Feast of Corpus Christi - Sacred Heart Parish marks opening of Eucharistic Congress

The Consecration at the Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, celebrated by Monsignor Malachy Hallinan

Sacred Heart Parish joined in communion with the International Eucharistic Congress which opened in Dublin today. At all Masses, we were conscious of this, but especially at the 12.15pm Mass which marked the opening in a particular way. There was a large attendance and the enthusiasm and sense of devotion was to be felt strongly among the congregation.

Benediction was held and the Blessed Sacrament was then exposed for the rest of the day. Many people came to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during the day.

Views of the congregation

Fr Malachy Hallinan and Fr Hugh Clifford after the Benediction

Three generations in communion with Christ and with one another

Handing on the faith

Celebrating the Eucharistic Congress in Sacred Heart Parish

Parish Announcements for Sunday, June 10th 2012

Solemnity of Corpus Christi

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Opening Day of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, Dublin 2012

• To mark the opening of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, we will end our 12.15pm Mass today with Benediction and a procession to the Adoration Chapel. All-day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will follow. All Ministers of Holy Communion and Adorers are invited to attend this Mass. Also, all children of the parish who received their First Holy Communion this year, in any school, are invited to attend dressed in their First Communion outfits.

• This week, there will be Mass on Saturday morning, June 16th 2012 at 10am for the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Therefore, weekday Masses this week will be from Monday to Saturday at 10am each morning. Friday, June 15th is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom this Church and Parish are dedicated. This being the week of the Eucharistic Congress, we are inviting any parishioners who can come in the mornings to come out to weekday Mass this week so as to be in communion with the Congress as a parish.

• The tickets for the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress at Croke Park next Sunday, June 17th are now available. All those who applied for the tickets through the diocesan office have been allocated tickets and we have these here in the parish for you now. Please call in to the sacristy after any Mass or call to the Parish Office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10.30am and 1.00pm.

• A bus from Galway Cathedral is being organised for the weekdays of the Eucharistic Congress at the RDS. For details of the themes for each day and of the bus, click here.

• The Easter offerings for the payment of the salaries of the priests of the parish (a fixed amount) came to 9105 euro. Sincere gratitude for your contributions.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead 10th June 2012

Saturday 9th June
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  1.  John Walsh and 2.  James Geraghty
Sunday 10th June
9.30 am  Paddy and Annie O'Neill and deceased members of the O'Neill family
11am      Jean Devlin and 2. Sarah and Dick Devlin
12.15 pm  1. Peter and Margaret Joyce and 2. William Lambe
6.30 pm    1.  Derek Lee and 2. Paul Daly (Months Mind Mass)

Monday 11th June
10am   Fr. Anthony Hoade
Tuesday 12th June
10am  For all the sick and Nora, Mariah and Michael Kelly
Wednesday 13th June
10am  Stephen Nee
Thursday 14th June
10am  Intention free
Friday 15th June   Feast of the Sacred Heart
10am  Catherine Keane

Saturday 16th June Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
10am  Missa Pro Popula (for the people)
Vigil Mass      6.30 pm  Eddie Burke

Sunday 17th June
9.30 am   Intention free
11am       1. Ann Mitchell and 2. Willie Corcoran and Thomas and Bridget McDonagh
12.15 pm    1. Delia and James Rabbitte and 2. Bridie Tedders
3.30 pm      Indian Community Mass
6.30 pm      Michael Francis and baby Michael Joseph Francis

Preview of Eucharistic Congress

Here's a short video in which Fr Kevin Doran explains what the Eucharistic Congress is all about and what will be happening next week.

Notice Received: Cancer Care West

Cancer Care West are hosting two talks in June which may be of interest to cancer patients and their families.

On Monday June 11, Mr Eamonn Rogers, Consultant Urological Surgeon  is giving a presentation on ‘Coping with Prostate Cancer’. Over the last year the centre has offered support to men coping with this diagnosis and it is clear that for some men, this diagnosis causes ongoing stress. We are delighted that Mr Rogers has agreed to give this talk which will provide people with an overview of coping with prostate cancer. We are hoping to set up a support group if people are interested in meeting on a once per month basis. This talk is free of charge and takes place at 8pm on Monday June 11 in the Cancer Support Centre at 72 Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway.

On Monday June 18, Ms Cathy McCarthy is giving a talk ‘A Cancer Diagnosis – Choose Your Attitude and Change Your Life’. Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and has written a book about her journey called ‘Not the Year You Had Planned’. It is full of practical help and the response of those who have read has been very positive. It is helpful to both patients and family members. If you are affected by cancer in any way, you may find this talk interesting. This talk is free of charge and takes place at 8pm on Monday June 18 in the Cancer Support Centre at 72 Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway.

