COPE Galway has written to thank the parishioners of Kinvara for contributing €399.60 and the parishioners of Ballinderreen for contributing €300.92 to the 2019 Church special collection for COPE.

Sharon Fitzpatrick of COPE wrote: ‘At this unique and challenging time, COPE Galway’s staff and volunteers are continuing to provide essential services to individuals and families who are homeless, women and children experiencing domestic abuse and older people. As well as our essential services, COPE Galway are responding to the COVID-19 emergency with specific added supports in each of our service areas.’

We would soon be entering the joyful time of year when the First Communion ceremonies would take place in Ballinderreen and Kinvara Parishes. But because of the Coronavirus situation, here is the current situation regarding each ceremony:

Northamption N.S. (25th April): Postponed until further notice.

Doorus N.S. (9th May): Postponed until further notice.

Ballinderreen N.S. (16th May): It looks unlikely that the ceremony will take place on the planned day, but, as we do not yet know how the situation will develop, please await definite information when we know what restrictions will be in place at that time.

St Joseph’s N.S., Kinvara (23rd May): It looks unlikely that the ceremony will take place on the planned day, but, as we do not yet know how the situation will develop, please await definite information when we know what restrictions will be in place at that time.

We all look forward to celebrating these special days in the lives of the children and families, and special thanks go to the principals and teachers who are eager to facilitate the First Holy Communion ceremonies when it will be possible to celebrate them. In the meantime, parents, please continue to prepare the children at home for First Holy Communion.
Fr Hugh

Here is a reflection for Easter 2020 from Bishop Brendan Kelly, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora:

Due to the government COVID-19 restrictions, Willie’s funeral Mass will be private. It will be held on Easter Sunday,12th April 2020 in St Kieran’s Church, Doorus.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Here is a chance to go deeper as we prepare for Holy Week: the Stations of the Cross with Bishop Robert Barron. These reflections help us dwell on the meaning of each stage of the Passion of Jesus, and they are accompanied by classic pieces of Christian art.

The Parish Office will now be closed during this period of the COVID-19 Coronavirus emergency, and will re-open as soon as public Sunday Masses re-commence.
Fr Hugh continues to be available for any emergencies that occur, and please contact Fr Hugh at 091 637154 if you prefer to re-arrange anniversary Masses, etc. Otherwise, it will be assumed that Mass will be offered in private for the intention on the date originally booked.

Again this Sunday, 29th March 2020, Mass will be streamed live on the Ballinderreen and Kinvara Parishes Facebook page.

Please note also that St Colman’s Church, Ballinderreen and St Joseph’s Church, Kinvara remain open for personal prayer during the COVID-19 emergency, but please maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from any other person, and only a small number of people may be in the Church at any one time.