PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA AND KILSHANNY

CORPUS CHRISTI; LISDOONVARNA, ST. AUGUSTINE; KILSHANNY HOLY ROSARY; DOOLIN, OUR LADY OF LOURDES; TOOVAHERA

Parish Priest Father Conor Cunningham 065 - 7074142 parishoffice@lisdoon.ie Parish Clerk Mary Mooney (9.00am-5.00pm) 086 - 4084728 Newsletter Items before 6.00pm Wednesdays to news@lisdoon.ie

Mass Times Sunday Masses: Kilshanny Church Saturday Vigil Mass 7.00pm Doolin Church Sunday 10.00am Lisdoonvarna Church Sunday 11.30am Weekday Masses: Lisdoonvarna Church Monday 7.00pm Tuesday 10.00am* Thursday 7.00pm Friday 10.00am* (* unless replaced by parish funerals)

Confession After all weekday Masses, or at any time by request.

Eucharistic Adoration Toovahera Church Sundays 3.00pm to 4.00pm Doolin Church Wednesdays 8.00pm to 9.00pm Kilshanny Church Fridays 7.00pm to 8.00pm Lisdoonvarna Church Mondays and Wednesdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament Lisdoonvarna Church Mondays after 7.00pm Mass The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lisdoonvarna Church Mondays at 6.00pm

Vocations If you sometimes think about giving your life as a priest, Father Conor would be happy to meet with you anytime for a confidential chat, information and spiritual advice.

www.lisdoon.ie www.facebook.com/lisdoon Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, 25th January 2015

The Parish Policy for ‘Church-Gate’ Collections is posted in the Church Porches. Garda-permit public collectors are asked to respect our agreed code of practice by holding collections in their designated spaces and only after each Mass. Goodwill shown towards our worshipping community by the courteous cooperation of collectors with this policy is appreciated.

Have you community news to share? All suggestions for inclusion in the parish newsletter, items for a community-building, sporting, voluntary and non-commercial nature, should be sent to news@lisdoon.ie before deadline of 6.00pm on Wednesdays.

Our Faith and Light Community are gathering at The Pavilion today Sunday 25th January for fun, friendship and prayer. Mass will be celebrated there at 3.00pm and everyone is welcome!

Alzheimer Society - Burren Walk: The 13th annual sponsored walk organised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland will take place on Sunday 15th February with registration from 10.30am to 1.00pm.  As in previous years, the proceeds of the walk will go to improve and extend daycare and homecare and respite services for the Clare Branch of the Alzheimer Society.  The 10K walk will start and finish at O'Donoghue's Pub in Fanore.  Refreshments and entertainment will be provided at O'Donoghue's after the walk.  By supporting this fundraiser the society can continue to maintain the level of service it currently provides in helping carers to care for their loved ones in their own homes.  Looking forward to meeting all our loyal walkers, as well as new walkers too who will indeed be made most welcome to our annual trek up the mountain!

St. Michael’s North Clare Branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank everyone who helped out and contributed  money and food to our recent Christmas appeal held in this parish. We really appreciate the part each of you played in this effort. Your generosity helps us in SVdeP to discreetly help people in need in our own local community.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Members of the Ennistymon and North Clare Area Branch are always available to help any person or family who are in need. To contact them, call 086 4002627 or 065 6824188. Leave your name, full address and contact number and they will arrange to visit you as soon as possible.

Clare Parkinson’s Support Group first meeting of the year takes place on Friday 30th of January at Carrigoran Day Centre from 10.00am to 1.00pm, for all Parkinson’s patients and their carers. New members always welcome. Contact Valerie Vaughan at 061 368100.

The Rainbows Programme is starting soon. Rainbows supports children from 1st to 6th class who have been affected by the death of a close family member or whose family has changed because parents have separated or divorced. Applications are being accepted to start the programme in early February on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at the North West Clare Family Resource Centre, Ardnaculla, Ennistymon. Registration essential.