Dr. Helen Greally

Director of Psychology & Support Services

Cancer Care West

Notice Received: Galway Simon Community

To register for this mini marathon, click here.

Eucharistic Congress starts next Sunday

Those who applied for tickets for the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress at Croke Park can collect them and make the 10 euro contribution at the parish office (opening times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 1.00pm).

The opening of the Congress will be marked here in the parish at the 12.15pm Mass this coming Sunday, June 10th 2012.

Here is a YouTube video made by the students of the MA in the History of the Media, UCD School of History and Archives about the 1932 Eucharistic Congress in Ireland:

Congratulations to new Priests of Tuam Archdiocese

Archbishop Michael Neary ordaining Fr Shane Sullivan.

Congratulations to Fr Eugene O'Boyle and Fr Shane Sullivan, ordained Priests for our neighbouring Archdiocese of Tuam yesterday in Tuam Cathedral. We wish them many happy years of service among the Lord's flock. Fr Eugene's brother Adrian, when staying in Galway, occasionally comes to Mass in Sacred Heart Church and so we congratulate Adrian too on this happy occasion.

Fr Eugene O'Boyle gives his first blessing to his family after his ordination.

Meanwhile, while on the topic of vocations, here is a female religious order with many new entrants in recent years. Some of these Nashville Dominican Sisters will be visiting Ireland next week for the Eucharistic Congress.

World Meeting of Families concludes

The World Meeting of Families in Milan came to an end with Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Bresso Park, attended by one million people. He announced that the next World Meeting of Families will take place in Philadelphia, USA, in 2015. In his homily, the Pope spoke about marriage and the family:

God’s plan for the human couple finds its fullness in Jesus Christ, who raised marriage to the level of a sacrament. Dear married couples, by means of a special gift of the Holy Spirit, Christ gives you a share in his spousal love, making you a sign of his faithful and all-embracing love for the Church. If you can receive this gift, renewing your “yes” each day by faith, with the strength that comes from the grace of the sacrament, then your family will grow in God’s love according to the model of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Pope Benedict XVI at World Meeting of Families in Milan

Pope Benedict XVI is at the World Meeting of Families in Milan at the moment, praying for the families of the world. We join with him and all those gathered in Milan to pray for families in these challenging times.

On Friday evening, Pope Benedict attended a concert at Milan's famous La Scala theatre:

Parish Announcements for Sunday, June 3rd 2012

Trinity Sunday

• To mark the opening of the International Eucharistic Congress, we will celebrate in a special way as a parish at the 12.15pm Mass next Sunday, June 10th 2012, the Feast of Corpus Christi. All the Ministers of Holy Communion and the Adorers are requested to be present. Those who received First Holy Communion this year, whether in this Church or in any other Church, are invited to come dressed in their First Communion outfit. For full details, see our previous posting by clicking here.

• A bus is being organised from Galway for each of the weekdays of the Eucharistic Congress from June 11th to 16th 2012 at the RDS in Dublin. To book, telephone the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre at (091) 565066. For full details, click on this previous posting here.

• The tickets for the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress at Croke Park on Sunday, June 17th, have now arrived to us in the parish. The names of the parishioners who applied are on the tickets. We ask those who applied to collect the tickets and make the 10 euro contribution at the Parish Office this coming Wednesday, June 6th 2012 between 10.30am and 1.00pm.

• Congratulations to the pupils of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla who were confirmed by Bishop Martin Drennan here in the Church on Friday. We pray God's blessing on their parents, families, teachers, school staff and all who prepared them for this special day. See posting on Confirmation Day by clicking here.

• We pray for and wish well our students beginning Leaving and Junior Certificate exams this week.

• Sincere thanks for your generous donations to the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Invalids Fund which amounted to 600 euro.

• We pray for Fionnuala McDonagh, late of Fursey Road, who died during the week.

Confirmation Day 2012 in Sacred Heart Church

Confirmation in Sacred Heart Church

Congratulations to sixth class pupils of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla, who were confirmed by Bishop Martin Drennan in Sacred Heart Church today. Compliments to Ms. Geraldine Brogan and Mr. Robin White for all their good work in preparing the young people for the Sacrament. The choir was directed by Ms. Aoife Bruen. The ceremony was very prayerful. We pray for these young people that the gifts of the Holy Spirit may enable them to live very fruitful lives living like Christ.

Ms. Liz Hanrahan, Fr. Hugh Clifford, Ms. Gillian Bogan, Mons. Malachy Hallinan

Bishop Martin Drennan and Fr. Hugh Clifford with the Altar Servers

The families had their photographs taken with the Bishop after Mass.

