Today's Gospel, 4 June. A question, and the greatest commandment
Please scroll down for today's gospel reading, notes and notices.
Extra-special events this week and weekend in the parishes:
- Thurs 4 June at 7.30pm, Carra Singers in concert, in aid of Mayo Pink Ribbon;
- Sat 6 June at 8pm, Bella Capella, A Summer Serenade
- Sat 6 June at 10am, Confirmation Preparation in The Rectory, Westport
- Sun 7 June at 11.30am, 'Gospel Hour', part of this year's Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. For everyone!
Love the Lord thy God
by Sister Maurice Schnell, 1500
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42719883
Today's gospel Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he [Jesus] answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’
Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.
Sacred Space
A helpful prayer guide and reflection on this gospel can be found here:
Christian Art
Today's Christian Art reflection includes a photo and thoughts on the Peace Maze at Castlewellan, Co Down.
https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-12-28b-34-2026-2/
A prayer for those sitting exams
For those who are taking exams at this time - you have the love and prayers of many friends in the parishes and across the COI and the whole community.
The Lord be with you, strengthen, comfort, reassure, equip and bless you +
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17oo7K9Gp2/
Recorded in HTW, following the Service for Westport Country Market
Personal memories of some of the stalwarts of Westport Country Market, recorded by Dr Oliver Whyte following the Thanksgiving Service on 28 May. Thanks to Oliver and the ladies.
A few familiar faces feature here:
https://youtu.be/c5-P6VBNen4?si=jf6ukAB8yciN_GXi
https://youtu.be/_MsDk7G_Qhc?si=i8Wr8P58I1SwVB2I
The sermon:
https://youtu.be/tsFZxZClCLw?si=w1yoKuuFDjNkb8-4
Notes and Notices
Subject to change
Tonight, 4 June, Carra Singers in Christ Church, Castlebar
Carra Singers, in concert, Thurs 4 June at 7.30pm,
in Christ Church Castlebar, in aid of Mayo Pink Ribbon.
Sat 6 June: A Summer Serenade in Christ Church Castlebar
Bella Capella, Sat 6 June, A Summer Serenade
8pm in Christ Church, Castlebar
Sunday 7 June, Bluegrass Gospel Hour in Holy Trinity Westport
Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival,
'Gospel Hour' Service, Sun 7 June, 11.30am in Holy Trinity Westport.
Bring your family and friends along for this uplifting time.
There is no charge for entry but donations towards the church repair fund are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Westport Children’s Choir in HTW
Westport Children’s Choir End-of-Year Concert, Friday 12 June, 7.30pm in HTW. Come along, enjoy the music, and encourage Eriko and the children
at the close of a very special year which included the choir performing in the Carnegie Hall, New York (pictured).
Goethe Choir in HTW
Goethe Choir concert, 13 June at 3pm. Conductor John Dexter.
Concert in Holy Trinity Westport. Not to be missed!
See,
Confirmation
Pray for Matilda, Ethan, Christopher, Matthew, Miya, Eli, Kelly
Sun 14 June, Confirmation Service, 3pm in HTW,
for all the parishes of the Aughaval Group.
Bishop Michael Burrows will confirm and preside at the Holy Communion.
Please note that there will be services as usual in Turlough Church (7pm Sat) and Castlebar (10am Sun) on this weekend, for those who do not wish to attend the Confirmation service, but there will be no service in Dugort, Achill.
Our final Confirmation preparation session is on Sat 6 June at 10am in the Rectory, Westport.
End-of-School-Year Service in HTW
are all warmly invited.
Super Heroes Holiday Club
for all children and families in the grouped parishes
Sat 20 June, 12 noon - 2pm, Super Heroes Holiday Club
- End-of-Year Children and Families' event, beginning and ending in HTW.
For all the children and young people of the Aughaval Parishes,
their families and friends.
Parents are welcome to stay for the event.Westport Comhaltas Concert
Westport Comhaltas Concert, Sat 20 June
in Holy Trinity Westport at 7pm.
REEK Sunday, 26 July
REEK Sunday On the Mountain
Service at the Oratory, time to be announced
REEK Sunday at the Foot of the Mountain
Prayers at the St Patrick statue, time to be announced
REEK Sunday Not on the Mountain
Friends and congregation of Holy Trinity Westport are kindly invited to
an After-Church Picnic (after the 11.30am service in HT Church)
from 1pm onwards, 26 July, in the Garden of Philip and Kathleen Murphy,
The Old Schoolhouse, Moyna, Kilmeena, Westport, F28YA30.
Sincere thanks in advance to Philip and Kathleen for their generosity and hospitality.
