TODAY - 9^nd september 2012
TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Illness and deformity can make us afraid for ourselves, fearful about the meaning of life. With the coming of Christ on earth there came the presence and power of God to begin the work of healing the world. This new creation is still being built up today in the lives of those who believe.

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU FR DEOGRATIAS
We wish every blessing on Fr Deogratias who returns home to his native Tanzania on Wednesday September 12th. On our behalf and on behalf of Fr Deogratias we would like to thank most sincerely all the parishioners who were most generous in their support of the Fundraising Coffee Morning and Cake Sale held this weekend. It was a great pleasure to have had Fr Deogratias in our community once again for the past number of weeks. We wish him a safe journey home and every success with the building of the Church in his native parish of St Verena.

YEAR OF FAITH 2012-13

"The 'door of faith' (Acts14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church."
Pope Benedict XVI, Apostolic Letter for the Indiction of the Year of Faith.

Today many assume that life has no ultimate meaning, that we are born into this world of colour, shape and sound with no purpose except to disappear some seventy or eighty years later. There are others who still continue to search for the true meaning of their lives and a small number who are convinced they have found it. The YEAR OF FAITH is a special time in which we are to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the key themes of our faith, coming closer to the Lord. The Catholicism WORD ON FIRE series is coming soon to the Gillooly Hall. This programme is primarily for parents presenting their children for sacraments but others are most welcome. Highly acclaimed series from Rev Robert Barron. See www.wordonfire.org

MINISTRIES WITHIN THE CATHEDRAL PARISH
The various ministries of St. Mary's parish provide a wide variety of ways of connecting with others. Through these ministries you can learn and grow as an individual, meet others who share your values, and reach out to serve the larger parish community. If you would like to join any of the following please contact the Parish Office.
ALTAR SERVERS; BAPTISM MINISTRY; BEREAVEMENT MINSITRY; CATHEDRAL CHOIR; CHILDREN'S CHOIR; CHILDREN'S LITURGY; EUCHARISTIC MINSITRY; READER'S MINISTRY; YOUTH MINISTRY.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of my mind so that I can see what hope His call holds for me. Amen.

FEASTDAYS THIS WEEK
Weds 12th St. Ailbe, bishop;
Thurs 13th St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
1st Reading: Is. 50: 5-9;
2nd Reading: Jas. 2: 14-18.;
Gospel: Mk. 8: 27-35.

Please consider reading in preparation for next Sunday's Mass.

SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK 10-16 SEPTEMBER
The International Association for Suicide Prevention is hosting World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, 2012. This year's theme is "Collaborations in Suicidology: Bridging the Disciplines," and will focus on raising awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death on a global level.
S.T.O.P. SUICIDE – TEACH, ORGANISE, PREVENT.
S.T.O.P. is a registered charity that provides professional and accredited counselling services to those who have been bereaved by suicide or are feeling in distress or suicidal. If you feel you or your family could benefit from these services or for any other queries please contact Michelle Fox on 086 888 2009 in complete confidence.
SAMARITANS SLIGO - 071 9142011 / 1850 609090
A confidential emotional support service available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You can call in from 11am -9pm daily to 3 The Mall, Sligo or mail jo@samaritans.org

WORLD MISSIONS IRELAND
The work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, brings the prayers and financial help of the Church in Ireland to Christian communities in other parts of the world. Animation material for Mission Sunday and for the National Day of Prayer for Children will be posted in mid-September. Pleasevisit www.wmi.ie

WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes to
ÁINE FINAN and DONAGH O'NEILL
who were married recently in the Cathedral.

bAPTISMS
We welcome into God's family
DONAGH O'BEIRNE and
MICHAEL CULLEN
who were baptised recently in the Cathedral.

Please note that the Sacrament of Baptism takes place in the Cathedral on the first three Sundays of the Month at 1.00 p.m. If you would like to arrange a Baptism please do so at least three weeks in advance - please contact Tel: 087 2259621. Thank you.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
JOSEPHINE KELLY, late of 36 Rathedmund.
May God grant her eternal rest and comfort and console her bereaved family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution:
Sunday September 2nd: PARISH ENV: €2,096 PL/STAND.ORD €1,549
ST MARY'S PRESBYTERY Tel: 071 9162670 CATHEDRAL SACRISTY Tel: 071 9161261
We welcome your comments, email us at information@sligocathedral.ie.

ST MICHAEL'S FAMILY LIFE CENTRE, CHURCH HILL
Autumn/Winter Brochure now available. Enrolment for courses and Saturday seminars will take place on Monday/Tuesday September 10th/11th and ongoing. Please contact the Centre at 071-9170329 for further details.

STUDY THEOLOGY WITH THE PRIORY INSTITUTE
The Dominicans are offering an affordable distance-learning programme in theology which can be followed either for academic credit or for personal enrichment. People study from home, with occasional study-days at weekends, and with the support of on-line academic tutors. Hundreds of people have completed some or all of the programme. If you would like to know more please contact The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24, email enquiries@prioryinstitute.com, phone: 01 404 8124 or visit www.prioryinstitute.com.

