Church of the Sacred Heart, Galway City, Ireland

St Brigid's Day, 1st February

2012-01-31T20:41:00.001Z

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!

2012-01-30T14:31:00.001Z

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

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• 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

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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

2012-01-21T20:52:00.000Z

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

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• 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

2012-01-20T16:01:00.000Z

Mass intentions for the week ahead 22nd January 2012

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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

2012-01-17T18:22:00.001Z

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

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000Z

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

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• 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

2012-01-14T19:59:00.000Z

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

2012-01-13T18:57:00.000Z

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

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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

2012-01-10T21:13:00.000Z

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

2012-01-10T12:13:00.001Z

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

2012-01-07T20:42:00.000Z

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

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• 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

2012-01-06T11:18:00.000Z

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

2012-01-05T20:10:00.000Z

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

2012-01-04T23:18:00.000Z

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

2012-01-02T22:42:00.000Z

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.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, January 1st 2012

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Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

• This coming Friday, January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany, a holy day of obligation. The Vigil Mass will be on Thursday evening at 6.30pm and Masses on Friday itself will be at 10.00am, 11.30am and 6.30pm.

• There will be no evening Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until this coming Thursday, January 5th 2012. Then, the period of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament will recommence from 8.00pm until 10.00pm seven evenings a week.

• The 2012 parish calendar is available at the Church doors. We wish all parishioners, and readers of this blog a very happy new year!

• You are asked to please return the envelopes for the Christmas offerings, which are used for the salaries of the priests, to the Church on the Sundays of January.

• Please pray for the souls of those who died recently:

- Bridget Lee, Corrib Park, whose funeral took place here in the Church during the week,

- Martin O’Connor, Coogan Park, whose funeral also took place here in the Church during the week,

- Thomas Folan, Mervue, brother of Paddy Folan, Coogan Park, and of Noreena Doyle, Coogan Park,

- Teresa O’Kelly-Nowaczyk, sister of Aileen Giles, Inishannagh Park.

Giving thanks to God at the end of the year

2011-12-31T12:10:00.000Z

The Te Deum is a great hymn of praise of God. Traditionally, it is recited on New Year's Eve in thanksgiving to God for his blessings during the year which has passed.
Here is a video clip of a singing of the Te Deum during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Paris on 12th September 2008:

The Te Deum is recited often by priests, religious sisters and brothers, and others who have promised to recite the Divine Office. On special occasions, it is part of the Office of Readings. Here it is in English:

We praise you, O God: We acclaim you as Lord.
Everlasting Father,
All the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise,
The hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,
All the cherubim and seraphim
Call out to you in unending song:

Holy, Holy, Holy,
Is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled
With your majesty and glory.

The glorious band of apostles,
The noble company of prophets,
The white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ,
All sing your praise.

And to the ends of the earth
Your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, whose majesty is boundless,
Your true and only son, who is to be adored,
The Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,
Son of the eternal Father.
When you took our nature to save mankind
You did not shrink from birth in the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the power of death
Opening the Father’s kingdom to all who believe in you.

Enthroned at God’s right hand in the glory of the Father,
You will come in judgement according to your promise.
You redeemed your people by your precious blood.

Come, we implore you, to our aid.
Grant us with the saints
a place in eternal glory.

Lord, save your people
And bless your inheritance.
Rule them and uphold them
For ever and ever.

Day by day we praise you:
We acclaim you now and to all eternity.
In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

May your mercy always be with us, Lord,
For we have hoped in you.
In you, Lord, we put our trust:
We shall not be put to shame.

The hymn 'Holy God we praise thy name' is based on the Te Deum. Here it is, sung by the RTE Philharmonic Chorus on the Late Late Show, 18th October 1996:

Thanks be to God for all his blessings and goodness to us.

Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Peace, 1st January 2012

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Pope Benedict XVI meeting school children at Twickenham during his visit to Britain in September 2010

New Year's Day, as well as being the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is World Day of Peace. For the day, the Pope publishes an annual message. This year's message is entitled, 'Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.' Here is paragraph 2, where Pope Benedict reflects on the various educators who contribute to the education of the young:

Education is the most interesting and difficult adventure in life. Educating – from the Latin educere – means leading young people to move beyond themselves and introducing them to reality, towards a fullness that leads to growth. This process is fostered by the encounter of two freedoms, that of adults and that of the young. It calls for responsibility on the part of the learners, who must be open to being led to the knowledge of reality, and on the part of educators, who must be ready to give of themselves. For this reason, today more than ever we need authentic witnesses, and not simply people who parcel out rules and facts; we need witnesses capable of seeing farther than others because their life is so much broader. A witness is someone who fi rst lives the life that he proposes to others.

Where does true education in peace and justice take place? First of all, in the family, since parents are the first educators. The family is the primary cell of society; “it is in the family that children learn the human and Christian values which enable them to have a constructive and peaceful coexistence. It is in the family that they learn solidarity between the generations, respect for rules, forgiveness and how to welcome others.” [BENEDICT XVI, Address to Administrators of Lazio Region and of the Municipality and Province of Rome (14 January 2011): L’Osservatore Romano, 15 January 2011, p. 7.] The family is the first school in which we are trained in justice and peace.

We are living in a world where families, and life itself, are constantly threatened and not infrequently fragmented. Working conditions which are often incompatible with family responsibilities, worries about the future, the frenetic pace of life, the need to move frequently to ensure an adequate livelihood, to say nothing of mere survival – all this makes it hard to ensure that children receive one of the most precious of treasures: the presence of their parents. This presence makes it possible to share more deeply in the journey of life and thus to pass on experiences and convictions gained with the passing of the years, experiences and convictions which can only be communicated by spending time together. I would urge parents not to grow disheartened! May they encourage children by the example of their lives to put their hope before all else in God, the one source of authentic justice and peace.

I would also like to address a word to those in charge of educational institutions: with a great sense of responsibility may they ensure that the dignity of each person is always respected and appreciated. Let them be concerned that every young person be able to discover his or her own vocation and helped to develop his or her God-given gifts. May they reassure families that their children can receive an education that does not conflict with their consciences and their religious principles.

Every educational setting can be a place of openness to the transcendent and to others; a place of dialogue, cohesiveness and attentive listening, where young people feel appreciated for their personal abilities and inner riches, and can learn to esteem their brothers and sisters. May young people be taught to savour the joy which comes from the daily exercise of charity and compassion towards others and from taking an active part in the building of a more humane and fraternal society.

I ask political leaders to offer concrete assistance to families and educational institutions in the exercise of their right and duty to educate. Adequate support should never be lacking to parents in their task. Let them ensure that no one is ever denied access to education and that families are able freely to choose the educational structures they consider most suitable for their children. Let them be committed to reuniting families separated by the need to earn a living. Let them give young people a transparent image of politics as a genuine service to the good of all.

I cannot fail also to appeal to the world of the media to offer its own contribution to education. In today’s society the mass media have a particular role: they not only inform but also form the minds of their audiences, and so they can make a significant contribution to the education of young people. It is important never to forget that the connection between education and communication is extremely close: education takes place through communication, which influences, for better or worse, the formation of the person.

Young people too need to have the courage to live by the same high standards that they set for others. Theirs is a great responsibility: may they find the strength to make good and wise use of their freedom. They too are responsible for their education, including their education in justice and peace!

To read the whole message, click here.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 1st January 2012

2011-12-30T10:45:00.001Z

Saturday 31st December
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Eileen Murphy (McDara Road) recently deceased.
Sunday 1st January New Years Day
9.30 am    Intention free
11am        Eddie Brennan
12.15 pm 1. Gerard Monaghan and 2. Patrick O'Reilly
6.30 pm     Maura Flanagan

Monday 2nd January       10 am    Intention free
Tuesday 3rd January        10 am   For all the Sick and Aeneas Coyle
Wednesday 4th January 10 am For the Holy Souls
Thursday 5th January      10 am Gerard McDonagh
Vigil Mass                     6.30 pm Intention free
Friday 6th January Feast of the Epiphany
10am        Deceased members of the Duignan family
11.30am   Jim, Madge and Frank Brearly
6.30 pm    Intention free

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 1. Frank Nally and 2. Pascal Lally and deceased members of Lally family.
6.30 pm Teresa and Joseph Geoghegan

A look at Pope Benedict's Schedule for Christmas

2011-12-24T15:16:00.000Z

Mass intentions for the week ahead 25th December 2011

2011-12-23T12:11:00.000Z

Saturday 24th December
Vigil Mass 9.00 pm Christmas Eve Mass and the Blessing of Crib
Sunday 25th December   Christmas Day
9.30 pm, 11.00 am and 12.15 pm. No Evening Mass
Christmas Day Masses are offered for the People of the Sacred Heart Parish
and Worshipping Community.

Monday 26th December 10am Roldan Raagas Senior
Tuesday 27th December 10am For all the Sick and Stephen and Barbara McDonagh
Wednesday 28th December 10am 1. Deceased member of Corrib Rangers Club.
                                                      2. William and Eileen Keane
Thursday 29th December 10am Ellen and John Hynes and Mary and Joseph Crowley
Friday 30th December 10am Tommie Hynes

Saturday 31st December
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Eileen Murphy (McDara Road) who died recently
Sunday 1st January New Years Day
9.30 am Intention free
11am              Eddie Brennan
12.15 pm 1. Gerard Monaghan and 2. Patrick O'Reilly
6.30 pm   Maura Flanagan

Christmas Arrangements 2011 in Sacred Heart Church

2011-12-21T22:30:00.000Z

St Francis making the first crib scene at Greccio, painted by Giotto (1266-1337)

Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December 2011: Christmas Eve Mass 9pm (with blessing of crib)

Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December 2011: Masses at 9.30am, 11.00am & 12.15pm.