Local Community Bingo takes place every Thursday night at The Pavilion starting  at 8.30pm. Remember all proceeds help our grand community project of restoring our famous Spa Wells, and in providing excellent community and sporting facilities for our area. €2000 is up for grabs, with a roll-over jackpot this Thursday of €850!

Hats Off To Clare! - A one-man show performed by Gerry Howard. Written and directed by Paul Brennan Friday 30th January at 8.30pm in Hotel Doolin.

Social Dancing Classes at The Ritz, Lisdoonvarna! Every Monday 8.00pm to10.00pm. All welcome, especially beginners!

Strictly Come Dancing! St. Breckan’s and Mary Immaculate Secondary School are holding a Strictly Come Dancing night on Sunday 3rd May in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. If you are interested in being part of the fun there are still some vacancies left. Contact Deborah 086 8979750 for more details.

More Sports News Needed for the Parish Newsletter! It would be a help to the circulation of this newsletter, and maybe a help to all our various sports organisations too - if club PROs etc might consider submitting more items of sporting interest! How about match reviews and results, upcoming games etc? Just email them to news@lisdoon.ie before 6.00pm on Wednesdays.

C O M M U N I T Y A N D S P O R T I N G N E W S

Families gathered for memorial Masses are asked to review the parish memorial list a week in advance and come to the sacristy to let the priest know before Mass if there are any errors or omissions. Family members are also encouraged to volunteer to bring the bread and wine to the altar at the offertory of their family memorial Mass.

A new selection of Parish Mass Cards signed by the parish priest is available from all the sacristies of our parish Churches after every Mass. These cards have been personalised with the name of our four parish Churches printed on the inside, and include a special reflection. There are various Mass Cards for the Deceased, along with Mass Bouquet Gift Cards designed for the following occasions: Birthdays, Get Well Blessings, Thank You, Exam Success, Thinking Of You, Wedding Blessings, New Baby Thanksgivings and more. The cards themselves are free of charge, but a customary offering is made for the Mass to be celebrated, for the support of priests at home and on the missions.

The Church’s teaching on the sale of ‘signed Mass Cards’ in shops is clear. The following advice is from all the bishops of Ireland, and religious superiors, on the sad and irreverent practice of ‘buying prayers’ in convenience stores and supermarkets. It is important that parishioners and traders would be aware of the mind of the Church on this and so be able to help bring this unworthy commercialisation to an end. - “Having signed or stamped Mass Cards for sale to the public in shops and other commercial outlets is a practice that is not approved by the Episcopal Conference, the Major Religious Superiors or the Superiors of Missionary Societies. It undermines a correct Eucharistic Theology and is unacceptable. We ask that this practice, wherever it exists, be discontinued.” - The Irish Episcopal Conference

I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y

Kilshanny Saturday 24th 7.00pm

Mike Neylon and deceased of family (A) Peter and Nora Considine and deceased of family (A)

Mary and Seán O’Loughlin, Kilmoon (A) Saturday 31st 7.00pm

Patrick Thynne (Month’s Mind) Phil Bobbett (née O’Dwyer)

Ballydeely and Ashbourne (Month’s Mind) Peg Hynes, Smithstown (A)

Jimmy Driscoll, Carroweragh (A)

Doolin Sunday 25th 10.00am

Missa Pro Populo - Mass for all the people of the parish

Mary Kelly, Newbridge, Co. Kildare (A) Delia Considine, Knockacarron (A)

James, Elizabeth and George Dunleavy and deceased of family (A)

Lisdoonvarna Sunday 25th 11.30am

Margaret (Peggy) Dillon (Month’s Mind) PJ Finn, Kilmoon (A)

Sunday 1st 11.30am Margaret (Peg) Burke, Kilfenora Road (First A)

Gerry Griffin, Ballyvara, Doolin (A) Seamus and Mary McNamara, Ballydonohue (A)

Mamie Gray, Atlantic Drive (A)

MASS ANNOUNCEMENTS Please consider reading this section before Mass begins. It is intended to help us all to focus on prayer, praise and silence during Mass - avoiding unnecessary announcements and explanations. Please also pick up a copy of the missalette before Mass. It contains the readings, spiritual reflections and a help for the Mass responses. Suggested hymns for Mass are also included on the missalette. Please do join in the singing! Please remember to silence your mobiles before Mass!

