Westport Parish

FIRST EUCHARIST AND FIRST PENANCE DATES FOR HOLY COMMUNION Welcome! This page is for the children in 2nd Class who are preparing for First Confession & First Holy Communion in each of our seven primary schools. The sacraments of First Confession & First Holy Communion are wonderful celebrations, not only for you but for your family and the entire community. As a parish, we want to help you prepare to celebrate these occasions in your life so that they may be special and meaningful for you and your family. First Holy Communions for 2026 take place starting from: Saturday 23rd May 2026 Murrisk & Lecanvey Schools at 1.00p.m. Saturday 9th May 2026 Scoil Phádraig & Brackloon Schools at 1.00p.m. Saturday 16th May 2026 Quay & Gaelscoil Schools at 1.00p.m. REGISTRATION CARD Child's First name Child's Last name Date of Baptism Day Month Month Year Father's Full Name Mother's Full Name including Maiden Name Parent's Address Child's School Parish you live in Phone Number Email Address by SUBMITTING this form YOU CONSENT TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION BEING RETAINED BY THE PARISH RECORD PURPOSES. YOU CONSENT TO BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH USING THE ABOVE INFORMATION REGARDING PARISH ACTIVITIES. YOU CONSENT TO HAVING MY RECORDS RETAINED FOR FUNDRAISING PURPOSES AND BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. Submit

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link WK 1 January 2025 6:17 pm New Year Reflection on Climbing the Reek: On this new year day the mountain stood as a symbol of hope, a beacon guiding us toward a year filled with possibility. The views from the peak are a reminder of life’s vastness and the opportunities that lie beyond the horizon, waiting for us to take that leap of chance. Good health became more than a wish; it felt like a responsibility—to care for ourselves, for one another, and for the Earth that holds us all. And as the wind carried prayers whispered by generations before, it felt like a collective yearning for peace on Earth, a dream we still hold dear, no matter how distant it may sometimes seem. May the year ahead be as grounding and uplifting as the Reek itself.

Baptisms are held every weekend, on Saturday (the second Sat.) and three Sundays in the month (check with parish office for actual dates). Parents are required to give three weeks notice and are invited to attend a short information meeting our Baptism teamon the Wednesday prior to baptism, at Carrowbeg House, at 8.30 p.m. We strongly encourage parents to avail of the new Baptismal Teams who will make contact with you and visit you in your home if you wish. Confirmation ... Westport Parish Contact the Parish Office @ 098-28871 About Confirmation St. Mary's Church Confirmation is the Sacrament by which the baptised receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through ancient rituals and words, God sends his Holy Spirit to give us the strength needed to put into practice the message of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Christians have held that when the Holy Spirit comes, God gives us the gifts of: • being wise, • increased knowledge, especially of spiritual things, • the ability to judge between right and wrong, • understanding how and why things might be as they are, • courage to live life well, • holiness to become more what God intends us to be, • respect for God. These gifts result in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We become: • more loving, • more joyful, • more at peace, • more patient, • kinder, • better, • faithful, • gentle, • and contented people. Each person’s ability to embrace these affects depends on his or her openness to the sacrament and willingness to accept it as God’s personal gift. You Shall Be My Witnesses is a Confirmation preparation programme based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The programme is designed as a resource to parishes. It offers support, encouragement and a challenge as well as an invitation to parents to become more actively involved in the faith life of their children as they prepare for Confirmation. The programme runs over four nights. The parents help facilitate small group activities with the young people on the themes listed below. During the course of each session the parent leaders facilitate discussion/activities. You Shall be My Witnesses explores the themes of: What it means to Belong to the Catholic Church; What we, as Catholics, Believe; How Being a Confirmed Catholic impacts and reflects on how we live our lives; and Who we Become as a Confirmed Christian. As stated, the four sessions are run by parents with the help of the parish community and parish priest.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Nicole Sheridan & Grzegorz Pokrywczyński 6 April 2026 7:21 pm First visit,easter monday 2026, beautiful place. God bless.

< Back Holy Trinity National School Holy Trinity National School School • Primary https://www.holytrinityns.com 31 March 2025 at 16:19:37

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link < Back Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. Previous Next

Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Westport Eco-Congregation Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. The blessing of Animals • an Ecumenical Ceremony 🙏👍 The October 🍁🍂 edition of the ECI newsletter is now available! 5 Reasons to Donate Your Clothing at Westport Family and Community Resource Centre's Bins! Adult Faith and Human Formation Classes Date and time is TBD Westport Learn more Eco Congregation School project An online directory and interactive map of recycling facilities and charity shops in Westport. Westport Eco Congregation asks the community of Westport to reflect on the beauty of our precious world and to consider what practical steps can be taken to prevent further damage to the environment. Also, we ask the community to consider those in the developing world already affected by climate change and their future generations. Project Page Recyclin facilities listing Recycling facilities map For latest news visit https://www.ecocongregationireland.com/ Plastic Free July campaign This year’s Plastic Free July campaign focuses on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste under the slogan “Small steps, big difference”. Each year millions of Plastic Free July participants from over 190 countries worldwide are together making a big difference by choosing to refuse single-use plastic. An astonishing 10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five years because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans, and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing. Choose one single-use plastic to avoid or take the pledge to avoid single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, or plastic food wrap. These “Top 3” items are single-use plastic items we commonly use each day that most of us can easily replace by; Refilling reusable water bottles from the tap Bringing a reusable cup or sitting and enjoying a real cup Switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps CHANGE ONE THING Invite you all to an inspiring event on Saturday June 15th in Westport Town Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. CHANGE ONE THING – is an event exploring the Circular Economy. What is circular economy in simple terms? It is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the lifecycle of products is extended. Demonstrations, examples and discussions on circular economy will take place on the day. You can drop in for 10 minutes to have a look, - doors open at 10.00am - or you can stay from 1.00 – 3.00 and listen to panels discussing the circular economy in more detail. Not only is this event informative but it is also fun and you may find ways of saving some money!!

