MASS STIPENED/OFFERFINGS : For a long time now   €10.00 has been the suggested donation for a Mass Offering. Going forward from October 1st if you are in a position to do so we would respectfully propose a donation of €15 towards supporting the Priest and the local Church. Thank you for your generosity and for considering this suggestion.   OCTOBER MINI VIGIL AT KNOCK FRIDAY 3RD: Bus will leave the Quay at 7.00p.m. the Mall a t 7.15pm.Contact Margaret @098-27109. Confessions are available from 8pm to 9pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation. Vigil will take place from 9pm to Midnight in Knock Parish Church. All are welcome.   BRACKLOON HINTERLAND COMMUNITIES: Recently established including 20 villages in the area will be holding a meeting in Liscarney community centre on Monday September 29th at 8pm. We are beginning our initiative together with "Mayo Community Futures " which will help combine the already strong community spirit across all the villages in the area. Over the next number of weeks, we will consult with all households in the area and identify and progress priority projects to enhance the community as a place to live and work. It is vital that as many people as possible attend this meeting as every area needs to be represented. See you there at 8 pm Monday evening September 29th in Liscarney Community Centre. 086 3192882    TUAM PRIESTS IN-SERVICE:  6 th  October – 9 th  October: Fr. John is planning to attend this Annual In-Service. Instead of 10am mass on Tuesday – Thursday, there will be a lay led liturgy of the word with Holy Communion   THE DECIDER SKILLS PROGRAMME: 6-week programme for young people in 1 st  year & their parents/caregivers. Starts on Thurs. 16 th  October From 5.30pm-6.30pm Venue:  Parish Centre, Westport. Contact Frances @ 087-9974733   MAYO BRANCH OF DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND: Wish to express our huge gratitude to the parishioners of Westport parish. We raised €1244.40 during our church gate collection on the 13th and 14th September 2025.    PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday 30 th  September at 8.00p.m. in the Presbytery .   HOUSE CALLS: Fr. John will do his house calls next week. WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION: This is the last Sunday of the “Season of Creation” which commenced on September 1 st . Throughout this special time we reflected on themes of justice, peace, and ecological responsibility. The season ends on the feast day of St. Francis (patron saint of ecology) on Saturday October 4 th  This feast is associated with the blessing of animals and environmental stewardship. A lovely ritual for the Blessing of the animals will be held on that day at 2 p.m. in Murrisk Car Park .  You are warmly invited to come along with your pets/animals.    SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE MASS: In Islandeady Church on Sunday October 5th at 11am for people/family members/loved ones who have died from cancer & remembering those who are battling cancer & who are cancer free. Names of loved ones can be placed before the altar to be remembered. Coffee Morning for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice immediately after mass in St. Aidan's Room. All welcome".   WESTPORT BRANCH OF COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ: Promotes traditional Irish music, song, dance and language.  We are delighted to announce the return of our music lessons for children in early October. Registration for 2025 / 2026 will take place on  Wednesday 1 st  October from 6pm – 7pm in Scoil Phádraig.  Classes will run weekly on Wednesday nights, from October to April with breaks during school holidays.  We are thrilled to have fantastic tutors on board again.   If you have any queries prior to the registration night, please email   [email protected]   CHILDREN’S ROSARY GROUP: St Mary's Westport Children's Rosary group starts on Sunday 12th October at 10:30 am, prior to 11 am Mass. Please arrive at 10:20 am to register. Suitable for children and teens of all ages. All are welcome. If you have any questions please call:  Anne 086 3895771   PRAYER: We thank God for our part in Creation for the call to treasure it, to be good stewards and to discern the sign of the times. May we act for justice together to safeguard people, animals and the natural world, our common home.   CÓR MHAIGH EO AND CANTAIRÍ CHONAMARA: Present Lumiéres A Baroque Mass for the 21 st  Century By Jacques Louissier with orchestra and soloists in St. Mayr’s Church Westport Sunday 28 th  Sept. @ 5.00p.m. Tickets €20 Clew Bay Hotel or at the Church door. PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mary Gillivan, James Street. Seamus O’Grady, Mc Neela Terrace Edward Browne, Knockbrack, & late of Derrygorman. Nora Walsh, Cloondeash, Castlebar, sister of Ann Mc Nally, Attireech. Rest in Peace.

