Church news and info for Galway: 2026

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

Beginning Experience West of Ireland residential weekend

Beginning Experience Residential Weekend

27 - 29 March 2025

Venue: Star of the Sea Retreat Centre, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo

Contact for more details: Maureen 087 6646-896

About Beginning Experience

The Beginning Experience is an internationally-recognised peer-led programme to listen to, accompany and heal men and women who have experienced the loss of a husband, wife or partner through death, separation or divorce.

It is especially for people who are struggling with the loss of a spouse / partner, who finds they need more support than friends and family can provide.

The programme is based in Catholic tradition, and was founded by a Catholic nun and includes Catholic elements (eg Mass reconciliation). However the program is open to people of all Christian faiths and backgrounds.

See more on their website: https://beginningexperienceGBandI.org/

Prayer, Praise, Worship and Healing with Maria Vardia

An afternoon of Prayer, Praise, Worship and Healing with Maria Vadia - whose worldwide ministry transforms lives and brings healing through the Word of God.

Claddagh Church hall

Sunday 22 March 2026, 1-7pm

with Mass in the adjoining church at 7:30pm

Enquiries phone Tom Kearney 087 6209090 or Maura Grealish 087 251 0003

Féileacáin - Spring service remembering babies lost before birth

Féileacáin, a non-profit organiation which provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy or after (ie stillbirth and neonatal death support) in Ireland is holding a spring Remembrance Service in Holy Family Church, Mervue, on Sunday 8th March 2026 at 8pm.

All are welcome

https://feileacain.ie/

Helpline phone number: 085 2496464

Mother's Prayers annual retreat at Knock - 2026

Poster about a time of prayer / retreat - For mothers who wish to come together to pray for their children and grandchildren, bringing them to Jesus who loves them so much more than we do and can change things that we cannot change.

Venue:

ST JOHN’S REST AND CARE CENTRE

Date:

FRIDAY 10th TO SUNDAY THE 12th MARCH 2017

Programme

MASS ON FRIDAY EVENING AT 8.30

SATURDAY: Registration 9 am (No cover charge) Meeting starts at 9.30

SUNDAY: 9.30 start and finishes with Mass at 12.15

Enquiries

Phone 091 771009, 087 6184110 or email ireland@mothers prayers.org.

You do not have to be a mother to be part of ‘Mothers Prayers’

Hour of Prayer for World Peace

An Hour of Prayer for World Peace and for all affected by civil unrest.

Galway Cathedral

Monday, 16th March

8–9pm

Lenten prayer course, based on the Synodal pathway

A national Lenten prayer resource has been launched for Irish Catholics.

It draws inspiration from Baptised and Sent, the preparatory document for Ireland’s National Pre-Synodal Assembly in October 2025, and aims to deepening reflection, listening and shared mission ahead of the next phase of Ireland’s synodal journey.

It is primarily designed as an in-person gathering in parishes and local groups - and programme materials can be downloaded here.

However, a series of livestreamed sessions will be held via Zoom - get times & register here.

For more information about the resource, see https://theway.ie/this-lent-faithful-are-invited-to-reflect-deeply-on-baptism-to-help-church-renewal/

Do you know of any Galway-based in-person groups using this programme, who would like to advertise for people who join? Email news@galwayChurchNews. com with details.

Galway city screening of "Matt Talbot, Urban Mystic"

Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic is a feature documentary about a man who overcame addiction through radical faith—and whose life speaks to today’s silent epidemic. (https://matttalbotfilm.com)

This film will be screened

at the Franciscan Abbey, St Francis Street, Galway,

on Friday 20 March,

from 6:46 - 9:30pm.

Service of Remembrance for the Oranmore/Maree Costal Search Unit

A service of Remembrance, marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of Oranmore/Maree Costal Search Unit.

Saturday 7 March 2026 at 2pm

Venue: Oranmore Church.

Note: although this organisation is based in Oranmore/Maree, many families through-out Galway city have benefitted from their services.

Monastic Experience Day in Galway city

An opportunity for young women who wish to explore religious life to explore and experience Poor Clare spirituality at the Poor Clares Monastery in Nun's Island

Date / time Saturday March 7th, 20am to 5pm

More info, email events@poorclares.ie

Ukraine Day prayer service, 2026

A service of hope with Ukraine: a joint prayer for Ukraine, in Ukrainian and English.