Today’s Anniversaries We especially welcome those who are gathered with us today to offer the power of Holy Mass for their beloved departed as named on this newsletter. May the Lord console all who grieve and, through pardon and healing, bring our loved ones into life eternal.

Prayers of the Faithful may include the following: Pope Francis’ Universal Intention for January: That all religious traditions, and all people of goodwill, may work together for peace. Pope Francis’ Evangelising Intention for January: That in this year dedicated to consecrated life, religious men and women may rediscover the joy of following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal. Our Parish Prayer Intention for this week: For all families, children, students, teachers, team members and boards of management involved in the four schools of our parish. That this week’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week might bring them fresh blessings of joy, energy and enthusiasm in their special mission towards education, towards Jesus and towards his people. Father Conor’s Prayer Intention for this week: For an increase in love for Sunday Mass among all our parishioners.

The Offertory Collection As a sign of our desire to be deeply and sacrificially united with Christ’s death and resurrection - which is about to become present upon the altar - we spiritually ‘send’ ourselves to the altar with the gifts of bread and wine. We also sacrifice a percentage of our weekly income to help to support Christ’s Church in our local parish. Thank you for your ongoing fidelity and generosity! Last Sunday, 18th January, you contributed as enrolled parishioners’ envelopes €578 and loose plate collection €331: Kilshanny €359 Doolin €197 Lisdoonvarna €353 totalling €909

Receiving Holy Communion: • We approach the real presence of the Lord in Holy

Communion with great love, thanksgiving, humility and joy.

• As a sign of reverence, please consume the host before walking away from the priest or the minister of Holy Communion.

• The priest carries special hosts for those with the coeliac condition - just mention it to him quietly when you approach.

• Those who, for any reason, wish to receive a blessing from the priest instead of Holy Communion can indicate this by approaching him at Communion time with arms crossed over their breast.

Other bits and pieces from the

Pastor’s Desk… a cháirde,

Catholic Schools Week takes place this year from today 25th January to the 1st of February. This is an opportunity to celebrate and be very proud of the fine schools in our parish! The theme this year is ‘Called to Serve’. The call to serve is an integral element of Jesus’ mission in the Gospels. Education is a ministry in which all are called to serve – parents, teachers, students, local community and the wider world. In particular, Catholic schools place at the centre of their ethos an identity with the mission of Jesus Christ, who continually calls all who hear his voice to serve God by serving others. Please visit www.catholicbishops.ie for more information and resources.

Involving our Children in our Sunday Masses. I am delighted to announce, especially as Catholic Schools Week begins, that many of our young parishioners who are recently Confirmed or preparing for Confirmation, have come forward to volunteer for the ministry of lector at our Sunday Masses! The regular readers will continue their roster with the first reading and the psalm while the new young readers will take charge of proclaiming the second reading. Please give them your encouragement and support and the blessing of your prayers. They plan to help with other Sunday ministries too, and are also investigating the possibility of forming a new parish children's choir and a music ministry band to sing and play at Sunday Mass from time to time. I hope to be actively involved in this project myself as a leader. If you’d like to help - and especially if you have musical skills to offer - please let me know sometime soon. I have a good general knowledge of great material that would be very suitable for a children’s choir but I would need accompanists and gifted people who can actually read music and teach it! I think a few of us working together could really raise the level of beauty and joy at our Sunday liturgies. Please consider making a gift of your time and your special talent to the Lord and to his community in our parish.

Special Diocesan Second Collection this weekend to help support our Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The collection boxes are at the door of the Church on your way out after Mass today. Your contribution supports youth evangelisation, pastoral bereavement and relationship counselling, teacher support, parenting courses, spiritual direction and faith development throughout our diocese. Thank you for whatever you might be able to contribute to these important ministries to God’s people in our diocese.

