Aughaval Group of Parishes

  Alleluia! Christ is risen! Three people from the Aughaval Parishes were confirmed by the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows, on Sunday 27 April in Christ Church, Castlebar. The Confirmands taking up their baptismal promises were Susan (Susie) Fry, Grace Bourke (Westport) and James Bourke (Westport). The first and second lessons in the service were ably read by Grace and James. These are the questions which the bishop addressed for the Confirmands in his sermon: 1) What more can we in the Church of Ireland do in the face of the Biodiversity and Climate crisis? 2) Does everyone get into heaven? 3) What training do you have to go through to be a bishop? 4) What made you want to be a priest? 5) Has the bishop anything to say to help those who are serious both about their commitment to church and Christian discipleship and to their sports activities? Our gratitude to Bishop Michael for serving us and building us up in faith and love in the parishes, wit...

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”  Confirmation Day Today is Confirmation Day in the Aughaval Parishes. Please join the gathering at 10am in Christ Church, Castlebar, where the bishop will confirm the candidates and preside at Communion. There will be tea after the service in the church. Incredulity of Thomas Giusep Bild Thomas, public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:S._Giusep_Bild_Thomas.jpg The Gospel Reading John 20: 19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgi...

  All are warmly invited to this Confirmation Service ('Confirmation in the context of the Eucharist') on Sunday 27 April at 10am in Christ Church, Castlebar,  at which three people are to be Confirmed by the Bishop. Followed by tea in the church.     Tá fáilte romhat!

  Easter morning recital and musical 'feast'  The Holy Trinity Westport congregation and visiting worshippers were treated to this wonderful recital of Widor's Toccata , in St Mary's Church Westport by our esteemed organist John Dexter (assisted and supported), following the Easter Eucharist on Sunday 20 April. Thanks to Fr John Kenny for the recording.  Volume up recommended. We were also delighted that international opera singer Hubert Francis (pictured) sang, including a version of the Gloria, in both Christ Church Castlebar and St Mary's (for Holy Trinity Westport) - an Easter musical feast! The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!  John is pictured here accompanying the Dublin City Choral Union  at the recent fundraising concert in St Mary's for 'HTW'.  Opera singer Hubert Francis,  photo by Frances Marshall

Inishbiggle on Easter Monday: A Service of Wholeness and Healing with Holy Communion  It is always a joy to return to Inishbiggle. Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, was no different except that weighing on our hearts and minds was the fresh news of the death of Pope Francis and the great loss for Catholic people across the world and in our own communities. We give thanks for his life and rich spiritual influence and legacy.  May the Holy Father rest in peace and rise in glory. Here are a few photos of the island and some of the people who were present for the service, A Celebration of Wholeness and Healing with Holy Communion , in Holy Trinity Church, Inishbiggle. Thanks to the islanders for the wonderful welcome, preparations and tea and hospitality. A new wand for the Church Wardens, Jeremy and Christine Photo thanks to Kevin Toolis The progress in the work to restore the church to its former beauty was evident.   Church door, ready for its 'overcoat' https://aughaval.tlk.i...