MASS STIPENED/OFFERFINGS : For a long time now   €10.00 has been the suggested donation for a Mass Offering. Going forward from October 1st if you are in a position to do so we would respectfully propose a donation of €15 towards supporting the Priest and the local Church. Thank you for your generosity and for considering this suggestion.   CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY 1925-2025: We offer our sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Mercy Sisters, Teachers, students, staff, parents and management of The Sacred Heart School Westport. Your dedication to academic achievement, personal development, character formation and service inspire our community. May this milestone be a testament to your ongoing hard work, commitment and a bright future. Beanacht oraibh go léir.   WESTPORT LIONS CLUB CELEBRATION: Join us to toast our National success as Lions Club of the year on Saturday, 20th September 2025 at 6:00 PM Charlie's at The Quay, Westport. Live music by The Garvey’s, assorted food platters. Tickets are €20. Reserve your place via any Westport Lions Club member or Brendan 086 8434867, Ann Marie: 087 126 3963, Sara: 086 192 0732 Email: [email protected]   CÓR MHAIGH EO AND CANTAIRÍ CHONAMARA: Present Lumiéres A Baroque Mass for the 21 st  Century By Jacques Louissier with orchestra and soloists in St. Mayr’s Church Westport Sunday 28 th  Sept. @ 5.00p.m. Tickets €20 Clew Bay Hotel or at the Church door.   ANAM CARA: The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Tuesday 30th September at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.   MAYO ROSCOMMON HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING: Thursday 25 th  September 10.30a.m. – 11.30a.m. At Carrowbeg Houe, South Mall, Westport after the 10.00a.m. Mass.   MAYO CANCER SUPPORT-THANK YOU! Rock Rose House, wishes to thank all those who supported and facilitated its recent Westport Flag Day Collection. Special thanks to the volunteer collectors.  A total of €4741.45 was raised.   UNICEF: Thanks for the continued support to the Gaza Emergency Appeal which raised €1300   BLESSING AND BEST WISHES: We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Fr Britus Kadavunkal on receiving Irish citizenship this week at a ceremony at the Convention Centre in Dublin. His dedication, faith, ministry and service inspire us all. We wish him joy, peace, and continued blessings as he embarks on this new chapter of life in our community.    WESTPORT ECO: TODAY 21st September, 3pm. Quay Gate, Westport House You are welcome to join us for a short walk (45. minutes) WALK IN PEACE WITH CREATION focusing on how we can connect more fully with our Common Home, our Earth, in a way that allows us to recognise our dependence, our connection, and our responsibility to our Earth.   PRAYER: We thank God for our part in Creation for the call to treasure it, to be good stewards and to discern the signs of the times. May we act for justice together to safeguard people, animals, and the natural world, our common home. (Bishop A. Poggo. General Secretary\Anglican Communion.) Please visit our display at the back of St Mary’s Church, Westport.   THE ANNUAL BLESSING OF ANIMALS: Ecumenical Service: Sat. 4 th  at 2. 00p.m. Murrisk Car Park organised by + Eco Congregation Westport.   KNOCK COUNSELLING SERVICE : Is running a 'Calming Your Anxiety'  Programme to support participants better understand and manage their anxiety & move towards creating some ease in life. The programme commences on Tuesday 23rd September 6p.m. -8 p.m.  and runs for 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings. For more details and to register please phone  09493-75032 .   HAVE YOUR SAY: Mayo PPN and Mayo Co Council invite you to an ONLINE Policy Development Forum to identify key community issues across the county. Your voice matters – help shape the future of your community. Mon 22 nd  Sept 2025 at 7pm Email to register: [email protected]   HOPE SPACE: 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   TUAM PRIESTS IN-SERVICE:  6 th  Oct – 9 th  Oct Fr. John is planning to attend this Annual In-Service PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mary Hughes, Cooloughra, Ballinrobe Road. Breda Reddy, Dublin, sister of Eileen Horkan,  Deerpark East. Pauline McNeela, nee Horan Greenford, London and late of Peter St. sister of Teresa Lawless, Kilmeena & Breege Kerrigan, Peter St. Rest in Peace.

