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Christmas Message 2021

Almost two years onwards we are still living in the shadow of a world-wide pandemic which has cast a dark spell on the planet’s inhabitants. There is uncertainty, despair and fear. There seems to be developments almost on a daily basis. We ask ourselves; “what are we doing to deserve this?” We are taking pity on ourselves yet it is always a worthwhile exercise to reflect and compare what we are going through now with other experiences of the past. We know that the older generations before us were resilient and durable. No matter what happened, the comforting thought was that it could have been worse. We think of those whose lives spanned much of the last century; without electricity, running water or any kind of phone. Our younger generations would not be able to imagine life without the modern necessities. Life in Ireland was usually lived against the background of some catastrophe or other. We think of the First World War, War of Independence, Civil War, Spanish Flu and then the Second World War that had dire consequences for the whole world. The world was robbed of six years of normal living. In Ireland there had been continuous poverty, unemployment and emigration. Living through those times was a constant ordeal. For almost two years now there has been an enormous upheaval in the lives of all of us. It has forced us to rethink and refocus. As someone put it, we had lost the run of ourselves. We had lost the sense of preciousness of life; life is a gift at any stage no matter what.

One of the most inspiring stories that came out of the Second World War was the story of a young girl named Anne Frank. She was a German of Jewish heritage. She was born in Germany in 1929. Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and he blamed the Jews for the problems of Germany. For safety reasons Anne’s family moved to Amsterdam. When the war broke out life became much harder. There were strict rules for the Jews who could no longer move about freely. In 1942 Anne’s family went into hiding in a specially built room in her father’s business premises. Anne had received a present of a diary on her birthday. During the two years in hiding, she wrote a diary about events in her small room but also about her feelings and thoughts. But then in August 1944 the hiding place was discovered and Anne and her family were arrested and sent to the concentration camp. Anne was to die in the Spring of 1945. After the war her diary was found and published and was to sell millions of copies. In her diary Anne writes what it was like for a young girl growing up in the midst of persecution and war. She spoke about the loss of human dignity in times of great suffering and the terrible toll it took on the young. Her thoughts have been a great inspiration for so many others since then in their struggles against injustice and cruelty. Her legacy is still very much alive. She stands for all those countless others who have suffered just as she did but whose faces have remained in the shadows. Anne Frank became a symbol of hope and kindness. Through her words we are reminded of the terrible cost of hatred. That hatred to a greater or less degree persists in our world today. Her most important message is that all people have a right to live in freedom and be treated equally.

That message is relevant for all of us again this Christmas; that we can learn from the tragedies of history and that we can live up to the true sentiments of the season. Our hope is that we can appreciate what Christmas is all about. The great slogan of the Pandemic was that all of us are in this together. It is only through co-operation and unity of spirit that we can begin to solve the great and the small problems of the world. As again what the old people said in the past; “it could be worse”.  If there was no need for Christmas then the world would indeed be a very gloomy and dreary place. 

A great light has shone in the darkness, a light that darkness could not overpower; we are all sharers of that light especially at Christmas. Christmas is about celebrating others; celebrating their presence rather than their presents, appreciating what others have done for us; deepening our sense of belonging with one another and with Christ himself. Because of Christmas he gives us a divine dignity. In the midst of so many problems in our planet and in our world, we need to celebrate the great feast of Christmas more than ever. We celebrate the birthday of the Son of God, the source of all goodwill and love and because of that we are all God’s children and we are all linked together as one. May we all have that spirit of peace, hope and love this Christmastime that can guide us through the coming year.

 

Christmas Dues

The Christmas Dues Collection will be taken up at all Masses this Christmas. Collection boxes are placed inside the doors of our churches. There are extra envelopes at the back of the churches. We thank all those who contribute to the offertory collections for the upkeep of both Banogue and Croom Churches. On the Croom parish website there is an opportunity to donate if you so wish and this will be greatly appreciated (IBAN: IE72 AIBK 9350 9302 901184). We thank all our volunteers who are actively involved in the work and activities of the church in Banogue and Croom and also acknowledge the contribution of so many in the different groups and organisations in both parishes.

 

Remembrance Tree

One of the features of the Christmas decorations is the Remembrance tree in Croom Church. You are invited to write down the name of a family member(s) living abroad on one of the tags provided and place it on the tree. This Christmas more than ever our thoughts are with family members living abroad and who will not be home. Also, they have been denied the opportunity of attending the special family occasions such as funerals and weddings. It will be an emotional and lonely time for all our emigrants and we stand in solidarity with them this Christmastime.

In Memoriam

We think of those who have died since last Christmas, also parishioners who have died elsewhere.

Croom:

Kathleen O’Connor (nee O’Kelly), Dublin and late of Ballymacamore.

Teresa Walsh, High Street, Croom.

Joe Fitzgerald, Coshma.

Austin Fitzpatrick, Limerick and late of Carrigeen.

Noel Healy, Anhid, Croom.

Dave Sheerin, Ballylusky and Croom.

Michael Reidy, Toureen.

Barry O’Sullivan, Caemore Court.

Keith Lawlor, Kylefea.

John Joe Daly, Coshma.

