Cathedral News

Monday 15 August 2011 is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a holy day of obligation. It is also an important feast in Galway Cathedral - Our Lady Assumed into Heaven is one of the two dedicatees of the Cathedral, and the Cathedral was dedicated on 15 August 1965.

The bell of the Eucharistic Congress 2012 will arrive at the Cathedral at 11:00 on Friday 8 July, and will be received by Bishop Martin Drennan. Full details of the Eucharistic Congress at http://www.iec2012.ie.

7 July 2011 - 11 August 2011 :: Thursdays at 20:00 http://recitals.galwaycathedral.ie Galway Cathedral Recitals is one of Ireland's premier summer concert series. Running over six Thursdays in July and August each year, it attracts performers from all over Europe as well as Asia and the USA. An evening of sublime music in the inspiring surroundings of Galway's stone Cathedral is an experience not to be missed.

Members of the Cathedral parish and the wider Cathedral community are invited to a meeting in the Cathedral, where information on the Cathedral Pastoral Council will be provided and new members sought. This meeting will take place on Tuesday 17 May 2011 at 19:30, in the Cathedral retro-choir.

Cathedral organist Raymond O'Donnell will give a short lunchtime recital on Friday 8 April 2011 at 13:10, as part of love:live music, the national music day organised by Music Network and Lyric FM. The programme will comprise three psalm-preludes by Herbert Howells, interspersed with some Gregorian chant. Admission is free. The concert will last about 40 minutes. Further information on National Music Day at the love:live music website.

22 September - 1 October 2011 Direct from Shannon Airport 10 Days - €1,175 p.p.s. incl. half-board accom. & all taxes For further information, contact: Fr. Martin Whelan Tel: 091-563566

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the season of preparation for the great feast of Easter. It falls on 9 March this year, and Easter Sunday is 24 April. Masses for Ash in Galway Cathedral follow the normal weekday schedule, being celebrated at 09:00, 11:00 and 18:00. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses.

Having signed or stamped Mass Cards for sale to the public in shops and other commercial outlets is a practice that is not approved by the Episcopal Conference, the Major Religious Superiors or the Superiors of Missionary Societies, it undermines a correct Eucharistic Theology and is unacceptable. The Bishops of Ireland ask that this practice wherever it exists, be discontinued.

The position of Organ Scholar at Galway Cathedral, which has been vacant for the last two years, has been filled by Robbie Carroll.