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A Personal Invitation<\/span><\/div>
When Jesus called the Apostles to follow him, He did not pin a notice on a tree and ask for volunteers. Instead, he met each person, looked them in the eye and asked them personally to join him in his work.<\/div>

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We believe that God is calling men to join us as priests in our Diocese. If you are interested, then our advice is “Be not afraid”.<\/div>

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The process for becoming a diocesan priest is taken slowly and carefully. The first step is usually a chat with the Vocations Director, or any other priest. This is an opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the priesthood. If you remain interested, then the following process begins.<\/div>

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Accompaniment: <\/span>This is a series of regular meetings with a priest over several months. During each meeting, the priest will guide you through a process of discernment. This enables you to figure out what your vocation might be.<\/div>

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Introductory Year:<\/span> This is spent with a group of others, sharing in prayer and community life and studying the basics of the Catholic faith. It also includes regular spiritual direction, which a more in-depth form of your personal discernment process.<\/div>

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Seminary Studies: <\/span>This will be done at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth (or possibly part of it at the Irish College in Rome). It begins with two years study of Philosophy of a 3-year degree course, followed by four years of Theology, one of those being spent in a Parish, working with the priests there. In the third year, one becomes a deacon, committing oneself to a life of celibate service in the Diocese, and at the end of the fourth year, one is ordained a priest. The individual over these years has time to further discern if their calling is to the diocesan priesthood. The seminary and diocese also have the role of evaluating the individual’s progress through each year of the formation programme and their calling to the priesthood.<\/div>

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You are invited to phone or write to the Vocations Director. He will send you information and answer any questions you many have and can meet you for a chat.<\/div>

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Vocations Director – Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois<\/span><\/div>
Fr. Seamus O’Rourke,<\/div>
Dublin Road<\/div>
Carrick on Shannon <\/div>
Co. Leitrim<\/div>
Tel: 071 962 0054<\/div>

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Dates for First Holy Communion 2023.<\/span><\/div>
Saturday 06th May @ 11am - St. Michael’s National School.<\/div>

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Saturday 06th May @ 2pm - St. Eimear’s National School.<\/div>

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Saturday 13th May @ 11am - Melview National School.<\/div>

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Saturday 13th May @ 2pm - Gaelscoil an Longfoirt<\/div>

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Saturday 27th May @ 11am - Stonepark National School.<\/div>

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Saturday 27th May @ 2pm - St Joseph’s National School. <\/div>

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Dates and times for First Confession can be arranged with the chaplain of the School.<\/div>

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P.S. It will be necessary for each child to produce their Baptismal Certificate with a clear address of the Church, town\/city and country so that notification can be forwarded to the Parish of Baptism.<\/span><\/div>

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Dates and times for Confirmation 2023.<\/span><\/div>
Tuesday 16th May @ 6pm - Stonepark National School.<\/div>

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Wednesday 17th May @ 6pm - St. Joseph’s National School.<\/div>

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Thursday 18th May @ 6pm - St Eimear’s National School.<\/div>

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Tuesday 23rd May @ 6pm - St. Michael’s National School.<\/div>

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Wednesday 24th May @ 6pm - Gaelscoil an Longfoirt.<\/div>

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Thursday 25th May @ 6pm - Melview National School.<\/div>

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Dates and times of Ceremony of Light can be arranged with the chaplain of the school.<\/div>

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P.S. It will be necessary for each child to produce their Baptismal Certificate with a clear address of the Church, town\/city and country so that notification can be forwarded to the Parish of Baptism.<\/span><\/div>

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Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road, Longford<\/span><\/div>

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Club 89 was formed in 1989 - hence the name. Club 89 meets in the Family Centre every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00pm until 4.00pm from September to June. It was formed under the umbrella of the Church, with a priest as Chaplain and friend. There is Mass in the Family Centre twice a year – during Lent and during November for deceased members.<\/div>

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Weekly activities include indoor bowls, keep fit, card games, whist and twenty-five. There is also a painting class led by Sister Bridget, who does beautiful water colours. Some members like to do crochet and knitting. There is always tea and very nice homemade eats!<\/div>

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In late June there is an annual day out. In 2009 dinner in Carrick-on-Shannon was followed by a cruise on the river Shannon and music on board the boat. There have been many interesting days out - trips to the Botanical Gardens, the Wax Museum and Leinster House in Dublin; tours have also headed to the Mourne Mountains and many, many more places over the years.<\/div>

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The Club also visits Knock Shrine every year. During the month of May “Bealtaine” is celebrated. There is a display of members arts, crafts and paintings displayed in the Atrium Gallery of the Backstage Theatre. Members usually take to the stage with a sketch or one-act play, a dance and maybe a song. It’s a special day and Club 89 is joined by other clubs who also put on entertainment. The day also features music and song from some great Longford musicians, Mick Flavin and Declan Nerney. There is also a tea afternoon in aid of the local charities.<\/div>

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During the summer holidays Club 89 members can avail of a week’s holiday in Mornington at a very reasonable cost for three meals-a-day and music and dancing at night. There is a little kitchen where the group can make tea or coffee at any time. This is great value and very enjoyable.<\/div>

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Club 89 is now over thirty years a going.  Club 89 gladly welcome new members to experience this time together and friendly atmosphere.<\/div>

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Priests<\/span>:<\/div>
Fr James MacKiernan, Adm.<\/div>

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Fr Tony Gilhooly, C.C.<\/div>

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Fr Michael McGrath, C.C.<\/div>

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Fr Joseph Ukut, MSP, C.C.<\/div><\/div>

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Parish Staff :<\/span><\/div>
Mary Carey, Secretary<\/div>

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Evelyn Rooney, Assistant Secretary\/Housekeeping<\/div>

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Claire Carroll, Receptionist\/Housekeeping<\/div>

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Gerry Reilly, Cathedral Sacristan<\/div>

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Ben Courtney, Maintenance\/Gardening<\/div>

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Pastoral Council:<\/span><\/div>
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Uruemu Adejinmi, Tom Dolan, Chris Ehargbe, <\/div>

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John Farrell, Catherine Hanley,<\/div>

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Paddy Lawerence, Stefan Macko, Mary McLoughlin, <\/div>

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Paula Oates, Gerry Reilly, Kevin Victory.<\/div><\/div>

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Contact Details<\/span><\/div>
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The Presbytery, St Mel\'s Cathedral, Longford.<\/div>

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Telephone : +353 (0)43 3346465<\/div>

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Email : stmelscathedral@gmail.com<\/div>
Longford Parish comprises the town of Longford and surrounding area, which is the main town of Co. Longford, itself found in the Midlands of Ireland on the east side of the River Shannon. The traditional name for the parish is ‘Templemichael and Ballymacormack’. There are over 4,000 households in the parish at present.<\/div>

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It is also the Cathedral parish of the Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmancois. The Bishop’s residence is in the parish and the diocesan offices are located here.<\/div>

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The Catholic faithful of Longford are currently served by four priests. <\/div>

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There is a Convent of Mercy and Mercy sisters living throughout the town. There are six National Schools, one Special School and three secondary schools amongst other educational initiatives.<\/div>

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It is a vibrant parish with many initiatives always ongoing by a people of deep faith rooted in a tradition that stretches from the time of St. Mel in the fifth century to the present day.<\/div><\/div>

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FIRE AT ST. MEL’S CATHEDRAL - CHRISTMAS DAY 2009<\/span><\/div>

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We were all devastated in Longford by the fire which gutted our beloved St. Mel’s Cathedral on Christmas Day 2009. Thankfully no one was injured. However, the sheer devastation to the interior of the building means that it is a time of immense bereavement and loss for the people of our town and diocese. The Church is made of living stones and it is the hope and commitment of the faithful from near and wide that has allowed us to re-gather ourselves and set about restoring the Cathedral, whilst all the time continuing to carry out all the activities that normally occur in the parish. We warmly welcome the support received from people of other denominations and faiths and those who recognise the cultural and historical importance of this iconic building that has been the symbol of Longford town for generations.<\/div>

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Many people wish to help at this time and we are immensely grateful for the moral and financial support that has been expressed over these days. We wish also to acknowledge the trojan efforts of the emergency services in fighting to save St. Mel’s Cathedral and securing it in the days since: the County Longford Fire Service, An Garda Síochána, local ESB crews and the local authorities. We are deeply grateful to the sisters at the Convent and St. Joseph’s and our liturgical suppliers for immediately coming to our assistance on Christmas Day to allow Masses to go ahead – it was a great source of hope to come together as a community of believers with Bishop Colm to give thanks to God for all our blessings and to put our trust in Him and the intercession of St. Mel that will see us restore the Cathedral with the same spirit that allowed earlier generations build it in even more difficult times.<\/div>

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A Nightmare Christmas Story – Tiernan Dolan<\/span><\/div>

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Midnight Mass in the Cathedral this year was particularly special . A half-moon shone brightly as the stars twinkled over a sleepy Longford town transformed by a thick blanket of bright snow. It was like being part of a Christmas card as we crunched through the snow. Inside, the packed Cathedral looked simply magnificent. The dimmed lights added to the special atmosphere. The flickering tiny lights on the imposing Christmas tree, the long white drapes, the candles on the Advent wreath, more candles to the front left of the altar and of course the wonderful realistic Bedouin crib. Everything looked so perfect.<\/div>

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The aroma of the incense that mingled with that of the fir tree was almost hypnotic, but when the choir started to sing their seasonal hymns the entire experience was truly heavenly. In our sad and mad modern world, it’s almost impossible to achieve the real sense of Christmas. But tonight the hard working Cathedral team had achieved the impossible.<\/div>

