Westport Parish

CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Congratulations to all those who were confirmed in St. Mary’s Church Westport on Thursday. Congrats also to their parents/guardians sponsors and teachers. Please continue keep them in your prayers. A special thanks to the co-ordinators and leaders of the “You shall be my Witnesses Programme” Well done everyone.   FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS CERMONIES: Clare Island Sat 25 th  April at 11.00a.m. Scoil Phádraig & Brackloon Sat 9 th May at 1.00p.m. Gaelscoil & Quay Sat. 16 th May at 1.00pm Lecanvey/Murrisk Sat. 23 rd May at 1.00p.m. Kilmeena & Carrowholly Sat 30 th May at 1.00pm Inisturk Saturday June 13 th June at 11.00a.m.   DEMENTIA: The course is called Insights into Dementia, Informing and Empowering Family Carers by providing Positive and Practical Training for Carers of family Members with Dementia. TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar from the 1 st  of April-13th of May 2026 from 7pm -9.30pm.    Telephone 1800 341 341 or email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie . 25 DRIVE FUNDRAISER THANK YOU: Fundraiser held in Fahy Community Centre on Tuesday April 7, Thank you to everybody that attended for your support and generosity. The fundraiser was in aid of a charity cycle which is taking place from Dublin to Mayo on 8/9th May to raise funds for the Daisy Lodge Cong.     TOWARDS HEALING: A Catholic Church response to Institutional Clerical/Religious Abuse. Free & Confidential Helpline & Coun selling Referral Service. Freephone 1800303416. See Notice Board for Details   EASTER PRAYER: Heavenly Father, on these Easter Days, we rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Grant us renewed faith, hope and love as we walk in the light of the empty tomb. May the joy of Easter fill our hearts, strengthen our spirit and lead us to share your love among us. We give you thanks for new beginnings, for forgiveness and for the promise of eternal life in Christ, our risen Lord. Amen   TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE: Fully Escorted Trip to Medjugorje with Marian Pilgrimages-Led by Sharon O Leary. Direct flights from Knock October 21st- 28th. Spiritual Director Fr Séan Sheehy and accompanied by Fr Nelson Joseph. Contact Sharon 086 0523014     WALKING WITH THE BEREAVED:   A call to service “Each of us, by virtue of our Baptism, has been called to serve the Lord Jesus in some way or other” Archbishop Francis Duffy. Training in Funeral Ministry. A call to support, is an initiate of the Tuam Diocesan Funeral Resource Team. The Church recommends that when no Priest or Deacon is available for the removal from the Funeral Home or the home of the deceased and graveside prayers in the cemetery, then a lay person can preside. You are invited to nominate someone whom you believe fulfils the role. See the details on the information leaflet.   CAMP VERITAS: The annual residential Faith & Fun Camp takes place this year in Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare. June 23rd – 28th inc. 2026. Camp Veritas is a one week sleep away pilgrimage experience se rving up to 200 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years and supported by up to 100 volunteers. The recipe is 'play and pray',  with a full immersion in the Catholic Faith through sacraments and fun activities. A bus will run from the West with collection points at Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry. To find out more or to book your place parents should contact Fr Mark 093 24250 or  frmarkquinn@tuamparish.com  or check out  www.campveritasireland.org  for further details   SUNFLOWER DAYS FOR HOSPICE: Mayo Roscommon Hospice need  funds raisers  National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Fri & 12 th  &13 th  June.  Contact 0949388666 email  info@hospice.ie .   PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST :   A stimulating presentation on film of the riches of the Catholic story with knowledge and in colourful presentation.  It is rooted in friendship with the story of Jesus Christ.    This series begins on this coming Tuesday 21st. 10.30 a.m (after 10 o'clock Mass} in Carrowbeg House and for the following Tuesdays April 28 th , May 5 th , 12 th , 19 th . Since seating space is limited, it would be helpful to register at the Parish Office 09828871 on Monday.  For further information Contact:    frtonyking@gmail.com   0872360272   EASTER PRAYER: Heavenly Father, on these Easter Days, we rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Grant us renewed faith, hope and love as we walk in the light of the empty tomb. May the joy of Easter fill our hearts, strengthen our spirit and lead us to share your love among us. We give you thanks for new beginnings, for forgiveness and for the promise of eternal life in Christ, our risen Lord. Amen PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Kay Friel, Exeter, England, sister-in-law Sr. Kathleen Friel Nan Ludden, Fr. Angelus Park. Padraig Dooley, Tulsk, Roscommon James Harcourt, Castlebar & Ardmore Rest in peace.

