PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. January 31/February 1, 2026

BEANNACHTI LA FHEILE BRIDE Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: pro populo

Our recently deceased: Tom Connelly, Church Street, Lisdoonvarna.

No 7pm Mass this Saturday evening, as it's a 5th Saturday.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in February:

7th Doolin: Mary Dunealvy, 13th anniversary. Micho, Packie and Gussie Russell, and deceased family.

14th Kilshanny: Phil Fitzgerald, Month's Mind, and her brother PJ (22nd anniversary). Miko Neylon, Peter and Nora Considine, and deceased family members. Mary B. Carmody, 1st anniversary. Peg Hynes.

21st Toovahera: Mary Margaret Healey. Gertie Collins, Church St., Lisdoonvarna. Seamus and Mary McNamara, Ballydonoghue.

THANK YOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: €814.

MARY'S MEALS COFFEE MORNING: after 10am Mass in Lisdoonvarna on Sunday, February 1st.

WELCOME to our First Communion and Confirmation candidates today.

Please note: Mass on Wednesday, February 4th will be at 8.30am, followed by Adoration, as Fr Robert is preaching at a Novena in Ennis Cathedral that evening.

Children's Rosary this Sunday evening at 6pm, Lisdoonvarna church.

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD/CANDLEMAS, AND FEAST OF ST. BLAISE: Thank you in advance for your offerings of candles to our churches, which will be blessed and then used throughout the year in memory of your deceased loved ones. Candles can be dropped into the church anytime. Blessings of throats will take place at 9.30am Mass in Lisdoonvarna on Monday, February 2nd, and 7pm Mass in Ennistymon on Tuesday, the 3rd. BUS ESCORT NEEDED: contact Doolin National School at doolinns@gmail.com or on 065 7074403. Applicants must be available morning and evening and be Garda vetted. BEST OF LUCK to all facing mock exams.

MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS OF FIANNA FAIL: Ennistymon church, Sunday, February 8th, at 12 noon.

SINCERE THANKS: to Cllr. Shane Talty for securing funding for car park lighting for Kilshanny and Clouna churches, and to Cllr Joe Garrihy and John O' Loughlin, Chair, Parish Finance Committee, for securing a 20K grant for repair and replacement of Kilshanny church windows.

HEALING MASS on Wednesday, February 11th, at 7pm in Lisdoonvarna, to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick.

SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION available before 5pm Mass on Saturday evenings in Lahinch.

RESTRUCTURING AND RENEWAL CONFERENCE for the Bishop and clergy of Galway and Clonfert Dioceses was held last week in Spanish Point. Some members of Parish Pastoral Councils were invited as well, who strongly advocated for PPC members to be much more hands-on, visible, and involved. We had a number of interesting inputs, including one from Fr Tom Hayes, Vicar General of Cork and Ross diocese, on how they implemented a system called "Families of Parishes", administered by teams of priests and lay ministers, run from a single secretarial hub in Clonakilty, using only one newsletter. There are no longer any stand-alone priests or parishes there. A presentation from Fr. Martin Glynn and the Parish Council Chairwoman showed how this model is well-underway in Galway city east. When asked during the ensuing discussion if priests from abroad would be introduced, Bishop Michael said that this is unlikely to happen any time soon, as, first of all, we have to put new structures in place. There would be no point in bringing in priests to prop up a system that is no longer working. Also, many parishes can no longer afford to pay the salaries of two priests.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. January 24/25, 2026. Fr Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: pro populo

Our recently deceased: Pauline Mooney, née Guerin, London and Summerville, Lisdoonvarna.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in February:

7th Doolin: no booking

14th Kilshanny: Phil Fitzgerald, Month's Mind, and her brother PJ (22nd anniversary). Miko Neylon, Peter and Nora Considine, and deceased family members. Mary B. Carmody, 1st anniversary. Peg Hynes.

21st Toovahera: Mary Margaret Healey. Gertie Collins, Church St., Lisdoonvarna. Seamus and Mary Mc Namara, Ballydonoghue.

THE WAY: Jesus Himself tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and His first followers, the first Christian movement is called "The Way" in the Acts of the Apostles, 9:2. Recently the Irish Catholic Bishops have started a wonderful online resource called theWay.ie. This is a new national platform for our Church providing high-quality content about our Catholic faith for all ages. Please visit and share with family and friends. You can also follow this content on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.

THANK YOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: €820.

NEXT MARY'S MEALS COFFEE MORNING: after 10am Mass in Lisdoonvarna on Sunday, February 1st.