Bishop Martin Drennan and Fr. Hugh Clifford with the class teachers, Mr. Robin White and Ms. Geraldine Brogan

Mass intentions for the week ahead 3rd June 2012

Saturday 2nd June
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  Peg and John McMahon and 2. Tony Frawley

Sunday 3rd June   Trinity Sunday
9.30 am      Angela Feeney and deceased members of Carpenter and Feeney families.
11am          Patrick Holland and twin sister Nonie Costello and 2. Edmond and Raymond Toner
12.15pm     Margaret and Patrick Conway and 2.  Bertie Collins
6.30 pm      Volodia Alarcon

Monday 4th June
10am    Mary and Frank Moran
Tuesday 5th June
10am   For all the Sick and Nora and John Newell
Wednesday 6th June
10am   Martin and Mary Curran and deceased members of family
Thursday 7th June
10am    Mary and Thomas Welby and Mary Faherty
Friday 8th June
10am    Rose Reilly who died recently,

Saturday 9th June
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  John Walsh and 2. James Geraghty

Sunday 10th June   Feast of Corpus Christi
9.30 am      Paddy and Annie O'Neill and deceased members of the O'Neill family.
11am          Jean Devlin and 2. Sarah and Dick Devlin
12.15 pm   Peter and Margaret Joyce and 2. William Lambe
6.30 pm     Derek Lee and 2. Paul Daly (Months Mind Mass)

Sacred Heart Parish Eucharistic Congress Celebration

Celebration of Mass in Sacred Heart Church

We will mark the opening of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin at 12.15pm Mass here in Sacred Heart Church on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 10th 2012. At the end of Mass, we will have Eucharistic devotions including Procession to the Adoration Chapel and Benediction. There will be all-day adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel on that Sunday.

We invite all Ministers of Holy Communion and the Adorers of the parish to be present at this Mass. We also invite all children of the parish who received First Holy Communion this year to come, dressed in your First Communion outfit, whether you received First Communion in this Church or in any other Church.

We hope this will be a joyful celebration of 'Communion with Christ and with one another', as the theme for the Congress puts it.

International Eucharistic Congress, Dublin 2012

Good news for parishioners who applied for tickets for the Closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress at Croke Park on Sunday June 17th 2012: The Diocesan Office has informed us that all who applied will receive tickets. These will be distributed through the parish. We will let you know when we get the tickets and we will collect the 10 euro contribution.

During the weekdays from Monday June 11th to Saturday June 16th 2012, the Congress will be held at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre is organising a bus each of those days. You can book a ticket for the bus and entry to the Congress for a day by telephoning (091) 565066. The bus will depart from Galway Cathedral at 6.30am each of those mornings and leave the RDS in the evening at 9.00pm.

The themes for each of the days is as follows:

Monday, June 11th - Communion in One Baptism

Tuesday, June 12th - Communion in Marriage and Family (Family Day)

Wednesday, June 13th - Priesthood and Ministry in the Service of Communion

Thursday, June 14th - Reconciliation in Our Communion

Friday, June 15th - Communion in Suffering and in Healing

Saturday, June 16th - Communion in the Word through Mary

If you prefer to book directly with the Congress for any combination of options, see the Congress booking link by clicking here.

Missing Person: David Gilligan

Gardai in Galway are appealing to the public for assistance in locating 30 yr old David Gilligan, missing from Galway City since the 22nd May 2012.

David was last seen walking towards Dangan Heights, Newcastle, Galway on the 22nd May 2012, he is described as 6'1", broad build, short brown hair. When last seen he was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and black Jack Jones hoodie.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Update: Monday, June 4th 2012: Sadly, we have learned that the body of David has been found. We pray for David and his family at this time.

More Summer scenes around Sacred Heart Parish

Camillaun Park

Laurel Park

Corrib Park

Notice Received: Senior Help Line

Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10 am till 10 pm, 365 days a year.

Web: www.thirdageireland.ie

Neil Bruton

Marketing and Communications Officer

Third Age

Summerhill

Co. Meath

0834260081

Notice Received: Galway Choirs Perform Memorial Concert for Monica Narciandi Junco

Galway Choral Association, Galway Gospel Choir and Ignite Gospel Choir will perform a memorial concert for Monica Narciandi Junco, who was a member of all three choirs. The concert will be held in St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Saturday June 9th at 8pm. 

A native of Gijon in the Northern Spanish province of Asturias, Monica came to Ireland eleven years ago and worked as a main telephonist for the Revenue Commissioners and before with the Department of Social Welfare and the Western Health Board Galway.

