Westport Parish

MARRAGIE Marriages Policy Marriage Coming From Abroad Section You can advise your priest that the papers should be forwarded to: Fr. John Kenny St. Mary's Presbytery, South Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Pre-marriage Course Accord (Check online for venues) Grásta is a voluntary group of Married Couples based in Ireland, who for over 25 years have been facilitating Pre- Marriage Courses for couples getting married in the Catholic Church. Our Grásta Preparation for Marriage Courses consist of a residential weekend course, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, for couples to focus on their relationship and what is important for them as a couple planning their married life together. We work in partnership with other lay people, clergy and the team at the beautiful De La Salle Pastoral Centre in Co. Laois to offer enriching residential courses in a peaceful and welcoming environment. Grásta also organise courses for Married Couples and Families. The courses are run with the approval of the Diocese of Ossory and Bishop Niall Coll. Details: www.grasta.org or at [email protected] Weddings - Non-Parishioners Westport is becoming an increasingly popular destination for weddings, both from other parts of Ireland and from abroad. We whole-heartedly welcome this development and do all we can to support and encourage it. Any couples wishing to book any of the churches in our Parish, that is, St. Mary's Church Wesport, St. Patricks Church Lecanvey, St. Mary's Church Drummin and St. Patricks Oratory on the summit of Croagh Patrick. The churches can be booked by contacting the Parish Secretary, Catherine McNamara either by emailing [email protected] or telephone 00353(0)98 28871, and are subject to availability. Couples who are not parishioners, or from the Parish must provide their own priest, as the priests of Westport Parish could not cope with the volume of weddings. If the couple know a priest they are most welcome to ask him and he is most welcome to Westport once he has the necessary documentation. There is a fee for using the churches in the Parish which applies only to non-parishioners. The current fee is €450 for the use of the church. This is exclusive of any stipend a couple may wish to give to a priest which is a separate matter between the couple and the priest. Getting Married Abroad More and more couples are choosing to be married abroad. If you are choosing a Church ceremony abroad, you follow the same procedure as getting married in Ireland. For the civil requirements the couple should make contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the particular country to ascertain the proper procedures. This should be done in good time. Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Section 80 St. Stephen's Green Dublin 2 Tel. +353 (01) 4082568 (Civil Letter of Freedom for marriage abroad) Check out the Department's website here The Embassy of Italy 63 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (01) 6601744 The Embassy of the United Kingdom 31 Merrion Rd Dublin 4 Tel. +353 (01) 2053700 www.irishcollege.org — Irish College Rome for Roman marriages. Mixed Marriages It is becoming increasingly common that one party to the Marriage is not a Baptised Catholic. For a Marriage to take place in the Catholic Church at least one party to the Marriage should be a Baptised Catholic. The Marriage Papers are completed in the normal way, except instead of a Catholic Baptismal Certificate the non Catholic party should provide an original copy of their Baptismal Certificate from their own denomination or if they are not baptised, an original copy of their civil Birth Certificate. The process is completed as laid out in the other sections of this website. Please consult the checklist and other relevant sections of the site. Marriage Papers Filling out the Marriage Papers is not a big ordeal! Your priest really does all the work here! When should I have the papers filled out? Normally papers are filled out within six months of the date of Marriage. Where do I go to fill out my papers? Go to the priest of the Parish where you are currently living, providing you will have lived there for six months by the time of your Marriage. What do I bring? Bring the following documents: Baptism Certificate (Not a Birth Certificate). The Certificate you bring needs to be issued by the Parish where your baptism took place, and should be date no more than six months prior to the date of Marriage. If you are having your papers filled out in the Parish where you were baptised, then you do not have to bring the Cert as it will be issued with your papers. Confirmation Certificate Letter