Some years ago, I volunteered for a parish based Confirmation programme.  I have many lovely memories and one child’s question, shared by the group, continues to resonate: “But I thought Jesus was God?” The children we journeyed with, like many of their generation,  rarely saw the inside of the Church, only experienced prayer and sacraments through school, and apart from this programme, had no experience of parish taking an interest in them.  And yet, they were very interested in God, knew Him and were open to being supported in knowing Him and each other better. I recall  their surprise on hearing that God is  Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that all three persons want all of us to share in their blessed life, both now and for all eternity. In this Gospel passage we see how all three persons of the Trinity, at Christ’s instigation, manifested themselves to  Peter, James and John, providing them with an experience  that was to stand  to them later.  Could it be that we and others in our parish are called to follow Christ’s example by creating opportunities through parish-based programmes, for our young people to grow in their awareness, knowledge and love of God?   Let’s take this question into our prayer  this Lent, that they too, in the power  of the Holy Spirit, may hear the words ‘ This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.  Listen to him.’   Taking Our Hearts to the Lord – Scripture Sharing Group Resource, Lent 2017  

  March 2017 Dear Parishioner, I am writing to you in relation to the Citizens’ Convention currently meeting in Dublin. You are probably aware that the Citizens Convention was set up last year to advise the government on whether to have a referendum to remove article 40.3.3 of the Constitution which protects the lives of...

Have you noticed how central the word ‘if’ is to Satan’s questioning?  In each instance he appeals through the word ‘if’ to a very natural desire:  food when hungry, recognition,  possessions, power and influence. Did “if” feature a lot in your childhood and does it feature in your communication with yourself or with others  today? ...

Haggardstown and Blackrock Parish are organising a historical tour / pilgrimage to London, open to all people, from Mon 1st May – Fri 5th May 2017 centred around the martyrdom of St Oliver Plunkett at Tyburn on 1st July 1681. Trip includes Masses each day at Tyburn, Westminster Cathedral and Bromptom Oratory (all associated with...

Please contact Fr. Nigel Charles Parochial House, Boherquill, Lismacaffrey, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – telephone: 043 6685847 or email nigelcharles2003@yahoo.co.uk – for further information      

Over the last number of years many people in the diocese have participated in theology courses offered through the Diocesan Pastoral Centre and other institutions. The Pastoral Centre courses include the Mater Dei Certificate in Theology and the Maryvale Catechism Course. If you have participated in such courses and are interested in putting your skills...

Two evenings of preparation for Holy Week have been organised for newly formed and existing liturgy groups and any parishioners that may be interested. The facilitator is Colette Furlong, Catechist for the Sligo Cluster of Parishes. The training will take place at the following venues: Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan on Tuesday 14 March from 7.30-9.30 pm...

Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development (including Youth Ministry) and the Council for Catechetics  of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference Project Officer   (For fixed term – 3 year period)   The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference wishes to appoint a Project Officer whose primary responsibility will be to support the work of its Council for...

  A programme for the training of men for the Permanent Diaconate will begin in St. Angela’s College in Sligo next October. The Diocese of Kilmore hopes to send candidates for training. If there are any men between the ages of 35 and 55 who feel that they may have a calling to this very...

An eight-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Programme begins in the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan on Wednesday 1 March 2017 with choice of two sessions daily, 10:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. or 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. and one-day retreat on Saturday 8 April 2017 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.  Tuition Fee: €300 for full course and resources.  For further...