Confirmation Day Gaelscoil 16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Scoil Phadraig16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Scoil Phadraig16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Quay School16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Brackloon16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Drummin16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Lecanvey 16th April 20026 Confirmation Day Murrisk 16th April 20026

Presentation of Diplomas in Catechetics; Carrowbeg House by Archbishop Francis Duffy.  Victoria Reilly;  Sandra Reilly;  Tatiana Hojda; Catherine Kirby, Faustina Reidy; Stephen Blendell. Missing:  Andrea Reilly-Doherty; Angela Gillespie; Laura Jordan.

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER: Lord Jesus, source of endless mercy transform our hearts with your bondless compassion. May we trust in your mercy for ourselves and extend it to each other. Fill us with faith, hope and love. Grant us your peace and guide us on the right path as witnesses of your mercy every day.  Amen. CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES (CONFIRMANDI) AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH WESTPORT: C eremony of Light on Tuesday April 14 th at 7.30pm With Fr. John Confirmation Ceremony on Thursday April 16 th at 12 Noon with Archbishop Francis Duffy Please keep our Confirmandi in your special prayer Intentions.   SATURDAY 10.00A.M. MASS OFFERT0RY COLLECTION: For those unable to attend the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass or the 11.00a.m. Sunday Morning Mass, thank you for supporting our Local Church and Parish at the Offertory Collection at the 10.00a.m Mass on Saturday Morning.   DEMENTIA: The course is called Insights into Dementia, Informing and Empowering Family Carers by providing Positive and Practical Training for Carers of family Members with Dementia.TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar from the 1 st  of April-13th of May 2026 from 7pm -9.30pm.    Telephone 1800 341 341 or email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie .   ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND BASIC SPANISH LESSONS: Contact Roberta at 083 1805166 Email: rdecorazioni@gmail.com BLESSING OF MOTOR BIKES:  Sunday 12 th April at 1.00pm at Lecanvey Church .   MASS BOOK 2027:   Opens on Monday 13 th  April 2026   for   January – June 2027.   TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE: Fully Escorted Trip to Medjugorje with Marian Pilgrimages-Led by Sharon O Leary. Direct flights from Knock October 21st- 28th. Spiritual Director Fr Séan Sheehy and accompanied by Fr Nelson Joseph. Contact Sharon 086 0523014  LOCAL CHARITY EVENT : Could you take on 7,000 steps a day throughout April? Walk anywhere, anytime, and help support Family Carers Ireland while raising awareness for carers nationwide. Sign up at   www.familycarers.ie/get-involved   CHILDREN’S ROSARY: At St Mary's Church, Westport on Sunday 12th April at 10:30 am, before 11 am Mass. Children and teens of all ages are welcome to come and learn to pray the Rosary. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian at all times. For any questions, please call or text: 086 3895771 www.ChildrensRosary.org     EASTER PRAYER: Heavenly Father, on these Easter Days, we rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Grant us renewed faith, hope and love as we walk in the light of the empty tomb. May the joy of Easter fill our hearts, strengthen our spirit and lead us to share your love among us. We give you thanks for new beginnings, for forgiveness and for the promise of eternal life in Christ, our risen Lord. Amen   DIVINE MERCY PRAYER: Lord Jesus, source of endless mercy transform our hearts with your bondless compassion. May we trust in your mercy for ourselves and extend it to each other. Fill us with faith, hope and love. Grant us your peace and guide us on the right path as witnesses of your mercy every day.  Amen.   NATIONAL ANNUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION PILGRIMAGE: Knock Shrine on Sunday 19th April 2026 (10.30am–5pm).   The day includes Adoration, Confessions, a keynote address "Watch with Me: The Heart of Eucharistic Adoration" by Fr Nicholas Grace, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, followed by Benediction and procession.   An evening session will take place on Saturday 18th April (6–9pm) in the Basilica. All welcome to join this special day of prayer and renewal.   CAMP VERITAS:  The annual residential Faith & Fun Camp takes place this year in Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare. June 23rd – 28th inc. 2026. Camp Veritas is a one week sleep away pilgrimage experience se rving up to 200 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years and supported by up to 100 volunteers. The recipe is 'play and pray',  with a full immersion in the Catholic Faith through sacraments and fun activities. A bus will run from the West with collection points at Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry. To find out more or to book your place parents should contact Fr Mark 093 24250 or  frmarkquinn@tuamparish.com  or check out  www.campveritasireland.org  for further details   STEWARDS NEEDED FURTHER APPEAL: Volunteers to help with various Church related ceremonies and events. If you can help please contact Fr. John 098-28871, Kevin Barrett 087-8177291, Peter Hastings 087-7770426 EASTER UPDATE: Gena Heraty has shared an Easter message from Haiti, please see the details on our parish website www.westportparish.ie Please remember in your prayers: Aly Malone, Chestnut Grove Maureen O’Leary, Glen, Clare Island Gerry Murphy, Quay Road. Michael Duffy, Upper Kilsallagh. Eileen Molloy, Slinaun, Clogher. Rest in peace.