Kathleen Daly, Glenma.

Phyllis O’Donnell, Caherass.

Mary Fitzgerald, Lisgreen.

Margaret Whelan, Kylefea.

Mary Keogh (nee Flynn), Kinvara and late of Donneman.

 

Banogue:

Catherine Liston, Glenbevan.

Lena Costello, Ballyculleen.

Mary O’Keeffe, Ballintaw.

Pat Mulcahy, Stonepark, Bruree.

Nellie Murphy, Inchinclare.

Jim O’Brien, late of Banogue.

Julia Ward Browne, Limerick and late of Banogue.

 

May They Rest In Peace.

 

Communion and Confirmation

We congratulate all the children who received their First Holy Communion and Confirmation in both Banogue and Croom during the past year. It has been a difficult year for all concerned because of the continuing Covid uncertainty. We thank the parents and teachers for their patience and understanding.

 

First Communion Children

Banogue:

Sophia Boome

Jack Boome

Joshua Curtin

Jamie Hannon

Jamie Hehir

Heidi McInerney

Dara O’Shea

Rory O’Shea

Colm O’Sullivan

Max Sheehan

Kaylagh – Leigh Cronin

 

Croom:

Alex Coonan

Josh France

Jamie Mulcahy

Ruairi Twomey

Oskar Povilaitis

Jake Twomey

David Moore

Blake Kiely

Jamie Hayes

Oscar Hannan Sheahan

Tadgh Fitzgerald

Tommy Enright

Luke Ryan

Ellen O’Rourke

Alison O’Brien

Patrick Quain

Flynn Crofton Young

Mary Kate O’Kelly

Cillian O’Donoghue

Robert Ryan

Aoibhe Roche

Ruben De Bunes

Sadie Hughes

Blake O’Brien

Amy Griffin

 

Confirmation Children

Banogue:

David Cagney

George Fox O’Connor

Matthew Furlong

Leanna Healy

Harvey Moriarty

Jimmy O’Driscoll

Aidan O’Sullivan

Isabelle Regan

Isabel Collins

Liam Fitzgerald Cusack

Aaron Healy

James McCarthy

Cailinn O’Brien

Sophie O’Connor

Leah O’Sullivan

Adam Sheehan

 

Croom:

Alisha Twomey

Mia Rouziers

Lilly Sheerin

Jemma O’Brien

Laura Carey

Ava Daly

Tiarna Parke

Sarah Hurley

Ella Moloney

Amina Costello

Kacper Kaszuba

Troy Burchill

Jack Naughton

Gearoid O’Donoghue

Jordyn Ryan

Jo Jo Lawlor

Patrick Hogan

 

Christmas Arrangements

Masses: Friday 24th December – Christmas Eve

Croom: 5.00 PM & 7.00 PM

Banogue: 6.00 PM

 

Christmas Day 

Croom: 11.30 AM

Banogue: 10.00 AM

 

Sunday – St Stephen’s Day

Croom 11.30 AM

Banogue: 10.00 AM

 

Dates to remember:   (Proposed Dates)

 

First Holy Communion – Croom 14th May 11.00 AM        Banogue 21st May 11.00 AM

Confirmation – Croom March 25th 12.00 noon & 2.00 PM

   

 

We wish all the parishioners of Banogue and Croom at home and abroad a happy and peaceful Christmas

 

Rev. Eamonn O’Brien     Canon Willie Fitzmaurice

Email: Croomchurch@eircom.net                                 

Web page: croomparish.ie

We send Easter greetings to all our different parishioners at home and abroad. The image of darkness is an appropriate image for all that has happened during the past year. That darkness has been reflected many times throughout the lockdowns and restrictions that has limited the freedoms and movements of all our citizens. Particular moments such as deaths and bereavements have impacted severely on the lives of people. Various plans have been put on hold and generally it has been a difficult period; we look forward to better times ahead. There is always a new dawn after the darkness of the night before; it is a part of our nature to look forward with hope. The Resurrection that we will celebrate again this year can fill us with a new enthusiasm and expectation. In the aftermath of the second World War, there was a greater sense of joy and appreciation for life for all peoples and nations. No doubt this will happen again in the shorter term.

Meanwhile this Easter-time, we give thanks for the life of Christ and his message – we think of his promise that after our own lives here on Earth, we too can enjoy eternal happiness along with those who have gone before us.

Easter Mass Times

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Banogue 6pm, Croom 7pm

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross – Banogue 6pm, Croom 7pm – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3pm

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil – 8pm

Veneration

Churches will be open during the week for prayer and visitation. On Good Friday, people can venerate the Cross any time after 4pm and before 2:30pm by simply genuflecting before it.

Easter water will be available in the churches from Easter Sunday onwards.

Easter Dues envelopes will be gratefully received over the Easter period.

 

Trócaire have been raising funds for oversees development in the poorer countries of the world since 1973. This has been very successful and virtually all of the funds go directly to the people most in need. Irish people can be proud of their contributions to Trócaire through the years and especially those in Croom and Banogue parishes. Please return your Trócaire boxes and contributions at Easter-time.