John O Callaghan I'm a parishioner of St Mary's parish, from Quay Road. Until recently, I represented Mountaineering Ireland (MI) on the IUF Board and I remain a member of both organisations, MI and IUF. I am a keen hillwalker and I love Croagh Patrick. Together with 6-7 other volunteers, we worked along with the Croagh Patrick Path Restoration Team for over 3 years while the restoration work was in progress and subsequently we continue to volunteer on 1-2 Tuesdays every month as part of an ongoing Path Maintenance Programme. Last year, in December 2024, I published ' West Mayo Placenames - Origin and Meaning ' about the townland names ( logainmneacha ) of the Baronies of Erris, Murrisk and Burrishoole. Also in 2024, I contributed to a  Heritage StoryMap of Croagh Patrick - Irish Uplands Forum  that was compiled and produced by members of the Irish Uplands Forum

MASS STIPENED/OFFERFINGS: For a long time now   €10.00 has been the suggested donation for a Mass Offering. Going forward from October 1st if you are in a position to do so we would respectfully propose a donation of €15 towards supporting the Priest and the local Church. Thank you for your generosity and for considering this suggestion.   CHARITABLE TAX EXEMPTION: Sincere thanks to everyone who generously supports our weekly collection. It is deeply appreciated. If you are a PAYE and self-assessed tax payer contributing in excess of €250 annually you might please consider further helping us avail of tax reclaim by filling out a CHY Form. You can return the form at the weekend offertory collection or drop it in to the Presbytery Office Westport. Thanks again for your ongoing support of the parish.   THE MAYO ALZHEIMER SOCIETY: The Mayo branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on Sunday, 21 st  September, 2025 around Lough Lannagh - suitable for all levels.  Meeting point is at 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 A257. Register for the Memory Walk on  www.alzheimer.ie     AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME: Older Peoples AGM and Information Day is being held on Monday 15 th  September 2025 in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar with registration starting at 9:30am and concluding at 2pm.   WESTPORT ECO-CONGREGATION : Invite you to  join us on Tues, 16 th Sept at Carrowbeg House 10.45 am – 12.15 pm Chelsea Beardsley will give a talk on climate justice RAISING HOPE FOR OUR COMMON HOME-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 TH  AT KNOCK SHRINE:  Join us for a day of inspiration, conversation and action with guest speakers Éanna Ní Lamhna, Jane Mellett, and Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe. For booking and more information, see www.knockshrine.ie ,  contact Nicola at [email protected]    or phone 094 93 8810 And on  Sun 21 st  Sept you are welcome at 3 pm at the Quay gate of Westport House for a (45 Min) WALK in PEACE with CREATION focusing on how we can connect more fully with our Common Home, our Earth in a way that allows us to recognise our dependence, our connection, and our responsibility to our Earth   MESSAGE FROM GENA HERATY: Hello Father Britus, Father Kenny, and all the people of Cushlough/Aughagower/Westport/ Fahy, Kilmeena and Newport Gena Heraty here. I hope you are all doing well. For myself I am doing very well thank God. I am fast recovering my strength and I am feeling good thank God. It was a horrible terrifying experience but thankfully we all got out safe and sound.I want to thank you all most sincerely for all your fantastic support. Even though we were locked inside a small dirty room, I knew in my heart that everyone was praying for us.We also prayed for all of you that were worrying about us. We prayed and prayed and prayed - for so many people. We knew that even though we were having a horrible time, many more people all around the world had far more suffering than us. So we prayed and prayed for everyone suffering.And we all know that our strength came from all the prayers offered for us.Please do keep praying- for people suffering everywhere. The world needs our prayers. Pray for the gangs also- it was heartbreaking to see so many young men and women; all stuck in this violent way of life and no way out. They need our prayers.Anyway, I wanted to reach out to send this message of thanks. My colleagues also send their thanks. They are all recovering and getting there! Our little boy was an inspiration to us while in captivity. On several occasions he told us ‘Mother Mary is here'. He even asks me to tell her to come closer as he beckoned with his hand