Today's gospel, 9 October: On perseverance in prayer

 



Girl Praying
(Betendes Mädchen)
by Christian Landenberger, 1922
Public domain, via
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=158420627



Today's gospel reading    Luke 11:5-13


And he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’



The Collect of the Day


O Lord, 

Hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; 

and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, 

and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 




Sacred Space

You can find a prayer guide and refection here:

 https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-10-09/


Christian Art

There are two offerings from this writer for today, one on the gospel text and one on the theologian and priest John Henry Newman who was influential both in Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism:


https://christian.art/daily-go


https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-13-47-52-2025/



Notices


  • Turlough Select Vestry meeting, Sat 11 October, after the 7pm service.
  • Diocesan Synod, Sat 18 October, at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, Co Clare. 
  • Inishbiggle Harvest Thanksgiving, Sat 25 October. Gather at Doran's Point, Ballycroy at 9.30am, for 10am departure. Returning around 2.30pm. Everyone is  welcome but please let us know if you wish to book a seat in the currach or if you need more information. Recommended: Bring a packed lunch, water, sturdy footwear, warm weather-appropriate clothes, and 10 euros towards the ferry cost. 


A Special Weekend of Sacred Music, 24-26 October  

The Choir of St Philip's and Sandford, Dublin, led by Mr David O'Shea, will be with us in Westport for a series of musical events including, all in St Mary's Church, Westport:

    - Compline on Friday 24 Oct at 8pm (please note amended time);
    - Fundraising concert for Holy Trinity Westport on Sat 25 Oct at 4pm;
    - Contribution to worship (Holy Communion) on Sunday morning (12 noon);
   -  Sung worship on Sunday 26 Oct at 3.30pm in St Thomas's Dugort, Achill. (Rehersal from 3pm. You are welcome to come early, observe and enjoy.) 

Please save the dates and spread the word.



Christmas musical event, Friday 5 Dec, 8pm 

- A special evening of Christmas music by the Roscommon Solstice Choir, with guests appearances, in St Mary's Church Westport. 

This is a fundraising event in aid of imminent repairs to Holy Trinity Church, Westport. Details to follow. Please save the date and spread the word.




Regular Service Pattern in the Aughaval Group of Parishes:


Turlough
Saturdays Weekly at 7pm:  
Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
Morning Prayer on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month.

Castlebar *
Sundays Weekly at 10am: 
Holy Communion on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.
Morning Prayer on 2nd and 4th.
Open church every Friday from 11am - 1pm. "Drop in, say hello, say a prayer, have a look around."

*Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity Number  20206867


Westport
Sundays Weekly at 12 noon.
Wednesdays at 10.30am. 
Services are n St Mary's RC Church, South Mall, Westport, until further notice while Holy Trinity Church is closed for safety repairs.

Dugort, Achill: October - April inclusive
2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 3pm. Evening Prayer/ Holy Communion



Pastoral care and enquiries:  

Revd Suzanne Cousins
Rector, Aughaval Group of Parishes 
United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland 

Tel. 083 800 3233  
Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Aughaval Parishes' Website  aughaval.tlk.ie



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