Newsletter 14th April 2013

3rd Sunday of Easter Year C 14th April 2013

TODAY – APRIL 14th 3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER
Peter, who denied the Lord three times, three times affirms his love. He learns that his share in the Lord’s care for his people will one day bring him to the martyrdom of death – the early Church was founded on those who joyfully bore witness with their lives.

SUNDAY NEXT – GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
Sunday next is GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY, a day of special prayer for vocations to the work of service in the Church.  There is the enduring command of Christ to His Church to go out and preach to all people.  There is a need for people of faith to respond to that command, people who are prepared to dedicate their lives to this work for the sake of the Gospel.  If you feel you may have a vocation to Diocesan Priesthood please contact your local priest or Fr. Jim Murray on 071 9162136.

YEAR OF FAITH – PARISH VISITATION
To mark the Year of Faith and in preparation for the upcoming
Festival of Faith the Parish Pastoral Council have decided to visit all homes in our Parish commencing in May as a gesture of outreach.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
Volunteers
are being sought to assist in this initiative.  Anyone who can help is invited to a meeting in St Mary’s on Thursday, 2nd May at 8pm. Please call the Parish Office on 9162670 before this date. Your support is much needed and appreciated.

FESTIVAL OF FAITH May 20-27th
Theme: The Door is always open. Organised by Sligo Parishes Cluster and taking place in our Cathedral, St Anne’s, Carraroe, St Joseph’s, St Patrick’s Calry, Strandhill, Ransboro, Rosses Point & The Friary. Including celebration of the Eucharist, Vigils, Pilgrimages, liturgies of the Word, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Speakers include: Fr Gareth Byrne.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME

The next preparation Mass for those preparing for First Holy Communion in our Parish takes place today at 10.30am.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2013
Scoil Ursula, Sunday 21st April – 10.30 am.
St John’s &
Carbury, Sunday 28th April – 10.30 am.
Gaelscoil, Sunday May 12th– 10.30 am.

CONFIRM OUR CHILDREN
The final preparation Mass for our young people preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place next Sunday, April 21st, at 7.00 p.m.  All are encouraged to attend.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION 2013
St John’s & Carbury, Thursday 16thMay  – 4.00 pm.
Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Friday 3
rd May – 11.30 am.
Scoil Ursula, Pentecost Sunday
, 19th MAY – 12 noon.

We join with our parishioners in wishing all our First Communicants and Confirmandi, their families and their schools every blessing as they prepare for these sacred Sacraments.

TRÓCAIRE BOXES RETURN – 2013
Our thanks to those who have handed in their TRÓCAIRE Boxes but few have so far been returned. All contributions are appreciated no matter how large or small as they make a great difference to the lives of the less privileged.  The amount received so far is €4,510. Boxes should be returned at any Mass today or over coming days or to the Sacristy.

ELPHIN DIOCESAN CONFERENCE FOR COMMITED LAY PEOPLE
Taking place on Sat. 20th & Sun. 21st April. Details in Church porch and online at www.elphindiocese.ie/year-of-faith/conference. Consider going for 1 day if 2 is not possible.  All welcome.

CAR BOOT SALE TODAY
In the Cathedral Car Park from 1.30 – 5.30pm with lots of room for cars/stalls at only €10!! Items include clothes, books, cds, toys, etc!! Funds raised will go to ‘For Your Soul Productions’ – a non profit theatrical company for much needed equipment. Please come along and support.  Thank you.

GARDEN OF RESURRECTION
Our Garden of Resurrection in the Cathedral is a symbolic representation of the tomb from which the Risen Lord came forth to declare that the life of faith triumphs over death itself.  Let us join with family and friends in visiting this place of prayer and hope  and especially remember those who have gone before us marked with the sign of hope in the Resurrection.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Thursday 18th: St Laserian bishop.
Saturday 13th St Martin I, pope and martyr.

READINGS – SUNDAY APRIL 14th
1st Reading: Acts 13:14. 43-52.

2nd Reading: Apoc. 7:9. 14-17.
Gospel: John 10:27-30.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Holy Spirit – be my constant companion and soul guide today and every day.  Amen.

YEAR OF FAITH – BETTER UNDERSTANDING TO BELIEVE
A seminar presented by Fr. Noel Rooney entitled ’Faith and Sacred Scripture’ will be held from 11am – 3.30 pm in the Sligo Park Hotel on Saturday, April 27th.  This promises to be a very informative day. For ,more details see elphindiocese.ie/year-of-faith/faithscripture. All  are welcome to attend.

FEAST OF ST ASSICUS
The Feast of St Asicus, the patron saint of our Diocese occurs on Saturday April 27th with the occasion being marked by a celebration in Elphin on Sunday the 28th of April at 7.00 p.m.

CHURCH OF MARY IMMACULATE, BANGLADESH
Would you like to know more about this poor Third World parish? Perhaps you might like to help in some way. Details are available from the Parish Office.

VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
THE WORLD NEEDS CHRIST – CHRIST NEEDS YOU. Have you considered serving the Elphin Diocese as a Priest? If you feel you may have a vocation to Diocesan Priesthood, please contact Fr. Jim Murray, Carraroe, Sligo on 9162136, your local priest or email: vocations@elphindiocese.ie
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
God, you desire the happiness and salvation of all.
Stir up the grace of a holy vocation
in the hearts of many within our parish.
Grant them the willingness and generosity
to give of themselves, their time and talents to the service
of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and to His Church.  Amen.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DEACON?
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Diocese of Elphin is now accepting enquiries from married and single men who may feel called to ministry as a permanent deacon. The four year part-time training programme will begin in Autumn 2013. For further information or a conversation around the topic contact: Director of the Permanent Diaconate, St Mary’s, Sligo, 071 9162670 or visit www.elphinsiocese.ie under “vocations” section.

CHARITY TAX FORMS – REMINDER
Sincere thanks to all who have so far returned their charity tax form. If you have not already returned your form please do so as soon as possible. This is a vital source of income for us in these difficult economic times. Thank you.

DIOCESAN PUBLICATION – THE ANGELUS
Please watch out for the next edition which will be available over the coming days in our Cathedral. The Angelus keeps us informed and up to date with happenings and issues throughout the diocese.

YOUNG ADULT DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO ROME
This pilgrimage, to mark the Year of Faith, will take place from July 7th to 14th to the ‘eternal city’ for young adults aged 18-35. Accommodation at Pontifical Irish College in the heart of Rome with a special programme ofspiritual cultural and social events. Cost €700. For further information contact Frank McGuinness,Director of Youth Minstry on 087 988 0690 or mail frank.mcguinness@elphindiocese.ie. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family
AVA LILY McMORROW and
HANNAH SOPHIA McLOUGHLIN
who were baptised recently in the Cathedral..

altaltANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBERANCES
Tuesday 16th April: 8am BOB MONDS; 10.30am: TOM WEIR;
Wednesday 17th April: 8am MARY FLYNN;  10.30am JOHN McGOWAN;
Thursday 18th April: 8am MARTIN McLOUGHLIN & LIZ BOLTON; 10.30am PAT & ANNIE ALLAN;
Friday 19th April: 8am MURRAY FAMILY;
Saturday 13th April: 10.30am Month’s Mind JAMES PATRICK LEONARD.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
ROBERT McGOLDERICK, late of Tracey Ave;
BEA McCARTHY also of Tracey Ave and
JAMES BRADY of London.

May God Grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
Bingo TONIGHT, SUNDAY 14th APRIL at 9pm with a
JACKPOT of €1700 and EXTRA RAFFLE PRIZES. All welcome!!.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY April 7th
PARISH ENV: €2,387  PL/STAND.ORD €1,737
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY Telephone 071 9162670 SACRISTY Telephone 071 9161261.
Email us at
information@sligocathedral.ie  We welcome your comments. Thank you.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING & BRIC-A-BRAC
If you are spring cleaning your shelves and wardrobes please remember SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICES who are continuously seeking and gratefully accept all clothing including children’s as well as good quality bric-a-brac for their Thrift Shop on Harmony Hill. These can be conveniently dropped into Charles Street or call 071 9145682 to arrange collection.

DATES TO REMEMBER
ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY Next meeting takes place tomorrow, Monday April 15th immediately after the 10.30am Mass in the Upper Room of the Cathedral Sacristy. All welcome.

SLIGO CONCERT BAND Spring Concert with St Anne’s Church Choir Sat. 20th April at 8pm in the Southern Hotel, Sligo. Adm 10 / 5. All welcome.

GALILEE COMMUNITY Tintagh, Boyle. Meditation – Mondays 7 – 7.45 pm. Thursdays Reflection on the scripture: 7.30pm for a cuppa, session 8pm.

N.C.B.I. John Street, Sligo welcomes unwanted gifts or donations at their shop. Please contact shop manager Christy Foy on 086 893 9682.

ROCK & ROLLBINGO fundraiser on Weds. April 17th at 8pm in the Glasshouse with all proceeds towards the provision of a Sports Defibrillator for Summerhill College, Your support is appreciated.

RIVERBROOKE Cross-Border Initiative Youth Group are hosting a Coffee Evening in aid of Special Olympics Connaught on Friday April 19th from 7.30 – 9.30 pm at Millview Coffee Shop in Sligo Folk Park, Riverstown. Freshly brewed Tea & Coffee with home baked goodies will be served.

WEEKEND RETREAT with Sr. Peggy Cronin. Fri 19th 6pm (Evening Meal) – Sun 21st April 2pm (after Lunch). €150 (Residential) €80 (Non-residential) Limited places available. Book at La Verna Retreat Centre on 071 9852572.

ANGER ISSUES? Knock Counselling Centre 2 day confidential Anger Management Programme with the Irish Assoc. for Anger Management in Knock on Sat 20th & Sun 21st April. Contact Peter Devers, Regional Consultant, 09493 75032 or log onto www.difficultemotions.com