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In his homily Bishop Colm spoke of hope in a dark world, he mentioned the burning of a Poor Clare convent in nearby Tubberclair, Co. Westmeath, and how, despite the setback of the fire, their faith kept them going. As the Bishop was speaking my eyes drifted upwards to the arched ceiling tastefully painted, the tiny windows way up high, the upright grey pillars, the larger than life statues, the wonderful paintings of the Stations of the Cross. I’ve been in the congregation now for more decades than I care to remember but the beauty of the Cathedral never ever fails to impress me. Being brutally honest, apart from its generous genuine people, we don’t have a great deal to be proud of in Longford but we do rightly boast about our St Mel’s Cathedral.<\/div>

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Leaving the Cathedral to head out into the cold winter air, many images were swimming in my head. The glorious singing of the choir accompanied by the bellowing of each of the 1850 pipes in the organ, there was the genuine applause of appreciation, the smiles and handshakes and good-humoured banter in the porch with Colm and the priests, and most of all a real sense of pride that we had something terribly special in Longford.<\/div>

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“Watch the steps, they’re slippery, happy Christmas”, “God, it’s cold tonight but that was a wonderful Mass inside” “ It was beautiful, safe home,” “ Good night, take care and have a good one , God bless”. The walk home seemed lighter.<\/div>

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A pre-dawn text shattered the Christmas morning silence. Who in the name of God would be texting at this hour? Blinking in disbelief I read “Cathedral on fire”. Knowing the sender who lived in Carlow was not a messer, I immediately jumped from bed, and made my way back in along the Ballinalee road. A heavy freezing fog combined with darkness meant that initially nothing was visible. Maybe it was only something small and was already out, I thought to myself.<\/div>

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Then drawing near the Cathedral a faint blue flashing light came through the mist. An eerie sound of pops disturbed the morning silence. Up higher a tongue of yellow flame shot suddenly skywards. My heart sank.<\/div>

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The sickening reality hit home on reaching the traffic island in front of the Cathedral. A small knot of shivering people were gathered, eyes transfixed in shock and horror. The fire had already taken hold and as smoke bellowed from the roof, the windows glowed orange with the strength of the flames inside.<\/div>

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We watched the horror-show unfold in utter disbelief and shock, the sense of complete helplessness overwhelming. Grown men wept openly, others turned away clutching their heads. This was like watching a treasured friend die and there was nothing we could do. A fire-engine with a massive lift poured water onto the roof, elsewhere hoses were directing water through the windows. It resembled a film set but this was ugly real and real ugly.<\/div>

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The orange flames crept ever closer towards the spire, beams collapsed, windows popped as the yellow helmeted firefighters fought an unstoppable enemy. A visibly shaken Fr Healy stared in disbelief, clutching a mug of coffee. Words of comfort seemed as useless as the water poured on the flames but were offered anyway.<\/div>

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As dawn broke , the full and horrible extent of the damage became apparent. Our beautiful pride and joy was gutted and so was every single person there. The word spread rapidly. Despite the snow and ice and minus eight temperature, the crowd of stunned disbelievers continued to swell. The outpouring of emotions was pure raw. People hugged and cried and sobbed and talked about their shared pain. That a single burning building could arouse such emotion was truly remarkable.<\/div>

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But this was no ordinary building. This was the pride of Longford in flames. This was a very real part of Longford burning and collapsing before our very eyes. This was our icon being destroyed. Every Longfordian was deeply linked to the Cathedral through Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage and Funerals. Even though it was just a building, it was a part of us. It was burning and we felt its pain.<\/div>

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Onlookers shared stories and its wedding history. The parents of James Joyce were married there in 1880, Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins were guests at the wedding of General Sean McKeon to Alice Cooney who were married in the Cathedral in 1921, the world famous athletes John Walker, Eamonn Coghlan and Frank O’Mara were present at the wedding of Longford’s most famous runner Ray Flynn when he married Jan Clement in 1976.<\/div>

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As the firefighters trained their hoses on the spire, there was a genuine fear that it might topple as the fire raged around and beneath it. A middle-aged woman from Killoe summed up its place in the hearts of Longford people. She recalled as a four year old, her mother brought into Longford before Christmas which at the time was just an annual visit. She vividly remembered visiting the Cathedral and in her mind comparing it to “at least St Peter’s of Rome if not Heaven itself”.<\/div>

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Despite the cold, the crowd grew. Photos were taken on mobile phones and sent all over the world. Images of the once proud spire shrouded in thick smoke were emailed to where ever Longfordians were spending Christmas morning. From Norway to Chad to Korea to America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, England the response was the same, emotional, tear-filled, shock, disbelief and utter heart-break.<\/div>

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When Bishop Colm O Reilly spoke with RTE reporter Ciaran Mullooly, in front of his beloved burning St Mel’s, he was clearly in deep shock. Having served in the Cathedral as a popular priest, the horrific scene behind him was deeply painful as well as personal.<\/div>

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Meanwhile at midday, down the town at Connolly Barracks it was announced at the start of the GOAL Mile that the funds raised would be going to the Cathedral restoration fund. The response was the same as had been after midnight mass ,just hours earlier...applause. One young participant proudly showed his Longford Town jersey with the Cathedral on its crest. The funds have since been re-directed to GOAL’s work in that place in all our thoughts –Haiti, and we keep the people of that beleaguered nation in our thoughts and prayers.<\/div>

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As dusk descended on a stunned town, there was little more the exhausted firefighters could do. By now they were simply damping down the glowing embers. Throughout the town, county and diocese young and old joined to watch the story on the evening television news but still it didn’t seem real. Shortly afterwards in the gathering darkness and gloom and with most gone home, the Cathedral bell sounded for the last time as it came tumbling down before coming to rest in the ash and debris, the last sad sound of the nightmare story of Christmas Day 2009.<\/div>

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Recovery of Diocesan Museum Artefacts<\/span><\/div>

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STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE<\/span><\/div>

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VERY REV. COLM O’REILLY, D.D.,<\/span><\/div>

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BISHOP OF ARDAGH AND CLONMACNOIS<\/span><\/div>

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Saturday, 6th February, 2010<\/span><\/div>

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On the morning of Christmas Day last, a fire at St Mel’s destroyed the interior of the cathedral along with most of its furnishings and fittings. One of the casualties was the contents of the Diocesan Museum, located at the rear of the cathedral. Assembled in the 1930s and 40s by the late Fr Michael Kearney, President of St Mel’s College, the collection was moved to the cathedral in 1974.<\/div>

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The collection included almost 500 items and ranked among the finest ecclesiastical museums in the country, containing a varied collection of ecclesiastical material as well as objects of archaeological, historical and ethnographical interest. It included a number of objects of national importance, including the ninth-century Crozier of St Mel, patron of the diocese, which was found at Ardagh, Co. Longford in the nineteenth century. Of equal importance was the Shrine of St Caillinn of Fenagh, Co. Leitrim – a book shrine dated to 1536 and associated with Brian O’Rourke, lord of Breifne – along with the twelfth-century Clog na Rígh – ‘bell of the kings’ – also associated with St Caillinn. Of particular local interest were a number of ceremonial keys and trowels used in commemorating the foundations of the cathedral and other parish churches in the diocese.<\/div>

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It seemed at first that the entire contents of the museum had perished in the fire. I am therefore pleased to be able to announce that – thanks to the efforts of a team from the National Museum of Ireland who have been working at the site for the last few weeks – a significant number of objects have survived and have been recovered. All have suffered fire damage and it is not yet clear how they will appear after conservation. Among the objects recovered are the Shrine of St Caillinn which is largely intact and a portion of the Crozier of St Mel. The discovery of the latter is particularly poignant today – the feast day of our patron saint. Among the other objects found were an early iron hand-bell from Wheery, Co. Offaly and a thirteenth-century crozier made at Limoges in France. Regrettably, the collection of vestments, penal crosses, altar vessels of pewter and silver and works in paper were lost.<\/div>

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In all over 200 objects have been recovered and these have now been removed to a stable environment at the National Museum of Ireland for safekeeping and their condition is currently being assessed. The Museum is working closely with the diocese to develop a conservation strategy for the objects recovered.<\/div>

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I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Director of the Museum, Dr Pat Wallace, and his staff for their prompt offer of assistance and for all their work to date in the recovery of the material.<\/div>

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+ Colm O’Reilly<\/span><\/div>
Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnois<\/div>
\"01<\/a>\"02<\/a>\"03<\/a>\"04<\/a>\"05<\/a>\"06<\/a>\"07<\/a>\"08<\/a>\"09<\/a>\"10<\/a>\"11<\/a>Lightbox Modal by VisualLightBox.com v4.3.2<\/a><\/div>
(4 weeks\' notice required)<\/span><\/div>

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Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.00pm<\/span><\/div>

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Please make your booking at the Parish Office<\/span> (tel. 3346465)<\/div>

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Parents are asked to complete the attached Application Form (click to download) and furnish a copy of the child\'s birth cert.<\/span><\/a><\/div>

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Parents are invited to attend a First Friday Mass prior to the baptism and are required to complete a short course after the mass in the Cathedral<\/span><\/div>

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The Sacrament of Baptism<\/span><\/div>

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Firstly, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your child. We also want to welcome this new born child into our parish.<\/div>

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It is important to prepare well for all sacraments. Baptism is the first sacrament of the Church. The more we are prepared, the more the love of God given to us through the sacraments can bear fruit in our lives.<\/div>

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Parents are the first and most important people to pass on faith to their child. In Longford Parish we have set up a Baptism Programme to help parents as they bring their child for Baptism.<\/div>

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The first thing to do is to give at least four weeks notice and to book your child’s baptism at the Parish Office in the Presbytery. The Parish will then write to you about two to three weeks before the date you booked and will invite you to a meeting on a Monday night at 8.00pm in the Family Centre on St. Mel’s Road.<\/div>

