TODAY JUNE 23^rd – TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The Messiah of God had to suffer in the struggle to bring God’s salvation to us. Each Christian is called to enter life by the same narrow gate.

UNITE FOR LIFE – ‘RISE UP FOR LIFE’ RALLY
Keep the Momentum for Life alive! Opposition to the Government’s Abortion Bill is growing stronger every day with more and more T.D.’s speaking out against the Bill. Rise up for Life on Saturday July 6^th at the Rally for Life in Dublin. Now, more than ever, It is vital there is a high turnout on the day. We are especially encouraging all those who have been unable to attend in the past to make a huge effort this time. A bus is being organised from the Cathedral Parish. To book your place please contact Fionnuala on 087 755 2754. Your presence could make the difference.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.           Edmund Burke

CHOOSE LIFE 2013

By virtue of their common humanity, the lives of both a mother and her unborn baby are sacred.  The Church does not teach that the life of a child in the womb should be preferred to that of a mother. 
However because a baby in the womb is voiceless, some would have us believe that she or he is less human or less deserving of life.  Advances in genetics and technology make it easier  than ever to see the flaws in such thinking.

Any mother or father who has gazed in wonder at an ultrasound scan of their baby, or heard his or her heart beating for the first time, will know how rapid and beautiful is the development of their baby in the womb.  They will know that their baby does not
suddenly become a human being at birth.  And they will know that the daughter or son now present before them as an infant or
 teenager is the same human life, the same human child they saw in that first scan (ref: Choose Life pastoral letter of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference for ‘Day for Life’, October 2012)
ABORTION LEGISLATION
Legal opinion suggests that the Abortion Bill contains no
procedures to give effect to the “duty of care” owed to the unborn; there is no appeal process for the unborn, there are no sedatives to be administered to an unborn baby in advance of the taking of his or her life; there are no risk assessments for early delivery and there is no redress board for a baby who survives an abortion but suffers medical complications as a result of premature termination of
Pregnancy.

NOVENA TO ST PATRICK
For the Protection of Ireland from Abortion to commence 27^th June.
Prayer cards are available by the Cathedral entrance
 

MONDAY – JULY 1 – DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL
We remember the occasion each year when the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was opened by Bishop Lawrence Gillooly in 1875.  The dedication of our Cathedral is a special feast in our diocese which is celebrated on July 1^st. All are invited to attend the 10.30 a.m. Mass on this occasion.

SATURDAY NEXT – JUNE 29 FEAST OF SS. PETER & PAUL
On Saturday next – June 29 we celebrate the twin founders of the Church in Rome on the day traditionally considered in pagan Rome to be its foundation day by Romulus and Remus. St. Peter died by  crucifixion and St. Paul by beheading.
PETER’S PENCE ENVELOPE
Please note that there is an additional envelope today entitled PETER’S PENCE.  Proceeds from this Collection in the Irish Church help fund the central administration of the Church in Rome and the various Church agencies which assist the Holy Father.  Envelopes can be returned at any Mass next weekend.

CATHEDRAL BAPTISTRY REFURBISHMENT
Refurbishment work on our Baptistry is now completed. The refurbishment was very necessary as the Place of Baptism should reflect the significance of this Sacrament. Baptism is the first of three Sacraments by which a person is initiated into the people of God, the Church. It is ‘the door to life and to the Kingdom of God’. A Baptistry must always be a fitting place for this most special of Sacraments.
The expense involved in the refurbishment was significant and so we would be grateful for any help towards the cost.
Donations can be sent to St Mary’s Presbytery, Temple Street, Sligo c/o Fr Tom Hever, Administrator. Thank you.

DIOCESAN JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE
SUNDAY NEXT JUNE 30^th 3.00 P.M. For all couples celebrating Silver, Golden, Diamond or other significant anniversaries.  Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Jones. All couples will receive a commemorative candle and certificate and there is be a meal in the Southern Hotel afterwards. Contact St Michael’s Family Life Centre on 9170329, email stmichaelsfamilylifecentre@eircom.net.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK – ANGEL OF GOD
O, Angel of God, My Guardian Dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.  Amen

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Mon 24^th Nativity of St John The Baptist;
Thurs 27^th St Cyril of Alexandria, bishop & doctor of the Church;
Fri 28^th St Irenaeus, bishop & martyr;
Sat 29^th Ss Peter and Paul, Apostles.

READINGS – SUNDAY JUNE 30th
1^st Reading: 1 Kings 19:16. 19-21. 
2^nd Reading: Gal. 5:1. 13-18.
Gospel: Lk. 9:51-62.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family
JODIE GUIR and
LAILA McLOUGHLIN MURTAGH
who were baptised recently in our Cathedral. 

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT €2,200!! Tonight, 23^rd June at 9pm.
Raffle prizes & refreshments. All welcome!

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY JUNE 16^th
PARISH ENV: €   PL/STAND.ORD €
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY Tel: 916 2670 SACRISTY Tel: 916 1261

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DEACON?
Diocese of Elphin is continuing to accept applications from married and single men who may feel called to ministry as a Permanent Deacon. The four year part-time training programme will begin in Autumn 2013. For further information or a conversation around the topic contact: Director of the Permanent Diaconate, St Mary’s, Sligo, 071 9162670 or visit www.elphinsiocese.ie under “vocations” section. Final closing date for applications is Friday, July 26^th 2013.

 

ST. MARIA GORETTI NOVENA – COLLOONEY
The St. Maria Goretti Novena commences Friday June 28 and concludes on Saturday, July 6 in the Church of the Assumption, Collooney. Rosary & Confession from 7.30pm and Mass with Novena at 8pm each evening. All are most welcome.

SLIGO PARISHES CLUSTER PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG 
AT. 14^th September. For booking please contact Sabrina Rooney on 9145028 or call in to St. Anne’s Parish Office. Cost €40 for Lough Derg and €10-€15 for bus (depending on numbers). A deposit of €25 must be paid when booking.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
There are still some places left on Third Age’s trip which takes place on the first week of September. All proceeds will go to our Senior Help Line, a peer to peer listening service for older people. If you know anyone who would be interested in this opportunity, please contact Neil on nbruton@thirdageireland.ie or 0834260081 to receive more information or book a place.’

FREE CONCERT – SLIGO CATHEDRAL
The Knoxville Choral Society from Tennessee, USA, will sing a FREE concert of American Traditional & Sacred Music in our Cathedral on TUESDAY NEXT – JUNE 25 at 8.00 p.m. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of the Cathedral Organ Restoration Fund. Please come along for a wonderful evening of Music.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
AUGUST 28 to SEPTEMBER 2, 2013. Please consider joining the Elphin Diocese on this Sacred Pilgrimage this year!  For details and Booking Forms please contact the Parish Office Tel: 9162670 or Joe Walsh Tours Tel: 01 241 0800.  Thank you.

 ELPHIN DIOCESAN LOURDES INVALID FUND 
Church gate collection takes place on the 29th & 30th of June. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.