27 February 2012

Screening of the Catholicism Series at Sacred Heart Church

Last Wednesday's evening's screening of the first episode of the Catholicism series was very well  received and those who attended were very impressed. Here's another series promotion clip:

video


The screenings continue during the Wednesdays of Lent at 8.15pm.

Here is the list of topics for the episodes in the weeks ahead:

Week 2:  Wednesday, 29th February 2012: The Eucharist

Week 3:  Wednesday, 7th March 2012: Mary

Week 4: Wednesday, 14th March 2012: The Church

Week 5: Wednesday, 21st March 2012: The Saints

Week 6: Wednesday, 28th March 2012: Prayer


Week 2: The Eucharist
Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven:
The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist

In this year of the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland, our video series is meant to help us deepen our faith in the Eucharist and this episode is specifically about the Mass. Fr Robert Barron takes us through the different parts of the Mass so that we can fully appreciate the meaning of each part. He also explains the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We get a sense of just how much the Eucharist unites us with Christ as well as with our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world as we visit Paris, Calcutta, Uganda, New York, the Philippines, Chartres, Mexico, Lourdes, Chicago, Athens, Rome and Orvieto, and we’ll see Mass being celebrated in many of these places.

A trailer for this week's episode can be seen here:


Join us at Sacred Heart Church for this important reflection on the Eucharist this Wednesday, 29th February 2012 at 8.15pm.

26 February 2012

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 26th 2012

First Sunday of Lent

• Today we welcome Fr Ian Buckmaster of the Missionaries of Africa (the White Fathers). His order has this year’s permission in the diocese to make the mission appeal. We ask you to be generous to the work of the White Fathers in spreading the Gospel in 22 countries of Africa from the Sahara down to South Africa. The collection will take place together with the parish offertory collection.

Trócaire boxes are available at the Church doors, so please take one for your home and family.

• Boxes with the parish weekly envelopes for Laurel Park, Ros Geal, Gort Gréine and Corrach Buí are available in the sacristy. Anybody from outside the parish who comes to Mass here and would like to make the offertory donations in this way is invited to come to the sacristy for a box of envelopes.

Application forms for attendance at the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress in Croke Park, Dublin on Sunday June 17th 2012 are available in the sacristy.

• On this coming Wednesday evening, February 29th, at 8.15pm, we will have the screening of our second episode in the Catholicism series. This episode will be about the Eucharist, and can serve as apt preparation for the Eucharistic Congress for us.

• This coming Friday, March 1st, is the First Friday of the month. The priests of the parish will visit those who are housebound due to illness or old age with Holy Communion.

• We pray for those who have died, and whose funerals took place in Sacred Heart Church during the past week:

- Colie Naughton, Corrib Park

- Kevin Cleary, Cuar na Lus

24 February 2012

Mass intentions for the week ahead 26th February 2012

Saturday 25th February 
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Mattie Duggan and 2. Owen Sheppard
Sunday 26th February
9.30 am
11am         Intention free
12.15 pm   Patrick and Mary Lawrence and Pat Ward, John Joe Ward and Nan Ward
6.30 pm     Tom and Ethel Whelan.

Monday 27th February
10am  Maria and Thomas Jackson
Tuesday 28th February
10am  For all the Sick
Wednesday 29th February
10am  Bridie Whelan
Thursday 1st March
Ann Bridget Ward
Friday 2nd March
10am  Margaret and Madge Hughes and deceased members of Hughes family.

Saturday 3rd March
                                 11.00 am  John Collins (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass                   6.30 pm  Mary Murphy

Sunday 4th March
9.30 am     Intention free
11am         Intention free
12.15 pm   Deceased members of the Dolan family
6.30 pm    Intention free

22 February 2012

Funeral of Kevin Cleary, RIP, Cuar na Lus

Removal to Sacred Heart Church for Funeral Mass on Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 at 11.30am.

Eternal rest, grant to him, Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

21 February 2012

Ash Wednesday 2012 at Sacred Heart Church

Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, February 22nd 2012. We begin our 40 day penitential preparation for Easter, by being reminded of our mortality.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass each year at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. He is seen here receiving the ashes from Cardinal Jozef Tomko.

Timetable for Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church

10.00am - Mass
7.30pm - Mass
8.15pm - Screening of the Catholicism series (50 minutes. See post below.)


For Pope Benedict's message for Lent 2012, click here.

19 February 2012

Funeral of Colie Naughton, RIP, Corrib Park

Reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, on Monday February 20th 2012 from 5.00pm with removal to Sacred Heart Church at 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11.00am. Burial after in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

Jesus said... 'I am the Resurrection and the Life' (John 11:25)

18 February 2012

First Episode of the Catholicism Series: Ash Wednesday at 8.15pm

Week 1: The Holy Land and the Story of Jesus

In the first episode of the Catholicism series, Fr Robert Barron travels around the Holy Land tracing the story of Jesus as told in the Bible. Our Catholic faith is rooted in this story, the revelation of God become man. The screening will take place at Sacred Heart Church on Ash Wednesday evening at 8.15pm. This first episode lasts 50 minutes. There is no charge. It will set the tone in terms of the beautiful filming of scenery, providing an inspiring backdrop to Fr Barron's fine teaching on our faith.
This episode will be like a free pilgrimage to the Holy Land for us as we visit the place of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, his public ministry around the Sea of Galilee, and his passion, death, Resurrection in Jerusalem, as well as other locations.

We will have individual trailers for the episodes over the coming weeks. The first is a general introduction to the series with some reference to this first episode:

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 19th 2012

• Wednesday next, February 22nd 2012 is Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Masses here in Sacred Heart Church will be at 10am and 7.30pm with blessing and distribution of ashes.

• For Lent, we will have the Morning Prayer of the Church before weekday Mass at 9.50am.