NATIONAL ANNUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION PILGRIMAGE:   Knock Shrine on Sunday 19th April 2026 (10.30am–5pm). The day includes Adoration, Confessions, a keynote address "Watch with Me: The Heart of Eucharistic Adoration" by Fr Nicholas Grace, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, followed by Benediction and procession. An evening session will take place on Saturday 18th April (6–9pm) in the Basilica. All are welcome to join this special day of prayer and renewal.   PRIESTS EASTER COLLECTION: Thank you for ongoing generous support. of the Priests collection. This is one of 4 collections in the year to pay Fr. John his monthly salary of €2,100.   STEWARDS NEEDED FURTHER APPEAL: Volunteers to help with various Church related ceremonies and events. If you can help please contact Fr. John 098-28871, Kevin Barrett 087-8177291, Peter Hastings 087-7770426   SATURDAY 10.00A.M. MASS OFFERT0RY COLLECTION: For those unable to attend the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass or the 11.00a.m. Sunday Morning Mass, thank you for supporting our Local Church and Parish at the Offertory Collection at the 10.00a.m Mass on Saturday Morning.   DEMENTIA: The course is called Insights into Dementia, Informing and Empowering Family Carers by providing Positive and Practical Training for Carers of family Members with Dementia.  TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar from the 1 st  of April-13th of May 2026 from 7pm -9.30pm.    Telephone 1800 341 341 or email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie .   SAFETALK SUICIDE ALERTNESS: TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar Tuesday 24 th  March 2026 Time 10am to 1.30pm   ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND BASIC SPANISH LESSONS: Contact Roberta at 083 1805166 Email: rdecorazioni@gmail.com BLESSING OF MOTOR BIKES: Sunday 12 th  April at 1.00pm at Lecanvey Church .   TROCAIRE: Thanks for your generous support to Trocaire Lentan Appeal, if you haven’t already done so, please return your offerings in the envelope that was provided.     TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE: Fully Escorted Trip to Medjugorje with Marian Pilgrimages-Led by Sharon O Leary. Direct flights from Knock October 21st- 28th. Spiritual Director Fr Séan Sheehy and accompanied by Fr Nelson Joseph. Contact Sharon 086 0523014  THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION: Registration from 4.30pm – 8.30pm Castlecort Hotel Tuesday 7 th  Wed & Thursday 8 th   Blood Needed Urgently.   LOCAL CHARITY EVENT : Could you take on 7,000 steps a day throughout April? Walk anywhere, anytime, and help support Family Carers Ireland while raising awareness for carers nationwide.   Sign up at  www.familycarers.ie/get-involved 5 DRIVE FUNDRAISER: Tuesday, 7th April in Fahy Community Centre in aid of Daisy Lodge Children’s cancer facility in Cong Co. Mayo. Doors open @ 8pm - games commence 8.30pm sharp. Admission €10 Raffle tickets for sale.   BECOME A LAUDATO SI ANIMATOR: The Laudato Si’ Animators Program is a flagship formation initiative of the Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM). It equips people of faith and goodwill to respond to today’s ecological crisis through personal ecological conversion, action and advocacy, rooted in the encyclical Laudato Si’. This free online program deepens participants’ understanding of ecological and social realities through the lens off faith, spirituality and integral ecology, while offering practical tools to lead concrete creation care efforts in their communities. It is a deeply nourishing course and participants will be part of a national Laudato Si’ Network, supported by Trócaire, afterwards.   EASTER PRAYER. H eavenly Father, on these Easter Days, we rejoice in the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Grant us renewed faith, hope and love as we walk in the light of the empty tomb. May the joy of Easter fill our hearts, strengthen our spirit and lead us to share your love among us. We give you thanks for new beginnings, for forgiveness and for the promise of eternal life in Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.   HAPPY EASTER GREETINGS : To all all-parishioners family and friends’ home and abroad. May we rejoice in the risen Christ with renewed faith, joyful hope and constant love in the Risen Lord. From Fr. John & Fr. Britus. PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Christina Barnicle, (nee Horan) Ballintubber. Betty Gavin, Grange, Sligo & late of Drummin. Rest in peace.