ST. ANGELA'S COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 2012
STUDY R.E. / THEOLOGY
Courses in Religious Education and Theology open to teachers, parents, sacrament preparation teams and those who are interested in these areas. For more information visit www.stangelas.niugalway.ie , phone 071 915550. or email education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

DIPLOMA IN ARTS (Folklore and Heritage of the North West)
We are currently accepting applications for this exciting Diploma programme that enables students to trace their family history, learn about lore, life and mythology in the region and stimulate them in themes of local history and archaeology. This Diploma in Arts, Level 7, is accredited by NUI Galway.With no specific entry requirements, this programme is open to all and may be of particular interest to primary/secondary school teachers, librarians, archivists and staff in heritage centres and museums. The duration of the programme is 2 years (September to May) with classes taking place on Saturdays, through blended learning and fieldtrips.For more information and application forms contact Martin Berry – 0719135625 or mberry@stangelas.nuigalweay.ie. To apply online visit www.cll.ie for more information.

ANAM CARA
Anam Cara support groups are situated throughout Ireland and provide parents a safe, comfortable environment where they have the opportunity to connect with other bereaved parents. Anam Cara is an inclusive organisation where parents do not identify themselves by their children's age, how they died, or if their death was recent or many years ago. What Anam Cara provides is a safe place for bereaved parents to connect with others who understand the intensity of the grief and loss. Anam Cara is holding its monthly support meeting on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 from 19:30 to 21:00 at The Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway. This event is free, open to all bereaved parents and each Anam Cara support group has a bereavement therapist present to answer any questions parents may have and signpost them to other services that are available in the area.
For further information please see our website at www.anamcara.ie email us at info@anamcara.ie or call 01 40453781.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTORS
We wish to remind organisations and volunteers that the Garda permit they receive allows them to collect outside the Church gates only, i.e. on the footpath. Thank you for your observation of this stipulation.

LOOKING FOR YOUR PATH? 21st -23rd SEPT
Come and see if the Carmelite life is for you. A weekend for all single women (ages 22-38) interested in discerning a vocation to religious life. For further information please contact St Joseph's Carmelite Monastery, Tallow, Co Waterford. Tel: 058 56205, email carmeltallow@eircom.net or visit www.carmelitetalow.org.

DATES TO REMEMBER

URSULINE ASSOCIATES MONTHLY MEETING
Please note the September meeting takes place in the Convent (opp. Cathedral entrance) at the earlier date of Wednesday September 19th at 7.30pm. New members always welcome.

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY
Next meeting will take place tomorrow - Monday, September 10 immediately after the 10.30am Mass in the Upper Room of the Cathedral Sacristy. New members welcome.

FR. FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUP
Next Meeting - Tuesday, September 11th at 8.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Presbytery. All are most welcome.

FEAST OF HOLY CROSS FRIARY
Friday September 14th - Prayer for the church in Ireland and for vocations. Adoration 6 - 7pm with Taize background; 7 - 7.45pm guided prayer followed by Mass. All welcome.

SLIGO ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Monthly meeting at 2.30pm in the Dominican Friary Hall on Tuesday Sept 11th. New members welcome.

SLIGO TOASTMASTERS
Meetings resume 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month at 8.15pm in Glasshouse Hotel. Next meeting Mon 10th Sept at 8.15pm. Further details call 087 932 5021 or visit www.sligotoastmaster4201.com. All welcome.

DANCE CLASSES
Intro night Mon. Sept. 17 at 6.30pm in Youth Theatre, Quay Street. For further details please contact Lynn on 086 357 2741.

IRISH DANCING LESSONS
Each Monday from 5.45-6.45pm in Scoil Ursula commencing Monday 3rd September. New members welcome.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT OXFAM SLIGO
4 hours per week. Drop into 17 Grattan Street, for an application form or call Karen or Michelle on 9138913.

ST MARY’S SPONSORED CYCLE
From Croagh Patrick to the club house in Sligo on Sat 8th Sept, donations to NW Hospice and Childrens Hospital Crumlin. For details contact Kevin Molloy at  chairperson.stmarys.sligo@gaa.ie

Pre-school, Kevinsfort Kids Academy
5 days, Monday to Friday 9.30 to 12.30, light snack provided. After school care option extra.
Using the Aistear & Siolta pre-school curriculum. Mature, friendly, trained staff. HSE notified and insured. Tel: (071) 9171453 / Mobile: (086) 0874426 or visit Facebook.

HSE FUNDRAISING FOR THE CARDIAC UNIT
Sligo Regional Hospital Fund Raising Committee is raising vital funds in aid of a permanent Catheterisation Lab in Sligo for the benefit of those affected by cardiovascular health issues in the North West Region. If you can help or would like to donate please contact Audrey on 9174567 bleep 877, Sinéad at cardiacangio@hse.ie, Mary on 087 418 2366 or the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Sligo Regional Hospital. Thank you.