Churches
St Michael’s Church, Clogherhead
Mass times:
Sunday: 12noon
Monday: 9am followed by the Perpetual Miraculous Medal Novena
Tuesday: 9am
Wednesday: 10-11am – Holy Hour of Adoration
Thursday: 9am
First Friday: 9am
Ss Peter & Pauls Church, Walshestown
Mass at 10.45am Sundays
Baptism
Baptisms in the parish are celebrated usually every month (except during LENT) on the fourth Sunday in St Michael’s Church at 1.00pm.
Please book baptisms through the parish office 041 982 2224
Pre-baptism meetings take place on the preceding Tuesday evening in the Meeting Room at the back of St Michael’s Church at 7.30 – 8.15pm.
See further at bottom of this page regarding BAPTISM, EUCHARIST and CONFIRMATION, the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church.
Donations
We are very grateful for every donation we receive from our generous supporters. All your contributions will be used for their stated purpose – and with your support, the parish will continue to do great things for the local area.
Bank Transfer:
Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.
Clogherhead Parish No. 2 Account
IBAN: IE51 AIBK 9320 9448 0683 82
BIC: AIBKIE2D
In all cases please include your name and address and if you are a weekly envelope user please insert your envelope number.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Tax Rebate Scheme
If you donate over €250 to the parish over the course of the year, the Tax Rebate Scheme allows us to claim an extra 31% on your total donations from the Revenue Commissioners at no additional cost to you.
In order for us to benefit from this extra allowance, qualifying donors must complete and sign the Enduring Certificate. You can download that from here.
If you need any assistance filling this out, then please get in touch.
Child Safeguarding
Clogherhead & Walshestown Parish, values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, and will work in a partnership way with parents at all times.
All who carry out a ministry with young people and vulnerable adults in our parish must undergo Garda Vetting. This is in keeping with the law and Church policy on safeguarding.
Safeguarding representative: Pat Moore 087 684 4344
Click here for Archdiocese of Armagh Safeguarding Statement https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/safeguarding/
Parish Pastoral Council
Chairperson : Fr Martin McVeigh
Secretary : Netta McCormack
Other Members: Kathleen Gargan, Veronica Mulroy, Anne Wilkinson, Tony Hearty, Gerard Corrigan. (New Members always WELCOME!)
Parish Finance Committee
Fr. Martin McVeigh PP, Betty Caffrey (Secretary), Gerard Gargan, Noel Phillips, Margaret Dunne, Maura Kearney, Patricia McCann (Recorder)
Bereavement Visitation
Members of the Parish Presisium of The Legion of Mary
Baptism Team
Fiona Rath, Anne Wilkinson, Veronica Mulroy.
BOOKING A BAPTISM
PLEASE BOOK THROUGH THE PARISH SECRETARY.
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM IS NORMALLY CELEBRATED IN THE PARISH ON THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH (except during Lent) at 1.00pm IN ST MICHAEL’S PARISH CHURCH.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE A BAPTISM CELEBRATED PLEASE CONTACT THE PAROCHIAL HOUSE 041 982 2224 (Tuesdays and Fridays 9.30am till 12.20pm)
B A P T I S M
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM IS NORMALLY CELEBRATED IN THE PARISH ON THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH (except during Lent) AT 1.00 pm IN ST MICHAEL’S PARISH CHURCH.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE A BAPTISM CELEBRATED PLEASE CONTACT THE PAROCHIAL HOUSE 041 982 2224 (Tuesdays and Fridays 9.30am till 12.20pm)
BAPTISM – ABOUT THE SACRAMENT
Of the seven sacraments Baptism is the most important. It is the first of the seven sacraments and the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is also the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation to becoming a full member of the Church, the other two being Confirmation and The Eucharist.
MEANING
The Sacrament of Baptism may be received only once. It is so that:–
- The family can give thanks to God for their child and as a formal naming ceremony if the person being baptised is a new born child.
- The family of faith can welcome a new member into their Church community.
SYMBOLS USED IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT.
OILS
Two oils of the Church are used in the Christening Ceremony.
Oil of Catechumens: This oil symbolises God’s grace strengthening the person being baptised to face life’s challenges.
Oil of Chrism: This fragrant oil reminds all present of the beauty and dignity of each person as a child of God and anointed as a member of God’s family.
WATER
Water is essential for life! We all depend on it to live healthy lives. In Baptism, water symbolises the new life we receive in the risen Christ. It is also a symbol of the purifying power of God, through which the baptised rises to new life with Jesus.
CANDLE
Light is a very important symbol in the Christian Church to remind us of Christ with us. Christ once describes himself as the ‘Light of the World.’
Light is a symbol of life, goodness and wisdom. The Baptismal Candle each newly baptised receives is lit for the first time during the christening ceremony from the Church’s Paschal Candle (Easter Candle). This emphasises further the link of the light, love and hope of the risen Jesus being passed onto them.