Monday 30th March 10.00am  Mass Westport 11.OOam            Croagh Patrick Walk (Patrick, Prayer and Pebbles)                             Gathering in the carpark. Tuesday 31st March 10.00a.m.          Mass Westport   Wednesday 1st April        10.00a.m.          Mass Westport 6.00p.m. Chrism Mass in Tuam. Bus leaving Mill St. Car Park at 4.00p.m.   Holy Thursday 2 nd  April 10.00a.m.          Morning Prayer Westport 8.00pm             Celebration of the Last Supper, Westport         8.00pm             Celebration of the Last Supper, Lecanvey. 6.30p.m.           Fahy          8.00pm            Newport     Good Friday 3 rd  April 10.00a.m.          Morning Prayer Westport 3.00p.m.            The Lord’s Passion, Westport 3.00p.m.            The Lord’s Passion, Newport  3.00pm             Stations Cross Drummin 3.00pm             Stations Cross Lecanvey 4.pm - 5.pm        Confessions Westport 6.00p.m.           Walk of Witness Westport 8.00p.m.           Stations of the Cross, Westport 8.00p.m.           The Lord’s Passion, Drummin.   Holy Saturday 4th April 10.00a.m.          Morning Prayer, Westport 12pm-2pm         Confessions Westport 2.30pm              Blessing of Easter Food, Westport 8.00p.m.            Easter Vigil, Westport 8.00pm.             Easter Vigil, Newport 9.00p.m.            Easter Vigil, Kilmeena.   Easter Sunday 5th April Dawn Mass 6am    Murrisk Abbey Dawn Mass 6am    Burrishoole. 9.30a.m.              Fahy 9.30a.m.              Lecanvey 11.00a.m.            Westport

TUESDAY ADORATION HOLY HOUR DURING LENT: March 31 st  for all the sick and bereaved of our parish.   POLISH BLESSING : The Traditional blessing of food for the Polish Community will take place at St. Mary’s Church at 2.30p.m. on Holy Saturday April 4 th   CHRISM MASS IN TUAM 1 st  APRIL:   Bus leaving from Mill Street Car Park at 4.00p.m. Contact Mary at 087-1363141   GOOD FRIDAY WESTPORT ECUMENICAL WALK OF WITNESS: Gathering at 6.00pm Holy Trinity Church, walking through town ending at St. Mary’s Church.   TROCAIRE APPEAL: You can bring your Trocaire Offerings to any of the Holy Week Ceremonies starting on Holy Thursday. Please change coins to notes and use the special envelopes that you received with your Trocaire Pack. Extra envelopes are available at the back of the Church.  Thank You.   HOLY WEEK AND EASTER: Are the most significant celebrations of our faith. Please join us in the ceremonies. “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our Song”   HOLY WEEK PRAYER: O Lord, as we go through Holy Week, help us recall the Mystery of your Passion, death and resurrection.  Open our eyes to the needs of others and move us to acts of love and kindness. Strengthen our faith that you are the way the truth and the life. Comfort all who are suffering and grant them lasting hope.Guide us to be your hands and feet, your eyes and ears, in our damaged world. And may the joy of the Resurrection heal all our brokenness, now and forever. Amen.   CHILDREN’S ROSARY AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH: Sunday 12th April at 10:30 am, before 11 am Mass. Children and teens of all ages are welcome to come and learn to pray the Rosary. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian at all times. For any questions, please call or text: 086 3895771              www.ChildrensRosary.org   WESTPORT DAFFODIL DAY COMMITTEE : Would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the collectors who volunteered their help with our Daffodil Day collection and to those who generously supported it.   HOLY WEEK CERMONIES: Monday 30 th  March 10.00am     Mass Westport 11.00am     Croagh Patrick Walk Gathering in the Car Park (Patrick Prayer and Pebbles)     Tuesday 31 st March 10.00a.m.   Mass Westport   Wednesday 1 st April            10.00a.m.   Mass Westport 6.00p.m.     Chrism Mass in Tuam, Bus leaving Mill St. Car Park at 4.00p.m.   Holy Thursday 2 nd April 10.00a.m.   Morning Prayer Westport 8.00pm       Celebration of the Last Supper, Westport          8.00pm       Celebration of the Last Supper, Lecanvey. 6.30p.m.     Fahy           8.00pm        Newport      Good Friday 3 rd April 10.00a.m.    Morning Prayer Westport 3.00p.m.      The Lord’s Passion, Westport 3.00p.m.      The Lord’s Passion, Newport  3. 00pm        Stations Cross Drummin 3.00pm        Stations Cross Lecanvey 4.00pm-       5.00pm Confessions Westport 6.00p.m.      Walk of Witness Westport 8.00p.m.      Stations of the Cross, Westport 8.00p.m.      The Lord’s Passion, Drummin.   Holy Saturday 4 th April 10.00a.m.     Morning Prayer, Westport 12.00pm-      2.00pm Confessions Westport 2.30pm          Blessing of Easter Food, Westport 8.00p.m.        Easter Vigil, Westport 8.00pm.         Easter Vigil, Newport 9.00p.m.        Easter Vigil, Kilmeena.   Easter Sunday 5 th April Dawn Mass 6.00a.m.     Murrisk Abbey Dawn Mass 6.00a.m.     Burrishoole. 9.30a.m.                            Fahy 9.30a.m.                          Lecanvey, 11.00a.m.                         Westport   TUAR NA CROISE: Stations of the Cross on Máméan on Good Friday 3 rd April at 3.00p.m.   MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 30 th  MARCH “PATRICK PRAYER AND PEBBLES” (AN ECUMENICAL EVENT): A gentle walk on the Holy Mountain (Croagh Patrick) Meeting at 11.00a.m at Murrisk Car Park. All are welcome. MONTHLY HOUSE CALLS: Fr. John will do his usual house calls during the week. PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mary Catherine Mulchrone. Patrick Navin, Owenwee. Sr. Haloge Mellett, Uk & Clare Carmel Flatley, London & Rosbeg. Martin Mc Manamon-Leneghan, Ballycroy. Rest in peace.