N.B. Please bring your own picnic.
More info. on request.
Scoil Acla Summer Recital -
change of venue
Scoil Acla Annual Recital Concert: evening of Wed 29 July.
This year the recital will not be in St Thomas's as after much consideration, and in light of growth in the event's popularity over recent years, the organisers have decided that a venue is required which can better accommodate a sizeable number of people and their needs, including car parking and access needs.
We wish Scoil Acla every ongoing success
and thank them for many years of happy association.
Return to Inishbiggle
a Mini-Pilgrimage with Bishop Michael Burrows,
including The Service of Holy Communion in the church (Holy Trinity Innishbiggle).
Meet at Doran's Point, Ballycroy at 9.45am for 10am departure to the island.
Please bring a packed lunch and water, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
To book your place on the currach, email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org,
or call/ message Suzanne on +353 83 800 3233
St Thomas's Knappagh
For the diary:
Sat 5 Sept, 3.30pm, 'Indian Summer' Outdoor Service
at St Thomas's Knappagh, with Bishop Michael
and music and singing led by our good friend James Kilbane.
Westport Festival of Chamber Music
Westport Festival of Chamber Music, 2026, in HTW:
Friday (evening) 11 Sept
Saturday (afternoon) 12 Sept
Sunday (afternoon) 13 Sept
All in Holy Trinity Westport. Details to follow.
Bringing faith to life through Muddy Church
‘Muddy Church’, ‘Messy Church’ and 'Forest Church' are fun yet serious all-age faith-building innovations, tried-and-tested in other parishes and places over many years. With the help of our Youth and Children's Ministry team, we plan to introduce variations and aspects of these expressions in the parishes, as occasional and supplemental to traditional services in these summer months, for the benefit especially of our children and young families.
Please continue to pray for our young people, and, 'Watch this (outdoor) space!'
'Thank you's
Thank you!
Thank you to Cór Mhaigh Eo and Coro de Cómpeta (Spain) and to all who supported the Voices of Iberia & Eire concert on 18 April. The cushion rentals on the day raised €206.40 towards Holy Trinity repair funds, and the concert raised an impressive €400. Sincere thanks to Cór Mhaigh Eo and Coro de Cómpeta and to all who supported!
Thank you!
Thank you to Louisburgh Voices and ConTempo String Quartet for the stunning concert on 27 May. The amount raised for Holy Trinity Church, Westport, will be announced soon!
Thanks also to all in the community who came along to HTW on 28 May to give thanks for 40 years of Westport Country Market, and to everyone who contributed to the ecumenical service, including Fr John Kenny and St Mary's parishioners. We were well blessed!
Thank-you from Bishop Michael
Thank-you letter from Bishop Michael, as referred to or read in church services on 24 May, for support for his recent Peregrinations, and for the contribution from Westport and Castlebar parishes, of 574 euros.
Regular Service Pattern in the Aughaval Parishes
Saturdays Weekly at 7pm:
- Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
- Evening 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 Sundays of the month, followed by tea/coffee.
Open church every Friday from 11am - 1pm.
*Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20206867
Westport
- Sundays Weekly at 11.30am, in Holy Trinity Westport; Holy Communion or Morning Prayer, followed by tea/coffee.
- Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
- Evening 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 Sundays of the month, followed by tea/coffee.
Open church every Friday from 11am - 1pm.
*Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20206867
Westport
- Sundays Weekly at 11.30am, in Holy Trinity Westport; Holy Communion or Morning Prayer, followed by tea/coffee.
- Wednesdays at 10.30am, Midweek Holy Communion, followed by coffee (from 11.05am) in the Clew Bay Hotel. These gatherings are valuable and uplifting times of fellowship and friendship. You're welcome to drop in!
Dugort, Achill
April - September inclusive:
- Services weekly at 3pm. Evening Prayer/ Holy Communion
October - March inclusive:
- 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 3pm. Evening Prayer/ Holy Communion
Services are followed by tea/coffee occasionally.
Online Prayer and Bible Reading
- 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 3pm. Evening Prayer/ Holy Communion
Services are followed by tea/coffee occasionally.
Online Prayer and Bible Reading
Every Wed at 8pm, via Zoom. Link:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83306729968?pwd=mVKnDXWs7Npn3aCnRPykJbJK7THANM.1
The work and upkeep of the churches requires ongoing funding to meet costs. Each of our Church of Ireland parishes has charity (CRA) status - their own or that of the Diocese (of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe) - please see note below.
One-time donations
You can securely give towards these costs and the upkeep of the churches using your phone or electronic device using the link or QR codes (below) which will direct you to the parishes’ iDonate pages.
