Newsletter 31st March 2013

TODAY – MARCH 31^st 2013
EASTER SUNDAY
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Alleluia!
Today we face the greatest mystery of our faith, the mystery of how God works among us, bringing new life where before there was only death. With a sense of wonder, and with joy, we come today to thank God for the risen life of Jesus.

EASTER WISHES
Bishop Christopher,
Fathers Tom, Pat, Andrzej, & Johnny extend every blessing  to all parishioners and especially to those who have returned home to celebrate Easter with their families. To the sick and those who are housebound they give an assurance of their prayers over this Eastertime.

EASTER THANKS
As it would be impossible to mention by name so many of our generous parishioners who have helped in various ways towards making our Easter celebrations in the Cathedral experiences of community and blessing – we simply offer sincere thanks to all involved in all the ceremonies.  We pray that they and all of us will each know the joy of the Resurrection in our own hearts during this season of new life, thanksgiving and hope.

EASTER WEEK – MASSES
Please note Masses in the Cathedral for the coming weekdays Monday – Saturday – 8.00 am & 10.30 am

EASTER HOLY WATER
Easter is a time to remember the sick and housebound.  Small bottles of newly blessed Easter Water are available at the Garden of the Resurrection.  Please collect one for anyone whom you know who may be unable to attend the Ceremonies.

SUNDAY NEXT DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Sunday next, April 7th is DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY.
Chaplet Prayers, Veneration of the Image & Benediction will take place here in the Cathedral from 3.00 to 4.00 p.m. The Chaplet and  Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image will also take place after EACH MASS on Sunday next. All are most welcome to attend.

EASTER SUNDAY ENVELOPE – SUPPORT OF CLERGY
As is traditional the Easter Sunday collection is one of four each year dedicated to the SUPPORT OF THE PRIESTS. We ask you please to give as generously as you can so we can meet the cost of the Priests salaries.  Thank you.

TRÓCAIRE BOXES RETURN~
Our thanks to those who have handed in their TRÓCAIRE Boxes.  If you have not yet returned your box you may do so at any Mass over the coming days.  If you have not yet made a contribution but would like to do so there are a number of boxes available in the Sacristy. Thank you.

FIRST FRIDAY
Friday next, April 5th is the First Friday. Mass will be celebrated at 7pm. Confessions will take place before the 8am, 10.30am and 7pm Masses. Please note the First Friday calls in APRIL will be carried out over the coming weeks.

ALTAR SOCIETY
A sincere thanks from the Cathedral Altar Society to all who gave donations or flowers for Holy Week which has helped adorn our sanctuary so beautifully.

CHAPEL OF ADORATION
Please note that the Chapel of Adoration will RE-OPEN after the 8.00 am. Mass on Tuesday next, April 2nd.  Thank you.

READINGS – SUNDAY APRIL 7th
1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16.
2nd Reading: Apoc. 1:9-13. 17-19.
Gospel: Jn. 20:19-31.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Lord, there is much for you to teach me yet, I ask for the grace to listen and learn.  Amen.

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER CHOIR present ‘IN CANTU ORAMUS’
This coming Friday APRIL 5th at 8.15pm in our Cathedral. Programme to include: Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, Op.11. Admission is free with a retiring collection.

PROPOSED HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
Departing Oct. 13 returning Oct 25. Cost €1610 pp sharing incl. flights, half board hotels, 5 nights in Jerusalem, 3 in Tiberius, taxes, tour guides and pilgrim itinerary. For more contact the Cluster Catechist Colette on 087 953 4904, or email clustercatechist@sligocathedral.ie

YEAR OF FAITH – PARISH VISITATION
Over the past 2 years Bishop Jones and the Diocesan Pastoral Council have reflected on how to welcome those who no longer worship on Sundays, encourage prayer in the family home and the deepening of faith. With this in mind, commencing in early May, members of our parish Pastoral Council will be visiting homes in our parish. Further details will feature in the parish newsletter over coming weeks.

FAITH & SACRED SCRIPTURE
A seminar presented by Fr. Noel Rooney in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, 11 – 3.30 pm on Saturday April 13th. See elphindiocese.ie/year-of-faith/faithscripture for more details.  Promises to be very informative day. All welcome.

