TODAY JUNE 30^th & SUNDAY – JULY 7^th
THIRTEENTH & FOURTEENTH SUNDAYS IN ORDINARY TIME
To be Christian we must be ready to make sacrifices for Christ. To make others welcome, to care for them in the name of Christ involves sacrifice, but Jesus promised that such sacrifice will be rewarded.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Please note that during the months of July and August our weekly newsletter will be issued every alternative week.  The next newsletter will be released on Sunday, July 14th.  Please also keep in mind the cut off time for receiving notices which is midday on the Wednesday immediately prior to the date of issue.

DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE
Congratulations and best wishes to all the couples celebrating Silver, Golden, Diamond or other significant anniversaries and who are gathering TODAY at 3.00 p.m. in our Cathedral.  Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Jones.

TOMORROW – 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 very special occasion.

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.
CHOOSE LIFE 2013 – A TIME FOR CLARITY AND TRUTH
 We value the skill and efforts of our doctors, nurses and other care professionals who have helped to earn Ireland’s place as one of the safest countries in the world for mothers and their babies during pregnancy.
Catholic Church teaching is clear: where a seriously ill pregnant woman needs medical treatment which may put the life of her baby at risk, such treatments are ethically permissible provided every effort is made to save both the mother and her baby.
This is different from abortion, which is the direct and intentional taking of the innocent life of the unborn. No matter what legislation is passed in any country, abortion is, and always will be, gravely wrong.
We remain convinced that enhanced medical guidelines, which do not envisage the direct and intentional killing of the unborn, could provide the necessary clarity as well as a  morally, legally and medically acceptable way forward. While good health can normally be restored, life, once taken, can never, never be restored. 

CATHEDRAL BAPTISTRY REFURBISHMENT
We thank those who have contributed towards the cost of the refurbishment of our Baptistry. We deeply appreciate their thoughtfulness.  If you wish to be associated with the newly refurbished Baptistry please send donation to: St Mary’s Presbytery, Temple Street, Sligo c/o Fr Tom Hever, ADM. Cheques to be issue to Elphin Diocese No. 1 Parish A/C.
Thank you again for your generosity.

SLIGO PARISHES CLUSTER PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG
SAT. 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.

CEMETERY SUNDAY – SLIGO CEMETERY
For Sligo Cemetery will take place on Sunday August 4^th with Mass taking place at 3.00 p.m.   

GORTA – THANKS
Gorta have written to express their deepest gratitude for the generosity of the Cathedral Parish in supporting their recent Annual Church Gate collection which amounted to €948. The total sum collected in Sligo of €3,281 will go towards alleviating hunger through long-term development.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK 
Merciful Lord, grant me pardon and peace that I may serve you with a quite mind.  Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Mon 1^st St Oliver Plunkett, bishop & martyr;
Weds 3^rd St Thomas, Apostle;
Thurs 4^th St Elizabeth of Portugal;
Fri 5^th St Anthony Zaccaria, priest;
Sat 6^th St Maria Goretti, virgin & martyr and St Moninne of Killeavy, virgin.

READINGS – SUNDAY JULY 7th
1^st Reading: Is. 66: 10-14.
2^nd Reading: Gal. 6: 14-18.
Gospel: Lk. 10:1-12. 17-20.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT €2,250!! Tonight, 30^th June at 9pm.
Raffle prizes & refreshments. All welcome!

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY JUNE 23^rd
PARISH ENV: €1,657 PL/STAND.ORD €1,574
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY 916 2670 SACRISTY Tel 916 1261 

REMEMBER!
HOUSE BLESSINGS: If you would like to have your house blessed over the Summer just make contact with your Area Representative or the Parish Office Tel: 9162670.
VISIT TO THE SICK: If a member of your family or a neighbour is seriously ill, whether in hospital or at home, and would like a visit from a priest, just leave a message at the Parish Office Tel: 9162670.
GETTING MARRIED?: If you are getting married over the next six months make contact with the priest now and make sure the preliminary paperwork is completed in good time.

SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES
Are seeking volunteers for 1-2 hours for bag packing in Tesco in August. If you feel you can spare some time please contact Marina on 914 5682;email martina@sligosocialservices.ie

KNOCK MARRIAGE
Introductions have been operating since 1968 as a means of helping people find suitable marriage partners. Last year it had eleven marriages bringing to a total of 911 since its foundation with applications from every county in Ireland and some from abroad. For further information phone 0949375960 Tuesday and Thursday 9-5pm or visit our website knockmarriageintroductions.com

ST. MARIA GORETTI NOVENA
The St. Maria Goretti Novena continues until Saturday, July 6 in the Church of the Assumption, Collooney. Rosary & Confession from 7.30pm and Mass with Novena at 8pm each evening.

HOLY HILL HERMITAGE
Ladies Brae, Skreen. Sunday July 7^th,the 1^st Sunday of the month and is also the traditional Family Day at Holy Hill Hermitage.  Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Tommy Towey at 12 noon, and the St. Patrick’s Gospel choir will lead us in song.  Bring the children for games, hot dogs, face-painting, storytelling and drumming.  All are welcome 

 CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF FAITH
With a traditional 3 day pilgrimage to LOUGH DERG, the Sanctuary of St Patrick, until   August 13^th.  Connect with the faith of our ancestors and the prayers of millions down the centuries. (Bus Eireann have resumed the Lough Derg Shuttle Bus Service from Enniskillen.)
 

ELPHIN DIOCESAN LOURDES INVALID FUND
Church gate collection takes place this weekend. Your support is appreciated. Thank you.