Today's gospel. 11 June, Feast of St Barnabas

  

Please scroll down for today's readings, notes and notices.




Saint Barnabas
by Sandro Botticelli, 1490
Public domain, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159760904



Today and this weekend's events:
  • Thurs, 11am, Diocesan Annual School Service in St Mary's Cathedral, Tuam.
  • Fri, 11am, Open church, Christ Church Castlebar
  • Fri, 7.30pm, Westport Children's Choir Summer Concert, in Holy Trinity Westport  
  • Sat, 3pm, Goethe Choir in HTW, 'An Elegy of Two Queens'. (Please see below.)
  • Sat, 7pm, Turlough Church, Holy Communion
  • Sun, 10am, Morning Prayer in Christ Church Castlebar (Canon Cecil Mills)
  • Sun, Confirmation, 3pm in HTW. The Rt Revd Michael Burrows will confirm, preach and preside at the Eucharist.
  • Sun, 3pm, St Thomas's Dugort, Achill, Holy Communion (Canon Cecil Mills)


Today's Gospel      Matthew 5:20-26

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. 

So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.


The Peace Bridge
Footbridge over the River Foyle, Derry
Opened 2011
Photo: author, 2016


Sacred Space

A helpful prayer guide and reflection can be found here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2026-06-11/


Christian Art

A helpful reflection for today can be found here:

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-10-7-13-2026/


Collect of the Feast of Saint Barnabas

Bountiful God, giver of all gifts,
who poured your Spirit upon your servant Barnabas: 
Help us, by his example, to be generous in all our judgments, 
and unselfish in our service; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Expressions of gratitude

Thank you to Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, and to the Alex Leach Band and members for the uplifting 'Gospel Hour' Service, on 7 June in Holy Trinity Westport. 
Sincere thanks for the very generous donations made by attendees towards the church repair fund. Cash donations towards the church restoration and repairs came to an incredible 1,745.88 euros.

Most important, is that there was a spirit of joy and genuine worship, and of quiet thankfulness for God's faithfulness to us, God's friendship towards us and God's forgiveness of us (human beings), with all our foolishness and foibles!


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 to 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!

Notices and notes

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 special year which included the choir performing in the Carnegie Hall, New York. 




Goethe Choir in HTW
Goethe Choir concert, 13 June at 3pm in Holy Trinity Westport. Conductor John Dexter. Combining classical Elizabethan choral music with traditional Irish pieces, plus choral works by Shaun Davey and others. Not to be missed!


Confirmation, Sunday 14 June


Pray for the Confirmation candidates: 
 Aradhana, Matilda, 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 are not able to attend the Confirmation service. There will also be a Service of Holy Communion in Dugort, at 3pm, presiding and preaching, the Revd Canon Cecil Mills.

Confirmation candidates and their sponsors are asked to be at Holy Trinity Westport Church by 2.30pm latest for the 3pm service.
 


End-of-School-Year Service in HTW, Tues 16 June, 9.30am


Tues 16 June, End-of-School-Year Service for Holy Trinity NS, 9.30am in HTW. Family, friends, neighbours and members of the school's Board of Management 
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


Sat 8 August, Return to Inishbiggle (weather-permitting), 
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 Burrows
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, 8pm
Saturday (afternoon) 12 Sept, 2pm
Sunday (afternoon) 13 Sept, 3.30pm
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!'




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, energise, strengthen, comfort, reassure, equip and bless you +

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17oo7K9Gp2/



September: Save the date!  New Diocesan Readers 


Bishop Michael will be commissioning new Diocesan Readers on Sunday 20 Sept at 5pm in St Flannan’s Cathedral, Killaloe, including Alan Cousins (LLLM - Lay Local Liturgical Minister). 


This will also be the occasion for the graduation of the Certificate in Christian Studies students. This course has recently been completed by Barbara Sheppard and Alan Cousins, both LLLMs. Congratulations to them both and well done on all the hard work!



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




Regular Service Pattern in the Aughaval Parishes

Turlough*
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.

- 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         

Every Wed at 8pm, via Zoom. Link:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83306729968?pwd=mVKnDXWs7Npn3aCnRPykJbJK7THANM.1





Giving towards the upkeep and restoration of the churches

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 +


QR codes and links

Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes
This union of parishes includes Holy Trinity 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 Parish Church*
(Info. Karin Shaw, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)

*Turlough COI Parish is a registered charity: Registered Charity No. 20207056.

Congratulations, thank you, and well done to the Turlough CRA team who succeeded in obtaining this important status for the parish. 




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 is in process of applying for its own CRA registration number. In the interim the parish is 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
Rector, Aughaval Group of Parishes, 
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.ie

 

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