BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Easter day of the Lord’s resurrection

sunday  5^th April 2015   

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 6^th March: Easter Monday:

Bantry: 10am –  Margaret (Mags) Dineen - Baurgorm

Tues. 7^st March: Easter Tuesday:

Bantry:       10am: Anthony McCarthy – Donemark & Kilcrohane    

                                                                   

Wed. 8^th April: Easter Wednesday:

Bantry: 10am Robert & Kathleen Evans – The Square Hospital: 5.30pm  Eoin O’Sullivan (Rancher) - Seskin 

      

Thurs. 9^th  April: Easter Thursday:

Bantry: 10am:       John O’Driscoll - Gearhies

                                                         

Friday 10^th  April: Easter Friday

Bantry: 10am John & Bridie Flynn – Durrus & Limerick

                                                                 

Kealkil: 7.30pm Danny & Mary McCarthy –  Cappabue, Kealkil

                                                      

Sat. 11^th April: Easter Saturday:

Hospital:  10am: Christy O’Reilly – Gurteenroe

Bantry:     6.15pm Tom & Rita Spillane – Chapel Street

Sun. 12^th April: Second Sunday of  Easter:

Bantry:    9am  Mary Swanton – Maulakiev

Coomhola: 10am: John & Nora Harrington - Derrycreha

Kealkil:11am  Con & Hetty Hanley - Lisheens

Bantry:    12noon  People of the Parish

THE DEEP END – OPEN THE DOOR

‘Not knowing

When the Dawn will come

I open every door’

Emily Dickinson

The open tomb is a big part of the Easter story. When Mary of Magadala visits the tomb on the third day after Jesus is crucified, she finds that the stone has been moved away. Along with Peter and the other disciples, the realisation gradually dawns that something wonderful has happened. Jesus is risen from the dead!

Easter is a time for openness. The hearts of Mary ad the disciples were opened that first Easter morning, and they suddenly understood what Jesus had been trying to teach then all along. In rising from the dead, Jesus had broken down their barriers. Are our hearts open? Are we ready to hear the good news?

Look where the garden door is open wide!

Come to the garden, there’s no need to hide.

God has broken down the fences

And he stands with arms wide open, come along inside (from ‘An Easter Carol’ – Damien Lundy)

Triona Doherty (email: trionad@gmail.com

Recent Parish Weddings:

We congratulate Mary Kate O’Brien (Slip, Bantry) & Kevin Harrington (Scart Road, Bantry) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry, on Saturday 28^th  March 2015.   We wish Mary Kate & Kevin long & happy lives together

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Fionn Patrick Concannon (Cappanaloha, Bantry)

Aoibhe Kate Daly (Derrygrenaugh, Scart, Bantry),

Eoghan Fachtna Goggin (Riverway, Ballylickey)

We welcome them into our Christian Community

Died Recently:

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives & friends of

Teresa Scully (nee Cluskey)

- Glanmire, Cork & Nobber, Co. Meath

Mary Milner

(Newtown, Bantry),

May they rest in peace

Bantry Parish & Friends  Pilgrimage to Lourdes 22^nd – 27^th September 2015

Accompanied by Spiritual Director:

Fr. Martin Keohane P.P. Ex-Cork.

Accommodation at the Agena Hotel

Please see Church Porches for details

& Parish Office for booking forms

Divine Mercy Sunday – Sunday April 12^th 2015

St. Augustine’s Church, Washington Street, Cork

2.00pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions. 3pm: 3 O’Clock Prayer & Chaplet. 15.15pm: Talk on St.Faustina’s Diary. 4pm: Mass.

Spring Stations

Wednesday 15^th April @ 8pm – Brendan & Helen O’Keeffe: Gorteen, Beach, Cappanaloha, Dromreig, Dunbittern, Shanavalla, Dromacusane, Dromcloch, Ardihoulihane, Aghahogeen,

Padre Pio Prayer Group will meet on  Friday 10^th April at Sacred Heart Church, Glengarriff.

Adoration at 7.30pm followed by Mass.

Fancy living as a hermit for a while?

Come to Holy Hill Hermitage for FREE

Young Adults Programme (18-35): Cost- FREE.    

Dates-   1^st Oct until 1^st Dec 2015.

Working retreats: Cost- 15hrs work a week.   Dates-  Ongoing, so when can you come?

Hermits are provided with a comfortable hermitage with well stocked kitchen. The Young Adults Programme includes, mountain climbing, workshops, seminars, regular Mass, mountain biking, Eucharistic services, Eucharistic adoration, meditation, spiritual direction, contemplation, regular time for silent solitude. Holy Hill Hermitage is a Catholic Diocesan Institute of Consecrated Life practicing Carmelite spirituality. http://www.holyhill.ie/   

https://www.facebook.com/holyhillhermitage  

Youth2000 Retreat Killarney

24^th – 26^th of April the next Youth2000 retreat is being held in Killarney Co. Kerry. Please feel very welcome to join us for prayer, music, worship and friendship. If you are between the ages of 16 and 35 this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your faith, or simply meet people your age.

EASTER EGG HUNT: There will be an Easter egg hunt this Sunday the 5^TH of April in Bantry town from 12.30 to 3.30 in aid of The Attic Youth Cafe. The hunt will start from the Tourist Office at 12.30. Participants will receive a set of clues and a map and will have an adventure around the town! The tickets are €5.00 per child or €10 for a group of 3. There will be prizes for all participants and a special prize for the winning team. Parent are asked to accompany their children on their adventure around the town. This event is kindly supported by Bantry Tourism and Development Group.

Cycle Against Suicide is coming to Bantry on May 4^th & 5^th. Prior to that a 5km fun run will take place on Saturday April 11^th at 9am from Bantry Square. All are welcome.

Further information from Mick on 086-2385611

Offertory Collection: Bantry Church weekend of 28^th/29^th March: €1787. Month of March: Coomhola: €1500. Kealkil: €1960. Special collection for Diocesan Needs will take place on April 18^th / 19th

Enrich your marriage  on a

Marriage Encounter Weekend.
Spend a weekend away  discovering the full potential of your marriage. Enjoy real quality time  together free from external pressures and interruptions. Develop a new way of sharing your thoughts and feelings with your husband or wife. Irrespective of  how long you are married, this is a unique weekend experience that every good  marriage deserves.  The next Marriage Encounter Weekend will be from 17th to 19th April 2015 (8:00 pm Friday to 4:30 pm  Sunday) at the Cork International Hotel,

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND, June 2015

Some places still remain for our Trip of a Lifetime to the Holy Land, June 8-18th, 2015. Follow the footsteps of Jesus from the Sea of Galilee to the River Jordan and on to the final days in Jerusalem. 

Group Leader Mícheál de Barra;  Spiritual Director Fr. John Newman

For information and booking contact Mícheál at 086-8337681 

ALIVE Free Catholic paper  (April edition)  available at church porches. Please take one and some for family and friends.

Cards  for Beginners   will be held  at Mealagh  Valley  Hall on Saturday   April  11th.  at  9.00P.M..   All  are   Welcome

West Cork Carers Support Group is holding a Practical First Aid Course for Carers in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross in the Dunmanway Social Centre, Dunmanway on Friday 17th April 7.00pm to 10.00pm & Saturday 18th April 9.30am to 5.30pm.

This course will give Carers a basic understanding of key First Aid situations and their treatment.

Course Fee: Normally €80, this course is being offered at a subsidised rate of €30 to Carers registered with West Cork Carers Support Group.

Course fee includes an Irish Red Cross Practical First Aid Workbook & Scenarios and a certificate.

BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS: Early booking recommended as places will be limited. Tel: 02753848

Marian Pilgrimages – San Giovanni Rotondo, Assissi & Cascia. 23^rd-30^th October 2015. 7 nights from Dublin. Contact Beatrice Falvey on 087-6728615 before end April to secure a seat.

BANTRY BLUES LADIES GAA – EASTER PEIL CAMP
Bantry Blues Ladies are running an Easter Peil Camp from Tuesday 7th April to Friday 10th April.  The camp will run from 10a.m. to 1p.m. each day and is suitable for children aged 4 years and upwards.   The cost is €40 for first child and €35 for each subsequent child.  All proceeds will go towards Bantry Blues Pitch Development. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Any enquiries to Anne O’Grady at bantrybluesladies.sec@gmail.com

 ALIVE Free Catholic paper  (April edition)  available at church porches. Please take one and some for family and friends.

  

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Palm Sunday of the lords’ Passion

sunday  29^th  March 2015   

 Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 30^th March: Monday in Holy Week:

Bantry: 10am –  Joan Kelleher – Cappabue, Kealkil

Tues. 31^st March: Tuesday in Holy Week:

Bantry:       10am Stephen Coughlan - Seskin.

Bantry:   7.30pm  Rita O’Shea – Reenrour East

                           

Wed. 1^st April: Wednesday in Holy Week:

Bantry: 10am Donnacha O’Donoghue – Caherdaniel –

                         5^th anniversary

Hospital: 5.30pm  – Johnny O’Leary - Caherdaniel 

      

Thurs. 2^nd April: Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of

the Lord’s Supper: See overleaf for Service details                                      

Friday 3^rd April: Good Friday – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: See overleaf for Service details

                                         

Sat. 4^th April: Holy Saturday:

See overleaf for Service details

Sun. 5^th April: Easter Day of the Lord’s Resurrection:

Hospital:  8am:  People of the Parish

Bantry:    9am  People of the Parish

Coomhola: 10am:Finbarr Cronin – Coorloum East

Kealkil:11am  Sean Murphy – Breenybeg, Kealkil

Bantry:    12noon  People of the Parish

Lenten Petitions: 

As next Wednesday is the last day of Lent the Lenten Petitions from the 3 Churches in the Parish will be presented at the Offertory Procession at the 10am Mass in St. Finbarr’s Church

Recent Parish Weddings:

We congratulate Noreen Murnane (Kealkil) & James O’Grady (Adrigole) who were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kealkil, on Friday 20^th March 2015.   We wish Noreen & James long & happy lives together

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Fionn Patrick Concannon

(Slip Lawn, Bantry),

&

Billy Triggs Sharkey

(Goureemore, Ballylickey, Bantry)

We welcome them into our Christian Community

Spring Stations

Wednesday 15^th April @ 8pm – Brendan & Helen O’Keeffe: Gorteen, Beach, Cappanaloha, Dromreig, Dunbittern, Shanavalla, Dromacusane, Dromcloch, Ardihoulihane, Aghahogeen,

First Friday Communion Calls

Fr. Martin & Fr. Seán will make their calls during the coming week 

The Offertory Collection:

at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday & on Easter Sunday in all Churches forms part of the income of the Priests of the Parish. We thank you for your continuing support & generosity.

Offertory Collection: Bantry Church weekend of 21st/22nd March: €2055. St. Patrick’s Day collection: Bantry Parish: €2085. Special collection for Holy Places takes place on April 3rd.

CANCER SURVIVORS:  an informal gathering in a relaxed setting for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis.   The next meeting will be on Tuesday 31 March 2015 in the Maritime Hotel, Bantry, from 11.00am – 12.30.  Come for tea, coffee and peer group discussion.  Free of charge. 

BANTRY BLUES LADIES GAA – EASTER PEIL CAMP: Bantry Blues Ladies are running an Easter Peil Camp from Tuesday 7th April to Friday 10th April.  The camp runs from 10a.m. to 1p.m. each day and is suitable for children aged 4 years and upwards.   The cost is €40 for first child and €35 for each subsequent child.  All proceeds go towards Bantry Blues Pitch Development. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Enquiries to Anne O’Grady at bantrybluesladies.sec@gmail.com

 Cappabue National School: CAKE Sale and Raffle—Sunday April 19th at 11.30am. Collins’ Bar, Kealkil. Proceeds go to Cappabue  Parent’s Association.

Cancer Research: The recent fundraiser in aid of the Cork Cancer Research Centre was a wonderful success. Many thanks to the Deasy Family for the use of the premises, to the people who donated items for sale, to those who bought the donated items and to all who helped in any way to raise a whopping total of €10,053 for this very worthy cause.

Bantry Cardiac Support Group monthly meeting on Tues March 31st at Family Resourse Centre Main Street at 8pm.with a showing of dvd on suitable exercises. Details from: Catherine Cahalane 086-7871552

Bantry Parish & Friends  Pilgrimage to Lourdes 22^nd – 27^th September 2015

Accompanied by Spiritual Director:

Fr. Martin Keohane P.P. Ex-Cork. Accommodation at the Agena Hotel

Please see Church Porches for details

& Parish Office for booking forms

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Fifth Sunday of Lent

  

Sunday  22^nd  March 2015    

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 23^rd  March: 5^th  week of Lent:

Bantry: 10am –  Robert Lynch Ballinlough, Cork

Tues. 24^th March: 5^th Week of Lent:

Bantry:       10am Stephen O’Donoghue – Market St.

Bantry:   7.30pm Helen & Jeremiah Whooley -     

                              Derrinkealig

                           

Wed. 25^th March: The Annunciation of the Lord:

Bantry: 10am Rita Crotty– Dungarvan, Co.Waterford

Hospital: 5.30pm  – People of the Parish 

      

Thurs. 26^th March: 5^th Week of Lent:

Bantry:  10.00 am:  Oonagh Cussen

Bantry: 7.30pm  Jeremiah, Margaret & John  

                             O’Mahony - Castlehaven

                                                 

Friday 27^th March: 5^th  week of Lent:

Bantry 10am  Joseph & Catherine Lynch –Marian Tce

Kealkil: 7.30pm Nigel Kingston - Lisheens

                                         

Sat. 28^th March: 5^th week of Lent:

Hospital:10am;  Sean & Marie Baker -Carhukeal Bantry:

6.15pm Christy & Eileen O’Shea –

                           Maughnaclea, Kealkil

Sun. 29^th March : Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion:

Bantry:  9am:  Mary Daly – Waterford

(nee O’Connell – Chapel Street) – 1^st anniversary

Coomhola: 10am: Con O’Leary – Borlin &

                              Eileen Harrington - Kealanine    

Kealkil:11am  Mary & John O’Rourke - Incharoe

Bantry:    12noon  People of the Parish

Palm Sunday

Next Sunday, March 29^th, we celebrate Palm Sunday when we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The Bible tells us that when Jesus entered Jerusalem crowds greeted Him waving palms and throwing them in his path.

Palm will be blessed just before all Masses next weekend. Blessed palm will be available in all three churches after Masses and you may also bring your own to have it blessed.

Holy Week Ceremonies

The schedule of ceremonies for Holy Week is available in all church porches this weekend. Please take one.

Join us as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Stations of the Cross – Sunday, 5.00pm

The Stations of the Cross will be led by the Children of our Parish Primary Schools today at 5pm in St. Finbarr’s Church. Why not come and join our Children as we accompany Jesus on his journey to Calvary.

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Fionn Patrick O’Sullivan

(Slip Lawn, Bantry),

Joe Anthony Cronin

(Derrynafinchin, Borlin, Coomhola),

We welcome them into our Christian Community

Recent Parish Weddings:

We congratulate Tara Clifford  (Gurteenroe, Bantry) & John O’Sullivan (Dingle, Co. Kerry) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry on Saturday, 14^th March  2015.   We wish Tara & John long & happy lives together

Died Recently:

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of;

Katherine (Kitty) Keohane (nee O’Sullivan) – Slip Lawn & Baurgarriff

Norah Connolly – Reendesert, Bantry

Malachy McCarthy – Bantry & Athy, Co.Kildare

May they rest in peace.

Spring Station Masses 2015

It is hoped to have Station Masses for Spring 2015 in March & April. If you are thinking of hosting the Spring Stations this year, we would ask you to please contact the parish office (56398) to arrange a date.

Spring Stations 2015

Wednesday 25^th March @ 8pm – Denis & Rose O’Connor – Ardnacloughy, Dromduve, Baurnagearagh

Wednesday 15^th April @ 8pm – Brendan & Helen O’Keeffe: Gorteen, Beach, Cappanaloha, Dromreig, Dunbittern, Shanavalla, Dromacusane, Dromcloch, Ardihoulihane, Aghahogeen,

Offertory Collection:

Bantry weekend of  14/15^th March: €1573.

Special Collection for Irish Bishops Commissions last weekend: Bantry Parish: €1705

St. Patricks Day: Bantry Parish: €2085

Kealkill Community Alert Group  

AGM  is on next  Wednesday night, March 25th at 8.30 pm in Kealkill National School.

The group would love to see people with an interest in their community coming along to the meeting.

Sgt. Ian O’Callaghan, West Cork Crime Prevention Officer, will be the guest speaker on the night.

The group are asking as many people as possible, from our community, both young and old to attend.

Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa 1831-1915

Launch of Centenary Commemoration Programme – West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen, Weds. 25^th March at 7.30pm

All welcome to attend the meeting to announce details of the programme of commemorative events marking the centenary of the death & famous funeral in Glasnevin Cemetary of the Cork Fenian, Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. Further details from Gabriel Doherty, School of History, UCC. G.DOHERTY@UCC.IE (021-4902783)

St. Colum’s Camogie Upcoming fixture - Under 14 County League St. Colum's v Grenagh Sunday 22nd of March @ 11:30am in St. Colum's GAA Grounds. All support greatly appreciated New members always welcome!

Bingo  with A  Jackpot  will be held in  Mealagh Valley  Hall  on Thursday  March  26th.  at  8.00P.M..   Your Support would be greatly appreciated.

Cycle against Suicide is a voluntary organisation with the aim of raising awareness of the many supports and help available to those battling depression, self harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.

Bantry has been chosen this year as an overnight stop for the charity cycle on May 4^th. The event is a 400km cycle tour of Ireland over 14 days, with Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai being the main assembly area for the event in Bantry.

Central to its success is the Homestay Programme. People from across the county open their homes to the participants, provide them with a warm meal, chance to freshen up and a bed for the night.

We are looking for accommodation for up to 300 cyclists & if you can offer a room for the night we would be very grateful. This is a very tangible way for everyone in Bantry to lend support & ‘together, shoulder to shoulder, we can break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland.’

Please contact: Marie Spillane – 086-2328150 or email spillanesgala@gmail.co

More details about cycle against suicide on facebook &  www.cycleagainstsuicide.com

DROMCLOUGH N.S. will be holding an Enrolment Day on Wednesday 25^th of March from 10am -12.30pm. Dromclough N.S. is a mixed, rural National school. We are a child-centred, family friendly school. For info please ring 027-50868

Host Carers sought for CoAction’s Homelink Service: After the success of our new respite venture  - Homelink, CoAction are looking for individuals or families that are interested in sharing their homes, their lives and their friendships with a child or adult with an intellectual disability and/or autism to expand this service. Homelink involves having a child or adult visit your home for short breaks and caring for the guest as a member of your family. CoAction will provide training and on-going support to Host Carers therefore no previous experience is necessary. Further information please contact Emily Sexton on (023) 8855505, 086 0278982 or Homelink@coaction.ie

Bantry Parish & Friends  Pilgrimage to Lourdes 22^nd – 27^th September 2015

Accompanied by Spiritual Director:

Fr. Martin Keohane P.P. Ex-Cork. Accommodation at the Agena Hotel

Please see Church Porches for details

& Parish Office for booking forms

Bantry Bay Port Company wish to advise that a Public Information Evening relating to phase one of the Inner Harbour Development Bantry, will take place on Tuesday the 24^th of March 2015, between 16.30 and 19.30 hrs at the Maritime Hotel Bantry.

Cork and the Great War 1914 - 1918

A Talk by Gerry White author and military historian (covering Cork city and county incl. some local details) will be given at Christian Fellowship Church Bantry on Monday 30th March at 8.00pm. Hosted by Bantry Historical Society.  Everyone welcome

A  45  Progressive  Card Drive  will be held  at Mealagh  Valley  Hall on  Saturday  March  28th.  commencing  at  9.00P.M. Cost  €10  Per  Person to Play.   Your  Support is Greatly   Appreciated.   Everyone  are Most Welcome.

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

Fourth Sunday of lent (Laetare Sunday)

sunday  15^th  March 2015   

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions :–

Mon. 16^th March: 4^th  week of Lent:

Bantry: 10am –  Deceased members of the Power Family – Brandyhall, Castletownbere

Bantry: 6.15pm William Kearney - Droumsullivan

Tues. 17^th March: St. Patrick, Bishop, Principal Patron of Ireland:

Bantry:       9am Denis Cronin – Coomanore & Dublin

Coomhola: 10am Patrick & Margaret Daly –

                               Courloum North, Coomhola

Kealkil: 11am Denis O’Sullivan – Breenbeg, Kealkil    

                                        & London – Months Mind

Bantry:   12noon: People of the Parish

                           

Wed. 18^th March: 4^th week of Lent:

Bantry: 10am Frances Dineen – St. Canneras Place

Hospital: 5.30pm Jimmy O’Sullivan – Rock Villas 

      

Thurs. 19^th March: St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed

Virgin Mary:

Bantry:  10.00 am:  Billy O’Donovan – Newtown

Bantry: 7.30pm Madge Crowley - Colomane

                                                 

Friday 20^th March: 4^th  week of Lent:

Bantry  10am  Mary Griffin – Reenrour East

Kealkil: 7.30pm Tim & Hannie O’Connor –    

                                        Cahirmuckee, Kealkil

                                         

Sat. 21^st March: 4^th week of Lent:

Hospital:10am;  Paddy Casey – Slip Lawn

Bantry: 6.15pm  Tommie Holland – Slip Park

Sun. 22^nd :  Fifth Sunday of Lent:

Bantry:  9am:  Johnny Sweeney – Newtown

Coomhola: 10am: Bridie O’Brien – Coomhola Bridge    

Kealkil:11am  Kathleen & Sean O’Shea – Ahil, Kealkil

Bantry:    12noon  People of the Parish 

St. Patrick’s Day Mass Times

Bantry:            6.15pm Vigil Mass on Monday 16^th March

Bantry:            9am

Coomhola:      10am

Kealkil:           11am

Bantry:            12noon (as Gaeilge)

Parish Mission

We thank John, Niall and Catherine from St. Patrick’s Community for their time with us over the past week. We pray that the mission has been a source of inspiration and renewal for us as a parish community and ask God’s blessing on the mission team and on all of us as we journey through Lent to Easter.

Mission Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We pray that our Parish Mission may be a time of grace and renewal for all.

We ask you to bless all the families in our Parish especially those who are experiencing difficulties.

Bless the old, the young, the poor, the sick, the unemployed and those in sorrow or despair.

Help us dear Lord to grow in faith and love of you. Amen

Conradh Na Gaeilge – Beannachtí na Feile. Bí Flaithiul le Ciste na Teanga

Beatha Teanga í labhairt

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross will be led by members of the Parish Assembly and others on the Sundays of Lent. We will gather to pray the Stations at 5.00pm each Sunday in St. Finbarr’s Church. Why not come and join us as we accompany Jesus on his journey to Calvary.

Died Recently:

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of;

Ellen Flanagan (nee O’Donoghue) –

Rooska, Bantry

Mary O’Donoghue (nee Daly)

The Moorings, Newtown, Bantry

May they rest in peace.

 Spring Station Masses 2015

It is hoped to have Station Masses for Spring 2015 in March & April. If you are thinking of hosting the Spring Stations this year, we would ask you to please contact the parish office (56398) to arrange a date.

Spring Stations 2015

Saturday 21^st March @ 11am –

Pat & Joan O’Mahony - Carriganass, Ahil, Geragh

Wednesday 15^th April @ 8pm – Brendan & Helen O’Keeffe: Gorteen, Beach, Cappanaloha, Dromreig, Dunbittern, Shanavalla, Dromacusane, Dromcloch, Ardihoulihane, Aghahogeen,

Offertory Collection: Bantry weekend of  7^th/8^th March: €2124. Special Collection for Irish Bishops Commissions takes place this weekend March 14^th & 15th

Events  at  Mealagh  Valley   Hall  this coming  week  are: Tuesday   March  17th. - Bingo  with  a  Jackpot   at  8.pm Saturday  March  21st. - Cards  for  Beginners    at  9pm. Your    Support  is Greatly  Appreciated.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA ROSARY PRAYER GROUP'' INVITES YOU, ONE AND ALL, TO JOIN WITH THEM, IN THEIR ANNUAL PARTICIPATION IN ''CORK'S ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE,ON TUESDAY NEXT THE 17^TH MARCH,  ASSEMBLING AT UNION QUAY-- AT 12.30PM,  AREA-YELLOW.---POSITION 10.  INFORMATION. CONTACT PAT AT 086-3473583. 'ALL ARE VERY WELCOME TO JOIN US''

DROMCLOUGH N.S. will be holding an Enrolment Day on Wednesday 25^th of March from 10am -12.30pm. Dromclough N.S. is a mixed, rural National school. We are a child-centred, family friendly school. For info please ring 027-50868

 Cycle against Suicide is a voluntary organisation with the aim of raising awareness of the many supports and help available to those battling depression, self harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.

Bantry has been chosen this year as an overnight stop for the charity cycle on May 4^th. The event is a 400km cycle tour of Ireland over 14 days, with Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai being the main assembly area for the event in Bantry.

Participants from a wide variety of backgrounds choose to cycle some or all of the stages and it is expected that 1000 cyclists will arrive in Bantry on the evening of May 4^th.

Central to its success is the Homestay Programme. People from across the county open their homes to the participants, provide them with a warm meal, chance to freshen up and a bed for the night.

We are looking for accommodation for up to 300 cyclists & if you can offer a room for the night we would be very grateful. This is a very tangible way for everyone in Bantry to lend support & ‘together, shoulder to shoulder, we can break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland.’

Please contact: Marie Spillane – 086-2328150 or email spillanesgala@gmail.co

More details about cycle against suicide on facebook &  www.cycleagainstsuicide.com

Recent Parish Weddings:

We congratulate Deirdre O’Connor (Ardnacloughy, Bantry) & Brendan Murphy (Inchigeela) who were married in St. Joseph’s Church, Coomhola on Saturday, 14^th February 2015.   We wish Deirdre & Brendan long & happy lives together

Pre-School Invite - Mary Hennessy of Happy Days Montessori, Ardnagaoithe, invites you to an Open Day on Thursday 19^th March (12.30 – 2.30pm). Places available September 2015 for 2½ - 5 years old including Free ECCE Scheme.

St. Colum's Camogie is back training for 2015 in St. Colum's Hall and the training schedule is
Under 6's & Under 8's Thursdays  6pm - 7pm
Under 10's &Under 12's Thursdays 7pm - 8pm
Under 14's & Under 16's Mondays 7pm -8pm
New members are always welcome!! For any inquires please contact Eilis on 0868719199

Naíonra Bheanntraí is holding an Open Day on Wednesday 25 March 2015 at 11 am. There will be lots of fun activities including an Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny. It caters for children aged 2 years 8 months.  Fees are subsidised and it also part takes in the ECCE free pre-school year program.  Further Info. please contact  027/51966.

Cork and the Great War 1914 - 1918

A Talk by Gerry White author and military historian (covering Cork city and county incl. some local details) will be given at Christian Fellowship Church Bantry on Monday 30th March at 8.00pm. Hosted by Bantry Historical Society.  Everyone welcome

Cancer Research – Annual Fundraiser Appeal in the ‘Timberland’ Shop Bantry

Sat.-Mon. March 14^th- 23^rd (9.30am-5.30pm)

Sale of donated goods from Sat. March 14^th to Mon. March 23^rd (9.30am-5.30pm). Details Nora Cremin (51276) All Proceeds to Cork Cancer Research Centre.

Bantry Parish & Friends

Pilgrimage to Lourdes

22^nd – 27^th September 2015

Accompanied by Spiritual Director:

Fr. Martin Keohane P.P. Ex-Cork. 

Accommodation at the Agena Hotel

Please see Church Porches for details

& Parish Office for booking forms

ALIVE free paper(March edition) available at church porches. Please take one and some for family and friends.