• The Trócaire boxes for Lent this year are now available at the doors of the Church. Please take one for your home and family.

• Something new for Lent – beginning on Ash Wednesday at 8.15pm and continuing at the same time for the Wednesdays of Lent, we will be screening the Catholicism series at Sacred Heart Church. This should help us to deepen and renew our faith this Lent. See post above.

• The parish boxes with the weekly envelopes will be distributed before March 1st.

• The annual Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from July 1st to 6th 2012, led by Bishop Martin Drennan. Cost €697 includes taxes, transfers, accommodation, coach to and from Shannon airport. Deposit €80 per person. For those with special needs, full fare is €585 and special arrangements and accommodation will be provided. Bookings, all reservations and enquiries to: Fahy Travel Ltd., 3 Bridge Street, Galway. Tel: (091) 594744 or (091) 594747.

• The International Eucharistic Congress committee has allocated 757 tickets to the Galway Diocese for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress in Croke Park, Dublin on Sunday June 17th 2012. If you would like to attend, forms are available in the sacristy of Sacred Heart Church. Application does not guarantee a ticket. Applications will be processed so as to ensure a fair distribution of the tickets throughout the diocese. All applicants will be informed as to whether or not they will receive a ticket. Those allocated a ticket will be asked to contribute €10 to meet the costs of the Eucharistic Congress. The provisional timetable for the day sees the doors opening at Croke Park at 12 noon, with the ceremony starting at 2pm and ending at 5.30pm.

• The Months Mind Mass for Martin McDonagh, Ashe Road, will take place here in Sacred Heart Church on Ash Wednesday Evening at 7.30pm.

• We pray for those who died recently:

- Mary Kelly, Corrib Park

- Sr Alphonsus O’Malley, Presentation Convent, Presentation Road

- Michael Dinnen, Omagh and late of Corrib Park

17 February 2012

Consistory: New Cardinals this Saturday

Soon to be Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, a good friend to Ireland

This Saturday, February 18th 2012, Pope Benedict will place the red hat on the heads of 22 new Cardinals. The colour red symbolises readiness to shed one's blood for Christ, to endure martyrdom for the faith if necessary. The office of Cardinal derives from the historical responsibility of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome as the close collaborators of the Pope, and hence the Cardinals are the electors of a Pope. To maintain this bond with Rome, each Cardinal is assigned a titular Church in Rome, where he visits when in the city. For example, the titular Church of Cardinal Sean Brady is the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta in the Roman Forum.
The heads of the dicasteries (departments) of the curia, because they closely help the Pope in the exercise of his authority, are usually made Cardinals. Several of these offices have received newly appointed heads recently, and thus many of the new intake this time are of this category. They are: Archbishops Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, João Braz de Aviz (Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), Manuel Monteiro de Castro (Major Penitentiary), Giuseppe Bertello (President of the Vatican Governorate), Domenico Calcagno (Chairman of the Administration for the Patrimony of the Apostolic See), Giuseppe Versaldi (President of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs of the Holy See), Santos Abril y Castelló (Archpriest of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore), Edwin Frederick O'Brien (grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre), Antonio Maria Vegliò (President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People) and Francesco Coccopalmerio (President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts).
Also on the list are eight diocesan Bishops: Archbishops Giuseppe Betori (Archbishop of Florence), George Alencherry (Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church), Thomas Christopher Collins (Archbishop of Toronto), Willem Jocoby Eijk (Archbishop of Utrecht), Rainer Maria Woelki (Archbishop of Berlin), Timothy Michael Dolan (Archbishop of New York) and Dominik Duka (Archbishop of Prague) and Bishop John Tong Hon (Bishop of Hong Kong).
It is a practice also for the Pope to give the red hat to some priests, over eighty years of age, and thus not eligible to vote in a conclave, who have given distinguished service to God and the Church in the field of scholarship. This time, he is naming three of these Cardinals along with a distinguished Archbishop: Fr. Prosper Grech, consultant to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fr. Karl Josef Becker, professor emeritus of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Msgr. Julien Ries, Professor Emeritus of History of Religions at the Catholic University of Leuven, and Archbishop Lucian Muresan, Major Archbishop of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church.
A nice feature of the day of the Consistory is that the Papal Household is opened up to the public to go in and greet the new Cardinals. Huge crowds of Romans, visiting guests of the new Cardinals, pilgrims and many others, go in for this special occasion.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 19th February 2012

Saturday 18th February
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  Vincent and Alacoque Scally, Ursula and James Scally
Sunday 19th February
9.30 am   Intention free
11am       Thomas Glynn
12.15 pm Bridget O'Reilly
3.00 - 6.00 pm  Indian Community Mass
6.30 pm  Margaret (Peggy) Whelan

Monday 20th February    10am  Michael Hannon
Tuesday 21st  February   10am  For all the Sick
Wednesday 22nd February  Ash Wednesday
                                          10  am  Intention free
                                         7.30pm  Martin mcDonagh (Months Mind Mass)
Thursday 23rd February
                                         10am  Intention free
Friday 24th February
                                         10am  1.  Michael, Mary and John Burke and
                                                        all the deceased members of Holland & Burke families.
                                                   2.  Bernard Lee and deceased members of family.

Saturday 25th February
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Mattie Duggan and 2. Owen Sheppard

Sunday 26th February
9.30 am      Intention free
11am          Intention free
12.15 pm   Patrick and Mary Lawrence and Pat, John Joe and Nan Ward.
6.30 pm     Tom and Ethel Whelan.

16 February 2012

Funeral of Michael Dinnen, Omagh and Corrib Park

Reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, on Friday, February 17th 2012 from 7.45pm with removal to Sacred Heart Church at 8.30pm, to arrive at the Church at 9pm approx. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10am. Burial in Rahoon Cemetery.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Lenten Faith Videos: The Catholicism Series at Sacred Heart Church

This Lent, starting on the evening of Ash Wednesday, February 22nd 2012, at 8.15pm each Wednesday of Lent, we will have a screening of the Catholicism DVDs at Sacred Heart Church.