Eucharistic Adoration in all four Churches of the Parish. The Galway Diocesan Eucharistic Adoration team will shortly be in touch with the members of the Eucharistic Adoration societies in our parish to review our current practice and to facilitate any changes that might be necessary or helpful.   Will you volunteer to be a Eucharistic Minister? There is a pressing need for more volunteers for this special ministry in all Churches of our parish, especially in Doolin. Please contact me soon if you’d like to discuss helping the Lord’s work in this way.

a chairde,

The Word of God this Sunday, the

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, calls us to the depth of generosity, humility and contemplation it takes to see that compassionate love is at the heart of our identity and our mission as human beings and as disciples of Jesus. The word ‘compassion’ at its Latin roots means ‘to suffer with’ someone. It describes God’s heart-breaking love for us as he sees us cheapened, damaged and death-bound by the horror of sin. He looks on us, his children, and it pains him. He follows through on that suffering love by becoming one of us as the Word of God, the eternally-begotten Son, becoming Jesus of Nazareth, our anointed-One, our Christ. God’s pain over us crystallises on the cross of Calvary and is vindicated beyond our imaginings and for all eternity in Jesus’ resurrection. The power unleashed by this compassion, this passionate self-emptying divine love, is our pathway back to healing and to a share in God’s own life. The first reading from the book of Deuteronomy teaches us that this new life through the Word of God is near and readily available to us. The psalm teaches us how to pray for this humility to accept it. The second reading from the Holy Spirit to the Colossians and to us, through Saint Paul, points to the cross of Jesus as the total revelation of God’s ‘com-passion’ with us. In the Gospel Jesus implores his followers to live up to the image of God in which they were made by being reckless practitioners of compassionate love to all, especially to those who are most in need. May the Eucharist this weekend give us the graces we need to contemplate these mysteries and to make them present in the world through our thoughts and actions.

Laity Commissions Collection This Weekend

Your contribution today funds the involvement of lay men and women in the planning, decision-making and oversight of the Church in Ireland in areas such as catechetics, seminaries, vocations, communications, doctrine, ecumenism, education, emigrants, justice and peace, liturgy, missions, pastoral, press and information, research and development, social welfare and Irish prisoners overseas. You can find out more about these ministries and collaborative structures on www.irishbishops.ie

Year of Faith Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

This Autumn, from 20th to 28th October, I will lead a Year of Faith pilgrimage to the most sacred sites of salvation history in the Holy Land. We will spend four nights in Jerusalem, visiting Bethlehem, the Temple, the Mount of Olives, Calvary, the Holy Sepulchre, Mount Tabor etc., followed by four nights in Tiberias, exploring Galilee, Nazareth,

Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Cana, the Jordan

river etc. A full spiritual retreat and an introductory scripture

study programme will be offered. The fare is €1,519pps, plus optional insurance of €25. This tour is a little more expensive than others because the hotels and meals etc. are all four-star. In my experience this makes a huge difference to the overall experience of the pilgrimage as the lower grade hotels can be very disappointing. Please let me know if you might be interested and I can send you the full itinerary.

Parish Priest

Father Conor Cunningham ��� 065 - 7074142 parishoffice@lisdoon.ie

Parish Clerk

Mary Mooney (9.00am-5.00pm) ��� 086 - 4084728

Newsletter Items before 6.00pm Wednesdays to news@lisdoon.ie

Mass Times

Sunday Mass:

Toovahera Church

Saturday Vigil Mass 5.00pm

Kilshanny Church

Saturday Vigil Mass 7.00pm Doolin Church

Sunday 10.00am Lisdoonvarna Church

Sunday 11.30am

Weekday Mass:

Lisdoonvarna Church

Monday 7.00pm Tuesday 10.00am Thursday 7.00pm Friday 10.00am

Confession: After all weekday Masses, or at any time by request.

Eucharistic Adoration

Toovahera Church

Sundays 3.00pm to 4.00pm Doolin Church

Wednesdays 8.00pm to 9.00pm Kilshanny Church

Fridays 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Lisdoonvarna Church

Mondays and Wednesdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm Solemn Benediction

of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Lisdoonvarna Church

Mondays after 7.00pm Mass. Rosary

Lisdoonvarna Church Mondays at 6.00pm

Vocations corner...

