News

Thanks

On behalf of the disaster-stricken people of S.E. Asia, thank you, very much, for your generous response for financial help, which amounted to the substantial sum of €8,951, even though we did not have a formal collection.

N.B. Local business people have informed me that certain individuals are doing the rounds, stealing the cash donated in shops and pubs, so, the word is – be vigilant!

– E.D.

"Suaimhneas"

As we come to the end of the month, a gentle reminder if you have forgotten the €20 towards paying off the cost. Please drop it into the safe in the church porch. In next week's newsletter, you will find a full account of our progress so far. Many thanks for your interest and support.

Saint Brigid [Tuesday, 1 February]

Born circa 454. Renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving, and care of the sick. Founded a monastery in Kildare. Died in 524. Honoured not only in Ireland, but also in several European countries.

The Presentation of the Lord [Wednesday, 2 February]

Traditional Blessing of the Candles [for use in the church and in the home]. As we use the larger type candle in church, please bring candles for use in the home, only. If you wish to make a contribution towards candles used at Mass, put it in the safe in the porch. In 1997, Pope John Paul II designated this day a Day for Consecrated Life – when we remember those who have consecrated their lives to God.

Saint Blaise [Thursday, 3 February]

Lived in the fourth century. Bishop of Sebastea. Martyred in Armenia. Patron for sore throats. On this day, we have the traditional blessing of throats [legend has it that Blaise saved a young boy who was choking]. The blessing of Blaise is a sign of our faith in God's protection and love for us and for the sick.

To accommodate people who wish to have their throats blessed, we will have evening Mass on Thursday, 3 February, at 7:00 pm [no morning Mass that day].

World Youth Day, 2005

Cologne Experience, 2005

Are you between 18 and 25? Would you like to travel as part of the Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to World Youth Day? Taking place from 15th to 22nd August, 2005. Monthly get-togethers locally and Diocesan get-togethers.

Information nights in:

• Lisdoonvarna, 10 February, 8:00 pm
• Gort, 10 February, 8:00 pm
• Árus de Brún, 10 February, 8:00 pm
• Spiddal, 10 February, 8:00 pm.

First Friday [4 February]

Usual calls to the housebound in the parish. Mass at 7:00 pm [no morning Mass].

Disability Awareness Nights

The Brothers of Charity are organising a programme of three information nights aimed at creating greater understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability. It will be of benefit to people who are willing to volunteer a little time to partake in social events and outings with people with learning disabilities, where the emphasis is on fun and friendship. You are welcome to attend, even if you cannot commit yourself to all three sessions.

The following are the details of the programme:

• Venue: Cois Coille, Kilcornan [near the swimming pool], Clarinbridge
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, each night
• Dates: Monday 31 January, and Monday, 7 February.

If you wish to attend, please contact Rosaleen Murphy at [091]-796106 [2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday].

Galway Solemn Novena

Seven sessions each day:

• 7:45 am, 11:00 am, 1:10 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:15 pm and 10:00 pm.
• Sunday times: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:15 pm. No 10:00 pm session on Sunday night.
• Thursday, 3 February: Each session a celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Saturday, 5 February: 11:00 am special session for the sick and elderly, with the Anointing of the Sick.
• Sunday, 6 February: 3:00 pm blessing of children with Mass.
• Wednesday, 2nd and Monday, 7th, 11:00 pm: Candlelight Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

We would be grateful if Eucharistic Ministers and Stewards [over 18] from the Parish call to the Sacristy of the Cathedral at whatever session they attend, and offer their assistance.

Recent Meetings

 Ministry of the Word: It was great to see most of our readers present. A special welcome to our new readers. It was decided that readers at Vigil/Sunday Masses would call to the sacristy before Mass and join the ministers of the Eucharist, the servers and priest in procession to the altar, carrying the lectionary, which contains the Word of God. Each reader has telephone numbers of their colleagues, so it should be possible to get a substitute when the need arises.

Missalettes can be collected in the Parish Office [Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm], but, the missalette will not be used at Mass – only the lectionary.

 Ministers of Holy Communion: There was a very good turnout here, again. We have some new volunteers, and, we will arrange training for these during Lent, when we hope to be joined by others from the parishes of Ballindereen and Kinvara. We also plan to have a half-day of reflection and prayer during Lent: details later.

 Altar Society: The ladies who give so much of their time to keeping our churches clean – and, worthy meeting places between God and His people. Again, we welcome new members and the "scouts", who 'invited' them!

 Stewards: A bit of work to be done here, but, we will eventually get there, I hope! Many thanks to our present stewards, but, we need a few more ... 796208.

CCDA: Clarinbridge Childcare Project Meeting

The above meeting takes place on Monday, 31 January, at 8:00 pm, in the Oyster Manor Hotel. Lucy Crawford [City and Child Services, Galway County Council] will give a presentation, covering aspects of childcare initiatives, needs, analysis, planning, etc. Volunteers for a childcare committee are required. All are welcome to attend. Contacts: Kathleen [087-6860939] or Séamus [796353].

Travel Club

The monthly meeting of the Travel Club takes place on Tuesday, 1 February, in Sherry's Pub, at 8:30 pm. All are welcome.

Colga FC News

• Good start in Oyster League Tournament for Under-9s: After losing their opening game against a well-organised Cregmore side, the Colga U-9s remain unbeaten since. Having defeated Athenry in their second match, a gritty Colga side came from behind in both their matches against Colemanstown to secure draws. They have a lot to look forward to in 2005.
• Double whammy for the Devons: It has been a good start to the new year for the Colga U-13 and U-12 teams. The U-13s registered a very impressive 4-1 away win at Drum, while the U-12s followed this a week later with a 3-1 win at home against Salthill Devon B.
• Colga-Everton Soccer School 2005: This summer, there will be two soccer schools – 4th-8th and 11th-15th July for the underage panels. There are not enough places for all members, so early booking is essential to secure places. Reservation forms have now been distributed to the children. The closing date for receipt of completed forms, with deposit, is Friday, 25 March. Parents are advised to get the completed forms back as soon as possible as places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Clarinbridge GAA 

 Lotto News

No winner.
7 match-3 winners
 Numbers drawn: 3, 15, 21, 22.
 Seller's prize: Pat Lane.
 Next week's draw takes place in Jordan's Pub, on 29 January,
for a jackpot of €2,300.
Thanks to all who continue to support our lotto, including all the children, who made a great effort to sell tickets for the juvenile draw.

 Membership

Don't forget – club membership is now due. All players must pay their membership, now, before hurling starts. Contact Joe Sherry, Pat Jordan, or Mike Dillon. Membership: €40, plus €20 insurance. Ordinary membership: €40.