Here is the description given by the makers of the series:

Catholicism Series: Journey Around the World and Deep into the Faith
Witness the most significant story ever told.
For the first time, in breathtaking, high-definition cinematography, the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith is illustrated in a rich, multimedia experience.
Journey with acclaimed author, speaker and theologian Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 15 countries.
Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth's people.
From the sacred lands of Israel to the beating heart of Uganda, from the glorious shrines of Italy, France, and Spain, to the streets of Mexico, Kolkata, and New York City, the mystery of Catholicism is revealed.
Discover the full meaning of the Faith.

You can watch a two minute trailer on a previous post by clicking here. But, if you'd like to see a nine minute set of highlights of the series, see this video clip:


15 February 2012

Legion of Mary Discussion on Mary and Evangelisation


Discussion group (Patricians) in preparation for the
International Eucharistic Congress, Dublin, 2012.
Title: Mary and Evangelisation
Legion of Mary House, 15 Fr Griffin Road, Galway
Thursday February 23rd 2012
Everyone welcome
Enquiries: Contact 086 0806592

Thanks to Novena Helpers


We have received this message from Galway Cathedral:

The Bishop and the Priests of the Cathedral would like to express their appreciation and thanks to all from the parish who assisted as Ministers of the Eucharist, as Stewards or in any other capacity during the Solemn Novena.
Mass will be offered at the Cathedral especially to ask God's blessing on all helpers and their families.

With every good wish,
Yours sincerely,
Cathedral Clergy

13 February 2012

Funeral of Mary Kelly, RIP, Corrib Park

Reposing at Irwin’s Funeral Home, Bóthar Irwin, on Tuesday, February 14th 2012, from 6pm with removal at 7.30pm to Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11.00am. Burial in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

Suaimhneas síoraí tabhair di a Thiarna.

St Valentine's Day and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart statue in the Church of the Sacred Heart
St Valentine's Day is a good time to remember that 'God is love' (1 John 4:16), and our Church and parish are dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a heart that beats with love for us.
St Valentine's feast is not on the current liturgical calendar because we have so little information on his life story. There are relics of St Valentine in the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street in Dublin.
On the liturgical calendar for February 14th is the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers in the ninth century who were missionaries to the Slavic peoples. In Moravia, they used their own translation of the Scriptures in the local language. To do this, they devised an alphabet, now known as Cyrillic. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them Patrons of Europe.

Notices Received

Lough Derg
A Day of Friendship & Prayer, Ash Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Guest speaker: Brother David Jardine, Director of Interdenominational Divine Healing Ministries
Boats run from 10:30am.
Brother David will give the Address at 12 noon; this will be followed by lunch (soup and sandwiches). After lunch you will have time to meet people from other Churches and enjoy the peace of the Island.
Suggested donation €20 includes refreshments on arrival and light lunch.
Departure 2:30pm
Book now to avoid disappointment:
Telephone 071 9861518 (from NI 686 32391)
or email info@loughderg.org http://www.loughderg.org/


Monthly Talks at Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Monthly Guest Speakers : Mr. John Waters (journalist, editor and magazine columnist) will launch a series of monthly talks addressing current issues in society beginning on Tuesday 6th March at 7:30p.m. in the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith.

11 February 2012

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 12th 2012

Daily Mass continues as usual here in Sacred Heart Church this week from Monday to Friday at 10am. Mass on Tuesday morning is offered for the sick. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues every evening, seven evenings a week, from 8pm to 10pm. Sacrament of Confession every Saturday evening from 6pm.

• The Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues in Galway Cathedral until this coming Tuesday, February 14th 2012. For details and times, see our previous post.

• We’ll have something new this Lent in the parish. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 at 8.15pm, and continuing for the Wednesdays of Lent, we will have a screening of the Catholicism videos, which will help us to deepen, enlighten and renew our faith. All are welcome. For a trailer, see our previous post.

• The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from July 1st to 6th 2012, led by Bishop Martin Drennan. Cost €697 includes taxes, transfers, accommodation, coach to and from Shannon airport. Deposit €80 per person. For those with special needs, full fare is €585 and special arrangements and accommodation will be provided. Bookings, all reservations and enquiries to: Fahy Travel Ltd., 3 Bridge Street, Galway. Tel: (091) 594744 or (091) 594747. See details on the Church noticeboard.

• We pray for those who died recently:

- Dorothy Ridgard, Corrib Park

- Kevin O’Brien, Youghal and formerly of Cruachan Park

- Nell Fitzgerald, Bárr na Carraige, Fort Lorenzo

- Fr Gerry O’Riordan, Cork and USA, uncle of Frank Keane, Principal of Scoil Bhríde

10 February 2012

Mass intentions for the week ahead 12th February 2012

Saturday 11th February 
                  11.00 am  Bob Cronly (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Margaret Cooke and 2. John Robinson

Sunday 12th February
9.30 am  Rose Sheehan and deceased members of Sheehan family
11am      1.  Michael and John Tierney and deceased members of family.
              2.  Joan Coffey
12.15pm  Norah Naughton and 2. Michael Folan
6.30 pm   Phil Cahill

Monday 13th February        10am  Colman Keane
Tuesday 14th February        10am  For all the Sick
Wednesday 15th February  10am  Mary and William Shannon and deceased members
Thursday 16th February      10am  Intention free
Friday 17th February           10am  Intention free

Saturday 18th February
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Vincent and Alacoque Scally and Ursula and James Scally

Sunday 19th February
            9.30 am  Intention free
          11.00am   Thomas Glynn
         12.15 pm  Bridget O'Reilly
3.00 - 6.00 pm  Indian Community Mass
          6.30 pm  Margaret (Peggy) Whelan

9 February 2012

Sacred Heart Parishioners at Galway Novena


The annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, given by the Redemptorist Fathers at Galway Cathedral is well under way at this stage. For times and details, see previous post. A lot of Sacred Heart Parishioners are attending the Novena.

