Today's Gospel, Friday 3 July. Feast of St Thomas, Apostle
Please scroll down for today's gospel reading, notes and notices.
St Thomas's, Knappagh
Today's Gospel John 20:24-29
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
Sacred Space
A helpful prayer guide can be found here:
Christian Art
Collect of the Week
O God, the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:
Increase and multiply upon us your mercy;
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal
that we finally lose not the things eternal:
Grant this, heavenly Father,
for Jesus Christ's sake, our Lord.
Increase and multiply upon us your mercy;
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal
that we finally lose not the things eternal:
Grant this, heavenly Father,
for Jesus Christ's sake, our Lord.
Notices and Notes
In memoriam - Isabel Judge
We regret to inform you of the death on 2 July of Isabel Judge, Westport (Knappagh) parishioner, sister of Ezra, Jane and John. Removal today, Friday 3 July, from 5-6.30pm in Navin's Funeral Home, Westport.
Isabel's funeral service will take place on Sat 4 July at 2.30pm in Holy Trinity, Westport, followed by Committal at St Thomas's Knappagh.
Details are being announced on Midwest Radio:
Other notices
Last Sunday's Midwest Radio service, which came from the Aughaval Parishes: https://tinyurl.com/MWR-28JUN26
In the Anglican Communion
This week the COI is hosting 'Called to One Hope'. 'Called to One Hope' is the title and theme of the Nineteenth Meeting of Anglican Consultative Council which is taking place this week in Belfast.
Image: Anglican Communion online, 28.06.26
You can learn more here:
In the Diocese (TLK)
Congratulations to our good friend and neighbour Canon Andrea Wills on the recently-celebrated 17th anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood!
In the Aughaval Parishes
Sat 18 July, Holy Trinity Westport Church Fete, 12 noon - 3pm in the church grounds, with live music. Fundraiser event towards essential and pressing church repairs.
Info: George Keegan, People's Church Warden. Number on request.
Wed 22 July, Gentle Prayer and Friendship Walk, starting in Turlough Park at 7pm.
Everyone is invited and welcome.
One of our Gentle Friendship Walks last year, at Turlough, August 2025
REEK Sunday, 26 July
REEK Sunday On the Mountain
Service at the Oratory, 10.30am, led by Canon Alex Morahan
REEK Sunday at the Foot of the Mountain
Prayers at the St Patrick statue - 'tbc'
REEK Sunday Not on the Mountain
Friends and congregation of Holy Trinity Westport are kindly invited to
an After-Church Picnic
(after 11.30am service in HTW)
from 1pm, 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 generous hospitality.
N.B. Please bring your own picnic.
'Havens for Nature'
Tuesday 28 July
All in the parishes are invited to a special meeting
on Tues 28 July in Christ Church Castlebar,
gathering at 7pm for tea and 7.30pm for a short presentation and discussion
on the ideas, potential and challenges contained in this inspiring and helpful
recently published book, 'Havens for Nature'.
Please let us know if you intend to come along.
Contact: Susie Fry (- number on request) or the Revd Suzanne (details below).
8 August, Inishbiggle
A mini-pilgrimage with Bishop Michael,
including The Service of Holy Communion in the Church of the Holy Trinity.
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
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, 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.
September: Save the date(s)
Sat 12 Sept Turlough Harvest Flower Festival, church open from 4pm
and
Harvest Thanksgiving Service, 7pm - guest preacher Fr Charlie McDonnell, Athenry (formerly Westport)
Details to follow. If in the meantime you'd like to offer help please contact our Hon Sec, Fiona Kelly, fionafairkelly@gmail.com, or speak to Heather Fair (number on request).
Sunday 20 Sept
Bishop Michael will be commissioning new Diocesan Readers on 20 Sept at 5pm in St Flannan’s Cathedral, Killaloe. Amongst those to be commissioned is Alan Cousins (LLLM - Lay Local Liturgical Minister).
This will also be the occasion for the Certificate in Christian Studies Graduation. This course has recently been completed by Barbara Sheppard and by Alan. Congratulations to them both, and well done on all the hard work!
Expressions of gratitude
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV)
- Thanks to the Youth & Children's Team, and to attending children and parents/grandparents for making our Super Heroes Holiday Club such a happy and valuable time. Thanks also to Holy Trinity NS for use of the hall.
- Thanks to everyone who helped with hosting the Westport Comhaltas (traditional music concert), on 20 June, in Holy Trinity Westport.
- Thank you to everyone who supported the Confirmees on 14 June and in months of preparation, and to Bishop Michael who confirmed them and blessed us all. Please continue to pray for the newly confirmed young people - Aradhana, Matilda, Christopher, Matthew, Miya, Eli, Kelly.
- Thank you to the Goethe Choir for a remarkable concert, on 13 June in Holy Trinity Westport, Conductor John Dexter. Donations on the day towards church repairs totalled a magnificent €1362.
- 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 HTW. Sincere thanks for the generous donations made by attendees towards the church repair fund. Cash donations totalled a very generous 1,745.88 euros.
- 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. Cushion rentals 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 the wonderful Louisburgh Voices and the beautiful ConTempo String Quartet for the stunning concert on 27 May. The amount raised after costs was a greatly appreciated 940 euros, plus online donations which will be published next month (July).
- 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, including Fr John Kenny and St Mary's parishioners. We were well blessed!
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.
- 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, September-June inclusive, 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, September-June 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, September-June inclusive
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
Westport-Dugort Parishes*
(Info. Babs Strutt, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
Christ Church, Castlebar*
(Info. Trevor Ardill, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
Turlough Parish Church*
(Info. Karin Shaw, Hon. Treasurer - contact details on request)
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:
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 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
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
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
Aughaval Parishes' website aughaval.tlk.ie
