Westport Parish

FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025:   The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport this sacred landscape for future generations. LEAVE NO TRACE: Interested in becoming a Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador? Help to protect the Mountain’s fragile ecosystems and deep cultural heritage Welcome visitors and offer guidance Please contact: - leavenotraceireland.org   HELP YOUR MARRIAGE: Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue ... or have you just stopped because it only makes it worse? Retrouvaille has helped 10s of 1000s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information Email : [email protected]   Call or text 0788 7296983 www.retrouvaille.org.uk   ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE: Phone 01-5053112 or e.mail : marriagepreparation@acco   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320   HOPE SPACE: Hope Space CLG provides a free one-to-one listening service for children and young people (4-17 years old) who are impacted by grief caused by bereavement. See  hopespace.ie , contact Áine at  [email protected]  or call 091 342566/087 4667506 for more details.   EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS: Clew Bay Hotel by Chris Harper Snr.  month of August.   ATLANTIC CARE: Atlantic Care are urgently recruiting compassionate Caregivers to provide quality support, companionship, and assistance for seniors, ensuring comfort within their own homes. Competitive rates of pay and support network. If you are interested contact Nollag 0949014028     LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: Four weeks before our Tuam and Killala Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, August 29th, a late minute reminder or two would be appreciated. The archbishop has very kindly and generously made himself available to lead the Pilgrimage.   KNOCK NOVENA AUJGUST 13 TH  – 21 ST  2025: Novena Ceremonies 3.00p.m. & 8.00p.m. in Knock Basilica. Workshops 12.45pm daily in St. John’s welcome centre. Themed Guided Prayer 11.15am and 5.15p.m. daily in Prayer Centre. Witness Walk Thursday 21 st  at 6.45pm. The Novena Prayer Leaflet is available at the back of the Church. Further details of the Guest Speakers are on the Poster on the Notice Board A bus will leave the Quay Westport at 6.00p.m. the Mall 6.15pm on the following dates 15 th  Aug.18 th , 20 th  & 21 st . Booking  please Contact Margaret at 098-27109   JUBILEE YEAR OPPORTUNITIES AT LOUGH DERG: This August & September. Three Day Pilgrimages continue until 15 th  August (Last day to begin the pilgrimage 13 th August) Advanced booking Essential. One Day Retreats, places available August 19,23 rd ,24,25 & 30 th  September 3 rd , 6 th , 7 th , 9 th ,13 th  20 th  & 21 st .   National Sacred Heart Crusade  – a Sacred Heart Statue blessed by Pope Francis will be present for the Day Retreats on 23 rd , 24 th  & 25 th  August.   A Prayer for Gena and those who are kidnapped: Heavenly Father,  We come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up Gena and those who are kidnapped from the Sainte Helene orphanage in Haiti.  We ask for Your divine protection over them, that You would surround them with Your love and safety in this dark time.  Bring peace to their minds amid fear, and strength                                     to their bodies in their captivity.  We pray for their rescue, Lord, that You would open the eyes and hearts of those involved in their abduction, leading to their swift and safe return.  May Your justice prevail, and may                                                             Your mercy cover those who are suffering.  We trust in Your power and know that                                                            You are a God of hope and deliverance.  Keep Gena and each of those with her close in Your care, and bring comfort to all those waiting anxiously.  May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds through Christ our Lord.    Amen

FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   LOUGH DERG: JUBILEE YEAR: Three-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Friday 8 th  Aug – Sun 10 th . Bus departing from St. Mary’s Church, Westport @ 8.00a.m. Ph No. 087-7401391   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025:   The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport this sacred landscape for future generations. LEAVE NO TRACE: Interested in becoming a Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador? Help to protect the Mountain’s fragile ecosystems and deep cultural heritage Welcome visitors and offer guidance Please contact: - leavenotraceireland.org   YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL: Register online at Youth2000.ie or for more information contact  [email protected]  - see you there! HELP YOUR MARRIAGE: Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue ... or have you just stopped because it only makes it worse? Retrouvaille has helped 10s of 1000s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information Email : [email protected]   Call or text 0788 7296983 www.retrouvaille.org.uk   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP:  Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320   EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS: Clew Bay Hotel by Chris Harper Snr.  month of August.   MÁMÉAN: The annual August pilgrimage to Máméan will take place on Sunday, 3 August 2025.   Turas na Croise  at 3.00 p.m. followed by Mass.     LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: Four weeks before our Tuam and Killala Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, August 29th, a late minute reminder or two would be appreciated. The archbishop has very kindly and generously made himself available to lead the Pilgrimage. PATRICK’S PATH. A SPIRITUAL GUIDE 5: On the way down-a moment to let go “Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you Mk 16:7 Lord, it’s great to be on the way down now. I can only marvel at the splendour of this place as I leave it behind me. Call to mind some habit or negative attitude that you wish to overcome: ask God to help you. And don’t forget to say a little prayer for those still ‘on the way up’ As I return to the familiar terrain of daily life, I ask for the grace, Lord, to treasure the memory of this journey, to let its gifts continue to bless my life and to remember, often, to look up. To look up to you, Lord, from where my help comes. Go raibh liomsa inniu, Triúr ar na sliabh Athair, Mac agus Spiorad Naomh. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   GARLAND FRIDAY & REEK SUNDAY THANK YOU: Thanks to everyone who took part in our Annual Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage. A special thanks to John Commins the Custodian of the Reek and the team of stewards. Thanks to the Murrisk Development Association, the Order of Malta, the Mountain Rescue Teams, the Gardaí, our Archbishop Francis Duffy and the priests. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo aris.   KNOCK NOVENA AUJGUST 13 TH  – 21 ST  2025 Novena Ceremonies 3.00p.m. & 8.00p.m. in Knock Basilica. Workshops 12.45pm daily in St. John’s welcome centre. Themed Guided Prayer 11.15am and 5.15p.m. daily in Prayer Centre. Witness Walk Thursday 21 st  at 6.45pm. The Novena Prayer Leaflet is available at the back of the Church. Further details of the Guest Speakers are on the Poster on the Notice Board   JUBILEE YEAR OPPORTUNITIES AT LOUGH DERG: This August & September. Three Day Pilgrimages continue until 15 th  August (Last day to begin the pilgrimage 13 th  August) Advanced booking Essential. One Day Retreats, places available August 19,23 rd ,24,25 & 30 th September 3 rd , 6 th , 7 th , 9 th ,13 th 20 th  & 21 st .   ATLANTIC CARE: Atlantic Care are urgently recruiting compassionate Caregivers to provide quality support, companionship, and assistance for seniors, ensuring comfort within their own homes. Competitive rates of pay and support network. If you are interested contact Nollag 0949014028   BANK DETAILS:    Acc Name         Westport Parish BIC:                          IPBSIE2D IBAN:                     IE83IPBS99072933204684

FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   LOUGH DERG: JUBILEE YEAR: Three-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Friday 8 th  Aug – Sun 10 th . Bus departing from St. Mary’s Church, Westport @ 8.00a.m. Ph No. 087-7401391   COVIE WEEK 2025: Continues until 31 st  July, for more details see Poster on notice board.   NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE 2025: Celebrating the world day for grandparents and the elderly Sunday 27 th July 2025 at Knock Shrine See Poster on notice board.   PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS: Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families’ strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they pass on to future generations the fruits of the mature human and spiritual experience. Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them. Mary, Mother of all the living.  Amen.   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025: Pilgrims of hope Croagh Patrick Exhibition will be in the Town Hall Theatre Westport during the month of July. Thanks to all who supported this exhibition. The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition also continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport this sacred landscape for future generations. LEAVE NO TRACE: Interested in becoming a Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador? Help to protect the Mountain’s fragile ecosystems and deep cultural heritage Welcome visitors and offer guidance Please contact: - leavenotraceireland.org   YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL: Register online at Youth2000.ie or for more information contact  [email protected]  - see you there!   PATRICK’S PATH. A SPIRITUAL GUIDE 4: On the summit – a moment to bow your head “Praise God in his holy place”. Ps 150:1 Lord, I’ve made it! And I thank and praise you! I thank you for the beauty of creation, the wonder of my being, the challenge of life’s path, the promise of eternity, the gifts of endurance and hope, the blessing of people along the way. I thank you, above all, for drawing me towards you: towards the realisation that I am loved, that my life truly matters, that you seek my friendship and want me to share in the task of making your kingdom come…I thak and praise you, my Lord and my God! During the time on the summit find a place for yourself to stand, sit or kneel. Be still. God is present. Listen to the promptings of His Spirit. Speak from your heart. Remember, also, your departed loved ones. Their life’s pilgrimage is over. Commend them to the Lord: Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. REEK SUNDAY NOTICE: 2025 is the Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope. This year the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the weekend of July 25 th – 27 th . Reek Sunday is on July 27 th   Pilgrimage Mass on the Summit  is at 10.00a.m. Evening Mass in Murrisk Car Park  at 7.30p.m. Reek Saturday  July 26 th  8.30am Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage at Ballintubber. Contact 094-9030934 6.30p.m. Vigil Mass  in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with Archbishop Francis Duffy. Reek Sunday Masses hourly on the Summit  from 8.