Stained glass window in the porch of St Joseph’s Church, Kinvara. We pray for all workers today, in the midst of all the challenges posed by the COVID-19 emergency.

Several people have asked in the last few days about Mass cards. Unfortunately, Mass cards are not available from Ballinderreen and Kinvara Parishes during the Coronavirus emergency, so as to avoid compromising physical distancing and contact requirements at this time. Booking of anniversary Masses, etc. continues as normal by telephoning Fr Hugh at 091 637154.

At this time, I am not placing emphasis on parish contributions, as many families and individuals are impacted financially by the COVID-19 situation. Only because some people have been asking about how they can make contributions during this time of emergency, when we cannot have public Masses, I am answering by giving the options here, in order of preference:

1. For those living locally, the best way to make parish contributions is through the parish envelope system. This way makes it possible for the parish to also obtain the charities contribution from Revenue, so it is a good help. So, either put the envelopes in the letterbox of the Parochial House in Kinvara or hold them until it is possible for the congregation to attend Mass again. Sincere thanks to parishioners who have been doing this.
2. If you would prefer to make a parish contribution electronically, you could do so through an electronic banking transfer. This might suit people in other areas who would like to contribute to Ballinderreen Parish or Kinvara Parish. The details for Ballinderreen Parish are: Bank: Bank of Ireland, Salthill, Galway; Branch code: 90-38-40; Account name: Ballinderreen Parish Current Account; IBAN: IE85 BOFI 9038 4041 8478 22; BIK: BOFIIE2D; Account number: 41847822.The details for Kinvara Parish are: Bank: Bank of Ireland, Gort, Co. Galway; Branch code: 90-38-67; Account name: Kinvara Parish Re: Kinvara Churches Current Account; IBAN: IE30 BOFI 9038 6729 5205 44; BIK: BOFIIE2D; Account number: 29520544.

3. For a convenient way of making a donation using a bank card, Galway Diocese has set up an online donations system. This might suit people in other areas or abroad who would like to contribute to Ballinderreen Parish or Kinvara Parish. Please click on this link and choose either Ballinderreen Parish or Kinvara Parish in the drop-down menu:                                : https://www.idonate.ie/donation_widget/register-donor-anonymous.php?pid=5200

Fr Hugh

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.