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There two members of the Baptism Team will help you reflect on the sacrament of Baptism by means of input, a short DVD, discussion and prayer. They will talk about the ceremony on the day and answer any questions you may have. The meeting lasts less that an hour and finishes with a cup of tea. There will also be a visit to your house by a Parish sister in the weeks before the Baptism and the priest celebrating the Baptism will call in the days immediately before the Baptism.<\/div>

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Your child\'s Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for our parish as we welcome your child into the Christian Community.<\/div>

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• Parents are to bring a Baptism candle and a separate White Garment.<\/div>
• The name that you give your child is important.<\/div>
• Each child has one or more usually two godparents. They are to be Catholic, have received Confirmation and at least 16 years of age.<\/div>
• The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.<\/div>

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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/span><\/div>

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When you were born<\/div>
Our hearts were so full of happiness<\/div>
That there was no room in us for words.<\/div>

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When you were growing<\/div>
Our hearts were so full of care for you<\/div>
That we spoke soothingly<\/div>
And sometimes sharply.<\/div>
Fearful for your safety,<\/div>
But always in the deepest places of our hearts<\/div>
We spoke lovingly.<\/div>

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Today,<\/div>
As we watch you<\/div>
Moving forward with your friends<\/div>
We marvel at all you have done<\/div>
And become<\/div>
Our spirits sing praise to God<\/div>
For the gift that is you.<\/div>
And, though our hearts<\/div>
Have stretched to love others,<\/div>
Yet, there is still a place within us<\/div>
That is yours and only yours,<\/div>
Always.<\/div>

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For the light you have shone on us,<\/div>
For the life you have called us to,<\/div>
For the special gift of God<\/div>
You are now, and will ever be,<\/div>
Thank You<\/div>

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Godparent\'s Prayer<\/span><\/div>

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Lord, I thank you that<\/div>

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[Name of Child]<\/div>

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has become by Baptism<\/div>
a member of Your Church.<\/div>
May they grow in faith<\/div>
all the days of their life.<\/div>
Lord help me to carry out<\/div>
the responsibilities of Godparent<\/div>
that I have undertaken<\/div>

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Amen.<\/div>

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The Parish Office<\/span><\/div>

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The Presbytery,<\/div>
St Mel\'s Cathedral,<\/div>
Longford.<\/div>

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Telephone : <\/span>+353 (0)43 3346465<\/div>

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Email : <\/span>stmelscathedral@gmail.com<\/div>

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A funeral is a time of sadness and mourning. We will do our best to help you in any way we can. The priest who serves in your area of Longford Parish will be there to assist you and your family as you mourn your loved one and to help you prepare the Funeral Mass liturgy. The undertakers that you may engage will also closely liaises with the priests of the parish. The liturgies of the Church at this time seek to thank God as Creator for the gift of the life of the deceased person and to entrust their soul into the loving mercy of God who is our Saviour.<\/div>

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The Funeral Mass<\/span><\/div>

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Introductory Rites<\/span><\/div>

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Penitential Rite<\/span><\/div>

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The Liturgy of the Word<\/span><\/div>

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First Reading (Old Testament)
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading (New Testament)
Gospel Reading
Homily
Prayers of the Faithful<\/span><\/div>

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Liturgy of the Eucharist<\/span><\/div>

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The Offertory (Bread and wine are brought to the altar)
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Communion<\/span><\/div>

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Final Commendation and Farewell<\/span><\/div>

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The body is sprinkled with holy water and honored with incense.<\/span><\/div>

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The Memorial Mass<\/span><\/div>

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It is traditional in many parishes to have a Memorial Mass or Month’s Mind for the deceased in the weeks following the funeral. The Month’s Mind is an opportunity to once again commend the deceased to our loving God. It is celebrated in an atmosphere of prayerful remembrance, of gratitude for those who have offered sympathy and of hope in the resurrection.<\/div>

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Contactless Donations!<\/span><\/div>

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We are delighted to announce that we are in a position to accept donations or payments by debit or credit card in the office.  Payments can be made in person or over the phone.<\/span><\/div>

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Contact the Parish Office<\/span><\/div>

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The Presbytery,<\/div>
St Mel\'s Cathedral,<\/div>
Longford.<\/div>

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Telephone : <\/span>+353 (0)43 3346465<\/div>

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Email : <\/span>stmelscathedral@gmail.com<\/div><\/div>

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How you can contribute to the Financial well-being of your parish?<\/span><\/div>
In these unprecedented times, there are still many ways to help with the financial upkeep of the Parish.  First and foremost, please make sure that you are registered with the parish and express an interest to receive a box of Collection Envelopes - these are so important to the upkeep of the parish.<\/div>

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1. Contactless Donations : We are delighted to announce that we are in a position to accept donations or payments by debit or credit card in the office.  Payments can be made in person or over the phone.<\/div>

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2. You can setup a Standing Order with you bank.  Please contact the Parish office for a Standing Order Form.<\/div>

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3. Thanks to all who have returned their tax relief forms.  This is an important source of income for the Parish.  Everyone who donates more that 250 Euro in any year is eligible to sign the form by which the Parish can reclaim the tax paid.  We would be delighted to help you get started.  Please get in touch.<\/div>

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RESTORATION FUND - <\/span>FRIENDS OF ST. MEL’S CATHEDRAL<\/span><\/span><\/div>


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Since the fire at St. Mel’s Cathedral we have been very much strengthened by the outpouring of goodwill and support that we have received from so many people. In response to people’s generosity a separate account had been established in the name of ‘Friends of St. Mel’s Cathedral’<\/span>.<\/div>

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If you wish to donate, you can do so by the following methods:<\/span><\/div>

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Donation By Post<\/span><\/div>

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You can send us cheques, bank drafts or postal orders through the post. Please take the precaution of crossing any cheques and ensure that all donations are made out to Friends of St. Mel’s Cathedral. You will be issued with a receipt and acknowledgement of your donation. The address to send them to is:<\/div>

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Friends of St. Mel’s Cathedral<\/div>

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c\/o The Presbytery,<\/div>

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St. Mel’s Cathedral<\/div>

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Longford.<\/div>

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Donation By Bank Transfer<\/span><\/div>

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You can make a donation by lodging directly to our bank account:<\/div>

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PERMANENT TSB – LONGFORD<\/div>
SORT CODE – 990731<\/div>
ACCOUNT NUMBER – 52096969<\/div>

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Please let us know you have made the donation as we would like to acknowledge your contribution. You can contact us at friendsofstmels@eircom.net<\/div>

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Parish Finance Committee<\/span><\/div>

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Pat Chapman, Mary Donlon, Francis Hanley, Fr. James MacKiernan, Fr. Michael McGrath, Tom Mulligan<\/div><\/div>

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<\/div> Funeral Readings
How to help Longford Parish make the most of your donations<\/span><\/div>
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If you pay tax and donate at least €250 per year (which equates to just under €5 per week) to the Parish of Longford, we can claim tax relief.<\/div>
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Tax relief on your qualifying donations will be given to the at a blended rate of 31% regardless of the rate of tax paid by you, the donor.<\/div>
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For example:  Say you donate €5 per week in your envelope at the weekly collection, this will equate to an annual donation of €260. If you have the appropriate forms completed for the Parish, this will mean that your donation is actually worth €377 to the Parish. That is, an extra €117 tax refund will be due to the Parish as a result of your €5 per week donation.<\/div>
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The tax refund which the Parish will receive on an annual\/once off donation of €500 from an individual donor will be €224.64 and the tax refund on annual\/once off donations of €1,000 will be €449.27. <\/div>
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The only reason that a refund claim will be rejected by Revenue is if you, the donor, have not paid sufficient  tax in the relevant year to cover the reclaim or inaccurate details have been supplied.<\/div>
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How to make your donations worth more<\/span><\/div>
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You, the parishioners\/donors can sign the approved certificate to cover qualifying donations over a five year period using the new CHY3 “enduring” form or if you prefer you can sign a CHY4 annual form which will cover just one year. Both forms are available from the Parish Office.<\/div>
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Each form requires you to fill in your names, address, PPS number and to sign the form.  Please send your completed forms to the Parish Office<\/div>
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In respect of weekly donations made, can you please ensure that you use the envelopes provided for the collections as this will enable us to keep a track of the donations made and to make the appropriate claims for tax refunds.<\/div>
St. Mel’s Cathedral<\/span><\/div>
The Cathedral is named in honour of St. Mel, who died around the year 487\/488, a contemporary of St. Patrick, and first Bishop of Ardagh. The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid on 19 May, 1840 by Bishop O’Higgins, just before the start of the Great Famine which was to cause so much misery and death over the following decade. The building as a result was delayed and the Cathedral did not open for worship until 1856, by which time John Kilduff had become bishop of the diocese.<\/div>

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The Entrance Lobby and 200 foot high Bell Tower, designed by John Bourke, were completed in 1863. The portico at the front with six large 37 foot high columns, designed by George Ashlin, was added later during the years 1889-1893. At the top of the columns there is a triangular piece which is known in architecture as a tympanum. Within this there is a large scene sculpted by George Smyth depicting the consecration of St. Mel as Bishop of Ardagh by St. Patrick. On top of the tympanum three statues stand out against the skyline, one at each side depicting St. Mel and St. Ciaran, patrons of Ardagh and Clonmacnois respectively, and in the center a statue of the Sacred Heart.<\/div>

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St. Mel’s Cathedral was solemnly consecrated on 23 May 1893, exactly 53 years after the foundation stone was laid. The bishop at the time was Bartholomew Woodlock.<\/div>

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The inside of the Cathedral is a simple but majestic style. The Cathedral is constructed like many churches in the shape of a cross. This cruciform shape has a long central nave from the front door to the altar – the roof of the nave as is tradition rises higher than the two aisles on either side. The nave of the Cathedral is flanked by six columns on either side. <\/div>