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. Confessions 7.30a.m. -2.00PM.   FÁILTE CUPPA: Sunday 27 th  July after 11.00a.m. Mass in Carrowbeg House. All welcome.   MÁMÉAN: The annual August pilgrimage to Máméan will take place on Sunday, 3 August 2025.   Turas na Croise  at 3.00 p.m. followed by Mass.   MINI VIGIL KNOCK The monthly mini vigil takes place on Friday, August 1 st  at Knock Shrine. Confessions from 8pm to 9pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation. Vigil takes place from 9pm to Midnight in Knock Parish Church. All are welcome.   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP:  Bereavement Support Group meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320

FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   LOUGH DERG: JUBILEE YEAR: Three-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Friday 8 th  Aug – Sun 10 th . Bus departing from St. Mary’s Church, Westport @ 8.00a.m. Ph No. 087-7401391   COVIE WEEK 2025: 24 th  – 31 st  July, for more details see Poster on notice board.   NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE 2025: Celebrating the world day for grandparents and the elderly Sunday 27 th July 2025 at Knock Shrine See Poster on notice board.   THE WEEK OF IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY AT KNOCK: Takes place from Sunday, 27 July to Saturday, 02 August. You are welcome to join for the whole week or part of it. It can serve as a personal retreat, with spiritual direction available daily. This is a free event. No booking required. See   www.knockshrine.ie  for schedule. WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION: Make plastic-free climbing part of your upcoming Reek Sunday ritual. Minimizing plastic use is both environmentally responsible and strongly encouraged. Remind yourself that every single-use plastic item avoided  reduces pollution on the mountain and protects its natural beauty for others. Encourage those around you to adopt similar practices. Less waste on the trail – results from many individual choices like yours. Let us together protect   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025: Pilgrims of hope Croagh Patrick Exhibition will be in the Town Hall Theatre Westport during the month of July. Thanks to all who supported this exhibition. The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition also continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport this sacred landscape for future generations. LEAVE NO TRACE: Interested in becoming a Croagh Patrick Volunteer Ambassador? Help to protect the Mountain’s fragile ecosystems and deep cultural heritage Welcome visitors and offer guidance Please contact: - leavenotraceireland.org     PATRICK’S PATH. A SPIRITUAL GUIDE 3: At the ridge – a moment to rest “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” Mt 11:28 Lord, what a relief: a level path and a place to sit down! I watch the world go by… Many stop to greet each other. They chat, laugh, lend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement. One or two are barefoot, some have sticks and many more carry backpacks with extra gear. But what about the hidden stuff, Lord? What about the invisible, private burdens that each person silently carries, Redundancy, Illness, Bereavement, being let down by a loved one, the list is endless… Reflect for awhile on what may be weighting you down…Imagine yourself bringing it to Jesus: how does he respond? As I prepare to climb “the cone” I ask for the grace, Lord to be free of the compulsion to keep busy, to be in control, to make time, instead, to be attentive to you. To myself, to those in need…I press on in your name.Go raibh liomsa inniu,Triúr ar an sliabh Athair, Mac agus Spiorad Naomh. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   UPCOMING TALK ABOUT CROAGH PATRICK:                                                                                                                                 Please join us for an inspiring occasion as the renowned mountain walk leader and author , Dr John O'Callaghan presents his captivating insights into the spiritual journey and enduring legacy of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain.  He will be giving us his review of ‘The Croagh Patrick – Pilgrims of Hope 2025 Exhibition’ which is on display throughout the month of July in Westport Town Hall Theatre.                                                                                                                         Date: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Westport Town Hall Theatre.As Reek Sunday approaches don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Ireland's spiritual and cultural heritage. All are welcome!   REEK SUNDAY NOTICE: 2025 is the Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope. This year the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the weekend of July 25 th – 27 th . Reek Sunday is on July 27 th   Pilgrimage Mass on the Summit  is at 10.00a.m. Evening Mass in Murrisk Car Park  at 7.30p.m. Reek Saturday  July 26 th  8.30am Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage at Ballintubber. Contact 094-9030934 6.30p.m. Vigil Mass  in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with Archbishop Francis Duffy. Reek Sunday Masses hourly on the Summit  from 8.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. Confessions 7.30a.m. -2.00PM.

