PARISHES OF PORTARLINGTON & EMO
PRIESTS PHONE NUMBERS
Very Rev. Thomas Dooley P.P. Tel: (057) 8643004 
Very Rev. Michael Noonan P.E. Tel: (057) 8623431
Tel: 057 8643004 - Email: portarlingtonparishoffice@eircom.net / Parish Office Hours: 9.30am – 1.30pm Mon. – Fri.
Anniversary Masses, Baptisms and Weddings can be booked by contacting the Parish Office during opening hours.
DIOCESE www.kandle.ie
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 087 7640557 AWARE Lo-call Helpline 1890 303 302 G.R.O.W. www.grow.ie Info:1890 474 474
PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVES: Jackie McNulty; Frances O’Dwyer; Mary Joyce; Clare Nerney
Kathleen Sherry – Director of Safeguarding - Tel: 085-8021633 dlp@kandle.ie / E-mail safeguarding@kandle.ie
MASS TIMES
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington
10am Daily Mass (Monday – Friday)
6.15pm (Vigil – Sat.), 9am & 12.15pm Sunday
St. John’s Church, Killenard 10.30am Sun.
St. Paul’s Church, Emo
7.30pm (Vigil – Sat.) & 11am Sun.
Sacred Heart Church, Rath 9am Sun.
Sunday 19th December 2021
WEEKEND ANNIVERSARY
PORTARLINGTON
Saturday 18th December – 6.15pm
Gary Lanigan, Castlelea, Ballymorris (1st Anniv.);
John Lynch, Kilbride; Kathleen Mangan, Crann
Nua (B/Day Rem.); Peter (Dick) Murphy,
Gracefield; Una Kelly, Marian Hill; James &
Josephine Nolan & dec. members of the Nolan
Family, Walsh Island; Paul Nolan, Gracefield;
Sunny Kennedy, Gracefield (B/Day Rem.);
Paddy Confrey & dec. members of the Dowling
Family, St. Michael’s Park; James Walsh, Sligo;
George & Margaret Hickey & dec. members of
the Hickey Family, Rathdowney & Kilkenny;
Eileen Meredith; Vincent Meredith; Michael
Moore, St. Michael’s Park
Sunday 19th December – 12.15pm
Marie McNelis, Pine Villa; Danny, Ellen & James
Malone, Gracefield; Margaret, Michael & Liam
Lawlor, Garryhinch, Eileen Nolan, Congress
Tce, (4th Anniv); Liz Hyland; Margaret Weldon,
Patrick’s Ave; May & Blaise Duffy, Cushina;
George, Kay & Mai Dempsey & dec. members
of the Dempsey Family, Treascon;
Remembering members, family, friends & for all
who lost loved ones of Laois & Offaly Spina
Bifida & Hydrocephalus
Christmas Eve – Fri. 24th Dec. – 6pm
Fiona Lambe, Avondale; John Kelly; Annie
Phillips, Seskin; Paddy & Mary Ann Murray,
Cushina & sons Paddy Jnr. & Mike; Mollie &
Frank Wyer, Cushina; Dan O’Donoghue, Cork;
Peter Sheils, Birmingham; Arthur & Ellen
Thompson, son Luke & dec. members of the
Thompson Family, Tullow; Mary & Ellen Malone
& dec. members of the Malone Family, Kilbride;
Matt & Gretta Quinn, daughter Angela, &
grandchildren Caroline & Barry
Christmas Eve – Fri. 24th Dec. – 9pm Vigil
Brigid Denton, Kilmalogue Garden (5th Anniv.);
Jack Boylan, Spa St. (5th Anniv.); Clare O’Byrne,
Station Rd; Alan Jones & Noel Jones,
Garryhinch; Billy & Kathleen Whelan, Marian
Hill; Tom & Mollie Keegan & Tom Jnr; Abe
Evans; Tommy Dunne, Patrick’s Ave; Joseph &
Ann Sweeney, Marian Hill; Son, Thomas &
grandsons Declan Sweeney & Leon Wade;
Eileen & Sean Powell, Spa St; Johnny Allen,
Assumpta Tce; Catherine, Mary, Fran, Joan,
Pat, Jim & James Browne; Niall Cox; Ger &
Madge Knight, Assumpta Tce; Marty Flanagan;
James Murphy, Derrymore; Dennis Brennan;
Bartle Fitzmaurice; Patrick Miller & family; Dec.
members of the Connolly Family;
Cont/d…..
Rev. Joe O’Neill C.C. Tel: (057) 8646517
PARISH OFFICE
SAMARITANS 24-hour helpline: 116 123
https:/,/www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-michaels-
 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve- Fri. 24th Dec. – 6pm Cont/d…
Dec. residents of St. Michael’s Pk; Oliver
O’Reilly, Avondale; Tom & Bridget O’Reilly;
Tom & Susan Guinan, Tullamore, Peter
McLaughlin, Kilmalogue Downs
Christmas Day – Sat. 25th Dec. – 12.15pm