If you sometimes think about giving your life as a priest, Father Conor would be happy to meet with you anytime for a confidential chat, information and spiritual advice.

Supporting your Church:

Sincere thanks to everyone for this on-going financial commitment to your faith and to the mission of Christ’s Church. The amount of the offertory collection last Sunday 7th July was: Registered Parishioners’ Envelopes €638 and Loose Plate €712 totalling €1350.

Serving the Churches of

Corpus Christi, Lisdoonvarna; St. Augustine, Kilshanny; Holy Rosary, Doolin; and Our Lady of Lourdes, Toovahera.

Website: www.lisdoon.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisdoon

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 14th July 2013

Our faith teaches us that having Mass offered for our beloved departed,

especially on their anniversaries and in the weeks after their death, is a

way of expressing our ongoing love for them. It is also a clear witness to

our faith in the power of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection to heal them from sin, liberate them from the grave, and raise them up whole and

transfigured for holy and eternal communion with the Blessed Trinity, Our

Lady, the saints and angels in the joy of heaven. This power becomes

present before us on the altar of every Mass.

Families gathered for memorial Masses are asked to review the weekly parish memorial list in advance and come

to the sacristy before Mass if there are any errors or omissions.

Family members are also encouraged to volunteer to bring

the bread and wine to the altar at the offertory of the Mass.

Crucifixion Window, Doolin

A selection of Mass Cards signed by the parish priest is now available from the Parish Clerk

in the sacristy of Lisdoonvarna Church after every Mass.

Designs currently available are for the deceased, for the sick, for blessing in

exams and a general Mass bouquet of love and blessing.

There is no charge for the cards - though a Mass stipend may be offered,

if desired, for the support of priests at home and on the missions.

The Parish Facebook Page can be found at www.facebook.com/lisdoon

Relatives and friends abroad might be glad to keep in touch in that way if you let them know! The newsletter can also be downloaded from www.lisdoon.ie

Have you community news to share?

All suggestions for inclusion in the parish newsletter, items of a community-building, sporting, voluntary, and non-commercial nature, should be sent to news@lisdoon.ie before deadline of 6.00pm on Wednesdays.

Parish of Lisdoonvarna and Kilshanny

The Parish Policy and Code of Practice for Public Collections

is posted in the Church Porches.

Garda-permit public collectors are asked to respect our agreed parish code of practice by holding collections in their designated spaces and only after

each Mass. Goodwill shown towards our worshipping community by the courteous cooperation of collectors with this policy is appreciated.

Pope Francis’ General Intention for July: That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel. Pope Francis’ Missionary Intention for July: That throughout Asia doors may open to messengers of the Gospel. Our Parish’s Intention for this Week: For parishioners who have emigrated and for all seeking employment. Father Conor’s Intention for this Week: For a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon everyone in our parish, especially upon young adults. That they may know the joy of the faith and want to encounter Jesus every Sunday at Holy Mass.

Parish Youth Faith Group News

Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage Climb?

We’ve already decided to join the huge multitudes on Reek Sunday 28th July. In order to plan transport, and to confirm that there’s still enough of us free to go, could the group leaders give me a list of participants by Thursday 18th July? We will make a final decision after 7.00pm Mass at a short meeting in the community room of Lisdoonvarna Church at 7.20pm that evening. All the group, and new members, are invited to attend.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co.

Tipperary from Thursday 15th – Sunday 18th August. I hope that our new Parish Youth Faith Group will ensure that this parish is well-represented in Roscrea! The Festival is for young people aged 16-35, and is an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people, with over 1000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. The festival is donation only, and free of charge. Free buses are available too. For more information www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690 or facebook - youthtwothousandIreland

Have you any news items or anniversary announcements for the

August parish newsletters? The editions for August will all be printed together well in advance of the holiday period. Please email your contributions to news@lisdoon.ie before 6.00pm this Wednesday 24th July.

