Newsletter 17th February 2013

TODAY – 17^th FEBRUARY 2013
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
As Lent begins we are reminded of Adam’s fall from grace and of the reality of sin in human life, we are also reminded that Christ is the new Adam overcoming temptation in himself and so making possible a new life, a new humanity for those who belong to him.

LENT 2013
Lent is a time to “turn away from sin”, to “clean up our act” and put fresh vigour into living the Christian life. Surely a cornerstone of that life must be compassion for one another, and a readiness to sacrifice for the sake of those in need, in particular the 1 in 6 people who today will go to bed hungry.

The goal of Lent is to journey in compassion, so that we may work together to build justice around the world. If, at the end of our Lenten journey, we have not grown in compassion for others, and done something to help them, then our Lent will have been a failure, no matter how much piety we display on our foreheads.

LENTEN COMMITMENTS – SOME SUGGESTIONS
The “Trócaire Box” has stood in our homes for the last 40 years reminding us to be grateful for all that we have, and to share with those in need. It challenges us to really care about those who are hungry, persecuted, marginalised and mistreated. Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor.

FAST & ABSTINENCE
 We are all encouraged to choose our own days and form of penance in addition to the designated days – Ash Wednesday & Good Friday.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – LENT 2013
After the 10.30 a.m. Mass on each Friday during Lent there will be a short meditation on the Way of the Cross and all are encouraged to attend.

WAY OF GENTLENESS 2013 at 8pm
Please join us as a Christian community this Lenten Season for an hour of guided prayer in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the CATHEDRAL. Commencing on Tuesday 19^th Feb. at 8pm in the Cathedral.

SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUP
Resources available from Ann Allen 071 9634960  ann@elphindiocese.ie.

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 life of the mother and the life of her unborn baby are sacred and are to be given equal respect. At this time, in our country, the right to life of the unborn baby is under threat. 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.

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 pm In the Gillooly Hall.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, grant me the grace and strength I need to reject sin and to serve you with all my heart this Lent. Amen.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK
Thurs 21^st St Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the church;
Sat 23^rd St Polycarp, bishop & martyr.

LIVING LENT – LIVING FAITH – LIVING THE MASS
5 Lenten Exploratory reflections 11am and 3pm St Anne’s Day Chapel, Cranmore Rd.
February: Weds. 20 Lent & The Year of Faith;
Weds 27 Lent, Faith & the tough times in life.
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

IRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST
Annual Church Gate collection takes place after all Masses this weekend. For over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage to Lourdes with young people who have special needs from all over Ireland. In these difficult times every Euro counts to help these young people enjoy this exceptional experience, Thank you.

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. The first of these courses will take place on Thursday 21st February beginning 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.

LENTEN WITNESS – WHY I BELIEVE
St Patrick’s Church, Strandhill at 7.30pm 20^th-22^nd Feb.
Weds. 20^th John Lonergan;
Thurs. 21^st Baroness Nuala O’Loan;
Fri 22^nd John Waters. All welcome.

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family with great joy
AVA NILAND,
MARTIN O’BOYLE,
ELLIE CARTY, 
JACK CAWLEY and
ALANNAH GALLAGHER
recently baptised in the Cathedral.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
MYRA MELLY John St,
CHRISTY McLOUGHLIN, Ben Bulben Terrace,
PADDY O’BRIEN late of Rosehill and
NANCY McGOWAN, mother of Bernadette McPadden, The Park.
 May God Grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends.

 ANNIVERSARIES&REMEMBERANCES
Tuesday 19^th February: 8am STEPHEN COSTELLO; 10.30am ADELAIDA DAMASCO;
Wednesday 20^th February: 10.30am NELLIE McCARTIN & CAIT O’BOYLE;
Thursday 21^st February: 10.30am JAMES&MARY KEANEY;
Friday 22^nd February: 10.30am I^st Anniversary PATRICIA McCORMACK;
Saturday 23^rd February: 8am MAI MARTYN; Month’s Mind PETER FALKNER

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
 TONIGHT’S JACKPOT €1350!! Tonight, February 17^th at 9pm.
Raffle at interval with refreshments available. All welcome!

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10^th
PARISH ENV: €3,224 PL/STAND.ORD €1,486
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY (9162670 SACRISTY ( 9161261
Email us at  information@sligocathedral.ie We welcome your comments. Thank you.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS LENT! 
Take the opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and well-being. Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life! Contact Raymond O’Connor 01 874 9464 or visit www.pioneerassociation.ie .

DAY OF REFLECTION FOR LENT
With Sr. Moya Hegarty. For all who feel the need to look for spiritual meaning in their lives to join for a day of reflective prayer to enter into the spirit of Lent. Saturday 23^rd Feb., 10.30am to 4pm. Cost : €20 (or whatever you can afford) A light lunch is included. Contact St. Michael’s Family Life Centre at 071-9170329 to enrol.

FAITHFUL GATHERING NOVENA
Parish of Ahamlish continues in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange, Co. Sligo until Sunday 24^th Feb. Rosary at 7.30pm, Confessions 7.30-8pm and Novena Mass 8pm each evening (except Sunday 12 Noon). Feb. 17 David Parkes; 18 John Lonergan; 19 John Quinn; 20 Rev. Ian Linton; 21 Sr Moya Hegarty; 22 Baroness Nuala O’Loan; 23 Canon Niall Ahern; 24 John Waters. See Cathedral notice board for more.

DATES TO REMEMBER 

CHOIR WORKSHOPS for all Parish Choirs and Musicans (8 – 9.30pm) on Mon Feb 25^th in St. John’s Church, Carraroe.

ADULT EDUCATION Classes in Computers and German will commence in Mercy College Sligo on Feb 19^th. Enrolment and First Class 7pm. Email  mercycollegesligo@eircom.net or phone 071 91 43476.

GALA FUNDRAISING CONCERT in aid of the MS Therapy Centre’s new facility Woodhaven House, Sea Rd, Sligo at the Sligo Park Hotel on Sat 16 Feb at 8 30pm. A night of music song and storytelling. Tickets €10 on sale from the MS Centre, Ballytivnan, Essential Seconds (MS shop Wine St. carpark) & Kay at 087 6778935.Your support would be greatly appreciated.

LEARN TO SING For ladies & men. Strandhill Barbershop are offering a free ‘learn to sing’ 5 week course in the Glasshouse Hotel. Beginning Tues. 19 Feb. for ladies, Weds 20 Feb. for men at 8pm. All welcome!

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.bbbsireland.ie

YEATS SOCIETY Spring Lecture Series Words alone are perfect good! – Stella Mew Wednesday 20^th Feb. 8pm. Entry €5. The Poet’s Parlour, Open Mic Poetry reading. Thursday 21^st Feb. 8pm. Entry €5.