Newsletter 10th November 2013

Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C -  10th November 2013

THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
10th NOVEMBER 2013
Christian hope overcomes the fear of lasting death. God is faithful: not only does he strengthen us against evil in this life, but he will give eternal life to all who try to imitate his faithfulness.

CLOSE OF THE YEAR OF FAITH
“…a moment of grace and commitment to a more complete conversion to God, to strengthen our faith in him and proclaim him with joy to the people of our time…”                  Benedict XVI October 2012

To mark the worldwide closing of the Year of Faith a special ceremony will take place at the 10.30am and 12 noon Masses in our Cathedral on the beautiful Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 24th November 2013 when we will gather to praise and thank God for all his graces and blessings throughout this past year.
We extend a warm invitation to all to be present at one of these celebrations.
We also take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the many different events, occasions and ways that took place to celebrate the Year of Faith in our Cathedral Parish over the past 12 months.

NOVEMBER – THE MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE
With a touching insistence, the month of November reminds us of those who have left the world we still inhabit. Their voices do not sound in our ears as we once heard them, but memories of them speak to our hearts. They fulfilled their allotted years on earth and now exist where time no longer dominates.”  S. Margaret Dorgan, DCM

CEMETERY ROSARY
On each Sunday during the month of November the Rosary will be recited in Sligo Cemetery at 3.00 p.m.
ETERNAL FLAME CANDLES
Candles which may be placed on the graves of loved ones during the month of November are available at the Cathedral entrance and Sacristy. Cost.

ADVENT COMMENCES SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER 2013
WAY OF GENTLENESS – a celebration of the coming of the Christ Child, in the CATHEDRAL on TUESDAYS 3rd, 10th and 17th DECEMBER at 8.00 PM. The call to focus on Christ’s coming into our hearts and homes is the only true meaning of Christmas. Everyone is welcome to join in this hour of guided prayer, silent time and music in preparation for Christmas.
ADVENT – SCRIPTURE SHARING IN THE HOME With the approach of Advent (First Sunday of Advent – December 1st)  we invite parishioners to consider hosting Scripture Sharing Groups in their homes over this sacred season. Groups should be kept small and consist of 3 to 6 people to allow all to participate fully in the sharing of Scripture.  Guidelines are available at the Parish Office and if you are interested in participating please contact Tel: 9162670.
CHRISTMAS CATHEDRAL CHOIR CAROL SERVICE
Sunday 22nd December at 8.15pm.  This candlelit service is a special occasion, always giving a glimpse into the true meaning of Christmas.  Please reserve date in your diary!

TRÓCAIRE EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF SYRIA
In Syria over 100,000 people have lost their lives after two years of war and over 8.4m people – approximately half of whom are children – are in need of humanitarian assistance.
This crisis is unfolding in an area of great historical and religious significance for Christians worldwide. The situation faced by the people of Syria is a critical one with the country facing the worst humanitarian crisis in a generation.
Trócaire is working in partnership with local church agencies in Syria and along neighbouring borders to support survivors. Since 2011, vital emergency aid has reached over 273,000 people.
A collection to support the people of Syria will be taken up at all masses next Saturday (16th) and Sunday (17th) of November. Your support will help to get food, water, clothing, shelter, medical and psycho-social supports to those most in need.

A special pre-printed envelope is available at the Cathedral entrance. Please take one and return it at any mass next weekend.

SLIGO CHORAL FESTIVAL 7th – 10th NOVEMBER 2013
As part of the Sligo Choral Festival two internationally renowned choirs will sing in our cathedral next weekend. The Ensemble Vocal Notas Soltas choir from Portugal will sing at the 10.30 am. Mass on Sunday next, November 10th and the Enniscorthy Choral Society will enhance our 12 noon liturgy.  We welcome the choirs to our cathedral and to our town and we pray God’s blessing on them and their talents.

FR. FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUP
Next Meeting – Tuesday, 12th November at 8.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Presbytery.  All are most welcome.

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY
Next meeting will take place tomorrow – Monday, November 11th immediately after the 10.30am Mass in the Upper Room of the Cathedral Sacristy. New members are invited to pray for vocations.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Father, may we never tire of working for that justice which alone guarantees true and lasting peace; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Mon 11: St. Martin of Tours, bishop;
Tues 12: St Josephat, bishop and martyr;
Thurs 14: St Laurence O’Toole, bishop;
Fri 15:St Albert the great, bishop & doctor of the Church;
Sat 16: St Gertrude, virgin, St Margaret of Scotland.

READINGS: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th
1
st Reading: Mal.   3:19-20.  2nd Reading: 2 Thess. 3:7-12.  Gospel: Lk. 21:5-19.