N.B. No evening Mass on Christmas Day.

Weekdays: Monday 26th to Friday 30th December 2011: Mass at 10am.

Sunday, 1st January: Masses at usual Sunday times: Vigil Saturday evening, 6.30pm, Sunday Masses at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.15pm & 6.30pm.

Christmas Confessions

Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December: 12 noon until 1.00pm and 3.00pm until 4.00pm

Letter from President Michael D. Higgins

2011-12-21T22:16:00.000Z

After the election of Michael D. Higgins as President, the Parish Pastoral Council decided to send a letter of congratulations and good wishes to the new President. As Monsignor Malachy was on holidays at the time, the letter was signed on behalf of the parish council by Matt Hurley, chairman, and Fr Hugh.

The President has sent this letter in reply:

Vocations Workshop for Diocesan Priesthood in March

2011-12-19T22:48:00.000Z

Notices Received

2011-12-19T22:42:00.000Z

Galway for Life

Galway for Life is seeking volunteers to help with their Church gate collection on New Years Eve / New Years Day. The funds gathered will help to keep the pro-life message in the public mind in the challenging times ahead. If you are willing to help, please contact Galway for Life at (091) 539501 or (086) 8546934 or email galwayforlife@eircom.net

Age Action West

Age Action is running beginner computer classes for over 55’s in various locations in Galway City. The classes are for older people who have little or no computer experience, including those terrified of computers! The aim of the Getting Started programme is to introduce people to the basics of computers, internet and email. Classes are taught by trained volunteer tutors on a one to one basis with small groups of learners in a relaxed, non-formal setting.

If you are interested in taking these classes or volunteering as a tutor with Age Action please contact Niamh Hennelly in Age Action on 091 527831 or 087 195 6047.

Trocaire

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbour as yourself' Luke 10:27. In this fourth week of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ we are asked to help our less fortunate neighbours in the developing world through Trocaire's Global Gifts. Make a difference to someone's life from as little as €7 (£5). Gifts are available at www.trocaire.org/globalgift or by calling 1850 408 408 (0800 912 1200 in NI).

David O'Hare, Trocaire press officer

Parish Announcements for Sunday, December 18th 2011

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4th Sunday of Advent

• Next Saturday, 24th December 2011, is Christmas Eve. The Christmas Night Mass will be at 9.00pm, with blessing of the crib.

• Christmas Day, 25th December is on Sunday. Masses at 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.15pm.
N.B. No evening Mass on Christmas Day.

• Christmas Confessions on Christmas Eve from 12.00-1.00pm and 3.00-4.00pm.

• All the parish Christmas arrangements are listed on the parish Christmas card, which is available at the doors of the Church.

The Christmas offering envelopes are also available at the Church doors.

• The special collection to support the work of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul takes place at all Masses today. See blog post below.

• The Scoil Bhríde Christmas pageant involving the school children will take place here in the Church this Monday evening, December 19th at 7.30pm. All welcome.

• We pray for those who have died recently:

- Aeneas Coyle, Maunsells Park, whose funeral took place here during the week

- Niamh McNeela, Highfield Park, who died during the week.

Saint Vincent de Paul collection at Offertory time this Sunday

2011-12-16T17:09:00.000Z

The special collection for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society takes place at all Masses in Sacred Heart Church this Sunday, 18th December 2011. This had been announced as a Church door collection, but, as another worthy charity has been granted the permit for a Church gate collection, rather than have those attending Mass encounter two collections outside, the SVP collection will be taken up along with the Church offertory collection. The amount over the normal average weekly collection will be deemed to be what has been contributed to SVP. If you wish to put the envelopes from the SVP door collection into this collection too, we can pass them on to SVP also.

This is a chance to support the important work of the parish Saint Vincent de Paul Society conference. This group works selflessly and wisely during the year supporting those in need in our midst.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 18th December 2011

2011-12-16T11:11:00.001Z

Saturday 17th December
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm 1. Pat, Bridie, Bill and Catherine Buckley
                                 2. Joe Kenny
Sunday 18th December
9.30 am    James, Mary, Bernard and James Lee
11am   1. Teresa Hession and 2. Ludmila Natsackanyan
12.15 pm 1. Kate Sweeney and deceased members of McDonagh family.
                 2. Nora Naughton
6.30 pm    1. Marcello Alarcon
                 2. Dolly Gavin and her sister Mary Moss who died recently.

Monday 19th December
10am Kate and Bernard Ward
Tuesday 20th December
10am For all the Sick and Bab and Joe Davis
Wednesday 21st December
10am 1. Sean Kilraine and 2. Celia McDermott
Thursday 22nd December
10am 1. Deceased members of Guinnane and Lawless families.
           2. Deceased members of Faherty and Welby families.
Friday 23rd December 10am Nora Naughton

Saturday 24th December
Vigil Mass 9.00 pm Christmas Eve Mass and the Blessing of Crib
Sunday 25th December   Christmas Day
9.30 am
11am
12.15 pm Christmas Day Masses are offered for the
                 People of the Sacred Heart Parish and Worshipping Community.
                            NO EVENING MASS

11am Mass this coming Sunday: First Communion children

2011-12-14T16:24:00.001Z

All children of the First Holy Communion class, second class of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla, and their families come together at the same Sunday Mass at 11.00am this coming Sunday, 18th December 2011, following the Do this in memory programme. The children and their families are invited for tea and refreshments in the meeting room off the sacristy after the Mass.

Prepare a way for the Lord!

Funeral of Aeneas Coyle, RIP, Maunsells Park

2011-12-13T17:59:00.000Z

Reposing at his home on Tuesday, December 13th 2011 from 5pm to 7pm. Removal on Wednesday 14th to Sacred Heart Church for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Rahoon Cemetery.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dó i measc na Naoimh.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, December 11th 2011

2011-12-11T17:46:00.000Z

• The parish Christmas card with the Christmas arrangements in the Church and the envelopes for the Christmas offerings which provide for the priests of the parish are available at the Church doors. They will also be distributed in the parish during the week.

• The Church door Christmas collection for the St Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up at all Masses next Sunday December 18th.

• The live crib at Galway Cathedral can be experienced next Thursday December 15th from 11.30am until 4.00pm.

• The Galway Gospel Choir will sing here in Sacred Heart Church next Friday December 16th at 7.30pm.

• We pray for those who have died recently:

- Mary Ellen Tierney, Killanin, Roscahill, mother of Mary Gleeson, Corrib Park

- Shauna Fitzpatrick, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, niece of Kathleen Conneely, Cnoc an Óir.

Westside Community Development Project Newsletter

2011-12-11T17:36:00.001Z

Vol. 1, issue 1 of a new newsletter of the Westside Community Development Project and Westside Resource Centre has been issued. Copies can be had from the resource centre and Vernice Murray of the Community Development Project has made available some copies which may be taken from the Church porch.

Finding God in Galway

2011-12-10T13:17:00.000Z

Bro. Luuk Dominiek Jansen was a young engineer who came to Galway to do a Masters degree in engineering. But he also found God. Later, he entered the Dominican order and at this stage is a professed Brother. He tells his story in this video clip. A good reminder to all of us that we are missionaries to all those we encounter.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 11th December 2011

2011-12-09T11:50:00.002Z

Saturday 10th December
                  11.00 am Joe Canavan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass    6.30 pm 1. Matthew and Kenneth Frawley
                                   2. Bridget and Michael Corcoran Snr.

Sunday 11th December 3rd Sunday of Advent
9.30 am 1. Vincent (Vinny) Byrne and 2. Timothy Kyne
11am          Martin Flaherty, Mary and Patrick Flaherty and deceased members of
                  Flaherty family.
12.15pm    1. John and Eileen O'Toole and 2. Joe Hoade
6.30 pm    1. Deceased members of Ward, Lynskey and Fleming families.
2. Nora Coyne (Anniversary Mass)

Monday 12th December     10am Cliona Tierney
Tuesday 13th December       10am For all the Sick and 2. Mary Ellen Tierney who died recently.
Wednesday 14th December 10am Deceased members of Hughes and Gilroy families.
Thursday 15th December     10am   Bridie Whelan
Friday 16th December         10am John Sweeney

Saturday 17th December
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm 1. Pat, Bridie, Bill and Catherine Buckley
                                  2. Joe Kenny

Sunday 18th December 4th Sunday of Advent
9.30 am James, Mary, Bernard and James Lee
11am         1. Teresa Hession and 2. Mrs Melikyan
12.15 pm   1. Kate Sweeney and deceased members of McDonagh family.
                  2. Nora Naughton
6.30 pm     1. Marcello Alarcon
   2. Dolly Gavin and her sister Mary Moss who died recently.

8th December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation

2011-12-06T16:20:00.002Z

This Thursday, 8th December, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Masses in Sacred Heart Church will be as follows:

Wednesday Vigil Mass at 6.30pm

Thursday Masses at 10.00am, 11.30am & 6.30pm.

“From the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of all humankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.”

Pope Pius IX, Apostolic Constitution, Ineffabilis Deus, 8th December 1854

Pope Benedict praying at the statue of Mary, the Immaculate Conception at Piazza di Spagna in Rome

Each year on December 8th, the Pope visits Piazza di Spagna (famous for the Spanish Steps) in Rome to place a wreath of flowers at the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary there. When Pope Pius IX defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, there was rejoicing throughout the Catholic world. It was somewhat akin to the canonisation of Padre Pio in more recent times – something that was believed in already by the whole Church. The time was right for a solemn definition. Pope Pius had sought the opinion of the world’s Bishops and been advised from all over the world to go ahead with the definition. The support from Spain for this was particularly strong, and so when the decision was being made a few years later where to raise a moment in Rome to the Immacolata, it was decided to place it opposite the Spanish Embassy at Piazza di Spagna. Pope Pius IX was present on December 8th in 1857 for the unveiling of the column with the bronze statue of Mary the Immaculate Conception on top, with her hands raised towards Heaven.

