Sacraments

The sacraments mark the great moments of Christian life, from baptism through to the funeral Mass. If you wish to arrange a baptism, a wedding or a funeral, please telephone the Parish Office on 071 985 1295.

Mass Times

These are the regular times. If a funeral or a Holy Day changes the week, please look at the newsletter.

St Patrick’s, Ballyshannon

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Cashelard

Sunday Mass from St Patrick’s may be watched on the parish webcam. The Friary at Rossnowlagh has its own weekly times on the Mass Times page.

Adoration & Devotions

At St Patrick’s, Eucharistic Adoration is on Wednesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, and on Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00noon. If a funeral takes place that day, Adoration may not be held.

At the Friary in Rossnowlagh, Exposition is on Sunday from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Full details are on Adoration & Devotions.

Funerals

When a death occurs, please telephone the Parish Office and your funeral director. The priest will then sit with the family to arrange the funeral Mass, the readings, the prayers and the music. Some families keep the remains at home; others use the funeral home.

New graves are allocated by the priests of the parish, and only when they are needed.

Parish Office: 071 985 1295 · ballyshannon@raphoediocese.ie

Funerals page

Baptism

Baptism is celebrated each Saturday at 4.00pm. To book a date, please contact the Parish Office. Two members of the Baptism Team will visit the family at home and explain the sacrament. Preparation for parents and godparents is usually held on the third Friday of the month at 8.00pm in the Pastoral Centre. A baptism candle and a white shawl are needed. Godparents must be at least sixteen, confirmed, and practising Catholics. For the baptism of an adult, a separate course of preparation is available; please ask the Parish Priest.

Reconciliation (Confession)

Confessions are heard on Saturday from 5.30pm to 6.00pm in the Family Room, and at other times by arrangement with one of the priests. Penitential services are held in preparation for Christmas and Easter.

The Eucharist and First Communion

First Holy Communion is for children in second class, and is usually celebrated in May. Preparation begins the previous October. The parish uses the Do This in Memory programme.

Confirmation

Confirmation is generally for pupils in sixth class in our primary schools. The date is set each year by the Diocesan Office, and is usually the first or second Sunday in May. The ceremony is at St Patrick’s. The preparation programme, You Shall Be My Witnesses, is led by the parents and meets once a week in Lent. There is an information evening in October for parents who then enrol their children.

Marriage

Couples who wish to marry in Kilbarron Parish are asked to give at least three months’ notice to the Parish Priest or one of the priests. You will need baptism and confirmation certificates, and a Letter of Freedom. Civil notice must also be given three months beforehand to the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths (Sligo 071 915 5115; Letterkenny 074 912 3771). The Parish Office can advise.

In the Diocese of Raphoe a wedding may be celebrated on any day except Sundays, Christmas Day, St Patrick’s Day and the Easter Triduum. For a pre-marriage course, contact Accord, Upper Main Street, Donegal Town, 074 972 3944.

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is available at any time on request.

Holy Orders

If you are considering priesthood, please speak to the Parish Priest or the diocesan office.