for her to come. And he told us Jesus was at the door. It was amazing. We felt very reassured.So anyway, all the best to all of you and I feel very lucky to have so many people sending love and light my way. Gena   WESTPORT LIONS CLUB CELEBRATION: Join us to toast our National success as Lions Club of the year on Saturday, 20th September 2025 at 6:00 PM Charlie's at The Quay, Westport. Live music by The Garvey’s, assorted food platters. Tickets are €20. Reserve your place via any Westport Lions Club member or Brendan 086 8434867, Ann Marie: 087 126 3963, Sara: 086 192 0732 Email: [email protected]   CÓR MHAIGH EO AND CANTAIRÍ CHONAMARA Present Lumiéres A Baroque Mass for the 21 st  Century By Jacques Louissier with orchestra and soloists in St. Mayr’s Church Westport Sunday 28 th  Sept. @ 5.00p.m. Tickets €20 Clew Bay Hotel or at the Church door.   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320 PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mary Quinn, Kilmeena. Mary McGinty, (nee McGreal) London & late of Knappagh Sister of John McGreal, Knappagh & Catherine Kelly, Newport. Seamus Gafney, Foxford, Nephew of Teresa Walsh, Deerpark East Rest in Peace.

MASS STIPENED/OFFERFINGS: For a long time now   €10.00 has been the suggested donation for a Mass Offering. Going forward from October 1st if you are in a position to do so we would respectfully propose a donation of €15 towards supporting the Priest and the local Church. Thank you for your generosity and for considering this suggestion.   CHARITABLE TAX EXEMPTION: Sincere thanks to everyone who generously supports our weekly collection. It is deeply appreciated. If you are a PAYE and self-assessed tax payer contributing in excess of €250 annually you might please consider further helping us avail of tax reclaim by filling out a CHY Form. You can return the form at the weekend offertory collection or drop it in to the Presbytery Office Westport. Thanks again for your ongoing support of the parish.   THE MAYO ALZHEIMER SOCIETY: The Mayo branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on Sunday, 21 st  September, 2025 around Lough Lannagh - suitable for all levels.  Meeting point is at 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 A257. Register for the Memory Walk on  www.alzheimer.ie     AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME: Older Peoples AGM and Information Day is being held on Monday 15 th  September 2025 in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar with registration starting at 9:30am and concluding at 2pm.   MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP (MAYO CANCER SUPPORT) MCS will host a men's support group Tuesday 9 th  September @7.30pm Rock Rose House, Castlebar More info: 094 903 8407   MAYO CANCER SUPPORT ROCK ROSE HOUSE:   Mayo Cancer Support at Rock Rose House, annual flag day will take place in Westport on Saturday 13th September,2025, for which a permit from A Garda Siochana has been granted. If there is anyone who can volunteer for a couple hours on the day, please contract Rose at 094 9038407 / 083 4890754.   MAYO BRANCH OF DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND: Are having their annual Church gate collection on the 13th and 14th September 2025 across the churches of the parishes. All monies raised, stay within the Co. Mayo community. Your support would be greatly appreciated. MEN OF ST JOSEPH GROUP:  Men of St Joseph is a new monthly meeting for men in the Archdiocese of Tuam which will have at its core, Faith, Formation, and Fraternity. The group will meet one Sunday a month at 7pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Tuam for prayer, talks, followed by social time. Contact Fr Mark on 093 24250  or  [email protected]     KNOCK COUNSELLING SERVICE : Is running a 'Calming Your Anxiety'  Programme to support participants better understand and manage their anxiety & move towards creating some ease in life. The programme commences on Tuesday 23rd September 6p.m. -8 p.m.  and runs for 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings. For more details and to register please phone  094 93-75032 .   SEASON OF CREATION : Practical eco-spiritual actions include reconnection with nature, adopting sustainable habits and integrating spirituality into our daily choices - all inspired by the Season of Creation and Pope Leo’s reminder to us of Laudato Si’s powerful call for an "ecological conversion." - inviting and urging individuals and communities to move beyond a consumerist mindset  towards a spirit of integral ecology , recognizing the deep connection between environmental Westport Eco congregation are recommencing their Tuesday Climate Chats on Tuesday 16 th  September in Carrow beg house 10.45-12.15  This month’s topic is Climate degradation, social injustice, and the spiritual health of people. Justice.   