Westport Parish

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen . Previous Next

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Prayer to the Holy Spirit V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. R. And kindle in them the fire of your love. V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. R: And you shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, by the light of the Holy Spirit, you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit, help us to know what is truly right and always to rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Previous Next

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Prayer for Peace (Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Previous Next

Explore Wesport's comprehensive eco map, featuring all recycling facilities. Find convenient locations for recycling household waste, electronics, plastics, glass, and more. Support sustainability by reducing waste and choosing the right facility near you. Thank you to Katie McK for the inspiration.

History & Renovations Our church has been established on this site for over 200 years. It was built in 1813 and has evolved and changed with the times, addressing the needs of the parish as well as providing a historical and social interpretation of the times. 2024 The new doors in the Croagh Patrick oratory. The five new doors were hung by volunteers Anthony Corrigan, Brendan Conway, Mick Needham, and John Joe McDonnell. 2016 Renovation work commenced. 2015 Structural problems arose with the roof and ceilings. 2004 Major structural works were carried out to reinforce the foundations of the original church. 1990 Placing the statue of St. Patrick on top of the pedestal on the Octagon, March 1990. Watching the preparations are members of the restoration committee. L-R : Joe Berry, Westport; Liam Walsh Chairman; Fr Tony King ADM Westport; Ken Thompson sculptor; John Coffey Monumental Works; Tom Durcan; Cathal Hughes and Sean Staunton, Restoration Committee. Photographer Liam Lyons 1986 St. Mary's Church, Westport, May 1986. House originally the residence of the Gallagher family Westport and it was the property of St. Mary's parish and has returned to the ownership of the parish. It is the residence of the administrator. Photographer Liam Lyons 1973 The alter and sanctuary were remodelled. 1959 Working on St Mary's church, Westport, 1959. Photographer Liam Lyons 1958 Building recommenced to complete the 1928 church and finished in 1961. 1955 St Mary's Church Westport, 1955. before modern renovations & prepared for Procession Sunday. Jim Crawford Castlebar St Westport standing in the doorway. The residents of Westport Quay had the honour every year to decorate the front of the church. Photographer Liam Lyons 1928 A new church was planned and dedicated in 1932. 1813 The foundation stone was laid. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. You can learn more about the parish’s history by visiting this page: [click here] . Description Detached nine-bay double-height Catholic church, built 1926-32; dedicated 1932, on a cruciform plan comprising seven-bay double-height nave opening into six-bay double-height flat-roofed side aisles; single-bay (single-bay deep) double-height transepts centred on single-bay double-height tower (crossing) on a square plan opening into single-bay double-height apse (south). Completed, 1957-61, producing present composition. Renovated, 1973, with sanctuary reordered. Pitched slate roofs on a cruciform plan centred on pyramidal slate roof (tower); half-conical slate roof (south), clay ridge tiles, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slightly overhanging eaves retaining cast-iron square profile hoppers and downpipes. Drag edged rock faced limestone ashlar walls to entrance (north) front on cut-limestone chamfered plinth with limestone ashlar frontispiece in cut-limestone frame; roughcast surface finish (remainder) bellcast over rendered plinth. Round windows (clerestorey) with rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having square glazing bars. Round-headed window openings (side aisles) with concrete sills, and rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having leaded stained glass panels. Round-headed window openings (transepts) with concrete sills, and rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having leaded stained glass panels. Pair of round-headed door openings to entrance (north) front with cut-limestone surrounds having stepped reveals framing timber panelled double doors. "Wheel Window" (gable) with cut-limestone surround having stepped reveals framing fixed-pane fittings having stained glass panels. Interior including vestibule (north) with reclaimed cut-limestone date stone ("1813"); paired square-headed door openings into nave with glazed timber panelled double doors having overlights; full-height interior with organ gallery (north) supporting pipe organ below stained glass "Wheel Window" (1960), terrazzo central aisle between cruciform-detailed timber pews, round-headed arcades on polished red Verona marble pillars on cut-veined grey marble plinths with barrel vaulted ceiling on cornice, round-headed chancel arch framing carpeted cut-veined white marble stepped dais to sanctuary (south) reordered, 1973, with cut-veined white marble panelled altar below inlaid cut-veined white marble "baldacchino", cut-veined white marble stepped daises to side altars with Gothic-style altars below stained glass memorial windows (1948-1981), timber boarded wainscoting (side aisles) with carved timber dado rail, and "Opus Sectile" stations (1929-31) below stained glass memorial windows (1950-1979). Street fronted with concrete flagged footpath to front. Appraisal A church erected to designs by Rudolph Maximilian Butler (1872-1943) of Kildare Street, Dublin (Irish Builder 1st April 1926, 261; 16th April 1927, 282), representing an important component of the twentieth-century built heritage of County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the cruciform plan form; and the slender profile of the openings underpinning a streamlined Romanesque theme: meanwhile, aspects of the composition, in particular the "Wheel Window"-detailed frontispiece, clearly illustrate the belated completion of the church to designs by James Rupert Edward Boyd Barret (c.1904-76) with those works recalling his contemporary Catholic Church of the Descent of the Holy Ghost (1956-60) in County Cork (Irish Builder 14th June 1958, 439; 30th September 1961, 765). Having been well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the arcaded interior reordered (1973) in accordance with the liturgical reforms sanctioned by the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (1962-5) where contemporary joinery; an eye-catching "baldacchino"; opus sectile stations by Hubert McGoldrick (1897-1967) of An Túr Gloine (opened 1903), Dublin; and vibrant stained glass supplied by Earley Studios Limited (closed 1975) of Dublin; Harry Clarke Stained Glass Studios (closed 1973) of Dublin; George Campbell RHA (1917-79) of Belfast and Span; Patrick Pye RHA (1929-2018) of Dublin; and George Walsh (b. 1939) of Dublin, all highlight the considerable artistic potential of a church making an imposing visual statement overlooking the canalised Westport or Carrowbeg River: meanwhile, a reclaimed date stone ("1813") survives as an interesting relic of the Georgian Gothic church 'Erected by subscription and the strenuous exertions of the Most Revd. Oliver Kelly [1777-1834] aided by the Parishioners' which in retrospect was unjustly maligned as 'a large, lumpish, tasteless structure' (Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland 1846 III, 521). data from: NBHS Renovations: The Situation Today In July 2015, part of the ceiling in the side aisle collapsed falling onto the seating below.Thank God no one was injured. While examining the cause of the ceiling collapse it became apparent, after exhaustive investigations, that defects in the building were much more extensive, serious, varied and widespread. The reality is, our ‘200 year’ old Church is ‘physically a lot sicker than it looks’ with serious problems extending from the cross on top of the roof right through to the foundations in the ground. Substantial remedial works are required. The time spent investigating the problems and appropriate solutions has been worthwhile. This process has ensured that poorly planned and abortive works are avoided. The time and effort has undoubtedly saved us money. In the first instance, we have identified the most urgent works to protect your safety and secondly to protect the structure and fabric of our historic building. Accordingly, the works are now divided into four phases in line with what we think we can afford at this time. The more detailed elements of each phase are outlined under the headings below. We deeply appreciate your patience during this process.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back An Act of Hope O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins, and after life here, to gain eternal happiness because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind and merciful. In this hope, I intend to live and die. Amen. Previous Next