NO MASS next Wednesday evening, January 28, due to a clergy conference, but Adoration will be held. My apologies for the inconvenience.

Please note: Mass on Wednesday, February 4th will be at 8.30am, followed by Adoration, as Fr. Robert is preaching at a Novena in Ennis Cathedral that evening.

GALWAY CATHEDRAL NOVENA: Theme: Let us go to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122). Beginning Monday, February 2nd, three sessions a day: 11am, 1.10pm, and 7.30pm. Sunday times: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm, and 6pm.

LISDOONVARNA FAILTE MATTERS: Lisdoonvarna Town Team aims to support community events in 2026, such as the St. Patrick's Day Parade. In support of this, there will be a fundraising quiz night on Friday, March 6th at 7.30pm, which will include a raffle. Donations of prizes will be gratefully accepted.

Book club starts on February 6th at 5.30pm, in the Pavilion, reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

FEAST OF THE PRESENTION OF OUR LORD/CANDLEMAS, AND FEAST OF ST. BLAISE: Thank you in advance for your offerings of candles to our churches, which will be blessed and then used throughout the year in memory of your deceased loved ones. Candles can be dropped into the church anytime. Blessings of throats will take place at 9.30am Mass in Lisdoonvarna on Monday, February 2nd, and 7pm Mass in Ennistymon on Tuesday 3rd.

NORTH CLARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: the seaweed, kelp, and iodine industry in Ireland especially in Co. Clare, by Peter E. Childs, on Monday, January 26th, at 8pm in the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon.

FAITH AND LIGHT PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: May 16th. More details next week.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT for the 2026/27 school year will commence on Monday, January 26. If you wish to enrol your little angel, please contact St Augustine's National School, Kilshanny 065 7071344, kilshannyns@gmail.com; St Enda's NS, Lisdoonvarna 065 7074231, lisdoonvarnans@gmail.com; or Doolin National School, 065 7074403, doolinns@gmail.com.

SINCERE THANKS to Mary Howley for her generous gift of flowers for God's house.

SVP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION in the parish came to €820.45. Thank you very much.

NEXT CHILDREN'S ROSARY: Sunday evening, February 1st, Feast of St Brigid, in Lisdoonvarna Church at 6pm. 

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. January 17/18, 2026.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK- NORMAL LIVES, CALLED TO HOLINESS

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ieLisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Thomas and Agnes Flanagan. Donal and Bea O' Grady. Sean and Mary O' Loughlin.

Our recently deceased: Mary O' Leary, Ballymacraven and Dublin. Michael Moloney, Milltown Malbay, brother of Bridie Sammon.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in January:

Toovahera, January 17th: Anthony 'O'Donohue, first anniversary, also remembering his brother John and parents Stephen and Eileen.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: is celebrated this week. The theme is Normal lives, Called to Holiness, expressing holiness through prayer and ordinary actions at school and home. Holiness is doing the ordinary things in an extraordinary way, as St Therese would put it. In his message for this special week, Bishop Michael presents this theme in an interesting way. While visiting a classroom of children, he asked if anyone would like to be a saint! The response was muted, to say the least. Then he asked if they desired to be the best they could be in life. The response was much more enthusiastic! Bishop Michael then explained that to be a saint and to be the best you can be are much closer than they thought; in fact, a saint is someone who, with God's grace, has grown into the fullest and finest version of who they were created to be. Bishop Michael rounds off his reflection with a quote from our new teenage St. Carlo Acutis: "all people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies." "I pray that our Catholic school communities will continue to inspire us all to foster our God-given originality and, in the process, teach us how to walk the journey of life, striving always to be the very best we can be. Striving, with God's help, to grow in holiness. Striving to be saints."

May I take this opportunity to thank and ask God's blessing on all our wonderful school staff and Boards of Management for their great work, and on all our young people and their families.

THE WAY: Jesus Himself tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and His first followers, the first Christian movement is called "The Way" in the Acts of the Apostles, 9:2. Recently the Irish Catholic Bishops have started a wonderful on-line resource called theWay.ie. This is a new national platform for our Church providing high-quality content about our Catholic faith for all ages. Please visit and share with family and friends. You can also follow this content on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PLEASE to help with opening and closing Lisdoonvarna church. Please let Fr. Robert know.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST NEEDED to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and housebound. If you have not been a Eucharistic minister before, no problem; training will be provided. Garda vetting will also be necessary. THANK YOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: €1557.

NEXT MARY'S MEALS COFFEE MORNING: after 10am Mass in Lisdoonvarna on Sunday, February 1st.