“It was one of Monica’s dearest wishes that all three choirs of which she was a member would perform together. Tragically the first time that we performed together was at her funeral service last October. We now come together again, to celebrate Monica’s life on the occasion of what would have been her 40th Birthday and to raise funds for the National Council for the Blind Galway,” said Michael O’Hare chairperson of the Galway Choral Association.

Tickets €10 ( €8 concessions) are on sale at Opus 11, High Street, Galway ( 091 500 300)

and the National Council for the Blind, 9a, St. Francis Street Galway (091 564 926) and on the door.

Niamh Hennelly

Galway Choral Assocation

Summer around Sacred Heart Parish

Sacred Heart Church on a sunny Sunday morning

The sun shining on Reddington Road

The new Seamus Quirke Road

Parish Announcements for Sunday, May 27th 2012

Pentecost Sunday

• The special collection takes place at today's Masses for the Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Invalid Fund.

• Bishop Martin Drennan will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on the sixth class pupils of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla here in Sacred Heart Church this Friday, June 1st 2012 at 11am.

• The First Friday of the month occurs this week, but because of Confirmation on Friday, Fr Malachy and Fr Hugh will bring Holy Communion to those who are housebound due to illness or old age on Thursday instead, i.e. this Thursday, May 31st 2012.

• Next Sunday will be Trinity Sunday.

• The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock takes place today, Sunday May 27th 2012. Bus leaving Galway Cathedral at 11.15am. Sacrament of the Sick at 2.30pm. Mass at 3pm in the Basilica.

• The Easter Offering envelopes for the priests of the parish are being taken up during these Sundays of May. We thank you for your contributions.

• The Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre is organising a bus service to the Eucharistic Congress in the RDS for the weekdays of the Congress, June 11th to 16th 2012. Each day, the bus will leave Galway Cathedral at 6.30am and in the evening will leave from the RDS at 9.00pm. For an individual, 35 euro for bus ticket and entry fee for the Congress. 100 euro for a family of two adults and four children. Tickets available from the Pastoral Centre. For details, phone (091) 565066. Daily themes: Monday: Ecumenism, Tuesday: Marriage and Family, Wednesday: Priesthood and Ministry, Thursday: Reconciliation, Friday: Suffering and Healing, Saturday: The Blessed Virgin Mary.

• The tickets for the final Mass of the Congress on Sunday, June 17th 2012 will be distributed through the parish to those who applied for them. We will inform you when we receive the tickets.

• In the parish here, we will mark the opening of the Eucharistic Congress on Sunday, June 10th, Feast of Corpus Christi at the 12.15pm Mass that day, which will end with Benediction and a procession to the Adoration Chapel for all-day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We request the participation of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the Adorers. All children from the parish who received First Holy Communion this year are invited to come in their outfits for this special occasion.

• We pray for the soul of Tom Sherlock, Coogan Park and Drom Chaoin, who died during the week and whose funeral took place in Galway Cathedral.

Message from Diocesan Youth Ministry

(1) The Parish of Bearna will celebrate a very special Mass for students on Tuesday May 29th at 7.30 pm.

The Mass will be led in song by the Folk Choir of Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana. (Home of The Fightin' Irish). 

The choir are visiting Galway as part of their tour of Ireland and Scotland. Just last Tuesday night, they performed an exciting programme of contemporary Liturgical music in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. 

All are welcome to come to Bearna Parish Church on Tuesday night and help "Keep the Candle Lit" for all those who are doing exams this June.

(2) The Parish of Ballybane is also preparing for a very special event. Fr Liam Lawton, composer and performer, is currently on a nationwide tour of Ireland and will be performing an intimate evening of songs and reflection in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballybane on Sunday 10th June 2012, in aid of Galway Hospice and Ballybane Bethany Bereavement Support Group. This concert will be Liam’s ONLY Galway performance on his tour and the concert is being organised as part of the 25th anniversary of the opening of St. Brigid’s Church in Ballybane. Tickets cost €20 and early purchase is strongly advised as there is always huge demand for Liam’s concerts. Tickets can be purchased from Nuala 087 6719951 or Marie 086 8122201. Tickets are also available at St Brigid’s Church after mass on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.

All the details for both events can be located on the diocesan website.

Wishing both parishes all the best in their preparations for these two very special nights.

Siobhain Bradley,
Youth Ministry Coordinator,
Galway Diocese

Message from Galway Transportation Unit on Roadworks

To facilitate surfacing works, lane closures will be in operation at the Circular Road / Seamus Quirke Road junction from 20:00 on Monday May 28 to 10:00 on Tuesday May 29, 2012. Traffic management will be in operation and diversion signage will be in place, while works are underway.

Something for Eurovision Fans!

