Ara Coeli
Cathedral Road
ARMAGH BT61 7QY
Tel (028) 3752 2045
Fax (028) 3752 6182
Email: [email protected]
Administrative Staff:
Mrs Caroline Hicks
[email protected]
Mrs Donna Gray
[email protected]
Mrs Kathy Lennon
[email protected]
Chancellor:
Very Rev Michael Toner PP
[email protected]
Assistant Chancellor:
Rev Paul Murphy
[email protected]
Diocesan Secretary:
Rev Colm Hagan
[email protected]
Financial Administrator:
Mrs Brenda O’Hare
[email protected]
Media Queries:
Mr Martin Long – Tel: 01 5053010
Mobile: 086 1727 678
[email protected]
Prayer for Guidance
Lord, I know that you
love me and have great
plans for me.
But sometimes I am
overwhelmed by the
thought of my future.
Show me how to walk
forward one day
at a time.
May I hear your
call to a life which
will allow me to
love as only I can
and allow me to serve
others with the
special gifts you
have given me.
Amen.
The aim of HFHNI is to provide permanent housing for the poorest people in many of the poorest countries of the world. It relies on the fundraising and the physical labour of the volunteers. The current aim of the Bangalore division is to provide secure housing to women who find themselves as the main provider in single head households.
India is a country of 1.3 billion people and 40% of them live below the world recognised poverty line. The team worked in a slum area called Kodti and were divided to work on two houses on separate sites. In both cases the families had lived in homes on these sites which were of inadequate quality and needed replaced. There is no sanitation or running water to these homes and they are built on an old rubbish dump. The houses are small and are built practically one on top of the other. There are no gardens or playgrounds. Children play around the rubbish dumps nearby which are rat infested and of course open to diseases of all kinds. Sewerage and waste water run openly in channels on the side of the street were the people sit and socialise together.
Most of the people are uneducated but are able to speak at least three languages. Their warmth and hospitality are extraordinary and their sense of community is enviable. They have nothing materially but they are rich on dignity and self respect.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that the poor will always be with us. Most of us struggle with what that means. But in reflecting on the grave poverty that exists in a world of great wealth, the poorest of our world remind us of the values we are losing or have lost. They remind us that happiness is not to be found in the latest technological toy or most recent fashions. Above all they remind us that the greatest love can only be found as we serve one another and true Christian service is that which is freely given and without counting the cost or looking for reward or return.
After meeting the friendly Bangalore Habitat for Humanity team we received a welcoming ceremony from the locals where each of us got presented with an array of flowers around our neck along with a 
bindi! To start, we finished knocking down the existing bricks of the house before we transported blocks to and from the site, dug and filled sturdy foundations, before finally building the bones of the house. We were able to get most of the house finished before we left, with the help from the local mason and family members.
The most fun part of the trip was spending time with the local community and families. During the trip we got to experience how the locals made tea and bread, got to understand their culture and gestures and learned to communicate and have fun with the children without needing many, if any words. During the dedication ceremony the elderly community group sang a song about hope, before the families thanked us. To close the ceremony, the families were presented with a new tea set for the house along with a large picture of the group and some Irish gifts, brought over from Ireland.
One special night was spent at a local orphanage where the children put on a spectacular welcome- 
dressing up in camouflage, before dancing to traditional music. We got to spend time with the children- playing football, skipping and blowing bubbles among many fun games. While the work was intense, the craic that we had within the community we worked in and the fun, smiles and joyfulness on the children’s faces far outweighed any pains we felt. A worthwhile and humbling trip that everyone should experience at least once!
The priest has agreed to voluntarily step down to allow the investigation into this matter to be conducted efficiently.
The allegation has been reported to the civil authorities, and the Diocese and the priest will fully cooperate with any investigation. Whilst this process is ongoing the priest is entitled to the benefit of a presumption of innocence.