Emmet McConville; Sheila, Elizabeth & Patrick
Taylor, St. Michael’s Pk. & Bradford, UK;
Heinrich Krull, Germany
St. Stephens Day – Sun. 26th Dec. – 12.15pm
Paddy McEvoy, Gracefield & dec. members of
the McEvoy Family; Joe Walsh
WEEKDAY ANNIVERSARY
PORTARLINGTON
MASS AT 10AM EACH MORNING
 St. Stephens Day–Sun. 26th Dec. – 11am
Mon. 20th Dec. Joseph, Margaret & Denis
Murphy & deceased members of the Murphy
Family, Ballycullane
Tues. 21st Dec. Dec. residents of Patrick Street
Wed. 22nd Dec. St. Patricia Dunne (1st Anniv.)
Thurs. 23rd Dec. Gerry McEvoy; Marie Pestel;
(2nd Anniv) Maura & James McEvoy
ANNIVERSARIES - KILLENARD
Sunday 19th December – 10.30am
Lily O’Neill, Rosecourt (2nd Anniv.); Una &
William (Billy) O’Leary, Killenure; Caroline
McGrath, Bray; Carmel & John McEvoy, Trim;
Mary & Patrick Flanagan, Killenard
Christmas Eve – Fri. 24th Dec. 7.30pm
Jack & Kathleen Carroll, Ballycarroll; Thomas &
Maureen McNamara, Lea; Marie & Bob
O’Connor, Lea
Christmas Day – Sat. 25th Dec. 10.30am
---
St. Stephens Day – Sun. 26th Dec. 10.30am
Helen Whelehan, Ballycarroll (1st Anniv.)
ANNIVERSARIES - EMO
Saturday 18th December – 7.30pm
Ann O’Regan, New Inn (M.M.); William &
Catherine Ramsbottom, New Inn;
Norah Scully, Coolaghy; Dec. members of the
Langford & Travers Families; Willie Gleeson,
Emo; Bridie Kavanagh, The Commons;
Edward & Josephine Dunne, Clonamone;
Richard Sinnott; Frank Behan, Martin Joe
Keating;
Donal Fenlon, Ballybrittas; Brigid Carroll & Mary
Commins (nee Carroll);
DECEASED – Prayers are requested for:
Tony Keenan, Gracefield
Elizabeth (Lilly) Tinkler, Portarlington & Spiddal
Email: jo@samaritans.org
CELEBRATION OF MASS VIA WEBCAM
Link to live streaming from
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington
church-portarlington
Portarlington & Emo Parish
@EmoParish
 Year C
ANNIVERSARIES – EMO Cont/d…
Sunday 19th Dec. – 11am
Bridie Carroll, New Inn; Johnny Christy,
Coolbanagher; Michael Keegan (6th Anniv.);
Maisie Keegan (2nd Anniv.), Botley Court &
Cappakeel; James (Jim) McEvoy,
Coolaghy; Dec. members of the McEvoy
Family, Coolaghy; Peggy O’Connor,
Rossmore; Dec. members of the O’Connor
Family; John, Gerard, Nora & James
Christmas Eve – Fri. 24th Dec. – 8pm
Martin & Mary Gleeson, Morette
Christmas Day – Sat. 25th Dec. – 11am
Patrick & Annie Mangan, Caron; Dec.
members of the Mangan Family, Caron;
Ellen Mulhall & Margaret McNamee, Caron
Martin & Ann Buggy, Knightstown
ANNIVERSARIES - RATH
Sunday 19th December– 9am
Phyllis Corbally (nee Donoher) M.M.,
Dublin & Rath; Michael O’Connor,
Courtwood
Christmas Eve – Fri. 24th Dec. – 7pm
Eamonn Bailey, Ashgrove
Christmas Day – Sat. 25th Dec. – 9am
---
St. Stephens Day – Sun. 26th Dec. - 9am
Paddy & Cora O’Dwyer, Newbridge; Dec.
members of the Currims & O’Dwyer
Families; Ann, Eamon & David Mullen,
Bracklone St;
Syl & Elizabeth Mullen, Corrig;
CONFESSION FOR CHRISTMAS
A Priest will be available to hear
Confession after the 10am morning masses
during the coming week in St. Michael’s
Church. Confession will be heard in the
seats behind the altar.
Confessions – Sacred Heart Church,
Rath: Tues. 21st Dec. 7-8pm
Confessions – St. Paul’s Church, Emo
Wed. 22nd Dec. 7-8pm
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Collection for the support of the Priests of
the Parish will take place at all Masses on
Christmas Day. Envelope available in your
development boxes or at the Church Porch.
CHOIR REHEARSALS
Choir rehearsal on Mon. 20th Dec. at
7.30pm. in St. Michael’s Church. Immune
status and masks etc. as per best practice.
 . CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2021
20CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
Friday 24th December, 2021
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington,
10am, 6pm and 9pm Mass