NO MASS on Wednesday evening, January 28, due to a clergy conference, but Adoration will be held. My apologies for the inconvenience.

GALWAY CATHEDRAL NOVENA: Theme: Let us go to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122). Beginning Monday, February 2nd, three sessions a day: 11am, 1.10pm, and 7.30pm. Sunday times: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm, and 6pm.

LISDOONVARNA FAILTE MATTERS: your views are requested to help shape the future of our community facilities and services. Please complete the form online at https://forms.office.com/e/CWR7Auh4Tr or take a paper copy from the back of the church and return it to the Lisdoonvarna Failte Office by January 19 please.

Exercise classes at the Pavilion: Tuesdays, Body Conditioning, 7pm; Wednesdays, Move and Mobility classes suitable for all, 1pm; Fridays, Zumba Gold, dance/exercises classes, can even be done sitting! Fridays: coffee, craft, and chat, 10.30am to 12.30pm, everyone welcome.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. January 10/11, 2026. Fr Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie, Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Lena and Patrick Vaughan, Rooska, and the deceased of the 'O'Brien family, Ballydonohue.

Next week: Thomas and Agnes Flanagan, and Donal and Bea 'O'Grady.

Our recently deceased: Phil Fitzgerald, Smithstown, Kilshanny, and Liscannor. May she rest in peace.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in January:

Kilshanny, January 10th: Diane Mc Mahon, first anniversary. Patrick and Mary Thynne. Andrew and Nora Thynne. Geraldine Kelly, Slievenagry, first anniversary. Mary-Margaret and Martin Doorty and deceased family members. Patrick 'O'Leary, Ballymacraven, 6th anniversary.

Toovahera, January 17th: Anthony O' Donohue, first anniversary, also remembering his brother John and parents Stephen and Eileen.

THANK YOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: €982.

TAP AND GO SYSTEM: we have introduced a tap and go facility for parish offerings. The unit is located in the front porch of Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Thank you very much to the Parish Finance Committee for their hard work on this. There are fixed amounts of €5, €10, €20, and €50, and also the option to choose your own amount. You can also request a receipt via email, which would be helpful if you are availing of the CHY Charitable Rebate Scheme from Revenue. Donations go into the number one Church Maintenance Account, for the heating, lighting, insuring and general upkeep of our four heritage churches.

EVERY BLESSING TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES as you return after Christmas. Thank you to our school staff and Boards of Management.

YOUNG SCIENTISTS: the best of luck to Mr Sims and the young competitors representing Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna.

NO MASS on Wednesday evening, January 28, due to a clergy conference, but Adoration will be held. My apologies for the inconvenience.

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD: first of all, this celebration reminds us that we have an essential, primary identity by virtue of our Baptism: I am a beloved and delighted-in son or daughter of God, brother or sister of Jesus: "You are my beloved one, in whom my heart delights." These words are said by the Father not just about Jesus at His baptism, but about you and me at ours. Just think about that for a minute. When you know and feel you are delighted-in, beloved, this gives you a great foundation, a great launching pad in life, giving you the confidence to do anything in life. Thanks be to God for the parents who gave us such a foundation. And for those of us who didn't receive such a foundation, the good news of the Gospel is that it's available to all from our loving Father-God at our Baptism. "Think of the love the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God's children," says St John. Secondly, the very same Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead now lives in each of us because of our Baptism. Do we really believe this and tap into that amazing power? God's Word this weekend also reminds us that Baptism has an ethical dimension; I am called and sent to serve the cause of right, of justice. Now more than ever, our world is calling out for justice. For the Christian, justice is what happens when what we do and say in the church and what we do and say the rest of the time connect up. Baptism is a cleansing too. The waters of Baptism cleanse our souls from the stain of original sin, the tendency to look after number one we all unfortunately suffer from, and fills us with sanctifying grace, supernatural help that can only come from God. Lastly, it would be a good practice to pray for our parents who brought us for Baptism and for the priest who baptised us.          

  PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. January 3/4, 2026.

A HAPPY AND BLESSED 2026 EVERYONE. MAY YOU LEAVE YOUR SORROWS BEHIND IN 2025!

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ieLisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: David O' Connor, Luogh, Doolin. Anna and Joe Duffy, Chicago. Bridget O' Donohue, 1st anniversary.

Next week: Lena and Patrick Vaughan, Rooska, and the deceased of the O' Brien family, Ballydonohue.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in January:

Doolin, January 3rd: Nora O' Leary, Boherboy. Gerrry and Teresa Griffin, Ballyvara. Mary, Michael, Paddy, Eugene, and Margaret Fitzgerald, Doonmacfelim.

