DiocesAn directory 2016 - Archdiocese of tuAm €5
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€5 Archdiocese of tuAm
diocesAn
directory
2016
Moladh go deo le Dia!
A Connemara walk.
Photo: Francis Stockwell. indeX
Abbeyknockmoy - Ryehill – Brooklodge .....................................................18
Achill - Bunacurry – The Valley – Currane – Belfarsad
– Dereens – Dooega – Pollagh – Dookinella...........................................18
Aghagower – Cushlagh..................................................................................19
Aghamore – Tooreen – Woodfield ...............................................................19
An Cheathrú Rua, Tír an Fhia agus Leitir Mealláin (An Chillín) ..............20
An Cnoc – An Tulach......................................................................................20
Annaghdown – Corrandulla...........................................................................21
Árainn, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oirr ...........................................................21
Athenry – Newcastle .......................................................................................22
Balla – Belcarra ...............................................................................................23
Ballindine – Irishtown (Kilvine) ......................................................................23
Ballinlough (Kiltullagh) ....................................................................................24
Ballinrobe ..........................................................................................................25
Ballyhaunis (Annagh)......................................................................................25
Bekan – Logboy – Brickens ..........................................................................26
Burriscarra – Ballintubber – Killawalla ........................................................26
Caherlistrane, Kilcoona (Donaghpatrick) ....................................................27
Carna – Cill Chiaráin (Moyrus)......................................................................27
Castlebar (Aglish, Ballyheane and Breaghwy)...........................................28
Clare Island – Inishturk...................................................................................29
Claremorris – Barnacarroll.............................................................................29
Clifden – Ballyconneely – Kingstown and Claddaghduff
(Omey and Ballindoon) ..................................................................................30
Clonbur – Cornamona (Ross).......................................................................31
Cong, Cross and The Neale..........................................................................31
Crossboyne – Taugheen ................................................................................32
Cummer (Corofin and Belclare) – Kilmoylan .............................................32
Dunmore – Garrafrauns – Kiltevna ..............................................................32
Glenamaddy (Boyounagh) .............................................................................33
Headford – Claran (Killursa and Killower) ..................................................33
Inishbofin Island ...............................................................................................34
Islandeady – Glenisland.................................................................................35
Keelogues – Ballyvary ....................................................................................35
Kilconly – Kilbannon .......................................................................................36
Kilkerrin – Clonberne ......................................................................................36
Killererin.............................................................................................................37
Kilmaine – Gortjordan.....................................................................................37
Kilmeena – Fahy ..............................................................................................38
Knock – Shanvaghera ....................................................................................38
Lackagh .............................................................................................................39
Leenane – Finney – Kilmilkin (Kilbride).......................................................39
Letterfrack – Creeragh – Tullycross (Ballinakill) ........................................40
Louisburgh – Killeen (Kilgeever) ..................................................................40
Mayo Abbey – Facefield (Mayo and Roslea) .............................................41
Menlough – Skehana (Killascobe) ...............................................................41
Milltown – Ballyglass (Addergoole and Liskeavy) .....................................42
Moore – Clonfad..............................................................................................42
Mountbellew – Moylough ...............................................................................42
Newport – Tiernaur – Mulranny (Burrishoole)............................................43
Parke – Crimlin (Turlough) .............................................................................44
Partry – Tourmakeady (Ballyovey)................................................................44
Roundfort, Robeen and Carras (Kilcommon) ............................................45
Roundstone – Ballinafad – Cashel – Recess – Derryvoreeda...............45
Tuam – Cortoon – Lavally (Cathedral Parish) ............................................45
Westport – Drummin – Lecanvey – Croagh Patrick (Aughaval).............47
Williamstown (Templetogher) ........................................................................48
Cover photo: St Patrick’s Church, Ballyhaunis. Photo: Fr Stephen Farragher
Disclaimer:
While every reasonable care was taken to gather information as
widely and accurately as possible, sincere apologies are offered for
any omissions and errors that inevitably occur in such a volume. (Editor)
Most Rev. Michael Neary, DD, LSS,
Born 15 April, 1946, Ordained Priest 20 June 1971,
Ordained Bishop 13 September, 1992, Installed Archbishop of Tuam 5 March, 1995.
Residence: Archbishop’s House, Tuam, Co. Galway, H54 HP57.
Phone: 093 24166, Fax: 093 28070.
Email: admin@tuamarchdiocese.org
introduction of ArchBishoP neAry
for the diocesAn directory 2016
A
number of years ago a faith- In the Diocesan Directory, like previous and bring about in the planning document
inspired and scholarly directories we are presented with a road and process outlined in Journeying
appreciation of a living map for our Archdiocese. The people, Together in Faith: Proposals for Nurturing
community of faith was religious – priests and Archbishops who and Developing the Catholic Faith in the
presented in Fr Kieran form the people of God of Tuam are Archdiocese of Tuam 2013-2020.
Waldron’s, Archdiocese of Tuam – An contained in these pages. Parishes, I warmly congratulate Fr Fintan
Illustrated History, an elegant and church areas, Religious houses – places Monahan and his many helpers on the
remarkably researched work. For several of pilgrimage, various ministries, church meticulous approach in collecting,
years his brother, Fr Peter Waldron edited organisations, diocesan committees collating and presenting all the information
the diocesan directory, whenever the need provide an insight into the evangelisation contained within these covers. Many
arose. We are deeply indebted and in which so many are energetically thanks to many of the clergy and parish
thankful to both Kieran and Peter for all involved. Paging through this directory personnel along with the staff of Media
their work on diocesan publications. one gets a clear sense of the West who have assisted him in sending on
This year, Fr Fintan Monahan, Diocesan collaboration which is taking place data and in the work of proofing.
Secretary has taken on the task of editing between priest and people, locally and Eolaire tabhachtach, úsáideach é seo
the directory, at the request of the Council also at diocesan level. lán le h-eolas riachtanach d’aon duine a
of Priests. Already editor of the diocesan This directory will be a great resource bhfuil spéis aige/aici in Ard-dheoise
magazine, New Dawn and managing the for all who wish to access diocesan and Thuama. Tá bua faoi leith ag an
diocesan website along with various parish information and in that way will, I eagarthóir an t-eolas seo a fhoilsiú ar
diocesan social media outlets – it is believe, play a very important role in bhealach suimiúil, tarraingteach. Táimid
perhaps convenient and appropriate to providing people with a sense of diocesan faoi chomaoin ag an Ath. Fiontán Ó
combine the roles and duties of all identity. I hope this will help to give people Monacháin as ucht na hoibre atá curtha i
together. a sense of what we are trying to achieve gcrích aige. Go gcúití Dia a shaothar leis.
1
the deAneries
The Parishes of the Archdiocese are gathered into eight Deaneries.