LENTAN PENANCE SERVICES: Sun. 22 nd  Louisburgh 7.30pm Mon.23 rd  Newport 8.pm Tues.24 th  Kilmeena 8pm Wed. 25 th  Westport 8pm.   STEWARDS NEEDED FURTHER APPEAL: Volunteers to help with various Church related ceremonies and events. If you can help please contact Fr. John 098-28871, Kevin Barrett 087-8177291, Peter Hastings 087-7770426   STATION OF THE CROSS DURING LENT: On Fridays at 7p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Westport   WESTPORT PARISH COUNCIL: Reminder the next meeting is on March 23 rd  at 8.00pm in the Presbytery.   CHRISM MASS IN TUAM 1 ST  APRIL: Bus leaving from Mill Street Car Park at 4.00pm Contact Mary 087-1363141   SATURDAY 10.00A.M. MASS OFFERT0RY COLLECTION: For those unable to attend the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass or the 11.00a.m. Sunday Morning Mass, thank you for supporting our Local Church and Parish at the Offertory Collection at the 10.00a.m Mass on Saturday Morning.   DEMENTIA: The course is called Insights into Dementia, Informing and Empowering Family Carers by providing Positive and Practical Training for Carers of family Members with Dementia.  TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar from the 1 st  of April-13th of May 2026 from 7pm -9.30pm.    Telephone 1800 341 341 or email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie .   SAFETALK SUICIDE ALERTNESS: TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar Tuesday 24 th  March 2026 Time 10am to 1.30pm   HOLY WATER BOTTLES: If you have empty holy water bottles from last Easter please bring them back and we refill them.   ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND BASIC SPANISH LESSONS: Contact Roberta at 083 1805166 Email: rdecorazioni@gmail.com TUESDAY ADORATION HOLY HOUR DURING LENT: March 24 th  for children preparing for Confirmation March 31 st  for all the sick and bereaved of our parish   TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE: Fully Escorted Trip to Medjugorje with Marian Pilgrimages-Led by Sharon O Leary. Direct flights from Knock October 21st- 28th. Spiritual Director Fr Séan Sheehy and accompanied by Fr Nelson Joseph. Contact Sharon 086 0523014  WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION: During this Lenten Season, Eco Congregation have been inviting us to an “ecological conversion”  as we reflect on our call to care for our common home.  By weaving the cry of the earth  into our traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving , we can move away from a “ throwaway culture ” and toward a life of greater stewardship . Whether it is fasting from single-use plastics , praying in the beauty of nature , or supporting those most impacted by climate change , every small sacrifice honour God’s creation.  Let us continue to use these remaining days of Lent to simplify our lives, rediscover our interconnectedness with all living things, and allow our hearts to be guided in the choices  we continue to make. Reminder!!  Earth Hour is next Saturday March 28 th..  Earth Hour invites you to switch off and spend 60 minutes doing something - anything - positive for our planet next Saturday – March 28 th  from 8.30-9.30pm.   EASTER BUNNIES:   On the Loose in Westport & Castlebar. Raising Funds for Cancer Fund for Children, (Daisy Lodge Cong).  Irish Cancer Society -Relay for Life Mayo. Commencing March 17th-24/04/26.  D onations can be dropped to the Parish Office or Westport FRC.    ‘ WHISPER OF GOD’  One Day Silent Retreat takes place in Knock Prayer Centre on Saturday, March 28th 2026 from 10am to 5pm. For more information, contact John Farrelly, Prayer Guides Coordinator at Knock Shrine. Tel. 086 0108623 or email  prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie . See www.knockshrine.ie LENTEN PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant us the gift of your grace in this holy season.  Renew our faith, strengthen our hope and increase our love of You and our neighbour. Please forgive our failings. Transform our lives as we follow the teaching and example of Christ. Help us to show Your generous kindness to everyone. We make this our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.   DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Dawn Mass Murrisk Abbey Easter Sunday at 6.00AM.

