Vocations Workshop for Diocesan Priesthood this Saturday March 3rd 2012

Mons. Malachy and Fr Hugh are always happy to talk to anybody discerning a vocation. Please pray that those young men God is calling to priesthood may be given the courage and joy they need to respond to this call. Priests are needed to work in the vineyard of the Lord as part of the New Evangelisation.

This Evening: Catholicism Series – The Eucharist

This evening, Wednesday February 29th 2012, at 8.15pm, we will have the screening of our second episode of the Catholicism series with Fr Robert Barron at Sacred Heart Church.

You do not need to have been at the first episode to fully benefit from this episode. Each episode stands on its own.

In this year of the Eucharistic Congress, this can be a part of our parish reflection on this Sacrament that is the source and summit of the Christian life.

In this episode we will witness Mass being celebrated in many countries. Fr Robert will take us through the parts of the Mass, explaining their meaning, and he will reflect on the meaning of Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Why not treat the Leap Year Day as a bonus, and give yourself the time for a little faith formation this evening?

Here, again, is the trailer for this evening's episode:

Next week (Wed, March 7th 2012): Episode on Our Lady.

Notice Received

Foyer of Light, Charity & Love

5 day silent Retreat.                 Theme: “ If you but knew the gift of God...” 

Preached by Fr. Kilian Byrne.   Apr.9^th to 15^th 2012    Cost €380

Venue: Esker Retreat Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway

For further information Contact: Helen : 086 1678027, or  Mai: 041 9819074

John Waters to speak at Diocesan Pastoral Centre

Photo from Irish Catholic website, www.irishcatholic.ie

From Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre:

John Waters (Journalist, Editor and Magazine Columnist) will launch a new series of monthly talks addressing current needs and issues in society taking place on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month in the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith beginning on Tuesday 6th March at 7:30pm. Contact 091-565066 for more information.

Message from Trócaire

“May the Lord be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”

Psalms 9:9

This second Sunday in Lent we think of Daniel, the little boy on the Trocaire box. Even though he has been through the trauma of civil war, he wants to continue his education so that he might, one day, serve his community as a doctor. Our solidarity with Daniel blesses us with hope for a bright future in Uganda where there has been a dark past. For more information on the Lenten campaign visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.

Screening of the Catholicism Series at Sacred Heart Church

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

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

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

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

Week 3:  Wednesday, 7th March 2012: Mary

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

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

Week 6: Wednesday, 28^th March 2012: Prayer

Week 2: The Eucharist

Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven:

The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist

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

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

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

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 26th 2012

First Sunday of Lent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Colie Naughton, Corrib Park

- Kevin Cleary, Cuar na Lus

Mass intentions for the week ahead 26th February 2012

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

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

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

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

Funeral of Kevin Cleary, RIP, Cuar na Lus

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

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

Ash Wednesday 2012 at Sacred Heart Church

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

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

Timetable for Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church

10.00am - Mass

7.30pm - Mass

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

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

Funeral of Colie Naughton, RIP, Corrib Park

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

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

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

Week 1: The Holy Land and the Story of Jesus

In the first episode of the Catholicism series, Fr Robert Barron travels around the Holy Land tracing the story of Jesus as told in the Bible. Our Catholic faith is rooted in this story, the revelation of God become man. The screening will take place at Sacred Heart Church on Ash Wednesday evening at 8.15pm. This first episode lasts 50 minutes. There is no charge. It will set the tone in terms of the beautiful filming of scenery, providing an inspiring backdrop to Fr Barron's fine teaching on our faith.

This episode will be like a free pilgrimage to the Holy Land for us as we visit the place of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, his public ministry around the Sea of Galilee, and his passion, death, Resurrection in Jerusalem, as well as other locations.

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

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 19th 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• We pray for those who died recently:

- Mary Kelly, Corrib Park

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

- Michael Dinnen, Omagh and late of Corrib Park

Consistory: New Cardinals this Saturday

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

This Saturday, February 18th 2012, Pope Benedict will place the red hat on the heads of 22 new Cardinals. The colour red symbolises readiness to shed one's blood for Christ, to endure martyrdom for the faith if necessary. The office of Cardinal derives from the historical responsibility of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome as the close collaborators of the Pope, and hence the Cardinals are the electors of a Pope. To maintain this bond with Rome, each Cardinal is assigned a titular Church in Rome, where he visits when in the city. For example, the titular Church of Cardinal Sean Brady is the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta in the Roman Forum.

The heads of the dicasteries (departments) of the curia, because they closely help the Pope in the exercise of his authority, are usually made Cardinals. Several of these offices have received newly appointed heads recently, and thus many of the new intake this time are of this category. They are: Archbishops Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, João Braz de Aviz (Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), Manuel Monteiro de Castro (Major Penitentiary), Giuseppe Bertello (President of the Vatican Governorate), Domenico Calcagno (Chairman of the Administration for the Patrimony of the Apostolic See), Giuseppe Versaldi (President of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs of the Holy See), Santos Abril y Castelló (Archpriest of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore), Edwin Frederick O'Brien (grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre), Antonio Maria Vegliò (President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People) and Francesco Coccopalmerio (President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts).

Also on the list are eight diocesan Bishops: Archbishops Giuseppe Betori (Archbishop of Florence), George Alencherry (Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church), Thomas Christopher Collins (Archbishop of Toronto), Willem Jocoby Eijk (Archbishop of Utrecht), Rainer Maria Woelki (Archbishop of Berlin), Timothy Michael Dolan (Archbishop of New York) and Dominik Duka (Archbishop of Prague) and Bishop John Tong Hon (Bishop of Hong Kong).