‘COME AND SEE’ Knock House Hotel Sunday 13 th  July 11.00a.m – 4.30pm A day to explore priesthood: talk, time for prayer For more information contact [email protected]   FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 30 TH  JULY-6 TH  AUG: €695 per person sharing, includes full Medjugorje retreat programme, return flights Dublin to Split, airport transfers, half board accommodation, assistance of Medjugorje guide and Spiritual Director Fr Johnny Sweeney SAC. Group Leader , Nicola Blendell (contact: 087 962 2800)  For Bookings  Contact Marian Pilgrimages: 01 878 8159 with reference Nicola Blendell. Exc Travel Insurance   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025: Pilgrims of hope Croagh Patrick Exhibition will be in the Town Hall Theatre Westport during the month of July. Thanks to all who supported this exhibition. The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition also continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport.   LOUGH DERG: JUBILEE YEAR. Three-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Friday 8 th  Aug – Sun 10 th . Bus departing from St. Mary’s Church, Westport @ 8.00a.m. Ph No. 087-7401391   WELCOME: Welcome   again to Fr. Benedict Okeke and Fr. Cletus Mbadugha staying with us in Westport Parish for the month of July. We wish them well on their holiday placements before returning to study at the ATU Castlebar.   REEK SUNDAY NOTICE: 2025 is the Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope. This year the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the weekend of July 25 th  – 27 th . Reek Sunday is on July 27 th   Pilgrimage Mass on the Summit  is at 10.00a.m. Evening Mass in Murrisk Car Park  at 7.30p.m. Reek Saturday  July 26 th 8.30am Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage at Ballintubber. Contact 094-9030934 6.30p.m. Vigil Mass  in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with Archbishop Francis Duffy. Reek Sunday Masses hourly on the Summit  from 8.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. Confessions 7.30a.m.- 2.00pm   PATRICK’S PATH. A SPIRITUAL GUIDE 2: Along the path-a moment to catch your breath “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life”, Gen 2:7 Lord, As I look back, I notice that I’ve come quite a distance…But I need to stop and catch my breath! Reflect on a time when you found the going tough: When you almost lost your footing Or were stopped in your tracks, A time when you had to take more than a few deep breaths, Feel the air in your lungs: Breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety… Breathe in beauty, breathe out hurt… Breathe in love, breathe out fear… Become aware of God’s Spirit sustaining you… Be “inspired” as you stop and stare… As I resume my journey up this incline I ask for the grace, Lord To remain compassionate towards myself, steadfast despite setbacks and mindful of the fact that mist and cloud eventually lift… I continue in your name. God raibh liomsa inniu,Triúr ar an sliabh Athair, Mac agus Spiorad Naomh. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION: July is designated as Plastic Free month.  Here are a few ideas as to how you can reduce your use of plastic – buying bottled water costs about 2,000 times more than tap water.  Having your own reusable refill bottle will not only save you money but will reduce the amount of plastic you are using.   500,000 disposable coffee cups are used daily in Ireland!! Coffee cups are not recyclable due to the plastic coating.  Bringing your own Keep cup can not only help reduce waste but many coffee outlets give a discount to customers who bring their own cup.  We can all be part of the solution to plastic waste. WESTPORT ACTIVE RETIREMENT: The Westport Active Retirement are hosting a talk on Monday July 21st regarding Assisted Decision Making regarding powers of attorney. Àine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service will be giving the talk. It will be held in the Town Hall Westport at 12.30pm. All are welcome!    ATLANTIC CARE: Atlantic Care are urgently recruiting compassionate Caregivers to provide quality support, companionship, and assistance for seniors, ensuring comfort within their own homes. Competitive rates of pay and support network. If you are interested contact Nollag 0949014028 WE REMEMBER ALL WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY: Martin Hughes, Ardygommon. MARY O’Haire, Drumgarve, Kilmeena Nancy Loughlin, Birthley, Co. Durham U.K. sister of Maureen Joyce, Lodge Road. Mary Gibbons, Carrowholly. Rest in Peace