of Freedom- When you are getting Married you have to prove that you were not married before. The traditional way of doing this was through the Letter of Freedom, which should be obtained from every parish you have lived in for six months or more since reaching the age of 16. OR Affadavit - When you are getting Married you have to prove that you were not married before. Letters of Freedom may be more difficult to obtain as people now move around more and may not know the priests, the Statutory Declaration Form also known as an Affadavit is an acceptable alternative. It may be downloaded here,and signed in the presence of a Commissioner For Oaths or solicitor. Pre Marriage Course Certificate The name and address of the Church where you are being married if it outside the Parish where you are having your papers completed. The name of the priest who will be performing the ceremony. Coming From Abroad There are more and more Irish couples who live abroad coming back to Ireland to get married. The process of organising a church wedding from abroad and completing your papers in your new home is relatively simple for the couple. After you book the church and arrange for a priest to marry you, make initial contact with the Catholic Parish where you now live, this is easier in some countries than others but other 'Ex-Pats' who have gone through the process will point you towards the local parish. Or if all else fails consult Google. The local Parish where you live will be able to point you towards an accredited Pre-Marriage Course in the area, which can be completed at any time, but the sooner the better. You should follow all the steps laid out in the relevant sections of this website, pertaining the completion of Marriage Papers and Civil Registration of your Marriage. Once you come within six months of the date of Marriage you can begin the paperwork. The first thing needed are copies of Baptismal Certificates and Confirmation Certificates from the Parishes where both parties were Baptised and Confirmed. These must be dated within six months of the date of Marriage and should NOT be photocopies. In the case that either party is not Baptised then an original copy of their Civil Birth Certificate should be provided. Please note that Civil Birth Certificates need only be provided by people who are not Baptised as proof of age. It is essential that each party to the Marriage complete an Affidavit/Statutory Declaration Form and have it included with their papers. Please consult the Checklist section of this website to ensure that you have all the required documents for completion of your papers by the local priest. Please note that not having the required documents will impede processing of your papers. The priest where you are completing your Marriage Papers may tell you that you need certain documents and not need others. ALL DOCUMENTS LISTED IN THE CHECKLIST ARE MANDATORY FOR THE PROCESSING OF DOCUMENTS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TUAM AND MUST BE COMPLETED. ALL PAPERS BEING PROCESSED THROUGH THE DIOCESAN OFFICE MUST INCLUDE A SIGNED AFFADAVIT WHICH CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE You can advise your priest that the papers should be forwarded to: Fr. Charlie McDonnell, Adm., St. Mary's Presbytery, South Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Through the Tuam Diocesan Office, the details of ehivh are: Sr. Mary Lyons, Chancellor, Archbishops House, Tuam, Co. Galway. H54 HP57 PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MARRIAGE PAPERS COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE ISLAND OF IRELAND MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE DIOCESAN OFFICES BOTH OF THE PARISH WHERE THE PAPERS ARE COMING FROM AND THE PARISH WHERE THE PAPERS ARE COMING TO. THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRIESTS. Marriage Checklist Before going to see the priest who completes your wedding papers please ensure that each party to the marriage have the following documents with them: Baptismal Certificate issued by the parish where each party was baptised, issued within six months of the date of Marriage (If not baptised a Civil Birth Cert) Confirmation Certificate Pre-marriage Course Certificate (One cert covers both bride and groom) Statutory Declaration Form If either couple has been previously married! and that Marriage was annulled – a copy of the Decree of Nullity. Civil Registration of Marriage URGENT NOTICE PLEASE NOTE THAT COUPLES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED A MARRIAGE AND CHANGED THE DATE DUE TO COVID SHOULD CONSULT THE REGISTRAR TO ENSURE THAT THEIR MRF HASN'T EXPIRED Since 5th November 2007, any