Westport Parish

Wishing all our Parishioners a Joyful Easter filled with Hope and Renewal. May the risen light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and guide us in the way of love and peace. Happy Easter from Paddington and Friends.

LOUGH DERG: One Day Retreat to Lough Derg Monday 5th May  2025.Leaving St. Mary’s Church, Westport at 5.30a.m./pick up in Castlebar at the Fire Station at 5.45.a.m.  booking, please contact the Presbytery on 098-28871. Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope Three Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2025 , bus departing from St. Mary’s Church Westport, at 8. 00a.m. Ph. No. 087-7401391   LENTEN SCRIPTURE STUDY: Fr. Benny McHale will conduct a study of St. Luke’s New Testament writing on   2nd & 9th April @7.30p.m. – 9.30pm Prayer Centre Knock Shrine. Contact Nicola Mitchell 094-9388100   CHARITABLE TAX Exemption: Sincere thanks to everyone who generously supports St Mary’s Westport Parish. It is deeply appreciated. If you are a PAYE and self-assessed tax payer contributing in excess of €250 annually you might please consider helping us avail of a tax reclaim by filling out a  CHY Form.  Thanks again for your ongoing support of the parish. VOLCATIONS SOCIETY OF ST. JOSEPH : Meeting on Monday 7th April in the Parish Centre at7.00p.m. CHRISM MASS IN TUAM 16TH APRIL:   Bus leaving from Mill Street Car Park at 4.00p.m. Contact Mary at 098-28033   MASS BOOK:  The Mass Book will be open for Jan, Feb & March 2026 on the 7th April 2025 at 10.00am   CONNAUGHT P.T.A.A.  Annual Afternoon of Prayer In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock Sunday 13th April 3pm to 6pm.   HEALING VOICES:   An evening with the Schola Cantorum Basilicae takes place in the Chapel of Reconciliation at Knock Shrine  on Friday April 11th from 8pm to 9pm. The programme will include some of the Schola’s favourite sacred music pieces, complementing the chapel’s peaceful atmosphere. Admission is free and all are welcome. See www.knockshrine.ie   for more information. THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025 PILGRIM PASSPORT: Has launched this week. It is designed to encourage people to undertake pilgrimages to three main holy shrines in Ireland. Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg, and Knock Shrine Pilgrims can obtain the passport locally and have it stamped at each of the three sites they visit.Those who complete the pilgrimage to all three locations can receive a special commemorative Jubilee Year Pilgrims Medal. This is a special way to participate in the Jubilee Year 2025 by making a pilgrimage to these important Irish spiritual locations. (The passport stamp for the Croagh Pilgrimage can be obtained at Westport Parish Office, Murrisk Community Café or the Hut at the Foot of the Reek in Murrisk Car Park.) Further details: www.croaghpatrick.org   www.loughderg.org www.knockshrine.ie   www.pilgrimpassport.ie   WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION-POLLINATOR FRIENDLY GARDENING:  A date for your diary – Westport Eco Congregation invite you to one of their Tuesday Climate Chats – Tuesday 15th April 10-.45 – 12.15 in Carrowbeg House come and enjoy a chat with Pat Fahy – over a cup of tea Pat will inform us as to the correct plants for our pollinator friendly gardens. NEWPORT CHURCH CONCERT-THE FOUR   SEASONS: The Irish Chamber Orchestra featuring Henning Kraggerud on Violin and Aoife Nic Athlaoich on Cello will perform The Four Seasons by Vivaldi in  Newport Parish Church on Sat April 12th at 7.30pm . Tickets available from  irishchamberorchestra.com .   WESTPORT AUTISM FRIENDLY TOWN AND WESTPORT HOUSE: We invite the entire community to join us, wear something blue, bring your smiles, and show your support for autism inclusion. Meeting Point: Westport House Gates, Church Street Date: This Sunday, April 6th Time: 12:00 PM Finish at the Playground by Gracy's with tea & coffee. Let's walk together for understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.   FUNDRAISING EVENT: Saturday the 12th April 2025 from 10AM – 5PM at  Carrowbeg House for a fundraising event for Ghana. All funds will be donated to clean water projects and school facilities in Ghana. On the day you'll find quality clothes, cakes, bric a brac, shoes and handbags for sale, and a great raffle prizes. Your support is greatly appreciated.    PRAYER FOR THE 6TH WEEK OF LENT: Heavenly Father, as we journey through this holy season, guide our hearts to receive Your love and grace. Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope and increase our love for others. May we reflect on the sacrifice of Your Son, and prepare our spirits for the joy of resurrection. Amen. PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Liam Fahy, “Gate Lodge” The Quay.