We are deeply grateful to Rev Suzanne Cousins and the congregation at Holy Trinity Church for the generous gift of a new chasuble. This green vestment is for Mass in St Mary's Church during ordinary time. This is a thank you gift for sharing our place of worship during recent repairs at Holy Trinity. The kindness of our neighbours enriches our liturgy and reflects the unity of our two parishes in Christ. May God bless us all abundantly. Our heartfelt thanks and good wishes from St. Mary's Church, Westport.

TUESDAY ADORATION HOLY HOUR DURING LENT: March 24 th  for children preparing for Confirmation March 31 st  for all the sick and bereaved of our parish.   STEWARDS NEEDED: Volunteers to help with various Church related ceremonies and events. If you can help please contact Fr. John 098-28871, Kevin Barrett 087-8177291, Peter Hastings 087-7770426   STATION OF THE CROSS DURING LENT: On Fridays at 7p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Westport   WESTPORT PARISH COUNCIL: Reminder the next meeting is on March 23 rd  at 8.00pm in the Presbytery.   DAFFODIL DAY: Friday, March 20th. Can you volunteer 2 hours of your time. Contact Jackie on 085 1962566   CHRISM MASS IN TUAM 1 ST  APRIL: Bus leaving from Mill Street Car Park at 4.00pm Contact Mary 098-28033   PRAYER FOR LATARE SUNDAY AND MOTHER’S DAY: Gracious God, on this Latare Sunday and Mother's Day, bless every mother with patience, courage and joy. May our families gather in gratitude, gentleness and generosity. Grant Your rest to weary hands, guidance to daily tasks and love that grows every day. Surround all mothers with Your care and protection. Amen.   SATURDAY 10.00A.M. MASS OFFERT0RY COLLECTION: For those unable to attend the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass or the 11.00a.m. Sunday Morning Mass, thank you for supporting our Local Church and Parish at the Offertory Collection at the 10.00a.m Mass on Saturday Morning.   ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 1.00PM . Family Fun Amusements & Crafts 2pm James Street Car Park, Westport Town Hall-Music, Dance & Drame Performance. Free Enry 4pm   BRACKLOON HINTERLAND COMMUNITIES: Will have its community futures plan launch on Sunday march 22nd at 11am. Minister Darragh Calleary attends the launch along with other Mayo TDs and local councillors, see you there for this historic occasion arrive early  0863192882   DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Dawn Mass Murrisk Abbey Easter Sunday at 6.00AM.   ECO CONGREGATION: Reducing food waste during the Lenten season aligns with spiritual goals of fasting and mindfulness by encouraging intentional eating and stewardship .  According to the EPA it costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year. That’s an annual national cost of €1.29 billion.  We can individually and collectively make simple changes in our lives that would reduce the amount of food that gets wasted. Simple things like meal planning, creatively using leftovers, checking the back of your fridge for items that might go unnoticed or unused and moving them to the front.   PIONEER ANNUAL AFTERNOON OF PRAYER: Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock on Sunday 22 nd  March from 3.pm-6pm   DEMENTIA: The course is called Insights into Dementia, Informing and Empowering Family Carers by providing Positive and Practical Training for Carers of family Members with Dementia.  TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar from the 1 st  of April-13th of May 2026 from 7pm -9.30pm.    Telephone 1800 341 341 or email familycarertraining@alzheimer.ie .   CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK An evening of Irish Music, Culture and Heritage which takes place in Knock Basilica on Sunday, March 15 th  at 8pm. All are welcome.  Free admission. See  www.knockshrine.ie  fo r more details.   SAFETALK SUICIDE ALERTNESS: TF Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar Tuesday 24 th  March 2026 Time 10am to 1.30pm   HOLY WATAER BOTTLES: If you have empty holy water bottles from last Easter please bring them back and we refill them.   TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE: Fully Escorted Trip to Medjugorje with Marian Pilgrimages-Led by Sharon O Leary. Direct flights from Knock October 21st- 28th. Spiritual Director Fr Séan Sheehy and accompanied by Fr Nelson Joseph. Contact Sharon 086 0523014  EASTER BUNNY HUNT 2026: Volunteers needed Tx 0877779879/phone Entries can be left in at the Presbytery or family resource centre, Mill Street.   LENT PREPARING FOR EASTER: Meeting continuing in Carrowbeg House 7pm-8pm on Thursday evenings

