Dear Parishioners,

Easter Monday brought the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. We recall fondly his visit to Knock in 2018 as part of the World Meeting of Families. Three buses filled with pilgrims left the Cathedral Terrace early that morning to travel to the Papal Mass. May the Lord reward Pope Francis for his ministry as successor of Peter and grant him eternal rest. The Holy Father did not participate in the Holy Week ceremonies last week but did greet pilgrims on Easter Sunday.
Reflecting on Lent and Holy Week in the Parish, it is fitting to acknowledge and thank the various groups who helped. Firstly, our Parish Pastoral Council helped plan the liturgies.
During Lent, the Legion, Mothers Prayers, Tuam Eucharistic Adoration, Tuam Men’s Shed, TARA, and Tuam Women’s Shed helped us to reflect on the Way of the Cross each Friday evening.
Throughout Holy Week, our readers in each Church helped us listen attentively to the Word of God, from the Passion on Palm Sunday to the joy of the Resurrection on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Music and song were an integral part of our celebrations. All of those involved in Music Ministry in the three churches helped us raise our minds and hearts in prayer to God.
Many Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers helped throughout Holy Week in our Churches.
Thanks to those who had their feet washed on Holy Thursday night. We are also grateful to all our Tuam, Cortoon and Lavally altar servers for their help during the ceremonies.
The students of High Cross College prepared contemporary reflections for our Ecumenical Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Sadly, the weather did not allow us to make the way of the Cross outdoors. But, it was great to welcome Bishop Michael Burrows, Dean Diane Matchett and the parishioners from St. Mary’s to our Cathedral on Good Friday.
We acknowledge the work of our sacristans in Cortoon, Lavally and the Cathedral.
Tuam Scouts took charge of the Easter Fire and the distribution of light from the Paschal Candle. We also acknowledge the volunteers who took charge of the Paschal fire outside Lavally Church.
As we reach the end of the Easter Octave, it is timely to acknowledge and thank all involved in celebrating Lent and Holy Week in our Parish.

Mac na hÓighe Slán.  Mary’s Son is alive!

Fr. Pat Farragher Adm.