Galway Cathedral Live Crib

2011-12-06T15:52:00.002Z

The Galway Cathedral Parish’s annual live crib will take place at Galway Cathedral on Thursday, 15th December 2011 from 11:30am to 4pm.

The Live Crib, which has been a great attraction for over 12 years, consists of a traditional nativity scene set among live animals in a specially constructed, life size crib. This wonderful Christmas tradition is performed by members of the Cathedral parish and families from the city and county who play Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, with choirs from local schools singing Christmas carols throughout the day.

Parish priest, Canon Peter Rabbitte comments, “We welcome all ages, schools, communities and religions to come and visit our live crib which brings the story of Christmas to life”.

Located outside at the Salmon Weir entrance to the church, admission is free. For more information, log on to www.galwaycathedral.ie

Happy Feast Day in Galway: Saint Nicholas

2011-12-06T14:49:00.001Z

Saint Nicholas

Happy Feast Day to all in Galway as we celebrate the solemnity of our Patron Saint today, 6th December.

Saint Nicholas lived in the fourth century AD and he was born in Myra, in what is now Turkey. Myra is a girls name that is more popular in Galway than elsewhere as parents sought to name their daughters after St Nicholas. Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra and he courageously witnessed to his faith. He was imprisoned during the persecution of Diocletian. He is said to have been present at the Council of Nicaea in 325. That Church Council had to discern how to teach the faith amidst the challenges coming from the Arian heresy. Arius held that the Son was less than the Father, and so the Council needed to find the right words to defend the doctrine of the Trinity. It described the Son as homoousios with the Father, which was translated into Latin as consubstantialis, and which we now translate into English as ‘consubstantial’. Saint Nicholas is said to have confronted the heretic Arius at the Council and hit him a slap [Do not try this at home!], such was his zeal for the true faith.

But Saint Nicholas is most remembered for his great charity. He was renowned for his many works of charity, but especially for giving three bags of gold, which he passed into a building to three girls in need so that they would have the dowry they needed to get them out of a situation of degradation.

He is the Patron Saint of sailors and many Churches around the world near the coast are dedicated to him. Devotion to him was brought into Galway by sailors because of this being a port town and he was made Patron of the Collegiate Church here when it was built in the fourteenth century. Later, when the new Catholic Cathedral was opened in 1965, he was named Patron alongside Our Lady Assumed into Heaven.

Saint Nicholas - a Saint who combined charity and clarity!

Christmas Carols and Coffee Morning

2011-12-05T14:28:00.000Z

Click to enlarge

Notices Received

2011-12-05T14:14:00.000Z

From Trocaire:

"Those who oppress the poor show contempt for their Maker but whoever is kind to the needy honours God" Proverbs 14:31. As we mark International Human Rights Day (10th Dec) Trocaire asks us to help the thousands of poor people in Pakistan who are living under wealthy landowners as modern day slaves. The Global Gift of Freedom will help stop this terrible abuse. Log on to www.trocaire.org/global gift or call 1850 408 408 (0800 912 1200 in NI).

Mass for babies who died on or around the time of birth

Annual mass remembering all babies who have died on or around the time of birth (stillbirth, neonatal, miscarriage) will be held on the 18th December 2011 at 6 O Clock in the Chapel of St. Columbanus, NUI Galway (University Chapel).

Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, family and friends are all warmly invited to this special mass.
Contact Roisin 087 8065366
Noelle Rooney

Remembrance Trees in Galway Cemeteries

Christmas trees of Remembrance have been placed inside the gates of New Cemetery, Bohermore and Rahoon Cemetery.

All are welcome to bring red ribbons and tie them on the trees in memory of their loved ones.

Regina Power

Christmas Day GOAL mile

GOAL is asking people from all over Galway to take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas Day in Dangan Athletic Track, NUIG, Newcastle, Galway.

From 10 am to 1 pm , people from are invited to take part in the event, by walking , running or even crawling a mile around the Dangan track with their families. Every 10 – 15 minutes, a mile will commence, so people can arrive and leave, at a time that suits them.
All donations on the day will go towards GOAL’s various humanitarian programmes across the developing world.
Please contact Maura Lennon GOAL at mlennon@goal.ie; or on 087 9146837 for further information.

New Year Vocations Discernment Retreat in Rome for Young Women

2011-12-05T12:59:00.001Z

From the Missionaries of Divine Revelation:

Spend the New Year in Christian Rome! From Friday 30th December 2011 until Monday 2nd January 2012.
During this time we will celebrate Evening Vespers with the Holy Father in St Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the end of 2011, bring in the New Year with Eucharistic Adoration and go in search of the most beautiful Crib in Rome!

The weekend is for young women aged 18-35.

To book your place contact Sr Emanuela by the 23 December 2011

sr.emanuela@mdrevelation.org

Tel (0039)3668015308

Parish Announcements for Sunday, December 4th 2011

2011-12-04T23:29:00.000Z

• This coming Thursday, 8th December 2011 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Vigil Mass on Wednesday evening at 6.30pm. Masses on Thursday at 10am, 11.30am and 6.30pm.

• Advent Reflection in Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Árus de Brún, Newtownsmith this Monday December 5th at 8pm with Fr Peter McVerry SJ.

• The Parish Christmas card with the arrangements for Christmas at Sacred Heart Church and the Christmas offering envelopes will be distributed over the next two weeks and will be available also at the Church doors.

• Months Mind Masses in Sacred Heart Church this coming week:

Mary Murphy, Salthill, on the Feast Day, Thursday December 8th at 6.30pm.

Joe Canavan, Inishannagh Park, on Saturday, 10th December at 11am.

• We pray for Maureen Finan, Moyola Park, who has died. Funeral Mass at 11am in St Joseph’s Church on Monday, 5th December. Burial after in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 4th December 2011

2011-12-02T11:24:00.001Z

Saturday 3rd December 2011
11am Martin Ryan   (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Colman and Bridget Hernon and Nora Hernon and deceased members
                                  of Hernon family. 2. John and Mary Connell.

Sunday 4th December 2011 2nd Sunday of Advent
9.30 am    James Scally
11am    Shane Rabbitt and Robert Nolan
12.15 pm Deceased members of Folan family and 2. John, Nora and Johnny Brennan
6.30 pm    Michael Corcoran Snr.

Monday 5th December 2011
10am Delia Hoade and Fr Anthony Hoade and 2. Gerard McDonagh.
Tuesday 6th December 2011
10am For all the Sick and Ann and Patsy Small
Wednesday 7th December 2011
10am Deceased members of Colohan family.
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Martin and Della Ryan and Frank Broderick
Thursday 8th December 2011 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
10am        Tony Gavin
11.30am   Tom and Kathleen Casserly and deceased members of Casserly and Murphy families.
6.30 pm    Mary Murphy (Months Mind Mass) and Rose Murphy.
Friday 9th December 2011 10am Intention free

Saturday 10th December 2011
                   11.00 am Joe Canavan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass     6.30 pm Mattie and Kenneth Frawley and 2. Bridget and Michael Corcoran Snr.

Sunday 11th December 2011 3rd Sunday of Advent
9.30 am    Vincent (Vinny ) Byrne and 2. Timothy Kyne
11am        Martin Flaherty, Mary and Patrick Flaherty and deceased members of Flaherty family.
12.15 pm John and Eileen O'Toole and 2. Joe Hoade
6.30 pm    Deceased members of Ward, Lynskey and Fleming families. 2. Nora Coyne

Notices Received

2011-11-29T18:20:00.000Z

Violence against women in Ireland

Westside Community Development Project, Galway Traveller Movement and Galway City Partnership are organising an event on Wednesday 30th November to highlight violence against women in Ireland.

The event will be held in the Galway Traveller Movement offices, level 1, The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway from 10am to 12.30pm.

At 12.00 midday, baloons will be released to symbolise the one in five women who experience violence in Ireland. The purpose of the morning is to bring people together in solidarity to highlight that violence against women is not acceptable.

For more information, contact Vernice Murray, Westside CDP coordinator, 087 9303468 or 091 528325.

'The Gift' Christmas Charity Concerts

The Gift Christmas Concerts will take place on 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd Dec, in the Jesuit Church Sea Rd.

Tickets €10
On sale now from The Jesuit community office 091 523707, Keara Sheeran 0879007003 or members of the choir .

Fashion show in aid of Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at UHG

A general knowledge table quiz hosted by parents of premature babies in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UHG, is on Tuesday 6th of December at 8pm in The Ardilaun. Also, a 'meet & greet' session for parents of children born early is on Sunday 11th December in The Ardilaun at 2pm. This is organised by the Irish Premature Babies charity. All welcome.

Arlene O'Brien

Message from Trocaire

Proverbs 21:26'...the righteous gives and does not hold back.' During this Advent season our thoughts are with those people in the world's poorest countries who cannot feed their children, don't have enough water, can't get an education, have no healthcare when they are sick and whose human rights are abused. Trocaire's Global Gifts are a perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and help the poor. Log on to www.trocaire.org/globalgift or call 1850 408 408 (0800 912 1200 in NI)

Westside Community Christmas Bazaar

2011-11-29T17:54:00.000Z

The bazaar will be held at the Westside Resource Centre, beside the library, on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th December 2011 from 10am to 1pm and on Sunday 18th December from 11am to 2pm.