Sacred Heart parishioners Nora and Sean O'Flaherty at the Novena

Sacred Heart parishioner Fintan Scally helping out at the Novena with Pat Ridge

8 February 2012

Funeral of Dorothy Ridgard, RIP, Corrib Park

Removal from her home on Wednesday, February 8th 2012 at 7.30pm to Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass at 11.00am on Thursday. Burial in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection, until you come again.

4 February 2012

Lent at Sacred Heart Parish: Catholicism - from Ash Wednesday at 8.15pm

See the trailer for our Lenten series of videos, on Wednesdays of Lent, from Ash Wednesday, February 22nd at 8.15pm, here at Sacred Heart Church.

Galway Cathedral Solemn Novena 2012


The annual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, given by the Redemptorist Fathers, takes place at Galway Cathedral from Monday, February 6th 2012 until Tuesday 14th February.

There are six sessions each day, as follows:
Monday-Saturday: 07:45, 11:00, 13:10, 15:30, 19:30, 21:30
Sunday: 09:00, 10:30, 12:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:15

The preachers at the novena this year are Fr Séamus Enright CSsR, Fr Brendan Keane CSsR and Fr Derek Ryan CSsR.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Thursday 9 February is devoted to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Four of the sessions that day (07:45, 13:10, 19:30 & 21:30) are services of reconciliation; there will be mass at the remaining two (11:00 & 15:30), with confessions before and after.

Anointing of the Sick
The sick will be anointed at the 11:00 session on Saturday 11 February.

Blessing of Babies & Children
Children & babies will be blessed after all sessions on Sunday 12 February.

Candlelight Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
There will be an hour of quiet prayer by candlelight before the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday 8 February and Monday 13 February, between 22:00 and 23:00 both evenings.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 5th 2012

• Morning Mass at the usual time on the weekdays Monday to Friday at 10.00am here in Sacred Heart Church this week.

• The Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will begin in Galway Cathedral this Monday, February 6th 2012 and will continue until Tuesday, February 14th. See post above for full details.

• Thank you for your contributions to the special collection last Sunday for the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre, which raised €850.

• The Christmas collection for the priests of the parish (who receive a fixed salary) came to €17,350. This was only down very slightly on last year’s figure of €17,700 and so we thank you for your generosity in such difficult times. Our sincere thanks, gratitude, and prayers.

• Something new for Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd 2012. We will have a screening of a Lenten series of videos on faith and Catholicism to deepen, enlighten and renew our faith. Sacred Heart Church – Wednesdays of Lent 2012 at 8.15pm. See trailer in post above.

• The Months Mind Mass for the late Bob Cronly of Inishannagh Park will be celebrated here in Sacred Heart Church next Saturday morning, February 11th, at 11.00am.

3 February 2012

Mass intentions for the week ahead 5th February 2012

Saturday 4th February
11am      Martin O'Connor  (Months Mind Mass)
12noon   Larry Allen  (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm   Rita Boland and 2.   Frank Keane

Sunday 5th February
9.30am      Intention free
11am        Gerard McDonagh and 2.  Gabriel Murphy
12.15 pm  Maura Hoade and 2. Paddy Johnston
6.30 pm    Thomas Anderson and 2. Kathleen Higgins

Monday 6th February   10am  Intention free
Tuesday 7th February   10am  For all the Sick and Annie, Patrick and Eddie Ward and
                                                deceased members.
Wednesday 8th February   10am  Eileen Tierney
Thursday 9th February       10am  Jarlath Reidy
Friday 10th February         10am  Bobby Craughwell

Saturday 11th February
                   11am              Bob Cronly (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass     6.30 pm       Margaret Cooke and 2. John Robinson
     
Sunday 12th February
9.30 am  Intention free
11am     1. Michael and John Tierney and deceased members of family.
12.15 pm   Norah Naughtron
6.30 pm     Phil Cahill.

2 February 2012

Blessing of Throats for Feast of Saint Blaise: 10am and 7.30pm Masses

Saint Blaise
This Friday, January 3rd 2012, is the Feast of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. Saint Blaise was a Bishop in Armenia in the fourth century. He was renowned for his holiness of life and had a gift of healing. However, during the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Licinius, he was arrested. On the way to prison, a mother brought him her son, who was choking to death having swallowed a fish-bone. By Blaise's prayers, the child was cured. In the prison, an old woman brought Blaise two wax candles to light up his dark cell. Therefore, we have the tradition of asking his intercession on his feast day each year, and having the blessing of throats using two candles, blessed the previous day, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. St Blaise was martyred for his faith in the prison by being raked with iron combs.
Here in Sacred Heart Church, on the Feast Day, there will be Masses at 10.00am and 7.30pm at which Fr Malachy and Fr Hugh will bless throats.

1 February 2012

Notices Received

From Siobhain Bradley, Youth Ministry, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Árus de Brún:

Making a place at the table for our young people: A youth day in preparation for the Eucharistic Congress to be held at the Poor Clare Monastery, Nuns’ Island, Galway on Saturday 3rd March 2012, from 1-6pm. Main Speaker is Fr. Eamonn O’Driscoll OFM. The day includes music, testimonies, talks, a guided Holy Hour, and also the opportunity to meet with the sisters. The day will conclude with a youthful Mass. This event is geared at young men and women, ages of 18-35. For more info: See www.poorclares.ie or their Facebook page (Poor Clares Galway).

