This includes a Franciscan youth meeting on 3 August which Pope Leo will attend.
Dates: 29 July - 7 August 2026
Cost €350 for accommodation and food - flights are not included.
Franciscan youth summer pilgrimage to Assisi
Galway-city based Franciscan brothers Ronan and Jacopo are offering young people (age 18-33) an opportunity to joint them walking in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi in Umbria , staying in a different Franciscan Friary each night along the way.
May devotion to Our Lady of Clonfert, 2026
The programme for May devotions at the shrine of our Lady of Clonfert has been announced.
Programme summary:
- Opening Mass on Friday 1st May at 7.30pm,
- Monday to Saturday - Mass at 7.30pm
- Sundays at 10am and 6.30pm., 6pm to 7.15pm
- Rosary daily at 10pm,
- Fridays from 8 May: Mass at 12 noon
- Closing pilgrimage walk at 2:30pm and Mass at 6:30pm on May 31st.
The church is open for private prayer from 7am - 11pm each day.
Confessions are available 6 to 7:15pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Webcam of the church available here: https://www.churchservices.tv/clonfert
For queries or to book Mass-intentions , phone 090 967 5113 or email stBrensEyecourt@clonfertgalway.ie. During May, the parish office is open Monday - Friday, 10am to 2pm.
Scroll down to see full details of the programme as at 24 April.
Further details are available on this website.
See Catholic churches in east Galway for location details of the shrine.
Programme details - 1 to 9 May 2026
Programme details - 10 to 16 May 2026
Programme details - 17 to 24 May 2026
Programme details - 25 to 31 May 2026
Young adult leadership programme at Knock
Applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Programme, which begins in September 2026 at Knock Shrine.
For enquiries, contact Mairead at Knock Youth Ministry team at 094 93 75321 or email youthministry@knockshrine.ie
This a development programme for anyone interested in, or currently involved in, leading youth ministry initiatives in a parish. It is delivered in partnership with Youth Link and Redemptorist Youth Ministry, and accredited by Queen’s University.
It aims to give participants with skills, knowledge, and confidence to walk with young people as they explore their faith.
Relics of St Thérese of Lisieux and Sts Louís and Zelie Martín in Loughrea, 2026
The relics of St Thérese of Lisieux and Sts Louís and Zelie Martín (her parents) will be in St. Brendan's Cathedral Loughrea, Galway on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026.
On Sunday, veneration starts w with 10am Mass and continues until after 12pm Mass.
The relics will leave the Cathedral at 3.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Diocesian priesthood information afternoon
An information-afternoon for men who may be interested in becoming a Catholic priest is being held on Sunday 10 May 2026.
For more information, phone Fr Ian O'Neil on 087 204 8497 or email priesthood@clonfertgalway.ie
Healing Mass in Headford
A Healing Mass is being held in Headford church (H91 C9W8).
Friday 24 April, 7pm.
It will be followed by a blessing with the Holy Oil of St Charbel and first-class relic.
Easter Adoration and evening prayer with the Poor Clares
The Poor Clare sisters in Galway city are inviting people to join them for evening Adoration and Prayer, for the Sundays in the Easter season.
Starting Sunday 12 April, 2026.
Adoration from 5pm
Evening prayer at 5:30pm
Monastery Chapel, Nun's Island - H91 CAV2
Catholic Mothers Connaught retreat
Catholic Mothers Ireland are running a retreat day, including spiritual restoration, inspiring talks, Holy Mass, prayers and confession, in Connaught.
Date/time: Saturday, 9 May, 10am to 6pm
Location: Fr Peyton Centre, Attymas, Ballina, Co Mayo
Cost €50, includes refreshments and lunch.
Speakers include:
- Br Ronan Sharpley OFM,
- Fr Valerian Castlelino CSC
- A representative from Children's Rosary Ireland
Catholic Mother's Ireland is a Northern-Ireland registered charity, founded in 2015, which aims to support and encourage women in their demanding roles as wives and mothers as well as growing in their faith through sharing their experiences. The Annual Theme for all their retreats this year is: Faith, Simplicity, Love and A Mother’s path to Holiness.
Pray for peace with Pope Leo - 11 April 2026
On Saturday, 11th April at 5pm (Irish time), Pope Leo XIV will lead a Rosary and Vigil for Peace in St Peter’s Basilica, inviting all Christians to unite in prayer for our wounded world.
You are invited to join in - from home, or wherever you might be.
You are invited to join in - from home, or wherever you might be.
Faith and Fun summer camp for youth
An annual residential Camp Veritas Faith & Fun Camp takes place this year in Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare from 23–28 June, 2026.
This is a one week sleep-away pilgrimage, serving up to 200 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years, supported by up to 100 volunteers. It is a ‘play and pray’ experience, with a full immersion in the Catholic Faith through sacraments and fun activities.
The organisation which runs Camp Veritas is an American-based charity (founded by a family in 2008), and has a primary focus on Eucharistic-centered worship and evangelization; orthodox teaching in line with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and teachings of the Magisterium; and interaction with clergy and religious.
A bus has been organised from the West of Ireland, with pick-up points of Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Athenry.
To find out more or to book your place parents should contact Fr Mark 093 24250 or email frmarkquinn@tuamparish.com
See the Camp Veritas website for further details.
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
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.
The devotions on Divine Mercy Sunday will be prayed at Galway Cathedral.
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
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).
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
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.
It is a donation only event
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.
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
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
All are welcome
https://feileacain.ie/
Helpline phone number: 085 2496464
Mother's Prayers annual retreat at Knock - 2026
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.
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