Click to enlarge

Parish Announcements for Sunday, November 27th 2011

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• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every evening in the side chapel of the Church from 8.00pm until 10.00pm. It is wonderful to experience the prayerful atmosphere there in the evenings and a source of blessing to the parish to have people praying at the heart of the parish before the Blessed Sacrament.

• This coming Friday, 2nd December, is the First Friday of the month. Mons. Malachy and Fr Hugh will visit those who are housebound due to illness or old age to bring them Holy Communion. Please let the priests know if there is somebody who should be added to our list.

• The Months Mind Mass for Martin Ryan, Corrib Park, will take place here in Sacred Heart Church next Saturday, 3rd December at 11.00am.

• We pray for those who have died:

- Seán Conneely, Rosán Glas, whose funeral is taking place in Inis Mór, Aran Islands

- Angela Louch, who has died in Coventry, niece of Paddy Daly, Gaelcarraig Park

- Brian Ryan, who has died in Sweden, brother of Stella Higgins, Corrib Park.

New translation of the Mass in English in full use from this Sunday's Masses

2011-11-26T16:10:00.000Z

The new Altar Missal which will be used for the first time at Masses for the First Sunday of Advent

The priest's greetings and people's responses of the new translation of the Mass in English have been in use in Church for the last few weeks. On this First Sunday of Advent, we begin the full use of the new translation. The richness of the prayers and, often, the origins of their sentiments in the Scriptures, will be more obvious. Our unity with those celebrating Mass in other languages will be more clear too.

The Altar Missal for Sacred Heart Church has been donated in memory of Sinéad Ní Dhorchaidhe by her family.

Here is a homily given by Fr Hugh on the 9th October last, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, when the Gospel was the Parable of the Wedding Banquet in Matthew 22:1-14.

People can have different attitudes to getting an invitation to some celebration. I was talking to a parishioner here a few weeks ago who was very excited about getting an invitation to a wedding. He and his wife gladly accepted the invitation and went to the wedding. Sometimes, though, I meet people who aren’t enthusiastic about getting an invitation. They say, ‘Oh, no, another wedding to go to. I might think of an excuse to get out of it.’

Jesus talks about these two attitudes in today’s Gospel parable of the wedding feast. Of course this wedding feast in the parable stands for the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom is like a great banquet. Jesus is echoing the description of the banquet in today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Now, the Kingdom of God is the fulfilment of the banquet God prepares for all peoples.

In the parable, the people invited by the king to the wedding wouldn’t come. The King tried again, and the next group didn’t accept the invitation either. They obviously didn’t appreciate the generosity of the king. He had to send his servants out to the crossroads to invite the good and the bad alike, and finally got some guests to come to the wedding. Even then, somebody came without a wedding garment. This represents the calling of sinners. We should be delighted to be invited even though we are sinners, but we are expected to repent and change our ways to come to the feast, and this person didn’t.
And so Jesus ends the parable concluding that ‘many are called but few are chosen.’ God invites us into the feast in his Kingdom, but he leaves us the freedom to respond with love. If he just forced us, it wouldn’t be love, and it’s when we love that we are being true to our being made in the image of God, who is love.
That brings me to an aspect of the new translation of the Mass in English. We have the new translations of the priest’s greetings, the people’s responses and the Gloria and the Creed, up and running successfully here now. What will come next for the first Sunday of Advent at the end of November will be the prayers said by the priest at Mass. What will probably get commented on most when this comes round, will be the new translation of the words of Jesus at the consecration of the precious blood. The new translation will say, ‘Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.’
Of course, what stands out is that the old English translation said that Christ’s blood ‘will be shed for you and for all.’ No doubt when Advent comes around, we’ll hear people giving out saying, ‘But Christ died for all.’ Why is the Church restricting this to ‘many’ now? Yes, of course, Jesus died for the salvation of all. But he respects our human freedom. It is possible for us to refuse his invitation, to reject salvation. And that’s why it’s better here to say, ‘for many’ rather than, ‘for all’. Jesus died for all, but people are free not to accept the fruit of what he has done. Anyway, that’s what’s in the Latin typical edition of the text, that the English is meant to be a translation of. The Latin says, ‘qui pro vobis et pro multis effundetur’ and pro multis means ‘for many.’ Matthew and Mark wrote their Gospels in Greek, and both of them say ‘for many’ when they tell us what Jesus said over the cup at the Last Supper. The Greek term is tò peri pollôn. It means ‘many’ or ‘much’ or ‘most’, but it doesn’t mean ‘all’.
As I was saying before, this doesn’t mean Mass was any less valid in the old translation. Human language will always be imperfect. The English translators the first time round were impressed by the work of a German Lutheran Scripture scholar called Joachim Jeremias. He reckoned that the words probably used by Jesus in Hebrew and Aramaic would have more or less meant ‘for all’. But, saying, ‘for many’ can still get across that sense of God’s generosity, of multitudes beyond our imagining entering God’s Kingdom. Anyway, we can’t really say that some Scripture scholar knows better than Matthew and Mark, who wrote their Gospels under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And down through the centuries, the Church had always used the expression ‘for many’ at that time in the Mass. So, it wasn’t ideal for the English language to be going its own way on this.
So, the old translation can obscure the clarity of doctrine a bit. Using the correct translation of the ‘for many’ will remind us of the point of today’s Gospel, that ‘many are called but few are chosen.’ It will remind us that we are invited to the feast of God’s Kingdom. Jesus has won our entry. He has won our salvation. Now, it’s up to us to freely choose to accept the invitation and enjoy the fruits of this. This is an invitation given in love, calling for a response in love.

This homily is indebted for some of its ideas to a series of articles on the blog by Fr John Zuhlsdorf, What does the Prayer Really Say?
You can read the 4-part series of articles here for a more in-depth justification of the new translation in the words of consecration over the chalice:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Chatting with the President

2011-11-26T14:53:00.000Z

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins meets Bernie and Susan Wallace
after he attended 12.15pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church last Sunday

Pope appoints new Nuncio in Ireland

2011-11-26T14:48:00.001Z

Monsignor Charles Brown, appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Monsignor Charles Brown to be the new Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland. He will be ordained Bishop in the near future. Monsignor Brown is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, currently working at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.

As well as higher degrees in history and theology, Mons. Brown holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant'Anselmo in Rome.

He was ordained a priest in 1989 and was a Curate in the Parish of Saint Brendan, the Bronx, New York until 1991. He has worked at the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith since 1994. He became Chaplain to His Holiness and Monsignor in 2000. He has also been Adjunct Secretary to the International Theological Commission since 2009.

We pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the new Nuncio with wisdom as he sets out on his task of representing the Pope in Ireland.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 27th November 2011

2011-11-25T12:16:00.001Z

Saturday 26th November
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Timmie Mannion and Eileen Spelman
Sunday 27th November 1st Sunday of Advent
9.30 am   Mary Flood and Thomas Madden
11am       Maureen Devlin
12.15 pm Teresa Kelly and Billy and Grace Joyce
6.30 pm   Edward Fitzgerald and deceased members of the Fitzgerald and Hosty families.
Monday 28th November
10am Thanksgiving Mass and for the Holy Souls
Tuesday 29th November
10am For all the Sick and deceased members of Galway Flower Club
Wednesday 30th November
10am Tony Moran
Thursday 1st December
10am Intention free
Friday 2nd December
10am Intention free

Saturday 3rd December
                   11.00 am Martin Ryan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass   6.30pm Colman and Bridget Hernon and Nora Hernon and deceased
                                members of Hernon family.          2. John and Mary Connell

Sunday 4th December 2nd Sunday of Advent

9.30 am James Scally
11 am          Shane Rabbitt
12.15pm    Deceased members of Folan family and John and Nora and Johnny Brennan
6.30 pm       Michael Corcoran Snr.

More photographs with President Michael D. Higgins after Mass last Sunday

2011-11-23T14:56:00.003Z

Thanks to Assumpta Francis for some more photographs from when the newly elected President of Ireland met and greeted parishioners after he had attended the 12.15pm Mass last Sunday.

Fleur Colohan, Mrs Sabina and President Michael D. Higgins, Assumpta Francis

Margaret Jackson and President Michael D. Higgins

Carol Hurley and President Michael D. Higgins

St Michael's GAA Club Fundraising Race Night

2011-11-21T22:55:00.001Z

Saint Michael’s GAA club will be running their “Race Night” in Kelehans Bushypark on Saturday night 3rd December. The white flag for the first race will be raised at 9pm. This should be a great night out for all, with excellent horse races, great prizes for winning owners, trainers and jockeys. There will also be an auction race, raffles and loads of spot prizes. The funds raised will be used to pay for the new club house in Westside and the running of the juvenile, ladies and men’s club in 2012, so please come along and support your local club.

Vincent Kelly

President Higgins at Mass in Sacred Heart Church for first time since Inauguration

2011-11-20T22:54:00.000Z

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina attended the 12.15pm Mass in Sacred Heart Church today, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King. Parishioners gave a warm welcome to the newly elected President. The Head of State briefly addressed the congregation at the end of Mass, thanking all for their good wishes and stressing how at home he feels here. He spoke of his great respect for Sacred Heart Parish Priest, Fr Malachy Hallinan.

President Michael D. Higgins with Fr Hugh Clifford, celebrant and Fr Martin Whelan, Diocesan Secretary, who acted as chaplain to the President for the Mass

Thanks to some members of the Parish Pastoral Council, who had been looking after the tea for the First Communion children and families of Scoil Bhride for the 11am Mass, and who kindly, at very short notice, provided tea and refreshments again after the 12.15pm Mass, giving parishioners a chance to meet and greet the President after the Mass.

