Aughaval Group of Parishes

  Crib Service in Christ Church, on the Second Sunday in Advent 7th December 2025 Well done and thank you to all the children and young people in Christ Church who, on the Second Sunday in Advent, helped lead our worship by bringing the story of the Nativity to life so beautifully.  We were greatly assisted in this year's Crib Service by a whole team of people preparing and helping behind the scenes, including parents, wardens, readers, LLLMs (/Parish Readers) and others.  Mounted paper 'peace doves' which were made at the Dove-making workshop on 29th November, were on display in the sanctuary - an appropriate backdrop for this special service.  We were grateful also for assistance with the music from Paul and Steffi from Holy TrinityWestport. This prayer was led by Trevor (LLLM) at the lighting of the second purple candle on the Advent wreath: Lord God,  you spoke through your prophets and   promised a kingdom of peace.   We welcome you Lord Jesus, t...

Please scroll down for notices and a word of thanks.   John the Baptist Preaching to the Crowds Pieter Brueghel the Younger, ca 1625 Wikimedia Commons Today's gospel    Matthew 3: 1-12              The Proclamation of John the Baptist In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,  ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord,    make his paths straight.” ’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming...

  Dates for the Advent and Christmas  Diary Castlebar: Every day in Advent  Every day through Advent, Christ Church Castlebar will be open from 7.30 - 9.00 am for quiet private prayer and reflection, a meditative space. You can drop in at any time. For more information, contact Kenn McLaughlin - number on request. [Sat 6 December, 7.30pm, Christmas Concert with Bella Capella in Christ Church Castlebar. Charity fundraiser for AIRC.] [Saturday 6 Dec, 7pm, Crib Service  (All-age Nativity service) in Turlough Church. Organist, Mr Sean Tunney] Sunday 7 Dec, 10am, Crib Service in Christ Church Castlebar.  Sat 13 Dec 7pm, 'Nine Lessons and Carols'   ( Traditional Carol Service) in Turlough  Sun 14 Dec, 3pm,   Nine Lessons and Carols'  in St Thomas's Dugort,  Achill  Monday 15 December at 7.30pm, Castlebar Community Carol Service in Christ Church, Castlebar, with Holy Rosary Choir and Castlebar Community Silver Band. Sunday 21 ...