couple proposing to marry should begin the process by contacting their local Registration Office to make an appointment to meet the Registrar to give him/her their marriage notification. Notification can be taken only by prior appointment with registrar. Registrar for County Mayo: Civil Registration Service, St. Mary's Headquarters, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30 - 12:45 & 14:00 - 16:15 Contact: 094 9023249 Check out the Registrar's website here. You do not need to attend the Castlebar Office. You may attend any office in the country. To find the office closest to you click here. Click here for citizens information.ie While only three month's notice is required by law, couples are advised to contact the Registrar as soon as they know their intended date of marriage to ensure they can get a timely appointment. The registrar will issue each party to an intended marriage, and their priest, with an acknowledgement confirming the date of the receipt of the notification. When the registrar is satisfied that all required details have been provided and that the couple are free to marry, he or she will issue them with a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) based on the information they have provided. This is a critical document as it is effectively the civil authorisation for the marriage to proceed. All couples wishing to marry in Ireland must first be issued with an (MRF) which should be given to the priest celebrating the marriage prior to the ceremony. This is the responsibility of the couple being married. The law also requires that the couple make a verbal declaration of freedom to marry within 48 hours of the Marriage taking place. This is done in the presence of the priest and the two witnesses to the Marriage. For convenience it is suggested that this takes place at the rehearsal. It is also the responsibility of the couple to ensure that the form is returned to any Registrars Office within one month of the date of Marriage. It recommended that this document be delivered by hand or failing this that it is sent by registered post. Pre-Marriage Courses Every couple preparing for Marriage are obliged to complete a Pre Marriage Course. There is no specific time by which the course has to be completed by in order to obtain maximum benefit from it, couples should complete a course as soon as possible. The Options There are a number of options available to couples depending on their need. It is advisable to discuss the course that might best suit. Esker Premarriage Course Esker is a weekend residential course and well worth considering. Dates for 2022 are as follows: January 14th - 16th March 11th - 13th May 20th - 22nd September 23rd - 25th for further details click here Lough Lannagh Village, Castlebar, Co Mayo Pre Marriage Course & Marriage Information & Marriage Information ACCORD Castlebar 34B Moneen, Castlebar, Co Mayo 094 9022214 www.accord.ie —Details of Premarriage courses, locally & nationally. Together Pre Marriage Courses—Dublin (01) 2964257—Angela. Details of one day courses in Dublin. Preparation Timeline This timeline will give you a summary of what you need to do, and when. First Steps Book Church Book Hotel Contact registrar ( Minimum notice—3 months!!) Contact Priest who will officiate at ceremony. (Some people Book up to 3 years in advance) 1—2 Years Before Book and complete Pre—Marriage Course (This can be completed up to the date of Marriage, but you are encouraged to fulfil this obligation as early as possible) Arrange Church Musicians, flowers etc. 3 - 6 Months Before Meet with priest to discuss ceremony & complete Marriage papers. (It is recommended to have Pre– Marriage Course completed at this stage.) There are two options for a ceremony either a Mass or a service, Weeks Before Arrange rehearsal with the priest and the church 24-48 Hours Before - Rehearsal The rehearsal affords an opportunity to get into the mood in a relaxed way. (In order to satisfy Civil Requirements a final declaration of freedom to marry needs to be made by the couple in the presence of their two witnesses within 48 hours of the ceremony taking place. For convenience sake the rehearsal is suggested as an opportune time.) REGISTRATION CARD Woman's Name Man's Name Phone Number Email Address by SUBMITTING this form YOU CONSENT TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION BEING RETAINED BY THE PARISH RECORD PURPOSES. YOU CONSENT TO BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH USING THE ABOVE INFORMATION REGARDING PARISH ACTIVITIES. YOU CONSENT TO HAVING MY RECORDS RETAINED FOR FUNDRAISING PURPOSES AND BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. Submit

