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

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!'

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.

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.

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.

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

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.'

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, 17^th March 2010

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

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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



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.