Intro and Window 1 Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour 1 Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 2 Our Lady Of Lourdes 3 St. Jarlath 4 St. Francis of Assisi 5 St. Oliver Plunkett 6 Our Lady of Knock 7 The Lamentation of Christ 8 Christ the Redeemer 9 Sacred Heart 10 Immaculate Conception 11 Madonna and Child 12 The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin 13 St. Patrick 14 The Crown of Thornes 15 The Crucifixion 16 Archangel Michael 17 St. Elizabeth 18 St. Therese 19 St. Brigid 20 St. Joseph the Worker

Westport Autism Friendly Town is delighted to partner with  Westport House in celebrating World Autism Month with a community walk on Sunday, April 6th at 12:00 PM. The walk will begin at the main gates of Westport House on Church Street, bringing together families, friends, and supporters in a show of solidarity and inclusion. Participants will make their way through the scenic grounds to the playground beside Gracy's, where tea and coffee will be served. We invite the entire community to join us in this celebration — wear blue, bring your smiles, and show your support for autism inclusion. Event Details: 📍 Meeting Point: Westport House Gates, Church Street 📅 Date: Sunday, April 6th 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 🎉 Finish: Playground by Gracy's with tea & coffee We are especially grateful to Westport House for kindly sponsoring this event, helping us create a welcoming and supportive experience for everyone. Let's walk together for understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

Fr. John Kenny launching the Pilgrim Passport at Croagh Patrick The Jubilee Year 2025 Pilgrim Passport is an initiative designed to encourage people to undertake pilgrimages to three significant holy sites in Ireland. Here's a breakdown: * Purpose: * It's designed to encourage Pilgrims to visit visits Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg, and Knock Shrine during the Jubilee Year 2025, which is themed "Pilgrims of Hope." * The initiative aims to provide people with an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. * How it works: * Pilgrims can obtain the passport and have it stamped at each of the three sites they visit. * Those who complete the pilgrimage to all three locations can receive a special commemorative Jubilee Year Pilgrims Medal. * Key sites: * Croagh Patrick (Co. Mayo) * Lough Derg (Co. Donegal) * Knock Shrine (Co. Mayo) * Where to find more information. * www.pilgrimpassport.ie * www.croaghpatrick.org * www.knockshrine.ie In essence, it's a way to participate in the Jubilee Year 2025 by making a pilgrimage to these important Irish spiritual locations. Sunset at Croagh Patrick