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The sanctuary prior to the fire of Christmas 2009, dated back to 1975 when after the Second Vatican Council it was renovated. It was a controversial change at the time and many in the town who knew the Cathedral as it was lament its passing to this day. A tapestry designed by Ray Carroll, located at the back of the altar depicted the Coming of Christ in Glory. <\/div>

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Famously, The Blessed Sacrament altar to the right of the sanctuary was home to the Ray Carroll backdrop depicting Jesus after his Resurrection at table with two disciples at Emmaus. Further to the right is the Mortuary chapel with a representation of the Pietà. To the left-hand side of the sanctuary is Our Lady’s altar and the Holy Family chapel. There are very detailed and beautiful stained-glass windows by the internationally-acclaimed artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931) at the end of the side chapels. These windows had been lost in the fire but have been restored. The window on the St. Mel’s College side depicts the Risen Christ and on the presbytery side there is a representation of St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These two windows are beautifully lit up at different times of the year by the rising and setting sun.<\/div>

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FIRE AT ST. MEL’S CATHEDRAL - CHRISTMAS DAY 2009<\/span><\/div>

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The devastating fire of Christmas Day 2009 triggered a time of immense bereavement and loss for the people of Longford and the Diocese. But thanks to the hope and commitment of the faithful from near and far, the people of God of Templemichael and Ballymacormack regathered and set about restoring the Cathedral, whilst all the time continuing to carry out all the activities that normally occur in the parish. The support of people of all faith communities at that time is a tangible reminder that The Church is made of living stones, the People of God. <\/div>

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Various parish committees came together to assist in the task of restoring the Cathedral and putting in place measures to accommodate parish worship and activities for the five years ‘away from home’. Parish worship moved to nearby St. Mel’s College. <\/div>

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St. Mel<\/span><\/div>
Saint Mel died in 488. He is said to have been a Briton who came to Ireland with Saint Patrick, his uncle, with whom he worked until he was ordained in Ardagh. He is one of the earliest Irish saints and gave the religious veil to Saint Brigid. He is, along with St Ciaran of Clonmacnois, the patron saint of the Catholic diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, and is commemorated in the name of the Cathedral church of the diocese in Longford.<\/div>

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<\/div> Liturgy
Congratulations on your decision to get married. The priests of Longford Parish will be happy to facilitate you as you prepare for your wedding day and married life together. Weddings can take place in three churches in our parish: St. Mel’s College Chapel; St. Anne’s Church, Curry; and St. Michael’s Church, Shroid. As the Cathedral will be unavailable for the coming years couples may choose to book their wedding at churches in surrounding parishes whilst still asking a priest from Longford Parish to celebrate their marriage. There are a number of requirements of both the Church and the State that must be satisfied when proposing to get married in church. The guidelines in this page are offered only by way of assistance – if you have any queries please contact your local parish and \/ or Civil Registration Office directly.<\/div>

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Firstly, you must contact a priest of the parish \/ Parish Office to discuss the date of your wedding in a particular church in Longford Parish and make sure that it is available. You must also arrange to meet the priest you are inviting to be the celebrant of your marriage and ensure his availability on the day. Every couple marrying in the Catholic Church is required to give the Church a minimum of three months notice of their intention to marry. However, the Civil Registration Act (2004) requires that all couples must also give three months notice of their intention to marry to a Civil Registrar in person. In order to do this couples must contact a Registrar at a Civil Registration Office beforehand to make an appointment. While only three months’ notice is required by law, couples are advised to contact the Registrar well over three months before their intended date of marriage to ensure they can get a timely appointment. The contact details of the local Civil Registration Office are:<\/div>

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Civil Registration Office,<\/div>

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Health Centre,<\/div>
Dublin Road,<\/div>
Longford<\/div>

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Opening Hours : Mon - Fri 9:30 - 12:30 & 2:00 - 4:15<\/div>

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Contact : 043 33 32226 \/ 043 33 32227<\/div>

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At the meeting with the Registrar couples seeking to be married in a Catholic ceremony, in addition to their personal particulars, will be requested to provide details in relation to their proposed marriage such as the intended date of marriage, the names and dates of birth of their witnesses, the details of the priest (known as the ‘solemniser’ in civil marriage law) you have asked to do your wedding and the church that you have booked for your wedding. The priest must be on the Register of Solemnisers maintained by the Registrar General. Most Irish priests are included in this Register by their diocese or religious order. However, priests returning from abroad may not be on this Register and will have to approach the local diocese to have their name forwarded to the General Register Office. <\/div>

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The civil registrar will issue you with your Marriage Registration Form at the close of your meeting in person. You will be advised to bring this to the priest conducting your marriage to ensure that all details on the Marriage Registration Form are correct. It is the responsibility of the couple to keep this form safe, to notify the Civil Registrar immediately of any proposed changes that may arise, to bring it to the church on the day of the wedding and give it to the priest prior to the ceremony. At the conclusion of the wedding it is signed by the couple, the two witnesses and the priest; the couple will be given the completed Marriage Registration Form by the priest on the day and must return it to any registrar within 1 month of the ceremony, so that the marriage can be civilly registered. Only then can the couple obtain a civil marriage certificate.<\/div>

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The Church has its own requirements to ensure that a Catholic Marriage can take place. The bride and groom should each make contact with a priest of their own local parish. Each must meet with their own priest to complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form. You will be required to present a recently-issued (within the last 6 months) Baptism certificate, a recently-issued confirmation certificate and a Letter of Freedom from each parish you lived in since you were 18. If you have lived in a lot of parishes, as an alternative to the Letters of Freedom, another possibility is to swear an affidavit before a Commissioner of Oaths attesting that you have never been married religiously or civilly in any jurisdiction. The priest will advise you further on all these matters. You will also be asked before the wedding to produce a certificate from an approved pre-marriage course. Longford Parish strongly recommends that couples participate in a pre-marriage course run by ACCORD. The contact details of the local ACCORD office are:<\/div>

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ACCORD – Longford Centre<\/span><\/div>
Teallach Iosa<\/div>
St Mel’s Road<\/div>
Longford<\/div>
Tel : 043 3347222<\/div>

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www.accord.ie<\/a><\/div>

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The priest of the parish of the groom will forward the completed Church papers to the priest of the parish of the bride. Catholic marriage normally takes place in the bride’s parish. If the wedding is to take place elsewhere the priest of the bride’s parish will forward all Church paperwork to do with the wedding to a priest of the parish in which the wedding is to take place.<\/div>

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Weddings which take place between a Catholic and a non-Catholic involve further requirements and dispensations. A Catholic marriage taking place abroad also involves additional procedures. The priests of Longford Parish will advise you on these matters, though it is important to provide sufficient notice to facilitate these further measures.<\/div>

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The priests and staff of the parish and the priest celebrating your marriage will assist you as you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself and be happy to explain the customs observed at weddings in Longford Parish.<\/div>

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USEFUL WEBSITE<\/span><\/div>

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You will find more detailed information on getting married at<\/div>

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www.gettingmarried.ie<\/a>.<\/div>

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Mass Times<\/span><\/div>
St. Mel\'s Cathedral<\/span><\/div>

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(SEE PARISH NEWSLETTER FOR UPDATED MASS TIMES)<\/a><\/div>

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Monday - Saturday: 8am, 10am, (November, Lent 7.30pm)<\/span><\/div>

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Saturday Vigil 7.30pm<\/span><\/div>

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Sunday: 8am, 10am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 6pm<\/span><\/div>

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Confession Times<\/span><\/div>
Saturday: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 6.30 - 7.15pm<\/span><\/div>

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Baptisms<\/span><\/div>
(At least 4 weeks’ notice)<\/span><\/div>

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Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.00pm<\/span><\/div>

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Application forms are available at parish office or download application form and return it to parish office along with copy of the child’s birth cert<\/span><\/div>

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Parents are invited to a First Friday Mass prior to the baptism of their child and required to attend Baptism Preparation Course in the Cathedral after the Mass. <\/span><\/div><\/div>

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Welcome - Fáilte!<\/span><\/p>

A very warm welcome to the Parish of Longford. We hope that you are settling down in your new home and will soon feel part of our community.<\/p>

Our website will tell you more about us - you might like to start with the Parish News and Info section.<\/p>

It would be a great help to us if you would fill in a New Parishioner form. You can download and complete the form using the link(s) below and drop it into the collection baskets or through the letterbox at the Parochial Office.<\/p>

Download New Parishioner form (PDF format)<\/a><\/span><\/p>

Download New Parishioner form (Word .doc format)<\/a><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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Primary Schools<\/span> <\/span><\/div>

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St. Emer’s<\/span> - Tel :043 3341188<\/div>

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Gaelscoil an Longfoirt <\/span>- Tel : 043 3341360<\/div>

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St. Joseph’s <\/span>- Tel : 043 3345700<\/div>
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St. Michael’s<\/span> - Tel : 043 3345536<\/div>
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Melview <\/span>- Tel : 043 3346197<\/div>
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Stonepark <\/span>- Tel : 043 3346036 <\/span><\/div>
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St. Christopher’s Special School<\/span> - Tel : 043 3341073<\/div>

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Secondary Schools<\/span><\/div>

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Scoil Mhuire <\/span>- Tel : 043 3346608<\/div>

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St. Mel’s College<\/span> - Tel : 043 3346469<\/div>

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Templemichael College<\/span> - Tel : 043 3345424<\/div>

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Parish Groups<\/span><\/div>

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ACCORD – LONGFORD CENTRE<\/span><\/div>
Teallach Iosa, St Mel’s Road, Longford<\/div>
Tel : 043 3347222<\/div>

