmas? C is for the Christ Child H is for Herald Angel R s for Redeemer I is for Israel S is for the Star that shone so bright T is for the Three wise men M is for the Manager where he lay A is for All he stands for S is for the Shepherds that came.

Lotto tickets for next week’s draw (29th) may be

left into the Parish Centre on Thursday between

2pm and 5pm and from 7:30pm - 8:30pm or at the

bingo as usual in St. Mary’s Hall. Result for the

draw on 29th can be accessed on the Parish

Website and will be published in the Link Up of

the 8th January

We take this opportunity to thank all who support

the Lotto and particularly our promoters.

Link-up

The LinkThe LinkThe LinkThe Link----up Office up Office up Office up Office will reopen on

Tuesday the 3rd of January at 11am.Tuesday the 3rd of January at 11am.Tuesday the 3rd of January at 11am.Tuesday the 3rd of January at 11am.

There will be a souvenir calendar

edition on 1st January. The first

publication for adverts and notices of

2012 will be on Sunday 8th January.

All adverts for this edition must be

submitted to the office before 5pm

Tuesday 3rd or you can e-mail your

advert to [email protected]

Thank you to all our advertisers for your

custom and loyalty throughout the year.

We wish you all

A Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas A Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas A Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas A Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous 2012.and a Prosperous 2012.and a Prosperous 2012.and a Prosperous 2012.

MATCH 3 WINNER PROMOTER j J & J O’Brien Maura O’Brien

John Dunne Maura Loughlin

Rita Corcoran Mary Collins

Patricia Day Patricia Day

Gabrielle Cosgrave Gabrielle Cosgrave

Liam & Grace Reynolds Mary Arthur

Josie Grehan Mary Arthur

Mary Ann Coyne Mary T. Burke

Caroline Moore Bernie Rice

For Draw held on 22nd December 2011For Draw held on 22nd December 2011For Draw held on 22nd December 2011For Draw held on 22nd December 2011 Numbers: Numbers: Numbers: Numbers: 01 01 01 01 16161616 22 22 22 22 25252525

Next Week’s Jackpot €11,000Next Week’s Jackpot €11,000Next Week’s Jackpot €11,000Next Week’s Jackpot €11,000

No

Jackpot

Winner

NUMBERS

01 16

22 25

9

Match 3s

€112 each

Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all.Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all.Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all.Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all.

A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

A 2-day skills based interactive workshop which trains participants to recognise and respond to a suicidal

risk. Most people thinking about suicide signal their pain - suicide intervention training provides the ability to be more alert to these signals. It also increases confidence and skills so that immediate support, safety and further

help can be provided to the person at risk.

A.S.I.S.T. workshops are held on a monthly basis in various centres throughout the four counties and are available to everyone at no cost. Active participation is encouraged which is stimulated by audio-visuals and working with others in small groups. A suicide first-aid model provides a framework for skills practice.

A Workshop is scheduled to take place in the

Parish Centre Portlaoise on Wed 18th and Thurs 19th January 2012.

Places are still available. For further information please contact Finola Henry on 057 93 57807 / 086 8157320 (HSE Midlands Suicide Prevention Resource Service).

25th december 2011 - portlaoise parish birth of jesus about two thousand years ago, in the town of...

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