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Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Westport Eco-Congregation Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. The blessing of Animals • an Ecumenical Ceremony 🙏👍 The October 🍁🍂 edition of the ECI newsletter is now available! 5 Reasons to Donate Your Clothing at Westport Family and Community Resource Centre's Bins! Celebrating World Autism Month with a community walk 06 Apr 2025, 12:00 Westport Learn more Eco Congregation School project An online directory and interactive map of recycling facilities and charity shops in Westport. 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. Project Page Recyclin facilities listing Recycling facilities map For latest news visit https://www.ecocongregationireland.com/ Plastic Free July campaign This year’s Plastic Free July campaign focuses on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste under the slogan “Small steps, big difference”. Each year millions of Plastic Free July participants from over 190 countries worldwide are together making a big difference by choosing to refuse single-use plastic. An astonishing 10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five years because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans, and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing. Choose one single-use plastic to avoid or take the pledge to avoid single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, or plastic food wrap. These “Top 3” items are single-use plastic items we commonly use each day that most of us can easily replace by; Refilling reusable water bottles from the tap Bringing a reusable cup or sitting and enjoying a real cup Switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps CHANGE ONE THING Invite you all to an inspiring event on Saturday June 15th in Westport Town Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. CHANGE ONE THING – is an event exploring the Circular Economy. What is circular economy in simple terms? It is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the lifecycle of products is extended. Demonstrations, examples and discussions on circular economy will take place on the day. You can drop in for 10 minutes to have a look, - doors open at 10.00am - or you can stay from 1.00 – 3.00 and listen to panels discussing the circular economy in more detail. Not only is this event informative but it is also fun and you may find ways of saving some money!!