Hi Father Kenny and all in the parishes, I hope ye are all well and getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. As I write that, I find myself wondering how many people will actually think of St. Patrick himself on the day! He sure did pick a cold enough spot to do his 40 day retreat😉. I have always loved the song Hail Glorious St. Patrick and Lennie Grimes singing it is the real deal! Here we are all doing well thank God. It's really a case of taking it day by day, night by night. We now describe our days/nights in relation to shooting - a good day is when we have no shooting and we can move freely on the grounds and our family can be outside. A good night is when we don't hear any shooting and we all sleep. The last week has been great as we have not had any night shooting and very little during the days so we are all happy out. Our children/young adults are all adapting well to life in the heat and while we adults, moan about the heat, the flies and the mosquitoes, they never complain. They are amazing. We have 57 in our big Kay Christine family and believe it or not we are accepting two more young children- both were abandoned in the hospital( the hospital is part of the organization I work for-Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs Our other programs are also going well. We have a steady flow of children coming for Physio every day and an equally steady flow of Adults- mainly stroke patients -coming. So many people under 50 having strokes. Tis scary. The other night, I had pins and needles in my hand, and I thought O God, I hope I am not going to have a stroke😊 These patients and their families give us a real insight into life in Haiti and all the struggles. Many of the stories are heart breaking, others are outright terrifying. Just watching a stroke patients, or a mother with a severely disabled child, get on a motor bike terrifies me, not to mention the fact that many are living in areas that are surrounded by gangs. Bear in mind that there is no social welfare in Haiti and access to health care is very difficult. If you have no money, you are left to suffer. You can imagine how hard it is when someone gets sick or has an accident. When you have a child with disabilities, everything becomes more challenging. Our school is going well - as long as our school buses are on the road, the parents are happy to send their children. Without the buses, it would be too difficult for them- remember no one has cars here and public transport is painful - to put it mildly😉. It is so wonderful to see them coming in every morning and the joy they bring with them makes everyone feel good. Their parents are very proud of their achievements and always so appreciative of our efforts. Apart from our regular work we have been busy supporting very vulnerable cases. I will give a few examples. One single mother of two children- a baby and a child with disabilities- nearly gave me a heart attack. She came one morning and when I asked where her children were, she said home alone- she gave them sleeping tablets so they would not wake up and cry. Apparently this is a common practice for some mothers. The good news is that we have been able to rent a little place for her and we have given her money so she can sell stuff. Plus we give her support every month so she can feed the children. She is a new woman and always thanking us. A woman came yesterday - she had a pin/rod in her leg- after a break, and now had no money for the operation to take it out. The same woman has a son, that had a stroke and lost the use in his arm. He used to come for PT. Somehow she is managing to send him to college. Can't be easy. Anyway, we sent her off with a check (1000Euro) and tears of gratitude in her eyes. A few weeks ago, a guy did a sponsored cycle from Dublin to Westport. He sent us the money €9k and the very next week we organized a food distribution for over 175 families - all families that used to live up in the mountains close to where we were. Rice beans and cooking oil. Nothing fancy BUT a massive contribution to people that have lost everything. Sadly, lots of people are hungry every day. People that have been displaced due to gangs are really struggling. Never underestimate the value of every Euro ye send our way. €3 will buy a decent meal - rice bean soup and vegetables. With €6 we can buy Rice and Beans that will feed 8-10 people. There is no sign of an end to all the violence. We have a new, transitional government and they promise elections this year. They also promise to end the reign of the gangs. Promises and promises. We wait and see. Probably this is long enough. Thanks to all of you for all your prayers and please do continue to pray for us. Those of us that were kidnapped are working away as always and doing well. We frequently talk about our experience and we continue to pray for those that we met during that whole long month of August. It seems a life time away now- sadly the gangs are still up in the hills, still burning homes and killing innocent peasants. Will spare ye the details. Love to everyone. Keep doing good whenever and wherever you can. Keep smiling and keep spreading kindness. The good fight is always a worthy fight and kindness and goodness are always key elements in the good fight😊. Happy St. Patricks Day. I will be wearing the green. Up Mayo wherever you go. Gena