Kilshanny, January 10th: Diane Mc Mahon, First anniversary. Patrick and Mary Thynne. Andrew and Nora Thynne. Geraldine Kelly, Slievenagry, First anniversary.

Toovahera, January 17th: no booking as yet.

THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: €655, and the Christmas Dues of €5765. Sincere thanks for your support of Fr. Robert and of the parish.

TAP AND GO SYSTEM: we have introduced a tap and go facility for parish offerings. The unit is located in the front porch of Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Thank you very much to the Parish Finance Committee for their hard work on this. There are fixed amounts of €5, €10, €20, and €50, and also the option to choose your own amount. You can also request a receipt via email, which would be helpful if you are availing of the CHY Charitable Rebate Scheme from Revenue. Donations go into the number one Church Maintenance Account, for the heating, lighting, insuring and general upkeep of our four heritage churches.

SINCERE THANKS to Mary Howley for her most generous gift of church flowers for Christmas, and to Dermot Dooley for the arrangements. Thank you so much to anyone who helps in any way, and for your lovely Christmas cards, Mass bouquets, and Christmas gifts to Fr Robert.

THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD ends the Jubilee Year of Hope inaugurated by our late beloved Pope Francis; the bed of heaven to him. This is a holy day of obligation. Vigil Mass on Monday evening, January 5th, in Lahinch at 7pm; morning Mass in Lisdoonvarna at 9.30am on Tuesday, January 6th.

NEXT CHILDREN'S ROSARY: this Sunday night, January 4th, at 6pm in Lisdoonvarna church.

AT THE END OF THE YEAR, BY FR JOHN O'DONOGHUE:

As the year draws to its end, we give thanks for the gifts it brought and how they became inlaid within, where neither time nor tide can touch them.

Days when beloved faces shone brighter with light from beyond themselves, and from the granite of some secret sorrow, a stream of buried tears loosened.

We bless this year for all we learned, for all we loved and lost, and for the quiet way it brought us nearer to our invisible destination.

A BEAUTIFUL BLESSING FROM THE BOOK OF NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE:

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord let His face shed its light upon you, may the Lord lift up His countenance to you, and give you His peace. Amen.

 PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. December 27/28, 2025.

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ieLisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Vincent and Brian Gibbons. Tommy, Mary, and Gerry Howley, late of Bog Road, 25th and 4th anniversary.

Next week: David O' Connor, Luogh, Doolin. Anna and Joe Duffy, Chicago.

Monday, December 29th, 9.30am Lisdoonvarna: Phyllis Mc Namara and Peadar Clair, both birthday remembrances.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in January:

Doolin: Nora O' Leary, Boherboy.

Kilshanny: Diane Mc Mahon, First anniversary. Patrick and Mary Thynne. Andrew and Nora Thynne. Geraldine Kelly, Slievenagry, First anniversary. Toovahera: no booking as yet.

THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 1095.

TAP AND GO SYSTEM: we have introduced a tap and go facility for parish offerings. The unit is located in the front porch of Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Thank you very much to the Parish Finance Committee for their hard work on this. There are fixed amounts of euro 5, 10, 20, and 50, and also the option to choose your own amount. You can also request a receipt via email, which would be helpful if you are availing of the CHY Charitable Rebate Scheme from Revenue. Donations go into the number one Church Maintenance Account, for the heating, lighting, insuring and general upkeep of our four heritage churches.

CHRISTMAS DUES: please use the envelopes provided if you don't use the boxes. Thank you for your support.

MASS OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026: will be celebrated in Ennistymon at 10am, not the usual time of 8.30am.

SINCERE THANKS: to Noel Considine for the Christmas tree in Toovahera, and to Neville Engineering for the one in Lisdoonvarna. Thank you to Heather Crowe and Mairead Healy of The Ritz for the generous free gift of food after my 30th celebration, and indeed to all who contributed. As we come to the end of 2025, thank you very much to our many volunteer Church ministers throughout the four churches in whatever capacity you serve. Thank you to our Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee, and to our school communities. Thank you to our Transition Years from Mary Immaculate School who participate in a weekly parish Mass.