With thanks, blessings and prayers,

Saturday 13th 7.00pm

Missa Pro Populo - Mass for all the people of the parish Saturday 20th 5.00pm

Ann Queally, Toovahera (A)

Saturday 13th 7.00pm

Bridget and Michael McInerney, Ballingaddy (A) Josephine Nagle, Carroweragh (A)

Sunday 14th 10.00am

Billy Clarke, Bridge House, Doolin (Months Mind) Deceased of Davis family (A)

Daniel and Maisie O’Callaghan, Ballinalacken Castle and deceased of family (A)

Baby Kennedy, Ennis (A) Jack and Maud Considine, Cregg (A)

Sunday 21st 10.00am

John Nagle, Austin and Katie Flanagan, Luogh (A) Mary Ellen Curtin, Caherkinalla (A)

Ellen and Michael Frawley, Carnane (A)

Sunday 14th 11.30am

Donie Sammon, Rooska and Dublin (Months Mind) Tom and Mary Doolin, Ballinahuon (A)

Jimmy Grey, Atlantic Drive (First A) Joseph, Margaret and Peter McInerney, Ballytigue (A)

John J. Callinan and Nora, St. Brendan’s Road (A) Malachy and Kitty Callinan, St. Brendan’s Road (A)

David and Patsy Callinan, St. Brendan’s Road (A) Sunday 21st 11.30am

Bridget O’Connell, Ballycannoe (Month’s Mind) Monica O’Loghlen, Lisdoonvarna (A)

> We pray also for

James Stack

late of Ennistymon and UK, and beloved brother of

our parishioner Marie Canavan.

May he walk in the light of the Lord

in the land of the living.

Our bishop has asked every parish to pray this beautiful and specially composed ‘Prayer

for the Child in the Womb’ at Masses during this time of special intercession:

PRAYER FOR THE CHILD IN THE WOMB

Lord Jesus, you are the source and lover of life. Reawaken in us respect for every human life.

Help us to see in each child the marvellous work of our Creator.

Open our hearts to welcome every child as a unique and wonderful gift.

Guide the work of doctors, nurses and midwives. May the life of a mother and her baby in the womb be equally cherished and respected.

Help those who make our laws to uphold the uniqueness and sacredness of every human life,

from the first moment of conception to natural death.

Give us wisdom and generosity to build a society that cares for all.

Together with Mary, your Mother, in whose womb you took on our human nature, help us to choose life in every decision we take.

We ask this in the joyful hope of eternal life with you, and in the communion of the Blessed Trinity. Amen.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us! All the Saints of Ireland, pray for us!

Tug of War

Success for The

Burren! Our local Tug Of War team, The Burren, came second in the recent All-Ireland at the 580Kg division in the Senior All Ireland at Lough Arrow, Co. Sligo on July 7th. Congratulations to our parishioners involved; Michael Flanagan, Kieran Flanagan and Micheal Considine.

www.lisdoon.ie www.facebook.com/lisdoon Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, 25th January 2015 Ave Maria! MASS OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Sunday February 8th at 4.00pm Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Toovahera

Parish Gathering and Refreshments Afterwards. All Welcome!