TUESDAY ADORATION HOLY HOUR DURING LENT: 7.00-pm -8.00pm In St. Mary’s Church Westport. Special prayer intentions. March 10 th  for children preparing for First Holy Communion & Confession. March 24 th for children preparing for Confirmation March 31 st  for all the sick and bereaved of our parish.   BABY AND TODDLER PLAYGROUP: Every Wednesday during School term, Westport Leisure Centre Hall 9.30am-11.00a.m.   STEWARDS NEEDED: Volunteers to help with various Church related ceremonies and events. If you can help please contact Fr. John 098-28871, Kevin Barrett 087-8177291, Peter Hastings 087-7770426   STATION OF THE CROSS DURING LENT: On Fridays at 7p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Westport   CONTEMPLATIVE DOMINICAN MONASTIC VOCATION:   Vocation Discernment Weekends in the Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena, Drogheda, A92 KR84, 20 th  – 22 nd  of March 2026 & 17 th  – 19 th  April 2026 . For single women between the ages of 18- 35 Contact: Sr. Mairead O.P. at sienavoc@gmail.com   041 9838524   WESTPORT PARISH COUNCIL: Reminder the next meeting is on March 23 rd  at 8.00pm in the Presbytery.   MARCH 2026: POPE’S INTENTIONS: Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.   COMMUNITY PRAYER GATHERING : For the Middle East and Global Events. Sunday 8 th  March at 6.30pm in Holy Trinity Church. Everyone is welcome to this Ecumenical Prayer Service.   DAFFODIL DAY: Friday, March 20th. Can you volunteer 2 hours of your time. Contact Jackie on 085 1962566   LENT PREPARING FOR EASTER: Meetings continuing on Thursday Evenings from 7.00p.m. – 8.00p.m. in Carrowbeg House. All are welcome.   CHRISM MASS IN TUAM 1 ST  APRIL: Bus leaving from Mill Street Car Park at 4.00pm Contact Mary 098-28033   SKY ARTS LANDSCAPE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2026: A competition to create a landscape painting of Croagh Patrick in – Ireland’s holy mountain. Watch the Winner's Film to be broadcast again at 8pm on Wednesday 11 th March on Sky Arts. Filmed in Westport last September 2025.   ONGOING RENEWAL AND FORMATION: Ms. Niamh Morris. Diocesan Pastoral Resource Person will meet ministers of the word (readers) Monday March 9 th  at 7.30pm-9.00pm Ministers of the Eucharist Tuesday March 10 th  at 7.30pm-9.00pm  in Carrowbeg House F28 W903 Organised by Westport Liturgy Group.   WESTPORT ECO CONGREGATION: Many wise teachers are now asking us to “ return to the heart ” where we can transform how we live in our world, with respect for our earth, and the people who share it with us.  Do you know that over 200 MILLION coffee cups are used in Ireland every year…with a very low number of those being compostable?  This is one of the most visible and UNNECESSARY waste streams we have AND it is one of the easiest to prevent. Could you make a commitment this Lent to stop any part you have in this littering?  “KEEP CUPS” are readily available in shops here in Westport and countrywide.  Why not get one and keep it with you wherever you are likely to feel tempted!  REMEMBER…SMALL CHANGES MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES!   WESTPORT LIONS CLUB MEETING: Monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10th March at 8 PM in the Clew Bay Hotel. These meetings are a great opportunity to discuss our ongoing projects, future initiatives, and ways we can continue to serve and support our community. Look forward to seeing you all.     LENTAN PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for this sacred time of Lent, a time to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel. Help us to be honest with our shortcomings and brave in our repentance. Draw us deeper into the mystery of Christ's love. Strengthen our resolve to live justly, love mercy and walk humbly with You. Teach us to persevere in prayer, fasting and giving alms. May the fruits of this season bring forth lasting conversion. To You, Father, through the Son and the Holy Spirit, be praise, glory, and honour, now and forever. Amen.   DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Dawn Mass Murrisk Abbey Easter Sunday at 6.00AM.