NATIONAL YOUTH FAITH CONFERENCE: Following last year's success, the youth of Tullamore Junior Parish Pastoral Council have organised another National Youth Conference. The event takes place on Saturday 25th February in St. Mary's Youth and Community Centre, Tullamore from 9am-5pm. The theme of this years conference is " Our Faith, Lets Celebrate". The day will be filled with music, workshops, guest speakers, and discussions. It is organised and geared towards young people between 12-18, and their group leaders. For information on booking a place to this event, contact Siobhain Bradley on 091-565066.


From Ability West:

The annual Menlo Walk in aid of Ability West is taking place on Sunday next February 12th. It starts at the Menlo school at 12 noon and there will be light refreshments in Áras Pobail afterwards. Registration is on the day, Single €10 and Families €25. For further details contact Brega Kelly 087 6179886.
Cathal Ryan


From Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association:

To mark European Epilepsy Day, February the 13th, Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association will hold an Awareness/Information Evening in the Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road, Galway.
Date: Feb 13th at 8pm.
Talk will be given by Teresa Leahy, Neurology Nurse Specialist, UHG.
Admission Free.
Please contact Evelyn at 091 568180 if you wish to attend.
Evelyn Monson Kirby
Community Resource Officer
Brainwave,
The Irish Epilepsy Association
E: crogalway.brainwave@epilepsy.ie
W: http://www.epilepsy.ie/

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Blessing of Candles, 2nd February


This Thursday, 2nd February 2012, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, because we have the blessing at Mass on this day of candles for liturgical and devotional use.
It is 40 days since Christmas and so we commemorate Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to present him to God in the Temple, as their first-born child, along with two birds to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with the Law of Moses.
In the Gospel of the Mass (Luke 2:22-40), we read of Simeon and Anna, two elderly people who loved to be in the Temple, living in expectation of the coming of the Messiah. They recognised the One they were waiting for. Simeon's words recognise Jesus as the light, and hence the blessing of the candles today, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world. These were his words:

Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.'
On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church is celebrating the Day of Consecrated Life, so we pray for all religious Sisters and Brothers, and all who are specially consecrated to the Lord, especially those in this parish and we pray for new vocations to religious life in Ireland.

Mass with blessing of candles in Sacred Heart Church on Thursday, 2nd February 2012 at 10am.

Here is a video clip of Sr Colette, Mother Abbess of the Poor Clares here in Galway, talking about vocation and prayer:


31 January 2012

St Brigid's Day, 1st February


Saint Brigid (454 - 542 A.D.), Abbess and secondary patron of Ireland, was born near Dundalk. When she was young, her father wanted to arrange a marriage for her, but she insisted on consecrating her virginity to God. She settled with seven other virgins under a large oak tree, giving the name Cill Dara (the Church of the oak) to that place. She received the veil and her spiritual formation from Saint Mel of Ardagh. She founded a monastery for women and one for men with the assistance of the Bishop Saint Conleth.
The Saint Brigid's cross originated from a visit by Saint Brigid to a chieftain who was dying. Christians in his household called Brigid to talk to him about Christ. In trying to explain about Jesus to him, she picked rushes from the floor and wove them into a cross. She explained the faith so well that the chieftain converted to the faith just before he died.
The other famous story about Saint Brigid is that of her cloak. She asked the King of Leinster for land to build a convent. The king refused, but she asked him, 'Will you just give me as much land as my cloak will cover?' He agreed and she spread her cloak on the ground. She got four friends to spread the cloak out on the ground and it kept spreading in all four directions until it covered many acres. The king too became a Christian.
Mass in Sacred Heart Church for the Feast at 10am this Wednesday, 1st February 2012.

The original Telefis Eireann logo was the Saint Brigid's cross

In fact, the Saint Brigid's Cross was part of a succession of RTE logos up until 1996

30 January 2012

Peace doves prefer to stay with the Pope!

Each year, the children of Catholic Action of the Diocese of Rome celebrate January as a 'Month of Peace'. Therefore, two children assisted Pope Benedict XVI in releasing two peace doves from the window of his room overlooking St Peter's Square after he had led the Angelus yesterday. However, the doves were not too eager to leave, prompting the Pope to exclaim, 'Mamma mia! They want to stay in the house of the Pope!'

28 January 2012

Parish Announcements for Sunday, January 29th 2012

• The annual special collection for the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre at Árus de Brún takes place along with the usual offertory collection at all Masses this Sunday. The pastoral centre enables Galway parishes to pool resources in many ways that cooperation makes sense. Services provided at Árus de Brún include parenting skills courses, faith support for parents of young children, child welfare services, bereavement counselling, Rainbows bereavement support for children, youth and adults, primary school catechetical support, secondary school catechetical support, secondary school retreats, youth ministry, adult faith development initiatives, parish life ministry formation courses, liturgical renewal resources, spirituality and prayer development support, and faith formation for new members of the Catholic Church.

• This coming Thursday, February 2nd 2012, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas Day. At the 10am Mass, candles will be blessed for use in the Church and in your homes.

• This coming Friday, February 3rd 2012, is the Feast of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. Throats will be blessed at 10am Mass and at an extra Mass in the evening at 7.30pm.

• Friday is also the First Friday of the month and so Monsignor Malachy and Fr Hugh will visit those who are housebound due to illness or old age with Holy Communion.

• There will be a celebration of music, prayer and reflection for the Feast of St Brigid in Galway Cathedral on Wednesday 1st February at 7.30pm.

• The Christmas offering envelopes for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during the Sundays of January.

• The annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place in Galway Cathedral this year from Monday 6th until Tuesday 14th February 2012. Weekday times: 7.45am. 11.00am, 1.10pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Sunday times: 9.00am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm and 8.15pm.

