Notices for January 25th, 2026
Services for February 1st 2026, Candlemas
Morning Worship at:
9.30am St Paul’s Church, Collooney
10.45am Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare
Noon Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote
Collect for Today
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Scribe
Would the remaining few subscribers please give the form and €20 to Andrew for the 2026 subscription. If you wish to discontinue your subscription then please let Andrew know asap.
Christianity in the Middle East
An exhibition on Christianity in the Middle East is being earmarked for the for the weekend of 14th-16th of February in Sligo. The Diocese is partnering with ICMS (https://www.cmsireland.org) and SAT-7 (https://sat7.org) in this venture.
Confirmation
A United Confirmation Service for the Sligo churches will take place on May 10th. Any children or adults seeking confirmation this year should ask Andrew for a form. The Bishop usually likes candidates to be in Secondary School at the time of confirmation.
Preparation will take place after Easter this year and will most probably be done on Zoom. Please let Andrew know if this presents any difficulty.
Barbara Egan (nee Browne)
On Sunday February 1st at 4.00pm in Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare there will be a memorial service for Barbara. Barbara died in England in December and her funeral and cremation have already taken place. All are welcome.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday occurs on February 18th. There will be a service of Holy Communion in Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare at 8.00pm.
Prayer
Please remember in your prayers parishioners who are in hospital, or resident in our care homes.
New Year’s Message
January 1st is the World Day of Peace and I believe deliberately placed on the first day of the year as a message of intended hope for the new year.
What is known as the Aaronic blessing and well known to us comes from Numbers 6: 24-26,
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
This blessing was addressed to a people set free, Israel after slavery in Egypt, and it is a parallel call to the Christian life at the opening of a new year, that we might still find inner peace within a world of turmoil.
For every one of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, a fresh start, thanks to God’s generous love, his mercy, and the response of our freedom.
The coming year can therefore be seen as a journey of discovery. No one know exactly how things will pan out and given the news at the beginning of the year the world is continuing in the same direction of 2025. However, we can make the best of it through our own holy choices which will enable us to live with confidence.
And if we pursue holiness we will be free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness, trusting in the goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always on our journey.
So, let us pray that 2026 is a year of peace, personal peace and peace in God’s creation.
Leaving a Gift for the Church in your Will
Legacy gifts or ‘gifts in will’ are an important source of income for churches, allowing us to make long-term plans. They are also a way of enabling you to continue to support the church after you’re gone.
By remembering us in your will, you can help ensure the church’s presence will continue to benefit many generations to come.
Further details on how to do this are on our website along with answers to some of the questions you may have. A paper version can be provided on request.
Irish Hospice Foundation
Bereavement Support Line available Mon-Fri, 10.00am-1.00pm 1800 80 70 77
Bank Transfers and Standing Orders
If you would like to make donations via bank transfer or by standing order please contact the Rector or the local treasurer who will provide appropriate details.