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TEALLACH IOSA FAMILY CENTRE<\/span><\/div>
St. Mel’s Road, Longford<\/div>
Telephone : 043 3346827<\/div>

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ST. MEL’S CATHEDRAL CHOIR<\/span><\/div>

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St. Mel’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of organist Fintan Farrelly, sing at 11.30am Mass every Sunday.<\/div>
The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 8.30pm in the choir room at the rear of the Cathedral,<\/div>
with extra rehearsals scheduled in preparation for major events.<\/div>

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The Temperance Hall, New Street, Longford<\/span><\/div>

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Telephone: 043 3349548<\/div>
Email: thetemperancehall@eircom.net<\/div>
Website: www.temperancehalllongford.ie<\/div>

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ATTIC YOUTH CAFÉ<\/span><\/div>

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The Cafe is opened every lunch time from 12:30pm to 2pm Monday to Friday and after school on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm, as well as at weekends for organised events such as band nights and discos.<\/div>

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CATHEDRAL FOLK CHOIR<\/span><\/div>

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The Cathedral Folk Choir was formed by Fr Brendan O’Sullivan in October 2007. The Folk Choir usually sings twice monthly at the Saturday 7.30pm Vigil Mass and the Sunday 1.00pm Mass. They also help provide the music for the Monthly Holy Hour.<\/div>

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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL<\/span><\/div>

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St. Mel’s Visitation Conference, Ozanam House, Chapel Street, Longford<\/div>

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24hr Helpline: 043 3342084<\/span><\/div>

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Weekly Clinic:<\/span> Tuesday 2.00-3.00pm<\/div>

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ST. MEL’S PRAYER GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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The weekly meeting takes place every Monday at 8.00pm in St. Joseph’s Hospital with a time of prayer and song that includes the Rosary, songs of praise, Bible reading, reflection on the reading, thanksgivings and petitions. The monthly Mass is celebrated on the first Monday of each month at 8.00pm in the Chapel at St. Joseph’s Hospital.<\/div>

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CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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Upper Room, St. Mel’s Cathedral (access by the back door of the Cathedral) : 7.15 - 8.00pm every Tuesday<\/div>

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COFFEE MORNING<\/span><\/div>

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Every Friday after 10.00am Mass in the Cathedral those who attend are invited to the Family Centre to share in a cup of tea or coffee. This is a lovely opportunity to gather in a spirit of friendship and neighbourliness with other from the congregation at daily Mass.<\/div>

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COUNTY LONGFORD SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL<\/span><\/div>
St Joseph’s Care Centre,<\/div>
Dublin Road,<\/div>
Longford.<\/div>

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Tel: 043 3350114\/043 3350138<\/div>
Fax: 043 3332110<\/div>
Email: longsocserv1@eircom.net<\/div>

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St. Christopher’s Services<\/span><\/div>
Leamore Park, Battery Road, Longford, Co. Longford<\/div>

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General Office: 043 3341769<\/div>

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Email: stchris@iol.ie<\/div>

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Website: www.stchristophers.ie<\/div>

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CASA Longford<\/span><\/div>
9 Rear Chapel St. Longford, <\/div>
Telephone : 043 3349647 <\/span><\/div>

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There are at present about 500 Young Pioneers in the parishes of Longford and Killashee. In recent years many members have won local and national titles in the various Pioneer sports and activities. Application forms are available from your local Pioneer Centre. Tel: Presbytery 043 3346465, or Brendan 043 3341277, or Cathal 043 3345818 or log onto www.pioneerassociation.ie <\/span><\/div>

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Family Centre<\/span><\/div>
St. Mel’s Road, Longford<\/div>
Telephone : 043 3346827 <\/span><\/div>

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LONGFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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The Active Retirement Group a very friendly group and would welcome all new members including men and women. They meet on every second Wednesday at the Family Centre at 3.00pm.<\/div>

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LEGION OF MARY<\/span><\/div>
There are two groups which meet throughout every week throughout the year. One group meets in the Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road each Thursday at 8.00 p.m. and the other on Fridays at 10.30 a.m. in the same venue. At each meeting there is prayer, spiritual reading and a talk by the spiritual director.<\/div>

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<\/div> Parish CommitteesParish Draw
ACCORD – LONGFORD CENTRE<\/span><\/div>

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Teallach Iosa, St Mel’s Road, Longford - Tel : 043 3347222.<\/div>

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ACCORD - Longford provides courses for couples preparing for marriage as well as supporting, through counselling, couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. Marriage preparation courses can be booked online at www.accord.ie<\/div>

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ACCORD is an agency of the Catholic Church providing a nationwide service to couples preparing for, or seeking a deeper commitment within, the sacrament of marriage. ACCORD’s mission is to affirm the value of Christian marriage and family in an ever-changing and increasingly pressurised society with challenges of time poverty, economic pressures and lack of extended family support.<\/div>

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Significantly, the greater proportion of ACCORD work continues to be carried out by volunteers. There are counsellors and facilitators from counties Leitrim and Longford and their commitment to supporting Marriage and Family is sincerely acknowledged.<\/div>

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THE APOSTOLATE OF PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION<\/span><\/div>

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Eucharistic Adoration takes place in St. Mel’s Cathedral from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight Monday to Saturday in the Oratory at the side of the Presbytery. A minimum of two people pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament for just one hour each per week. To book your hour please, call Mary at 3341131, Joan at 3345021 or P.J. at 3341841.<\/div>

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As you read this know that if you can only take a few minutes in Adoration during your week it really helps our community keep vigil and brings many blessings to you personally and to your family. We are privileged to have the Blessed Sacrament exposed during these times. Throughout the year special ceremonies are conducted for groups of Eucharistic Adorers from different parishes in the diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois.<\/div>

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CASA Longford<\/span><\/div>

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9 Rear Chapel St. Longford.  Telephone : 043 3349647<\/div>

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CASA – Caring and Sharing Association was founded in 1981. This voluntary organisation’s purpose is to develop friendship through social events with members who have a physical or intellectual disability. At present there are 32 members and 30 volunteers in the Longford organisation ranging in ages from seventeen to seventy. They participate in monthly socials which are held in the Family Centre and consist of Mass, buffet, sing-song, games and dancing. The group tries to vary the socials so occasionally they visit the Cinema, go bowling or hire a bus and head out of town for the day. The CASA year runs from September to June.<\/div>

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One-to-one care is the hallmark of the CASA approach - it simply guarantees that everyone will be able to participate fully in the group’s activities secure in the knowledge that they have someone at their side should they need them.<\/div>

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CASA welcomes volunteers from all walks of life; they are not required to have any previous experience in the area of disability. The ultimate role of the volunteer is to facilitate and participate in the development of new friendships by attending monthly socials, training days, and assisting in fundraising. Attributes CASA looks for in a volunteer are as follows: positivity; team player, good communicator, co-operative, enthusiastic, considerate, open-minded, committed and punctual. To become a volunteer for CASA candidates are required to be over sixteen, and for security reasons all helpers are Garda-vetted.<\/div>

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The CASA charity shop opposite Longford Shopping Centre helps to fund services thanks to the generosity of the public to whom CASA is most grateful. For further information on CASA visit www.casa.ie or call into the CASA shop.<\/div>

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ST. MEL’S CATHEDRAL CHOIR<\/span><\/div>

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St. Mel’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of organist Fintan Farrelly, sing at 11.30am Mass every Sunday. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 8.30pm in the choir room at the rear of the Cathedral, with extra rehearsals scheduled in preparation for major events. The choir has a varied repertoire, combing the works of some of the greatest composers: Bach, Mozart and Haydn, along with more contemporary composers like John Rutter. Members have also performed in Gregorian Chant and Irish and the choir has soprano, alto, tenor and base amongst its ranks. The choir is always looking for new members and would welcome anyone that would be interested in joining with them to sing at St. Mel’s Cathedral.<\/div>

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History: Many great choirmasters and organists have directed Longford Cathedral Choir, including David Tracey, Terry Sheridan, Fr. Tommy Devine, Rene Segers, Herr Hiermar, Herr Oberhoff, Alphonsus Hann, John O’Keeffe, Jay Walsh and Fintan Farrelly who is the current choirmaster.<\/div>

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CLUB 89<\/span><\/div>

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Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road, Longford, 043 3346827<\/div>

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Club 89 was formed in 1989 - hence the name. Club 89 meets in the Family Centre every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00pm until 4.00pm from September to June. It was formed under the umbrella of the Church, with a priest as Chaplain and friend. There is Mass in the Family Centre twice a year – during Lent and during November for deceased members.<\/div>

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Weekly activities include indoor bowls, keep fit, card games, whist and twenty-five. There is also a painting class led by Sister Bridget, who does beautiful water colours. Some members like to do crochet and knitting. There is always tea and very nice homemade eats!<\/div>

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In late June there is an annual day out. In 2009 dinner in Carrick-on-Shannon was followed by a cruise on the river Shannon and music on board the boat. There have been many interesting days out - trips to the Botanical Gardens, the Wax Museum and Leinster House in Dublin; tours have also headed to the Mourne Mountains and many, many more places over the years.<\/div>

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The Club also visits Knock Shrine every year. During the month of May “Bealtaine” is celebrated. There is a display of members arts, crafts and paintings displayed in the Atrium Gallery of the Backstage Theatre. Members usually take to the stage with a sketch or one-act play, a dance and maybe a song. It’s a special day and Club 89 is joined by other clubs who also put on entertainment. The day also features music and song from some great Longford musicians, Mick Flavin and Declan Nerney. There is also a tea afternoon in aid of the local charities.<\/div>