‘COME AND SEE’ Knock House Hotel Sunday 13 th  July 11.00a.m – 4.30pm A day to explore priesthood: talk, time for prayer For more information contact [email protected]   FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 30 TH  JULY-6 TH  AUG: €695 per person sharing, includes full Medjugorje retreat programme, return flights Dublin to Split, airport transfers, half board accommodation, assistance of Medjugorje guide and Spiritual Director Fr Johnny Sweeney SAC. Group Leader, Nicola Blendell (contact: 087 962 2800) For Bookings  Contact Marian Pilgrimages: 01 878 8159 with reference Nicola Blendell. Exc Travel Insurance   LIONS CLUB SENIOR CITIZENS OUTING SUNDAY 13 TH  JULY: The Lion's Club is delighted to announce a special outing for senior citizens to Clifden on  Sunday, 13th July . We'd love for you to join us for what promises to be a wonderful day of scenery, company, and fun. To book your place, please contact:  Brendan  at 086 843 4867 or  Ann Marie  087 1263963 Spaces are limited, so don't delay—secure your spot today! WESTPORT MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL: We have a free event at the Tertulia bookshop next Thursday 10th @ 7pm. An evening with Mayo Author Faith Hogan, joined by Ruth O'Leary. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Westival. We are inviting everyone to submit stories about Westport to culminate in a printed anthology. The deadline for submission is 31st July. Submit your story (max 500 words)—real or imagined—about Westport and the Music & Arts Festival. For a chance to be featured in a published book, Echoes of Westport – A Celebration of Stories and Memories.   THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025: Pilgrims of hope Croagh Patrick Exhibition will be in the Town Hall Theatre Westport during the month of July. Thanks to all who supported this exhibition. The Croagh Patrick’s Exhibition also continues at the back of St. Mary’s Church Westport.    REEK SUNDAY NOTICE: 2025 is the Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope. This year the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the weekend of July 25 th  – 27 th . Reek Sunday is on July 27 th   Pilgrimage Mass on the Summit  is at 10.00a.m. Evening Mass in Murrisk Car Park  at 7.30p.m. Reek Saturday  July 26 th 8.30am Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage at Ballintubber. Contact 094-9030934 6.30p.m. Vigil Mass  in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with Archbishop Francis Duffy. Reek Sunday Masses hourly on the Summit  from 8.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. Confessions 7.30a.m.- 2.00pm   ECO: We are now in plastic free July and the statistics are not good news for our planet. It is estimated that 75 to 199 million tons of plastic are currently in our oceans and one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used a year. We can all play our part and this July we can make a decision to refuse plastic packaging and single use plastic where possible. We can make a difference   PATRICK’S PATH. A SPIRITUAL GUIDE 1: At the foot of the Reek- a moment to set out"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths."  Isa 2:3Lord,As I set out today on this holy mountain, I ask for your blessing. I give thanks for my physical well-being, for the gift of life itself, and for the many times that I have already set out in life.... Recall some of those times e.g. as a child or young person: beginning a new job or relationship; after some loss or difficulty...As I walk the path before me, I ask for the grace, Lord, to know you as my companion and friend, to trust in your providence and to shelter, always, in the security of your love. I entrust the needs of my heart to you, now, and the cares of those I know and love... I set out in your name. Go raibh liomsa inniu, Triúr ar an Sliabh Athair, Mac agus Spiorad Naomh. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   HELP YOUR MARRIAGE: Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue ... or have you just stopped because it only makes it worse? Retrouvaille has helped 10s of 1000s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information Email : [email protected]   Call or text 0788 7296983 www.retrouvaille.org.uk

Welcome to this exhibition celebrating the Jubilee Year 2025 Pilgrims of Hope in Westport Town Hall Theatre for the month of July. The exhibition is a celebration of Croagh Patrick—The Reek, Ireland's Holy Mountain. It is a timeless symbol of faith, resilience and pilgrimage. Through captivating photographs, evocative paintings and creative pottery, the exhibition captures the spirit of those who have journeyed to its summit across generations and the natural beauty of the area. Admission is free. Thanks to all who made this exhibition possible.

