Latest Updates
Updated Guidance for the Further Reopening of Liturgical Life
Dear Parishioners of the Diocese of Elphin Extra Capacity in our Churches: The recent update in public health regulations means that: “All religious ceremonies can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees”. We will now be able to welcome significantly more people in our Churches than we have since...
52nd International Eucharistic Congress
A Short Reflection from Bishop Kevin Doran on the International Eucharistic Congress, which will be celebrated in Budapest, from 5th – 12th September 2021. Hungary has very deep Christian roots dating from the beginning of the second millennium. The first King of Hungary, St Stephen (1000-1038 AD) led Hungary into the community of European Christian...
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock 15th August
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 15th August. The Rosary will be prayed at 2.30pm and Bishop Kevin will celebrate Mass at 3.00pm in the Basilica. While people are welcome to attend this Mass, there is very limited capacity in the Basilica and entry is on a first come, first...
The Season of Creation
The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Creation or Creation Time, is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of...
Recruitment of Volunteers for Accord Marriage Preparation Programme
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service CLG is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Accord is seeking registration of interest from those who have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part of a team supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage....
Diocesan Appointments – Summer 2021
Parish of Elphin Fr. John Joe Gannon PP Elphin, to be Pastor Emeritus and to continue to exercise a pastoral and sacramental ministry in the parishes of Elphin and Aughrim-Kilmore, but without the burden of administrative responsibilities. Fr. Stephen Ezenwegbu (Awka, Nigeria) PP Aughrim-Kilmore, has been appointed Parish Priest of Elphin in addition to his...
Mass of Chrism
Bishop Kevin will celebrate the Mass of Chrism on Tuesday 22nd June at 4.00pm in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo. As this is the Mass at which the priests of the diocese renew their commitment to their priestly ministry, the majority of places available under the Covid-19 restrictions will already be taken....
Send Forth Your Spirit, O Lord! Preparing for Pentecost 2021
To prepare ourselves for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, we have prepared this prayer resource for you to pray at home from Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd May 2021. The Feast of Pentecost is one of the most important feasts in the entire church year. It occurs fifty days after Easter...
Catechetical Programmes for Parents of Children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Connect with Confirmation – Online Sessions for Parents The aim of this online programme is to explore the Sacrament of Confirmation with parents and guardians of candidates who will be receiving the Sacrament in 2022 It is hosted by the Partners in the Gospel – volunteer catechists in the Diocese of Elphin ATHLONE DEANERY Parishes of: Ahascragh-Caltra, Athlone,...
Pastoral Message from the Bishops of the Six Dioceses of the Tuam Province
Dear Parishioners, brother Priests and Deacons, Religious and Friends, Covid-19: A Year On This week we mark the first anniversary of the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. As we consider how this has touched our parish communities, particularly given the tragic loss of so many lives, we wish to share some thoughts with...