The Deaneries with their respective parishes are:
Tuam: Claremorris: Athenry: Clifden:
Abbeyknockmoy Aghamore Corrandulla Carna
Killererin Ballindine Aran Carraroe
Menlough Ballyhaunis Athenry Clifden
Tuam Bekan Caherlistrane Letterfrack
Moore Claremorris Cummer Roundstone
Mountbellew Moylough Crossboyne Headford Inishbofin
Tuam Knock Knock-Spiddal
Lackagh Westport:
Ballinrobe: Dunmore: Achill
Ballinrobe Ballinlough Castlebar: Aughagower
Clonbur Dunmore Balla Clare Island
Cong Glenamaddy Carnacon Islandeady
Kilmaine Kilconly Castlebar Kilmeena
Leenane Kilkerrin Keelogues Louisburgh
Partry Milltown Mayo Abbey Newport
Roundfort Williamstown Parke Westport
Killala Achonry
Parke
Achill
Newport
Island-
eady
Keelogues Aghamore TUAM
Diocese
CASTLE- Knock
BAR Balla Ballyhaunis
Clare
Kilmeena
Elphin
Island Mayo CLARE-
Abbey MORRIS Bekan
Carnacon Ballinlough Williams-
WESTPORT
Augha-
Cross-
boyne
town Ardagh &
gower Robeen Ballindine
Glenamaddy Clonmac-
Louisburgh
Partry
BALLIN- Milltown DUNMORE noise
Roundfort
ROBE
Kilkerrin
Inisbofin
Kilmaine Kilconly
Leenane TUAM Moylough
Cong
Letterfrack Killererin
Clonbur
Caher-
listrane Menlough
Headford Cummer
Abbeyknockmoy
CLIFDEN Roundstone
Galway Corran-
dulla Lackagh
Moore
ATHENRY Clonfert
Carna Knock-Spiddal
Carraroe
THERE ARE EIGHT
N DEANERIES:
Tuam
Galway Atherny
Kilmacduagh Ballinrobe
Castlebar
Claremorris
Galway Clifden
Aran Islands
Kilfenora Dunmore
Westport
The Diocese of Tuam Killaloe
2
diocesAn directory: Very Rev. Michael Canon Goaley, PE, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway.
Most Rev. Michael Neary, DD, LSS, Rev. Paul Keane, Ballycrodick, Dunhill, Co. Waterford.
Born 15 April, 1946, Ordained Priest 20 June 1971, Ordained Bishop Very Rev. Seán Kilbane, PE, Clonfad, Oldtown, Athlone, Co.
13 September, 1992, Installed Archbishop of Tuam 5 March 1995 Roscommon.
Residence: Archbishop’s House, Tuam, Co. Galway, H54 HP57. Very Rev. Colm Canon Kilcoyne, PE, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
093 24166, Fax: 093 28070. Email: admin@tuamarchdiocese.org Very Rev. Anthony Canon King, PE, Westport, Co. Mayo.
Rev. Christopher Kilkelly, Drumcondra, Dublin.
VicAr GenerAL, deAn: Rev. Dr. Enda Lyons, DD, Tuam, Co. Galway.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dermot Moloney PE, VG, 5 Gold Cave Crescent, Tuam, Very Rev. John McCarthy, 76 Carrowmore Meadows, Knock, Co. Mayo.
Co. Galway. 093 52946, 087 2300567. Email: dermotmol@eircom.net. Rev. Dr. Enda McDonagh, Professor Emeritus, St. Patrick’s College,
Maynooth.
chAnceLLor: Rt. Rev. Mgr. Dermot Moloney, PE, VG, 5 Gold Cave Crescent, Tuam,
Sr Mary Lyons, RSM, JCD. Archbishop’s House, Tuam, Co. Galway. Co. Galway.
093 24166. Email: chancellortuam@gmail.com Very Rev. Joseph Canon Moloney, PE, Grove House, Tuam, Co. Galway.
An Canónach Sár Oirmh. Colm Ó Ceannabháin, PE, Teach Altranais,
ArchdeAcon: Cárna, Co. na Gaillimhe
Venerable Patrick Williams, PE, 6, Gort an Clochair, Kilkee, Co. Clare. Very Rev. Máirtín Ó Lainn, PE, Teach Altranais, Teaghlach Uilinn Maigh
Cuilinn, Co. na Gaillimhe.
VicArs forAne: Very Rev. Kieran Canon Waldron, PE, Devlis, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
The Vicars Forane are priests who are appointed for specific leadership Venerable Archdeacon Patrick Williams, PE, 6 Gort an Clochair, Kilkee,
roles within each deanery. Co. Clare.
The present Vicars Forane are:
Very Rev. Padraig Canon O’Connor, PP, Mountbellew, Tuam Deanery chAPLAins to his hoLiness, the PoPe:
Very Rev. Brendan Canon Kilcoyne, PP, Athenry Deanery Priests of the Archdiocese who, on the nomination of the Archbishop,
Very Rev. James Canon Ronayne, PP, Clifden Deanery have been chosen by the Holy See for this honorary position which
Very Rev. Fergal Cunnane, PP, Dunmore Deanery confers on them the title of “Monsignor”.
Very Rev. Charlie McDonnell, Adm., Westport Deanery Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dermot Moloney, PE, VG, Tuam.
Very Rev. John Canon Cosgrove, PP, Castlebar Deanery Rt. Rev. Msgr. John O'Boyle, Director of Education and Child Protection,
Very Rev. Peter Gannon, PP, Claremorris Deanery Diocesan Resource Office, Tuam.
Very Rev. Conal Canon Eustace, PP, Ballinrobe Deanery
AdministrAtion:
cAthedrAL chAPter: VicAr GenerAL, deAn:
The Cathedral Chapter is comprised of a group of priests of the Diocese Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dermot Moloney PE, VG, 5 Gold Cave Crescent, Tuam,
to whom specific liturgical and other roles are entrusted by canon law Co. Galway. 093 52946. Email: dermotmol@eircom.net.
and by the Archbishop. They are “canons” of the Diocese.
chAnceLLor:
deAn: Sr Mary Lyons,RSM, JCD, Archbishop’s House, Tuam. 093 24166. Fax:
Rt. Rev. Mgr Dermot Moloney, PE, VG 093 28070. Email: chancellortuam@gmail.com
ArchdeAcon: diocesAn secretAry:
Venerable Patrick Williams, PE, Kilkee, Co. Clare Rev. Fintan Monahan, Archbishop’s House, Tuam, Co. Galway. 093
24166. Fax: 093 28070. Email: admin@tuamarchdiocese.org
PreBendAries: www.tuamarchdiocese.org.
Very Rev. John Cosgrove, PP, Castlebar.
Very Rev. Conal Eustace, PP, Ballinrobe. secretAries in diocesAn office:
Very Rev. Brendan Kilcoyne, PP, Athenry. Ms Noreen Raftery, Ms Anne Gormally
Very Rev. Patrick Mooney, PP, Glenamaddy/Williamstown
Rt. Rev. Msgr. John O’Boyle, Diocesan Resource Office, Tuam. LeGAL secretAry:
Very Rev. Joseph O’Brien, PP, Abbeyknockmoy. Ms Ann Walsh, Archbishop’s House, 093 24166. Email:
Very Rev. Padraig O’Connor, PP, Mountbellew. annwalshtuam@gmail.com
Rev. James Quinn, CC, Taugheen.
Rev. James Ronayne, PP, Clifden. diocesAn WeBsites:
Very Rev. John Walsh, PP, Aghamore. General: www.tuamarchdiocese.org.
Very Rev. Des Walsh, PP, Lackagh Youth Ministry: www.dyctuam.ie.