A Feast Day Sunday Mass will be celebrated in Toovahera Church to honour her patroness, Our Lady of Lourdes, on Sunday 8th February at 4.00pm. This celebration will follow an hour of guided prayer and adoration beginning at 3.00pm, and celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes which takes place that week. It is also World Day of Prayer for the Sick, so the Sacrament of Anointing will be offered. This celebration will be a special sign of our community’s love and ongoing prayer for those who are ill and unable to attend Mass with us every Sunday. Those who are able to come on this special afternoon will receive a very warm welcome. In the holy anointing whoever has a serious illness in body or mind, and those who are greatly weakened by their years, will have the opportunity to receive the Lord’s spiritual strength, support and healing. The guest celebrant and preacher will be Father Robert McCabe, a young army chaplain with the Irish Defence Forces. He is also a Chaplain of the shrine of Our Lady in Lourdes and has received special honours from the sanctuary there for his work in Lourdes over many years with the sick and with our soldiers and their families. He will reflect with us on the message of our Lady of Lourdes for our own lives, and also on the teaching of Pope Francis for this year’s World Day of Prayer for the Sick. At that Mass we will entrust the families of the Toovahera area, and of our whole parish, to Our Lady’s powerful intercession. Parishioners of the area may also request anniversary prayers at that Mass for their family members. I am delighted that there has been a very generous community response to help in making this occasion very special! Young parishioners will play traditional Irish music during Mass and some well-known local singers will lead us in the sacred songs. Volunteers have come forward to help steward the parking and help the traffic outside to pass smoothly. Tea and coffee and sweet treats will be offered to all at the rear of the Church after Mass. Most impressive of all is that experienced volunteers associated with the Stella Maris have kindly offered to collect any elderly or sick persons who wish to attend - they will bring them safely to the Church and back home again afterwards. Just let me or Mary Mooney know if you’d like to avail of this and we will let the local organisers know. Please spread the word about this very special occasion and warmly invite everyone! It will be a wonderful celebration for the sick and the elderly, for all who love Our Lady and of course for all who hail from the Toovahera area and who love its beautiful Church of Our Lady of Lourdes!

The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 1st to 6th July, and will be led by Bishop Martin Drennan. Full fare is €697, reserved accommodation and support is available to people with special needs at the reduced price of €590. More information from Father Martin Moran at 091 550106. Bookings, reservations and enquiries to Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. Or call them at 01 2410810 or 01 2410800.

Note From Our Parish Safeguarding Team: Just a reminder that our Parish Child Safeguarding Team has agreed the following brief parish policy on photography and video in Church whenever children are present. We ask all parishioners to implement its directives as fully as possible for the benefit of all.

TEXT FOR BOOKLETS, MASS SHEETS, PRE-LITURGY ANNOUNCEMENT etc. Photography during Mass and other liturgical services is not permitted for reasons of child safeguarding, and in order to preserve a prayerful atmosphere. Photographs may be taken beforehand or afterwards. Anyone taking pictures or video of children should ensure that they have prior permission from parents.

TEXT FOR PRE-SACRAMENTAL GATHERINGS WITH PARENTS Occasionally official parish photo and video recordings are taken of groups and special parish events in order to share a taste of parish life - using parish publications or social media - with the homebound, and with parishioners and friends of the parish who live elsewhere. Parents who do not wish to have their children included in such pictures are responsible for supervising their children closely and for withdrawing them in advance. Beautiful Crosses of Saint Brigid, made in the traditional way from rushes by the pupils of our parish primary schools, will be available at next Sunday’s Masses in our parish, the Feast of Saint Brigid. The children and teachers of the school offer them as a free spiritual gift to all who want to take one as a sign of faith for their homes. On behalf of everyone I thank them for this thoughtful generosity and for helping to keep alive our beautiful Irish customs of faith.

Blessing of Candles on The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord takes place next Monday 2nd February at 7.00pm Mass. This feast is also known as ‘Candlemas Day’ because candles remind us that the child Jesus at the temple was recognised as the ‘light to enlighten all nations’. Christians traditionally bring candles to Mass that day to be blessed for use in their homes in prayer and intercession. Why not adopt this custom if it is not already a tradition in your home? Some people like to also donate candles to the Church as a sign of their desire to be close to the Lord on the high altar of Holy Mass. Local shops will have worthy candles available to be brought along on Monday and blessed for these sacred purposes.   Day of Thanksgiving for Consecrated Women and Men. Next Monday’s Feast is also a day to thank the Lord for the gift to his Church of women and men in religious vows, and we pray to the Lord for them. If you know a religious sister, a nun, a monk or a brother, that would be a great day to thank them individually and personally for their total self-giving and their authentic witness to Christ. Especially this year - which is dedicated to all those called to the consecrated life. We thank God for them all, and ask him to bless them with continued faith, hope and love.

With sincere thanks for your generous encouragement, and assuring you of my prayers for you at Holy Mass every day. - Father Conor