TODAY – 2^nd FEBRUARY 2014
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
World Day for Consecrated Life
In the person of Jesus. God enters his Temple, unrecognised by most but welcomed by Simeon and Anna, both people of prayer.  As May stood on Calvary she is now present when the Lamb of sacrifice is presented in the Temple. Darkness seeks to reject the True Light, so already the shadow of the Cross is to be seen.

WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE
This Sunday we celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. Today we recognise and give thanks for those who have consecrated their lives to God and the Church through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Some join a religious congregation or a secular institute. Today we join with our Holy Father, Pope Francis and observe this day with a special emphasis on the call to consecrated life in today’s world. The consecrated life is one way that men and women live out their baptismal commitment as followers of Jesus.

FEAST OF ST BLAISE – BLESSING OF THROATS
To mark the Feast of St Blaise the Blessing of throats will take place after all Masses tomorrow, Monday, February 3^rd.

FIRST FRIDAY – FEBRUARY 7^th
Friday next is the First Friday of the Month.  Mass at  7pm. Confession before  the 8am, 10.30am and 7pm Masses. All are welcome.

MASS IN ST BERNADETTE’s CHAPEL
Rockwood Parade. Mass will be celebrated tomorrow, Monday February 3^rd at  5.15 p.m.  All welcome

ANNUAL LOURDES NOVENA
Continues in Holy Cross Friary from until Sunday 9th February. Daily at 7.30pm – Sunday 3.30pm. Fr Maurice Cogan O.P. will preach. All welcome.

THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS FOR AFRICA
Have been assigned to Elphin Diocese for the Mission Awareness Programme for 2014. We will welcome a sister to speak at all Masses in the Cathedral next weekend, the 8th and 9th of February.

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK – TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 11^th
Tuesday February 11th is World Day of the Sick. A Special Blessing and Anointing of the Sick will take at the 10.30 a.m. Mass on that day.  Please advise all the sick and housebound of your area and provide transport if necessary.  Thank you.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY NEXT FEBRUARY 9^th
1^st : Is. 58: 7-10;
2^nd : 1 Cor. 2: 1-5;
Gospel: Jn. 8: 12.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK .
Lord, help us to invite, encourage and support men and women to dedicate their lives to you through the consecrated life.  Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Mon 3^rd: St Blaise, bishop & martyr; St Ansgar, bishop; ~
Weds 5^th: St Agatha, virgin & martyr;
Thurs 6^th: St Ss Paul Miki & Companions, martyrs;
Fri 7^th: St Mel, bishop;
Sat 8^th: St Jerome Emiliani; St Josephine Bajhita, virgin.

MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS OF AN GARDA SÍOCHANA
Sligo/Leitrim Division will be celebrated in the Embassy Rooms, Kennedy Parade, on Thursday, 6^th February at 7.00 p.m. All family members welcome.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
FR LIAM COSTELLO OFM brother of Sr Sheila Costello, Mercy Order, Sligo;
PETER (Sony) GUNNING, 100 years, Maugheraboy and late of Nazareth House;
TED NEALON, Greenfort, Cairns Road and formerly Aclare and
Noreen Feehily late of Market Street and formerly Jink’s Avenue.
May God grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBRANCES
Monday February 3^rd: 8am Dr & Mrs Michael Adibe;
Tuesday February 4^th: 8am Deceased Members of the Scanlon & Kennedy Families; 10.30am Katie McDermott;
Wednesday February 5^th: 8am Deceased Members of the Conlon Family; 10.30am Ken McKay & Deceased Family Members;
Thursday February 6^th: 8am Sheila & Paddy Moran; 10.30am Emmett O’Connor;
Friday February 7^th: 8am Michael Gilbride; 10.30am 1^st Anniversary Moira Kavanagh;
Saturday February 8^th: 8am Kathleen McTernan; 10.30am Month’s Mind Paddy McCole

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: Sunday 26^th January
PARISH ENV: €2,732  PL/STAND.ORD €1,492
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY 071 916 2670 SACRISTY 071 916 1261
E-mail us at information@sligocathedral.ie
We welcome your comments. Thank you

LA VERNA RETREAT CENTRE
The Friary, Rossnowlagh. Mid-Wk Meditation (6wks) Wed 5^th Feb (10.45-1pm), Evening Art (4wks) Wed 5^th Feb (8-10pm), St Bridgets Day Sat 1^st Feb (2-5pm), Candlemas Day Sun 2^nd Feb (2-5pm), St MichaelArchangel & Divine Mercy Retreat – Fri 14^th Feb to Sun 16^th.  Please phone to book on 071 985 2572.

GETTING MARRIED IN 2014 / 2015
“A Marriage is a vow to share one life together.
A love-filled vow meant to be kept lovingly forever.”

Please remember:
1. Ifyou are getting married over the next six months, make sure the preliminary paperwork is completed in good time. 
By the Law of the State you must give three months  notice – please contact Markievicz House Tel: 071 915 5115.
2. Book  early your Pre-Marriage Course with either Accord Tel: 9145641 or Esker Retreat House, Tel: 091 844549.

MUSIC FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES
The Cathedral in consultation with our Musical Director has produced an extensive list of appropriate hymns that can be used at a Wedding Ceremony.
Couples planning a Wedding in the Cathedral should contact St. Mary’s for this list Tel: 071 916 2670.  Thank you.
MUSICIANS
Musicians who are asked to play at Weddings in the Cathedral are also asked to contact St. Mary’s for this list.
We ask that couples planning a Wedding and musicians would   choose music of a sacred character.  Thank you.
To download a Booking Form or our Marriage Booklet please visit our website www.sligocathedral.ie/marriage-a-family
Please note: No weddings are celebrated on Sundays in our Diocese.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL – SUNDAY NIGHT AT 9PM
TONIGHT’S JACKPOT €2,050!!
Raffle at interval with refreshments available at start of Bingo and at the interval.  All welcome!

ANNUAL YOUTH 2000 VALENTINES FUNDRAISING BALL
Aged between 18-35?? Then come along to the social event of the year on Saturday 8^th February in Sligo Park Hotel. An enjoyable and fun night with the opportunity to meet other young Catholics from all over Ireland. The evening begins with Holy Mass in Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo at 5pm followed by drinks reception and Meal from 7pm onwards. Entertainment to include Raffle, DJ and Live band. Formal/ Smart dress code. For further information or tickets please contact

ANNUAL ELPHIN DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
AUGUST 28^th to SEPTEMBER 2^nd, 2014. Please consider joining the Elphin Diocese on this Sacred Pilgrimage this year!  For details and Booking Forms please contact the Parish Office on 916 2670 or Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 241 0800.  Thank you.

ANAM CARA
Monthly parent evening on Wednesday 5^th February from 7:30-9:00pm at The Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway. This event is free, open to all bereaved parents with a bereavement professional present to answer any questions and signpost parents to other services that are available in their area. For further information please e-mail info@anamcara.ie, call 01 404 5378 or visit www.anamcara.ie

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
A two-day interactive workshop in suicide suitable for all kinds of caregivers and volunteers held in Sligo on 19 & 20 February. For more please call Belinda at Health Promotion on 071 916 5061.

SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES
Would welcome donations of First Holy Communion Dresses along with good quality clothing, bric-a-brac, unwanted gifts etc. for their Thrift Shop. Items can be dropped into Charles Street or a free collection service is available within a 5 mile radius of Sligo Town. Contact 914 5682. All funds go to much needed services in our community. Your support is greatly appreciated.