Centering Prayer one day retreat at Kylemore Abbey

The Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara are hosting aa Centering Prayer Day Retreat on Saturday 25 April 2026.

Centering Prayer is a method of prayer that strives to develop a relationship with God, beyond words, thoughts and emotion.   Through this silent prayer, retreatants will strive to consent to God’s presence and action in their lives.

Participants will also have opportunities to pray the Office with the Benedictine Nuns in their Monastic Church and to participate in the Eucharist.

Facilitated by Caroline Field, OblSB, and Sister Josephine Yator, OSB

No charge; donations accepted.

Register by emailing  retreats@kylemoreabbey.ie or phone +353 (0)95 52098

Men of St Joseph, meeting in Tuam, April 2026

 The next meeting of Men of St Joseph is:

• On 19 April 2026
• At 7pm
• In  Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Tuam

Guest speaker is Fr Chris Hayden

For enquires, contact frmarkquinn@tuamparish.com

What is Men of St Joseph?   

It is an international lay-association, .. of Christian men, united under the Catholic Church, who meet weekly to pray together and encourage each other to be the spiritual leaders of their families. The purpose of the Men of St. Joseph is to instill holiness in men and facilitate spiritual leadership in family and community life.

(https://www.menofstjoseph.com/about-us/)

Divine Mercy Sunday devotions at Galway Cathedral

On Divine Mercy Sunday, 12 April 2026, devotions at Galway Cathedral start at 2pm, with Mass being celebrated at 3pm.

Confessions will not be available on the day.

For more details, see https://www.galwaycathedral.ie/news/divine-mercy-sunday-2026

Formation / community opportunity for young people at the Irish College, Rome

The Pontifical Irish College is a third-level institute, located in Rome, which provides education and formation to priest, seminarians and lay people.   It was originally a seminary, but now has a braoder focus.

The College is now accepting applications from lay young people of faith in Ireland aged between 18-30, who would like to join a programme in the 2026/27 academic year which involves:

• Living in a former convent building at the college, and 
• Taking part in structured formation encompassing spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral development.

See https://irishcollege.org/lay/  for more details.

Divine Mercy Novena, Renmore

A lay-led, nine-day Novena of Prayer to the Divine Mercy will be prayed in Saint Patrick's Garrison Church, Renmore.

Prayers will be at 9am every morning from Good Friday (3 April) until 12th April (10:30am on Easter Sunday), for about 15 minutes each day. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The devotions on Divine Mercy Sunday will be prayed at Galway Cathedral.

Divine Mercy Sunday devotions in Athenry

St Mary’s Athenry are hosting Sunday afternoon devotions on Divine Mercy Sunday, which is on the Sunday after Easter

 Athenry Church

12 April 2026, from 2pm.

The afternoon includes:

• Guided Holy Hour with singing/music  (confession will be available)
• Devotional prayer
• Mass

Sung Lauds for Holy Week

The Franciscans in Galway city have invited to people to join them for sung Lauds (ie morning prayer of the church), in the Abbey with the brothers, over the three days of the Easter Triduum.

Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April, 2026.

10:30am  in the Abbey, St Francis Street (H91 C53K).

Seminar: The Power of Kindness in Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

A workshop about the importance of kindness to self and others in taking care of one’s mental health, including simple strategies and practices to help become more fulfilled and less stressed in day-to-day life. 

Facilitated by teacher, chaplain and accredited life and wellness coach, Lizzie Harrison.

Location:  Croi Nua Spirituality Centre, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway (H91WY2A)

Saturday 18th April, 2026,   10.00am – 2.00pm

Price:   €30

Book  by emailing   croinuacentre@gmail.com

Lourdes Pilgrimage staff opportunities for young adults

There are opportunities for Young Adults (ages of 18 and 25) to join the the Clonfert, Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora diocesian pilgrimage to Lourdes as a member of the pilgrimage staff.

Dates:   29 June to 4 July, 2026. 

The role involves assisting pilgrims who otherwise would not be able to travel. 

For further information, staff rates and booking forms contact Darina:  phone 085 2288 043 or dmccarthy@clonfertgalway.ie - or speak to your parish priest.

Medjugorje Group Pilgrimage, 2026

 A group pilgrimage between the west-of-Ireland and Medjugorje is being run from 14-21 October 2026.

The Spiritual Directors are Fr Frank O'Grady, Fr Michael Iflora, Fr Jijo Ashariparmbil, Fr Innocent Sunu and Fr Matthew Farrell.

The intended programme is shown on the Marian Pilgrimages website.

Price is €915.   A deposit of €200 is required to secure a booking.   The package includes:

• Flight from Knock to Mostar-Medjugorje.
• Return flight from Split to knock
• 15kg check-in luggage plus carry on per person
• Return transfers to Medjugorje accompanied by a guide
• Full religious program operated by Marian Pilgrimages 
• Full assistance of Marian Pilgrimages guides and representatives throughout the pilgrimage
• Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
• Mass daily & Spiritual activities (English at 10:00am & Croatian at 6:00pm)
• Accommodation in Exclusive Marian Pilgrimages houses close to St. James' Church
• Daily breakfast and evening meal
• Free Wifi in Guest Houses.

