Newsletter week beginning unday 27th September 2026

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: 

Creation Walks are being developed across Ireland to convey, in local settings, the long journey of the universe and the importance of caring for the Earth The new “creation walk” on the grounds of the Shrine in Knock, County Mayo, offers a quiet space to pilgrims for personal reflection.  It is a wheelchair-friendly, half-kilometre walk, winding its way discreetly around a tree-lined and secluded section of the grounds of the shrine and continues through a small area of woodland. The walk incorporates 30 stations that tell the story of creation from the beginnings of the universe to humanity walking on the moon, and the conversation in 2017 between Pope Francis and the crew of the International Space Station. Each stop along the walk provides a scriptural quote to encourage participants to pause and prayerfully reflect on God's creation. Everyone is invited and encouraged to visit and experience this beautiful Creation Walk in Knock.

BLESSING OF ANIMALS:

Saturday 3^rd October 2026 at 2pm

In Murrisk Car Park at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

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: 13^th – 15^th 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.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION DATES FOR 2027:

Saturday 8^th May 2027, Scoil Phádraig & Brackloon Schools

Saturday 15^th May 2027, Gael Scoil & Quay Schools

Saturday 12^TH June 2027, Kilmeena & Carrowholly Schools

All the ceremonies take place at 1.00pm.

CONFIRMATION DATES FOR 2027:

Thursday 29^th April 2027 Westport at 12.00 noon

Monday 10^th May 2027, Kilmeena at 12.00 noon.

FÁILTE CUPPA: SUNDAY 27^TH SEPT:

In Carrowbeg House after the 11.00am Mass. All welcome.

WANT TO KNOW YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH BETTER?

Study the Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults on Zoom starting Tuesday 22nd September at 7.30pm. Contact Mary 0876325522 or Liam 087 2639726 for more information.

LECANVEY NATIONAL SCHOOL TABLE QUIZ:

A fantastic night of fun, laughter and a little bit of friendly competition awaits, Friday 2nd October, 7:30pm in Stauntons, Lecanvey. A table of four costs €40. Whether you can gather a team or fancy coming along solo, everyone is welcome. Enjoy a great night out while supporting the fundraiser for our local school.

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 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, and 27^th, 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 12 October 7.30pm at Dexcom Stadium. Booking on Eventbrite or contact [email protected] or call 087 4667506. All are welcome.

Grow In Love Mass: 

Next Sunday Oct 4^th. Kilmeena 9.30am & Westport 11.00am. The theme this month is The Rosary

JUBILEE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS 1226/2026

Glorious Saint Francis, saint of simplicity, love, and joy, in heaven you behold the infinite goodness of God. Look down upon us with kindness and pray for our needs.

Obtain for us the grace to follow your example of humility, peace, and love for all of creation. Help us to live with open hearts carrying the peace of Christ into our daily lives. We ask this through your powerful intercession, along with our special intention. Amen.

 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 27^th. 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