Some members of the Parish Pastoral Council who organised refreshments after Mass:
Myra Byrnes, Eleanor Costello, Moria Byrne, Maureen Trill, Matt Hurley

President Michael D and Mrs Sabina Higgins met baby Allie Reidy Callaghan, who was about to be baptised.

President Higgins greets baby Allie Reidy Callaghan and her family just before her Baptism

Parish Sister, Sr Catherine O'Regan is a Daughter of Charity. Mrs Sabina Higgins' sister is a member of that order.

Sr Catherine with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina Coyne

This visit was a pleasant surprise for all of us at Sacred Heart. President Higgins and Sabina had already sent a bouquet of flowers to the parish immediately after his election.

Marian Coleman, Sr Catherine, Eleanor Costello, President Michael D. Higgins, Moira Byrne,
Bernie Scally (parish secretary), Tess Donohue

The President stood for a photograph with those who organised the refreshments.

Matt Hurley (chairman, Parish Pastoral Council), Carmel Crawford, Marian Coleman, Sr Catherine, Eleanor Costello, President Michael D. Higgins, Moira Byrne, Maureen Trill, Bernie Scally, Sabina Coyne

Parish Announcements for Sunday, November 20th 2011

2011-11-19T23:03:00.001Z

• The parish office is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 1.00pm, for baptismal certificates and other certificates, booking of anniversary Masses, arranging dates for Baptisms and other occasions, and other queries.

• The rehearsals for the Children’s Choir for Christmas take place on Wednesday evenings at 7.00pm in the meeting room off the sacristy. Children over 6 years of age are welcome to take part.

• This Monday, November 21st is the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We wish the Presentation Sisters in the parish a very happy feast day. Some of the classes of Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla will be attending the Monday morning Mass here in the Church to celebrate the feast.

• Our prayers and sympathy to Robert Gavin, Coogan Park, on the death of his sister Mary Moss, Hammersmith, England, during the week.
Also to Mick Grealish, Corrib Park, on the death of his sister Bridie Grealish, Water Lane recently.

NUIG Lecture on the Feast of St Columbanus

2011-11-18T14:31:00.000Z

Click to enlarge

Mass intentions for the week ahead 20th November 2011

2011-11-18T11:19:00.000Z

Saturday 19th November
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Willie Noone and Nancy Murphy
Sunday 20th November
9.30 am    Pat and Agens Burke and Jack Murphy
11am        Willie Creane and Patricia Murphy
12.15 pm Daniel and May Carr and their son Danny and Sean Tedders
6.30 pm    Mary Hughes and Bernie and Kathleen Cooke and Timmie Mannion.

Monday 21st November
10am John and Ellen Delargy and deceased members of Delargy family.
Tuesday 22nd November
10am For all the Sick
Wednesday 23rd November
10am Mary Boyle
Thursday 24th November
10am Maureen Qualter and deceased members of Noone and Qualter families.
Friday 25th November
10am Sarah Walsh

Saturday 26th November
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Timmie Mannion and Eileen Spelman

Sunday 27th November 1st Sunday of Advent
9.30 am    Mary Flood
11am        Maureen Devlin
12.15 pm Teresa Kelly and Billy and Grace Joyce
6.30 pm    Edward Fitzgerald and deceased members of the Fitzgerald and Hosty families.

Pope Benedict to visit Benin

2011-11-17T12:48:00.000Z

Pope Benedict's last visit to Africa was to Cameroon and Angola in March 2009

Pope Benedict XVI will make an Apostolic Journey to Benin in the west of Africa from tomorrow, Friday 18th November 2011 until Sunday. His visit marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in Benin. A special assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops was held in October 2009 and the Pope is now ready to publish his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation arising from that Synod. Therefore, he will sign and publish this significant document during this visit. He will also visit the grave of the late Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, who was Dean of the College of Cardinals and was much loved in Benin.

You can follow the Pope's homilies and speeches during the trip here.

First Communion children at 11am Mass this Sunday, 20th November 2011

2011-11-15T23:03:00.000Z

The First Holy Communion class of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla and their families come together for Mass at 11am this coming Sunday, 20th November 2011. We pray with and for the children preparing to receive the gift of Christ's body in the Eucharist for the first time as they follow the 'Do this in memory' programme, with parish, home and school cooperating in helping the children along this journey of faith.

The children and their families are invited to stay on after Mass to meet each other and have a cup of tea and refreshments.

Preparing for the Eucharistic Congress

2011-11-15T22:42:00.000Z

The International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Ireland in June 2012. To learn of the plans and progress so far, see the Congress website here.
To listen to or download the anthem for the Congress, click here.

Eucharistic Congress Bell in Sacred Heart Church, July 2011

Sacred Heart Parish has been involved in a special way in the preparations for the Congress, having been a port of call in July for the bell calling the people of Ireland to prayer.

Child Protection in Galway Diocese

2011-11-15T22:28:00.000Z

Mr. Kevin Duffy has been appointed Child Protection Officer for the diocese, providing professional support to the diocese and to its parishes, in implementing best practice in Child Protection.

Notices Received

2011-11-15T22:24:00.000Z

COPE FUNDRAISER

Monster Christmas Cookery Demonstration in the Kingsvalley Hotel, Dublin Rd. Thurs. 1^st Dec. 7.30-9.30pm. Free finger food and mulled wine. Tickets €10 available from the hotel and COPE Galway offices, Tuam Rd. Call Pamela on 778750 for more.

"The Gift" Christmas Gospel Concert 2011

Tickets now on sale

Dec 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd
€10 (Children 15 and under go free)
Contact the Jesuit Church Office @ 091523707 and Keara Sheeran 0879007003
Fundraising for Ability West and Galway Projects

Parish Announcements for Sunday, November 13th 2011

2011-11-13T23:02:00.000Z

• Daily Mass in Sacred Heart Church is at 10.00am from Monday to Friday. The Mass every Tuesday is offered for the sick of the parish. You are welcome to put the names of sick parishioners and loved ones on the book of the sick in the sacristy so we can pray for them at the Tuesday Mass.

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the side chapel every evening of the week from 8.00pm until 10.00pm. This is a chance to experience peace and prayer in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord.

• Sacrament of Confession is available on Saturday evenings from 6.00pm in the Confession Box or any time by request.

• Practice for the children’s choir for Christmas take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the meeting room off the sacristy. Children from 6 years of age upwards are welcome to come along.

• Mass next Sunday, 20th November 2011 at 11am will be this month’s time for First Communion children of Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla, and their families to come together as part of the ‘Do this in memory’ programme. The children and families are invited to stay for refreshments then after Mass.

• The Indian Community Mass will take place here in the Church this coming Wednesday, 16th November 2011 at 6pm.

• See the posting below for information on the Séamus Quirke Road roadworks. Parishioners crossing the road to get to the Church at the moment, please be very careful.

City Council Message about the Roadworks

2011-11-12T12:49:00.003Z

We have received the following message from Galway City Council Transportation Unit:

Further to previous correspondence in relation to improvement works at the junction between Newcastle Upper (N59) and the Quincentennial Bridge (N6) along the N6 Corridor and on the Seamus Quirke/Bishop O' Donnell Road Scheme, please note the following:

Seamus Quirke / Bishop O' Donnell Roads Scheme

Pedestrian Access: The traffic transfer to the Northern carriageway will require the Contractor to close up the existing pedestrian accesses from the Seamus Quirke Road into the West City Centre Retail Car Park and the Westside Business Centre. Pedestrian access will still be available via the main entrances off the Old Seamus Quirke Road. This will take effect over the period Friday November 11 to Monday November 14, 2011. (See attached map)
The first section of traffic transfer between Circular Road and the Browne Roundabout will commence after lunch today Friday November 11, 2011.

N6/ Newcastle Road Junction

Due to current unfavourable weather conditions, anti-skid work at the N6 / Newcastle Road junction will re-start on the morning of Saturday November 12, 2011 and will continue next week from Monday to Friday between 10am - 4pm.

Galway Transportation Unit wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused to all road users in relation to these lane restrictions.
Regards,
Galway Transportation Unit

click to enlarge

New road takes shape

2011-11-12T10:14:00.000Z

The view from ourside Sacred Heart Church this morning

Construction of steps leading from the footpath into the Church grounds

Mass intentions for the week ahead 13th November 2011

2011-11-11T11:10:00.000Z

Saturday 12th November
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Paddy Francis
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Indian Community Prayers
Sunday 13th November
9.30 am    Intention free
11am        Tim and Lena Codyre and deceased members of the Codyre and Duffy families.
12.15 pm John, Johnnie and Ellen Brennan
6.30 pm    Joseph Kennedy
Monday 14th November
10am   Dolores Naughton
Tuesday 15th November
10am   For all the Sick
Wednesday 16th November
10am Kathleen Ward
6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass
Thursday 17th November
10am Bridie Whelan
Friday 18th November
10am   Mary Ryan (1st Anniversary)
Saturday 19th November
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Willie Noone and Nancy Murphy
Sunday 20th November Feast of Christ the King

9.30 am   Pat and Agnes Burke and Jack Murphy
11am       Willie Creane and Patricia Murphy
12.15 pm Daniel and May Carr and son Danny and Sean Tedders
6.30 pm    Mary Hughes and Bernie and Kathleen Cooke and 2. Timmie Mannion.

Vocation Discernment for Young Women

2011-11-10T13:28:00.003Z

The Missionaries of Divine Revelation are a relatively new religious order based in Rome.

They describe their charism as follows:

‘Our Mission that flows from our charism can be summarised in these three key words:

- To guard the Word of God with fervent love.

- To spread Divine Revelation in communion with the Magisterium of the Church and with constant reference to the “Three White Loves”: the Eucharist, the Immaculate One and the Holy Father.