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During the summer holidays Club 89 members can avail of a week’s holiday in Mornington at a very reasonable cost for three meals-a-day and music and dancing at night. There is a little kitchen where the group can make tea or coffee at any time. This is great value and very enjoyable.<\/div>

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Club 89 is now over thirty years a going. <\/div>

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Club 89 gladly welcome new members to experience this time together and friendly atmosphere.<\/div>

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COFFEE MORNING<\/span><\/div>

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Every Friday after 10.00am Mass in the Cathedral those who attend are invited to the Family Centre to share in a cup of tea or coffee. This is a lovely opportunity to gather in a spirit of friendship and neighbourliness with other from the congregation at daily Mass.<\/div>

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TEALLACH IOSA FAMILY CENTRE<\/span><\/div>

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St. Mel’s Road, Longford. Telephone : 043 3346827<\/div>

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Teallach Iosa Family Centre is the local parish centre that various parish and social groups use as a meeting venue. The building has five meeting rooms, two offices, three counselling rooms, two kitchens and a kitchenette. It is in constant use especially for meetings in the evening time.<\/div>

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ACCORD is based permanently in one of the offices and make regular use of the counselling rooms. The Pastoral Team of Longford Parish and other parish events often avail of the facilities in the Family Centre. Other groups who frequently use the Family Centre include Rainbows (a children’s bereavement course), Baptism courses for parents, Pre-Marriage courses, drama classes, dressmaking, the Friday Coffee Morning, Club 89, Active Retirement, AA Meetings, Recovery meetings, Hope House Foxford Aftercare, Legion of Mary and GROW.<\/div>

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Maureen O’Rourke has been managing the Centre since January 1989. Her management skills, coupled with her warm manner ensure that all groups are catered for and receive a nice welcome.<\/div>

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History: In the 1980s it was decided to renovate the McGoey hall so that it would be available for use by the people of the parish. Work began on the hall in February 1985 and the building was ready for use in November of that year. The building was then re-named Teallach Iosa Family Centre.<\/div>

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CATHEDRAL FOLK CHOIR<\/span><\/div>

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The Cathedral Folk Choir was formed by Fr Brendan O’Sullivan in October 2007. The Folk Choir usually sings twice monthly at the Saturday 7.30pm Vigil Mass and the Sunday 1.00pm Mass. They also help provide the music for the Monthly Holy Hour under the direction of Fr. Brendan. Present members include: Andrew Reynolds, Louise Brennan, Ciara Carney, Una Campbell, Seamus Thompson, Eamonn O’Ceallaigh, John Sheridan, Brendan Kearney, Deirdre Forde, Lorraine Fay, Brid Lowry, Patricia Farrell, Catherine Corkery, Susan Ryan, Anne Burke, Christopher Burke and Pauline Murphy.<\/div>

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LEGION OF MARY<\/span><\/div>

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There are two groups which meet throughout every week throughout the year. One group meets in the Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road each Thursday at 8.00 p.m. and the other on Fridays at 10.30 a.m. in the same venue. At each meeting there is prayer, spiritual reading and a talk by the spiritual director.<\/div>

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Each member gives two hours to apostolic work during the week. This can be visitation of homes, hospitals, hostels for asylum seekers and the sick and elderly. The visits are always done in pairs. Immigrants are welcomed and informed of church services. Although not required to do so, members try to attend daily Mass and to spend at least one hour each week in Eucharistic Adoration: both of these are entirely voluntary.<\/div>

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LONGFORD CELL GROUPS<\/span><\/div>

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In Longford Parish there is at present a network of four Cell groups. These are small groups of people who meet from September to June every second Wednesday in a person’s home. The group prays, listens to scripture, shares faith experiences, prays for each other and socialises each time they gather. The meetings normally last one and a half hours. The four groups come together as one large group a number of times each year and the leaders of all the groups meet together regularly to plan the programme for the Cell groups. It is not easy to capture the essence of a Cell group. Suffice to say, here in Longford about 40 people continue to meet in groups of 8-12 people, trying to help one another to grow in faith and friendship. The only way to know if it is for you, is to give it a try!<\/div>

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CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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Upper Room, St. Mel’s Cathedral (access by the back door of the Cathedral)<\/div>

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7.15 - 8.00pm every Tuesday<\/div>

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A time for stillness<\/div>

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A time for silence<\/div>

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Time out for you<\/div>

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MONTHLY HOLY HOUR<\/span><\/div>

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Last Saturday of each month 8.30pm - 9.30pm (September – November, January - May). Please consult the parish Newsletter or contact the Presbytery for more details<\/div>

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The Monthly Holy Hour is a time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, music and prayer which takes place in our cathedral after the Vigil Mass from 8.30pm - 9.30pm on the last Saturday of every month. It is directed by Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan with a vision of reaching out particularly to the young of our community and to welcome them to our community church and to prayer.<\/div>

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Each hour begins with the Cathedral in low light. Sole focus is on the illuminated Blessed Sacrament on the altar. A procession of young people follows with each carrying a candle towards the altar where they sit to participate in prayer and adoration. Fr. Brendan leads an hour of adoration, scripture reading and reflection with prayerful music accompanying throughout. There is an invitation to listen, participate, reflect, pray, sing and adore.<\/div>

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The Holy Hour is a culmination of many hands, and many of these from the young people of our community who through their experience of this time of prayer now take the courage themselves to minister to other young people, offering them the invitation to come and pray and to participate in this evening of prayer: they range from the welcoming committee to the musicians, to the young adult servers to those who share in the reading of scriptures and reflections. Another familiar sound is prayer in other languages welcoming the young people from other places to be part of our community. The rosary prayer is sometimes recited part in English, part in Slovakian or Polish. Another familiar scent is that of incense often carried in liturgical dance to be placed on the altar: ‘My prayer rises before you like incense, O Lord’. This hour of prayer concludes with a Divine Praises and Benediction.<\/div>

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The Holy Hour seeks to strengthen the perpetual adoration that was already in place in the Cathedral. It has grown over the years. What began as a group of eleven now fills the Cathedral. It has touched the lives of many – those suffering from illness, bereavement, and addiction. It has also reached to those outside of our community. People from other parts of the country and especially members of the Cenacolo Community, Knock, regularly join with us. This form of prayer has now touched into the hearts of young people in two other parishes of our diocese and they are growing strongly supported by the Longford group. Everyone is warmly invited to this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament each month in St. Mel’s Cathedral.<\/div>

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LONGFORD PIONEERS<\/span><\/div>

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Young Pioneers abstain from alcoholic drink until they are at least 18 and promise to avoid illicit drugs for life. Activities are organised to help them enjoy life in an alcohol-free environment. These include soccer, Gaelic football, basketball, badminton, quizzes, art and essay competitions, talent competitions, and other activities where possible.<\/div>

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There are at present about 500 Young Pioneers in the parishes of Longford and Killashee. In recent years many members have won local and national titles in the various Pioneer sports and activities. Application forms are available from your local Pioneer Centre. Tel: Presbytery 043 3346465, or Brendan 043 3341277, or Cathal 043 3345818 or log onto www.pioneerassociation.ie<\/div>

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History: The first Pioneer Centre in Longford was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1911 with Sr. Berchmans as President. It has been active here most of the time since then. It is a Catholic Association but membership is open to all who accept the aims and the three rules. Lifelong Pioneers commit to doing three things: abstaining from all alcoholic drink; wearing the Pioneer emblem; reciting the Pioneer prayer twice daily Those who are faithful to their pledge receive jubilarian awards. The highest award is the Fr. Cullen Memorial Medal which is awarded to diamond jubilarians or for outstanding service to the Association.<\/div>

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LONGFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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The Active Retirement Group a very friendly group and would welcome all new members including men and women. They meet on every second Wednesday at the Family Centre at 3.00pm.<\/div>

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Activities are many and varied: outings to places of historical, cultural and theatrical interest are all catered for as well as holidays, with even a few visits to the races and the dogs. There have been several courses on cooking, aqua aerobics, computers, art classes and bridge. Over the years there have been a wide variety of speakers on many topics such as music, drama, health & safety, journalists, photography, history and gardening at the fortnightly meetings.<\/div>

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History: Longford Active Retirement Group was started by a few ladies, namely: Maeve Cullen, Greta Donlon and Peg O’Halloran, who met to discuss forming a social club for retired people. They could see a need for such a venture. A venue was found at the Family Centre and in September 1999 the first meeting of the Longford Active Retirement Group was started with a small group of interested ladies. From there the Group has gone from strength to strength and today, ten years after its foundation, there are up to sixty members.<\/div>

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COUNTY LONGFORD SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL<\/span><\/div>

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St Joseph’s Care Centre,<\/div>
Dublin Road,<\/div>
Longford.<\/div>

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Tel: 043 3350114\/043 3350138<\/div>
Fax: 043 3332110<\/div>
Email: longsocserv1@eircom.net<\/div>

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Longford Social Service facilitates Meals on Wheels (over 65), chiropody (over 65), transport and visitation.<\/div>

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Meals on Wheels is often the first service that is offered to older people as they become more dependent, but are still capable of continuing to live in their own homes. The benefits of the service are many. Meals on Wheels play an important role in providing respite for carers enabling home helps to undertake other tasks.<\/div>

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Meals on Wheels service is provided in the town and county of Longford on a seven day per week basis including Christmas day and other public holidays. At the moment over 220 meals are delivered daily. The meal consists of hot soup, a main meal and dessert and the total dinners delivered for 2008 was 59,289, an increase of 32% since 2007. The meals are delivered to the individual’s home by volunteer drivers, helpers and staff.<\/div>

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While the service is not in a position to provide individuals with a choice of meals each day for financial reasons, the menu is regularly rotated to ensure a good variety of meals. Every effort is made to make the meals reasonable and affordable. Meals on Wheels relies on subsidy by the HSE, direct payments from clients, fundraising, donations, flag days and church-gate collections.<\/div>