We wish a happy and restful Mother’s Day to all mothers. We celebrate their love and effort, and give thanks for their good influences in family life and community. May all deceased mothers rest in peace.

St Patrick is our National Patron and Saint. He is honoured by the Irish throughout the world. Millions of Irish people have emigrated to different parts of the world down throughout the ages and have made an enormous contribution wherever they have settled. Once again this year, Irish people will celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately because of the pandemic it will be a different and more subdued celebration. Nevertheless, they will recall their homeland with sentiment and nostalgia. Their lives have been severely disrupted by the pandemic. Worldwide travel has been virtually non-existent and many could not come home for funerals and other family occasions. This has been very difficult for our exiles and indeed for so many other relatives here in our own country. The modern means of communication have been a great source of support but there is no substitute for personal contact. Nevertheless we want to give our exiles every support and reassurance that they are not forgotten and that there will always be a strong emotional bond between Irish people at home and abroad. At a local level, in Croom and Banogue churches on this St Patrick’s Day, we will have a special remembrance for our exiles, where we will mention those who have died during the past year here in Croom and Banogue parishes. We wish St Patrick’s greetings to all of our parishioners at home and abroad.

 

St Patrick’s Day Masses

Croom – Tuesday 16th March – 7:00pm

Croom – Wednesday 17th March – 11:30am

Banogue – Wednesday 17th March – 10:00am

 

In Memoriam

Croom Parish

Michael O’Brien, Church Road

Mary O’Rourke, Ballinahown

Stephan Crogan, Caherass

John Morrissey, Caherdavin

Pat Mangan, Elm Park

Ken Cullen, Caherass

Michael Downey, Church Road

Michael Lucy, Church Road

Ellen Geaney, Ploughlands

Terese Daly, Toureen

Terese Walsh, High St. 

Joe Fitzgerald, Coshmá

Noel Heely, Anhid

Julia Coleman, Clounanna, Patrickswell. 

 

Banogue Parish

Ger Scully, Ballyphilip

Tom Biggane, Ballyculleen

Mary Cagney, Morenae

Jack Scanlan, Adare (late of Ballyphilip)

Liam Chawke, San Francisco (late of Dohora)

Peggy O’Gorman, Limerick (late of Banogue)

Sr Margaret Hickey, Dublin (late of Ballyphilip)

Catherine Liston, Glenbevan

Lena Costelloe, Ballyculleen

Noel Healy, Anhid

Maureen Liston, Adelaide

When St Patrick’s Day comes around, it will mark a year of restrictions of one kind or another because of the pandemic. Worldwide travel has been restricted or has been almost non-existent. Our exiles have suffered greatly. Many of them could not attend funerals, family weddings, or other occasions. We think of those from our own parishes who have had family bereavements in the past year and have had to suffer the pain of the loss of loved ones in isolation and at a distance. We keep in contact with them through modern means of communication, but there is no substitute for personal contact. Nevertheless, we want to give them reassurance that they are not forgotten.

This St Patrick’s Day, we will have a special remembrance for our exiles and emigrants. This will take place at masses being celebrated in Croom and Banogue churches: Croom on Tuesday March 16th at 7:00pm and St Patrick’s Day at 11:30am; Banogue on St Patrick’s Day at 10:00am.

We will remember those who have died abroad during the past year. We will mention these at the masses, so please send in these names over the next few weeks so that they can be included. There is always a special bond between the Irish all over the world – let us strengthen that bond this St Patrick’s Day.

As you are well aware, the closure of our schools has not helped in the preparation of children for these sacraments. We hope that the children will be able to receive these sacraments on the appointed dates and that they will be ready to do so. The Limerick Diocese Website has produced 3 video lessons for Confirmation children and their families. Also, for First Communion children, there are video lessons available; “Come to the Table of the Lord” – Preparing for First Communion. We invite parents to access these preparation programmes for the benefit of their children. All of this will be of great assistance to the teachers when the children are able to go back to school. 

limerickdiocese.ie 

Trócaire has been in existence since 1973. It has provided great assistance and support to the developing world. The people of our parishes can be especially proud of the donations that they have made. These have made it so that the poorest of the poor can thrive and live positive lives. War has taken everything from many families. This year, Trocaire focuses on such families who have escaped terrible violence in South Sudan. They lack many of life’s basics: proper shelter, food, access to clean water, healthcare, seeds, tools, and training to feed the ones they love in a changing climate. This Lent, you are asked to help struggling families to survive. 

Trócaire boxes are available in the churches. You are invited to take one and fill it up during Lent. Every penny counts and helps to make a difference.

Ash Wednesday 2021 – 17th February
Ashes will be blessed at the morning masses next Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) in both Banogue and Croom Churches at 9:30 AM.
Small individual packets will be available for collection from both churches during the day. You are welcome to take these home so that family members and neighbours can be blessed.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a season of 40 days of prayer, feasting, and works of love. Lent is a special time. It is a time of conversion. Pope Francis emphasises that all of us are called to be creators of the Earth. He tells us that Mother Earth is the poorest of the poor because we have abused her. During the past year, we have seen a huge collective effort by all nations to combat the pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need a combined global effort to save our planet. We all have a part to play in this.