- To serve our brothers and sisters through the catechetical apostolate in every sphere of life; in parishes, in popular missions, in families.
The Missionaries of Divine Revelation feel that they are the apostles of the mystery of the Church and so we desire:

'to think as the Church has always thought, to love as the Church has always loved, to want what the Church has always wanted.” (Rule).’

The Sisters run discernment retreats in Rome for young women between the ages of 18 and 35. While touring the great Catholic places of pilgrimage in Rome, the Sisters make a link with vocational discernment. Sr Emanuela Edwards (who is from Wigan in England) would be happy to discuss discernment with any young woman. See her details on the poster below.

Click to enlarge

For more information on the Missionaries of Divine Revelation, see their website http://www.divinarivelazione.org/en/

The Sisters also give 'catechesis with art' tours of some of the important landmarks of Rome. For a taste of this work, see their video on Saint Peter's Basilica:

Parish Announcements for Sunday, 6th October 2011

2011-11-05T20:31:00.000Z

• The special collection takes place at all Sunday Masses this week for the diocesan family services that operate at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Árus de Brún.

• Sr Cáit O’Leary of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre is happy to provide counselling, including bereavement counselling here at Sacred Heart Church, in the counselling room off the sacristy. Please contact one of the priests if you would like details.

• The Novena of Masses for those whose names have been put on the parish November lists of the dead will continue each day up to and including Thursday at the 10am Mass.

• There will be Mass in Forthill Cemetery this Sunday, 6th November at 12.30pm.

• Rehearsals for the Children’s Choir for Christmas take place on Wednesday evenings at 7.00pm in the meeting room off the sacristy. Children are warmly welcome to join in this joyful way of celebrating Christmas.

• We pray for those who died during the week:

- Joe Canavan, late of Inishannagh Park

- Maureen Donohue, Glencorrib, sister-in-law of Tess Donohue, parish housekeeper.

Statement by Cardinal Séan Brady in response to the decision to close Ireland’s embassy to the Holy See

2011-11-05T14:07:00.000Z

Pope Benedict XVI greets Ambassadors to the Holy See from all over the world

'An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Eamon Gilmore TD, phoned me this afternoon [Thursday 3rd November 2011] to inform me that the Irish Government has decided not to appoint a residential ambassador to the Holy See. The Tánaiste expressed the view that this was a regrettable but necessary decision in the light of the current economic situation and it is not related to recent exchanges between the Government and the Holy See.
I wish to express my profound disappointment at this decision which means that Ireland will be without a resident ambassador to the Holy See for the first time since diplomatic relations were established and envoys were exchanged between the two States in 1929. I know that many others will share this disappointment.
This decision seems to show little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations and of the historic ties between the Irish people and the Holy See over many centuries.
It is worth recalling that for the new Irish State the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1929 was a very significant moment. It was very important in asserting the identity and presence of the Irish Free State internationally in view of the fact that Irish diplomatic representation abroad was then confined to the Legation in Washington, the Office of the High Commissioner in London, the Permanent Delegate to the League of Nations, and the Embassy to the Holy See.
I hope that despite this regrettable step, the close and mutually beneficial co-operation between Ireland and the Holy See in the world of diplomacy can continue – based on shared commitment to justice, peace, international development and concern for the common good.
I look forward to a time when the Government will again appoint a resident ambassador to the Holy See. I hope that today’s decision will be revisited as soon as possible and that it can be addressed at the next meeting of the Church-State structured dialogue.'

Mass for parishioners who died in the past year

2011-11-05T10:53:00.000Z

Mount Saint Joseph (Rahoon) Cemetery

As a special part of the November month of prayer for the dead, Mass this evening, Saturday 5th November, at 6.30pm will be offered for parishioners, those who worshipped here, and those whose funerals took place here, who died during the year.

This Sunday's second reading has these words of hope:

We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him. First Letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians 4:13-14

Mass intentions for the week ahead 6th November 2011

2011-11-04T12:30:00.000Z

Saturday 5th November
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Novena Mass for all those who died in Our Parish in the past year.
Sunday 6th November
9.30 am   Novena
11am       Novena
12.15 pm Ted and Bridget Conneely and Esther Francis
                2. Terry Colohan
6.30 pm   Shirley Maher
Monday 7th November
10am   Novena
Tuesday 8th November
10am Novena and for All the Sick
Wednesday 9th November
10am Novena
Thursday 10th November
10am Novena
Friday 11th November
10am Mickey Sullivan and Mary Murray
Saturday 12th November
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm Paddy Francis
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Indian Community Prayer
Sunday 13th November
9.30 am Intention free
11am        Tim and Lena Codyre and deceased members of the Codyre and Duffy families.
12.15 pm John, Johnnie and Ellen Brennan
6.30 pm    Joseph Kennedy..

Annual Galway Apostolic Work Exhibition

2011-10-29T21:29:00.000+01:00

The annual Apostolic Work for the missions exhibition will take place in Scoil Einde, Dr Mannix Road, Salthill this Sunday, October 30th from 10am until 5pm. (Formal opening is at 3pm.)
Includes children's art competition, cake sale, raffles, sale of work, etc.
Admission free

Bishop Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway, congratulates President-Elect Michael D. Higgins

2011-10-29T21:12:00.001+01:00

I extend sincere congratulations to Mr. Michael D. Higgins on his election to the office of President of Ireland.
I offer every good wish to him and to his wife, Sabina, and to their family, in these days of great happiness for them and in what we pray will be a fruitful, satisfying term of office.
The people of Galway are very proud of his achievement and that one who has served them with care and compassion is to now to serve and represent the country as President at home and to the world.
Guímid ar Dhia a bheannacht a chur air agus é glaoite ónár measc anois chun seirbhís fíorspeisialta a thabhairt ar son na tíre:
Go dtuga Dia an tsláinte dó, agus go neartófar é, chun dualgaisí na h-oifige a chomhlíonadh le h-ionracas.
Go raibh tréimhse shona, thorthúil, spreagúil aige mar Uachtarán ar Éirinn.
Comhghairdeas le chuile dea-ghuí!
+Martin Drennan,
Bishop of Galway

Funeral of Martin Ryan, RIP, Corrib Park

2011-10-29T20:51:00.002+01:00

Reposing in Saint Anthony's Room in the Church of Saint John the Apostle, Knocknacarra on Sunday, October 30th from 6pm until 7pm. Removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart here at 7pm. Mass here on Monday, October 31st at 11am. Burial after in Rahoon Cemetery.

May his soul, and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, October 30th 2011

2011-10-29T20:44:00.001+01:00

• Clocks go back by one hour at midnight tonight (Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th October).

• Tuesday, November 1st is the Feast of All Saints. Vigil Mass on Monday evening at 6.30pm. Masses on Tuesday itself at 10am, 11.30am and 6.30pm. (See more in the posting below.)

• Wednesday, November 2nd is All Souls Day, the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed. Masses at 10am and 7.30pm. (Again, see more in the posting below.)

• November Masses for the Dead: The envelopes for the remembrance of our loved ones and the Faithful Departed are available at the Church doors. Please return them to the Church by Wednesday, November 2nd and place them in the safe at the back of the Church or the box beside the sanctuary.

The Novena of Masses for those whose names are on these lists will begin on All Souls Day, Wednesday November 2nd and continue until Thursday, November 10th.

• This coming Friday, November 4th is the First Friday of the month and so those who are housebound by illness or old age will be visited with Holy Communion by Monsignor Malachy and Father Hugh. Please let us know of anybody who has recently become housebound and would like to receive Communion on the First Friday.

• The Vigil Mass next Saturday, November 5th at 6.30pm will be offered for those who died in the parish during the past year. A candle for each of them will be lighting in the sanctuary from All Souls Day on. Their loved ones are invited to this Mass.

• Mass and blessing of the graves in Forthill Cemetery next Sunday, November 6th at 11.30am.

• Thank you for your contributions to the Mission Sunday collection last week. It raised €1,000.

• A special collection will be taken up at all Masses next Sunday, November 6th for the diocesan family services that are provided at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Árus de Brún.

• Children’s Choir for Christmas: Rehearsals will begin next Wednesday, November 2nd at 7pm in the Church Meeting Room. All children from 6 years are welcome. For queries, see phone numbers on Church notice board.

• We pray for the happy repose of the soul of Martin Ryan, Corrib Park who has died. See funeral notice above.

Congratulations to President-Elect Michael D Higgins

2011-10-29T16:26:00.000+01:00

We congratulate Michael D Higgins, a near neighbour of this parish and who is no stranger to Sacred Heart Church, on his election as President of Ireland. We pray God’s blessing on him, his wife Sabina and their family, and on our country, as he prepares to become head of state.

November 2011: Praying for the Dead

2011-10-28T16:49:00.003+01:00

All Saints Day, Tuesday 1^st November 2011

'The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs'
- Bl. Fra Angelico (1387-1455)
National Gallery, London

We celebrate the feasts of canonised Saints on special dates on the calendar throughout the year. But on All Saints Day we celebrate all the Saints of Heaven, celebrating a solemnity in honour of all those who are already in the presence of God. While the Church canonises certain people we can be sure are now in full communion with God in the fullness of his Kingdom, this does not mean that these are the only souls in Heaven. And so, on this occasion we honour all the Saints, those whose names we know, and those we don’t. We ask their intercession and celebrate our belief in the Communion of Saints.

All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses here in Sacred Heart Church: Vigil Mass on Monday at 6.30pm. Masses on Tuesday at 10am, 11.30am and 6.30pm.