It was quite a year. Among other things, we had thorough safeguarding training with Ms Isabelle Mulkern, Director of Safeguarding for Galway/Clonfert Dioceses, for our parish safeguarding reps. The Parish Pastoral Council led a very effective evening with First Communion/Confirmation children and parents, speaking as one parent to another about the importance of their own faith. A Sacramental Preparation Group was set up, whose first major undertaking was the establishment of a monthly Play and Pray group for younger children at Sunday Masses. Mary's Meals continue their monthly coffee morning after Sunday Mass and their other fundraising activities. The Children's Rosary group led prayer at a national gathering in Knock and recently celebrated its first anniversary. Major repairs were done to Lisdoonvarna church heating system by Albert Stringer. I am advised that the other three church boilers urgently need replacing. Considerable renovations and painting were carried out in St Augustine's Church, Kishanny, and are continuing, due to the obtaining of grant funding and some local contributions from generous parishioners. During Lent 2025 Fr Robert offered a Scripture course, where we studied the Word of God in greater detail and even learnt the basics of Biblical Hebrew. We initiated the involvement of lay funeral ministers. Around Easter time, Doolin, Kilshanny, and Toovahera churches moved to a rotating Saturday evening Mass schedule. Then in Summer, Bishop Michael asked Fr Robert to assume pastoral care of the adjoining parish of Ennistymon, Lahinch, and Clouna, necessitating more changes of Mass times and schedules. Thank you so very much to everyone for your graciousness, patience, and openness.

I wish you all the blessings of the Christmas season. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, truly be born again in the hearts of all of us, individually, nationally, and internationally, and, through the intercession of Our Lady and St Joseph, may 2026 be a new era of peace and reconciliation. Fr Robert.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. December 20/21, 2025. Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Flor and Alice O' Sullivan and deceased family members, Valentia Island. William and Nora Hillary and deceased family members, Caherbarna. Austin, Anne, and Michael Mc Namara. Baby Sean Kelly, his granny Teresa Kelly, Uncle Pat, and beloved mother Mary. Teresa and Paul Davoren, their son Jimmy and daughter Mary Fitzgerald. Mary and Carmel Finn. John Conolin, 6th anniversary. Brian O' Loughlin, Cahercloggane, 9th anniversary.

Next week: Vincent and Brian Gibbons. Tommy, Mary, and Gerry Howley, late of Bog Road, 25th and 4th anniversary.

Monday, December 29th, 9.30am Lisdoonvarna: Phyllis Mc Namara and Peadar Clair, both birthday remembrances.

Our recently deceased: John Mc Carthy, Lahinch and Kilshanny.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in December:

Toovahera, December 20th: Maura and Sonny Davoren, and the deceased of the Linnane family.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in January:

Doolin: Nora O' Leary, Boherboy.

Kilshanny: Diane Mc Mahon, First anniversary. Patrick and Mary Thynne. Andrew and Nora Thynne. Geraldine Kelly, Slievenagry, First anniversary.

Toovahera: no booking as yet.

THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 1272.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:

We welcome Fr. Oliver Ryan back to us.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th: 5pm in Lahinch, (as well as the most important person, Baby Jesus, whose birthday it is, there may be another special guest coming as well children!)

7pm in Kilshanny, 9pm in Lisdoonvarna (candlelight). (We remember with love Holly O' Connor, and Christy Bryan, Portarlington).

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th:

8am in Toovahera, 9am in Clouna, 10am in Lisdoonvarna, 11am in Doolin (Lala and John Shannon), and 12 noon in Ennistymon.

Mass on St. Stephen's Day in Lahinch will be at 7pm, not 10am.

TAP AND GO SYSTEM: we have introduced a tap and go facility for parish offerings. The unit is located in the front porch of Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Thank you very much to the Parish Finance Committee for their hard work on this. There are fixed amounts of euro 5, 10, 20, and 50, and also the option to choose your own amount. Donations go into the number one Church Maintenance Account, for the heating, lighting, insuring and general upkeep of our four heritage churches.

CHRISTMAS DUES: please use the envelopes provided if you don't use the boxes. Thank you for your support.

SINCERE THANKS to Hilary Nestor, Kilshanny and USA, for her kind gift of vestments to Kilshanny church in memory of her deceased loved-ones.

I would like to say a sincere thank you to all involved in my 30th anniversary celebrations last Wednesday night. Thank you for your cards, good wishes, and donations to Mary's Meals, which exceeded 3,000 euro, enabling 127 school-going children to be fed for a year. Thank God. Thank you also to the Parish Council and Finance Committee for their lovely gift of vestments. Failte abhaile to anyone who is home for Christmas, and I wish you all a blessed, enjoyable, and safe Christmas and great times please God in 2026.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. December 13/14, 2025. Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Austin Breen, Roadford, Doolin. Anthony and Nora Hurley. Maria (Mori) Davoren, Glasha, Doolin. Helen Naughton nee O' Loughlen, Clonmel and Lisdoonvarna. Nellie and Michael Mc Namara. Nonie Howley. Bridie and Peter Murphy. Bridget Callinan.