BLOOD CLINIC: Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Tuesday 9 th , Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th September 2025.   BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place October 1st-31st.For further information, please log onto  www.breastcancerireland.com   CHARITY EVENT : 14 Cyclists are taking part in an epic 500KM in three days in aid of the Paediatric Unit Mayo General from 11 th – 13 th  September. We would be grateful if you would consider donating to what is a great cause. For more info. Contact Richie Needham at: [email protected]   ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE: Phone 01-5053112 or e.mail : marriagepreparation@accord PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Patrick Kearns, Mitchfileld, Knappagh & late of Owenwee. Séan McLaughlin, Thurles, brother of the late Agatha Golden, Leenane Road. Owen O Malley, Lecanvey

The symbol for Season of Creation 2025 is titled "Garden of Peace". It depicts a white dove flying over a tree. The left side of the tree is barren, with roots digging into dry soil, surrounded by an arid, desolate landscape...symbolising the destruction caused by war, famine, genocide, racism, etc. In contrast, the right side of the tree is lush and green, standing in a flourishing landscape... depicting harmony, peace, inclusion, tolerance etc. The dove, carrying an olive branch in its beak, flies toward the right - symbolising peace as a transition from a war-torn, overexploited land to one that is fertile, thriving, and hospitable. The dove symbolises hope which comes with our willingness to reconcile with creation, act on its behalf, to change our behaviour and to pray.

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   BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place October 1st-31st.For further information, please log onto  www.breastcancerireland.com .   SEASON OF CREATION 2025: Season of creation runs from Sept 1- Oct 4th every year.  Finishing on the feast of St Francis of Assisi - as in previous years we will have a Blessing of the Animal’s service at Murrisk Car park on Saturday October 4th at 2 pm .  The theme for this year is Peace with Creation. Our Biblical text for this year is Isaiah 32:14-18. The prophet Isaiah pictured the desolated Creation without peace because of the lack of justice and the broken relationship between God and humankind. This description of devastated cities and waste lands eloquently stresses the fact that human destructive behaviours have a negative impact on the Earth. Our hope: Creation will find peace when justice is restored. There is still hope and the expectation for a peaceful Earth. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but to act, pray, change, and reconcile with Creation and the Creator in unity, metanoia (repentance), and solidarity. Please bring home a copy of The Season of Creation Prayer for your Family.   MAYO HOSPICE: Coffee Connect morning, to welcome the public to Mayo Hospice on September 8th between 10am - 12 noon in the restaurant area. Attendees will get an opportunity to meet the team and learn about our different roles and work we do at Mayo Hospice, over tea or coffee   BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER: Almighty God, as the new school term begins, bless all students with curiosity and courage and bless all teachers and staff with patience and generosity. Help us to listen with open hearts, to speak with kindness and to support one another in our quest to grow wiser every day. Keep us safe, guide our steps, and inspire us to use what we learn to help and serve one another. Amen.    KNOCK MINI VIGIL: The September Mini Vigil takes place at Knock Shrine on Friday evening, September 5th. Confessions are available from 8pm to 9pm. The vigil takes place in Knock Parish Church from 9pm to Midnight. All are welcome. EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS: Clew Bay Hotel by Chris Harper Snr.  Month of August.   THE MAYO ALZHEIMER SOCIETY: The Mayo branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on Sunday, 21 st  September, 2025 around Lough Lannagh - suitable for all levels.  