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link MP 9 March 2025 12:00 am Marian Prendergast from Castlebar embarks on her Jubilee Year #PilgrimsofHope Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. Congratulations to Marian, who has become the first pilgrim to have her Pilgrim Passport officially stamped by Derick Healy!

< Back Murrisk National School Murrisk National School School • Primary https://www.murriskns.com 31 March 2025 at 16:23:10

Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Staff Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Secretary Parish Secretary: Catherine McNamara St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: office@westportparish.ie Assistant Secretary: Ingrid Jennings St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: office@westportparish.ie Sacristans Get to Know Us Westport : St Mary’s Church, Westport. Frank Dolan, Jason Kelly, Noreen McGreal and Brian Moran work as Sacristans in St. Mary's, Westport. They welcome and look after visiting priests and others too. Drummin : Pádraig Gannon, St Mary’s Church, Drummin. The Gannon family in Drummin has cared for the Church and its environs for many years. Today Pádraig is the Sacristan but he has lots of back-up support and help from his family. Lecanvey : John Cummins, St Patricks Church, Lecanvey and St. Patrick’s Oratory, Croagh Patrick. John Cummins succeeded his late father, Jackie, as Sacristan in Lecanvey, but he has been associated with Lecanvey Church all his life. In addition to this, John is the Curator of St. Patrick's Oratory at the summit of Croagh Patrick - a place he visits on an almost weekly basis during the year and more often during the summer months in preparation for the annual pilgrimage on Reek Sunday. Parish Pastoral Council The Chairperson of the Pastoral Council is Kevin Barrett The Secretary is Gertie Foley The President is Fr. John Kenny The Parish Pastoral Council can be contacted through the Parish Office. "The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to attend to the spiritual needs of the parish in partnership with the local priests. The work of the Pastoral Council is motivated by a desire to build up the Kingdom of God and enliven the faith of all the baptised living in the local community. The Council maintains an overview of the whole parish and plans strategically to ensure that the faith of the community is nurtured and strengthened. A Pastoral Council is distinguished from other community groups by its spiritual and pastoral focus. Pastoral Councils are understood in the Code of Canon Law in the following context: "...a Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish. In this Council, which is presided over by the parish priest, Christ's faithful, together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in pastoral care in the parish, give their help in fostering pastoral action (c. 536 par.1)." (See Guidelines for Pastoral Councils. Treoirlínte do Chomhairlí Tréadach. Archdiocese of Tuam, 2009.) Each Pastoral Council in the Parish has a four year term, with members serving no more than two consecutive terms. The current term of the Parish Pastoral Council began in 2021 and expires in 2025. The Pastoral Council meets every 4-6 weeks in the Presbytery and has representation from each of the Pastoral Groups in the Parish - Liturgy - Faith Formation - Prayer- Eco Congregation - Youth - New Parish Members - Catholic Schools - Lecanvey church area & Drummin church area. Call +353 (098) 28871 Email office@westportparish.ie Follow

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Fr John Kenny 1 January 2025 12:30 pm On Wednesday January 1st 2025. I visted the Statue of St Patrick at the foot of Croagh Patrick to offer a prayer for all the pilgrim’s and visitors to Ireland's Holy Mountain, The Reek #PilgrimsofHope A Pilgrim"s Prayer As Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year 2025, mayo we walk with Faith, Hope and Love. Illuminate our path, inspire our hearts and strengthen our resolve to spread Your compassion and kindness. Help us to take each step as we journey towards a brighter tomorrow. Christ be with us. Amen The weather was very favourable

BAPTISM Baptism Policy Baptisms are held every weekend, on Saturday (the second Sat.) and three Sundays in the month (check with parish office for actual dates). Parents will be contacted by the Baptismal team on the week leading up to Baptism. We wish God’s blessing on all children who will be baptised this year and welcome you into the Christian and Parish Community. Westport Parish Contact the Parish Office @ 098-28871 All bookings for Baptism should be made to Catherine or Ingrid at the Parish Office. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of the priests or the Baptism Team. What’s needed for Baptism Each family needs to fill out the Baptismal form. Each family needs to bring along the christening shawl and candle. Each family will be contacted by the Baptismal team on the week leading up to Baptism Read more information on Baptism REGISTRATION CARD Child's Name* Date of Birth* Day Month Month Year Date of Baptism Day Month Month Year Father's Name Mother's Full Name including Maiden Name Parent's Address Name of Sponsors Parish you live in Phone Number* Email Address* by SUBMITTING this form YOU CONSENT TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION BEING RETAINED BY THE PARISH RECORD PURPOSES. YOU CONSENT TO BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH USING THE ABOVE INFORMATION REGARDING PARISH ACTIVITIES. YOU CONSENT TO HAVING MY RECORDS RETAINED FOR FUNDRAISING PURPOSES AND BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. Submit