Next week: Flor and Alice O' Sullivan and deceased family members, Valentia Island. William and Nora Hillary and deceased family members, Caherbarna. Austin, Anne, and Michael Mc Namara. Baby Sean Kelly, his granny Teresa Kelly, Uncle Pat, and beloved mother Mary. Teresa and Paul Davoren, their son Jimmy and daughter Mary Fitzgerald. Mary and Carmel Finn. John Conolin, 6th anniversary. Brian O' Loughlin, Cahercloggane, 9th anniversary.

Our recently deceased: Nancy Minogue, Milltown Malbay, aunt of Rita Kelly. Peter Larkin, Bermingham, UK, brother of Rose O' Halloran.

Monday 15th, 9.30am Lisdoonvarna: Jack Kildea, Noughaval.

Wednesday 17th, 7pm Lisdoonvarna: Mikie and Margaret Long, and deceased family members, Cronagort, Doolin.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in December:

Kilshanny, December 13th: Mary, Paddy, Frank, Margaret, and Tommy Roche, and deceased family members, Carnane, Doolin. Paddy Mc Gann, Smithstown, The deceased members of the Shalloo family and Tim O' Dwyer. Jack and Ann Nestor, Carrowkeal, and deceased members of the Nestor and Murphy families. Tom, Anne, and Thomas Hurley, Willbrook, Corofin, and deceased members of the Hurley and Ryan families.

Toovahera, December 20th: Maura and Sonny Davoren, and the deceased of the Linnane family.

THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 1346

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:

We welcome Fr. Oliver Ryan back to us.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th: 5pm in Lahinch, (as well as the most important person, Baby Jesus, whose birthday it is, there may be another special guest coming as well children!) 7pm in Kilshanny, 9pm in Lisdoonvarna (candlelight).

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th: 8am in Toovahera, 9am in Clouna, 10am in Lisdoonvarna, 11am in Doolin (Lala and John Shannon), and 12 noon in Ennistymon.

Mass on St. Stephen's Day in Lahinch will be at 7pm, not 10am.

TAP AND GO SYSTEM: this weekend we introduce a tap and go facility for parish offerings. The unit is located in the front porch of Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna. Thank you very much to the Parish Finance Committee for their hard work on this. There are fixed amounts of euro 5, 10, 20, and 50, and also the option to choose your own amount. Donations go into the number one Church Maintenance Account, for the heating, lighting, insuring and general upkeep of our four heritage churches.

MARY'S CHRISTMAS DREAM: Joe, I want to tell you about a strange dream I had. It was about a birthday celebration for our son. The people in the dream had been preparing for this party for weeks. They had decorated the house, bought new clothes and expensive gifts for each other. They wrapped the presents and put them under a tree, yes Joe, a tree inside in the house, with lovely lights on it! But the strange thing was, the presents were not for our son Jesus. There was an agnel on top of the tree. Everyone was laughing and happy, but they gave the gifts to each other, Joe, not to our son! In fact, they never even mentioned his name, and they never referred to other poor, hungry and homeless children as they sat down at a table laden with food! I had the strangest feeling that if Jesus had gone to this celebration of his own birthday he would have been intruding! Thank God it was only a dream, Joseph.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. December 6/7, 2025.

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030 lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ieLisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Tommy Mooney and deceased family members. John, Biddy, and Denis Queally. Brendan and Cecelia Sims (Kilcock), and Patricia and James Sheehan (USA). Frank Sheedy.

Next week: Austin Breen, Roadford, Doolin. Anthony and Nora Hurley. Maria (Mori) Davoren, Glasha, Doolin. Helen Naughton nee O' Loughlen, Clonmel and Lisdoonvarna. Nellie and Michael Mc Namara. Nonie Howley. Bridgie and Peter Murphy. Bridget Callinan. Our recently deceased: Garry Manning, Canada, brother of Helene Lafferty.

Monday 15th, 9.30am Lisdnnovarna: Jack Kildea, Noughaval.

Wednesday 17th, 7pm Lisdoonvarna: Mikie and Margaret Long, and deceased family members, Cronagort, Doolin.

7pm Saturday evening Masses in December: Doolin, December 6th: Deceased members of the Shannon family, Carnane, Carron, Sligo, and Boston. Michael O' Donoghue, Lurruga. The Doherty family, Ballyvara. Gus O' Connor, Boherbue, 12th anniversary. John Flaherty.

