Archive for category: Latest News

The Chrism Mass – invitation from Bishop Paul Dempsey.                

This year Bishop Paul is inviting parishioners from every parish in the Diocese to participate in the Chrism Mass at St Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen, on Monday, 11^th April at 7.30 pm. He would particularly like those who are ministering in parishes such as Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, members of Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Committees, Sacramental Co-Ordinators, Adoration Groups, Altar Societies, Sacristans, Parish Secretaries, etc., to be present for this occasion. At this Mass, the Bishop blesses the oils that will be used at every baptism, confirmation, ordination and anointing of the sick in the Diocese over the next year. Priests also renew their commitment to service.  Following the Mass, refreshments will be available in St Nathy’s College. This is an occasion where we celebrate the unity of the people and priests of the diocese with the Bishop.  You are most welcome to come and join in the celebration!

The Car Park

An Irishman is struggling to find a parking space.

“Lord,” he prayed. “I can’t stand this. If you open a space up for me, I swear I’ll give up the Guinness and go to mass every Sunday.”

Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot. Without hesitation, the Irishman says: “Never mind, I found one!”

Taking Out An Advert

“Is that the Ballycashel Echo?” asks Mick.

“How much would it be to put an ad in your paper?”

“Five pounds an inch,” a woman replies. “Why? What are you selling?”

“A ten-foot ladder,” said Mick before slamming the phone down.

Three Brothers

An Irishman goes into a bar in America and orders three whiskeys. The barman asks: “Would it be better for if I put all three shots in one glass?”

The Irishman replies: “No! I have two other brothers back at home, so every time I come into a pub, I order a shot for them both.”

The following week, the Irishman orders just two whiskeys.

The barman asks: “Did something happen one of your brothers?” “Oh no,” replies the Irishman. “I just decided to quit drinking!”

Man’s Best Friend

Gerry Connors walked his dog through the village every day.

One day Mr Connors is on his walk without the dog.

His pal Billy sees him and asks: “Where is your dog?” Mr Murphy answers: “I had to have him put down.” “Was he mad,” asks Billy.

“He wasn’t too pleased,” Mr Murphy replies.

Visiting The Doctor

Dr O’Mahony tells his patient: “I have bad news and worse news, John.”

“Oh dear,” John replies. “What’s the bad news?” asks the patient.

The doctor replies: “You only have 24 hours to live.”

“That’s terrible,” says the patient. “How can the news possibly be worse?”

Dr O’Mahony replies: “I’ve been trying to contact you since yesterday.”

Digging A Hole

Two Irishmen were working in the public works department. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind him and fill the hole in.

After a while, one amazed onlooker said: “Why do you dig a hole, only to have your partner follow behind and fill it up again?”

The hole digger wiped his brow and sighed, “Well, I suppose it probably looks odd because we’re normally a three-person team. But today the lad who plants the trees called in sick.”

In 1984, Pope John Paul the second also consecrated Russia and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 25th of March.  This date is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord or Incarnation of Jesus in Mary’s womb.

the Latin Rite Catholic bishops of Ukraine sent a letter to Pope Francis,  at the beginning of March,  asking him to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

It was at Fatima during the apparitions in 1917, that the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed three secrets.  One of the secrets as recalled by visionary Sister Lucia,  was that Our Lady asked for “the Consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart,  and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays” to prevent a second world war.

In a letter written in 1989, Sister Lucia confirmed that Pope John Paul the second satisfied Our Lady’s request for Russia’s consecration in 1984. In the apparition of July 1917 in Fatima,  Our Lady  stated that if this request were not granted,  Russia would spread “its errors throughout the world,  promoting wars and persecution of the Church. ”

This re-consecration will hopefully bring peace.

St Kevin’s Church Keash – invitation to view works to date – Sunday 6th of March 4pm-6pm.

We as a parish have travelled a considerable journey in restoring Keash Church, the oldest Church in existence within the Diocese of Achonry. We started out with replacing the roof of the Church in September 2019 and have now completed the Heating and Electric works, to include lighting. We have erected a new wall along the road of the church, together with new footpaths and gates. We have insulated the attic and carried out extensive works within the sacristy.

It is now time to bring this project to completion. It is important that the people of the Parish have an opportunity to witness the works completed on the church inside and outside with a view towards having it finalised. The Church in Keash will be opened between the hours of 4pm and 6pm on Sunday the 6th of March next, where the people of our parish are invited to attend and to reflect on the works completed and give their views to what they would like to see in finishing out the works. Tea and Coffee with light refreshments will be served.

The peoples views are sought as to whether they want to paint the Church, put down new carpet (or not) and as to what finish they feel appropriate for the Sanctuary. If the Sanctuary is left without any significant additional  works, then it is possible that the Church might open earlier. When the seats go back into the Church, they will be fixed to the floor; therefore, it is important that a final decision on painting and carpet are made before the seats return to the Church.

If the people feel that the Sanctuary be fitted with the ‘Reredos’ circulated recently, then the works will take a little longer and a more specific time frame and costing will be shared with the people in due course.                                        It would be wonderful that both parts of our Parish have Churches to be proud of and ones that will have a future in one form or another.

It is important however that the people have an input into the finish they want for the Church in Keash. The people have supported these works in many ways to date, financially and otherwise.  I want to express my deep gratitude for this support. These works could not have happened without the good people of this parish. The condition of the church is a reflection of the faith of the people. I understand parts of this journey have been frustrating and the world of covid, did not help.  I assure you that I have felt that frustration also but I have continually asked the Lord for direction and the hope that this journey would ultimately prove successful. I hope the people reflect of this journey with pride and satisfaction. The journey is almost complete. I look forward to meeting you all on the 6th of March next.