HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN YOUR SCHOOL:

The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary schools will determine what schools will divest.  It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voices heard.  It is equally important that those who are already satisfied with the current patronage model and who wish for a Catholic Education for their children, including sacramental preparation within school, would have their voices heard also.  For these reasons, and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, you are invited to participate in this survey if you are a parent, guardian or a prospective parent of a primary school student.  Decisions on what schools will retain or lose their Catholic patronage will be influenced by the expressed opinions of those who participate in this survey.  Therefore, your opinion and the values you hold dear are important, and your voice needs to be heard about your local school.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Archbishop Francis Duffy, Patron 18^th November 2025. The closing date is 16^th December 2025.The survey may be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE:

We warmly invite all children aged 5-12 from the Good News Club and Parish to take part in the Annual Carol Service, which will be held on Sun.21^st December @ 5.00p.m. In St. Mary’s Church, Westport. The last  rehearsal  is on 19^th December. from 5pm to 6pm at Carrowbeg House. All children are welcome to join in and help celebrate the festive season through song.

CHRISTMAS CARROL SERVICE PRACTICE:                                            

In St. Mary’s Church:

 6.00 pm -7.00pm 15^th December All choir members from Westport, Drummin, Lecaavey, Kilmeena & Holy Trinity are invited to participate.

Choir practice for Carol Service on Friday 19^th Dec. in

St. Mary’s Church from 6.00p.m. – 7.00p.m.

ST MARY'S WESTPORT YOUTH BAKE SALE SUN. 14TH DECEMBER: 

We will hold our annual coffee morning / bake sale after 11am mass, in Carrowbeg House. We are supporting Gena Heraty's Orphanage and Youth Faith Activities we hope you will come and enjoy a treat and support these great causes.

ANAM CARA:

The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Tuesday 16th December at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel.

MISSALS & NEW ROTA FOR MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST & READERS.

Are available at the Sacristy for collection.

LECANVEY COMMUNTIY CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET:

Sunday 14^th December. Homemade Arts & Crafts.

ADVENT CELEBRATION OF FORGIVNESS:

A Celebration of Foraiveness will be held in Newport Church on Mon, Dec 15th at 8pm, Kilmeena Church Tues Dec 16th 8pm and Westport Church Wed Dec 17th at 8pm The Celebration will begin with Exposition and a period of quiet reflection followed by a Litany of Thanks and of Sorrow. Individuals are then invited to come forward to receive a blessing of God's forgiveness in the sacrament of penance. The evening will finish at 8.30pm with Benediction. 

CARE OF CREATION WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION:

‘Gaudete Sunday’ marks the mid-point of Advent. It is a joyful pause in the Advent season. In the rush of Christmas, nature also offers a quiet pause - a chance to be restored by the mystery of life around us. The beauty of winter’s stillness, the sparkle of frost, and the evergreens standing strong, reminds us to breathe, to notice, and to find joy in the simple things. Nature’s quiet gifts help us rediscover happiness and peace during this busy time, grounding us in the present and filling our hearts with gratitude.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION:"

Next weekend's church-gate collection is in aid of a school volunteer trip with BeKind, an Irish charity which founded and runs an orphanage for young boys in Calcutta. Eight 5th Year students from Sancta Maria College will travel there next Easter during their school holidays to volunteer at the home, and have a fundraising goal of €20,000. The students would deeply appreciate your support next weekend, December 20 & 21, and your prayers for their safe, successful trip to Calcutta."

HEAVENLY FATHER:

We pray for your blessing on these Bambinelli, figurines of the Baby Jesus from our crib. (Pause) Grant our hearts true joy and hope on this Gaudete Sunday. May the Child Jesus, born in Bethlehem, grow in us with kindness, mercy and peace. Teach us to welcome Him each day, to adore Him in faith and to share His love with our brothers and sisters.Bless these Bambinelli and bless our family and everyone we know through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GAUDETE SUNDAY PRAYER:

Almighty God our Father, On this Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice in the light of Your love and the hope of Christ's coming. Fill our hearts with joy as we prepare for the celebration of His birth. Help us to share this joy with others and to share Your love in our daily lives. May the birth of our Savior inspire us to live in peace and harmony. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

CHRISTMAS PRIESTS COLLECTION 24^TH/25^TH DECEMBER:

This is one of four collections throughout the year.

This supports the Priests monthly salary of €2100

Your continued support is very much appreciated.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:

Should anyone need the assistance of SVP. Please contact SVP in Westport on

087-9334960