TODAY - 3^rd MARCH 2013
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Today’s Gospel is a reminder of the need for conversion - for a change of direction in our lives. We cannot presume forever on the mercy of God.

TRÓCAIRE
Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor. Thank you

WAY OF GENTLENESS 2013 at 8pm - Please join us for an hour of guided prayer in the presence of the Most Blessed on Tuesday 26th Feb. at 8pm in the Cathedral.

CONFESSIONS - LENT 2013 SATURDAYS - 2 to 4 pm and after the 7.30 pm Vigil Mass, SUNDAYS - after the 7 pm Mass and before each Mass on First Fridays.

HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE EVERY FRIDAY DURING LENT
Life is the greatest of all gifts. Each of us from the moment of conception in our mother’s womb to our natural death has a fundamental right to life. It is essential that this most basic of all human rights is protected and promoted. Catholic wisdom holds that the life of the mother and of her unborn baby are sacred and to be given equal respect. At this time the right to life of the unborn baby is under threat in our country. In conscience, we feel that we must speak up for the voiceless unborn. There will be a HOLY HOUR of PRAYER FOR LIFE from 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. EVERY FRIDAY during Lent in our Cathedral.

REFLECTION
We reflect on the very challenging message of today’s readings. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest. We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.

CELEBRATING PARISH LIFE
We invite all of our parishioners to an evening celebration of Parish Life. Whilst all are welcome we particularly invite all who are currently involved in service of the Parish in any way. It takes place on Friday 8th March at 8.00 p.m. In the Gillooly Hall.

YOUTH CONCERT 

A Celebration of Music and song with our Parish Choirs and musicians takes place on Saturday March 9th in the Gillooly Hall. Tickets at €10 are available at Veritas, on the door or at the Parish Office on 9162670. A great night’s entertainment and fun is anticipated. All funds raised to our Parish Youth Ministry. Your support is greatly appreciated.

THE SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA)
The SMA are very grateful to all the Parishioners of St Mary’s for your welcome and support during Mission Awareness weekend in January. The donations received for the missionary work of the SMA in Africa came to €2,368.56 and STG£10. Thank you all very much for your kindness and generous response, Sincerely, Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA.

THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF MARY
Are celebrating 50 years in our Diocese. The Sisters opened their first Convent in 1963 and ran St Cuan’s College at Castleblakeney in Co. Galway. We congratulate the Sisters and pray God’s blessing on their ministry in our Parish.

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE - SLIGO PARISHES CLUSTER
Sligo Parishes Cluster are organising a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October 2013. If you are interested please contact Colette Furlong on  clustercatechist@sligocathedral.ie

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, may I never take the gift of freedom for granted. You gave me the great blessing of freedom of spirit. Fill my spirit with Your peace and Your joy. Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Monday 4th: St Casimir;
Tuesday 5th: St Kieran, bishop;
Thursday 7th: Ss Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs;
Friday 8th: St John of God, religious;
Saturday 9th: St Frances of Rome Religious.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY NEXT MARCH 10th
1st Joshua 5: 9-12; 2nd 2 Cor. 5: 17-21; Rom. ; Gospel: Lk. 15: 1-3. 11-32.

MARY’S MEALS
Mary’s Meals is feeding about 734,000 impoverished children each day in Africa, Asia and South America. Would you like to help? Would you be interested in finding out more? Please give your name to the Parish Office and you will be contacted with all the relevant information.

LVING LENT - LIVING FAITH - LIVING THE MASS
Lenten Exploratory reflections 11am and 3pm St Anne’s Day Chapel, Cranmore Rd.
March: Weds. 6 Lent, Faith & our identity;
Weds. 13 Lent, Faith & the need to belong;
Weds 20 Lent, Faith & our culture today. Presented by Colette Furlong, Catechist to the Sligo Parishes Cluster. All are welcome. For further details please contact  clustercatechist@sligocathedral.ie

GOOD FRIDAY PASSION PLAY
Would you like to join the cast of “The Folly of God” - a dramatic presentation of the Gospel Passion Narrative of our Lord? This presentation will form part of the 3pm Liturgy in Sligo Cathedral on this coming Good Friday, 29^th March. Rehearsals for this year’s Play will commence on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25^th at 8 pm in the Cathedral Sacristy.