Vocations: www.onelifeonecalloneresponse.com.
honorAry cAnons:
An tAth. Ró Oirmh. Pádraig Audley, PE, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na sociAL netWorkinG sites:
Gaillimhe. Twitter Diocesan: http://twitter.com/tuamarchdiocese/
Very Rev. Colm Burke, PE, Queen of Peace Nursing Home, Knock, Co. Facebook Diocesan: http://www.facebook.com/tuamarchdiocese/
Mayo Diocesan Youth Council: http://www.facebook.com/dyctuam/
Very Rev. Eamonn Canon Concannon, PE, Knock, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. Joe Canon Cooney, PE, Knock, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. Arthur Canon Devine, PE, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. John D. Canon Flannery, PE, Milltown, Co. Galway.
Very Rev. John Canon Garvey, PE, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. Des Canon Grogan, PE, Partry, Co. Mayo.
3
PArish WeBsites: Rev. Shane Sullivan (Chaplain) Email: osuilleabhain.shane@gmail.com
Abbeyknockmoy: http://www.abbeyknockmoy.ie St Colman’s College: Claremorris, Co. Mayo 094 9371442
Athenry: http://athenryparish.ie. Mr Jimmy Finn (Principal), Mr Roy Hession (Deputy Principal)
Ballintubber Abbey: www.ballintubberabbey.ie Very Rev. Peter Gannon (Chaplain), Email: ganpete@eircom.net.
Ballyhaunis: www.ballyhaunisparish.ie
Bekan: www.bekan-parish.ie. AdVisory counciL on cAthoLic second LeVeL
Castlebar: www.castlebarparish.ie educAtion:
Cummer: www.cummer.ie Sr Mary Corr (Chairperson), Sr Margaret Buckley, Mountbellew, Sr Mary
Dunmore: www.dunmoreparish.ie Kenny, Galway, Canon Pádraig O’Connor, Mountbellew, Mgr John
Glenamaddy: www.glenamaddychurch.ie O’Boyle, Tuam, Mr Michael Brett, Castlebar, Mr Joe Burke, Tuam, Canon
Louisburgh: www.louisburghparish.ie/newsletter.pdf Conal Eustace, Ballinrobe, Ms Mary Ryan, Kilmeena, Mr John
Tuam: www.tuamparish.com McLoughlin, Tuam, Ms Lil Bruen, Dunmore, Mr Pat McHugh, Ballindine.
Westport: www.westportparish.ie
tuAm diocesAn youth GosPeL choir:
diocesAn finAnce committee: The choir, made up of young people from the ages of 16-23, will have
Archbishop Michael Neary, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dermot Moloney, Mr Gerard monthly rehearsals and sing at diocesan youth events. For more
Concannon, Ms Anne Corcoran, Mr Stephen Burns, Mr Patrick Durcan, information email youth@tuamarchdiocese.org.
Very Rev. Pat Farragher, Very Rev. Michéal Mannion, Very Rev. Joe
O’Brien, Rev. Fintan Monahan, Very Rev. Joe Canon Cooney, Very Rev. sAfeGuArdinG chiLdren committee:
Martin Canon Newell. Ms Maureen Walsh (Chairperson), Rev. Tod Nolan (Co-ordinator of
Training and national trainer with the National Board for Safeguarding
nAtionAL counciL of the LAity: Children in the Catholic Church), Ms Noreen Sadler, Mr Joe Staunton,
Diocesan Representative: Ms Teresa Carney, (Castlebar) Msgr. John O’Boyle (Diocesan Designated Person), Ms Mary Trench
(Diocesan Designated Person).
PrimAry And Post PrimAry schooLs diocesAn
secretAriAt: Promoter of Justice:
Rt. Rev. Msgr. John O’Boyle, Diocesan Resource Centre, Bishop Street, Very Rev. Brendan Canon Kilcoyne, JCL, PP, Athenry, Co. Galway.
Tuam 093 52284. Email: jcjoboyle@gmail.com
cAse mAnAGement AdVisory committee:
PrimAry cAtechetics: Mr Anthony Carney, Psychiatrist, Mr Gabriel Fox Paediatrician, Sr Mary
Director: Mr John McDonagh, Diocesan Resource Centre, Bishop Lyons, Canon Lawyer, Dr John Canavan, Psychologist, Mr Tony Doherty,
Street, Tuam, 093 52284. Email: Solicitor, Mrs Maureen Walsh, Secondary School Principal, Chairperson
primarycathechetics@tuamarchdiocese.org Child Protection Committee, Mr Ronan Waldron, Surgeon.
diocesAn PrimAry cAtechetics AdVisors: ArchiVist/historiAn:
Mr John McDonagh, Corofin, Coordinator, Sr Mary Johnson, Castlebar, Very Rev. Kieran Canon Waldron, PE, “Devlis”, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
Mr Pádraic McKeowen, Castlebar, Ms Ena Sheridan, Balla, Filimíne Bn. 094 9630246. Email: pkwaldron36@gmail.com
Uí Dhubhghaill, Indreabhán, An t-Uasal Máirtín Ó Dubhghaill,
Indreabhán, Ms Máire Finnerty, Menlough, Ms Julie Donnellan, Accord:
Ballyconneely. Canon Conal Eustace, PP, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. 094 9541784. Email:
eustaceconal@gmail.com.
PrimAry diocesAn educAtion committee cPsmA: Anne Maguire, Tuam, Co. Galway. 093 24900. accordtuam@eircom.net.
Mr Frank Burns (Chairperson), Ms Rosaleen Crowe-O’Neill, Mr Stiofán Ó Very Rev. James Canon Ronayne, PP, Clifden, Co. Galway. 095 22125.
Móráin, Sr Geraldine Costelloe, Mr Joe Carty, An tUasal Ruairí Ó Email: clifdenparish@eircom.net.
Domhnaill. Rt. Rev. Msgr. John O’ Boyle (Secretary). Very Rev. Fergal Cunnane, PP, Dunmore, Co. Galway. 087 6699588.
Email: fergcunnane@eircom.net.
Post PrimAry reLiGious educAtion: Rev. Patrick Burke, CC, Knock, Co. Mayo. 094 9388100
Sr Margaret Buckley, Sister of the Christian Retreat Diocesan Resource Email: scoruiocht@yahoo.co.uk
Office, Bishop Street, Tuam, 093 52284, Email:
secondaryre@tuamarchdiocese.org diocesAn mAGAzine – neW dAWn:
Sr Mary Kenny, Presentation Sister, Diocesan Resource Office, Bishop Editor, Rev. Fintan Monahan. Consultant Editor, Mr John Fallon, Media
Street, Tuam, 093 52284. Email: marykennypres@tuamarchdiocese.org West Sub Editors, Mr Declan Rooney and Mr Brian McDonald. Editorial
Board, Very Rev. Patrick Farragher, Chairperson, Mr Christy Loftus,
Post PrimAry schooL retreAts: Assistant Editor, Mr David Harkin, Proof Reading coordinator, Ms Trena
Rev. Benny McHale, The Parochial House, New Line, Athenry, Co. Lynch Uí Chonghaile, Ms Anne McHale, Mr Seán Rice (PR), Ms Louise
Galway 087 2387226. Delaney, Ms Shauna Dixon, Ms Siobhán Bradley, Ms Trish Gallagher
Ballintubber Abbey Youth Ministry, Ms Maeve O’Reilly, Ms Maeve (Eagarthóir Gaeilge)
Tierney.