Philip & Charlotte Kelly From Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Philip & Charlotte Kelly from Ponchatoula, Louisiana Felicity Philip Bridget and Paddy Dennis Receiving their stamps Michelle Hennelly & Friend Getting their Passport Stamped for Climbing Croagh Patrick Denise Glennon Brogan & Family Marian Prendergast

MINI VIGIL KNOCK 4TH JULY: Bus leaving the Quay (Centra) at 7.00p.m. The Mall at 7.15pm. To book your seat Please contact Margaret at 098-27109   ‘COME AND SEE’ Knock House Hotel Sunday 13th July 11.00a.m – 4.30pm A day to explore priesthood: talk, time for prayer For more information contact [email protected]   FREE GUIDED TOUR OF: St. Mary’s Church on Thursday’s at 2pm during the summer. Watch out for the sign outside the church. Thanks to our Tour Guide Barbara Rabbett.   LOUGH DERG: Three Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 4th July – Sunday 6th July 2025. Bus departing from St. Mary’s Church Westport, at 8.00a.m. Ph No 087-7401391   THE JUBILEE YEAR: Pilgrims of hope Croagh Patrick Exhibition will be in the Town Hall Theatre Westport during the month of July. Thanks to all who supported this exhibition.   MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: 30th July -6th August only €695 per person sharing. Group Leader, Nicola Blendell (contact: 087 962 2800) For Bookings. Contact Marian Pilgrimages:  01 878 8159 with reference Nicola Blendell.   CEMETERY SUNDAY 6th JULY: Mass at 3.00p.m. weather permitting In the new Cemetery at Aughavale   YOUTH FESTIVAL: Mladifest Youth Festival: Spaces available (14-18yrs) on youth pilgrimage to Medjugorje from August 6-13. Total cost is €500 including flights, B&BD accommodation, led by Marian Pilgrimages. A week of fun, friendship & growing deeper in faith... consider it! All leaders are Garda Vetted. Contact Keith @  0877851282 for more information   ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE: Phone 01-5053112 or e.mail : marriagepreparation@accord   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11.00a.m. No booking required. Further information from Monica Morely On 094-9375320   REEK SUNDAY NOTICE: 2025 is the Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope. This year the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the weekend of July 25th – 27th. Reek Sunday is on July 27th    Pilgrimage Mass on the Summit  is at 10.00a.m. Evening Mass in Murrisk Car Park  at 7.30p.m. Reek Saturday  July 26th 8.30am Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage at Ballintubber. Contact 094-9030934 6.30p.m. Vigil Mass  in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with Archbishop Francis Duffy. Reek Sunday Masses hourly on the Summit  from 8.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. Confessions 7.30a.m.- 2.00pm   FÁILTE CUPPA: After 11.00a.m. Mass Sunday June 29th in Carrowbeg House. All are welcome   LIONS CLUB SENIOR CITIZENS OUTING SUNDAY 13TH JULY: The Lion's Club is delighted to announce a special outing for senior citizens to Clifden on  Sunday, 13th July . We'd love for you to join us for what promises to be a wonderful day of scenery, company, and fun. To book your place, please contact:  Brendan  at 086 843 4867 or  Ann Marie  087 1263963 Spaces are limited, so don't delay—secure your spot today!   PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF SS PETER AND PAUL APOSTLES                   Heavenly Father, on this special day we honour Your apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, whose lives dedicated to You continue to inspire us. Grant us the courage to follow their example of faith, humility, and devotion. May their steadfastness strengthen our resolve to serve You faithfully in all we do. Bless us with the grace to build up Your Kingdom of love and peace, just as they did. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.   CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES: We warmly congratulate and thank our Sacristan, Peter Hastings as he retires from ten years of loyal service at St. Mary's Church, Westport. His careful attention to detail and hard-working dedication have been a great blessing to our parish community. We are deeply grateful for his faithful service and the many ways he has enriched our worship. We express our heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for Peter's retirement. May God continue to bless him and his family in this new chapter of their life. WE REMEMBER ALL WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY: Saoirse Duggan, Bekan, Claremorris. Mary O’Toole, Liverpool & late of Culleen Rose Scanlon, Kinnock. Rest in Peace.

In ancient times, Croagh Patrick was known as Cruachan Garbrois or Cruachan Aigle, called after Aigle, who in mythology killed Ciara, daughter of Lugh. Lugh was a god, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann at the mythological battle of Moytura. On the first of August, the festival of Lughnasa was held in many places in pagan Ireland, this mountain being one of them. Inscription near Boleybrian, Co. Mayo Visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/57bdb51a35ec4569a4ab9158f30914e1