For the night that's in it: Eimear Quinn wins the Eurovision song contest in 1996 with the song 'The Voice' by Brendan Graham. I (Fr Hugh) was a seminarian in Maynooth at the time. I remember some fellow seminarians ringing the college bell in celebration of her win because Eimear was an Arts student in Maynooth then.

Do we listen for the voice of Christ calling us?

'Be not afraid.
Come follow me.
Answer my call
and I'll set you free.'

Mass intentions for the week ahead 27th May 2012

Saturday 26th May
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Owen and Celia Kenny

Sunday 27th May  Pentecost Sunday
9.30 am    John, Anna, Jack Nestor and Fr. Billy Pilkington
11am        Martin and Julia Folan and Declan Folan who died recently.
12.15 pm  1.  Bernie Donovan and deceased members of O'Connor and Donovan families.
                 2.  Patrick Burke
6.30 pm    1.  Pat Shaughnessy and 2.  Kathleen O'Neill

Monday 28th May  10 am  Jack Spelman and deceased members of the Donnellan family.
Tuesday 29th May  10am  For all the Sick and Bridie Whelan
Wednesday 30th May  10am  Marie Duncan
Thursday 31st May      10am  John Malone
Friday 1st June            10am   Intention free
                             11am  Scoil Bhride  Confirmation
Saturday 2nd June
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  1.  Peg and John McMahon
                                 2.  Tony Frawley

Sunday 3rd June  Trinity Sunday
9.30 am     Angela Feeney and deceased members of Carpenter and Murphy families.
11am         Patrick Holland and twin sister Nonie Costello
12.15 pm  1.  Margaret and Patrick Conway
                 2.  Bertie Collins
6.30 pm    Volodia Alarcon.

Notice Received: Galway Traveller Counselling Service

Counselling available by telephoning 087 6379074. 

All Travellers aged 18yrs or over from Galway City and County can avail of the service. Children will be seen where a family/parent have come together for counselling.

Organised by Galway Traveller Movement and the HSE.

Galway Traveller Movement Offices - contact details:

1 Plaza Offices

Headford Rd,

Galway .

091 765390

61 Main St.,

Loughrea ,

Co. Galway.

091 880916

Knock Summer Youth Festival

The Knock Summer Festival is taking place on Saturday the 28^th July. This day will be full of talks, workshops, music, prayer and reflection. The theme for the day is ‘ONE’. Why not come and join us for this day? The day is free of charge. It is for all people aged 17-30. For more info check out www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival, or call us on 0876927850. Find us on Facebook Knock Summer Festival.

Helen Toner,

Director of Youth Ministry,

Our Lady's Shrine,

Knock

Ceremony of Light in preparation for Confirmation

There will be a Ceremony of Light for the young people of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla preparing for Confirmation this evening, Wednesday May 23rd 2012 at 8.00pm. This will be a time of prayer that they may take the light of Christ into our world when they are strengthened by this Sacrament.

Change of Time and Venue for Corrib Park Meeting for Concerned Residents

The meeting of concerned residents of Corrib Park to discuss the break-ins in the locality recently, will now take place in Westside Community Centre at 9pm this Thursday, 24th May 2012. Please note this change.

Notice Received: Corrib Park Residents

Concerned residents of Corrib Park will meet at 8pm this Thursday, May 24th 2012 in the Westwood Hotel to discuss the recent break-ins to houses in the area.
NB - The time and place of this meeting have been changed to 9pm in Westside Community Centre. See post above or click here.

Notice Received: Our Lady of Galway Triduum in Claddagh Church

Our Lady of Galway statue in the Dominican Church, The Claddagh
Photo by Fr Fergal Mac Eoinin O.P.

The Triduum in honour of Our Lady of Galway will take place at St Mary's Dominican Church, Claddagh, Galway from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd June 2012.

7.10pm - Rosary at the Grotto

7.30pm - Mass

Preacher - Fr James Donleavy O.P.

Funeral of Mary Craughwell, Tuam and late of Corrib Park

Reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, this Sunday, May 20th 2012 from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass on Monday at 11am. Burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

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

Parish Announcements for Sunday, May 20th 2012

Ascension Sunday

• Weekday Mass in Sacred Heart Church is celebrated Monday to Friday at 10am each morning. Tuesday morning Mass is offered for the sick of the parish and those whose names are written into the parish book of the sick in the sacristy.

• The Sacrament of Confession is available every Saturday evening from 6pm.

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the side chapel every evening of the week from 8pm until 9pm.

• Next Sunday, May 27th is Pentecost Sunday.

• Congratulations to the children of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla, who received First Holy Communion here on Saturday. See the post below.