Meeting point is at 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 A257. Register for the Memory Walk on  www.alzheimer.ie     AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME: Older Peoples AGM and Information Day is being held on Monday 15 th  September 2025 in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar with registration starting at 9:30am and concluding at 2pm.   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   FAREWELL, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!  After five years serving in this Parish, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who supported me during my time here. I especially want to thank those who've become friends and for all you have shared with me. It has been a real blessing to walk with all of you through moments of joy and challenge, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and kindness you have shown to me. Lastly, sincere appreciation to the parish staff, parishioners, school’s staff, principals, teachers, parents and pupils for the countless ways in which you made my work enjoyable — it was always a pleasure. As I move into a new chapter, I thank God for all of you and for the many ways in which my experience here has helped me grow in faith, hope, and love. Farewell, thank you and God bless! Martin Dunne    FR. BENEDICT & FR. CLETUS: As September begins, we wish all the best to Fr. Benedict and Fr. Cletus as they return to Castlebar after their stay with us here in Westport during July and August PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Kathleen Heraty, Oughty, Liscarney Kathleen O’ Kane (nee Heraty) Chicago & Derrymore, Drummin, sister of Ann Duffy, Pinewoods Stephen Whelan, Farnaught Bernie Hoban, Carrabaun & McBride Home

HERITAGE WEEK 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.   BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER: Almighty God, as the new school term begins, bless all students with curiosity and courage and bless all teachers and staff with patience and generosity. Help us to listen with open hearts, to speak with kindness and to support one another in our quest to grow wiser every day. Keep us safe, guide our steps, and inspire us to use what we learn to help and serve one another. Amen.   BUS TO LOUGH DERG:  One day retreat on Saturday Sept 6th. Westport via Castlebar and Bohola.Places limited. Call Bernie on 087 9870170  for more info and booking.   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   MAYO PPN: Have you an event this Autumn that you’d like to promote? Email a jpg along with a short description of the event to [email protected] and the Mayo PPN will include it in our Autumn 2025 newsletter   ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE: Phone 01-5053112  or E-mail : marriagepreparation@accord   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.   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 094 9014028 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   MAYO RECOVERY COLLEGE: Mayo Recovery College begin their Autumn Winter 2025 suite of mental health & wellbeing modules on the following dates throughout September in the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar (online option also). Everyone welcome. Tuesday mornings 16 th  & 23 rd  at 10am 'Recovery, Let's talk'. Thursday evenings 18 th  & 25 th  'All about Stress' at 5pm. Call/Text Karen McHale 0860294901 or email  [email protected]   to register.   New participants are warmly invited to begin at any time throughout the semester."   MAYO MENTAL HEALTH: Mayo Mental Health Church Gate Collection takes place Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August.          Please give generously.   MAYO HOSPICE: Coffee Connect morning, to welcome the public to Mayo Hospice on September 8th between 10am - 12 noon in the restaurant area. Attendees will get an opportunity to meet the team and learn about our different roles and work we do at Mayo Hospice, over tea or coffee   SUMMER STARS PRESENTATION: Local Children's Author Shelly O'Neil will Present the children taking part in the summer stars challenge at the Westport Library. Shelly is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator with over 20 years' experience and is also the Author and Illustrator of The Watchman of Westport Children's book. The presentation will take place on Saturday the 6 th  of Septembe r PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Ella O Malley (nee McNally) King’s Hill & McBride Terrace Michael & Anne Mulchrone, Kilmeena Mick Mulchrone, Knockglass, Newport Margaret Geraghty, Tubberhill