• We pray for Eddie King Snr, late of Corrib Park, who has died in Canada. There will be a Mass for him in the Abbey Church next Wednesday at 4.00pm.

27 January 2012

Mass intentions for the week ahead 29th January 2012

Saturday 28th Janaury 
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm 1. James Butler and 2. John Daly

Sunday 29th January
9.30 am   Rita and John Lyons
11am       1.  Annie Creane and birthday remembrance for Bill Keane
                2.  Geraldine Browne-O'Neill
12.15pm  1.  Bridie Staunton and 2.  Bernard McDonagh
6.30 pm    1.  Bridie Whelan and 2.  Richard Ryan

Monday 30th January 10am  'Holy Souls'
Tuesday 31st January 10am  For all the Sick and Special Intention
Wednesday 1st February  Feast of St. Brigid
                                      10am  Norbert P. Colbert who died recently
Thursday 3rd February Feast of the Presentation (Candlesmas Day)
                                    10am   Deceased members of the Reidy family.
Friday 4th February  Feast of St Blaise (Blessing of Throats)
                             10.00am   Mary and Patrick Laffey
                               7.30 pm  Michael Tarpey and Margaret Feeney.

Saturday 4th February    11am     Martin O'Connor (Months Mind Mass)
                                         12 noon  Larry Allen (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass                      6.30 pm  1. Rita Boland and 2.  Frank Keane

Sunday 5th February
9.30 am  Intention free
11am     1. Gerard McDonagh and 2. Gabriel Murphy
12.15pm   1. Maura Hoade and 2. Paddy Johnston
6.30 pm   1.  Thomas Anderson and Kathleen Higgins.

21 January 2012

Funeral of Martin McDonagh, RIP, Ashe Road, Shantalla

Reposing at Conneely's Funeral Home on Monday, January 23rd 2012 from 6.00pm until 7.30pm. Removal then at 7.30pm to Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11.00am.

Eternal rest, grant to him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, January 22nd 2012

There will not be morning Mass here in Sacred Heart Church this coming Monday January 23rd, Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th.
Mass will be celebrated in Galway Cathedral at 11am on those mornings.

Mass will resume here on Friday 27th January at 10.00am.

• The Christmas offering envelopes for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during the Sundays of January. Thank you for your contributions.

• To mark the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an Ecumenical Service of Support for those suffering grief and loss will take place at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Thursday January 26th 2012 at 8pm. See post below.

• The annual Galway Cathedral Solemn Novena will take place this year from Monday February 6th until Tuesday February 14th 2012. For full details of times, etc., see here.

• A new youth variety club for ages 7-18 will meet every Friday in St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla (behind Aldi) from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Registration takes place at 7.30pm on Friday January 27th 2012. More volunteers needed. All information can be found on the notice board at the back of the Church.

• We pray for Martin McDonagh of Ashe Road, Shantalla, who has died. See funeral arrangements in separate post above.

20 January 2012

Legion of Mary Talk and Discussion

Mass intentions for the week ahead 22nd January 2012

Saturday 21st January
                 11am  Bridget Lee  (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Sinead Darcy

Sunday 22nd January
9.30 am          Mattie and Mary Connolly
11am         1.  Paddy Grehan and 2.  Gerald Naughton
12.15 pm   1.  Pauline Caulfield, Michael McGuire, Michael Snr and Catherine McGuire
                  2.  Mary Egan and Anthony Fahy
6.30 pm    1.   Agnes, Pierce, John, Ian and Barry Wade and 2. Michael Corcoran Jnr.

No Morning Mass from Monday 23rd January - Thursday 26th January - Annual Priests Conference

Friday 27th January   10am  Helen Sweeney and Mick O'Leary


Saturday 28th January
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  James Butler and John Daly

Sunday 29th January
9.30 am       Rita and John Lyons
11am     1.   Annie Creane and Birthday remembrance for Bill Keane
              2.  Geraldine Browne-O'Neill
12.15 pm    Bridie Staunton and 2. Bernard McDonagh
6.30 pm      Bridie Whelan and 2.  Richard Ryan

17 January 2012

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
This Wednesday, 18th January 2012 begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. During this week, we intensify our prayer that the followers of Christ may be united.

We have received word from Fr Diarmuid Hogan, ecumenical representative for the diocese, of the Ecumenical Service at the end of the week:

'To mark the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an Ecumenical Service of Support for those suffering grief and loss will take place at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Thursday January 26th 2012 at 8pm.
The well known author and broadcaster Christy Kenneally will speak.
Everyone is welcome to this ecumenical event, particularly those who are experiencing bereavement in their lives.'

15 January 2012

Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Church

The congregation at Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Church today
Sunday Mass times at Sacred Heart Church are:
Vigil Mass, Saturday evening: 6.30pm
Sunday: 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.15pm & 6.30pm

Can anyone doubt that Sunday, our observance of the Lord’s Day, is essential for the Catholic Church, for the vibrancy of our Catholic faith, for the clarity of our Catholic identity?’
- Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy, St Patrick’s Day Letter to the Archdiocese of New York, 17th March 2010

14 January 2012

Parish Announcements for Sunday, January 15th 2012

• The First Holy Communion classes of Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla will be present with their families for this Sunday’s 11am Mass, following the Do this in Memory programme. There will be refreshments after Mass in the meeting room off the sacristy.

• The 10am Mass every Tuesday continues to be offered for those who are sick from the parish and sick relatives and family of parishioners. You are welcome to put the names of those you would like included in the Book of the Sick in the sacristy.

• The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this coming Wednesday, 18th January and runs until the following Wednesday, 25th January 2012. We pray for the unity of all the followers of Christ.

• The Christmas offerings for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during the Sundays of January.

• The Months Mind Mass for the late Bridget Lee of Corrib Park will be celebrated here in Sacred Heart Church next Saturday, January 21st at 11am.

