Tullamore Catholic parish announces schedule of Christmas ceremonies

TULLAMORE Roman Catholic has announced its schedule of Masses and ceremonies for the Christmas period.

In a Christmas message from himself and the parish team, Tullamore parish priest Fr Joe Gallagher wrote that this is always a special time of the year, when hearts are moved to reach out to one another, and when families and friends make great efforts to be together.

The message from Fr Gallagher added: “It is a joy to welcome all who have come home for the holidays, as well as those visiting our parish during this blessed season. Your presence enriches our community and reminds us of the love that unites us as the family of God.

“At the heart of Christmas is the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth — God coming among us as one of us. In Him, we find light in our darkness, peace in our turmoil, and hope for our world. We know that we live in very unsettled times, and many people search for meaning and direction.

“Our faith in Christ gives us that sense of purpose, showing us how to live with love, courage, and compassion even in uncertain days. We also remember in a special way those who have passed away, particularly those who have died during the past year. May they rest in the peace of Christ, and may those who mourn be comforted by the promise of eternal life.

“As we welcome Christ anew into our hearts, may His presence bring peace to our families, to our community, and to all parts of the world that long for healing and hope. On behalf Parish Team I thank you sincerely for your faith, kindness, and generosity throughout the year.

“May this Christmas fill your homes with joy, and may you and your loved ones be blessed with peace and happiness in the year ahead. With every good wish and prayer, Fr. Joe G.”

READ NEXT: The Christmas gift of self-compassion - seasonal advice from leading Offaly clinical psychologists

The parish also wished everyone God's blessing this Christmas in Irish, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian and Spanish.

Irish: Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir.

Polish: Niech duch Swiety wypeti nas radoscia I zesle nan as pocoj.

Lithuanian: Tegu Išganytojas palaimina tave ir suteikia tau savo Ramybe.

Romanian: Crăciun fericit şi un An Nou binecuvântat de Domnul!

Spanish: ¡Que el Señor los llene de felicidad y paz!

The schedule of Masses and ceremonies is as follows -

Reconciliation Day, Monday December 22

Confessions will be available after each Mass and throughout the day, concluding with Mass at 6.30pm

Christmas Eve Masses

Tullamore: 7.45am, 10am, Penitential Service 12 noon with confessions until 4pm

Vigil Masses Tullamore: 5pm, 7pm and 9pm; Durrow: Midnight

Christmas Day Masses

Tullamore: 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm.

Polish Mass: 2.30pm

Durrow: 11.30am

Hospital: 9am

St Stephen’s Day

Tullamore: Mass, 11am

Saturday, December 27

Tullamore: 10am & 6.30pm

Sunday, December 28, Feast Of Holy Family

Tullamore: 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm