Parish of Foxford

Tune into 108 FM For all Church Services. Foxford Tel: Very Rev. Padraig Costello P.P: Mobile: 087 242 2273. Parish Office – 094 92 56131Email: [email protected] Parish website:www.foxfordparish.com Diocesan Website: www.achonrydiocese.org 22nd August - Tweny First Sunday of the Year Foxford: Sat.: 7.30 p.m. p.m. (1) Johnny Henry (Anniv), R.I.P. (2) Martin Conwell (7th Anniv), Belass & London & deceased family members, R.I.P. Foxford: Sun: 11.00 a.m. (1) Pat Ruane (Anniv), Churchpark, R.I.P. (2) Tommie, Kitty & Johnny Gallagher, Glanduff, Sr. Gertrude Gallagher, Mooncoin Dominic Gallagher, Bletchley, Harriet & Pa Durkin, Kildare, Bridget Durkin; & Margaret Broderick, Leeds, R.I.P. Foxford: Sun: 1.00 p.m. Wedding Mass

Foxford: Mon. 10.00 a.m. (1) Celia Cunney (1st Anniv), London & late of Culdalee, & Patricia Burke, London & Foxford & deceased of the Burke & Cunney families, R.I.P. (2) Bridgid (21st Anniv) & Paddy Reape & deceased of the O`Hara & Reape families, R.I.P. Foxford: Tues: 10.00 a.m. (1) Michael (6thAnniv) & Pat & Ellen Walsh, Churchpark, R.I.P. (2) Special Intention Foxford: Wed: 7.00 p.m. Don Healy (6th Anniv) Station Rd. R.I.P. Foxford: Thur: 10.00 a.m. Delia & Martin Boyle & their granddaughter, Sinead, Cashel, R.I.P. Foxford: Fri. 10.00 a.m. Mai Prendergast (10th Anniv), Craggagh, R.I.P. Foxford: Sat.: 7.30 p.m. (1) Catherine (4th Anniv) & Tony (18th Anniv) Gallagher, Cregnafila, R.I.P. (2) John Coleman (5th Anniv), Swinford Rd. R.I.P. Foxford: Sun. 11.00 a.m. (1) Keith Irving (2nd Anniv), Shanwar R.I.P. (2) Padraic Ruddy (25th Anniv), his daughter, Patricia & deceased of the Reilly & Ruddy families, R.I.P

Recent Deaths: Please pray for: Dorothy Costello, Kilmovee & Kiltimagh Sr. Ann Patrick Walsh, Sisters of Charity, Foxford & Cork. May they Rest in Peace.

Cemetery Mass: In the interests of safety we have been asked not to have Mass in our cemeteries at the moment. However, I hope to pay a private visit to each of our four cemeteries and pray the Rosary for our deceased and bless the cemeteries.

Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion: Due to the present Pandemic we have been strongly advised to postpone the celebration of both Sacraments until the Autumn. It is envisaged that by then most people will be vaccinated and that families will have a real opportunity to celebrate in a safe manner with all the family members (grannies grandads uncles, aunts, cousins etc.). It is hoped to celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation on Sunday 19th September and First Holy Communion on Saturday 25th September.

Boxes of Offertory Envelopes: For calendar year 2021 you have a new number on your box. Anyone, not using a box at present, can order one from the Parish Office (094 9256131). Please discard the monthly envelope (yellow colour) for the Parish Centre. It should not have been included! Collection: Offertory: € 1040. Also many thanks for recent donation for cleaning.

Please Note: All cheques for Offertory and other parish collections should be made payable to: St. Michael`s church

Foxford Social Services deliver meals to your home on Mon/Wed and Friday €5 per meal. If interested contact Geraldine at 094 92 56614 or 087 9040463 Drivers are urgently needed to deliver meals. One day per week, every second week. If you are willing to help in this important service please contact: Geraldine: 094 92 56614 or 087 9040463

Medjugorje Pilgrimage (40th Anniversary of Apparition) Dates: 1st Week - 22nd Sept-29th Sept 2021. 2nd Week - 29th Sept-6th Oct 2021.From: Knock to Mostar (just 20 mins from Medjugorje). Accompanied by Spiritual Director. Cost - €765, includes flights, luxury coach transfers, Travel insurance, Accommodation & meals. Accommodation: 2 mins from St James Catholic Church. Further details: Please contact Anne Keadin 086 - 376 6293

Hospital Visits/ Family Deaths: If you wish the priest to visit relations or friends in hospital or at home or to put a notice of family deaths outside the parish in the weekly newsletter – please leave a message at the priests house. St. Vincent de Paul Helpline: 083 8887777.

Returning to Public Worship From Monday 10th May Mass may be celebrated with the public present. It will be good to welcome you back to church as we have been closed since St. Stephen`s Day. 50 people are allowed to attend with the previous system of protection from Covid 19 in place. We are so indebted to our wonderful team of Volunteers who looked after everything so well in the past. We will now be depending on them again as we reopen. The same directives are in place:  Numbers limited to 50  People must be 2 metres apart unless from the same household. Maintain that distance when approaching for the reception of Holy Communion.  Entry through the main door. Sanatise hands. Please wear Face covering. Three points of exit available after Mass.  Mass will be open to the public each day  Bookings necessary for weekend Masses (only).  It has been suggested that the two weekend Masses, (Saturday 7:30 pm and Sunday 11.00 am) would be reserved mainly for people who are working during the week and unable to get to a weekday Mass. Please keep this in mind. There is no obligation during the Pandemic to attend Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday.  Funeral: 50 allowed in church. Please follow Government guidelines after leaving the church.  Weddings: 100 (depending on capacity of church) allowed from 5th August in church: again we have been asked to remind you to follow Government guidelines after the church ceremony.  Baptisms: We have been asked to remind you to keep numbers at a minimum.  In Church: Please follow all the safety protocols. Thank you for your cooperation.