St. John’s Church, Killenard - 7.30pm

St. Paul’s Church, Emo - 8pm

Sacred Heart Church, Rath - 7pm
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
Saturday 25th December, 2021
St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington
9am and 12.15pm

St. John’s Church, Killenard 10.30am

St. Paul’s Church, Emo 11am

Sacred Heart Church, Rath 9am
CHRISTMAS 2022
GUIDELINES
Christmas will be very different for all of us
again this year. In an effort to facilitate the
attendance at Mass over this holy season, we
ask you to aware of the following points:-

Dispensation from the obligation of Mass
still holds.

You can participate in the Mass via radio or
webcam, especially those who consider
themselves vulnerable due to age or ill health.
Links to St. Michael’s Church Webcam & to
St. Paul’s Church Ceremonies via Facebook
are listed on this newsletter. Families are also
encouraged to follow the Christmas liturgies,
where possible on the webcam, this encourages
prayer, together, in the home.

Face covering mandatory.
Social distancing must be adhered to.

Our thanks to all of you for your support and
help during the year. We know we can rely on
your co-operation and understanding to
help make our Christmas celebrations a
joyful and safe occasion for all. We look
forward to a happy and healthy Christmas
Season and towards a bright 2022.
CONFIRMATION 2022
Bishop Denis Nulty will administer the
Sacrament of Confirmation next year as follows:-
Emo / Rath – Thursday 24th March
Portarlington / Cloneyhurke – Wed. 30th March
Killenard – Thursday 31st March
COVID 19 SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Alone manage a national support line for older
people who have concerns or are facing
difficulties relating to COVID 19. Call 0818 222
024 from 8am-8pm (7 days / week).
SUPPORT THE HOMELESS
A.L.E.R.T. – Botley Lane Industrial Park
(Portarlington) - Sincere thanks to everyone
who contributed to their collection of new
sleeping bags etc., which were delivered locally
to Portlaoise and Tullamore. They hope to have
one more drop off Wed. 22nd Dec. so if you have
any new sleeping bags / white socks / hats or
gloves you can drop them down to us or
contact 085 7434884.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into our Christian
Community through Baptism:
Portarlington Parish:
Kate Carmel Smith, Shandra
Sarah Orlaith Smith, Shandra
Ava Kate Carroll, Ballybrittas
Sophie Marie Moone, Monasterevin
Tadhg Christopher Moone, Monasterevin
COVID, CHOIR & CHRISTMAS
St. Michael’s Church
Applying public health guidelines to our
situation, the Choir will sing for Christmas Eve
(9pm Vigil Mass) and Christmas Day (9am
Mass) from the apse (behind the Altar), for
Mass only. No Carol Concert this year – Sorry!
CHRISTMAS CEREMONIES
LIVE STREAMED FROM
ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, EMO
You can view the Christmas ceremonies taking
place in St. Paul’s Church, Emo
via the following link, courtesy of
Maria Whyte (Musician)
https://www.facebook.com/Whyte-Music-
204099789669547/
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each
Sunday of Advent in St. Michael’s Church, from
3 to 5pm.Weekly Adoration continues on
Tuesday’s after 10am Mass until 7pm
THANKS!
Portarlington Social Services / Meals on