Kilshanny, December 13th: Mary, Paddy, Frank, Margaret, and Tommy Roche, and deceased family members. Paddy Mc Gann, Smithstown, The deceased members of the Shalloo family and Tim O' Dwyer. Jack and Ann Nestor, Carrowkeal, and deceased members of the Nestor and Murphy families. Tom, Anne, and Thomas Hurley, Willbrook, Corofin, and deceased members of the Hurley and Ryan families.

Toovahera, December 20th: no booking. THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 908.

Sincere thanks for your November Mass offerings for the Holy Souls: euro 2765.

Adoration on Wednesday the 10th will be at 10am to facilitate Fr. Robert's 30th anniversary Mass at 7pm. Everyone is welcome. Please bring home baking for afterwards! Donations to Mary's Meals please instead of gifts.

THE BOXES OF WEEKLY ENVELOPES are available once again at the back of the church, for those who use them. Please take your box and deliver a few as well. Thank you very much for whatever way you support the parish.

ST. ENDA'S NATIONAL SCHOOL LISDOONVARNA CAROL CONCERT in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, on Thursday, December 11th, at 7pm.

FEAST OF OUR LADY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Vigil Mass in Enistymon church on Sunday evening, December 7th at 7pm, with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession before Mass. This is a holy day of obligation. Morning Mass in Lisdoonvarna at 9.30am on Monday the 8th (offered for Austin Rouine, 35th anniversary, and the deceased of the Rouine family, Ballycotton, Liscannor.)

FROM LISDOONVARNA FAILTE: sincere thanks to all involved in the Christmas Fayre, especially to Leigh and Tina O' Connell and their daughters for their creative genius. Seasonal community gathering this Sunday at the Pavilion 12-2pm.

THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL met on November 26th to discuss documents sent from the diocese about why Sunday matters, about the recent Synodal and Pastoral Council Gatherings, and also about Bishop Michael's enhancement of the Catholic ethos in our schools by appointing diocesan religious education advisers who will then feed back to the school boards of management. We reflected on the formation recently of a Sacramental Preparation Group which has begun the Play and Pray sessions during Sunday Masses not just for for First Holy Communion and Confirmation candidates, but for all children, and planned a retreat for the secondary school.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE: Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th: 5pm in Lahinch, 7pm in Kilshanny, 9pm in Lisdoonvarna (candlelight). Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th: 8am in Toovahera, 9am in Clouna, 10am in Lisdoonvarna, 11am in Doolin, and 12 noon in Ennistymon. Mass on St. Stephen's Day in Lahinch will be at 7pm, not 10am.

THANKS, BLESSINGS, AND CONGRATULATIONS to Lourda and her team as we celebrate the first anniversary of the Children's Rosary ministry in the parish. It continues this evening at 6pm.

St. Augustine's N.S. Kilshanny Christmas Concert: Thursday, December 18th at 1.30pm. All are welcome.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. 2025. November 29/30, 2025.

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, CEAD MILE FAILTE ROMHAT A IOSA, COME, LORD JESUS! lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Tommy and Bridie Mc Namara, Sunnybank.

Next week: Tommy Mooney and deceased family members.

Our recently deceased: Noreen Delaney nee O' Callaghan, Roscrea and Toovahera.

No 7pm Mass this Saturday as it's a 5th Saturday.

Mass next Saturday at 7pm in Doolin: Michael O' Donoghue, Lurruga. The Doherty family, Ballyvara. Gus O' Connor, Boherbue, 12th anniversary. John Flaherty. THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 986

PARENTS, GUARDIANS, GRANDPARENTS, HAVE YOUR SAY! DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY ON THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PATRONAGE: Bishop Michael writes that this is important, as it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children and sacramental preparation in school would have their voice heard also. For these reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in the survey if you are a parent or prospective parent of a primary school student: www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey

FR. ROBERT'S 30TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION will take place on Wednesday, December 10th, with holy Mass at 7pm in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, offered in thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of priesthood to the Church and to the world, and to pray for more vocations to priesthood, religious life, and lay mission. Following the Mass, there will be refreshments in Mary Immaculate Secondary School next door. You are all most warmly welcome, especially if you are bringing home baking! I am requesting donations to Mary's Meals instead of gifts please. Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be moved to 1Oam that morning, to facilitate preparations for the Mass that evening. I know you will be delighted to reconnect with priests who have served here previously.

PLAY AND PRAY children's liturgy begins this weekend at the 10am Mass in Lisdoonvarna, where we also warmly welcome the participation in the Mass of the children and parents/guardians of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes. Thanks and best wishes to the newly-formed Sacramental Preparation Group, an initiative of the Parish Pastoral Council.

