Westport Parish

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: Should anyone need assistance, please contact SVP in Westport at 087-9334960 HOLY HOUR: Will resume on the 7th Jan. 2025 in St. Mary’s Church from 8.00p.m.-9.00pm NEW ROTA: The new rota and Missals for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers are available at the Sacristy, you can collect one before or after Mass. CRIB BLESSING: Loving God, bless this crib and all who look upon it. May it remind us that Jesus was born into a family who didn't have very much to share except their love for one another. May it help us to keep you at the centre of our Christmas celebrations. And may the joy and peace brought to the world by Jesus be in our home at this time and always. Amen CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PRAYER AND BLESSING: May this Christmas 2024 and the coming New Year Jubilee 2025 year of hope bring us joy, peace and many blessings. May all our days be filled with faith, hope and love. May we have a happy time with family and friends. May we keep in touch with all those in other parts of the world. And may we honour and treasure the memory of the faithful departed. May God bless and keep us safe, healthy and happy, through Christ Our Lord. Amen THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS: When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among us, To make music in the heart. Howard Thurman JANUARY 1ST 2025 MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD PRAYER FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE: Mass at St. Mary’s Church Westport at 10.00a.m . We encourage as many of you as possible to please join us for this special Mass on New Year’s Day. We will be offering  special prayers for peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and all the places where there is war, violence and conflict. Our baby Jesue in the manager is wrapped in a keffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian scar. DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS FACILITATOR:   Ma yo North East Partnership hold clinics in North Mayo, Castlebar and Westport by appointment to assist homeowners with the DCB Grant scheme and application.  All enquiries/appointment p lease  contact: Caroline on 087 482 8261 / email:  [email protected] BREAVEMENT SUPPORT:  Bereavement Support meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further Information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320.  FAILTE CUPPA: Sunday 29th December in Carrowbeg House after the 11.00a.m. Mass. All welcome. MONTHLY CALLS: Fr. John will do his next house callS in the first week of February. HOLY COMMUNION PYX: If you would like to take Holy Communion home to a family member or neighbour, please call in to the office to collect a Pyx. REGIFTING WEEKEND 11TH & 12TH JANUARY 2025:   If we want to move to a more circular economy we need to start sharing , reusing , repairing , and recycling  things we already have and extending the life of items as long as possible.  We all agree that there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Regifting  aligns with the principles of reducing waste and minimising our carbon footprint, as it extends the life of an item that might otherwise go unused or discarded. With the global awareness of environmental challenges,   many people now view regifting  as a responsible and eco-friendly practice. On top of that, Charity shops will gain much needed income from our regifting .  Westport Eco Congregation is delighted to host a REGIFTING  Sunday – gifts can be left In the back of St Marys Church beside the statue of St. Patrick after the masses on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th January 2025 Worshippers in Holy Trinity can leave items on Sunday 14th January at 11.30.  Eco Congregation members will take it from there… Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18 – 25 January 2025:  The theme this year “Do you believe this?” ANAM CARRA: Supporting parents after bereavement, are hosting their First Online Bereavement Information Evening on Tuesday 7th January 2025. This online talk is for bereaved parents only.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: Should anyone need assistance, please contact SVP in Westport at 087-9334960   HOLY HOUR: Will resume on the 7th Jan. 2025 in St. Mary’s Church from 8.00p.m.