Knock Shrine Youth Ministry, Ms Helen Ralph, Ms Nicola Mitchell. emiGrAnts:
Esker Redemptorist Monastery in Athenry, Ms Lizzie Harrison. Fr Gerry Burns, The Rectory, Our Saviour’s Parish, 5301 North Atlantic
Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 32921 USA. Email:
diocesAn coLLeGes: gerryosc@hotmail.com
St Jarlath’s College: Tuam, Co. Galway 093 24342
Mr John Kelly (President) 093 24248. Email: presidentsjc@jarlaths.ie. immiGrAnts:
Ms Brighid Canon (Deputy Principal) Email: deputyprincipal@jarlaths.ie Fr Stephen Farragher, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, 094 9630006 Email:
Rev. Fintan Monahan (Chaplain) Email: fintanmonahan@jarlaths.ie, stephenfarragher@gmail.com.
4
ecumenism: hosPitAL chAPLAincy, cAstLeBAr:
Rev. Francis Mitchell, PP, Roundstone, Co. Galway 095 38546. Email: Rev. Eugene O’Boyle, St Patrick’s Monastery, Chapel Street, Castlebar
frfmitchell@gmail.com 087 9042182. Email: eugeneoboyle@gmail.com
Mr Derek Gormally 087 9177523
fAmiLy PrAyer APostoLAte:
Fr Frank Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. 094 trAVeLLers’ chAPLAincy:
9030934. www.ballintubberabbey.ie. Email: btubabbey1@eircom.net. Very Rev. Pat Farragher, Adm., Tuam, Co. Galway. 093 24250.
Mr Cathal Kearney, The Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co. Email: farragherpat@gmail.com
Mayo.
L’Arche – nAtionAL chAPLAin:
knock mArriAGe BureAu: Very Rev. Fergal Cunnane, PP, Dunmore, Co. Galway. 087 6699588.
If you are single and wish to marry, why not contact Knock Marriage Email: fergcunnane@eircom.net.
Introductions. For further information visit our website
www.knockmarriageintroductions.com or phone 094 9375960. Priests of the diocese in non-PArochiAL roLes:
Canon Joe Cooney, Knock, Co. Mayo. Elsewhere in Ireland:
Very Rev. Dr Enda McDonagh, DD, DCL, St Patrick's College, Maynooth.
our LAdy’s shrine, knock: 01 6285222.
Advisory Board for the Shrine Very Rev. Dr Eamonn Conway, DD, Head of Religious Studies, University
Archbishop Michael Neary, Mgr Dermot Moloney, VG, Very Rev. Richard of Limerick.
Gibbons, PP, Knock, Rev. Patrick Burke, CC, Knock, Secretary, Mgr Very Rev. Seamus Canon Cunnane, Grove House, Tuam, Co. Galway.
Gearóid Dullea, Secretary to the Episcopal Conference, Mr Seamus Rev. Denis Gallagher, c/o Diocesan Office, Tuam.
Murray, Barna, Mr Gerard Conroy, Ballindine, Mr John B. McLoughlin, Rev. Thomas Gallagher, Cloughmore, Achill, Co. Mayo.
Tuam, Ms Mary Trench, Robeen, Hollymount, Ms Noreen Sadler, Rev. John Gavin, c /o Diocesan Office, Tuam.
Islandeady, Rev. Dr Michael Duignan, Sligo. Very Rev. Gerard Needham, Bunowen, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
Rev. Michael O'Malley, Burgatia, Roscarbery, Cork.
LiturGy: Rev. Michael Whelan, c/o Diocesan Office, Tuam.
Very Rev. Michael Molloy, PP, Moore Retired:
Very Rev. John Kenny, PP, Partry An tAth. Ró Oirmh. Pádraig Audley, PE, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na
Gaillimhe.
LiturGicAL resources And trAininG: Very Rev. Colm Burke, PE, Queen of Peace Nursing Home, Knock, Co.
Training, information and resources for Baptism teams, First Holy Mayo
Communion, Do this in Memory of Me, Confirmation, You Shall be my Very Rev. Eamonn Canon Concannon, PE, Knock, Co. Mayo.
Witness – contact Ms Mary Connell, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Very Rev. Joe Canon Cooney, PE, Knock, Co. Mayo.
Council, Castlebar. 094 9028473 Email: mgallagherconnell@gmail.com Very Rev. Arthur Canon Devine, PE, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. John D. Canon Flannery, PE, Milltown, Co. Galway.
euchAristic conGress, nAtionAL And internAtionAL: Very Rev. John Canon Garvey, PE, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. Patrick Farragher, Adm., The Presbytery, Dublin Road, Tuam, Very Rev. Des Canon Grogan, PE, Partry, Co. Mayo.
Co. Galway 093 24250 Very Rev. Michael Canon Goaley, PE, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway.
Rev. Paul Keane, Ballycrodick, Dunhill, Co. Waterford.
director of PiLGrimAGes: Very Rev. Seán Kilbane, PE, Clonfad, Oldtown, Athlone, Co.
Mr John B. McLoughlin, 3, Trinity Court, Tuam, Co. Galway. 093 28337. Roscommon.
Email: johnb46@eircom.net. Very Rev. Colm Canon Kilcoyne, PE, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Very Rev. Anthony Canon King, PE, Westport, Co. Mayo.
diocesAn PiLGrimAGe to Lourdes: Rev. Christopher Kilkelly, Drumcondra, Dublin.
Ms Sheila Davin, Tuam, Co. Galway 086 8664633 Rev. Dr. Enda Lyons, DD, Tuam, Co. Galway.
Very Rev. John McCarthy, 76 Carrowmore Meadows, Knock, Co. Mayo.
trócAire: Rev. Dr. Enda McDonagh, Professor Emeritus, St. Patrick’s College,
Diocesan Co-ordinator: Very Rev. Michael Molloy, PP, Moore, Maynooth.
Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon 090 9673539 Rt. Rev. Mgr. Dermot Moloney, PE, VG, 5 Gold Cave Crescent, Tuam,
Co. Galway.
PoLish chAPLAincy: Very Rev. Joseph Canon Moloney, PE, Grove House, Tuam, Co. Galway.
Rev. Krzystof Sikora, CC, Achill, Co. Mayo 087 3230382 An Canónach Sár Oirmh. Colm Ó Ceannabháin, PE, Teach Altranais,
Cárna, Co. na Gaillimhe
Pioneer totAL ABstinence AssociAtion: Very Rev. Máirtín Ó Lainn, PE, Teach Altranais, Teaghlach Uilinn Maigh
Very Rev. John O’Gorman, PP, Menlough, Co. Galway. 090 9684818. Cuilinn, Co. na Gaillimhe.
Email: johncullmona@eircom.net. Very Rev. Kieran Canon Waldron, PE, Devlis, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
Rev. Seán Cunningham, CC, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. 093 24250. Email: Venerable Archdeacon Patrick Williams, PE, 6 Gort an Clochair, Kilkee,
frseancunningham@gmail.com Co. Clare.
PontificAL mission societies:
Rev. John McCormack, SMA, CC, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. 094
9659017. Email: jmcsma@eircom.net
order of mALtA chAPLAincy:
Very Rev. Richard Gibbons, PP, Knock, Co. Mayo. 094 9388100.
5
An interior picture of
Ballintubber Abbey.
800 years celebrations for Ballintubber Abbey
Ballintubber Abbey, founded 1216 AD, is an important centre of RETREATS-FAITH FORMATION
pilgrimage and faith formation in the Tuam Archdiocese. Retreats in Ballintubber consist of: Confirmation retreats from February
Fr Stephen Ludden initiated this role for Ballintubber, following the to May; post primary retreats from September to May; and adult retreats
historical restoration of ‘the Abbey that refused to die’ by Fr Tommy in the months of July and August.