• A special bus will be provided from Galway to the RDS in Dublin for the weekdays of the Eucharistic Congress for all who would like to attend the events going on. From Monday June 11th to Saturday June 16th 2012 the bus will leave Galway Cathedral at 6.30am and depart from the RDS again in the evening at 9.00pm. For full details, click here and scroll to the bottom.

• The Easter offering envelopes for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during this month of May. Extra envelopes are available at the door.

• The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from July 1st to 6th 2012. Bookings can still be made. See details on previous post by clicking here.

• There will be a special collection at all next Sunday's Masses for the Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

• Please pray for the soul of Mary Craughwell, Tuam and late of Corrib Park, who has died. See funeral arrangements in the post above.

Congratulations to First Communion Children

The children had their group photograph taken after Mass with celebrant of the Mass, Fr Hugh Clifford

Congratulations to the children of second class in Scoil Bhride, Shantalla, who received their First Holy Communion in Sacred Heart Church today. Special thanks to the class teachers who prepared them for this Sacrament, Ms. Helen Lavin, Ms. Gillian Bogan, and Ms. Noreen Lydon. Thanks also to Mr. Frank Keane, school principal, for his support, and to Sr Mary Doyle who coordinated the Do this in Memory programme during the year, helping the families, the school and the parish to cooperate in the preparation for First Communion and for life ahead in relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Thanks to members of the Parish Pastoral Council who helped out with this programme and who organised refreshments for the children and their families after each of the monthly Masses along the course of the Do this in Memory programme.

Thanks also to the other teachers and school staff and the pupils from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes who formed a beautiful choir for the Mass.

It's particularly special that these children received their First Communion so close to the time of the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland. We pray that Jesus' gift of himself in the Eucharist may always be their nourishment as they journey through this life on the way towards the Kingdom of God.

Before the Mass: Fr Hugh Clifford, Sr Catherine Regan, Fr Malachy Hallinan

It has been a happy day for the families

Mr Frank Keane, Principal, Scoil Bhride and Fr Hugh Clifford congratulate some of the children after Mass 

Message from Galway Transportation Unit on the Roadworks

To facilitate surfacing works, lane closures will be in operation on the Old Seamus Quirke Road from 20:00 on Tuesday May 22 to 11:00 on Wednesday May 23, 2012. Traffic management will be in operation and diversion signage will be in place, while works are underway.

Thanks for contributions to Eucharistic Congress collection

Bishop John Fleming of Killala has sent the following message of thanks following the recent national collection towards the costs of the Eucharistic Congress:

I, along with the Bishops from the 26 dioceses of Ireland, am deeply grateful to you for the donations which you have given to the four National Collections which have been taken up for the 50^th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 since 2009. Your support means that Ireland is able to extend a warm welcome to visitors to Dublin from Ireland as well as from all over the world for this very important event in the life of the Catholic Church.

I know that you will be with us, if not in person then in spirit, as we host this very important occasion, which has as its theme, The Eucharist - Communion with Christ and with one another. I ask you to keep us in your prayers.

If you would like to offer further support to the Congress, please give your donation to your local priest. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and it is our intention to publish the full financial details of the Congress in due course.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 20th May 2012

Saturday 19th May

11 am  First Holy Communion Scoil Bhride N.S.  Shantalla

Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  1.  Desmond and Peter Ryan
                                 2.  David Coen

Sunday 20th May   Ascension Sunday
9.30 am    Intention free
11am        Maureen Kennedy
12.15pm  1.  Peter & Mary Hehir and deceased members of Hehir and Wade families.
                2.  Joseph Conneely
3.30 pm   Indian Community Mass
6.30 pm   Charlie Ward (Months Mind Mass)

Monday 21st  May       10am  Deceased members of Cahill and Kirby families
Tuesday 22nd May        10am  For all the Sick and Mary and Andrew Keady
Wednesday 23rd May  10am  Ann Mongan
Thursday 24th May       10am  1.  Elsie Molloy and deceased members of Molloy family
                                                   2.  Francis Boylan
 Friday  25th May           10am  1.  Hubert and Mary Heavey and all deceased members of
                                                         Heavey and Burke families.
                                                    2.  Bridget Molloy.

Saturday 26th May
Vigil Mass       6.30 pm  Owen and Celia Kenny

Sunday 27th May
9.30 am         John, Anna, Jack Nestor and Fr. Billy Pilkington
11am             Martin and Julia Folan and Declan Folan who died recently.
12.15pm   1.  Bernie Donovan and deceased members of O'Connor and Donovan families.
                 2.  Patrick Burke
6.30 pm    1.  Pat Shaughnessy and 2.  Kathleen O'Neill.