-9.00pm   NEW ROTA: The new rota and Missals for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers are available at the Sacristy, you can collect one before or after Mass.   CRIB BLESSING: Loving God, bless this crib and all who look upon it. May it remind us that Jesus was born into a family who didn't have very much to share except their love for one another. May it help us to keep you at the centre of our Christmas celebrations. And may the joy and peace brought to the world by Jesus be in our home at this time and always. Amen   CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PRAYER AND BLESSING: May this Christmas 2024 and the coming New Year Jubilee 2025 year of hope bring us joy, peace and many blessings. May all our days be filled with faith, hope and love. May we have a happy time with family and friends. May we keep in touch with all those in other parts of the world. And may we honour and treasure the memory of the faithful departed. May God bless and keep us safe, healthy and happy, through Christ Our Lord. Amen   THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS: When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among us, To make music in the heart.   Howard Thurman   JANUARY 1ST 2025 MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD PRAYER FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE: Mass at St. Mary’s Church Westport at 10.00a.m . We encourage as many of you as possible to please join us for this special Mass on New Year Day. We will be offering special prayers for peace in Gaza, the middle east, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and all the places where there is war, violence and conflict. Our baby Jesus in the manager is wrapped in a keffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian scarf.   PADDINGTON BEAR RAFFLE: Raised €1090.00 for UNICEF Gaza children’s appeal. Congratulations to the winner Jason Kelly and thanks to everyone for your support. DEANERY MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS: PARISH CHRISTMAS EVE Tuesday 24th  CHRISTMAS DAY Wednesday 25th  AUGHAGOWER 8pm Cushlough 9pm Aughagower 10.30am Cushlough 11.30am Aughagower BURRISHOOLE 7pm Newport 9pm Tiernaur 9.30am Shramore 11am Mulranny   ISLANDEADY 7pm Glenisland 9pm Islandeady 10am Glenisland 11am Islandeady KILMEENA/ FAHY 5pm Fahy 9.30am Myna   LOUISBURGH 6pm Killeen 7.30pm Louisburgh 10.00am Killeen 11.30am Louisburgh   WESTPORT 6.30pm Westport 8.00pm Drummin 8.00pm Lecanvey 9.30pm Westport 11.00am Westport   ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES:  Sun 22nd Louisburgh 7.30pm There will also be opportunity for confessions in Westport on Sat. 21st 7.30pm – 10.30pm   CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: CAROL SERVICE:  Sunday 22nd December at 5.00p.m. ANAM CARA: S upporting parents after bereavement, are hosting their first Online Bereavement Information   Evening on Tuesday 7th of January 2025.  This online talk is for bereaved parents only. CANCER FUND FOR CHILDREN:   Cancer Fund for Children were extremely grateful to receive over €1000 at our recent church gate collection in Westport on December 14th and 15th. A huge thank you to everyone. HOLY COMMUNION PYX: If you would like to take Holy Communion home to a family member or neighbour, please call in to the office to collect a Pyx.   DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS FACILITATOR:   Ma yo North East Partnership hold clinics in North Mayo, Castlebar and Westport by appointment to assist homeowners with the DCB Grant scheme and application.  All enquiries/appointment p lease  contact: Caroline on 087 482 8261 / email:  [email protected]   BREAVEMENT SUPPORT:  Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320.

Recording of the Live Broadcast on 15th DEC 2024 Archbishop Francis Duffy Tuam Archdiocese  formally launching The Jubilee Year 2025 in Westport. #PilgrimsOfHope  at St. Mary's Church, Westport   Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference Thanks to Kevin Barret, Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council welcoming Archbishop Francis on behalf of our Parish. And a special thanks to Shelly O'Neill for the wonderful design for our #PilgrimsOfHope Poster and prayer card. —  with Shelly O'Neill . Thanks to The Mayo News for featuring our local launch of #JubileeYear2025 Pilgrims of Hope at St. Mary's Church, Westport.