Egan. In 1986, Archbishop Joseph Cunnane appointed Fr Frank Fahey There is a qualified team in place at the Abbey to conduct these
to Ballintubber with a view to continuing the Abbey’s development as a retreats. It is the policy of the Trust to have the best qualified personnel
Pilgrimage and Retreat Centre. It will be celebrating its Octo-Centenary conducting and facilitating retreats.
this year, 2016. • The Confirmation retreats serve most of the schools in the diocese
To further this development, the Abbey Trust was formed, with with approximately 1,500 pupils attending annually
representatives from the local, diocesan and the wider community, • The post-primary retreats are booked out every year.
under Archbishop Cassidy. • Parish, Pastoral and Prayer groups are availing of the retreat facilities
Tóchar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick, was on Church Island, at the Abbey and in the Celtic Furrow.
brought back into use again with the co-operation of 46 farmers. Approx • Pilgrimage groups are guided along the Tóchar to Croagh Patrick.
1,000 visitors now walk it annually. • A tour of the Abbey and grounds is itself a spiritual and Faith
The grounds of the Abbey were landscaped with life-size formation experience for the many visitors who come to the Abbey.
representations of the Stations of the Cross and the Mysteries of the • Perpetual Adoration takes place in The Adoration Chapel each day
Rosary. Church Island, the 6th century Monastic Island on Lough Carra, from 9am to 12midnight.
has been developed as a place of reflective solitude. • The Passion Play, (Mon, Tue, Wed) of Holy week attracts hundreds
In 1994, the Dorter part of the Abbey was restored to provide facilities each year from an even wider distance
for conducting retreats. It is hoped that it will be extended for the octo- • Weddings – The ambience and the grounds of the Abbey attracts
centenary 2016 many couples to celebrate their weddings here
The Celtic Furrow, opened in 2001, serves the adult and post-primary
retreats and is operative as an interpretative centre during the summer. For further information contact Ballintubber Abbey Retreat
Archbishop Michael Neary has supported, encouraged and facilitated Experience. Email: info@ballintubberabbey.ie, visit
this ongoing vision for Ballintubber. www.ballintubberabbey.ie, or call 094 9030934, Fax 094 9030018.
Ballintubber Abbey.
Cloister Garth.
6
knock shrine www.knockshrine.ie
094 9388100
Knock Shrine is open daily, all year round. The main Masses on weekdays.
pilgrimage season runs from the last Sunday of April to On Sundays, Anointing of the Sick is at 2.30pm. The 3pm
the second Sunday of October. Mass is then followed by Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament, Rosary Procession to the Shrine and blessing
mAsses: of religious items.
Pilgrimage season A candlelight rosary procession takes place each
During the pilgrimage season, Masses are celebrated Thursday night at 9pm during June, July and August.
daily, Monday to Saturday, at 9am, 11am, 12noon, 3pm
and 7.30pm. Autumn/winter
Sunday Mass times are at 8am, 9am, 10.30am, 12 noon, During the autumn/winter season, Masses are celebrated
3pm and 7.30pm. daily, Monday to Saturday, at 9am, 11am, 12 noon, 3pm
During the pilgrimage season, there are also a number of and 7.30pm. The 11am Mass runs until December 1
other daily public ceremonies. only.
Stations of the Cross and Rosary Procession takes place Sunday Mass times are 9am, 10.30am, 12 noon and
Monday to Saturday at 2pm. 3pm.
Anointing of the Sick takes place at the 12noon and 3pm
7
nAtionAL noVenA to our LAdy of knock: ambitious three-year renewal project to ensure Knock
The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock takes place Shrine remains to be a site of national and international
each year from August 14 to 22, inclusive. The Novena importance for faith renewal and pilgrimage.
programme includes daily workshops, ceremonies and
guided prayer sessions. cArAVAn & cAmPinG PArk:
Knock Caravan & Camping Park, adjacent to the Shrine,
confessions: provides an excellent base for touring the west of Ireland.
Confessions are available daily, year round, in the Chapel The park is located in a sheltered, well-landscaped area
of Reconciliation, from 11am to 5pm in the pilgrimage and is open from March to October. Email:
season and 11am to 4pm in autumn/winter. caravanpark@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9388223
AdorAtion: cAfé Le chéiLe:
During the pilgrimage season, Adoration takes place in Open daily, all year round, Café Le Chéile is located next
the Blessed Sacrament Chapel daily from 11.30am to to Knock Museum and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy
6.30pm. There is also Adoration from 7pm to 9pm in the a range of delicious meals, coffees, teas and desserts.
Apparition Chapel, from Monday to Friday. In Email: cafelecheile@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9375350
autumn/winter, Adoration takes place daily from 11am to
4pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation. rest & cAre centre:
St John’s Rest & Care Centre is open 10am to 6pm
PrAyer GuidAnce centre: during the pilgrimage season and 10am to 5pm during
The Prayer Guidance Centre is a quiet space for reflection autumn/winter. The centre offers facilities such as a large
and prayer with Scripture. Daily guided prayer sessions recreational hall, meeting rooms, rest rooms and a free
are held during the pilgrimage season at 12noon, 4.15pm shuttle bus service, for groups visiting the Shrine. St
and 8.15pm, Monday to Friday, and at 12noon, 5pm and John’s can also accommodate pilgrims or groups with
8.15 pm on Sundays. Email: health and mobility issues or special needs. The centre
prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie, 094 9388100 has parking for people with disability and buses can also
use the drop-off/pick-up zone outside the centre. 094
youth ministry: 9388100
The Youth Ministry at Knock is a busy and dynamic centre
for school retreats and summer youth programmes. The knock shrine BookshoP:
Hub, operating each summer, is a great space providing a Located opposite the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the
kids club, a youth café for teens and young adults, Bookshop stocks an extensive range of religious and
summer retreats and camps. Email: spiritual books, gifts and souvenirs. The bookshop is also
youthministry@knockshrine.ie, 094 9388100 available online at www.knockshrine.ie/shop. Email:
bookshop@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9375030
knock shrine mAss cArds:
The Mass Card offices located throughout the Shrine offer the fAmiLy centre:
pilgrims the opportunity to enrol themselves or a loved The Family Centre provides a range of services to support
one, living or deceased, in the Knock Shrine Friends family life, including preparing couples for marriage,
Association. Members share in two Masses each day for providing training to parents, bereavement support and
one year. Enrolment cards can also be purchased online other talks and workshops on themes related to family life.
at www.knockshrine.ie. Email: info@knock-shrine.ie, 094 Email: familycentre@knockshrine.ie, 094 9375320
9388100
knock mArriAGe introductions:
knock museum: Established in 1968, Knock Marriage Introductions aims
Open daily, year round, the award-winning Knock Museum to help people meet suitable marriage partners. All
captures the unique and compelling story of the Knock applications are treated in the strictest of confidence. For
Apparition of 1879 and profiles the 15 ordinary people more information, visit
who witnessed this extraordinary event. It also provides an www.knockmarriageintroductions.com. Email:
insight into the history and culture of 19th century Ireland info@knockmarriageintroductions.com, 094 9375960
and charts the major milestones in the development of
Knock into an international pilgrimage site. Email: knock counseLLinG centre:
museum@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9375034 The Counselling Centre provides counselling services to
individuals couples, and young people aged 12 to 18
Guided tours: years. The centre also offers anger management courses,
Visitors and pilgrims can avail of a guided tour of the a drop-in listening service, clinical supervision, workshops
Shrine grounds. The tour provides a fascinating insight and seminars.