• We pray for those who died during the past week –

- Larry Allen, Highfield Park, whose funeral took place here

- Andy Ruane, Hastings, England, brother of Pearl O’Kennedy, Shantalla Place.

Notice Received

Cystic Fibrosis Association Church Gate Collection

The Galway Branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland has been granted a permit for the annual Church gate collection for this weekend, 14th and 15th January, 2012 in Galway City and County.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disease which affects the lungs and digestive system of over 1100 children and young adults in Ireland.
Marie Brennan, Honorary Secretary, Galway Branch of CF

13 January 2012

Eucharistic Congress News



Here is a video about booking to attend the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin this coming June: http://www.icatholic.ie/videos/iec-2012-dublin-booking/


Here, then, are some notices from the organisers of the Congress:

New Year’s Resolution to Volunteer

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress are delighted to announce that they have now over 700 registered volunteers from all over Ireland and continue their call to volunteers as more are needed. Recently, the first volunteer induction training sessions were held and there will be more induction training sessions in January. Why not make it your News Years’ resolution to volunteer. Register now and make a difference!


International Theology Symposium Announced

The Theology Symposium is a meeting of graduates in theology and academics to reflect on the theme “The Eucharistic Ecclesiology of Communion Fifty Years after Vatican II”. It takes place in St Patrick's College, Maynooth, from 6th until 9th June 2012, the week before The 50th International Eucharistic Congress. There will be plenary sessions, seminars and liturgies enriched by expert contributions from international scholars across the disciplines of Theology. Read more about the Symposium and book online: www.iec2012.ie/theologysymposium


The IEC2012 on Facebook

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress invites you to join the preparations to the Congress via Facebook. Through their social media, the Congress team are making available news, photos, videos, reflections, interesting links, website updates, spiritual resources and much more! Go to www.facebook.com/IEC2012 and press “like”. You are also welcome to subscribe to the IEC2012 online newsletter to keep up to date with all the latest Congress news on www.iec2012.ie/subscribe


Opportunities to Exhibit at the 50th International Eucharistic Congress

During the week of the Congress, the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will have an indoor exhibition spaces hosting over 100 exhibition stands as well as other exhibition areas around the RDS. These will allow commercial organisations and Church to represent themselves and offer religious goods, Irish craft products and services to thousands of pilgrims. The exhibition layout is now available and bookings are being taken by email: exhibition@iec2012.ie


Mass intentions for the week ahead 15th January 2012

Saturday 14th January  11.00 am  Aeneas Coyle (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass                      6.30 pm  1.  Mary Forde and 2.  Ellen Hynes

Sunday 15th January 
9.30 am    Kevin Fitzgerald and all the deceased members of the Powell
                and Fitzgerlad families.
11.00am  Betty Troddyn
12.15 pm Andrew Rodgers (1st Anniversary)
6.30 pm   Chris and Joe Fitzpatrick and 2. Michael O'Malley.

Monday 16th January
10am  Paddy, Mattie, Christy Lally and deceased members of Lally family.
Tuesday 17th January
10am For all the Sick and Mike Cassidy and Liam Keane
Wednesday 18th January
10am  Harry Lydon
6.00 pm  - 8.00 pm  Indian Community Mass
Thursday 19th January
10am  Intention free
Friday 20th January
10am  Bartley and Kathleen Molloy

Saturday 21st January
                11.00 am  Bridget Lee (Months Mind Mass)
                12 noon    Martin O'Connor (MOnths Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  Sinead Darcy

Sunday 22nd January
9.30 am  Mattie and Mary Connolly
11am      Paddy Grehan and 2. Gerald Naughton
12.15 pm  1. Pauline Caulfield, Michael McGuire, Michael Snr and Catherine McGuire
6.30 pm    1. Agnes, Pierce, John, Ian and Barry Wade and 2. Michael Corcoran Jnr.

10 January 2012

Notices Received

Beginning Experience
For those who have lost a spouse through separation, divorce or death, this is a 9-week programme to enable participants to work through grief and pain with people who understand.
Information Night on Wednesday, 11th January 2012 at 8.00pm in Arus de Brun, Newtownsmith, Galway. The programme will commence on Wednesday, 18th January 2012.
For information, telephone Mary at 087 2613541 or 091 550140; Anne at 087 7854990 or 091 523014 (after 6pm); Martin at 086 2238085.


St Mary's College Open Evening
for prospective students and parents

Monday, 16th January 2012, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Closing date for receipt of applications for new 1st year boys for academic year 2012/2013 is Friday, 20th January, 2012 at 4.00pm

Scholarship Exam: Saturday, 21st January 2012 at 9.30am

Application forms and prospectus can be obtained from the Principal.
Tel No. (091) 522369/521984

Email: office@stmaryscollege.ie
Website: http://www.stmaryscollege.ie/



Parenting Course at Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Teen Parenting

Venue Arus de Brun, Newtownsmith,

Date 19th Jan, 2012

Time: 8 p.m.

Duration 6 weeks

Cost €50.00

Enquires Eilish/Eileen 091-565066
 
 
Thanks from Goal
Inspite of inclement weather conditions, the annual GOAL mile held in Dangan Athletic Track, Newcastle, on Christmas Day, was a resounding success again this year, with over 300 men, women and children participating in this fundraising event. Braving the wind and the rain, people of all ages took to the track and raised €4,871.45 for GOAL’s humanitarian programmes across the developing world. On behalf of GOAL, Maura Lennon extended a huge thank you to all who took part , and to those who helped organize this event. “ Yet again the people of Galway showed the true spirit of Christmas by supporting GOAL and in the process, have helped to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people who are living in impoverished conditions in the developing world. A special thanks to Mick Roche; PJ Coyle and to those who volunteered on the day helping with the registration and distribution of certificates to those who participated. Finally, a big thank you to the Mayoress of Galway City, Hildegard Naughton who took time out of her busy schedule to attend.
Maura Lennon

First Communion children at 11am Mass this Sunday, 15th January 2012

Scoil Bhride, Shantalla
This coming Sunday, 15th January at 11am here in Sacred Heart Church the second class children of Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla will come together with their families at the same Mass, as we follow the journey of the Do this in Memory programme towards First Holy Communion. We are now into 2012, the year the Eucharistic Congress will take place here in Ireland, a special year in which to receive the Lord in Communion for the first time.