UPCOMING PARISH MEETINGS IN ST MARY’S
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Wednesday Nov. 13th at 8pm.
LITURGY COMMITTEE Wednesday, Nov. 27th at 7.30 pm.
Any Parishioner who wishes to have matters raised at any of these meetings are welcome to submit their enquiries in writing to the Parish Office on 071 916 2670. Thank you.

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
Should you be issuing a cheque to our Cathedral please make it out to: Elphin Diocese Cathedral No. 1 Parish Account.  Our bank has become very strict on this matter.
We take this opportunity to thank all who contribute to the upkeep of the parish especially during these difficult economic times when all of us, the Cathedral included, are experiencing a shortfall in incomes.

ANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBRANCES
Monday 11th November: 8am John & Kate Lyons & Deceased Family Members;
Tuesday 12th November: 8am Souls in Purgatory; 10.30am Michael Greene;
Wednesday 13th November: 8am Denis Harrington; 10.30am Frank & Delia Clancy;
Thursday 14th November: 8am Mai, John & Michael Howley & Deceased Family Members; 10.30am Fr Michael McTernan;
Friday 15th November: 8am Patrick Healy;
Saturday 16th November: 8am Thomas Cawley; 10.30am MONTH’S MIND Paddy Gilroy.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3rd
Parish Envelopes: €2298 Plate/Standing Orders: €2153
St Mary’s Presbytery Telephone 071 916 2670 SACRISTY
Telephone 071 916 1261.

GILLOOLY HALL BINGO – 9.00 p.m.
Tonight’s JACKPOT is €1,500!! Raffle prizes & refreshments.
All welcome to join in the fun!

JOE DALTON
Healing & Renewal Weekend in Sligo Park Hotel 22nd, 23rd and 24th November.  For further details please contact Mary at 087 784 7304 or Nuala on 086 838 3725.

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY
Annual church gate collection takes place next weekend, 16th & 17th November. All monies collected locally will be used locally. Your support is greatly appreciated.

DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE
Friday 15th to Monday 18th of November to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. Organised by the Divine Mercy Apostolate run by Marian Fathers. All are welcome to join this special occasion at the Shrine.

SLIGO ORPHEUS CHOIR
Eunjoo Goh is one of South Korea’s most popular sopranos will sing with Sligo Orpheus Choir in concert “A Flavour of France” the music of Bizet, Faure, Cherubini, Mozart, Breton folk music, and Martini, in St. Columba’s Parish Church Drumcliffe Co. Sligo on Saturday 16th November at 8pm with Austin McManus conducting
Sligo Orpheus choir is a registered charity dependent upon public support to ensure its sustainability and growth, and to facilitate the development of its artistic and community programs. The choir also seeks to support other worthy local charities through its concerts and events. The interest and generosity of the public helps to keep a strong choral tradition alive by enabling Sligo Orpheus Choir to remain a significant participant in the musical and cultural life of Sligo
Tickets €15 (Limited to 200) From Hawk’s Well Theatre 071 9161562.
Liber Bookshop: 35 O’Connell St Sligo 071 9142219
Ticketsolve Fáilte Ireland Bank Building O’Connell St. Sligo 071 9161201.

DROP IN SERVICE
Starting 6 November for those aged 18 – 25 years. Free advice on Social Welfare Rights & Entitlements; Employment Opportunities; Training Options & Supports and Career Guidance. Every Wednesday  10.00am – 12.30pm at North  Connaught Youth Services Office, Rockwood Parade. Tel: 071 914 4150, e-mail: yicsligo@eircom.net or visit www.ncycs.ie  

ST MARY’S COMMUNITY GAMES AREA
Will commence weekly table tennis, draughts and other games coaching for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 13 in the Gilhooly Hall each Friday between between 7pm and 8.30pm commencing November 15th.

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

SLIGO LEND A HAND A Free Minor Repair Service in the Homes of older people in Sligo Town. Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm 087-1776386 e-mail: sligolendahand@hotmail.com

SLIGO TOWN I.C.A. Next meeting in St Michaels family life centre on Tuesday 12th November ar 11am. New members welcome.

SLIGO ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Monthly meeting on Tues 12th Nov at 2.30pm in the Dominican Friary Hall. New members welcome

ARTHRITIS IRELAND COFFEE MORNING & CAKE SALE IMethodist Hall, Wine Street, Sligo from 12-5 pm on Saturday 16th of November. To arrange collection for donations of cakes etc. please contact the
following: Damian Kelly 087 7098911; Mary Kilgallen 085 7444282 or Mary Quinlivan 086 8609311. Your support is greatly appreciated.