LOUGH DERG: One Day Retreat to Lough Derg Monday 5th May  2025.Leaving St. Mary’s Church, Westport at 5.30a.m./pick up in Castlebar at the Fire Station at 5.45.a.m.  booking, please contact the Presbytery on 098-28871. Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope Three Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2025 , bus departing from St. Mary’s Church Westport, at 8. 00a.m. Ph. No. 087-7401391   LENTEN SCRIPTURE STUDY: Fr. Benny McHale will conduct a study of St. Luke’s New Testament writing on March, 26,  2nd & 9th April @7.30p.m. – 9.30pm Prayer Centre Knock Shrine. Contact Nicola Mitchell 094-9388100   CHARITABLE TAX Exemption: Sincere thanks to everyone who generously supports St Mary’s Westport Parish. 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 a tax reclaim by filling out a  CHY Form. We have posted out 350 such requests from Westport Presbytery. Please consider returning the completed forms in the weekend offertory collection or the presbytery office or the wooden box for offerings at the mall or James Street entrance to St Mary’s Church, Westport. Thanks again for your ongoing support of the parish. DAFFODIL DAY: Friday, March 28th next. Can you volunteer 2 hours of your time on this day to help collect funds for The Irish Cancer society?   Please contact Jackie on 085 1962566 if you are willing to help out.   ANAM CARA: The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Tuesday 25th March at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar   JUBILEE 2025 PILGRIM PASSPORT OFFICIAL LAUNCH ON WED.MARCH 26 TH AT 4P.M. IN MURRISK: Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg and Knock are three well-known Irish sanctuaries that have offered hope to pilgrims across the generations. With the Pilgrim Passport initiative, we invite you to make pilgrimage to all three shrines in the Jubilee Year 2025. When you have completed all of them you can receive a special commemorative, Jubilee Medal. For more details visit www.pilgrimpassport.ie     wwwcroaghpatrick.org                  www.knockshrine.ie      WESTPORT MENSHED DEMONSTRATION/DISPLAY: Westport Library Wednesday 26th March   at 11.00am   TRIP TO MEDJUGORIE MAY 14 – 21: Limited places available for a trip of a lifetime! Fully Escorted trip to Medjugorie May 14th to 21st with Marian Pilgrimages led by Sharon O Leary and accompanied by Fr Séan Sheehy as Spiritual Director. Complete Spiritual Programme available. Direct Return flights-Dublin. 7 nights Cost € 845 Further details Contact 086 0523014  WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION:  Over the past few years Westport Eco Congregation have invited you to participate in supporting Tree Planting Projects either here in our own country or abroad. This Lent the Laudato Si Movement  is calling for a “Native Tree planting Day”  on March 22nd.Their Lenten Calendar has the caption “Conversion of Heart for the Earth” We invite you to participate. Planting a tree, is an act of hope - a way too of celebrating this special Jubilee Year of Hope. WESTPORT LIONS CLUB:  Warmly invites all senior citizens to join us for the March Senior Citizens Party, at the Westport Order of Malta Hall on Sunday, 30th March 2025, at 3:00 PM. LENT WEEK 3: God Our Almighty Father, as we journey through this third week of Lenten, inspire us to turn away from our sins and be more faithful to the Gospel. May this Holy Communion deepen our commitment to serve others, to seek reconciliation, and to promote justice in our communities.We especially pray for those who feel lost or abandoned, that they may find hope and healing in Your embrace. Strengthen us as we try to be instruments of Your peace and bear witness to Your love.   We ask this through Christ our Lord. FRC SOCIAL CLUB FOR OLDER PEOPLE : Monday March 31st, Quay Community Centre, on the last Monday of every Month 2.pm-4pm. All musicians, storytellers welcome Ph. Joanne Keegan 098-24419 FÁLITE CUPPA : Our next Fáilte Cuppa is in Carrowbeg House next Sunday March 30th after 11.00a.m. Mass in St. Mary’s FIRST PENANCE: Please remember the 2nd class pupils in our Parish making their 1st Confession this week. PLEASE BE AWARE: RAS MHAIGH EO 2025 Stage 3. Sunday 11am, rolls through Westport then race continues to Murrisk, Louisburgh, Delphi, Leenaun, Tourmakeady, and Finishing at Westport Train Station at approximately 2.30pm