It does not include pilgrimage insurance, single rooms (available for €170 extra) or lunches

For more information, phone Yvonne Igoe 087 417 0959.

Chrism Mass in County Galway

There are three annual Chrism Masses in County Galway in 2026.

The Chrism Mass is an annual event for each diocese:  The Bishop celebrates it with his priests at the start of Holy Week.  The priests renew their commitment to service.   The Bishop blessing the oil used in baptism and anointing the sick in the next year,  and gives to the priests or representatives from each parish.

Loughrea Cathedral:   Wednesday, 1st April at 8:00pm   (for the diocese of Clonfert).

Galway Cathedral:   Thursday, 2nd April at 11:00am (for Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora).

Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam:  Wednesday, 1st April at 6pm (for the Archdiocese of Tuam).

Whisper of God - Lent 2026 day retreat at Knock

Whisper of God is a 1-day Silent Retreat at Knock Prayer Centre.

Saturday, March 28 2026, 10am to 5pm.

Step away from the noise of daily life and take sacred time to reconnect with God in the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere of Knock Shrine.

This retreat offers a serene space for quiet prayer, reflection and gentle spiritual guidance. The day includes scripture-based prayer, moments of silence and opportunities for personal reflection.

Cost: €70 (includes refreshments and lunch)

For more information or to book, contact John Farrelly  086 0108623  or email  
prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie

Diocesan Pilgrim for young adults - Spain 2026

Bishop Michael Duignan will lead a Young Adult Pilgrimage to Spain from 11–20 July 2026.

The group will talk one of the world’s great pilgrimage routes, the final 100km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. 

This is an opportunity for 18-35 year-olds to experience the beauty of northern Spain, the joy of reaching Santiago, and the grace that comes with placing one step after another in faith.  The pilgrimage offers space to pray, to reflect and to discover the Lord's call, while sharing the road with other young adults from across the dioceses of Clonfert and Galway.

The packke is €699 per person, and this includes return flights, nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast, and a visit to Finisterre.

Contact youthpilgrimage@clonfertgalway.ie  for more details

Lenten Healing Retreat - Tuam Parish

A Lenten Healing Retreat is being held in Tuam between March 23 to 25, 2006.

It is being led by members of the Limerick-based Franciscan Friars of Renewal.

Sessions are at 7:30pm each evening, in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam.

Life in the Spirit seminar, May 2026

The Holy Family Prayer Group are organising a  Life in the Spirit seminar in Galway,  running over seven Sunday evenings from 19 April 2026.

Location should be confirmed with the organiser:  The poster shows a residential address near Moycullen (H91F38E.

Programme

Week 1 - God's law:  Mass celebrated by Fr Martin Whelan, and seminar introduction with Angela Staunton.

Week 2 - Salvation.  Speaker Nicola Blendell.

Week 3 - New Life.  Speaker  Andrew Marmion

Week 4 - Receiving God's Gifts.  Speaker Denis King.

Week 5 - Mass with Fr John Mockler, with Baptism in the Spirit

Week 6 - Growth.  Speaker Anto Crossley Narrowgate - YouTube

Week 7 - Transformation in Christ - Revealing of Gifts.  Aidan Bond, Holy Souls Cruisade.

Enquiries and registration 

phone Sandra  085 151 5119  or   Don 085 724 7188

Cost

There will be a collection nightly to cover costs. 

Youth 2000 Spring retreat for Connaught, 2026

The Youth 200 spring retreat for Connaught will be a day retreat at Knock Shrine on 25th April 2026.

 Thisis for young people age 16-35.

It is a donation only event

 You need to register in advance at www.youth2000.ie

A Light in the Night: Adoration in the Abbey

This is a time of adoration, accompanied by music and with an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  

It is held in the Franciscan Abbey in St Francis Street, from 9-11pm on the 2nd Saturday of most months.  Check their socials to confirm which months it is on - they are holding it in March 2026.

Franciscan "Come and see" for men

This is a weekend retreat for young men who are thinking about joining the Franciscan order of brothers and priests.   It is happening in April 2026.

To learn more, Friar Liam by email:   IrishFranciscansOFM@gmail.com

Reclaiming our Celtic Spirituality: The Relevance of our Celtic Heritage for Today

Update: 

This seminar has been cancelled.

 

A one day workshop, facilitated by Presentation Sister and retreat-director, Sr Trinita Laffan.

An invitation to rediscover the wisdom of our Celtic spiritual heritage and explore its meaning and relevance in today’s world. This event  offers an opportunity to reconnect with a spirituality deeply rooted in the sacredness of creation and the rhythms of life.

Saturday March 21st, 2026,   10.00am to 4.00pm.

Fee: €40

Venue: Croi Nua Spirituality Centre, Rosary Lane, Taylor’s Hill, Galway (H91WY2A)

Email: croinuacentre@gmail.com

Phone: 085 7829855

"Into the Deep" - a Lent discussion programme for young adults

 

A six-week Lenten programme for people age 18-35.

Dates:   25 February, 4, 11, 18, and 25 March, 1 April 2026

Time:   6:45pm - 8pm - with tea/coffee afterwards

Location:   St Ignatius Church, 26 Sea Road, Galway