Westport Parish

WORKER: Care in the Community) Looking for meaningful, flexible work?  We're seeking compassionate, honest, reliable people to support individuals living with dementia in their own homes in Co. Mayo Locations:  All throughout Co. Mayo What You'll Do: Offer companionship and social connection Assist with daily living activities Support meaningful activities Give primary carers a well-deserved break Flexible hours  – work around  your  schedule!  Make a real difference, one visit at a time. Essentials:  QQI Level 5 modules in  Care Skills  &  Care of the Older Person Desirable:  Previous experience in caring / QQI Level 5 in Health Care Interested? Get in touch today!094 93 64900 or   email  [email protected]     A SPECIAL WEEKEND OF SACRED MUSIC, 24th-26th OCTOBER IN:ST MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: The Choir of St Philip's and Sandford, Dublin, led by Mr David O'Shea, will be visiting Westport for a series of musical events including, Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm. In St. Mary’s Church, Westport Fundraising concert for Holy Trinity Church on Sat 25 Oct at 4pm -in St. Mary’s Church Westport. Phone 01-5053112   AN TOBAR NUA: Provide confidential counselling nationwide via telephone and zoom. Our service is donation-based, because we do not want finances to prevent anyone from receiving support. If you are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, please know that we are here to help . Phone: 091 562 175 Email: [email protected]   A PRAYER FOR MISSION SUNDAY: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to bring good news to all nations. please awaken in us the courage to share your love with courage and compassion. Guide our words and actions so that we may be witnesses of your grace, and support the mission of your Church with our prayer and generosity. May your Spirit transform our hearts, inspire hope in all parts of the world where there is darkness and draw all people into the joy of your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE: Phone 01-5053112   or E-mail: marriagepreparation@accord ST. MARY’S YOUTH HUB: St Mary's Youth Hub - Fun, food and a sprinkling of faith! Do you have a teenager at home, whom you would like to be nurtured gently in the faith, in a warm, welcoming environment? Why not nudge them along to "Come and See" in our cozy, hang out space, upstairs in the Loft at the Parish centre, every Friday from 4 to 6 pm. Please ring 087 6949924  if you'd like to know more.     MEN OF ST JOSEPH: The next monthly meeting of the Tuam Men of St Joseph group will take place on Sunday 26th at 7pm in the Blessed Sacrament chapel Tuam. This month’s guest speaker will be Prof Robert McNamara who will speak about men's role in the family and society.  MOSJ was established to promote Faith, Formation and Fraternity among Christian men in the archdiocese. Last month 45 men gathered for our inaugural meeting and we look forward to welcoming more this month. Enquires to [email protected]     DRUMMIN CHURCH THANK YOU: Thanks to Joseph McDonnell for the wall capping and supplying all of the materials for free. Drummin Community Council are holding a cleanup of the Graveyard and Church car park on Sunday November 2nd @11am, please wear hi-vis.   COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRI EIREANN: It has been another great year for the Westport branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. This year’s AGM on Monday 27th October at 8pm in Knockranny House Hotel. All those parents of children involved and other interested parties are invited attend. Looking forward to seeing you all on the 27th.   WORKSHOP ON LOSS & GRIEF: Quay Community Centre F28H1K6  8th November 2.30PM-5.00PM This workshop will be facilitated by Grief Counsellor & Psychotherapist Tereasa McGuire. Places are limited, Phone Rita @ 087 0556923 . This is open to all clinicians as well the general public. Free Of Charge."   FIRST HOLY COMMUNION DATES: Westport  Saturday 9 th May & Saturday 16 th  May 2026 Lecanvey  23 rd May 2026 CONFIRMATION DATE   Westport: Thurs 16 th  Apr. 2026   BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: Meeting at the Family Centre, knock each Wednesday at 11am.No booking required. Further information from Monica Morley on 094-9375320

A facinating look back: " Bernard Falk joined the pilgrims on their arduous journey in the summer of 1975 for Nationwide, making it to the top (and back to the bottom again) relatively unscathed."