Wheels Committee wish all meal recipients,
staff & volunteers a happy, peaceful, healthy
Christmas & New Year. Sincere thanks to all
who donated to our services. Over 10,000
meals were provided over the past year.
The Santa's Helpers Committee Thank all
who donated to their fundraiser events this
year. Over 30,000 was raised to help families
who are struggling.. A happy, peaceful &
healthy Christmas & New Year to all.
GRACEFIELD G.A.A. LOTTO 13.12.2021
Numbers 8, 27, 9, 12 – No jackpot winner. €50
each to: Leona Delaney; Sarah Murphy; Mrs. E.
Casey; Joe Kiernan; Ann Dunne. Christmas
Draw €30 each to: Theresa Colgan; Alan
Bracken; Tiggy; Finty Maher. Promoters prize –
Paddy Mulligan – Next week’s Jackpot 3,400
ARLINGTON SOCCER CLUB LOTTO
Results - 8th Dec. 2021 – Letters W, B, G, T
No Jackpot winner - €25 to Ann Molloy & to Phil
Kane. Sellers prize Marie Lawlor. Next draw
will take place on 21st Dec. Jackpot €6,100
May the
hope, peace, joy and love
of Christ be with you
and your loved ones
this Christmas
The Priests of the Parish wish all
Parishioners a happy & peaceful
Christmas. Every blessing for
2022
G.R.O.W.
New Grow Mental Health Peer Support meeting
takes place every Thurs. from 2.30pm to
4.30pm in the Social Services Centre. Contact
Assumpta 086-8114135 assumptalyons@grow.ie
SUPPORT FOR THE PARISH
If you wish to make a donation to
Portarlington / Emo Parishes, please see
bank details below, where you can transfer
directly to the Parish Accounts.
PORTARLINGTON PARISH
PORTARLINGTON
PARISH
B.O.I. Portarlington BOFIIE2D
Portarlington Parish No. 1 Account
IBAN - IE28 BOFI 9018 6154 5717 14
Portarlington Parish Clergy Fund A/C
IBAN: IE59 BOFI 9018 6196 5850 57
EMO PARISH
EMO
PARISH
B.O.I., Mountmellick BOFIIE2D
Emo Church No. 1 Account
IBAN - IE16 BOFI 9018 1051 4302 54
Emo Parish Clergy Fund Account
IBAN: IE34 BOFI 9018 1022 2378 77
PARISH DONATION ENVELOPE
Available at the Church Porch.
USED POSTAGE STAMPS
Used postage stamps wanted for Foreign
Missions. Please leave in through the letter
box of The Nook Shop, Patrick St.
THE PARISH OFFICE
Parish Office open until Thurs. next, 23rd Dec.
The office will close over the Christmas period &
re-open Mon. 3rd January 2022.
FOUND
Sum of money found on Main street,
Portarlington on Saturday last. Contact the
Parish Office.
INTER-DIOCESAN CAROL SERVICE
(With music from both Kildare & Leighlin &
Ossary) will take place this Sunday evening
at 6.15pm on KCLR
SYNOD – What is it all about?
A 6 minute video, ‘All you need to know –
Synod on Synodality’, can be viewed on
www.kandle.ie/synod (Synod Resources)
PRAYERS FOR THE HOME
Prayer leaflet containing prayers at the
family crib, a Christmas Day meal prayer,
prayer on the Feast of the Holy Family,
chalking the door & welcoming the three
wise men at Epiphany and more can be
found on www.kandle.ie/adventresources &
at the Church Porches.
WINTER WONDERLAND
At Portarlington Leisure Centre – Link
Road. We are delighted to announce that
our Winter Wonderland is now open. Come
on down & enjoy a great photo opportunity.
REFLEXOLOGY
Fully I.T.E.C. Certified Reflexologist
available in the Cloneygowan area.
Reflexology helps with Migraines, anxiety,
depression and muscular pain. Call or text
anytime on 087 6913986.