By Mary O'Malley as published on Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group. visit: https://www.louisburgh-killeenheritage.org/ "This is the story of the Families who for generations traded on Croagh Patrick providing refreshments to the weary pilgrims. What were the different routes taken by these families to bring all their supplies to the summit from the surrounding villages? How did this network of support, Meitheal and friendship endure the sometimes-harsh conditions? Who are these families and why were they so connected to Ireland’s Holy Mountain? Traditionally, the locals would climb Croagh Patrick on Garland Friday, the Friday before Reek Sunday, which is the last Sunday in July. On Friday 26th July 2024 after mass in Murrisk Carpark we premiered this short film telling the Traders stories and also had an excellent exhibition from the pupils of local primary schools. From August 2023 to 2024 Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage and Louisburgh Area Men’s Shed researched and gathered the stories and memories of some of the families who were Traders on the Reek. We met weekly in Lecanvey community centre to share information and plan the next steps. We visited all the local primary schools to invite the students to create art work and Holy Family N.S. Killeen, St. Patricks N.S. Louisburgh and Drummin N.S. submitted some beautiful paintings, PowerPoint presentations, poetry and essays including audio which you can view on our website." More you find under this link: https://www.louisburgh-killeenheritage.org/topics/traders-on-the-reek-project/traders-on-the-reek-documentary

CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL MASS AT 9.30P.M. We are looking for Volunteers from our Eucharistic Minister’s’ Rota & Reader’s Rota for the Vigil Mass at 9.30p.m. Please give your name in to the Presbytery/Sacristy.   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, Knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320.   NEW ROTA: The new rota and Missals for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers are available at the Sacristy, you can collect one before or after Mass.   WESTPORT FUEL APPEAL: The Annual Westport Fuel Appeal is ongoing until December 23rd with bucket collections and fundraising from local clubs or online at IDonate.ie Established in 1996 and in Memory of Martin Keane RIP   JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 Today Sunday Dec. 15th we welcome Archbishop Francis Duffy for the launch of this special year in our Parish and Diocese at 11. 00a.m. Mass. He will bless the new Jubilee plaque in St. Mary’s Church. He will also preach on the significance of the Jubilee Year for our parish and especially for Croagh Patrick Ireland’s Holy Mountain.   NIGHT FEVER: St. Mary’s Church on Sat. 21st Dec from 7.30pm-10.30pm Adoration, Scripture, Music, Prayer & Confessions. Volunteers needed, please contact Martin 085-8727732   A PILGRIMS PRAYER: As Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year 2025 may we walk with Faith, Hope and Love. Illuminate our path, inspire our hearts and strengthen our resolve to spread Your compassion and kindness. Help us to take each step as we journey towards a brighter tomorrow. Christ be with us. Amen. (The prayer card is available at the back of the Church)   A PRAYER OF BLESSING FOR THE BABY JESUS FIGURES: God our Father, you loved us so much you send us your only Son, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you. We pray that, with your blessing, these images of Jesus might be a sign of your presence and love in our homes. Good Father, give your blessing to all who gather with us this Christmas, our family and friends. Open our hearts, that we might receive Jesus in joy, do always what he asks of us,  and see him in those who need our love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son, who came to give peace to the world. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.     