Regular giving
Regular giving can be by means of the weekly envelope system (-information on request), or by standing order.
Tax refund on donations
If you are a tax-payer, a tax refund on your donation can be made to your parish at no additional cost to you.
For help or more information, please contact one of the Hon Treasurers (contact details on request) or the Rector (details below), or see
https://aughaval.tlk.ie/2025/11/giving-towards-upkeep-of-churches.html .
Thank-you +
Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes: includes Holy Trinity Church Westport, St Thomas's Dugort, and Holy Trinity Inishbiggle
Westport-Dugort Parishes*
(Info. Babs Strutt, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
Christ Church, Castlebar*
(Info. Trevor Ardill, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
https://www.idonate.ie/cause/TurloughChurchofIreland
Turlough Parish Church*
(Info. Karin Shaw, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
*Turlough Parish Church is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under the Tuam, Killala and Achonry charity No. 20015237 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7241.
Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA)
CRA status of the Aughaval Group of Parishes, United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland:
Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20206867.
Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes and Turlough Parish are in process of applying for their own CRA registration numbers. In the interim the parishes are included in the CRA registration of the TLK Diocese, as outlined below by the Diocese:
The United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under No. 20015237 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7241. The United Dioceses of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under No. 20015688 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7327. On 1st November 2021, the dioceses amalgamated to become the Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe. The Diocesan Councils remain separate.
For further information, please contact Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Lorna Sharpe at limerickdiocsec@gmail.com, or Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Mr Damian Shorten at admin@tka.ie.
Revd Suzanne CousinsRector, Aughaval Group of Parishes,
Tel. +353 83 800 3233 / +44 77 1303 7447
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83306729968?pwd=mVKnDXWs7Npn3aCnRPykJbJK7THANM.1
Giving towards the upkeep and restoration of the churches
One-time donations
You can securely give towards these costs and the upkeep of the churches using your phone or electronic device using the link or QR codes (below) which will direct you to the parishes’ iDonate pages.
Regular giving
Regular giving can be by means of the weekly envelope system (-information on request), or by standing order.
Tax refund on donations
If you are a tax-payer, a tax refund on your donation can be made to your parish at no additional cost to you.
For help or more information, please contact one of the Hon Treasurers (contact details on request) or the Rector (details below), or see
https://aughaval.tlk.ie/2025/11/giving-towards-upkeep-of-churches.html .
Thank-you +
QR codes and links
Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes: includes Holy Trinity Church Westport, St Thomas's Dugort, and Holy Trinity Inishbiggle
Westport-Dugort Parishes*
(Info. Babs Strutt, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
*Westport-Dugort Union of COI Parishes are registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under the Tuam, Killala and Achonry charity No. 20015237 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7241.
Sponsorship invited:
If you are able to contribute to the fundraising efforts towards the next stage of repair works to 'HTW', or if you would like information on the project, please contact the Rector (aughaval@tuam.anglican.org) or the Hon Treasurer (bstrutty@gmail.com), or use the link or Westport-Dugort QR code (above).
Thank you for all donations and support received to date.
Christ Church, Castlebar
Christ Church, Castlebar*
(Info. Trevor Ardill, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
*Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20206867
Turlough Church of Ireland Parish Church
Turlough Church of Ireland Parish Church
https://www.idonate.ie/cause/TurloughChurchofIreland
Turlough Parish Church*
(Info. Karin Shaw, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
*Turlough Parish Church is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under the Tuam, Killala and Achonry charity No. 20015237 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7241.
Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA)
CRA status of the Aughaval Group of Parishes, United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland:
Christ Church Castlebar is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20206867.
Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes and Turlough Parish are in process of applying for their own CRA registration numbers. In the interim the parishes are included in the CRA registration of the TLK Diocese, as outlined below by the Diocese:
The United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under No. 20015237 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7241. The United Dioceses of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert is registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority under No. 20015688 and the Revenue Commissioners No. CHY 7327. On 1st November 2021, the dioceses amalgamated to become the Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe. The Diocesan Councils remain separate.
For further information, please contact Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Lorna Sharpe at limerickdiocsec@gmail.com, or Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Mr Damian Shorten at admin@tka.ie.
Pastoral care and enquiries:
Revd Suzanne Cousins
United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, Church of Ireland
Tel. +353 83 800 3233 / +44 77 1303 7447
Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Aughaval Parishes' website aughaval.tlk.ieFacebook https://www.facebook.com/AughavalParishes
Aughaval Parishes' website aughaval.tlk.ieFacebook https://www.facebook.com/AughavalParishes