All Souls Day, Wednesday 2^nd November 2011

‘It is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins’

2 Maccabees 12:46

Catholic belief in Purgatory points to God’s great mercy, that he can still purify us after death if we are still imperfectly purified. Since we are linked with each other in communion, we can help the Holy Souls by our prayers. To read the explanation of the doctrine of Purgatory in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, click here.

Mass times for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, All Souls Day on Wednesday at 10am and 7.30pm.

Norms for Indulgences at the Commemoration of All Souls

1. From 12 o’clock noon on 1 November until midnight on 2 November, all who have confessed, received Holy Communion, and prayed for the Pope’s intentions (one Our Father and Hail Mary, or any other prayer of one’s choice) can gain one plenary indulgence by visiting a church or oratory, and there reciting one Our Father and the Apostles’ Creed.

The indulgence is applicable only to the souls of the departed.

Confession may be made at any time within the week preceding or the week following 1 November.

Holy Communion may be received on any day from 1 November to 8 November.

2. The faithful who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the Holy Souls on the usual conditions once per day from 1 to 8 November. The conditions mentioned above also apply for this.

Mass Intentions for the week 30th October 2011

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Saturday 29th October
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Brendan Devlin
Sunday 30th October
9.30 am    Free Intention
11am        Chris, Tom and Thomas Coughlan
12.15 pm Mary Guerin and 2. Joseph Quirke
6.30 pm    Kathleen Ward

Monday 31st October
                        10.00 am Paddy Kilroy and Susanne Tierney

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Intention free
Tuesday 1st November    All Saints Day
10.00 am For all the Sick and Patricia Scanlan and Colm Tierney
11.30 am Kate Ward
6.30 pm Gerard McDonagh
Wednesday 2nd November All Souls Day
10.00 am Novena
7.30 pm Novena
Thursday 3rd November 10 am Novena
Friday 4th November 10 am Novena

Saturday 5th November
Vigil Mass    6.30 pm Novena Mass for all those who died in Our Parish in the past year

Sunday 6th November
9.30   am   Novena
11.00 am    Novena
12.15 pm     Ted and Bridget Conneely and Esther Francis
6.30 pm     Shirley Maher

Assisi Day of Reflection, Dialogue and Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World

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This Thursday, 27thOctober, Pope Benedict will travel by train to Assisi to mark the 25^thanniversary of the meeting held by Pope John Paul II with world religiousleaders in 1986.

Pope John Paul II met religious leaders in Assisi in 1986

The following descriptionof the day is from Vatican News Service:

"The world today, as it did twenty-five yearsago, needs peace", said Cardinal Peter Turkson [President of thePontifical Council for Justice and Peace]. "Following two and a halfdecades of collaboration and joint witness among religions, it is time toassess the results and to relaunch our commitment in the face of newchallenges", he explained. Those challenges include "the financial andeconomic crisis which is lasting longer than expected, the crisis in democraticand social institutions, food and environmental problems, biblical-scalemigrations, indirect forms of neo-colonialism, the scourge of poverty andhunger, unchecked international terrorism, and greater inequality and religiousdiscrimination"

"Once more - and suffice to considerrecent events in Egyptand other parts of the world - we must say 'no' to any exploitation ofreligion. Violence among religions is a scandal which distorts the trueidentity of religions, it obscures the face of God and distances us from thefaith.

"The journey of religions towards justiceand peace", the cardinal added, "must be characterised by a jointsearch for truth. ... Therefore Benedict XVI wishes the 2011 initiative in Assisi ... to be seen asa pilgrimage; the which implies asceticism, purification, convergence towards amore exalted place, and taking on a community responsibility".

The search for truth "is a preconditionfor knowing one another better, for overcoming all forms of prejudice, and ofsyncretism which obscures identity". It likewise helps us "tocollaborate for the common good" and facilitates our "coming togetheron the plane of natural reason". It is a prerequisite "for defeatingfanaticism and fundamentalism, according to which peace comes about by imposingone's own convictions on others", and for overcoming "the Babel oflanguages and the laicism which seeks to remove from the human family the OneWho is its Beginning and End".

Turning to consider the programme of events forthe Day, the cardinal explained that the various delegations will leave Rome by train on 27October, in the company of the Holy Father. Having arrived in Assisi, they will make their way to the Basilicaof Santa Maria degli Angeli, where the delegations will recall the previousmeetings there and explore the theme of the Day in greater depth. The HolyFather will also deliver an address. That afternoon, those present in will makea "pilgrimage" to the Basilica of St. Francis, being joined on thelast stage by the members of the delegations. Having reached the basilica,everyone will make a solemn renewal of their joint commitment to peace.

More than fifty nations will berepresented in Assisi.They will include, apart from many European and American countries, Egypt, Israel,Pakistan, Jordan, Iran,Saudi Arabia, Philippines andmany others. "Those which, at this moment in history, perhaps suffer mostfrom problems associated with religious freedom and dialogue betweenreligions", Cardinal Turkson observed.

For his part, Msgr. Melchor Jose Sanchez deToca y Alameda,under secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, pointed out that thePope has, for the first time, also invited non-believers to a religiousmeeting. "This innovative idea of the Holy Father's", he said,"is based on the conviction that men and women, both believers andnon-believers, are always searching for God, for the Absolute, and that theyare, therefore, all pilgrims travelling towards the fullness of truth".

The Pope's invitation to participate in the Dayhas been accepted by the French linguist, psychoanalyst, philosopher and writerJulia Kristeva; the Italian philosopher Remo Bodei; the Mexican philosopherGuillermo Hurtado, and the Austrian economist Walter Baier.

Volunteers needed for Eucharistic Congress 2012

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Fr Kevin Doran with helpers for the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin

We have received this message from the organisers of the Eucharistic Congress:

The50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012(IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17^th June 2012.

Volunteerswill have an integral role to play in the success of the Congress. Between twoand three thousand volunteers will be needed during the week of the Congressand also to assist in preparations in the months leading up to the Congress.

TheCongress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if youwould like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an onlineapplication or request an application form from theCongress office. For more informationplease contact the IEC2012 offices on (01) 2349900 orvolunteeradmin@iec2012.ie

TheCongress is planning for 80,000 participants in the closing ceremony; 25,000participants each day; 12,000 international pilgrims, 5 continents and 2,500young people. This will be the biggestinternational event in Ireland in 2012, one that will have a significant impactfor Ireland with the largest gathering of the Irish Catholic Church since 1979.

Legion of Mary Talk by Frank Duff's Biographer

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The new biography of Frank Duff

Frank Duff was one of the greatest Irish people of the twentiethcentury. Dr Finola Kennedy has recently published a biography on this saintlydevotee of Our Lady.

She will speak about Frank Duff in Árus de Brún, Newtownsmith on Thursday,3^rd November 2011 at 8pm.Tea afterwards.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, October 23rd 2011

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· As announcedlast week, the special Mission Sundaycollection for the propagation of the faith takes place at all SundayMasses.

· The November envelopes for the remembranceof our loved ones and the faithful departed are available at the Church doors.Please return them to the Church for November.

· The children’s choir for Christmas willbegin rehearsals on Wednesday, November2^nd2011 at 7.00pm in the Church meeting room. Children andyouth up from 6 to 16 years are welcome. For further information, see telephonenumbers on the notice in the Church porch.

· Clocks goback by one hour next Sunday morning,30^th October 2011.

· Volunteers areurgently needed for a local youth club being set up in the community. Noexperience is necessary as training will be provided. If interested, contactthe names on the notice on the Church notice board.

· We pray forthose who died during the week:

- Keith McCaldin, LaurelPark

- Mary Murphy,wife of Peter Murphy of the Electrical Shop, Westside Shopping Centre

Claddagh St Martin de Porres Novena

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The Saint Martin de Porres Novena will take place in St Mary's Dominican Church, the Claddagh, Galway from Wednesday, 26th October to Thursday, 3rd November. Mass at 7.30pm each evening.

Saint Martin was a Peruvian Dominican lay brother who worked with the poor, the weak and the suffering.

Preacher: Fr Denis Murphy O.P., St Dominic's, Dublin

Mass intentions for the week ahead 23rd October 2011

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Saturday 22nd October
11am Nora Flaherty (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Patrick Curran and deceased members of Curran family.

Sunday 23rd October
9.30 am Gerry, Tom and Mill Rafferty
11am        Deceased members of Gill and Feeney families.
12.15 pm Joseph, Una and Leo Smyth and Deceased members of Queally family.
6.30 pm Patrick and Ann Shiels

Monday 24th October
10am Deceased members of Murphy family
Tuesday 25th October
10am For all the Sick and John Halloran
Wednesday 26th October
10am Bionna and Tommie Drudy
Thursday 27th October
10am John and Margaret Salmon
Friday 28th October
10am Pat, Nora and Mary Heavey and deceased members of Burke and Heavey families.

Saturday 29th October
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Brendan Devlin

Sunday 30th October
9.30 am Intention free
11am         Chris, Tom and Thomas Coughlan
12.15 pm Mary Guerin and Joseph Quirke
6.30 pm     Kathleen Ward.

Mission Sunday 2011

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Galway City, as seen from Carn Ard

During October, we prayin a special way for the missions and this week, we have Mission Sunday (23rdOctober 2011). We pray for missionaries bringing the faith to so many parts ofthe world, proclaiming the good news of salvation. As has already beenmentioned, the special collection for the missions will take place at all theSunday Masses here at Sacred Heart Church this weekend.

We must also recognisethat our own country is, in some sense, mission territory now too. Pope JohnPaul II brought the term ‘the New Evangelisation’ to prominence, and now, PopeBenedict XVI is placing great emphasis on it. It is a challenge to reach outafresh in faith to people living in traditionally Christian areas.

