Week of Witness November 15th and runs through to 22nd November 2026

Every year, Aid to the Church in Need hosts a Week of Witness, a week of campaigning and prayer for persecuted Christians around the world. This year's Week of Witness begins on 15th November and runs through to 22nd November.

Since 2016, the Wednesday during the Week of

Witness has become known as Red

Wednesday. This year, Red Wednesday falls on 18th November. Red is the liturgical colour for the feast days of martyrs, representing the blood of those who suffered death for their faith. On Red Wednesday, where possible, cathedrals, churches, and public buildings around the world will be lit up in red to show solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters.

On Red Wednesday (18th November next), wear something red - a scapular, tie, scarf or jumper - to show solidarity with the suffering Church and to remember the blood lost by Christians in defense of their faith.

Newsletter week beginning 1st November 2026

NOVEMBER A TIME TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: If you would like your deceased family and friends included in our Mass intentions during the month of November, please put their names on the labels for the ‘Remembrance Tree’ or in the Book of remembrance in the church.  Thanks to Nonie O’Malley & Kitty Lowe

For arranging the November garden.

A PLENARY INDULGENCE:

Can be gained for the Holy Souls on the 2^nd Nov by visiting a church and on any day visiting a cemetery from the 1^st – 8^th Nov. The usual conditions apply of Confessions Holy Communion, prayer for the Pop’s intentions and one Our Father and Apostles Creed.

NOVEMBER ROSARY WITH THE LEGION OF MARY:

Sun. 1^st Nov at 3.pm Old Cemtery, Aughaval

Sun 8^th Nov. at 3.pm New Cemetery, Aughaval

Sun. 15^th Nov at 3.pm Murrisk Abbey.

Sun 22^nd Nov at 3.pm Drummin

WHEN WE REMEMBER: An evening of prayer for our faithful departed, reflection and music with James Kilbane, gospel singer and parish guest, and Fr. John Kenny Adm.in St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday November 3^rd 7.00pm – 8.00pm. All are welcome.

THE ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT MASS: Is on Friday 20^th November at 7.30pm in St. Mary’sChurch. Westport. All are welcome.

LOSING A LOVED ONE: Is one of life’s most challenging experiences. To help all who know this pain there will be a series of 4 Tuesday evening talks on ‘How best to cope after a Bereavement’ held in the Newman Centre, Ballina on November 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th from 8.00-10.00pm. The course will be presented by Monica Morley, Bereavement Counsellor at Knock Shrine. Places are limited and can be booked on 096-72066

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

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:  Annual appeal will take place the weekend of 21^st /22^nd November in Westport and Drummin. If you need the assistance of SVP

Phone 087-9334960.

KNOCK MINI VIGIL FRIDAY 6^TH NOVEMBER:

A bus will leave the Quay (Centra) at 7.00pm

The Mall at 7.15. for booking, Ph Margaret 098 27109

HOUSE CALLS:

Fr. John will do his usual house call in the coming week.

WESTPORT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:

Monday Nov.2^nd At the Presbytery @ 8.00pm

KNOCK SHRINE: Vivaldi Recomposed Join the RTE Concert Orchestra and renowned Norwegian violinist Mari Samuelsen for an unforgettable evening in Knock Basilica on Saturday, November 7th. See www.knockshrine.ie for booking details.

REMINDER CHILDREN’S ROSARY: At St Mary's Church, Westport on Sunday 8^th Nov 10:30 am, before 11.00 am Mass. Contact Ann 086 389 5771

DROP-IN LISTENING SERVICE:

Do you need to talk to someone? At Knock Counselling Centre we offer a confidential one-to-one session listening service with no appointment needed. Our listening service is available Thursdays 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm. For further information please contact counsellingoffice@knockshrine.ie or phone 09493-75032. We are situated next to the Chapel of Reconciliation at Knock Shrine.

MASS FOR THE BEREAVED PARENTS:

The annual Mass for bereaved parents and their families will take place in St John’s Rest and Care Centre, Knock Shrine on Sunday the 8^th of November at 3pm. Celebrant will be Fr Vincent Sherlock. A candle will be lit in memory of each person as their name is called aloud. All are welcome.

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED

Every year, Aid to the Church in Need hosts a Week of Witness, a week of campaigning and prayer for persecuted Christians around the world. This year's Week of Witness begins on 15th November and runs through to 22nd November. Since 2016, the Wednesday during the Week of

Witness has become known as Red

Wednesday. This year, Red Wednesday falls on 18th November. Red is the liturgical colour for the feast days of martyrs, representing the blood of those who suffered death for their faith. On Red Wednesday, where possible, cathedrals, churches, and public buildings around the world will be lit up in red to show solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters. On Red Wednesday (18th November next), wear something red - a scapular, tie, scarf or jumper - to show solidarity with the suffering Church and to remember the blood lost by Christians in defence of their faith.

PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER:

Remember those who kept the faith

Who always turned to pray.

Who showed the love of Jesus

In their lives from day to day.

Remember those this special time.

Who live with God above,

All Saints, All Souls and all our own

Who live with God in love. Amen.

THE POPE’S INTENTIONS: Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less.