Moy Davitts 50/50 Draw: Congratulations to Ulick Burke on winning €603 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw last Saturday morning. A huge thank you to everyone who supported last week's draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by clicking https://smartlotto.ie/Bohola-moy-davitts Bohola Moy Davitts Club Annual: Request for Articles & Photos Bohola Moy Davitts G.A.A. club are delighted to launch the publication of a club annual in 2021. The first edition of the annual will focus on the formation of the club in 1974 and the success of the junior men’s team that year. There will also be extensive coverage of the various teams and activities taking place in the club in the current year, 2021. Any articles/photos which you would like to be considered for the annual can be emailed to [email protected]. We are especially interested in any photos or memorabilia from 1974.Please note that all articles must be typed and all photos should be captioned as we can only accept submissions by email this year.

Please Note: The Irish Catholic Newspaper: is available every week. If you wish to order a copy let me know. From the first week in February it will cost € 2.50. Compared to other newspapers it is relatively cheap

TFI Local Link Mayo services are currently operating at 75% capacity due to Covid regulations. Pre booking is recommended.Contact 094 900 5150 or visit https://locallinkmayo.ie/time-table/ for more information about services in the area.

Foxford Bingo - We have online Bingo through Zoom each Friday night. Eyes down at 7:30pm. On offer on the night €5,000. Check it out on Facebook. For details: phone the Leisure Centre at (094) 9257684. Also, we are still operating our Friend on a Fone service. If you know anyone that would like a weekly call just let us know.

Swinford VTOS is currently seeking applicants for their Computer and Business courses due to commence in September 2021. The courses which lead to QQI awards at levels 4 & 5 provide unemployed adults with the opportunity of returning to education, updating their skills and improving their employment prospects. The Courses are free and adults who are over 21 and in receipt of social welfare for at least 6 months are eligible. Participants aged under 26 may be entitled to the maximum jobseeker’s rate of €203 per week. Childcare support is also available. For further information, contact Emer at 086 0610009 or email [email protected]

Childminder required for 4 year old boy, Monday-Thursday, 12-5.30pm. Mind in Childminder’s home. Start mid-August. School pick up required. You can contact me on 087 2261519. Thank you.

The HSE Living Well Programme: The HSE are running a health programme free of charge for people living with a long term health condition (mental & physical). This programme helps people develop the skills and confidence to live a healthy and happy life.For more information or to book your place please contact Olga on 086 6078950, or email [email protected] www.hse.ie/livingwell

If you are a newcomer to the parish/community and would like a box of offertory envelopes – please tell the priest. Tune into 108 FM For all Church Services.

Car-parking: Please ensure that there is a freeway around the church and a free exit from the `Curate`s House` at all times. Thank you. First Holy Communion and Confirmation – Autumn 2021 –Diocese of Achonry During the past number of days, a number of bishops have issued statements in relation to the celebration of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in their dioceses. I have been contacted by some media organisations asking for clarification around the celebration of the Sacraments in the Diocese of Achonry. On the 24thFebruary this year I issued a statement saying:

‘In consultation with the Priests’ Council, I have decided to postpone the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Penance and First Holy Communion in Achonry Diocese until the Autumn. My hope is that this will give our schools and families more time for the preparation of the children and it will enable families to gather in a safer way to celebrate the Sacraments when the majority of us are vaccinated and restrictions have eased. I emphasise the reason for this decision is to bring clarity at this early stage for all concerned and to enable the children have a meaningful and memorable celebration with their families, friends, and parish community when it is safer to do so. I thank the families, teachers, parishioners, and priests for all they are doing to prepare the children for the Sacraments during this difficult year. All of the above is, of course, subject to public health advice.’ Following on from this, Confirmations are due to start in the diocese on the 12th of September 2021. As I understand parishes have postponed First Communion Ceremonies until September also, therefore the celebration of these Sacraments in August was never planned for our diocese. As the vaccination programme continues, we look forward to celebrating the Sacraments with our children and their families in a safe and meaningful way from mid- September onwards.

In the meantime, may we continue to keep vigilant around the virus so that we can emerge out of this difficult time safe and well.

With kind regards and every blessing,

+Paul Dempsey,

Bishop of Achonry.

Have you an interest in working with people with a learning disability and / or autism?? Western Care Association are recruiting Relief Staff to work in our Services based across Co. Mayo. For further information please visit our website at www.westerncare.com or email [email protected]

COVID-19 Support Line for Older People ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am - 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

Guided nature tours for Heritage Week:Enjoy a free guided nature tour of the beautiful gardens and grounds of the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, for National Heritage Week 2021. These tours take place on Saturday, 14 August, at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm; Sunday, 15 August, at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm; Saturday, 21 August at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm; and Sunday, 22 August, at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Booking is required. Email [email protected] to book your place.

Wanted: Detached Bungalow for Rent in Foxford area, preferably with garden. Please contact: 0879798320 Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791 or 087 744 0729. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie

Wanted: A kind, experienced childminder required from September in Foxford, to care for two boys, 5 and 2 years old. 8.45 - 5.30 pm, school pick up required. Contact number- 0851416102. Thank you.

A new Current Account, with Debit Card and contactless payments, has been launched by Ballina Credit Union, the community- based financial co-operative. Ballina Credit Union is owned by its members and sees this as an important new offering, particularly for those people impacted by a reduction in services from banks at a local level. Telephone 096-71066 or email [email protected]