BAPTISM IN THE CATHEDRAL PARISH
If you plan to have your child Baptised during the month of March or subsequent months you must now undertake a one night Baptismal Course which will take place in St Michael’s Family Life Centre, Church Hill on the third Thursday of every month at 8pm. To book a Baptism and register for this course please contact the Parish Office on 9162670. It is necessary to attend this course prior to the Baptism of your child..

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
PATRICK KEENAN JOHNSTON, late of Kevinsfort Heath;
JAMES PATRICK LEONARD, late of Scardenmore and
ANGELA LENNON, late of Green Road.
May God Grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES&REMEMBERANCES
Monday 4^th March: 8am ANDY HORAN; 10.30am EITHNE GREENE;
Tuesday 5^th March: 8am PATRICIA SHERIDAN (Birthday Remembrance); 10.30am JOHN & TERESA GREENE;
Wednesday 6^th March: 8am CHARLES & JEAN KAVANGH & Deceased Family Members; 10.30am PATRICK & KATHLEEN BALLINTINE;
Thursday 7^th March: 8am JOHN & KATE CARTY; 10.30am KATIE LANGAN;
Friday 8^th March: 8am LILY & MICHAEL HUGHES;
Saturday 9^th March: 8am JACK GALLAGHER; 10.30am Month’s Mind EILEEN HARRISON.

BINGO - GILLOOLY HALL
TONIGHT’S JACKPOT €1450!! Tonight, March 3^rd at 9pm.
Raffle at interval with refreshments available. All welcome!

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24^th
PARISH ENV: €1,821 PL/STAND.ORD €1,505
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY (9162670 SACRISTY ( 9161261
Email us at  information@sligocathedral.ie  We welcome your comments. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED To sell Religious items at our Cathedral entrance. If you could spare some time please contact the Parish Office on 071 9162670. Thank you.

COMMUNITY GARDEN
At the rear of St Mary’s , is starting up again on Friday March 8th at 2.00 pm. New members welcome.

GALILEE COMMUNITY
In Tintagh, Boyle are holding Scripture courses facilitated by Sr Moya Hegarty OSU on March 5th, 12th, 19th and 25th from 8 to 9.30pm. Theme: The significant men and women in the bible who could be our guides during this Year of Faith. For further details phone 071 9664101, visit www.galilee.ie, or email  galileecommunity@gmail.com

FATIMA - A WINDOW OF HOPE
A special talk will be given by Lauri Duffy of Dublin, on the Apparitions of Fatima and how our Blessed Lady appeared to three young children in 1917 in St. John’s Church, Carraroe on Friday March 8th after 7pm Mass. All welcome.

A CD SET of Fr. Michael Drumm's recent presentations on Faith & Reason is now available. The cost, including packaging & postage is €15. Please contact Ann Allen at Elphin Pastoral Development Office on 071 9634960.

DATES TO REMEMBER 

ST BERNADETTE’s CHAPEL - MONDAY MARCH 4th Rockwood Parade. Mass will be held at 5.15 p.m. All welcome.

ST MICHAEL’S SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Re-opens on Weds. March 6th from 3-5pm. New members always welcome.

HSE RETIRED ASSOCIATION GROUP Next monthly meeting takes place in St Michael’s Family Life Centre, Church Hill on Thursday 7th March at 3pm. New members always welcome.

CAR BOOT SALE Will be held in the Cathedral Car Park on Sunday afternoon, 14th April. Funds raised will go to ‘For Your Soul Productions’ - a non profit theatrical company for much needed equipment. Please support.

BIG BROTHER & SISTER Volunteer Programme hosted by Foróige require male & female volunteers to make a difference to the life of a young person. Initial training & ongoing support is provided by a Professional Youth Worker. Contact Nicola Tuffy on 086 851 6087 or www.bbbsirelland.ie

ANAM CARA monthly support meeting on Weds 6th of March from 7:30 to 9pm at The Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway. Free and open to all bereaved parents with a bereavement therapist present to answer questions and signpost parents to other services.For more information please visit www.anamcara.ie email  info@anamcara.ie or call 01 4045378.