Newsletter 7th April 2013

TODAY – APRIL 7^th – 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
Divine Mercy Sunday
Chaplet Prayers, Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image & Benediction will take place here in the Cathedral from 3.00 to 4.00 p.m. The Chaplet and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image will also take place after EACH MASS today.
All are most welcome to attend

TRÓCAIRE BOXES RETURN – 2013
On this First Sunday of Easter Trócaire, has expressed their thanks to the parishioners and clergy of our parish and diocese for standing in solidarity with the world’s poor this Lent. Your support continues to help change thousands of lives for the better all over the world. So far € has been given by our parishoners, a very generous amount.
If you have not returned your box we encourage you to do so as quickly as possible at any Mass or to the Sacristy.  All contributions are appreciated no matter how large or small, they all make a difference. Please note that there is a basket by the main entrance of the Cathedral to return your box into at the Sunday Masses.

OFFERING FOR THE SUPPORT OF CLERGY
Sincere thanks to all Parishioners who contributed most generously to the Easter Collection for Support of Clergy which amounted to €6,864. For those who have not yet had the chance to return their envelope there is still time to do so as the need is ongoing and the collection vital for the support of the Clergy.  Your generosity is much appreciated.

GARDEN OF RESURRECTION
Our Garden of Resurrection in the Cathedral is a symbolic representation of the tomb from which the Risen Lord came forth to declare that the life of faith triumphs over death itself.  Let us join with family and friends in visiting this place of prayer and hope  and especially remember those who have gone before us marked with the sign of hope in the Resurrection.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME
The next preparation Mass for those preparing for First Holy Communion in our Parish takes place next Sunday, April 14^th at 10.30am. All are encouraged to attend.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2013
Scoil Ursula, Sunday 21^st April – 10.30 am.
St John’s & Carbury, Sunday 28^th April – 10.30 am.
Gaelscoil, Sunday May 12^th– 10.30 am.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Thursday11^th: St Stanislaus, bishop and martyr;
Saturday 13^th St Martin I, pope and martyr.

READINGS – SUNDAY APRIL 14th
1st Reading: Acts 5:27-32.
2nd Reading: Apoc. 5:11-14.
Gospel: Lk. 24:32.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
May the Lord God who has risen from the dead give us all hope of eternal life.  Amen.

THANK YOU – FAMILY CIRCLE
We thank most sincerely the Committee of the Family Circle for their ongoing contributions to the upkeep of the Gillooly Hall. Thank you also to our promoters, the Business Community and the weekly supporters of the Draw. Deep gratitude is expressed to all involved in ensuring this source of income continues.

YEAR OF FAITH – BETTER UNDERSTANDING TO BELIEVE
A seminar presented by Fr. Noel Rooney entitled ’Faith and Sacred Scripture’ will be held from 11am – 3.30 pm in the The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Saturday April 13^th and in the Sligo Park Hotel on Saturday, April 27^th.  This promises to be a very informative day. For ,more details see elphindiocese.ie/year-of-faith/faithscripture. All  are welcome to attend.

FEAST OF ST ASSICUS
The Feast of St Assicus, the patron saint of our Diocese occurs on April 29th with the occasion being marked by a celebration in Elphin at 4pm on this day.

VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
THE WORLD NEEDS CHRIST – CHRIST NEEDS YOU. Have you considered serving the Elphin Diocese as a Priest? If you feel you may have a vocation to Diocesan Priesthood, please contact Fr. Jim Murray, Carraroe, Sligo on 9162136, your local priest or email: vocations@elphindiocese.ie
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
God, you desire the happiness and salvation of all.
Stir up the grace of a holy vocation
in the hearts of many within our parish.
Grant them the willingness and generosity
to give of themselves, their time and talents to the service
of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and to His Church.  Amen.

CHARITY TAX FORMS – REMINDER
Sincere thanks to all who have so far returned their charity tax form. If you have not already returned your form please do so as soon as possible. This is a vital source of income for us in these difficult economic times. Thank you.

DIOCESAN PUBLICATION – THE ANGELUS
Please watch out for the next edition which will be available over the coming days in our Cathedral. The Angelus keeps us informed and up to date with happenings and issues throughout the diocese.

YOUNG ADULT DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO ROME
This pilgrimage, to mark the Year of Faith, will take place from July 7^th to 14^th to the ‘eternal city’ for young adults aged 18-35. Accommodation at Pontifical Irish College in the heart of Rome with a special programme ofspiritual cultural and social events. Cost €700. For further information contact Frank McGuinness,Director of Youth Minstry on 087 988 0690 or mail frank.mcguinness@elphindiocese.ie. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family
ANNALISE HIGGINS;
ALBERT STARLIPER;
LEIGHA GETHINS and
HAYDEN LYNCH
who were baptised recently in the Cathedral..