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 your local priest or email vocations@elphindiocese.ie

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.

CONFIRMATION & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The season of Easter is a time for growth in faith, – a time of handing on the faith. Important examples of this are First Communion and Confirmation.  Throughout the coming weeks many boys and girls together with their families and schools will be busy preparing to receive these Sacraments.  Let us pray for them over these weeks of final preparation and reflect in our own lives on how we can engage in deepening or handing on our faith.

REST IN PEACE
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:
ETHNA MORRISON, Rosses Point and
SHEILA FINN, Ballinode.
May God Grant them eternal rest and comfort and console their bereaved families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES & REMEMBERANCES
Monday 1^st April: 8amUNA GLYNN, Recently Deceased;
Tuesday 2^nd April: 8am JOHN & MARY DEVINS; 1030am: JOSEPH BURKE;
Wednesday 3^rd April: 10.30am MICHAEL & MAURA KENNY;
Thursday 4^th April: 10.30am TERESA O’BRIEN;
Friday 5^th April: 8am PADRAIG & LUCY CONNOLLY & Deceased Family Members; 10.30am Month’s Mind TOM McMANUS;
Saturday 6^th April: 8am BERTIE CUNNIGHAM; 10.30am Month’s Mind CHRISTY McLOUGHLIN.

BINGO – GILLOOLY HALL
Please note there will be no Bingo tonight, Easter Sunday night.
Bingo returns SUNDAY 7th APRIL at 9pm with a JACKPOT of €1650 and EXTRA RAFFLE PRIZES. All welcome!!.

CATHEDRAL PARISH – 2200 FAMILIES
THANK YOU for your contribution: SUNDAY MARCH 24th
PARISH ENV: €2,407 PL/STAND.ORD €1,492
ST MARY’S PRESBYTERY (9162670 SACRISTY ( 9161261
Email us at information@sligocathedral.ie  We welcome your comments. Thank you.

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 and 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.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL
The offices of the Society have moved back to Oznam House, John St. Office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 11am-1pm. Closed Wednesdays.

UNWANTED CLOTHES??
Three newly qualified social workers are volunteering this summer in Romania in a children’s orphanage which has been organised by a University College Cork lecturer who herself has close links to this orphanage. They will be volunteering during a summer holiday week for the children. This is the highlight of their year. Money raised will pay for the clients part of the holiday- bus, ice cream and a little present. Anything left over will goes to buy them a birthday and Christmas present each. Also, this fund is used to pay for medical expenses and bus fares so that their families can visit them.
The other fund is for the building of a therapy unit and a paediatric hospice.
The collection of unwanted clothes from people are exchanged for cash. All money raised goes directly to the charity. All flights, accommodation, vaccines are self-funded. Your help is greatly appreciated – please contact 087 411 9545 for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER

ST BERNADETTE’s CHAPEL – MONDAY APRIL 8th Rockwood Parade. Mass will be held at 5.15 p.m.  All welcome.

P.T.A.A. SLIGO – Meeting in St. Mary’s at 7.30 p.m. on Friday April 5th immediately after the 7pm Mass.

HSE RETIRED ASSOCIATION GROUP Monthly meeting takes place in St Michael’s Family Life Centre on Thurs 4th April at 3pm. All welcome.

ANAM CARA monthly support meeting for bereaved parents on Weds 3rd of April from 7:30 to 9pm at The Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway.

CAR BOOT SALE In the Cathedral Car Park on Sunday 14th April. Funds raised will go to ‘For Your Soul Productions’ – a non profit theatrical company for much needed equipment.

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 20^th & Sun 21^st April. Contact Peter Devers, Regional Consultant, 09493 75032 or log onto www.difficultemotions.com

ARTHIRTIS IRELAND A 6 week programme consisting of one 2½ hour workshop once a week enabling self-management to help manage pain, reduce fatigue, introducing relaxation and exercise. Commencing Tues 9th April 7-9.30pm. Cost €30. Tel: 01 647 0203 www.arthritisireland.ie