THE BOXES OF WEEKLY ENVELOPES are available once again at the back of the church, for those who use them. Please take your box and deliver a few as well. Thank you very much for whatever way you support the parish.

ST. ENDA'S NATIONAL SCHOOL LISDOONVARNA CAROL CONCERT in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, on Thursday, December 11th at 7pm.

FEAST OF OUR LADY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: just like our weekly Sunday obligation, this is a holy day of obligation for us Catholics. As the 4th Commandment says: "keep holy the sabbath day."

Vigil Mass in Enistymon church on Sunday evening, December 7th at 7pm, with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession before Mass.

Morning Mass in Lisdoonvarna at 9.30am on Monday the 8th (offered for Austin Rouine, 35th anniversary, and the deceased of the Rouine family, Ballycotton, Liscannor.)

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE: Fr Oliver will be returning to us.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th: 5pm in Lahinch, 7pm in Kilshanny, 9pm in Lisdoonvarna (candlelight).

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th: 8am in Toovahera, 9am in Clouna, 10am in Lisdoonvarna, 11am in Doolin, and 12 noon in Ennistymon. Mass on St Stephen's Day in Lahinch will be at 7pm, not 10am.

Play & Pray group will be making a welcome return starting Sunday, 30th November, at 10am Mass in Lisdoonvarna – open to all primary school children.

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA, KILSHANNY, TOOVAHERA, AND DOOLIN. 2025. November 22/23, 2025.

Fr. Robert Mc Namara PP, 065 7074142, 087 0949030

FEAST OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

lisdoonpp@galwaydiocese.ie Lisdoonvarnaparish.ie

CORPUS CHRISTI, LISDOONVARNA 10am: Anne Longwill, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Esther and Paddy Kennedy. Mary and Pat Moore. Michael and Delia Conlon and deceased of the Conlon family, Ballinalacken. Dan and Annie O' Connor, Sixmilebridge.

Next week: Tommy and Bridie McNamara, Sunnybank.

7pm Saturday evening Vigil Masses for November (no 7pm Mass next Saturday as it's a 5th Saturday.)

Clouna, 22nd: Thomas, Biddy, and John Hogan, Cullinagh, and deceased family members. Thomas and John Conway, Knockageraga, and family deceased. Marion Mc Namara, Clouna. Geraldine Organ, Cahersherkin.

THANKYOU FOR LAST WEEK'S COLLECTION: euro 641.10

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY ON THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PATRONAGE: Bishop Michael writes that this is important, as it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage have their voice heard. It is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic education for their children and sacramental preparation in school would have their voice heard also. For these reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in the survey if you are a parent or prospective parent of a primary school student: www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey

FR. ROBERT'S 30TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION will take place on Wednesday, December 10th, with Holy Mass at 7pm in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, offered in thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of priesthood to the Church and to the world, and to pray for more vocations to priesthood, religious life, and lay mission. Following the Mass, there will be refreshments in Mary Immaculate Secondary School next door. You are all most warmly welcome, especially if you are bringing home baking! I am requesting donations to Mary's Meals instead of gifts, please. Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be moved to 10 am that morning to facilitate preparations for the Mass that evening. I know you will be delighted to reconnect with priests who have served here previously.

PLAY AND PRAY: volunteers who wish to help run this liturgy for children are most welcome. We have numerous resources available.

FROM LISDOONVARNA FAILTE: the Christmas Fayre will be held in the Pavilion next weekend featuring Santa, as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Raffle prizes welcome. Quiz night at Mc Dermott's on Thursday, November 27, in aid of Ennistymon Choral Society's 2026 show.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BURREN GAELS on a wonderful evening of medal-presentations and dancing!

NORTH CLARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents Stories in Stone; Exploring Doolin's Ancient Landscape, by Kate Lavender-Duncan, on Monday, November 24th, at 8pm in the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon.

MASS FOR THE DECEASED MEMBERS OF MARY IMMACULATE SECONDARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY: Thursday, November 27th, at 7.30pm in the school hall.

ST. ENDA'S NATIONAL SCHOOL LISDOONVARNA CAROL CONCERT in Corpus Christi Church, Lisdoonvarna, on Thursday, December 11th at 7pm.

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING: Jesus answered Pilate: "yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this, and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice." But Pilate doesn't "get" Jesus because Jesus is talking about a very different type of kingship, and a very different type of kingdom. Jesus is a king, exalted not on a throne, but on a cross. His kingdom is one of justice, love, and peace, a kingdom we are all missioned to build.