into the history of Knock and all of the sights of interest, The centre is accredited to the Association of Agency
art, sculpture and built heritage throughout the grounds Based Counselling in Ireland (AACI). Email:
and gardens. Pre-booking advised. Email: counselling@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9375032
guidedtours@knock-shrine.ie, 094 9388100
knock house hoteL:
Witness to hoPe centre: Open all year and located beside the Shrine grounds,
The Witness to Hope Information Centre is located at the Knock House Hotel is an ideal base for pilgrims. The Four
centre of Knock Shrine, opposite the Basilica. At the Seasons restaurant is also open year round. Email:
centre, visitors can find out about Witness to Hope, an info@knockhousehotel.ie, 094 9388088
8PArish cLusters
in tuAm Archdiocese
One of the recommendations of the planning the Catholic Faith in the Archdiocese of Tuam and pastoral councils.
document 'The Future Serving of the Parishes 2013-2020'. This document builds on the The convener meetings take place in
of the Archdiocese of Tuam (2008-2013)' was recommendations of the 2008 document and Knock House Hotel. The current secretary of
that the parishes of the diocese would be makes proposals on how the pastoral needs the convener meetings is Mary Forde from
grouped into 15 clusters and that a convener of the parishes might be served between Knock Parish Pastoral Council.
would be appointed to each cluster. 2013 and 2020. Both documents envision In January 2016, the Cluster Conveners
The purpose of the grouping of parishes parishes working together in cluster were as follows:
into clusters is to ensure that the pastoral groupings. Fr John Cosgrove, Castlebar, Fr Charlie
needs of parishes are met with the available The cluster conveners along with McDonnell, Westport, Fr Tod Nolan, Newport,
resources. Among the hopes of the grouping representatives of the pastoral councils are Fr Austie Fergus, Mayoabbey, Fr Stephen
of parishes is that the communities involved invited to three meetings each year where the Farragher, Ballyhaunis, Fr Pádraig O Connor,
might share personnel, resources, training, pastoral challenges facing parishes and the Mountbellew, Fr Des Walsh, Lackagh, Fr
formation as well as sharing administrative diocese are addressed and the initiatives that Ciarán Blake, An Ceathrú Rua, Fr Pat
tasks. work well in the various clusters are Farragher, Tuam, Fr Paddy Mooney,
In 2013, a follow-up planning document discussed. The conveners and pastoral Glenamaddy, Fr Ronnie Boyle, Letterfrack, Fr
was published entitled 'Journeying Together in council representatives bring these Hughie Loftus, Corrandulla, Fr Conal Eustace,
Faith: Proposals for Nurturing and Developing discussions back to their respective parishes Ballinrobe, Fr Martin O Connor, Ballindine.
9The Tuam Archdiocese Council of Priests 2015. Standing (L to R): Brendan Kilcoyne, Máirtín Ó Conaire, Shane Sullivan, John
O’Gorman, Jarlath Heraty, Stephen Farragher, Ronnie Boyle, Karl Burns, Martin O Connor, Dermot Molony.
Seated (L to R): Joe Feeney, Micheál Mannion, Sean Cunningham, Tod Nolan, +Michael Neary, John Walsh, Kieran Waldron.
Photo Courtesy of Stephen Farragher.
counciL of Priests
The Code of Canon Law defines a Council of Priests of a Diocese as: a memBers of the 16th counciL:
group of priests who represent the presbyterium and who are to be, as it Ex-officio
were, the Bishop's senate. Most Rev. Archbishop Michael Neary, Rt. Rev. Mgr. Dermot Moloney, VG
The Council's role is to assist the Bishop, in accordance with the law,
in the governance of the diocese, so that the pastoral welfare of that Age group reps
portion of the people of God entrusted to the Bishop may be effectively Very Rev. Kieran Canon Waldron (age groups 1&2), Very Rev. Martin
promoted. (Canon 495) Canon O’Connor (age groups 3&4), Very Rev. Stephen Farragher (age
The Council's role is to assist the Bishop in a consultative capacity. groups 5&6), Rev. Shane Sullivan (age Groups 7&8)
The Tuam Diocesan Council holds office for three years and is made
up of: Deanery reps
(a) Ex officio members, Archbishop Neary and Rt. Rev. Msgr Dermot Very Rev. Brendan Canon Kilcoyne (Athenry), Very Rev. Micheál
Moloney, Vicar General Mannion (Ballinrobe), Rev. Sean Cunningham (Castlebar), Very Rev.
(b) Elected representatives of the various Deaneries and age groups Peter Gannon (Claremorris), Very Rev. Francis Mitchell (Clifden), Very
(c) Individual priests appointed by the Archbishop for specific reasons Rev. Joseph Feeney (Dunmore), Very Rev. Jarlath Heraty (Tuam), Rev.
Karl Burns (Westport)
memBers of the Present counciL:
The Sixteenth Council was elected in 2015. They meet in the Diocesan Archbishop’s Nominees
Resource Centre in the Grounds of St Jarlath's College. Rev. Seán Very Rev. John Canon Walsh, Very Rev. Ronnie Boyle, Very Rev. Máirtín
Cunningham is Chairman, Canon Brendan Kilcoyne is Vice-Chairperson, Ó Conaire, Very Rev. John O’Gorman.
Very Rev. Michéal Mannion is the Treasurer and Rev. Shane Sullivan is
the Secretary.
10euchAristic AdorAtion – diocesAn committee
This Eucharistic Adoration committee is equipped and trained to set up Officers of Tuam Adoration Diocesan Committee
a system of viable weekly adoration in any parish of the diocese, at the S. Anna Maria O’Shaughnessy, Chairperson, Dunmore; Sarah Breslin,
invitation of priests. Where a previous system of adoration exists, then Deputy Chairperson, Tuam; Angela Ryan, Secretary, Kilmeena; Kay
the task undertaken will be to strengthen and expand it. Gilligan, Assistant Secretary, Milltown; Anne Dempsey, Treasurer, Balla;
Several parishes have requested a weekend presentation from the Maureen Nestor, Assistant Treasurer, Balla; Michael Jennings, Map
committee. It is expected that there will be a great uptake from parishes Coordinator, Williamstown; John Mannion, Map Coordinator, Tuam;
of the diocese in 2016, and 12 contact teams are now available to Pauline Ryder, Dunmore; Sr Teresina Daly, Tuam; Margaret Moran,
respond to parishes as they make contact. Kilmeena; Margaret Carne, Milltown; David Breslin, Tuam.
The Chairperson of the new Committee is Sr Anne Maria For further details, write to: Angela Ryan, Secretary, Diocesan Adoration
O’Shaughnessy, Convent of Mercy, Dunmore, who may be contacted at Committee, Castleaffy, Kilmeena, Westport, Co. Mayo, call 089
086 8683619, or via email at: shaughanne@gmail.com. 4000920 or email: angelaryanehs@gmail.com
Pictured on the occasion of
the Golden Jubilee in 2013
of Rt. Rev. Mgr Dermot
Moloney were: Very Rev.
Canon Joe Moloney, PE, Rt.