I join with Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, in calling for Sunday 24th August to be a day of prayer and reflection for the suffering people of Gaza and for all who are the innocent victims of this terrifying and protracted war. Over the summer many people have become increasingly troubled by the news reports of a deteriorating situation, with hunger emerging amidst the death and destruction. There is also the terrible plight of the hostages and their distraught families. Pope Leo XIV has called for "a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full respect for international humanitarian law." The Irish Bishops' statement of June of this year was clear that the deaths of tens of thousands of non-combatants, many of them women and children, "... is unconscionable and disproportionate. It is immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively in the face of this outrageous tragedy for humanity." I encourage you to show solidarity, in any way you can, for the plight of the people of Gaza and in the land of the Lord's birth, by supporting humanitarian aid, and by praying for peace, a ceasefire, justice and a return of all hostages. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, commented "Christ is not absent from Gaza. He is there crucified in the wounded, buried under the rubble and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering." Please join people all over Ireland, on Sunday 24th August, praying for peace. Pray at Mass, at adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, pray at home for peace and for the necessary humanitarian aid to reach those who are in need. May our prayer be a light in the darkness for those who suffer, and may Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for all who long for lasting peace. Prayer for Gaza   Almighty God of mercy and healing, we lift up the people of Gaza who suffer beneath the weight of war, fear, grief, and hunger. May Your light shine through the darkness of destruction and guide all hearts toward compassion, protection and justice. We pray for an immediate ceasefire that stops the killing, opens corridors for aid, and allows the wounded to receive care, the hungry to be fed, the grieving to begin to mend their lives and the hostages returned. We pray for courageous leadership that chooses peace instead of power, dialogue instead of dominance, and restraint instead of retaliation. May weapons be laid down so that families can return to their homes to rebuild what war has destroyed and to restore dignity to every life affected by this conflict. May relief be allowed to arrive swiftly and may the medical teams be unimpeded in their work. We pray for the return of all hostages to their loved ones. May the power of mercy, dissolve anger into reconciliation and fear into trust. May communities harmed by violence be given the space to grieve, to hope and to heal. And at this time, may all who suffer feel Your steadfast presence. “Christ is not absent from Gaza. He is there in the wounded, buried under the rubble and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering.”  (Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzzaballa) May Your presence awaken courage in the strong and comfort in the weak, until peace is restored to all. Amen.

St. Mary's Church WestportMadonnaMadonna Madonna St Mary’s Church Westport The beautiful bronze ‘Madonna’ which graces the facade of St. Mary’s church was sculpted by Gabriel Hayes O’Ríordáin , a renowned Irish artist (1909 - 1978). Other famous sculptures of hers decorate public buildings in Dublin - the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in Kildare Street and also the D.I.T. in Cathal Brugha Street (‘The Three Graces’). In her work on the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (1935), Hayes collaborated with architect J.R.E. Boyd Barrett (Cork) who, in later years, would be  commissioned to design the facade of St.Mary’s church, Westport (1961). The two happily collaborated once more. Gabriel Hayes O’Ríordáin is remembered for her designs on the the first decimal coinage used in Ireland (1971). She designed the mythical birds on the half-penny, penny (1p) and two-penny coins (2p) and very much enjoyed the fact that her works of art were carried around by so many in their purses and pockets. She considered her ‘life’s work’ to be the life-size ‘Stations of the Cross’ which adorn the walls of Galway Cathedral. She began work on the ‘Stations’ in 1958 and completed them, some 18 years later in 1976, two years before her death. A magnum opus indeed. Her final sculpture (1977), for which she won the Oireactas exhibition award for sculpture was a head, in walnut, of Grainne Mhaol, looking out to sea. This is held in a private collection.