As we prepare for the World Meeting of Families this August, we invite you to join us for guided discussion and reflection on family life, as outlined in Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia: The Joy of Love in the Family. 

These informal sessions, which are free of charge, will take place in four centres in the diocese and everyone is welcome to attend – we are all family!  

All are invited to attend the Mass of Chrism in Sligo Cathedral on Wednesday 28th March at 7.30pm.  During the Mass, Bishop Kevin will bless the oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sick.  The priests of the diocese will renew their commitment to the priestly ministry.  All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Gillooly Hall.

Over the coming months, Bishop Kevin will host six evenings for parishioners around the diocese to explore the LIFE question and to consider how best we can exercise our responsibility as Catholics to respect life and to support women.

The fifth of these evenings will be in Clayton Hotel, Sligo on Thursday 19th April at 7.30pm. All are very welcome to attend.

Diocese Extends Invitation to Families to Attend Family Fun Day

Bishop Kevin Doran is inviting families across the 37 parishes of the Diocese of Elphin to a family picnic fun day in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle on Sunday 22^nd April 2018. The celebration is part of diocesan preparations for the World Meeting of Families which will take place in August 2018. Speaking at the event launch at the Forest Park on Saturday, Bishop Kevin said, “this is a celebration of family in an atmosphere of fun, sharing and friendship. Families of other religious traditions and of none are our neighbours and friends and I want them to feel most welcome on this family day.  The day will begin at 1pm and continue until 6pm with an official opening at 2.30pm.

Bishop Doran went on to say: “Lough Key Forest Park is a really beautiful location and we are very grateful for the way in which our proposal has been welcomed by the Manager, Louise Fitzpatrick. A family picnic in the scenic location of Lough Key Forest Park is an opportunity for the wider family in the diocese to come together. To eat together, to renew and build friendships. The surroundings of Lough Key gives another moment to think about the environment and how we care for it”.   

There will be face painting, dance workshops and outdoor games to play.  Musicians, singers and choirs will share their gifts and create a family atmosphere.  Families may choose to do some of the walks around the park and gain some insight into the history of Lough Key Forest Park.  An opportunity will also be available to explore the beauty of creation and consider how we can care for our common home. Families can discover the Family Cube, a resource to help families on their journey of faith and love.

Admission to the event is free, with free parking.  Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic or avail of Lough Key’s on-site catering.  BBQ’s are permitted.  Families are also invited to bring a bit of extra food for a sharing table. 

Please note that the usual charges apply for Lough Key Forest Park’s own activities.  You can find out more about the family picnic fun day on www.elphindiocese.ie

Over the coming months, Bishop Kevin will host six evenings for parishioners around the diocese to explore the LIFE question and to consider how best we can exercise our responsibility as Catholics to respect life and to support women.

The final evening will be in Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone on Monday 30th April at 7.30pm. All are very welcome to attend.

Friday 25 May – St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea 

After 7.30pm Mass, there will be prayer around the Icon 

Saturday 26 May – St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea

Icon will be on display throughout the day and during and after the 8.00pm Vigil Mass

Sunday 27 May – St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea

At the 12noon Mass, there will be a special blessing for all babies present.  The Icon will also be on display all day today.  

Monday 28 May – St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea

The Icon will depart Castlerea after the 11.00am morning Mass and make its way to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown. 

Monday 28 May – Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown

The Icon will arrive in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown at approximately 1.00pm. 

Tuesday 29 May – Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown

Wednesday 30 May – Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown

Thursday 31 May – Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown

Friday 01 June – Strokestown

The Icon will depart Strokestown after the 10.30am morning Mass and make its way to the Diocese of Raphoe. 

For all details please click on link below

http://www.elphindiocese.ie/young-adult-pilg…assisi-rome-2018/

Month’s Mind Mass for the late Bishop Christopher Jones will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo on Sunday 8th July at 7.00pm.  

As part of a national pilgrimage, the Relics of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin and their daughter, Saint Therese of Lisieux will visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo on Wednesday 15th August 2018, arriving at 11.30am and departing on Thursday 16th August at 8.15am.  

Saints Zélie and Louis Martin and their daughter Saint Therese of Lisieux