We encourage any person who has concerns about any safeguarding matters in the Church context to report this to the civil authorities or through the Diocesan Designated Officers whose contact details can be obtained from the Diocesan website or through the Diocesan offices.
The policy of the Archdiocese of Armagh is that in all matters relating to safeguarding, the safety and welfare of the child must be our paramount concern. We will continue to provide support to the victims of abuse.
We would ask you to remember all those involved in your prayers.”
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September |
Mission Alive Secondary Schools Competition– a competition for all secondary school students. For more details www.imu.ie Assignment: Think, about an injustice, inequality, or environmental injustice that you see in today’s world, (locally or globally) Explain what message you would bring and what you would do to follow this command to Act Justly, Love tenderly and Walk humbly with your God You have a choice to express this message in two categories. |
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‘In Solidarity across cultures’ Exhibition – European Ploughing Championship, Athy , Co Kildare Free Overseas Volunteering Information |
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September 23rd –January 31st 2011 |
Competition, ‘Explore a Mission Alive’ |
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October |
Free October Poster/Prayer with weekly reflections for the month of October available from IMU office or downloadable at www.imu.ie |
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October 3rd |
Liturgical Celebration from Cork launching Mission Month www.coistine.ie |
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October 5th |
‘Welcome Home Day’ for Recently Returned Missionaries. For all recently returned lay and religious missionaries a day to reflect with others and receive information about returning home. – No charge, please registered with Sr. Ellen at the returned Missinooares Desk, Irish Missionary Union. www.imu.ie |
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October 8th |
Children helping Children- National day of Prayer www.wmi.ie The celebration encouraged Irish children to strengthen their spiritual bond with children just like them but who live in mission countries. National Day of Prayer was first launched in 2007 The celebration, which is warmly supported by the Bishops of Ireland, teaches children how to pray the mission rosary through the development of child friendly resources. Resources are available from World Missions Ireland (www.wmi.ie) to assist schools in the celebration include candles, wall posters and activity resources. |
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October 8th -10th |
Come to Asia, Come to Dalgan – Weekend for Young Adults exploring Justice and Peace, Care of Creation, Prayer and Sacredness. Dowdstown House Dalgan Park www.imu.ie This weekend event offer participants a chance to explore the positive values of the vast Asian Culture. The weekend is prepared by members of the Irish Missionary Union (www.imu.ie) for young adults (18+) who want a weekend with a difference. Themes for the weekend will include Justice and Peace, Care of Creation, Music and Dance, Asian Food, Prayer, Contemplation and Sacredness. Costs €60 per person (Individual and Group concessions available on request) For more information or registration please contact the Mission Alive Office, Irish Missionary Union, 563 South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 |
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October 16th |
Missionary Vocations Seminar/Workshop www.imu.ie A small group of vocation directors of the Missionary Arm of Vocations Ireland began meeting last year to look at our Spirituality and offer support to each other. As a result of this we came up with the following idea, A day to reflect and discuss our Missionary Spirituality The Mission Alive Office at the Irish Missionary Union have kindly agreed to sponsor the day. Due to the limited space we are inviting the Missionary Congregations and Societies listed on Vocation Ireland website to participate. Each group is free to invite members of their respective congregation/society The focus for the day is “Our Missionary Calling” Donal Dorr SPMS will be the keynote speaker and Bernie Purcell PBVM will facilitate the day. |
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October 17th |
Live RTE Studio Eucharist- Celebrating Mission – hosted by Viatores Christi. Viatores Christi is marking its 50th year of Lay Missionary involvement. As part of this celebration they will host a live RTE Studio Celebration of the Eucharist www.viatoreschristi.com |
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October 24th |
Mission Sunday – www.wmi.ie In 2010 Mission Sunday will take place on Sunday 24th October with the theme ‘Together in Mission’. The collection, organised each year by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, is a vital source of support for the 1100 Young Dioceses worldwide and 1,976 Irish Catholic missionaries currently working in over 80 countries throughout the world. |
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October 29th-30th |
Mission, Development, Volunteering what next?…. Conference – hosted by Viatores Christi www.viatoreschristi.com To celebrate its 50th year, Viatores Christi, Catholic lay missionary association, invites you to a conference entitled: Mission..Development..Volunteering..What Next? Exploring Ways Forward Together! From 2.00pm Friday 29th until 6.00pm Saturday 30th October 2010 Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin Fee: €35 per person (Concessions available on request) Keynote Speakers, Workshops, Plenary Sessions, Social Evening The aim of the conference is to bring together those in the field of Mission/Development, Volunteering/Aid Work to explore where we are all going in the future and how we can all work collaboratively to continue Ireland’s long tradition of working to make the world a better, fairer place for everyone to live a more human life. For more details, please contact Viatores Christi 01-8689986 or email [email protected] |
Bring your friends and meet the challenge together!