Rev. Mgr. Dermot Moloney,
PE, VG, Most Rev. Dr
Michael Neary.
11Grandparents from the Tuam Archdiocese at a recent celebration Mass.
catholic Grandparents Association
There are several branches in different unprecedented times, with constantly
parishes around the diocese and changing social and moral values.
worldwide. An annual celebration of Sometimes we feel like we are failing. We
Grandparents is held in Tuam Cathedral are not. We can never fail so long as we
around the feast of Saints Anne and keep on doing what we are doing –
Joachim in July and the big annual praying, showing the way and passing our
pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock is Faith.
held in mid-September. At the heart of the Catholic
This association grew out of our Grandparents Association is the firm belief
Grandparents Pilgrimages, where that this is our duty, our responsibility, our
thousands of grandparents gathered in vocation, and we must do what we can.
recent years, united by the same goal to This is probably the most important job we
do the very best we can for our children will ever have and, for many of us, it may
and grandchildren. be our last. It is one from which we can
Grandparents have no agenda; they never retire, so let us do our best. We owe
simply want the best for their it to our grandchildren.
grandchildren. They want them to be good, May God bless you, your grandchildren,
decent human beings, to know the and your children.
difference between right and wrong, able For more details log on to the website of
to make good moral decisions and, if they the association:
go astray along the way, to be able to find www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org.
their way back to a loving, forgiving, non
judgemental God. Compiled by Mrs Catherine Wiley,
Grandparents’ vital contribution to the Grandmother and founder of the Catholic
family, the Church and society was never Grandparents Association, 83 Westpoint,
as important as now. We are living in Westport, Co. Mayo
12Members of the National Committee of Diocesan Youth Directors,
Maynooth, with Bishop Donal McKeown Bishop of Derry.
Members of the
DYC at a recent
get together.
The visiting The NET team,
Athenry.
Some Diocesan Youth Council members take on the Tochar youth ministry:
Padraig walk. Ms Siobhán Bradley – Diocesan Youth Director
Diocesan Resource Centre, Tuam, Co. Galway
Email: youth@tuamarchdiocese.org
WorLd youth dAy PiLGrimAGe:
Ms Siobhán Bradley – Tuam 093 52284
John PAuL ii AWArds:
Ms Siobhán Bradley – Tuam 093 52284
diocesAn youth counciL (dyc):
Rev. Shane Sullivan, Rev. Sean Cunningham, Ms Nicola Mitchell, Ms
Bronagh McLoughney, Ms Ciara Quinn, Mr Darren Cawley, Mr Kevin
Concannon, Ms Lorna Freeney, Ms Maeve Tierney, M. Jonathan Kelly,
Ms Gemma Collins, M. Siobhan Bradley (ex officio). Email:
youth@tuamarchdiocese.org or visit www.dyctuam.ie.
mission stAtement of dyc:
Tuam Diocesan Youth Council is inspired by Jesus’ special love and
care for young people. It seeks to help young people to live as followers
of Jesus and to take an active role in the life and ministry of our Church.
Tuam Diocesan Youth Council endeavours to ensure that all young
people from our diocese are afforded opportunities to celebrate,
experience, live and explore their faith in meaningful ways. It will do this
by facilitating, supporting and resourcing faith events at diocesan and
HUB: Hear, Understand, Believe. Youth Ministers at Knock Shrine. parish level.
13diocesan family centre castlebar
The Diocesan Family Life Services were set up in 1995 through the Archdiocese of Tuam and the HSE.
The services continue to be delivered around the region and at the Family Centre, Chapel St, Castlebar.
PersonneL: Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service also operates from
Director: Cathal Kearney. the Family Centre. This service enables us to journey with
Clinical Director: Michael Burke, Senior Clinical those who are bereaved by suicide. We can work with
Psychologist. them in our own centre or visit them in their own homes
Board of Management: Is made up of a variety of as they may wish.
volunteers from different aspects of Community life. The This service can accessed through 094 90 25900 or
current chairperson is Pearce O’Malley. through 087 2172866, or Email
mairenidh@thefamilycentre.com
serVices incLude:
Counselling Family Mediation Service
This service is predominantly an adult service and caters This is provided in the Family Centre in Castlebar on three
for a wide variety of difficulties that might arise for days a week. It is provided through the Legal Aid Board.
individuals or couples. The service does not work with The aim of the service is to help couples who are
addiction issues however, as there are specialist services separating to do so in as constructive a manner as
available for this area of work. People attending possible and particularly to have regard to the welfare of
counselling are asked to contribute up to €30 a session any children affected by the separation. Tel. 094 9035120
or a lesser amount, whichever they can afford. However
many people attending the service are unable to Education and Training
contribute anything and this does not prevent them The Centre provides up to 60 courses a year under the
accessing the service. headings of Personal Development, Family and Parenting,
Bereavement and Loss, Professional Development and
Bereavement Support Services Faith and Spirituality.
We have five bereavement support services around the
region. This service is provided by trained volunteers. This Spiritual support
service is free of charge. Contact: Tuam 093 24577. Individual Spiritual guidance is provided in the Family
Claremorris 094 9362069. Headford 093 36446. Centre in Castlebar to help people to explore the meaning
Westport 098 28871. Castlebar 094 9025900. of their lives in a faith context.
Suicide Prevention and Postvention Services For more information on these or other services contact
Much of the work of the Centre is to improve people’s the Diocesan Family Centre Castlebar. Email:
quality of life and in some instances where a person may info@thefamilycentre.com, www.thefamilycentre.com, 094
be at risk of self harm to reduce this risk. The Mayo 9025900.
14PLAnninG your mArriAGe
reserVinG the church: Pre-mArriAGe PrePArAtion:
As soon as you have chosen a date for your marriage, please consult We generally prepare carefully for anything which is important.
with your local parish to ensure that the date is available in the Church. Preparation for marriage could be looked at under two headings.
Please note: the reservation of the Church is made on the preparation is about gathering information about married life which will
understanding that you are free to marry both in civil law and in the law help you to make the big decision, and all the other decisions which
of the Church. If either of you has ever been married previously, follow from that.
(whether in a Church or in a civil ceremony), or if you are in any doubt Preparation is also about assessing your own personal readiness for
about your freedom to marry, please mention this at the time of making marriage, and the maturity of your relationship. Nobody else can
your request. This will help to avoid any unforeseen complications. prepare you, but various people can help, including family members,
friends, and the priest of your parish.
three months notice to the PArish:
A mature decision to marry is not something you arrive at on the spur of Pre-mArriAGe courses:
the moment. The experience of the Church would suggest that Some formal preparation for marriage must be undertaken. Participation
marriages which take place at short notice, or at a very young age, may in a pre-marriage course is required by the Archdiocese. Most courses
not be based on a mature decision, and may therefore be more at risk. provide a certain amount of input on questions such as finance, home-
For this reason, it is required that each person being married should making, fertility, parenthood, and preparing the marriage celebration.
notify his / her local priest (i.e, in the parish where you are currently The real value of the courses is probably in that they help to focus your
resident) at least three months before the marriage. own discussion, and provide the opportunity of talking with other
couples in a 'safe environment'.