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander the earth, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen . Fr Jerry Carroll, chaplain to the 28th Infn Bttn Finner Camp, https://fb.watch/vYl8oweJWY/ Previous Next

The Team Priests Fr. John Kenny Administrator Parish priest at Archdiocese of Tuam (Roman Catholic) Studied Bachelor of Arts at St Patrick's College, Maynooth Went to Ballyhaunis Community School Lives in Westport, Ireland From Tooreen, Mayo, Ireland St. Mary’s Presbytery, Westport, Co. Mayo., Tel: 098 28871 Email: [email protected] Fr. Britus Kadavunkal Francis Westport (Aughaval) Tel: 098 28871 Email: [email protected]

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Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Staff Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Secretary Parish Secretary: Catherine McNamara St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: [email protected] Assistant Secretary: Ingrid Jennings St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: [email protected] Sacristans Get to Know Us Westport : Peter Hastings and Frank Dolan, St Mary’s Church, Westport. Peter Hastings, Frank Dolan, Jason Kelly and Noreen McGreal work as Sacristan in St. Mary's, Westport. They welcome and look after visiting priests and others too. Drummin : Pádraig Gannon, St Mary’s Church, Drummin. The Gannon family in Drummin has cared for the Church and its environs for many years. Today Pádraig is the Sacristan but he has lots of back-up support and help from his family. Lecanvey : John Cummins, St Patricks Church, Lecanvey and St. Patrick’s Oratory, Croagh Patrick. John Cummins succeeded his late father, Jackie, as Sacristan in Lecanvey, but he has been associated with Lecanvey Church all his life. In addition to this, John is the Curator of St. Patrick's Oratory at the summit of Croagh Patrick - a place he visits on an almost weekly basis during the year and more often during the summer months in preparation for the annual pilgrimage on Reek Sunday. Parish Pastoral Council The Chairperson of the Pastoral Council is Kevin Barrett The Secretary is Gertie Foley The President is Fr. John Kenny The Parish Pastoral Council can be contacted through the Parish Office. "The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to attend to the spiritual needs of the parish in partnership with the local priests. The work of the Pastoral Council is motivated by a desire to build up the Kingdom of God and enliven the faith of all the baptised living in the local community. The Council maintains an overview of the whole parish and plans strategically to ensure that the faith of the community is nurtured and strengthened. A Pastoral Council is distinguished from other community groups by its spiritual and pastoral focus. Pastoral Councils are understood in the Code of Canon Law in the following context: "...a Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish. In this Council, which is presided over by the parish priest, Christ's faithful, together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in pastoral care in the parish, give their help in fostering pastoral action (c. 536 par.1)." (See Guidelines for Pastoral Councils. Treoirlínte do Chomhairlí Tréadach. Archdiocese of Tuam, 2009.) Each Pastoral Council in the Parish has a four year term, with members serving no more than two consecutive terms. The current term of the Parish Pastoral Council began in 2021 and expires in 2025. The Pastoral Council meets every 4-6 weeks in the Presbytery and has representation from each of the Pastoral Groups in the Parish - Liturgy - Faith Formation - Prayer- Eco Congregation - Youth - New Parish Members - Catholic Schools - Lecanvey church area & Drummin church area. Call +353 (098) 28871 Email [email protected] Follow

Funeral Whether a death is anticipated or unexpected, it is a very difficult time for those close to the deceased. It is also a time when many decisions need to be taken, often very soon after the death, and this can cause considerable stress. For up to date information on Local Death Notices click here . Information on Westport Death Notices (RIP) click here . Click here for a Guide to Making Funeral Arrangements Click here for a Funeral Mass Order of Service template Funeral Readings are available here Sample Prayer of the Faithful are available here Funeral Directors Friendly, understanding and helpful Funeral Directors available in Westport Parish: Seamus Gannon Lecanvey, Murrisk, Westport Tel: (098) 64860 Adrian McGing Lower Peter St., Westport Tel: (098) 25529 Seamus Moran Ballinvoy, Aughagower, Westport Tel: 087 2217026 (Tom) Navin's Funeral Home Mill St., Westport Tel: (098) 25458 - Mob: (087) 2645085 Peter Sweeney Funeral Directors Louisburgh Tel: (098) 66831 Email: [email protected] Contact: Peter Sweeney After Hours No: (087) 2370434 These are the undertakers that would normally serve Westport Parish. This list is not, however, exhaustive. Families are free to choose their own undertaker.