• Arrive between 11am – 3pm
• Fast from midnight prior to arrival
• Bring warm and waterproof clothing
• Check it out on Facebook or www.loughderg.org
Book online or telephone (00353) 07198 61518
It is a donation only weekend and all you need to bring is a sleeping bag. Why not take time out this summer to discover more about your faith in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Reflecting on his visit to the ruins at Clonmacnois in 1979, Pope John Paul II said “These ruins are still charged with a great mission. They still constitute a challenge…” Are you ready to take up the challenge and come along for a fantastic weekend filled with new experiences and many opportunities to meet new people. The key note speaker for the weekend will be Fr Larry Richards from Pennsylvania, USA. Fr Larry is a gifted and captivating speaker who has inspired thousands of young people worldwide. He is founder and director of ‘The reason for our Hope Foundation’. Fr Larry’s humour and enthusiasm will add great zest to an already packed programme. There will be free transport available, for pick-up points near you and for more information check out www.youth2000.ie or contact the National Office 016753690 for N.I. 07514820572
Poster, Pictures & Web Promotional Video can be downloaded from the following links:
http://www.youth2000.ie/videos/580-summer-festival-promo-video.html
http://www.youth2000.ie/images/stories/posters/Youth2000Clonmacnois.pdf
For young people attending the event for the first time one of the most remarkable things that they notice is the smile on the faces of everyone they encounter, the warmth and friendliness of the volunteers, the joy of the priests, the enthusiasm of the band and the welcome from the organisers. Many friendships are made over cups of tea and there is a sense of belonging to something greater. As one such person said “It was so worthwhile, I really enjoyed the whole weekend and I didn’t feel out of place”.
With a program that has something for everyone, there is a variety of activities over the four days. Events include: inspiring talks, a Christian rock concert, dynamic workshops on faith and the journey of life, games and soccer, quiet time for prayer, time for chilling out and making friends.
This year Fr Larry Richards from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is the main speaker at the event. Coming to Ireland for the first time, he is a dynamic and inspiring priest who is involved in the Reason for our Hope Foundation. He is a frequent speaker at events in the USA and in an authentic and engaging way, he speaks about the person of Jesus Christ- The Reason for our hope. He has touched the hearts and lives of countless young people.
So what do you need to do to come to this event? Check it out online at www.youth2000.ie and register to attend. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes, wellies and a rosary beads would come in handy! It’s for young people aged between 16 and 35. There’ll be a network of free buses from around the country so don’t worry about transport and the weekend is donation only so if you’re a poor student it’s ideal for you too!
So this year, this summer, this very day, decide for something different. Decide for fun. Decide for joy. Decide for friendships. Decide for a great weekend. Decide to come to the Clonmacnois Youth Festival!
