News

Letter from Bishop James McLoughlin
regarding the crisis in Darfur, Western Sudan

Dear Reverend Father, you will be aware from reports in the media of the appalling humanitarian crisis that has developed in Darfur, in Western Sudan. Trócaire is currently working as part of an international team from the Caritas Network, responding to this emergency. Trócaire has proposed that each diocese would consider holding a Special Collection to support this particular need. I am sure that many people would want to contribute towards the alleviation of the suffering in Darfur. To give them an opportunity to do so, perhaps, you might arrange to have a contribution box placed in the Church on the weekend of 22 August. Any money collected should be forwarded to the Diocesan Office as soon as possible for transmission to Trócaire.

+ James McLoughlin

Parish Outing

The Market Day Committee is organising a parish outing for Sunday, 22 August. The day will start with Mass at 10:15 am. The bus will leave at 11:00 am on a 'mystery tour'. Included in the price is the evening meal and musical entertainment. Tickets cost €25 each. All are welcome [adults only]. Bring along your friends, and enjoy a great day out. Tickets available from Ann Mullins, at 796170, or 087–7746073, and, from Dympna Quinn, at 796285.

Lough Derg – One-Day Retreats

Places are still available for the following days:

• August 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st
• September 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 25th and 26th
• Cost: €25 – includes boat fare, coffee and light lunch. Reservations essential for the one-day retreats.

For bookings or further information, telephone/fax the Lough Derg Office, Pettigo, Co. Donegal, at [071]–9861518, or email info@loughderg.org. The last day for beginning the three-day pilgrimage is Friday, 13 August.

Knock Shrine National Annual Novena

This year, the Knock Shrine National Annual Novena takes place from 14-22 August. There will be two sessions daily, namely, 3:00 pm and 8:30 pm, except on Sunday, 15 August, and, Sunday, 22 August, when ceremonies commence with the Anointing of the Sick at 2:30 pm. Both sessions include concelebrated Mass, a procession [Eucharistic in the afternoon, and Candlelight at night], and the Eucharistic Blessing. The Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated every afternoon. There will be a different speaker and choir each day. Those who cannot take part in the Novena devotions at Knock Shrine because of distance, illness, or any other serious problem can share in all its blessings by saying the novena prayers at home during the nine days. It is recommended, if all possible, that they would be present at Knock, on even one day of the Novena.

Cemetery Sunday

New Cemetery, Bohermore, Galway.
Sunday, 15 August,
11:00 am – Concelebrated Mass.
5:00 pm – Devotions.

Change of Office Hours

As of Monday, 9 August 2004, the Parish Office will be open from 9:30 am to 11:30 am [Monday to Friday].