ANNIVERSARIES&REMEMBERANCES
Monday 8^th April: 8am EDWARD O’BRIEN;
Tuesday 9^th April: 8am MARGARET CLANCY; 10.30am: DANNY FOY;
Wednesday 10^th April: 8am MARY & ANN GARVEY Remembrance Mass 10.30am CLIVE HOWARD;
Thursday 11^th April: 8am HARRY O ‘BOYLE; 10.30am DOMINIC & MARY-AGNES HENRY and CARMEL CLEARY;
Saturday 13^th April: 8am ROSALEEN, SEAMUS & MARTIN GRIFFIN; 10.30am Month’s Mind TOMMY BRENNAN.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
Bingo returns TONIGHT, SUNDAY 7^th APRIL at 9pm with a
JACKPOT of €1650 and EXTRA RAFFLE PRIZES. All welcome!!.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY MARCH 24th
PARISH ENV: €6,864  PL/STAND.ORD €4,258
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY Telephone 071 9162670 SACRISTY Telephone 071 9161261.
Email us at information@sligocathedral.ie  We welcome your comments. Thank you.

FESTIVAL OF FAITH
May 20-27th Theme: The Door is always open. Organised by Sligo Parishes Cluster and taking place in our Cathedral, St Anne’s, Carraroe, St Joseph’s, St Patrick’s Calry, Strandhill, Ransboro, Rosses Point and the Friary. Including celebration of the Eucharist, Vigils,Pilgrimages, liturgies of the Word, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Speakers include: Fr Gareth Byrne.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING & BRIC-A-BRAC
If you are spring cleaning your shelves and wardrobes please remember SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES who are continuously seeking and gratefully accept all clothing including children’s as well as good quality bric-a-brac for their Thrift Shop on Harmony Hill. These can be conveniently dropped into Charles Street or call 071 9145682 to arrange collection.

UNWANTED CLOTHES??
Three newly qualified social workers are volunteering this summer in Romania in a children’s orphanage which has been organised by a University College Cork lecturer who herself has close links to this orphanage. They will be volunteering during a summer holiday week for the children. This is the highlight of their year. Money raised will pay for the clients part of the holiday- bus, ice cream and a little present. Anything left over will goes to buy them a birthday and Christmas present each. Also, this fund is used to pay for medical expenses and bus fares so that their families can visit them.
The other fund is for the building of a therapy unit and a paediatric hospice.
The collection of unwanted clothes from people are exchanged for cash. All money raised goes directly to the charity. All flights, accommodation, vaccines are self-funded. Your help is greatly appreciated – please contact 087 411 9545 for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER
ST BERNADETTE’s CHAPEL – MONDAY APRIL 8th Rockwood Parade. Mass will be held at 5.15 p.m.  All welcome.

ST BERNADETTE’s CHAPEL – MONDAY APRIL 8^th Rockwood Parade. Mass will be held at 5.15 p.m.  All welcome.

FR. FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUP – Next Meeting – Tuesday, 9^th April at 8.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Presbytery.  All are most welcome.

SLIGO ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Monthly meeting at 2.30pm in the Dominican Friary Hall on Tuesday, 9^th April. New members welcome.

CAR BOOT SALE In the Cathedral Car Park on Sunday 14th April. Funds raised will go to ‘For Your Soul Productions’ – a non profit theatrical company for much needed equipment.

N.C.B.I. John Street, Sligo welcome unwanted gifts or donations at their shop. For collections in the Sligo area please contact shop manager Christy Foy on 086 893 9682. Thank you.

GALA CONCERT To be hosted by the County Sligo Golf Club Male Voice Choir together with Sligo Academy of Music in Radisson Blu Hotel, Ballincar on Saturday 13^th April at 8pm. Tickets €15 from Liber Bookshop on 071 914 2219. All proceeds in aid of the R.N.L.I – Lifeboats.

WEEKEND RETREAT with Sr. Peggy Cronin. Fri 19th 6pm (Evening Meal) – Sun 21st April 2pm (after Lunch). €150 (Residential) €80 (Non-residential) Limited places available. Book at La Verna Retreat Centre on 071 9852572.

ANGER ISSUES? Knock Counselling Centre 2 day confidential Anger Management Programme with the Irish Assoc. for Anger Management in Knock on Sat 20^th & Sun 21^st April. Contact Peter Devers, Regional Consultant, 09493 75032 or log onto www.difficultemotions.com

ARTHIRTIS IRELAND A 6 week programme consisting of one 2½ hour workshop once a week enabling self-management to help manage pain, reduce fatigue, introducing relaxation and exercise. Commencing Tues 9th April 7-9.30pm. Cost €30. Tel: 01 647 0203 www.arthritisireland.ie