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION DATES: Westport  Saturday 9 th May & Saturday 16 th  May 2026 Lecanvey  23 rd May 2026 CONFIRMATION DATE   Westport: Thursday 16 th  April 2026.   CHILDREN’S ROSARY GROUP: St Mary's Westport Children's Rosary group starts today 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   JOIN OUR CARING TEAM: DEMENTIA SUPPORT WORKER: Care in the Community) Looking for meaningful, flexible work?  We're seeking compassionate, honest, reliable people to support individuals living with dementia in their own homes in Co. Mayo Locations:  All throughout Co. Mayo What You'll Do: Offer companionship and social connection Assist with daily living activities Support meaningful activities Give primary carers a well-deserved break Flexible hours  – work around  your  schedule!  Make a real difference, one visit at a time. Essentials:  QQI Level 5 modules in  Care Skills  &  Care of the Older Person Desirable:  Previous experience in caring / QQI Level 5 in Health Care Interested? Get in touch today!094 93 64900 or   email  [email protected]     CLIMATE ACTION WEEK - 13TH-19TH OCTOBER: Westport Eco Congregation invites you to join them at their Tuesday Climate Chats on Tuesday 14th October at 10.45 in Carrowbeg House.  Our theme - How our shopping habits can affect our Carbon Footprint. McKinley Neal from Pax wholefoods will lead us in discussion on how we can reduce our carbon footprint.   A SPECIAL WEEKEND OF SACRED MUSIC, 24th-26th OCTOBER IN:ST MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: The Choir of St Philip's and Sandford, Dublin, led by Mr David O'Shea, will be visiting Westport for a series of musical events including, Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm. In St. Mary’s Church, Westport Fundraising concert for Holy Trinity Church on Sat 25 Oct at 4pm -in St. Mary’s Church Westport. Phone 01-5053112 AN TOBAR NUA: Provide confidential counselling nationwide via telephone and zoom. Our service is donation-based, because we do not want finances to prevent anyone from receiving support. If you are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, please know that we are here to help . Phone: 091 562 175 Email: [email protected]   ACTIVE AGE FESTIVAL: Free event to promote physical activity among older adults – come & try pickleball, sit fit, petanque and activator poles in a fun and enjoyable environment. October 15 th  10am-1pm Castlebar Mitchels, An Sportlann. All Welcome. Further information contact Kate – 087 6498543 or  [email protected]   ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARIES: Archbishop Francis will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Marriage Anniversaries Mass in Tuam Cathedral today Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 3.00 pm.   Couples celebrating a significant marriage anniversary in 2025 are invited to attend this celebration.   MAYO CANCER SUPPORT MENS SUPPORT GROUP: The next meeting of the Men's Support Group is scheduled for Tuesday @7.30pm, Oct 14 th Rock Rose House, Castlebar Any Queries:  094 9038407.  All Welcome   MISSION SUNDAY: Next weekend, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday, the Holy Father's annual appeal to support overseas mission and missionaries. Please call  Missio Ireland  on (01) 497 2035 or go to  www.missio.ie   for further information.   PRAYER FOR PRISIONERS SUNDAY: We pray your grace Lord Jesus for prisoners and their families who walk their sentence with their loved one.We pray your healing Lord for the trauma that has caused them to hurt themselves. their families and their victims of crime.We pray that they will turn to You and begin their journey of recovery, finding compassionate support in our Christian society. We pray for victims of crime and for the help and support they need through Christ Our Lord. Amen.   THE DECIDER SKILLS PROGRAMME: 6-week programme for young people in 1 st year & their parents/caregivers. Starts on Thursday 16 th  October from 5.30pm-6.30pm Venue:  Parish Centre, Westport. Contact Frances @ 087-9974733

MASS STIPENED/OFFERFINGS : For a long time now   €10.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. When a Priests offers a number of announced Mass Intentions together, he is only entitled to keep one of the offerings. The other offerings are shared with Missionary Priests and retired Priests.  Thank you for your generosity and for considering this suggestion.   TUAM PRIESTS IN-SERVICE:  6 th  Oct0ber – 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     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   JOIN OUR CARING TEAM: DEMENTIA SUPPORT WORKER: Care in the Community) Looking for meaningful, flexible work?  We're seeking compassionate, honest, reliable people to support individuals living with dementia in their own homes in Co. Mayo Locations:  All throughout Co. Mayo What You'll Do: Offer companionship and social connection Assist with daily living activities Support meaningful activities Give primary carers a well-deserved break Flexible hours  – work around  your  schedule!  Make a real difference, one visit at a time. Essentials:  QQI Level 5 modules in  Care Skills  &  Care of the Older Person Desirable:  Previous experience in caring / QQI Level 5 in Health Care Interested? Get in touch today!094 93 64900 or   email  [email protected]     GROW IN LOVE MASS: Lecanvey  Saturday 11 th  at 8.00p.m. Kilmeena Sunday 12 th  at 9.30a.m. Westport Sunday 12 th  at 11.00a.m . CONFIRMATION: Thursday 16 th April 2026 at 12.00 noon   MAYO ROSCOMON HOSPICE. Many thanks to all who gave so generously to our recent Coffee morning at Carrowbeg House, it raised €466. A huge word of gratitude and thanks to the people and patrons that support the coffee morning held recently at the Westport library which was €190.70. The monies will all go to the continuous good services at Mayo Roscommon Hospice A huge word of thanks to the Ciorcal Cómhra who helped out and to Maire and Anita for baking the goodies on the day.   A SPECIAL WEEKEND OF SACRED MUSIC, 24th-26th OCTOBER IN:ST MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: The Choir of St Philip's and Sandford, Dublin, led by Mr David O'Shea, will be visiting Westport for a series of musical events including, Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm.  Fundraising concert for Holy Trinity Church on Sat 25 Oct at 4pm  - contribution to worship (Holy Communion) on Sunday morning (12 noon)- Sung worship on Sunday 26 Oct at 3.30pm in St Thomas's Dugort, Achill. (Rehersal from 3pm. You are welcome to come early, observe and enjoy.)   LEGION MINI VIGIL: Parish Church in Knock on the 10 th  October from 8.00p.m.- 12.00pm. Celebrant Fr. John O’Gorman   AN TOBAR NUA: Provide confidential counselling nationwide via telephone and zoom. Our service is donation-based, because we do not want finances to prevent anyone from receiving support. If you are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, please know that we are here to help . Phone: 091 562 175 Email: [email protected]   ACTIVE AGE FESTIVAL: Free event to promote physical activity among older adults – come & try pickleball, sit fit, petanque and activator poles in a fun and enjoyable environment. October 15 th  10am-1pm Castlebar Mitchels, An Sportlann. All Welcome. Further information contact Kate – 087 6498543 or  [email protected]   ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARIES: Archbishop Francis will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Marriage Anniversaries Mass in Tuam Cathedral on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 3.00 pm.   Couples celebrating a significant marriage anniversary in 2025 are invited to attend this celebration. If you plan to attend, please send names and the number of family members attending to  [email protected]  or 093 24250 by October 8th.

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.