by Declan Kelly on June 1, 2023 at 3:28 pm

People meeting with people, discussions held round tables decorated with flowers, microphones adjusted for clarity of sound and a fine meal together in the evening. The formal setting of the art of the diplomatist. Ed McCurdy’s song, first recorded in 1950 and since covered by many well-known singers including Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel and The post The Strangest Dream appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Declan Kelly on May 25, 2023 at 3:21 pm

There are some very sharp turnings in life, as we know – and if we don’t we’ll find that out soon enough. Most of us, most of the time settle into a pattern of living that we imagine will go on forever. Here today, here tomorrow. It doesn’t, of course, because life is full of The post Make Hay while the Sun shines appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Declan Kelly on May 18, 2023 at 9:21 am

Summer, is a wonderful time of year, long bright days that awaken within us all, a sense of peace and calm. Traditionally during summer time those who are fortunate enough can enjoy a restful holiday. Time out, is a very important gift that we must embrace in our adult lives. We are not robots and The post One Step At A Time appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Declan Kelly on May 11, 2023 at 2:52 pm

In the last years of his life, the great cellist and conductor Pablo Casals suffered greatly from rheumatoid arthritis and emphysema. At 90, he was badly stooped, his head thrust forward, and his breathing laboured. He needed the help of his wife, Marta, to get dressed in the morning. Marta would then help him shuffle The post A Prayer for Students appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Declan Kelly on May 4, 2023 at 10:21 pm

Pope Francis often refers to the “Poison of Gossip”. Passing on bad news is negative and toxic. The more at peace we are within ourselves, the more at peace we are with one another. As we begin the month of May, I pray, you will all be filled with light, hope and peace of mind. The post Gossip Kills appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Declan Kelly on April 28, 2023 at 12:01 am

The Irish Bishop’s conference has initiated a year of prayer for vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Prayer and priesthood are closely connected. Priesthood ultimately is about service fuelled from God’s Amazing Grace. A service that connects often in vulnerable moments of life, offering hope, comfort and consolation that God continues to be close to us. The post Year of Prayer for Vocations appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.