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It can improve the nutritional status of clients, it provides clients with a measure of social contact, particularly important for those who are socially isolated or living in remote areas, and it can enable the early detection of problems that require further interventions. In addition the Meals on Wheels service is a local response to local needs.<\/div>

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St. Christopher’s Services<\/span><\/div>
Leamore Park<\/div>
Battery Road<\/div>
Longford<\/div>
Co. Longford<\/div>

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General Office: 043 3341769<\/div>
Fax: 043 3346429<\/div>

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Email: reception@stchristophers.ie<\/a><\/div>

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Website: www.stchristophers.ie<\/div>

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St. Christopher’s was founded by Parents and Friends in 1964 to provide a service for persons with an intellectual disability, thus enabling them to reach their full potential. The service started with five children. There are now 175 attending the services ranging in age from 3 years to 70 years. The uniqueness of every person with special needs is recognised and St. Christopher’s strives to provide the highest possible standard of care for all those availing of their services.<\/div>

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Children Services:<\/div>
a) Pre-School Holly Green, Clonbalt, Longford<\/div>
b) Special School Battery Road, Longford<\/div>
c) Class for children with Autism Spectrum Battery Road, Longford<\/div>

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Adult Services:<\/div>
a) Activation Unit, St. Christopher’s, Battery Road \/ 3 Oak Grove, Clonbalt Woods, Longford<\/div>
b) Resource Centre, Ballymahon<\/div>
c) Carpentry and Woodwork<\/div>
d) Industrial Knitting<\/div>
e) Industrial Sewing<\/div>
f) Rehab. Training Programme<\/div>
g) Vocational Training Programme – Job Club<\/div>
h) Mobile Contract Cleaning Unit<\/div>
i) Work Experience Programme in the Community<\/div>
j) Outreach Programme in the Community<\/div>
k) Sonas Programme for the elderly<\/div>
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Residential Services:<\/div>
Community Residences situated at -<\/div>
Laragh House, Abbeylara, Co. Longford<\/div>
Parkside, Ballymahon. Co. Longford<\/div>
No. 3, Hazel Grove, Clonbalt Woods, Longford<\/div>
No. 5, Hazel Grove, Clonbalt Woods, Longford<\/div>

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Respite Houses:<\/div>
1. Adult Respite, Newtownforbes<\/div>
2. Children Respite – 4 \/ 5, Oaklands Grove, Longford<\/div>
Services also include Individual Programmes and Group Activities such as:<\/div>
Swimming, P.E., Art, Drama, Music, Outings and use of community amenities, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychological services.<\/div>

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The voluntary ethos of St. Christopher’s and its Association is of crucial importance. The organisation’s management and executive committee depend on the voluntary input. St. Christopher’s has 7 affiliated branches throughout the county. These branches are doing excellent work in raising awareness of disability issues and very vital fundraising in their areas. Their commitment is to be greatly acknowledged. The branches are appealing for new members, as numbers have greatly diminished during the last few years.<\/div>

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Longford Town Branch hold their meetings on a by-monthly basis in St. Christopher’s and would welcome new members. Contact No.: 043 3345698.<\/div>

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ST. MEL’S PRAYER GROUP<\/span><\/div>

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The weekly meeting takes place every Monday at 8.00pm in St. Joseph’s Hospital with a time of prayer and song that includes the Rosary, songs of praise, Bible reading, reflection on the reading, thanksgivings and petitions. The monthly Mass is celebrated on the first Monday of each month at 8.00pm in the Chapel at St. Joseph’s Hospital with Spiritual Director: Fr. Padraig Kelliher.<\/div>

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On occasions guest speakers are invited to the meetings. The group had a day’s retreat led by Fr Padraig in October 2009 at Gallilee House outside Boyle. And each summer a number of members visit Medjugorje on pilgrimage. Donations from the collection box go to charities such as Fr. Peter McVerry, Chernobyl, Africa, Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin for example.<\/div>

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History: The Prayer Group was founded about 33 years ago by Sr. Thecla Tracey and some of the first members were Tony Hopkins, Liam Belton and Maureen Brewster. There is a ‘Life in the Spirit’ Seminar every few years and it is a wonderful way to come into a deeper personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.<\/div>

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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL<\/span><\/div>

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St. Mel’s Visitation Conference, Ozanam House, Chapel Street, Longford<\/div>

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24hr Helpline: 043 3342084<\/span><\/div>

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Weekly Clinic: Tuesday 2.00-3.00pm<\/div>

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Bethany House, Knockahall, Dublin Road, Longford : 043 3348136<\/span><\/div>
[19-bed multi-unit for women \/ children]<\/div>

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The Thrift Shop, Dublin Street, Longford : 043 3346074<\/span><\/div>

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St Martha’s Hostel, Knockahall, Dublin Road, Longford : 043 3348062<\/span><\/div>
[10-bed hostel for men]<\/div>

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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international voluntary Catholic Christian organisation. Its work is in supporting members of society who experience poverty and exclusion and is based on the Catholic social teaching of love of God and love of our neighbour. SVP aims to treat people with dignity and provides a welcoming environment to all those who present themselves for assistance in a confidential manner.<\/div>

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Here in Longford SVP volunteers work in 4 areas:<\/div>

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1. The Hostels \/ Refuge supply almost 40 beds to homeless people and to victims of domestic violence. These hostels have been providing a safe haven and home-from-home for many people.<\/div>

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2. The Thrift Shop on Dublin Street provides people in need with new or second-hand clothing and is operated with the generosity of over 40 volunteers. It is a place full of treasures for home and self at very reasonable prices.<\/div>

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3. The Visitation Conference helps families in crisis and tries to break the cycle of poverty by supporting people to access training and education and has about 25 members. It runs a weekly clinic and provides home support for those in need.<\/div>

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4. A ‘Housing Scheme’ with 10 houses and a community centre was opened early in 2009. All of the houses are now occupied and the new community centre has become a focal point for the area.<\/div>

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History: The first conference was established in Longford in 1859. Ozanam House, the headquarters of the Conference was opened in 1969. Today this houses the Visitation Conference and the weekly clinic. This building, which is in close proximity to the Cathedral, symbolises the fact that the work of charity that is done by the Society is rightly at the centre of the life of the parish and the diocese. The later development of two important places of refuge on the Dublin Road, St. Martha’s and Bethany House, furthers the role the Society plays in reaching out to the homeless. One of these provides beds and a first meal of the day for men, the other accommodation for women and their children. Through its responses to changing circumstances and new kinds of need, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has created awareness in our community of our responsibilities arising from Catholic social teaching.<\/div>

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The Temperance Hall, New Street, Longford<\/span><\/div>

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Telephone: 043 3349548<\/div>
Email: thetemperancehall@eircom.net<\/div>
Website: www.temperancehalllongford.ie<\/div>

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The Temperance Hall has been at the heart of Longford town since 1905. Since its refurbishment in 2004 it is now a versatile community centre with four meeting rooms which cater for groups from 15 to 300 people. Complete with stage, lighting and sound systems the Temperance Hall is the ideal venue for the many groups who use its facilities. As a venue it can facilitate businesses, community or leisure activities and voluntary groups at very competitive rates. Discounted rates are available to smaller non-funded groups.<\/div>

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History: In the mid 1990s St. Joseph’s Temperance Hall had begun to fall into to a state of significant disrepair. The building had a severe presence of rot; electrical and plumbing installations were very dated and the whole fabric of the building had reached a sorry state. A voluntary restoration committee was formed which undertook the task of bringing this landmark community facility back to its rightful place as a wonderful amenity at heart of the town. After endless hours invested in planning and fundraising the restoration the committee were very proud to reopen the building on 19th March 2004 and to offer it back to the local community as a renewed and enhanced property ready to contribute again to the life of Longford town and county.<\/div>

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Conscious of the vision of the hall’s founder to provide a safe space for young people and mindful of the challenges posed by drink and drugs an idea evolved for a youth café where young people would be able to come to socialise and meet their friends in a safe environment. After a number of meetings and much deliberation the Attic Youth Cafe was born. Since that time the Attic has developed strong links with Foróige and now the Foróige Attic Youth Café continues to go from strength to strength. All associated with the Hall are delighted to have the Attic based at the Temperance Hall and are proud of the service which it provides to our youth and is grateful to all volunteers who give so generously of their time.<\/div>

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In autumn 2008 the Temperance Hall Committee were delighted to have been nominated by Longford County Council for the Pride of Place Awards. Three Committee members travelled to Co. Waterford for the award-giving ceremony and were thrilled to have been announced as first-prize winners in the best community facility category. The Temperance Hall members were presented with a Waterford Crystal Bowl and €2,000 by President Mary McAleese.<\/div>

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Restoration Committee Members were: Arthur Cumiskey, John Dempsey, John Gilchrist, Fr. Thomas Healy, Louis Herterich, Liam Hyland, Ann Kane, Michael Keenan, Mary Kelliher, Eddie Kiernan, Trisha Nugent and Kieran O’Regan.<\/div>

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ATTIC YOUTH CAFÉ<\/span><\/div>

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The Cafe is opened every lunch time from 12:30pm to 2pm Monday to Friday and after school on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm, as well as at weekends for organised events such as band nights and discos.<\/div>

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The Foróige Attic Youth Cafe was established in November 2006. The idea for the cafe was brought about by the Temperance Hall management committee who, after extensive renovation work in the Hall, wanted to have a dedicated youth space for the young people of Longford town and surrounding areas. The room which is upstairs in the Hall was decorated by the youth committee at that time. Weekends took on a new meaning and teenagers were soon building their weekends around events in the Attic. The cafe initially opened every Saturday from 4 – 8pm however this soon changed as demand increased.<\/div>

