Advice from Archdiocese of Armagh during current covid pandemic.
Archbishop Eamon Martin on 4th February wrote to Parishes: I write to advise the following: it is recognised that Parishes may wish to take a gradual approach in lifting restrictions, conscious that the Omicron variant is still rampant in communities and that many members of our congregations are themselves vulnerable. Parishes are asked to ascertain what they are comfortable with and what best suits their congregation as a result of the lifting of restrictions. This may include the resumption of roles for altar servers, choirs, deacons, concelebrants and others who exercise particular contributions to the liturgy.
The Bishops’ Conference will meet in March to review the situation and advise Parishes accordingly.
Meanwhile the continuation of the following protective measures is recommended to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable or anxious members of the congregation: The wearing of face coverings inside Church buildings; Good sanitising and cleaning arrangements; Suspension of a handshake at the Sign of Peace; Holy Communion to be received in the hand; Holy water to be used in asperges but not yet restored to fonts for communal use at the entrances to Church buildings; social distancing within and outside Churches – such measures have been the norm since March 2020.
While we are encouraged by the lifting of the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, we will continue to take care to provide appropriate protection and reassurance to all involved in Church activities.
Our Parish has seen the gradual involvement of Ministers of the Word and Eucharistic Ministers at some Masses. This should be extended to all Churches. Also, Altar Servers can return to their duties – if senior servers would volunteer to fulfil this role (could be part of your John Paul ll or Muiredach Awards) and thereby train up new servers, that would be good. Sunday collections can also resume – so if the collectors and any new volunteers would resume this role, that too would be good.
Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th March is the date proposed to begin the above roles. Please contact Fr. M.
Attending any of the weekday Masses fulfils the Sunday obligation which has been suspended for the foreseeable future so please plan which Mass suits you or your family.
Saturday 19th Church of the Immaculate Conception 7pm*
Patrick & Winnie McCrory & Dec Family, Frank McCrory, Francie & Chessie McRory
Sunday 20th St Matthew’s Church 11am
Tuesday 22nd Church of the Immaculate Conception 7pm*
Mass for the Sick
Wednesday 23rd St Mary’s Church 10am
Thursday 24th St Malachy’s Church 7pm
Patrick & Mary McGirr
Friday 25th St Matthew’s Church 10am
Saturday 26th St Malachy’s Church 12noon
Bernadette Grimes Month Mind
Saturday 26th St Malachy’s Church 7pm
Sunday 27th St Mary’s Church 11am – Day of Prayer for Temperance
Brigid McGarvey, Frank Somerville, Margaret Conroy
Tuesday 1st Church of the Immaculate Conception 7pm*
Ash Wednesday St Mary’s Church 10am
Ash Wednesday Church of the Immaculate Conception 7pm*
Thursday 3rd St Malachy’s Church 7pm
Friday 4th St Matthew’s Church 10am
Saturday 5th Church of the Immaculate Conception 7pm*
Paddy & Sarah McGarvey & Dec Family, Peggy & Willie Farrell
Sunday 6th St Matthew’s Church 11am
*webcam available via Parish website parishoferrigalciaran.com or mncmedia.com
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: St Mary’s Church Wednesdays 10.30-11am; Church of the Immaculate Conception Thursdays 10.30am to 6pm; St Matthew’s Church Fridays 10.30am to 2pm.
The prayer of adoration is the prayer that makes us recognise God as the beginning and the end of all of history. And this prayer is the living flame of the Spirit that gives strength to witness and mission. Pope Francis. Rosary recited 20minutes before each Parish Mass starts.
Lately deceased: Fr Paddy Larkin PE, Fr Seamus McGinley PE AP
Sacrament of Baptism: we welcome into the Errigal Ciaran faith community Aodha Grace Hackett, Teddy Gerard McDermott, Tadhg Aodhán McMullen who were Baptised recently.
Sacrament of Marriage – Accord is continuing to offer Marriage Preparation Programme using the Zoom video platform and dates are posted on our website up to end September 2022 www.accordni.com These dates are booking up quickly and couples should book at least 3-6 months ahead of their wedding date.
Feasts of the Week: Monday 21st St Peter Damian; Tuesday 22nd Chair of St Peter; Wednesday 23rd St Polycarp; Sunday 27th St Gregory of Narek; Tuesday 1st March St David; 2nd March Ash Wednesday; Friday 4th St Casimir; Saturday 5th St Kieran.
Sunday collections: December £8365 (4 Sundays), January £6962 (5 Sundays); standing orders – November £1166.34, December £1161.34. Thanks to all who contribute financially to the Parish and also to the recent Priest Dues collection.
New envelopes will be available in March – if you or your family would like to contribute to the Parish financially and would like a box of envelopes, please contact Fr. M. standing Order form is available via the Parish website.
Continuous Rosary in Ireland for Peace and Charity – Our Parish of Errigal Ciaran has been allocated 2nd March, Ash Wednesday, surname A-L 5.24pm -5.42pm; surname M-Z 5.42pm-6pm.
Pastoral Area Parishes: Aghaloo & Carnteel 2nd March surname A-L 4.12-4.30pm; surname M-Z 4.30-4.48pm; Beragh 2nd March surname A-L 6.00-6.18pm; surname M-Z 6.18-6.36pm; Killeeshil 3rd March surname A-L 12.36-12.54pm; surname M-Z 12.54-1.12pm: Pray well!
Parish Sacrament dates:
Sacrament of Confirmation
Sunday 15th May Church of the Immaculate Conception – two ceremonies –
first at 11am for P7 St Brigid’s and St Malachy’s Primary Schools;
second at 1.30pm for P7 St Mary’s Primary School (half hour later than last year)
First Communion
Saturday 7th May at 11am St Mary’s Church for St Brigid’s Primary School
Sunday 8th May at 1pm Church of the Immaculate Conception for St Mary’s Primary School
Saturday 21st May at 11am St Malachy’s Church for St Malachy’s Primary School
Church cleaning rota for February: St Mary’s Church – Mary Donnelly, Margaret Donnelly, Kathleen McArdle; St Matthew’s Church – Phyllis O’Hanlon, Geraldine McGirr.
Bulletin – the next bulletins will be published on 6th & 20th March.
The Mark of Ashes.
When red fire dies it sinks to ash; when friendship fades the heart turns grey.
The blazing sun burns soil to dust; rage devours peace, spitting out ice.
The seething sea breaks rock to sand; so bitter words crush fragile dreams.
Ash daubed foreheads signal
dreams reborn,
hurts forgiven,
peace restored,
hearts rewired,
warmed horizons.