Archbishop Francis Duffy Archbishop Francis Duffy was born on 21 April 1958 in the parish of Templeport, Co Cavan to parents Mary Catherine Dolan and Frank Duffy. He attended primary school at Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan. Archbishop Francis studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kilmore on 20 June 1982 in Saint Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, Co Cavan by Bishop Francis MacKiernan. After completing the Higher Diploma in Education, he taught in St. Patrick’s College, Cavan, for eleven years. Then, after two years of postgraduate studies, he was appointed principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 1996. After twelve years as principal, Archbishop Francis was appointed Diocesan Secretary and Financial Administrator and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore. During that time he was resident priest in the parish of Laragh, Co Cavan. On 17 July 2013 he was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois with his episcopal ordination taking place on 6 October 2013 at Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone. He served as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois for eight years until his appointment as Archbishop of Tuam on 10 November 2021. Archbishop Francis was installed as Archbishop of Tuam in the Cathedral of the Assumption on Sunday, 9 January 2022. Episcopal ministry Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Duffy was appointed Bishop-elect of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise by Pope Francis on 17 July 2013. He was consecrated by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Seán Brady, on 6 October in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Athlone. Archbishop of Tuam Duffy was appointed Archbishop-elect of Tuam by Pope Francis on 10 November 2021. He was installed on 9 January 2022 in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam.[17][18] In 2023 Archbishop Duffy was invested as a Knight Grand Officer in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Apostolic Administrator of Killala In response to a wider reorganisation of diocesan church leadership in the ecclesiastical province of Tuam, and following the retirement of John Fleming as Bishop of Killala, Duffy was appointed apostolic administrator sede vacante of Killala on 10 April 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Duffy_(bishop) Contact Archbishop Francis Duffy The Archbishop’s House Tuam, Co. Galway. Tel: 093-24166 Email: [email protected]

BAPTISM Baptism Policy Baptisms are held every weekend, on Saturday (the second Sat.) and three Sundays in the month (check with parish office for actual dates). Parents will be contacted by the Baptismal team on the week leading up to Baptism. We wish God’s blessing on all children who will be baptised this year and welcome you into the Christian and Parish Community. Westport Parish Contact the Parish Office @ 098-28871 All bookings for Baptism should be made to Catherine or Ingrid at the Parish Office. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of the priests or the Baptism Team. What’s needed for Baptism Each family needs to fill out the Baptismal form. Each family needs to bring along the christening shawl and candle. Each family will be contacted by the Baptismal team on the week leading up to Baptism Read more information on Baptism REGISTRATION CARD Child's Name* Date of Birth* Day Month Month Year Date of Baptism Day Month Month Year Father's Name Mother's Name (Maiden) Parent's Address Name of Sponsors Parish you live in 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

Information for Pilgrims Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick Every Pilgrim who ascend the mountain on St Patrick's Day or within the octave or anytime during the months of June, July, August & September and prays in or near the Chapel for the intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope may gain a plenary indulgence on the condition on going to Confession and receiving Holy Communion on the summit or within the week The Stations The performing of penitential exercises – the stations of the Reek – is a very ancient custom. It is not possible from the records to state the exact date the stations of the Reek started, but it must have been soon after Saint Patrick’s visit. For stations of the Reek, please click here .