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In 2008 the youth committee hosted a talent competition which came in the form of Longford Youth Factor, or LY Factor as it has become more commonly known, so that the young people of Longford would have a safe place to socialise and show off their talents, while raising money for the café and other local charities along the way. The LY Factor was held over a number of weeks and raised a total of €8500, much of which was donated to Special Olympics Ireland, St Vincent de Paul, and the Aisling Children’s Festivals. The live finals took place during January and February 2009 and the scenes of young and old queuing to get in are still talked about. LY Factor 2010 auditions have already begun and the live finals begin in January 2010.<\/div>

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The success of the LY factor led volunteers and the youth committee to even greater success as they were entered into the Permanent TSB Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards 2009. Full of pride and excitement they won the overall award at a prestigious ceremony held in the Helix DCU in October.<\/div>

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In the past year the cafe received a full-time worker, a drug education and prevention worker. Roisin is based in the Attic but funded by the Midland Regional Drugs Task Force and this initiative aims to prevent young people miss using drugs and alcohol. As part of this initiative there is a girls’ health & well-being group on Wednesdays from 4.10-6.00pm, a drug awareness group on Thursdays from 4.10-6.00pm and a drug education & prevention programme on Thursday evenings from 6.30-8.00pm.<\/div>

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Sunday, 19th June 2022 - Corpus Christi<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 12th June 2022 - Most Holy Trinity<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 5th June 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 29th May 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 22nd May 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 15th May 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 8th May 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 1st May 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 24th Apr 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 17th Apr 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 10th Apr 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 3rd Apr 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 27th Mar 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 20th Mar 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 13th Mar 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 6th Mar 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 27th Feb 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 20th Feb 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 13th Feb 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 6th Feb 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 30th Jan 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 23rd Jan 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 16th Jan 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 9th Jan 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Sunday, 2nd Jan 2022<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Past NewsPrayer CornerInformation to follow...Sacraments
Child Safeguarding Parish Representatives<\/span><\/div>

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Gillian Ghee - 087 1265678<\/div>

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Tracey Griffith - 086 3806705<\/div>

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Designated Persons in the Diocese<\/span><\/div>

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Mr. Sean Leydon, The Elms, Cartrontroy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath<\/div>
Telephone : 0906 64752229 | Mobile : 087 7431649 | Email : seanleydon@yahoo.ie<\/div>
Fr. Liam Murray - St. Mary\'s Presbytery, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. 090 6472088<\/div>

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Diocesan Representative for Concerns outside Safeguarding<\/span><\/div>

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Mr. Liam Faughnan 087 1443831<\/div>

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HSE Contacts<\/span><\/div>

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Social Work Department - Longford\/Westmeath<\/div>
Tivoli House, Longford 043 3350584<\/div>
Athlone Health Centre 09064 75301<\/div>
Child & Family Centre, Mullingar 044 9384450<\/div>
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Child Care Manager\'s Office - Longford\/Westmeath - Mullingar Health Centre 044 9395019\/20<\/div>
Child Care Manager\'s Office - Laois\/Offaly 057 9359591<\/div>
Child Care Manager\'s Office - Roscommon 0906 626732<\/div>
Child Care Manager\'s Office - Sligo, Leitrim & West Cavan 071 9822776<\/div>

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Garda Síochána<\/span><\/div>

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Longford 043 3350570 Athlone 090 6498550<\/div>
Carrick-on-Shannon 071 9650510 Mullingar 044 9384000<\/div>
Birr 057 9169710 Cavan 049 4368800<\/div>
Roscommon 090 6638300 Sligo 071 9157000<\/div>
Tullamore 057 9327600 Boyle 071 9664620<\/div>

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National Office for Safeguarding Children<\/span><\/div>

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NBSCCC, New House, St Patrick\'s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare.<\/div>
Telephone No : 01 5053124<\/div>
Website: http:\/\/www.safeguarding.ie<\/a><\/div>
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Support \/ Counselling<\/span><\/div>

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Towards Healing is a new counselling and support service for survivors of Institutional, Clerical and Religious abuse, funded by the Catholic Church.If you have suffered in this way, Towards Healing will provide services to you no matter where you are currently living. Freephone 1800 303416 | Website : http:\/\/www.towardshealing.ie<\/div>
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The HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) is a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service available free of charge in all regions of the country. Midlands Area Freephone 1800 234 113 | Website : http:\/\/www.hse-ncs.ie\/en\/<\/div>
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Diocesan Child Safeguarding Policy<\/span><\/div>

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https:\/\/ardaghdiocese.org\/safeguarding\/<\/a><\/div>
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Other Services<\/span><\/div>

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Samaritans : http:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/<\/div>
The Cari Foundation : http:\/\/www.cari.ie<\/div>
Barnardos : http:\/\/www.barnardos.ie\/<\/div>
ISPCC : http:\/\/www.ispcc.ie<\/div>

<\/div><\/div> Site MapWebcamWedding Readings

RECENTLY DECEASED<\/span> - Week ending, 19th June 2022:<\/span><\/p>

Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Danny (Dano) O’Hara<\/span>, Ardnacassa, Ballinalee Road, who was laid to rest during the week. Also for John B. Tormey<\/span>, Shankill, Dublin and formerly of Park Road, Longford town whose funeral took place in Dublin.  May  their soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.  <\/p>


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RECENTLY DECEASED<\/span> - Week ending, 5th June 2022:<\/span><\/p>

Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Catherine L. Donohoe<\/span>, Longford town whose funeral took place during the week. May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace. <\/span><\/p>


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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 29th May 2022:<\/span><\/span><\/p>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of  Marie Cox<\/span> (née Ledwith), Ballymakeegan, whose funeral took  place  during the week. May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully  departed rest in peace. 
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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 22nd May 2022:<\/span><\/span>
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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of
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Peggy O\'Reilly (nee McDonnell)<\/span>, Midara Gardens, and
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Jackie (Jacqueline) Swarbrigg née Tracey<\/span>, formerly of Deanscurragh and Mullingar who were laid to rest during the week.
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May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace. 
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RECENTLY DECEASED<\/span> - Week ending, 15th May 2022:<\/span><\/p>

Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of John Moran<\/span>, Clonterm, whose funeral took place during the week. Also for Peggy O\'Reilly (nee McDonnell)<\/span>, Midara Gardens, Dublin Road, her funeral will take place next Thursday at 11am in the Cathedral. May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.<\/p><\/div>

RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 24th April 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Patricia Gannon (nee Keegan)<\/span>, Foynes Court, whose funeral took place during the week. May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 17th April 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Bernard (Brian) Kane<\/span>, Knockloughlin whose funeral took place during the week. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 10th April 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Michael Tighe<\/span>, Annaly Park whose funeral took place during the week. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 3rd April 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Catherine O\'Connor<\/span>, Main Street whose funeral took place during the week. Also Michael Tighe<\/span>, Annaly Park whose funeral takes place in the Cathedral on Monday at 11.00am, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 27th March 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Rose Foudy (nee Gilligan)<\/span>, St. Mary\'s Terrace, whose funeral took place during the week in the Cathedral.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 13th March 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Joseph Donohoe<\/span>, Butterfield, whose funeral took place during the week .<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 6th March 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Maureen (Mary) Brady (nee Mimnagh)<\/span>, sister of John and late of St. Michael\'s Road and Aylesbury Bucks, England. Funeral will take place in Aylesbury Bucks.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 27th February 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of Teresa Nolan<\/span>, Ferefad and Peggy Doherty (nee Reilly) <\/span>Templemichael Terrace whose funerals were celebrated during the week.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 20th February 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Martin Ward<\/span>, Mayo and formerly Templemichael Terrace whose funeral took place during the week.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 13th February 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Michael McDonagh<\/span>, Midara Gardens whose funeral took place during the week.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 23rd January 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of Anthony Dodd<\/span>, Wembley, London and Aidan Balfe<\/span>, Annaly Gardens and formerly of Dublin Road whose funerals took place during the week. Also Reda Miliauskaite<\/span>, Pauric Colum Heights whose funeral will take place on Monday at 11am. May they rest in peace.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 16th January 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of Anthony Dodd<\/span>, Wembley, London, whose funeral will take place next Friday 21st January at 11am in the Cathedral, burial afterwards in Ballymacormack cemetery. Also Peter O’Hara<\/span>, late of O’Connell Terrace, who died recently in Coventry.<\/div>

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RECENTLY DECEASED - Week ending, 9th January 2022:<\/span><\/div>

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Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of: Ciaran Mc Donnell,<\/span> Longford, whose funeral took place during the week; For Eileen Donnelly<\/span>, St Brendan\'s, Dublin Road. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Drumshanbo on Monday at 11am followed by burial in the local cemetery. May they rest in peace<\/div>

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION<\/span>  takes place next Saturday 18th June  at 6pm.  We are inviting each home to place a small alter in the front of your home to celebrate this beautiful feast.  The procession will start at Connolly Barracks, make its way up Main St, down Great Water Street and then  travel up St Mel\'s Road to the Cathedral the procession will conclude with Benediction.  We especially invite children who recently received their First Communion or Confirmation and their families to take part.<\/o:p><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n


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Sunday 19th June<\/span>     -   <\/span>Family Mass at 10am<\/span><\/p>

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CEMETERY SUNDAY 2022<\/span><\/div>
...will take place on Sunday 26th June at 1pm.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/div><\/div> Front Mass
Weekend Mass Times<\/span><\/div>
St Mel\'s Cathedral<\/span><\/div>
Sat : Vigil 7.30pm<\/span><\/div>
Sun : 8.00am, 10.00am,<\/span><\/div>
11.30am, 1.00pm, 6.00pm<\/span><\/div>

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