Service led by

Fr Ben Hughes

Fr Dmytro Hutnyk

Location: Chapel of St Columbanus, University of Galway

Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026

Time: 11:30am (please arrive 10-15 mis early)

Becoming Christian: a series of talks in the Augustinian Church

A series of talks, subtitle "Recovering our faith, with the early Christians", exploring how Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist shaped Christian identity and mission in the early church.

Each session is in the Augustinian Church in Middle Street.

Time: 7:30 - 9pm

Dates

18 Feb: A People set Apart - Br Ronan Sharpley, OFM

25 Feb: Clothed in Christ - Deaon Seamus Talbot

4 Mar: Anionted for Mission - Bishop Michael Duignan

11 Mar: One Bread, One Body - Br Jacopo Pozzerle, OFM

Lenten talks Galway city-centre

Preparing our hearts for Christ, 2026

Location: Seomra Cruinnithe / St Patrick's Church, Forster Street.

All talks start at 8pm, and last approx 45 minutes, with tea/coffee and questions afterwards.

Talks are free, with a collection to cover speakers' expenses.

Speakers:

Wed 25 February, Mary Booth - Believe in new Possibilities
Wed 4 March, Anne Cuffe - We adore Thee O Christ and we Love Thee
Wed 11 March, Fr Conor McDonough, OP - St Patrick in his own words

Lenten Devotion 2026 in the Claddagh church

Eucharistic adoration, preaching, confession and meditative chant

Sunday 6:15 to 7:15pm, during Lent 2026

22 February

1 March

8 March

15 March

22 March

29 March

In-person retreat for men exploring the path to diocesan priesthood - March 2026

An in-person gathering Retreat designed to help interested men to explore the path to the diocesan priesthood.

This is a relaxed space where you can reflect, ask questions, and connect with others on the same journey.

Come as you are and take time to listen to where your heart might be leading you!.

For more information email the Vocations Office, @ carol.king@vocations.ie or your local Vocations Director.

Eucharistic Healing Retreat - Fr Rozo Palic - March 2026

Enquires phone Patricia on 089 946 6193 or Fiona on fionatjennings@yahoo.com.

Experience Benedictine life, 2026

The Benedictine nuns at Kylemore Anbey in Connemara are providing women aged 18-45 a chance to experience spirituality and monastic practices first-hand this summer.

Whisper of God - Lent retreat at Knock Shrine

One Day Silent Retreat in Knock Prayer Centre

Saturday, March 28th 2026 10am - 5pm

A serene space for quiet prayer, reflection, and spiritual direction. Participants will be guided through moments of scripture-based prayer, group sharing, and personal spiritual guidance.

Price: €70 including refreshments and lunch

More details on their website.

Ash Wednesday evening service in Galway Cathedral

Ash Wednesday 2026 evening service in Galway Cathedral

Guided Prayer by Candlelight from 7 to 9pm (following Mass at 6pm)

Scripture course for Lent - Gospel of Luke

A five-week scripture course for Lent, run by the non-denominational Emmaus Scripture School.

Tuesday 6pm, starting on 24 February 2026.

Free – book your place thru Eventbrite.

Based around the Gospel of Luke.

Are you interested in being a Deacon or Catechist?

Published in the Craughwell parish newsletter, 15 Feb 2026

Would you be interested in serving in the Ministry of Catechist or the Permanent Diaconate in the Dioceses of Clonfert, Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora?

As part of a dynamic and creative team, in union with priests, deacons, parish pastoral councils and others, catechists assist with the delivery of various faith development programmes and opportunities at both parish level and beyond.

Permanent Deacons are ordained to a life of service in charity to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised. They also provide a ministry of the Word in preaching in Church and officiating at certain liturgies, and Ministry of the Altar, in assisting the celebrant at Mass and preparing people for and officiating at Baptisms and Weddings.

Both the Ministry of Catechist and the Permanent Diaconate involve a sizeable period of discernment and formation.

For a conversation and further information please contact Fr Hugh Clifford, Tel. 091 637154, Email catechistsdeacons@clonfertgalway.ie before 4th March 2026.