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ST. BRIGID’S DAY MASSES: Thursday, February 1 st , in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, at 9.30am and

7pm. “Anois teacht an Earraigh, beidh an la dul chun shineadh, Is tar eis na feil Bride, ardoigh me no sheol.

Now with the springtime the days will grow longer, and after St. Brigid’s day, my sail I will unfurl.” St. Brigid,

with her warmth, healing, and hospitality, traditionally brought the spring. Many years ago, St. John Paul 2

expressed the hope of a “new springtime” in our faith, when we would move from knowing about Jesus to

knowing Jesus personally, and thus let our faith come into full bloom. I hope and pray also, through St. Brigid’s

intercession, that we will have a great springtime of peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes.

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DIOCESAN RETREAT IN KNOCK: one of the annual retreats for the combined clergy of the dioceses of Galway-

Kilfenora and Clonfert will be taking place in Knock on the week of Sunday, February 4, so there will be no

9.30am Mass on Tuesday, February 6 th in Lisdoonvarna. Thank you for your understanding.

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MEDUGORJE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL: from July 31 to August 7, 2024, led by our Bishop, Michael

Duignan. Open to adults between the ages of 18 (by July 31, 2024), and 35. Subsidised fare euro 680, all

inclusive. Contact Galway diocesan office on 091 563566, or email info@galwaydiocese.ie. Closing date is April

12. The Parish Finance Committee would consider subsidising an interested applicant.

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CLERGY PLANNING MEETING IN ARMADA HOTEL: on Tuesday, February 20/Wednesday, February 21, there

will be another planning meeting in Spanish Point with the clergy of our diocese of Galway-Kilfenora. My

hunch is that we will be moving closer towards the clustering model of our neighbouring diocese of Killaloe,

with Lisdoonvarna or Ennistymon possibly serving as regional hubs. Considering the recent census of Mass-

attendance numbers requested by the diocese, this may entail the rationalisation, prioritisation, and re-

assignment of priests, churches, and Masses, in the light of our rapidly diminishing number of active and

healthy priests. I’m sure also that we will be informed of the introduction of training-programs for lay

ministers who will officiate where possible in the event of a priest not being available. I will keep you

informed and consulted about the outcome. Please keep this whole process in your prayers that it will be

guided by the Holy Spirit and Our Lady His Beloved Spouse.

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THANK YOU to the good Lord and His Blessed Mother for a lovely visit to our parish last week from Patricia

Friel from Mary’s Meals. Patricia’s talks in our schools and at holy Mass both moved us and challenged us to

build a world where no child will go to bed hungry. If you would like to form part of a branch of Mary’s Meals

here in the parish, please contact me.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK thank you and God bless to our wonderful teachers, SNA’s, school staff teams,

students, and Boards of Management for their service as we celebrate Catholic Schools week. Thank you Lord

for all the quiet and loving work done behind the scenes, and which is known to Yourself alone.

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