Here are some of thePope’s thoughts from his message for this year’s Mission Sunday:

‘…an increasing number ofpeople, although they have received the Gospel proclamation, have forgotten orabandoned it and no longer recognize that they belong to the Church; and inmany contemporary contexts, even in traditionally Christian societies, peopleare averse to opening themselves to the word of faith. A cultural change nourishedby globalization, by currents of thought and by the prevalent relativism, istaking place. This change is leading to a mindset and lifestyle that ignore theGospel Message, as though God did not exist, and exalt the quest forwell-being, easy earnings, a career and success as life’s purpose, even to thedetriment of moral values.

The universal mission involves all, all things and always. TheGospel is not an exclusive possession of whoever has received it but a gift toshare, good news to communicate. And this gift-commitment is not only entrustedto a few but on the contrary to all the baptized, who are “a chosen race, aroyal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1 Pt 2:9), so that they maydeclare his wonderful deeds.’

PopeBenedict XVI, Message for World Mission Sunday 2011

To read the fullmessage from Pope Benedict, click here.

Message from World Missions Ireland

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MISSIONALERT

Mission Sunday comes only once a year. On this special day we are given theopportunity to express our unity with and support to Christian communitieseverywhere.

World Mission

Ireland

provides spiritual andpractical assistance to the Church’s mission worldwide. “Together in Faith” wecan all play an active role in helping more than 1,100 dioceses and communitiesglobally. This is the Church in action – communities supporting communities.

HOWCAN YOU HELP?

Support is needed by prayer as well asfinancially. On MissionSunday, 23^rd October 2011 please pray for the universal missions ofthe Church and give as generously as you can to the Mission Sunday Collection.Every cent of the money donated to this collection goes into a universal fundand is distributed to the missions most in need.

All aid is greatly appreciated bycommunities less fortunate than ourselves and “Together in Faith” may wecontinue to spread the good news in God’s name.

Mission Sunday Annual Collection – 23^rd October 2011

Donations can be sent to:

World Missions, Ireland

64 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.

Notices Received

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GalwayCathedral: "November: A Month toRemember"

For the four Monday Nights of November at 8pm, agathering will take place to cherish the memories of deceased loved ones withmusic, prayer and reflection, beginning on Monday 7th. All welcome.

Cancer Care West

click to enlarge

Fashion Show for UHGNeonatal Intensive Care Baby Unit

A fundraising fashion show will be held on Sunday 23rd October at5pm in The Ardilaun Hotel. Tickets from O'Brien's Newsagents, William Street orphone 086 8870183 for more information.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, October 16th 2011

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· Next Sunday,October 23rd is Mission Sunday. ThePropagation of the Faith collection for the missions will take place at allMasses.

· Tuesday,October 18^th is the feast of SaintLuke the Evangelist.

· The November envelopes for the rememberanceof our Faithful Departed, all our loved ones, are available at the Churchdoors. They can be returned to the Church when completed.

· The Months Mind Mass for the late Nora Flaherty, Davis Road, Shantalla,will take place here in Sacred Heart Church next Saturday, October 22^nd at 11am.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 16th October 2011

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Saturday 15th October
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm John Deeney and Bernard Concar and John Conneely
Sunday 16th October
9.30 am Intention free
11am        Peter Conneely and Mary Fahy (Months Mind Mass)
12.15 pm John and Barry Wade and deceased members of Wade and Hehir families.
                 Freda and John Moran and their son Wilfred.
6.30 pm    Ivan Canavan and deceased members of Canavan and Rattigan families.
               Matthew, Bridget and Michael Barrett.

Monday 17th October
10am Francis McDonagh
Tuesday 18th October
10am For all the Sick and James Duffy
Wednesday 19th October
10am Tim and Mary Murray and family

6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Indian Community Mass

Thursday 20th October

10am Nicholas Hannon
Friday 21st October
10am Paul Craughwell

Saturday 22nd October
11 am Nora Flaherty (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Patrick Curran and deceased members of Curran family.

Sunday 23rd October
9.30 am    Intention free
11am          Deceased members of Gill and Feeney families.
12.15 pm    Joseph, Una and Leo Smyth
6.30 pm      Patrick and Ann Shiels.

November Parish List of the Dead

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As we approach November, the month of prayer for those who have died, the envelopes for the November list of the dead are available at the back of the Church. They can be taken home and brought back to the Church on time for November.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, 9th October 2011

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· Daily Masshere in Sacred Heart Church is at 10amfrom Monday to Friday. Every week, the Tuesday morning Mass is offered forthose who are sick. You are invited to put the names of sick parishioners orloved ones on the Book of the Sick in the sacristy for inclusion in the TuesdayMass.

· Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the side chapel every evening, i.e.7 days a week, from 8pm until 10pm.It is lovely to have a few people here at the heart of our parish praying forus all in the evenings.

· Thanks toeverybody at Masses since the introduction of the new translation of the priest’sgreetings and people’s responses for your cooperation. The introduction of theresponses is going very smoothly.

· We pray for Annette Flaherty, Claddagh, who hasdied, sister in law of Paddy Naughton, Corrib Park.

Notices Received

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Community Music Group

TheWestside Community Development Project and the VEC have launched a CommunityMusic Group in the Westside ResourceCentre on Wednesday nights 7-9pm.The group is open to anyone living in the Westside area over the age of 18 andis free of charge.

Theaim of the group is to give community members a chance to meet other people whohave an interest in music and to provide a space to learn new skills and havefun. The focus of the group is participative music making, including any andall types of music. Everyone is welcome to join the group regardless of musicalor singing ability.

For further details please contact Vernice at Westside Community DevelopmentProject on 0879303468.

IntergenerationalArt Exhibition

On Tuesday, 18th October 2011 at 6.30pm in the Westside Library, Séamus Quirke Road, Youth Work Ireland, Galway(Rahoon Youth Project) and the St Vincent de Paul Society present anIntergenerational Art Exhibition. The aim of the project was to challengenegative age stereotyping and help build positive connections across the agespan in the local community. All are welcome to attend this event during GalwayCity Council's social inclusion week.

IHCPT LOURDES PILGRIMAGE

I.H.C.P.T - THEIRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST organisesa pilgrimage to Lourdes every Easter, for young people with special/additionalneeds between 12-30yrs of age.
There is also a special family group for youngerchildren with serious illnesses.
Further information and application forms forApril, 2012 can be obtained from the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Kilcuan,Clarinbridge, Co. Galway. Tel. 091-796622.
Closing date for applications is 31^stOct. 2011.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 9th October 2011

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Saturday 8th October
11 am Margaret 'Madge' Ryan (Months Mind Mass)
Vigil Mass    6.30 pm Eddie Ward and Patrick and Annie Ward and Kathleen Sweeney

Sunday 9th October
9.30 am     Helen Duignan
11am         Martin Curley and Margaret Coen.
12.15 pm   Paddy and Annie Lee and Elizabeth Griffin.
6.30 pm     Tom and Margaret Conneely and John and Nora Keady
                  and Geraldine McCooke.

Monday 10th October
10am Jackie, Kathleen and Seamus Salmon.
Tuesday 11th October
10am For all the Sick
Wednesday 12th October

10am Deceased members of Wims and Gannon families.
Thursday 13th October
10am Bridie Whelan
Friday 14th October
10am Honor Naughton and Margaret McNamee

Saturday 15th October
Vigil Mass    6.30 pm John Deeney and Bernard Concar and John Conneely.

Sunday 16th October
9.30 am     Intention free
11am         Peter Conneely and Mary Fahy (Months Mind Mass)
12.15 pm   John and Barry Wade and Freda and John Moran and their son Winifred.
6.30 pm     Ivan Canavan and deceased members of Canavan and Rattigan families.

Parish Announcements for Sunday, 2nd October 2011

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· This coming Friday, 7th October is the First Friday of the month. On that day,Monsignor Malachy and Fr Hugh will bring Holy Communion to those who arehousebound due to illness or old age. Please let us know of anybody who hasbecome housebound recently and would like to be on our First Friday list.

· Feast Daysof particular interest this week:

- St Francis ofAssisi: Tuesday, 4^th October

- Our Lady of theRosary: Friday, 7^th October

· In preparationfor the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Rosary will be recited here in Sacred Heart Church on the daybeforehand, Thursday, 6^thOctober at 1.00pm and at 4.00pm.

· The Months Mind Mass for the late Margaret (Madge) Ryan, Highfield Park,and late of Colmcille Road will be celebrated this coming Saturday, 8^th October at 11am here in Sacred Heart Church.

· Please pray forthose who died during the week:

- Nora Flaherty,Davis Road, whose funeral took place here

- PádraigSpellman, Colmcille Road, Shantalla. Removal on Sunday, 2^nd Octoberfrom Conneely’s Funeral Home at 7pm to St Joseph’s Church. Funeral Mass onMonday at 12 noon.

Day for Life 2011

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In the Catholic Churchin Ireland, this Sunday, 2nd October, is the ‘Day for Life.’ Pope John Paul II in his encyclicalletter on the Gospel of Life in 1995had called for a day each year ‘to foster in individual consciences, infamilies, in the Church and in civil society a recognition of the meaning andvalue of human life at every stage and in every condition.’[1]This year the Irish Bishops have chosen as the theme for the day, ‘A call tosolidarity and hope in difficult times.’ It is important in this time ofrecession and worry for some, that we affirm the value of life and reassureeverybody that there is no need to lose hope.

The Bishops have issueda message for the day and you can take it as you leave the Church. It is available here in Sacred Heart Church, but you can also read it in pdf format and see other information on the Day for Life 2011 by clicking here.

[1] Evangelium vitae, par. 85.