DEANERY MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS:   PARISH CHRISTMAS EVE Tuesday 24th  CHRISTMAS DAY Wednesday 25th  AUGHAGOWER 8pm Cushlough 9pm Aughagower 10.30am Cushlough 11.30am Aughagower BURRISHOOLE 7pm Newport 9pm Tiernaur 9.30am Shramore 11am Mulranny   ISLANDEADY 7pm Glenisland 9pm Islandeady 10am Glenisland 11am Islandeady KILMEENA/ FAHY 5pm Fahy 9.30am Myna   LOUISBURGH 6pm Killeen 7.30pm Louisburgh 10.00am Killeen 11.30am Louisburgh   WESTPORT 6.30pm Westport 8.00pm Drummin 8.00pm Lecanvey 9.30pm Westport 11.00am Westport   ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES: Mon 16th. Islandeady 7pmMon 16th Aughagower 7pmTues 17th Kilmeena 7pmTues 17th Newport 8pm?Weds 18th Westport 8pm  Sun 22nd Louisburgh 7.30pm There will also be opportunity for confessions in Westport on Sat. 21st 7.30pm – 10.30pm   CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: Thursday 19th December Scoil Phádraig 10.30a.m. - 11.30am CAROL SERVICE: Sunday 22nd December at 5.00p.m. PLEASE NOTE: All children of a school going age in the parish are invited to take part in our Christmas Carol Service on Sunday December 22nd at 5.00pm in this church. Practices will be held on next Friday 13th and the following Friday 20th in Carrowbeg House from 5 to 6pm We would love to see lots of children taking part.   ANAM CARA: The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on  Tuesday 17th December at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or how recent their death was. You do not need to register in advance.  Ph No. 01 4045378   DRUMMIN N.S. Christmas play in St. Mary's church, Drummin, on Tuesday, 17th December at 5pm. Tea and refreshments in the school afterwards.   HOLY COMMUNION PYX: If you would like to take Holy Communion home to a family member or neighbour, please call in to the office to collect a Pyx. YOUTH BAKE SALE : Last weekend’s Bake sale event raised €555 for our local VDP We wish to thank all who supported us and helped to make our fundraiser a huge succ ess

The first of three Advent Carol Services at St. Mary's Church, Westport. Thanks and congratulations to the girls, boys, teachers and staff of St Colmcille's Quay School 👏👏👏

HOLY COMMUNION PYX: If you would like to take Holy Communion home to a family member or neighbour, please call in to the office to collect a Pyx.   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, Knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320.   WESTPORT FUEL APPEAL: The Annual Westport Fuel Appeal is ongoing until December 23rd with bucket collections and fundraising from local clubs or online at IDonate.ie Established in 1996 and in Memory of Martin Keane RIP   UNICEF APPEAL FOR CHILDREN IN GAZA: If you would like a chance to win a “Paddington Bear” Call into the Presbytery Office. €5 a line.   JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 Next Sunday Archbishop Francis Duffy will launch this special year in our Parish and Diocese on December 15th at 11. 00a.m. Mass. He will bless the new Jubilee plaque in St. Mary’s Church. He will also preach on the significance of the Jubilee Year for our parish and especially for Croagh Patrick Ireland’s Holy Mountain.   THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14TH/15TH  Bambinelli Sunday, is celebrated next weekend with Gaudete Sunday when we light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath. It is a tradition in which families bring their baby Jesus figurines from their nativity scenes to church for a special blessing. The name "Bambinelli" comes from the Italian word for "little children." This custom emphasizes the importance of the Christmas season and the joy of preparing for the birth of Christ. The blessing serves as a reminder of the significance of the nativity in Christian faith and family celebrations. We encourage everyone to participate in this lovely family tradition in our parish at next week end’s masses   NIGHT FEVER: St. Mary’s Church on Sat. 21st Dec from 7.30pm-10.30pm Adoration, Scripture, Music, Prayer & Confessions. Volunteers needed, please contact Martin 085-8727732   BLESSING FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS: There will be a blessing ceremony for all expectant parents in the Basilica at Knock Shrine on Saturday 14th December at 11am. It will include a short prayer for protection and safe delivery with an individual blessing for all mothers-to-be who are present. All welcome.   