Eco-Congregation and School Sustainability Project An online directory and interactive map of recycling facilities and charity shops. Westport Eco Congregation asks the community of Westport to reflect on the beauty of our precious world and to consider what practical steps can be taken to prevent further damage to the environment. Also, we ask the community to consider those in the developing world already affected by climate change and their future generations. As part of our work we are delighted to launch this dynamic on line project for second level students. We are asking students to investigate all facilities in Westport that encourage and assist recycling and sustainability, to photograph and review the facilities and submit their entries to the parish office. The best entries will be selected and used as part of an online directory of facilities in Westport. This is a ground breaking project – we know of no other such on line directory in Ireland. We are sure that students will be excited and enthusiastic to be part of such a project and we look forward to seeing the students' imaginative entries. Add Data Project Outcomes The outcome of this project will be a comprehensive online catalog of facilities, equipped with advanced search and filtering options. The catalog will be SEO-optimized, ensuring that a simple Google search will direct users to a relevant listing or detailed page for the desired facility. A sample catalog can be viewed at the following link: [Link ] In addition, an automatically generated map of the facilities will be created. A sample of the map can be found here: [Link ] Both the catalog and map will be designed with a mobile-first approach, as over 80% of users accessing the Westport Parish site do so from mobile devices. What can be recycled or reused... Paper and Cardboard • Newspapers, magazines, and office paper • Cardboard boxes and packaging • Books and notebooks • Paper bags and wrapping paper (non-foil) Plastics • Plastic bottles (e.g., water, soda, and cleaning products) • Plastic containers (e.g., food tubs and takeout boxes) • Plastic bags (reuse or recycle at dedicated facilities) • Plastic lids and caps Glass • Glass bottles (e.g., for beverages) • Glass jars (e.g., for food or storage) • Decorative glassware (if not damaged) Metals • Aluminum cans (e.g., soda cans) • Tin and steel cans (e.g., food cans) • Scrap metal (e.g., old tools, parts) • Aluminum foil (clean and uncontaminated) Electronics and Appliances • Mobile phones, tablets, and computers • Small household appliances (e.g., toasters, kettles) • Larger appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines) • Batteries and power banks Textiles and Clothing • Usable clothing and shoes • Bedding, towels, and curtains • Fabric scraps (for upcycling projects) • Accessories like bags and belts Wood and Furniture • Wooden pallets and crates • Furniture (refurbish or donate) • Scrap wood (for DIY or crafting) Rubber and Tires • Vehicle tires (repurposed or recycled at specialized centers) • Rubber mats or parts Organic Waste • Food scraps (for composting) • Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings) Hazardous Materials • Paint cans (proper disposal or donation) • Used motor oil and filters • Unused or expired medicines • Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes Reusable Household Items • Reusable containers and jars • Utensils and cookware • Books, toys, and games

Croagh Patrick must be protected for future generations Harry Hughes talks about the Croagh Patrick landscape at the Kelly Family Reunion held in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. 15.5.2015 The Sustainable Access & Habitat Restoration Croagh Patrick must be protected for future generations The mission of the the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders is to provide sustainable access to Croagh Patrick and provide a high quality experience for all visitors whatever their inspiration or purpose. For more information The Croagh Patrick Ambassador Programme Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. However, the mountain currently does not have any statutory or legal conservation protection or status. The increase in visitor numbers has resulted in many negative impacts on the mountain, the most visible of which is the path erosion on privately-owned land. Through identifying the issues with local stakeholders, Volunteer Ambassadors will be recruited to engage with visitors to Croagh Patrick. Leave No Trace Ireland will deliver the Ambassador Training Programme to the selected Ambassadors, working with Mayo County Council to ensure that visitors to Crough Patrick appreciate the importance of preserving the mountain’s distinct natural, cultural and religious heritage through sustainable use. This training programme will also provide guidance on the most effective means for volunteers to engage with visitors to the mountain, whether local or visiting on how to engage in responsible stewardship of Croagh Patrick. St. Patrick's Oratory on Mayo's Holy Mountain Receives New Doors Ahead of Pilgrimage St. Patrick's Oratory, located at the summit of Croagh Patrick, now boasts new doors ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage. Fr. John Kenny, Adm., Westport, shared the update on social media over the weekend, expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in the project on the exposed summit. The new doors were installed just in time for next weekend's Garland Friday and Reek Sunday pilgrimages. Fr. Kenny extended special thanks to John Cummins, the Guardian of the Reek, for organizing the logistics from Murrisk, and to the five volunteers who contributed to the work: Anthony Corrigan, Brendan Conway, Michael Needham, John J. McDonnell, and Damien Cummins. He also acknowledged Raymond McHugh of Drumcree Joinery Ltd. and Chris Shield of Executive Helicopters for their roles in the project. “It’s a massive achievement, considering the long period of very unfavourable weather that made it so difficult to carry out this vital work at the Oratory," said Fr. Kenny. "We are greatly indebted to all those who persevered in completing the task in time for the annual Reek Sunday Pilgrimage this July 28th on Ireland's holy mountain.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Grace After Meals We give thee thanks, for all thy benefits, Almighty God, who live and reigns for ever. (And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.) Amen. Previous Next

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit. was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. Previous Next

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen . Previous Next