minimum AGe:
To get married in a Church in the Archdiocese of Tuam a person must sAcrAments:
be 18 years of age or over on the date of the wedding. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist people in preparing for the
Sacraments. We do not normally contract this responsibility out to
church mArriAGe And ciViL LAW: commercial agencies. Where the Sacrament of Marriage is concerned,
In accordance with the provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004 Accord is our own diocesan agency and is entrusted with the mission of
(Section 51.3c) your marriage may be solemnized by a priest or deacon assisting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage.
who is registered within the state as a solemniser. For the avoidance of They do this in partnership with the priests who will also meet each
doubt, in the Archdiocese of Tuam, a priest or deacon, whether of the couple individually to support them in deepening their understanding of
diocese or otherwise, is authorised to celebrate or solemnise a the Sacrament and preparing the liturgical celebration. Needless to say,
marriage only: if couples wish to do another course in addition to the above, they are
in a Church designated for that purpose by the bishop free to do so. There is so much preparation for the day itself, that a little
with the delegation of the parish priest or administrator (unless he has more preparation for a lifetime of commitment would not go astray. For
general delegation in writing) further information see www.accord.ie/services/marriage-preparation
for a man and a woman who are free to marry in accordance with the and select by region.
law of the Church
It is the responsibility of the couple to produce the Marriage Registration Accord:
Form at the Church, to sign it immediately after the ceremony, and to Catholic Marriage Care Service, is an Agency of the Irish Catholic
bring it for registration to the office of the civil registrar within one Bishops’ Conference. It has centres located throughout the dioceses of
month. Ireland. Its ministry is primarily concerned with supporting the
Details with regard to the Civil Registration can be obtained on sacrament of marriage by helping couples as they prepare for marriage
www.groireland.ie. and offering support to them in their marriage relationship. ACCORD’s
The Registration offices: aim is to promote a better understanding of Christian marriage and to
Galway: 25, Newcastle Road 091 546277. help couples initiate, sustain and enrich their commitment to one
Castlebar: New Antrim Street 094 9023249 another and to family life. ACCORD’s core services include Marriage
Roscommon: Lanesboro Road 090 6637508 Preparation, Marriage Counselling and Relationship and Sexuality
15Education (RSE) though its schools programmes. For further information last less than an hour, the marriage ceremony will be the focal point of
phone your local ACCORD Centre, or ACCORD Central Office, or visit the day.
www.accord.ie. You are the ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage, because it is you
who give yourselves to each other. The priest is present as witness to
church documentAtion: your commitment on behalf of the Christian community, and to bless
Your priest will guide you through the preparation of the documentation your union. For the celebration of your marriage, there are many options
required for your marriage in the Catholic Church. open to you. The priest will help you to plan the liturgy.
A very useful book to help couples preparing the marriage ceremony is
mArriAGe BetWeen tWo cAthoLics: A Wedding of Your Own by Padraic McCarthy, (Veritas Publications). It
Pre-Nuptial Enquiry: contains a wide selection of Scripture readings, as well as the
Each person completes this form with the priest in his / her present alternative forms for the exchange of consent, and the other variable
parish of residence. No other priest is authorised to carry out this parts of the ceremony. The web site www.gettingmarried.ie includes
procedure without the consent of your parish priest. This is to ensure similar information, and offers you a tool for designing your marriage
that someone is seen to be responsible for the process, and to protect booklet.
you from any complications which might arise if the process were not
correctly carried out. The PNE is a gathering of personal details for the WhAt kind of ceLeBrAtion?
register, a way of establishing your freedom to marry, and a statement of Generally speaking, in the case of two Catholics, the marriage
your intent to marry in accordance with the Christian vision of marriage. ceremony takes place during Mass, after you have listened to the
The form is provided by the priest. Scripture readings. This is particularly appropriate, because the Mass is
Baptismal Certificate: the celebration of Christ’s gift of himself in love for his people. It is also
Each of you will need a Baptismal Certificate which has been issued possible to incorporate your marriage ceremony in a celebration of
and dated not more than six months prior to the date of your marriage. Scripture readings, prayers, and music, but without the Mass. This may
This can be obtained by contacting the Church where you were be appropriate in the case of an inter-Church marriage, or in the case of
Baptised. It should be given to the priest preparing your pre-nuptial a marriage between Catholics who don’t regularly attend Mass.
enquiry. It is desirable that you also obtain a certificate of Confirmation.
This may be included on your Baptism Certificate, if the register has music:
been updated. Music and singing can make an important contribution to the
Statement of Freedom: celebration of your marriage. Some couples like traditional pieces (e.g.,
A letter of freedom is required from the parishes you have lived in. A Ave Maria etc.), while others prefer something more modern. The most
sworn affidavit or statutory declaration of freedom to marry is important consideration is that the music and singing that you choose
acceptable also. reflect the meaning of Christian Marriage. There is a fairly wide selection
available. A member of the parish music team will be happy to advise
inter-church mArriAGe: you.
Marriage between a Catholic and a Christian of another denomination is
quite common. The Catholic partner requires the documents already the sAcrAment of reconciLiAtion (confession):
mentioned above, and will also need to apply for a dispensation for Your marriage is a commitment to one another. Since you are marrying
inter-church marriage. as Christians, it is also a renewal of your Christian commitment. (It may
The purpose of this is to help you as a couple to ensure that you have be your first formal Christian commitment as an adult). The Sacrament
discussed any issues, related to your difference of religious of Reconciliation (Confession) is an acknowledgement of our human
denomination, which might otherwise be a cause of difficulty for you in weakness, and a celebration of God’s forgiveness. It is very much the
the future. Sacrament of new beginnings, and we encourage you to make it part of
The partner of the other denomination will need a baptismal certificate, your preparation for marriage.
and a sworn affidavit or written statement from a parent or other close
relative to the effect that he / she has never been married previously, offerinGs:
either in a civil or a religious ceremony. On the assumption that the marriage takes place in your own parish and
that you are supporting your parish financially on an on-going basis,
mArriAGe With A Person Who is not A christiAn: there is no fixed fee for the use of the Church. It is normal to make an
Arrangements can also be made to celebrate a marriage in the Catholic offering which reflects what can afford, and which you feel is appropriate
Church, between a Catholic and a person who is not baptised. This to the significance of your marriage. If you are not a parishioner, or if
should be discussed in the first instance with the priest in your parish of you do not contribute regularly, this should be taken into account when
residence. considering the nature of your offering.
In the event that a visiting priest celebrates the marriage, any offering
Who PrePAres the PAPers With you? you make to him is a separate matter, for your own discretion. Other
As a general principle the person responsible is the priest or deacon in fees (e.g, organist, singer, florist, photographer etc.) have nothing to do
your present parish of residence. If this is outside of Ireland, the papers, with the parish and are arranged directly by you.
once prepared are forwarded to the Bishop of the Diocese in which you
are living, who checks them, and sends them to: The Chancellor, AfterWArds:
Archbishop’s House, Tuam, Co. Galway, where they will be checked Wherever you live after your marriage, your life as husband and wife is
before being sent on to the parish where the marriage is to be important to the community of the parish, and to the future of the
celebrated. This process can take some time, so it is advisable to begin Church. Remember that the love you bring to each other, and to those
no later than three months before the marriage. around you, needs to be nourished through your own closeness to
Christ. Each time you participate in the Mass, you will not only celebrate
PLAnninG the ceremony: the self-giving love of Christ, but you will be reminded of your own gift to
The heart of your wedding day is the making of your commitment to each other, and you will hear His Word, calling you always to new ways
each other, in the presence of your families and friends. Though it may of living that love.
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