Newsletter 9th February 2014

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 6th February 2014

TODAY – 9th FEBRUARY 2014
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The light of Christ’s love has been given to each one of us but it will go out if we fail to use it. We are invited to share our food, our homes, our possessions with the needy so that through us they can see the light of God and give him thanks.

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK – TUESDAY FEBRUARY 11th
Tuesday next, February 11th is World Day of the Sick.
The theme for this world day is Faith and charity.
In his message to mark this occasion, the Holy Father, Pope Francis turns his attention especially to the sick and all those who provide them with care and treatment.
A Special Blessing and Anointing of the Sick will take place 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.


THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS FOR AFRICA
Serving in Africa since 1903, they work with many local people and communities in helping them build their capacity to develop in ways that honour their dignity and address their. Though Africa is the major focus for their work, they have a particular concern for the most needy and marginalised members of society. St Mary’s Parish welcomes a Sister to speak at all Masses in the Cathedral this weekend.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We thank most sincerely all our parishioners who contribute generously to our weekly Responsible Stewardship collection.
We are grateful for all contributions we receive.
Unfortunately our weekly contributions both on the plate and in the envelope have been falling over the last number of years. Please see below.
Because of falling income we are finding it increasingly harder to meet our expenses and the financial demands placed upon the Parish.
We ask you, our good
Parishioners, to please try and keep up your contributions to the Parish so we can meet our on-going financial obligations.
Our financial statement will be going out to all Parishioners in a couple of weeks.
YEAR               COLLECTION PLATE   PARISH ENVLOPES     TOTAL
26th Jan 2012                       €1,366                                   €2,452                   €3,818
27th Jan 2013                       €1,130                                   €1,848                   €2,978
26th Jan 2014                       €1,055                                   €1,831                   €2,886

READINGS FOR SUNDAY NEXT FEBRUARY 16th
1st: Eccles. 15: 15-20;
2nd: 1 Cor. 2: 6-10;
Gospel: Mt. 5: 17-37.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, grant me strength in body, courage in spirit and patience in pain. Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Mon 10th: St Scholastica, virgin;
Tues 11th: St Gobnait, virgin;
Fri 14th: SS Cyril, monk & Methodius, Bishop, Patrons of Europe.

MEDJUGORJE TRIP FOR FIRST TIME PILGRIMS
Taking place in May at a specially reduced rate. Limited availability, open to over 18’s only. To indicate interest please contact the Parish Office on 071 916 2670.

FR. FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUP
Tuesday 11th February at the earlier time of 7.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Presbytery.
Fr. Alan Conway will celebrate Mass
. All are most welcome.

ST JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY
Monthly meeting will be held in the Cathedral on Monday 10th February at 11a.m. New members are invited to pray for Vocations.

FESTIVAL OF FAITH 2014
Taking place in Sligo Parishes Cluster from the 19th to 23rd of May and will be led by the Ember Team of the Vincentian Order.

FIRST HOLYCOMMUNION DATES
Scoil Cnoc na Ré 11th May
Scoil Ursula 18th May
Scoil Éoin Naofa 25th May
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION MASS
The next preparation Mass for our young people preparing to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist takes place at 10.30am next Sunday, 16th of February. There will be a meeting of the Parents Committee in St Mary’s tomorrow, Monday 10th at 8.00 p.m.
All are encouraged to attend.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family
JACK COSTIGAN;
ORLA RYAN and
CHLOE MOORE
recently baptised in our Cathedral.

BRINGING THEOLOGY HOME
The Dominican Order is offering affordable distance learning in theology leading to a range of qualifications from certificate to full honours degree level. Study from home with occasional study days and benefit from on-line support of academic tutors.
DAY OF FAITH
Presented by Bishop Donal Murrary at The Priory Institute on Saturday 8th March 11am-6.30pm.
Theme: The Role of the (Irish) Laity in the Light of Vatican II.
If you would like to know more about attending or distance learning contact: The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24 Tel: 01 404 8124 or email enquiries@prioryinstitute.com

REST IN PEACE
Your Prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of:
James (Jimmy) McHugh, Knappagh Road and late of John Street.
May God grant him eternal rest and comfort and console his bereaved family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBERANCES
Tuesday 11th February: 8am Larry Lavin;
Wednesday 12th February: 8am Kay Cawley; 10.30am Martin McLouglin;
Thursday 13th February: 8am John & Kathleen Martyn; 10.30am Christy Queenan;
Friday 14th February: 8am Sally Harte;
Saturday 15th February: 8am Michael John Masterson; 10.30am Month’s Mind Deborah McGowan.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: Sunday 2nd February
PARISH ENV: €1,831  PL/STAND.ORD €1,355
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY
071 916 2670 SACRISTY 071 916 1261
E-mail us at info@sligocathedral.ie
We welcome your comments. Thank you.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL – TONIGHT AT 9PM
TONIGHT’S JACKPOT €2,100!!
Raffle at interval with refreshments available at start
of Bingo and at the interval.  All welcome

LA VERNA RETREAT CENTRE
The Friary, Rossnowlagh.
St Michael the Archangel & Divine Mercy Retreat – Fri 14th Feb to Sun 16th.
Day of Prayer Wed 19th Feb 10am-5pm.
Lenten Retreat Fri 21st Feb to Sun 23rd Feb with Fr Paschal McDonnell OFM.
Living in the Seasons Sat 22nd Feb 10am-2pm with Sinead Grimes.
Please phone to book on 071 985 2572.

GALILEE COMMUNITY
Tintagh, Boyle. Meditation on Mondays from 7 to 7:45pm. Mindfulness and meditation are a wonderful way to inner peace and calm. Scripture Reflection on Thursdays, beginning with a cuppa at 7:30. Input begins at 8pm concluding with prayer at 9pm. Doors are open from 9:15 a m to 7pm. You are welcome to visit the chapel at anytime during the day to make a visit or to spend longer time.  Those wishing to make a day retreat are welcome to spend the day or stay overnight. Lunch can be provided if you phone and let us know in advance.

EPILEPSY IRELAND
Are celebrating European Epilepsy Day on Tuesday 11th February with a coffee morning from 11am to 12.30pm in The Irish Wheelchair Association. Abbeyville, Sligo. All Welcome.

ALZHEIMER CAFÉ
Takes place in the Glasshouse Hotel, Friday 14th February from 11am to 1pm in the View Bar. These mornings are free  and all those affected by Dementia are welcome to attend. Agnes Durkin from The Carers Association will provide information on services available.For more info contact Majella on 071 914 6400 / 086 863 8171 or e-mail modonnell@alzheimer.ie

MAYOR’S BALL
Takes place on Saturday 15th February in Sligo Park Hotel. Funds raised to benefit five local charities. Tickets €60 from Elaine or Dympna at City Hall or on 087 150 1444

DATES TO REMEMBER
SLIGO ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Monthly meeting at 2.30pm in the Presbyterian Hall, Church Street on Tuesday February 11th. Please note the new venue. New members always welcome
.

MERCY COLLEGE SLIGO Will be holding Adult Education Classes in Art, Computers, Crochet/Knitting , German, Italian and  Spanish from February 11th at 8 pm. For further information phone 086 023 12520 or e-mail mercycollegesligo@eircom.net