The children and parents are invited to stay on after Mass for refreshments in the meeting room off the sacristy.

Let’s accompany this year’s First Communicants with our prayers.

7 January 2012

Funeral of Larry Allen, RIP, Beechmount Road, Highfield Park

Reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Home, Munster Avenue on Tuesday January 10th 2012 from 5.00pm with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart at 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday January 11th at 11.00am.

Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, January 8th 2012

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has recommenced and takes place every evening of the week from 8pm until 10pm in the side chapel here in Sacred Heart Church.

Sr Imelda O’Sullivan is organising guided meditation and prayer from a Biblical perspective starting on Monday 16th January 2012 at 7.30pm. Donation €2. For details contact Kieran Burke 087-2996322.

The Corrib Park 40th anniversary reunion takes place in the Clayton Hotel next Saturday evening, January 14th. Some tickets are still available. See Church noticeboard for details.

The Christmas offering envelopes for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during the Sundays of January. We thank those who have already returned them.

The Months Mind Mass for the late Aeneas Coyle of Maunsells Park will be celebrated here in the Church next Saturday, January 14th at 11.00am.

We pray for those who died during the week:

- Bob Cronly, Inishannagh Park

- Martin Murphy, Thonabrucky

- Larry Allen, Beechmount Road, Highfield Park (see funeral arrangements in post above.)

6 January 2012

Mass intentions for the week ahead 8th January 2012

Saturday 7th January
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm  1.  Michael Comber and 2. Ruth Browne

Sunday 8th January
9.30 am    Deceased members of the Doherty and McKee families.
11am        Mabel and Paddy Walsh and 2. John and Billy Ward
12.15 pm  Frank Nally and 2. Pascal Lally and deceased members of Lally family.
6.30pm     Teresa and Joseph Geoghegan

Monday 9th January
10am  James and Helen Hegarty
Tuesday 10th January
10am  For all the Sick and Malcolm Shaughnessy (Birthday Remembrance)
Wednesday 11th January
10am  Anna Leigh-Cleere
Thursday 12th January
10am  William and Josephine Munnelly
Friday 13th January
10am   Intention free

Saturday 14th January 11am  Aeneas Coyle (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Mary Forde and 2. Ellen Hynes

Sunday 15th January
9.30 am  Kevin Fitzgerald and all the deceased members of the Powell and Fitzgerald families.
11am       Betty Troddyn
12.15pm  Andrew Rodgers (1st Anniversary)
6.30pm    Chris and Joe Fitzpatrick and 2. Michael O'Malley.

5 January 2012

Episcopal Ordination of New Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland

Monsignor, soon to be Archbishop Charles Brown
At the Mass in St Peter's Basilica, Rome on the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Benedict XVI will ordain Monsignor Charles Brown a Bishop for service as the new Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland along with Monsignor Marek Solczynski who will serve as Apostolic Nuncio in Georgia and Armenia.  It has been Pope Benedict's practice usually to have the Cardinal Secretary of State ordain as Bishops new nuncios and others in senior positions of service in the Curia. Therefore, it can be seen as a sign of the Pope's special care for Ireland that he will personally ordain Mons. Brown a Bishop.
The ceremony can be viewed live on EWTN on television or internet (click here for the internet coverage) from 8.30am Irish time this Friday, 6th January 2012.
We pray for the renewal of the Church in Ireland, along the lines set out by Pope Benedict in his Letter to the Catholics of Ireland and Prayer for the Church in Ireland. Here is the Pope's Prayer:


Prayer for the Church in Ireland


God of our fathers,
renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation,
the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal,
the charity which purifies and opens our hearts
to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ,
may the Church in Ireland renew her age-old commitment
to the education of our young people in the way of truth and goodness, holiness and generous service to society.

Holy Spirit, comforter, advocate and guide,
inspire a new springtime of holiness and apostolic zeal
for the Church in Ireland.

May our sorrow and our tears,
our sincere effort to redress past wrongs,
and our firm purpose of amendment
bear an abundant harvest of grace
for the deepening of the faith
in our families, parishes, schools and communities,
for the spiritual progress of Irish society,
and the growth of charity, justice, joy and peace
within the whole human family.

To you, Triune God,
confident in the loving protection of Mary,
Queen of Ireland, our Mother,
and of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and all the saints,
do we entrust ourselves, our children,
and the needs of the Church in Ireland.

Amen.

4 January 2012

Feast of the Epiphany - 6th January 2012

The Magi making their way towards the crib in Sacred Heart Church
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the manifestation of the Lord Jesus to all peoples at the visit of the Magi, as recounted in the Gospel of the day, at Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan, and at the Miracle at Cana.
The Epiphany is a holy day of obligation. Masses in Sacred Heart Church begin with the Vigil Mass on Thursday evening at 6.30pm and Masses on Friday itself will be at 10.00am, 11.30am and 6.30pm.

The crib in Sacred Heart Church - destination of the Magi


2 January 2012

Funeral of Bob Cronly, RIP, Inishannagh Park

Reposing at Irwin's Funeral Parlour, Bothar Irwin, on Tuesday, January 3rd 2012, from 5.00pm. Removal at 7.00pm to Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass on Wednesday January 4th at 11am. Burial afterwards in Clonich Cemetery, Tullamore.

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.