Knockbridge

ladybird leaders do great work for the young ladies of the area so it would be nice to show your support for them. The quiz commences at 7 p.m.

EASTER CEREMONIES

The timetable for the Easter ceremonies for Holy Week will be as follows. On Tuesday there will be confessions at 7.30 p.m. when a visiting priest will attend. The on Wednesday there will be Mass at 9.30 a.m. followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament till 7 p.m. followed by Stations Of the Cross at 7.30 p.m. presented by young people of the parish. Then on Holy Thursday there will be Mass at 7.30 p.m. followed by Exposition un till 10 p.m. Good Friday Ceremonies will be at 3 p.m. Holy Saturday Mass will be at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses will be as normal Louth at 10, 00 a.m. and Stonetown at 11.30 p.m.

RECENT DEATHS

There was sadness at the news of the death of Nicholas Rogan Fr Finn Park, who died last Wednesday, March 21, in the Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. Nicky as he was more commonly known as was ill for some time an illness he bore with typical bravery. His funeral took place to the church Of the Immaculate Conception Louth on Saturday and burial took place to adjoining cemetery. The celebrant was Louth parish priest Fr McArdle. Nicky’s popularity was very much in evidence at both his wake and at his funeral. Nicky was a former player with St Mochta’s and captained the 1959 winning team. The club provided a guard of honour at his removal. We end our sympathies to his brother, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and extended family, friends and neighbours. Nicky will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

VINTAGE CLUB

We have being asked by many people to congratulate the Louth Abbey Vintage Club for organising the St Patrick’s Day parade in the village. The club would like to thank John Byrne on providing the sound system on the day.

SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Stone town school inform us they are running an open day in conjunction with Ready Steady Grow pre-school and this will take place Friday, April 27, between one and three o’clock and all are welcome. They are also having a sponsored walk organised by Parents Teachers pupils and friends of the school on Monday, April 23, again between 1 and 3 p.m. Those wishing to take waqlk are more than welcome to do so on the day. Sponsor cards are available from the school. Their 50/50 draw is still up and running.

PARISH NEWS

Confirmation takes place on April 27 at 11 a.m. The best way to book Masses is to call to the sacristy before or after Mass any day (Monday evening; Wednesday and Friday mornings – except First Friday; Saturday evening, or Sunday morning), as the Mass book is usually kept there. Please pray for Katie Martin, Derry, mother of Archbishop Eamon Martin, Tommy Hoey, Summerhill, Louth, Maura Casey, Carrickmullen, Dermot Rutledge, Ballybay, Josie Curran, Birmingham, Una Ross, Grange, Derry Maguire, Walterstown. Baptisms take place every fourth Sunday of the month at 11.30 a.m. Mass and a baptism course will be held each month with course dates posted in the church Porch. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the church followed by Benediction at 10 p.m. Confessions are available on Mondays before 7.30 Mass and from 9.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the end of Eucharist Adoration, and at any time by request. Easter Triduum Ceremonies – Holy Thursday: Mass of Chrism in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh at 11 a.m. Priests renew their sacred promises at this Mass. Parishioners are welcome to attend. This year members of the Confirmation Class 2018 will be attending with adult mentors. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Cathedral and lunch in McDonald’s Newry. A bus (free) will leave the church car park, at 9.15 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 p.m. (N.B Please return your Trócaire Boxes on Holy Thursday) The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed till 11 p.m. when there will be Night Prayer. Parishioners are welcome to stay after Mass to adore the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Good Friday: Celebration of Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m. (N.B Special Collection on Good Friday for persecuted Christians in the Holy Land). Stations of the Cross 7.30 p.m. only in Kilkerley. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30 p.m. Easter Sunday: Mass at 8.30 a.m. in Kilcroney School, and 11.30 a.m. Knockbridge. Easter Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday no Mass. Easter Thursday 9.30 a.m. Mass in Knockbridge. Easter Friday (First Friday) 7.30 p.m. Kilkerley. Friday, April 6, is the first Friday of the month, the sick and housebound will be visited at the usual times. If you know anyone who is sick or housebound, please inform one of the priests. Finance Committee will meet this evening, Tuesday, March 27, at 8 p.m. in the parochial house.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

The special icon for WMOF has been travelling around Ireland for the last seven months and was recently blessed by Pope Francis in Rome. It will have a prominent place on stage during all major WMOF events. We have the privilege of hosting the icon from Easter Thursday, April 5, to Monday, April 9, in St Mary’s Church, Knockbridge. Due to insurance reasons it was not possible to have it in each church in the pastoral area so as St Mary’s is the most central church it was decided to place it there. On Thursday, April 5, Mass at 9.30 a.m. to welcome the icon and on Monday, April 9, at 10 a.m. there will be a prayer. service (followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament) before the icon leaves the Jessica Smith, Sarah Whelan and Céleigh

church. The children in second and sixth class in our local schools are invited to attend this prayer service as well as parishioners in the four parishes in our pastoral area and beyond. Mrs Sharon Dunne the diocesan representative for WMOF will be the guest speaker at this service. Knockbridge Finance Committee will meet this evening, Tuesday, March 27, at 8 p.m. in the parochial house.

LIP SYNC

St Bride’s GFC, St Bride’s Ladies GFC, Knockbridge Hurling Club and St Bride’s camogie club are holding a Lip Sync Battle in Ardee Community Hall on Saturday, April 21, as part of fundraising for the development been undertaken. More details to follow shortly.

GATHERING OF OLD FRIENDS

This event takes place this Wednesday, March 28, at Stephenstown Pond from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., with everybody welcome.

HURLING

In the Special Hurling League on Thursday last Knockbridge beat Mattock Rangers 0-14 to 0-8.

FLOWER ARRANGING

Classes continue in the Parish Centre each Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Veronica at 085 7569404 for more details.

YOGA

Yoga classes continue on Tuesday nights in Knockbridge Community Centre from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. All levels welcome. For more info Contact Alan at 085 7326964.

SET DANCING

Classes continue on Monday evenings in Knockbridge Community Centre from 8.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission €6. We welcome new members and no experience necessary. For further information phone 085 7470389.

ST BRIDE’S GFC

Lotto on Monday, March 19, for a jackpot of €14,200 had no winner. Numbers drawn were