Newsletter Week Beginning 4th October 2026
WESTPORT AUTISM FRIENDLY TOWN:
We are happy to announce that St. Mary’s Church Westport has officially become an Autism Friendly Champion as and from this Sunday September 27th. Our sensory accommodations include a quiet space in the sacristy where there is a sensory box with ear defenders and fidget tools, reduced lighting and noise. There is special seating area available close by the sacristy and at the Sacred Heart Altar There is priority access into and out off the church via the South Mall Corridor. During the day St. Mary’s can be an autism-friendly quiet space to visit. We also welcome assistance dogs and offer a visual guide to our premises. Please join us on our journey as we look to foster inclusion, understanding, and support for Autistic people and their families in our local and wider community. For more details check out www.westportparish.ie
ARCHDIOCESE OF TUAM-ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES:
Archbishop Francis will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Marriage Anniversaries Mass in Tuam Cathedral on Sunday, 11th October 2026, at 3.00 pm. Couples celebrating a marriage anniversary in 2026 are warmly invited, especially those marking a significant anniversary. Refreshments will be served afterwards in St Jarlath's College. Please send details of the couples and the number of family members attending to [email protected] or phone 093 24250. Please reply by Wednesday, 7th October.
WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION:
Season of Creation is far more than an environmental campaign. It is a spiritual journey that invites us to rediscover God as Creator, to receive creation with gratitude, to live more simply, and to care for our common home with love and responsibility. The 2026 theme, "Living Water," reminds us that Christ is the source of living water who renews both humanity and the whole of creation. As the season comes to a close may we immerse ourselves in God's life, may we become faithful stewards of the earth, working for justice, peace, and the flourishing of all creation, so that future generations may continue to praise the Creator through the beauty of His world.
IS ANGER CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?
Knock Counselling Centre will run an Anger Management
Programme on Friday 9th & Saturday 10th October. Contact: Peter Devers, 094 93 75032 or log onto www.knockshrine.ie/counselling
PRIESTS IN SERVICE: 13TH – 15TH OCTOBER:
Fr. John is planning to attend this Annual In-Service.
Instead of 10am Mass on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th there will be a lay led liturgy of the word with Holy Communion.
ROSARY: Reminder of Children's Rosary at St Mary's Church, Westport on Sunday 11th October 10:30 am, before 11 am Mass. Children and teens of all ages are welcome to come and learn to pray the Rosary. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian at all times. For any questions, please call or text: 086 389 5771.
THE POPE’S INTENTIONS: Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental health.
WANT TO KNOW YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH BETTER?
Study the Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults on Zoom continues Tuesday. Contact Mary 0876325522 or Liam 087 2639726 for more information.
MAYO BRANCH OF DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND:
A huge thank you to the parishioners of Westport parish. €1586.03 was raised and €66.30 was raised from Drummin from gate collection 12th & 13th Sept. 2026.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:
If you need the assistance of SVP. Ph. Westport on 087-9334960
JOURNEYING INTO THE FUTURE:
Living a life that blesses. Drawing on spiritual writer’s Ronald Rolheiser’s book Insane for the Light, join us for four Tuesdays in October as we explore together how our lives might grow in maturity to become a blessing for ourselves and others. This short series involves a guided read through the key themes in the book, followed by gentle open discussion. These themes include: understanding the different seasons of our life; what the mature Christian and human life might look like; how to find purpose and meaning as we progress through life’s various challenges. The series is facilitated by Mark Garavan and Fr Tony King. When: Tuesdays October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm sharp. Where: Carrowbeg House, F28 W903 Westport (right beside St. Mary’s Church). All are welcome but numbers are limited so please email [email protected] for booking.
HOPE SPACE:
Children's grief support service is hosting a free public talk 'Supporting Grieving Children' on Monday 12th October
7.30pm at Dexcom Stadium. Booking on Eventbrite or contact [email protected] or call 087 4667506. .
TÓCHAR PHÁDRAIG 10th OCTOBER:
From Ballintubber Abbey to the base of Croagh Patrick.
Contact Westport Tennis Club 086-6036900 to sign up.
OCTOBER WORLD MISSION MONTH:
World Mission Sunday is on Oct 18th Oct. This year is the 100th Anniversary. The theme is “One in Christ United in Mission”
October is also the month of the Rosary. On his recent visit to France Pope Leo called on us to pray the Rosary for the intention of Peace in the World and an end to Global Conflicts.
A PRAYER FOR THE MISSIONS:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our Christian faith. Help us to be true witnesses of Your love, mercy and peace. We pray for all missionaries around the world. Keep them safe in their vocation, give them courage in moments of doubt and grant that their service may bring joy and hope to those they meet. Help us to remember that we are all ‘one in Christ, united in mission.’ Show us how to be missionaries in our daily lives: through our small acts of kindness, our generosity to those in need and our daily prayers for the Universal Church. May our lives reflect your light, so that the world may come to know the depth of Your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ROLLING SUN FESTIVAL:
A reminder to all that the annual Rolling Sun festival of books and literature takes place from Thrs.15th October until Sun 18t Oct.Tickets at Town Hall and Clew Bay Hotel.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP:
Family Centre, Knock Shrine each Wednesday morning at 11am. Trained facilitators conduct the meetings, which provide guidance and support to all who find loss difficult. All are welcome. Info Monica Morley on 094-9375320
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