Cathedral Mass before Exams

YOUTH EXAM MASS taking place on Wednesday 30th May at 7:30pm in Galway Cathedral. All exam students and their families and friends are invited to attend. The Ignite Gospel choir will sing at this Mass. They will help to raise the spirits of students at this stressful time.  There will be an atmosphere of hope and encouragement for all students facing exams. 

Message from Trócaire about West Africa

You may be aware of the severe food shortages in West Africa as reported this week on RTÉ news.  Trócaire is working with its Caritas partner organisations to deliver emergency aid to the region.  If you wish to support the people of the Sahel region of Central and West Africa call 1850 408 408 (ROI) | 0800 912 1200 (NI) or donate online at http://www.trocaire.org/emergencies.  Thank you.

Catherine Ginty
Communications Coordinator, Trócaire

Eucharistic Congress Final Mass Tickets

Some of those who have applied for the tickets for the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress were asking about the tickets last Sunday. The Diocesan Office has now informed us that the tickets will be distributed through the parish, and the 10 euro contribution will also be collected by the parish.

Therefore, in two weeks time, the Diocesan Office will send us the tickets and we will then announce how applicants can obtain them here at Sacred Heart Church.

Eucharistic Congress Hymn - 'Though we are many'

50th International Eucharistic Congress hymn composed by Bernard Sexton

Parish Announcements for Sunday, May 13th 2012

6th Sunday of Easter

• The children of Scoil Bhride, Shantalla will receive their First Holy Communion here at Sacred Heart Church next Saturday, May 19th 2012 at 11.00am. Please remember them in your prayers.

• The Easter offering envelopes for the priests of the parish can be returned to the Church during this month of May. Extra envelopes are available at the Church doors. Thank you for your contributions.

• Next Sunday, May 20th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

• The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from July 1st to 6th 2012. Bookings can still be made. See details on previous post by clicking here.

• The Galway Diocesan pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday, May 27th 2012. It is organised by Fr Sean Kilcoyne. Sacrament of the Sick at 2.30pm and Mass at 3pm in the Basilica.

• Thank you for your contributions to last week's collection for the hosting of the Eucharistic Congress. The total raised was €750.

• A special bus will be provided from Galway to the RDS in Dublin for the weekdays of the Eucharistic Congress for all who would like to attend the events going on. From Monday June 11th to Saturday June 16th 2012 the bus will leave Galway Cathedral at 6.30am and depart from the RDS again in the evening at 9.00pm. For full details, click here and scroll to the bottom.

• Margaret Duignan has asked us to announce that the annual Children's Remembrance Mass will be held this year in the Church of St John the Apostle, Knocknacarra on next Sunday, May 20th 2012. See more details by clicking here for an article in the Galway Advertiser.

• We pray for the soul of Paul Daly, Corofin and Gaelcarraig Park, who died during the week.

Notice Received: Westside Citizens Information Service

Westside Resource Centre,

Seamus Quirke Road,

Galway

Opening hours: 2nd Monday of the month, 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

The Citizens Information Service provides free, confidential and impartial information on any subject to anyone who asks. There is no charge for the service and it is available to all sections of the community. It provides information on topics like social welfare, employment rights, health services, consumer affairs, taxation, family law and local organisations and activities. The Citizens Information Service stocks a full range of information leaflets and application forms on public services. It also helps people to get entitlements by helping them to fill in forms and if necessary, it contacts government departments or other agencies on their behalf. In addition, it also helps people who are appealing decisions and from time to time may even accompany them to an appeal.

Contact: 086 7915005 outside opening hours

Telephone: 0761 07 7600

Fax: 091 563687

Web: www.galwaycic.ie

Email: galway@citinfo.ie

CIPS: 0761 07 4000

Notice Received: Afternoon of Prayer of Atonement at the Abbey

There will be an afternoon of Prayer of Atonement for the Church in Ireland in the Franciscan Abbey, Galway, on Saturday May 19th from 2pm until 6pm.

The afternoon includes Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Confession and Mass at 4pm.

The guest speaker for the afternoon will be Eddie Stones.

Mass intentions for the week ahead 13th May 2012

Saturday 12th May
Vigil Mass  6.30 pm  1.  Michael and Patrick Conneely and deceased members of  the family.
                                 2.  May and Mary Lyons

Sunday 13th May
9.30 am    William and Bridie Keane
11am        Helen Duignan 1st Anniversary
12.15 pm  Bridget and Ted Conneely and Esther Francis
6.30 pm    Rita O'Connor (Corrib Park)

Monday 14th May
10am  Seamus Dunne who died recently
Tuesday 15th May
10am  Maisie Heneghan who died recently
Wednesday 16th May
10 am   Mick and Margaret Duggan
Thursday 17th May
10am   Una Corcoran and deceased members of Devaney family
Friday 18th May
10 am  Bridget and John Kelly and Catherine and Thomas Moran and
deceased members of Kelly and Moran families.
Saturday 19th May
11 am  First Holy Communion (Scoil Bhride N.S.)