#PilgrimsofHope

LOUGH DERG: One Day Retreat to Lough Derg Monday 5th May  2025.Leaving St. Mary’s Church, Westport at 5.30a.m./pick up in Castlebar at the Fire Station at 5.45.a.m.  booking, please contact the Presbytery on 098-28871. Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope Three Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2025 , bus departing from St. Mary’s Church Westport, at 8. 00a.m. Ph. No. 087-7401391   STATIONS OF THE CROSS DURING LENT: Friday’s during Lent at 7.00p.m in St. Mary’s Church Westport.   LENTEN SCRIPTURE STUDY: Fr. Benny McHale will conduct a study of St. Luke’s New Testament writing on Wed. 19th March, 26, Mar. 2nd & 9th April @7.30p.m. – 9.30pm Prayer Centre Knock Shrine. Contact Nicola Mitchell 094-9388100   WESTPORT AUTISM FRIENDLY TOWNS COMMITTEE : Are delighted to inform you that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17th we will have a relaxed area in town to view the Parade. Our relaxed, quiet area will be on James St. at the entrance to St. Mary’s Church. All are Welcome. CHARITABLE TAX Exemption: Sincere thanks to everyone who generously supports St Mary’s Westport Parish. 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 a tax reclaim by filling out a  CHY Form. We have posted out 350 such requests from Westport Presbytery. Please consider returning the completed forms in the weekend offertory collection or the presbytery office or the wooden box for offerings at the mall or James Street entrance to St Mary’s Church, Westport. Thanks again for your ongoing support of the parish. DAFFODIL DAY: Friday, March 28th next. Can you volunteer 2 hours of your time on this day to help collect funds for The Irish Cancer society?   Please contact Jackie on 085 1962566 if you are willing to help out.   ANAM CARA: The organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Tuesday 25th March at 7.30pm in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar   PILGRIMS OF HOPE: Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg and Knock are three well-known Irish sanctuaries that have offered hope to pilgrims across the generations. With the Pilgrim Passport initiative, we invite you to make pilgrimage to all three shrines in the Jubilee Year 2025. When you have completed all of them you can receive a special commemorative, Jubilee Medal. For more details visit  www.pilgrimpassport.ie     wwwcroaghpatrick.org                  www.knockshrine.ie    HEAVENLY FATHER:  In the glorious moment of the Transfiguration, you revealed the divine light of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we, too, be transformed by His love and grace. Help us to see the beauty of Your presence in our lives and to carry that light into the world. Strengthen our faith, inspire our hearts, and guide our steps, that we may reflect Your glory in all we do. Amen. SUGGESTIONS FOR LENT:   What will you give up or abstain from this Lent?Give up hurtful words and say kind words instead.Give up complaining and be filled with gratitude.Give up anger and be filled with patience.Give up worries and trust in God.Give up bitterness and fill your heart with joy.Give up selfishness and share with others.Give up holding grudges and be forgiving.Give up always talking so that you can Listen to othersinstead. Adapted from advice given by Pope Francis CARE OF CREATION ECO CONGRATAGION:   Earth Hour 2025 takes place on Saturday March 22nd.   Every year, in late March, people and institutions come together to switch off all non-essential lights for sixty minutes at 8.30 p.m. local time. They do this to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it. Earth Hour  reminds us that each of us has the power to make a positive impact on our planet. This could be as simple as planting a tree, taking a bus or cycling rather than using ‘the car, planning a meal with no food waste, or reducing the amount of plastic we use. The invitation is to do something positive for our planet. In this Season of Lent, we are reminded regularly of the call to conversion . Pope Francis issued his landmark encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’ on May 24, 2015.   In it he called for an ecological conversion  in response to the many ecological crises facing our planet. Amidst our increasingly divided and polarized societies, earth hour  becomes a precious moment of unity, reminding the world that our one shared home needs our help and that we all can -  and must  - play a part in protecting it. Máméan Pilgrimage - Lá Fhéile Pádraig The St. Patrick's Day Mass scheduled for Máméan has, for health and safety reasons, been transferred to Kilmilkin Church (H91 HX64) at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 17 March 2025.Beidh fáilte roimh chách.   HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY : Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona Duit  Mass on March 17th Kilmeena 9.30a.m. Westport 11.00a.m. Lecanvey 8.00pm

PILGRIMS OF HOPE Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg and Knock are three well-known Irish sanctuaries that have offered hope to pilgrims across the generations. With the Pilgrim Passport initiative, we invite you to make pilgrimage to all three shrines in the Jubilee Year 2025. When you have completed all three of them you can receive a special commemorative, Jubilee Medal. When you have finished your Pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick you can get your Pilgrim Passport stamped at: The Presbytery Office in Westport. F28 TN28. “The Hut at the Foot” or Murrisk Community Café both of which are located in the carpark at Murrisk F28KX75. For further details visit www.pilgrimpassport.ie     wwwcroaghpatrick.org   www.knockshrine.ie