Bus Schedule:
Ulster buses leaving Letterkenny, Derry , Coleraine and Belfast
Route 1: Contact Aisling: 087 6881202
14:00 – Letterkenny
14:20 – Stranorlar
15:00 – Donegal Town
15:20 – Ballyshannon
16:30 – Sligo
17:05 – Boyle
17:20 – Carrick-on-Shannon
17:55 – Longford
18:25 – Roscommon
19:30 – Clonmacnois
Mr Chippy
St. Mary’s Church
Abbey Hotel
Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park
Sligo Cathedral
Boyle Abbey
Landmark hotel
Longford Cathedral
Outside Regan’s Pub in Square
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Route 2: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
14:00 – Derry
14:40 – Strabane
15:10 – Omagh
16:00 – Enniskillen
16:20 – Bellturbet
17:00 – Cavan
17:30 – Granard
17:50 – Edgeworthstown
19:00 – Clonmacnois
Holy Family Church Ballymagroarty
Carpark opposite Asda
Omagh Bus Station
KFC Carpark
Outside Donohue’s Supervalu
KFC Carpark, opposite Cavan Crystal Hotel
Opposite Kitty Kiernan’s pub on the main street
Outside Our Lady’s Manor (Opposite church)
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Route 3: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
12 noon – Coleraine
13.15 – Ballymena
14:00 – Castledawson
14:30 – Cookstown
15:15 – Dungannon
16:00 – Armagh
16:40 – Monaghan
17:10 – Castleblaney
17:45 – Ardee
18:25 – Kells
18:45 – Navan
19:30 – Mullingar
20:30 – Clonmacnois
ASDA, Ring Road Car Park
All Saints Parish Centre Car Park
Roundabout Castledawson Roundabout Car Park
ASDA Car Park
Leisure Centre
Armagh City Hotel Car Park
Sam’s Diner
McCaughey’s Filling Station
McCabe’s Toyota garage (N2)
In front of the Church opposite Headfort Arms hotel
Woodies Car Park
Lomans GAA club
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Route 4: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
13:00 – Belfast
13:35 – Spucefield
14.15 – Craigavon
14:50 – Banbridge
15:35 – Newry
16.15 – Dundalk
17:00 – Drogheda
17:30 – Ashbourne
18:00 – Maynooth
19:15 – Clonmacnois St. Peter’s Cathedral, Falls Road
Spucefield Shopping Centre, Lisburn
Rushmere Shopping Centre
LIDL Car Park
Damolly Retail Park (Mc Donald’s)
Ice Bowl
M1 Retail Park
Outside Kelly’s Bar (which is also Bus Eireann bus stop)
Outside the Glenroyal Hotel
Mayor of Drogheda Michael O’Dowd and Bishop Gerard Clifford launched a new St Oliver Plunkett website on Wednesday last in Millmount Museum in Drogheda.
The website was the work of Red Mist Productions on behalf of Drogheda Borough Council in conjunction with St Peter’s Parish.
If should prove a useful resource for schools, pilgrims and all those interested with the life and times of St Oliver.
Website: www.saintoliverplunkett.com
In his homily, Cardinal Brady said:
This evening we are adopting an Aim for this diocese. How do we generate enthusiasm, not just for the adoption, but for the actual implementation of this Aim.
Perhaps it would help to ask ourselves two questions – What is the purpose of my life here and now on this planet? I would suggest that we will likely come to the conclusion that it is in fact to become the Body of Christ, to become the Christ. But a body dies when it is separated from the Spirit and in the same way faith is dead if it is separated from good works. It is important therefore that each one of us strives to put on the mind of Christ. In other words, to adopt the values and imitate the attitudes and behaviour of Christ Jesus. The Spirit of Christ lives in our hearts in order to pray on our behalf and to bear witness in our lives to the fact that we are children of God.
The main question is: What is the Church for? The Spirit of God lives in the Church in order to guide it into the way of truth. The Spirit lives in the Church to unify it and to equip it with gifts so that it can help all of us to become the Body of Christ. When we welcome the resources which the Spirit provides and work with them patiently and faithfully, then, and only then, will the Church become the Body of Christ. Then the Church becomes adorned with the fruits of the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit that are listed by St Paul, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful humility and self-control.
The aim of the Archdiocese of Armagh reads:
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