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm  1.  Desmond and Peter Ryan
                                2.   David Coen

Sunday 20th May  Ascension Sunday
9.30 am          Intention free
11am              Maureen Kennedy
12.15 pm  1.  Peter and Mary Hehir and deceased members of Hehir and Wade families.
                 2.  Joseph Conneely
3.30 pm         Indian Community Mass
6.30 pm        Charlie Ward (Months Mind Mass)

Man cured at Lourdes to speak in Galway Cathedral this evening

Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes in Galway Cathedral on Thursday 10th May 2012, at 7pm.

Vittorio Micheli (Trento, Italy) will give a personal testimony of his miraculous cure from cancer in Lourdes in 1963. He will be accompanied by Dr. Mario Botta, who will show X-Ray and slides outlining the history of the illness and the cure. All are welcome. 

Funeral of Paul Daly, RIP, Corofin and Gaelcarraig Park

Funeral Mass for Paul in Sacred Heart Church this Friday, May 11th 2012 at 12noon.

Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended... (Mass Preface I for the Dead)

Parish Announcements for Sunday, May 6th 2012

5th Sunday of Easter

• At all Masses this Sunday a special collection will take place to help defray the costs of hosting the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin next month.

• A booklet giving the programme for the Eucharistic Congress and all the essential details is available at the Church doors. Please take one for your home.

• A bus service for each day of the Eucharistic Congress is being organised from June 11th to June 16th 2012. Coach fare and ticket to get in to the Congress for the day will be €35 for an individual and €100 for a family ticket for 2 adults and 4 children. Bus departs from Galway Cathedral at 6.30am and departs from the RDS in the evening at 9.00pm. Tickets available from Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre. For details, telephone (091) 565066.

• Weekday Masses this week will be on Monday and Friday only at 10am. So, please note, no Mass on the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues as usual from 8pm until 10pm every evening of the week.

• Thank you for your contributions to the collection last week for the formation of the clerical students for the diocese. The total contributed was €800.

• The Easter offerings which fund the salaries of the priests of the parish (a fixed amount) continue to be taken up during the month of May. Extra envelopes are available at the Church doors.

• The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from July 1st to 6th 2012, led by Bishop Martin Drennan and organised by Canon Martin Moran. For information, see previous post by clicking here.

• The Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday, May 27th 2012. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated at 2.30pm and Mass will be at 3pm followed by Rosary procession.

• The Galway Gospel Choir and Alma College Choir, Michigan, USA will sing here at Sacred Heart Church on Monday evening, May 7th 2012 at 8pm. Admission free. All welcome.

Notice Received

The Rosary will be recited each evening during this month of May at Elm Park, Greenfields at 7pm. All welcome.

Margaret Duignan

Mass intentions for the week ahead 6th May 2012

Saturday 5th May
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  Johnny Murphy
Sunday 6th May
9.30 am 1.   Joseph O'Brien and O'Brien and Corley families.
              2.  Mary & Jeremiah Lennon, Gerry, Desmond and Billy Lennon
                   and deceased members of Keane and O'Halloran families and
                   Peggy and Patrick Shaughnessy.
11am          Patrick Fahy (Months Mind Mass)
12.15 pm    Timmy Joyce
6.30 pm      Intention free

Monday 7th May
10am  Tommie and Anne Kavanagh

Please note : NO 10 AM MASS  on Tuesday, 8th May, Wednesday 9th May and

                                                            Thursday 10th May due to Priests' Retreat.

Friday 11th May 
10am   Bridie, Andrew, Noel  and Steph Dunne and Seamus who died recently

Saturday 12th May
Vigil Mass   6.30 pm  1.  Michael and Patricia Conneely and deceased members of family
                                  2.  May and Mary Lyons

Sunday 13th May
9.30 am    William and Bridie Keane
11am        Helen Duignan
12.15 pm  Bridget and Ted Conneely and Esther Francis
6.30 pm    Rita O'Connor

Sacred Heart Folk Choir

The Sacred Heart Folk Choir sings at 12.15pm Mass on Sundays.

Saint Joseph the Worker

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - Holy Family Shrine at Sacred Heart Church

We begin the month of May, Our Lady's month, today with the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.

‘Men and women who are providing for themselves and their families, and are thus performing an appropriate service in society, can rightly regard themselves as furthering the creator’s work by their labour, as being concerned for the wellbeing of their fellows and as making a personal contribution to the achievement of the divine plan in history.’

- Vatican Council II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the World of Today, Gaudium et spes 34