TODAY JUNE 16^th - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
God is mercy unlimited - that is for those who are ready to turn from their sin to seek his love. Today’s readings remind us that it is not God who limits his love. It is either our complacency or out fear which refuses to trust in so great a love.

TODAY - FATHER’S DAY
Today is celebrated as FATHER’S DAY and is an important day in family life.  We commend to God all fathers in our parish, those who are called to care and become co-responsible in the building up of family life. May God bless them all today!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - UPCOMING AREA MASSES
Cedar Drive THURSDAY 20th June 7.30 pm
Corner of St Joseph’s & The Weighbridge TUESDAY 2nd July 7.30pm
Rathedmond Estate FRIDAY 28th June 7.30 pm

CHOOSE LIFE 2013
We are at a defining moment for our country. The Gospel challenges us to work for a world in which the dignity and beauty of every human life are respected. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights; it is the foundation of all other rights. No individual has the right to destroy life and no State has the right to undermine the right to life. The Government is under no obligation to legislate for the X case. People are being misled. We challenge repeated statements that this legislation is about saving lives and involves no change to the law or practice on abortion. Legalising the direct and intentional destruction of the life of an unborn baby can never be described as ‘life-saving’ or ‘pro-life’. Citizens are encouraged to exercise their right to make their views known - respectfully - to our public representatives.
“The Church feels duty -bound to speak out with courage on behalf of those who have no voice.”
                                                                                                                        Archbishop Michael Neary, 2.6.13
PRAYER FOR THE CHILD IN THE WOMB
Help those who make our laws to uphold the uniqueness and sacredness of every human life, from the first moment of conception to natural death.  Amen.
For more please visit chooselife2013.ie.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN PRIEST’S RETREAT
This week some of the Fr Tom and Fr Pat will be attending the Annual Diocesan Priest’s Retreat in Knock from Sunday evening 16th June until Thursday evening the 20th of June.

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. Thank you.

TRÓCAIRE THANKS
Trócaire have written to express their deep gratitude for the recent support from our Parish. In spite of ongoing economic difficulties their Lenten Appeal met with an overwhelming response. Trócaire’s work provides the most vulnerable communities with the knowledge and skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Their Lenten Campaign connects Catholics in Ireland with the poorest people in the developing world. On behalf of all those Trócaire has been able to help with your generosity, thank you.

A CHORAL CONCERT
Will take place on Tuesday the 25th of June at 8.00 p.m. in our Cathedral.  Please support.

BOYS TOWN
The famous Boys Town film of 1938 comes to town with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. Spencer plays the part of that great visionary, Father Edward Joseph Flanagan, who said  “there is no such thing as a bad boy; and Mickey plays the part of a wayward boy, but who turns out good. The venue and time is the Gillooly Hall on Monday 17th June at 8.00 p.m.  All are welcome.

DIOCESAN JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE
Will take place for those marking their 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th anniversaries in our Cathedral on Sunday, June 30th at 3pm.  During the Celebration Mass Bishop Jones will bless the couples who will receive a commemorative candle and certificate.  After the Mass the celebration will continue with a meal in the Southern Hotel. Further details from St Michael’s Family Life Centre on 9170329, email stmichaelsfamilylifecentre@eircom.net.

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.

YEAR OF FAITH PIOLGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG
Thinking of a way to celebrate this Year of Faith? Make a Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage every day from now until 13th August. Boats from 11am - 3pm daily. Public bus service and group organised pilgrimages available. Tel: 071 9861518 email: info@loughderg.org or www.loughderg.org.

 READINGS - SUNDAY JUNE 23rd   
1st Reading: Zech. 12:10-11; 13:1.
2nd Reading: Gal. 3:26-29.
Gospel: Lk. 9:18-24.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Weds 19th: St Romuald, abbot;
Thurs 20th Irish Martyrs;
Fri 21st: St Aloysius Gonzaga, religious;
Sat 22nd:Ss John Fisher, bishop & Thomas More, martyrs.
 
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, life is short; time is fleeting and today is the day to forgive. Give me the grace to forgive from the heart.  Amen.

WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes to
SINÉAD BREEN and KEN McCONKEY
who were married recently in our Cathedral.

ST ANGELA’S COLLEGE
Are offering courses in religious education, theology and chaplaincy studies open to teachers, chaplains, parents, sacrament preparation teams and those who are interested in these areas. More information 071 9195550 or visit www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie
CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (Primary School)
With part of the programme incl. a module in teaching methodologies in RE for those interested in teaching at primary school level and have already completed studies in the area of Theology and RE. Email education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

CUAN ÍOSA
Sligo Faith & Light Community wish to thank all those who contributed so generously to the recent Church Gate Collection.

CARE TO DRIVE
Patients in need of transport to and from their chemotherapy treatments (inc. bloods, consultant appointments, follow-up, etc) can avail of ‘Care to Drive’ - a free transport service to Sligo General Hospital. Contact your hospital team or the Irish Cancer Society on 01 2310 566.

DATES TO REMEMBER
GORTA CHURCH GATE COLLECTION Will take place after all Masses this weekend. Your support is greatly appreciated for Ireland’s longest-running overseas development organisation. Thank you.