It is a practice also for the Pope to give the red hat to some priests, over eighty years of age, and thus not eligible to vote in a conclave, who have given distinguished service to God and the Church in the field of scholarship. This time, he is naming three of these Cardinals along with a distinguished Archbishop: Fr. Prosper Grech, consultant to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fr. Karl Josef Becker, professor emeritus of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Msgr. Julien Ries, Professor Emeritus of History of Religions at the Catholic University of Leuven, and Archbishop Lucian Muresan, Major Archbishop of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church.

A nice feature of the day of the Consistory is that the Papal Household is opened up to the public to go in and greet the new Cardinals. Huge crowds of Romans, visiting guests of the new Cardinals, pilgrims and many others, go in for this special occasion.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 19th February 2012

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

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

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

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

Funeral of Michael Dinnen, Omagh and Corrib Park

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

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

Lenten Faith Videos: The Catholicism Series at Sacred Heart Church

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

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

Catholicism Series: Journey Around the World and Deep into the Faith

Witness the most significant story ever told.

For the first time, in breathtaking, high-definition cinematography, the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith is illustrated in a rich, multimedia experience.

Journey with acclaimed author, speaker and theologian Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 15 countries.

Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth's people.

From the sacred lands of Israel to the beating heart of Uganda, from the glorious shrines of Italy, France, and Spain, to the streets of Mexico, Kolkata, and New York City, the mystery of Catholicism is revealed.

Discover the full meaning of the Faith.

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

Legion of Mary Discussion on Mary and Evangelisation

Discussion group (Patricians) in preparation for the

International Eucharistic Congress, Dublin, 2012.

Title: Mary and Evangelisation

Legion of Mary House, 15 Fr Griffin Road, Galway

Thursday February 23rd 2012

Everyone welcome

Enquiries: Contact 086 0806592

Thanks to Novena Helpers

We have received this message from Galway Cathedral:

The Bishop and the Priests of the Cathedral would like to express their appreciation and thanks to all from the parish who assisted as Ministers of the Eucharist, as Stewards or in any other capacity during the Solemn Novena.

Mass will be offered at the Cathedral especially to ask God's blessing on all helpers and their families.

With every good wish,
Yours sincerely,

Cathedral Clergy

Funeral of Mary Kelly, RIP, Corrib Park

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

Suaimhneas síoraí tabhair di a Thiarna.

St Valentine's Day and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart statue in the Church of the Sacred Heart

St Valentine's Day is a good time to remember that 'God is love' (1 John 4:16), and our Church and parish are dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a heart that beats with love for us.

St Valentine's feast is not on the current liturgical calendar because we have so little information on his life story. There are relics of St Valentine in the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street in Dublin.

On the liturgical calendar for February 14th is the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers in the ninth century who were missionaries to the Slavic peoples. In Moravia, they used their own translation of the Scriptures in the local language. To do this, they devised an alphabet, now known as Cyrillic. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them Patrons of Europe.

Notices Received

Lough Derg

A Day of Friendship & Prayer, Ash Wednesday 22nd February 2012

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

Monthly Talks at Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre

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

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 12th 2012

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

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

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

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

• We pray for those who died recently:

- Dorothy Ridgard, Corrib Park

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

- Nell Fitzgerald, Bárr na Carraige, Fort Lorenzo

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

Mass intentions for the week ahead 12th February 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Sacred Heart Parishioners at Galway Novena

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

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

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

Funeral of Dorothy Ridgard, RIP, Corrib Park

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

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

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

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

Galway Cathedral Solemn Novena 2012

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

There are six sessions each day, as follows:

Monday-Saturday: 07:45, 11:00, 13:10, 15:30, 19:30, 21:30

Sunday: 09:00, 10:30, 12:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:15

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

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

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

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

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

Parish Announcements for Sunday, February 5th 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass intentions for the week ahead 5th February 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Blaise

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

Here in Sacred Heart Church, on the Feast Day, there will be Masses at 10.00am and 7.30pm at which Fr Malachy and Fr Hugh will bless throats.

Notices Received

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

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

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

From Ability West:

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

Cathal Ryan

From Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association:

To mark European Epilepsy Day, February the 13th, Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association will hold an Awareness/Information Evening in the Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road, Galway.

Date: Feb 13th at 8pm.
Talk will be given by Teresa Leahy, Neurology Nurse Specialist, UHG.
Admission Free.
Please contact Evelyn at 091 568180 if you wish to attend.
Evelyn Monson Kirby
Community Resource Officer
Brainwave,
The Irish Epilepsy Association
E: crogalway.brainwave@epilepsy.ie
W: http://www.epilepsy.ie/

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

This Thursday, 2nd February 2012, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, because we have the blessing at Mass on this day of candles for liturgical and devotional use.

It is 40 days since Christmas and so we commemorate Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to present him to God in the Temple, as their first-born child, along with two birds to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with the Law of Moses.

In the Gospel of the Mass (Luke 2:22-40), we read of Simeon and Anna, two elderly people who loved to be in the Temple, living in expectation of the coming of the Messiah. They recognised the One they were waiting for. Simeon's words recognise Jesus as the light, and hence the blessing of the candles today, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world. These were his words:

Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,

just as you promised;

because my eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all the nations to see,

a light to enlighten the pagans

and the glory of your people Israel.'

On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church is celebrating the Day of Consecrated Life, so we pray for all religious Sisters and Brothers, and all who are specially consecrated to the Lord, especially those in this parish and we pray for new vocations to religious life in Ireland.

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

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