NEW BANK DETAILS:  The main Parish Account is now with PTSB due to the closure of Ulster Bank. The details are as follows: Account Name:    Westport Parish BIC:                         IPBSIE2D IBAN:                      IE83IPBS99072933204684 DEANERY MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS:   PARISH CHRISTMAS EVE Tuesday 24th  CHRISTMAS DAY Wednesday 25th  AUGHAGOWER 8pm Cushlough 9pm Aughagower 10.30am Cushlough 11.30am Aughagower BURRISHOOLE 7pm Newport 9pm Tiernaur 9.30am Shramore 11am Mulranny   ISLANDEADY 7pm Glenisland 9pm Islandeady 10am Glenisland 11am Islandeady KILMEENA/ FAHY 5pm Fahy 9.30am Myna   LOUISBURGH 6pm Killeen 7.30pm Louisburgh 10.00am Killeen 11.30am Louisburgh   WESTPORT 6.30pm Westport 8.00pm Drummin 8.00pm Lecanvey 9.30pm Westport 11.00am Westport   CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: Wednesday 11th December Quay School 6.30pm -7.30p.m. Thursday 19th December Scoil Phádraig 10.30a.m. - 11.30am CAROL SERVICE: Sunday 22nd December at 5.00p.m. PLEASE NOTE: All children of a school going age in the parish are invited to take part in our Christmas Carol Service on Sunday December 22nd at 5.00pm in this church. Practices will be held on next Friday 13th and the following Friday 20th in Carrowbeg House from 5 to 6pm We would love to see lots of children taking part.   ADVENT PRAYER: HEAVENLY FATHER, As we gather on this Second Sunday of Advent, we pause in anticipation of the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with hope and peace as we prepare for His arrival. May the light of His love guide us through the darkness, and may we be instruments of Your peace in the world. Help us to reflect on the true meaning of this season, drawing closer to You and to one another.   We offer this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen   ANAM CARA: The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on  Tuesday 17th December at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or how recent their death was. You do not need to register in advance.  Ph No. 01 4045378   VERY REV. PATRICK GILL, P.E. 1927- 2024: Ballyhip, Louisburgh & Lecanvey. We pray for the repose of Fr. Paddy who served as a priest in out Diocese for 72 Years and as an Assistant Pastor in Lecanvey 1998- 2019. We thank God for the blessing of his generous ministry among us in this parish. May he receive the reward his goodness and kindness to the people he served. And may he Rest in Peace. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

(An-tAthair Padraic Mac Giolla) January 25th 1927 ~ November 28th 2024 (Ballyhip, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, retired Parish Priest, Milltown, Co. Galway and Assistant Priest, St. Patrick’s Lecanvey, Westport.) November 28th 2024:- Peacefully in the wonderful and kind care of the Nurses and staff of the Pilgrim’s Rest Nursing Home, Barley Hill, Westport, in his 98th year, and his 72nd year of his ministry to the Priesthood, surrounded by his family. Beloved son of the late Peter and Norah (née O’Malley), and brother of the late Charlie (Ballyhip) & Mary Browne (Boston). Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sister Bernie Sweeney (Louisburgh), brother Eddie Gill (Kent, England) nephews and nieces Tommy, Brendan, Mary-B., Anne, Dan, Noreen & P.J.(Browne), Elizabeth, Edward & Eugene (Gill) and Peter (Sweeney), his twenty three grand- nephews & nieces and his four great- grand niece and nephews, cousins, extended Gill & O’Malley families in Ireland and USA, + Archbishop Francis Duffy, + Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary, his brother Priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Tuam, and religious sisters of the Western Province who showed exceptional kindness to Fr. Paddy in the various parishes he served, former alumni and faculty of St. Jarlath’s College, his beloved and loyal parishioners, and wide circle of friends.   Requiescat in Pace   Fr. Paddy will rest in repose at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Louisburgh on Tuesday (Dec.3rd) from 6:00pm, concluding with Vigil Prayers at 8:00pm followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Lecanvey for Reception and Evening Prayers. Concelebrated Mass of the Resurrection at 2:00pm on Wednesday (Dec. 4th) in St. Patrick’s Church Louisburgh, followed by interment in Kilgeever Cemetery (via Ballyhip). (Please note Fr. Paddy’s Funeral Mass will be in Louisburgh Church.) ~~~~~~~~ Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Order of Malta Louisburgh or Louisburgh Meals on Wheels, c/o Sweeney Funeral Directors, Louisburgh. ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ I Líonta Dé go gCastar Sinn. Appointments in the Archdiocese of Tuam Ordained 21st June 1953 Chaplain Brooklodge Monastery 1953 – 1954 Prefect of Studies St. Jarlath’s College 1954 – 1955 Professor St. Jarlath’s College 1955 – 1970 C.C. Mulranny 1970 – 1981 C.C. Headford 1981 – 1986 P.P. Milltown 1986 – 1998 A.P. Lecanvey 1998 – 2019 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his kindness endures forever . (Psalm 118v.29) Note RIP: https://rip.ie/death-notice/rev-fr-paddy-gill-mayo-louisburgh-576291