The lighted candle is a reminder to Christians that Jesus’ resurrection is their guarantee that death is not the end, but a gateway to eternal life with God.
BAPTISM ROBE/ SHAWL
The White Robe or shawl is a symbol of Christ. After they were baptised, the early Christians used to clothe themselves in white garments to show that they had “put on Christ” and had begun a new life in baptism. In the same way, the child, during the baptism ceremony, is clothed in the white shawl to show that they are “clothed in Christ” or “wrapped” in the love of Christ!
THE CEREMONY
The child is presented for baptism
Also present are specially chosen Godparents, who promise to help the parents bring the child up in the Christian faith.
The child is welcomed to the Church by the sign of the cross.
There is then readings from the Bible, and also a gospel story of the baptism of Christ.
The person being baptised is then anointed on the breast with the Oil of Catechumens.
The parents and godparents renew their own baptismal promises and make a commitment to make the Christian faith known to the child as he or she grows.
The water for the baptism is now blessed and poured over the head of the person being baptised, formally becoming part of the family of God at this stage.
Next the child is anointed on the crown of the head with the Oil of Chrism.
A white shawl is then wrapped around the person being baptised – a sign in their Baptism of their purity and holiness before God.
The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal (Easter) Candle in the Church.
The Our Father is then recited.
The Ceremony ends with a blessing.
REGISTRATION OF BAPTISM.
After the ceremony a record of the baptism will be made in the Parish Baptismal Register. This will include the full names of the child, parents and godparents, their address, the child’s date of birth, date of baptism and name of the officiating priest.
This enables a Certificate of Baptism to be issued when later required.
On a date after your child has been baptised you may request a Certificate of Baptism from the Parish Office.Of the seven sacraments Baptism is the most important. It is the first of the seven sacraments and the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is also the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation to becoming a full member of the Church, the other two being Confirmation and The Eucharist.
MEANING
The Sacrament of Baptism may be received only once. It is so that:–
- The family can give thanks to God for their child and as a formal naming ceremony if the person being baptised is a new born child.
- The family of faith can welcome a new member into their Church community.
SYMBOLS USED IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT.
OILS
Two oils of the Church are used in the Christening Ceremony.
Oil of Catechumens: This oil symbolises God’s grace strengthening the person being baptised to face life’s challenges.
Oil of Chrism: This fragrant oil reminds all present of the beauty and dignity of each person as a child of God and anointed as a member of God’s family.
WATER
Water is essential for life! We all depend on it to live healthy lives. In Baptism, water symbolises the new life we receive in the risen Christ. It is also a symbol of the purifying power of God, through which the baptised rises to new life with Jesus.
CANDLE
Light is a very important symbol in the Christian Church to remind us of Christ with us. Christ once describes himself as the ‘Light of the World.’
Light is a symbol of life, goodness and wisdom. The Baptismal Candle each newly baptised receives is lit for the first time during the christening ceremony from the Church’s Paschal Candle (Easter Candle). This emphasises further the link of the light, love and hope of the risen Jesus being passed onto them.
The lighted candle is a reminder to Christians that Jesus’ resurrection is their guarantee that death is not the end, but a gateway to eternal life with God.
BAPTISM ROBE/ SHAWL
The White Robe or shawl is a symbol of Christ. After they were baptised, the early Christians used to clothe themselves in white garments to show that they had “put on Christ” and had begun a new life in baptism. In the same way, the child, during the baptism ceremony, is clothed in the white shawl to show that they are “clothed in Christ” or “wrapped” in the love of Christ!
THE CEREMONY
The child is presented for baptism
Also present are specially chosen Godparents, who promise to help the parents bring the child up in the Christian faith.
The child is welcomed to the Church by the sign of the cross.
There is then readings from the Bible, and also a gospel story of the baptism of Christ.
The person being baptised is then anointed on the breast with the Oil of Catechumens.
The parents and godparents renew their own baptismal promises and make a commitment to make the Christian faith known to the child as he or she grows.
The water for the baptism is now blessed and poured over the head of the person being baptised, formally becoming part of the family of God at this stage.
Next the child is anointed on the crown of the head with the Oil of Chrism.
A white shawl is then wrapped around the person being baptised – a sign in their Baptism of their purity and holiness before God.
The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal (Easter) Candle in the Church.
The Our Father is then recited.
The Ceremony ends with a blessing.
REGISTRATION OF BAPTISM.
After the ceremony a record of the baptism will be made in the Parish Baptismal Register. This will include the full names of the child, parents and godparents, their address, the child’s date of birth, date of baptism and name of the officiating priest.
This enables a Certificate of Baptism to be issued when later required.
On a date after your child has been baptised you may request a Certificate of Baptism from the Parish Office.
E U C H A R I S T
The Church urges us to receive Communion frequently (even daily, if possible). It is one of the three sacraments of initiation because, like Baptism and Confirmation, it brings us into the fullness of our life in Christ.
In the reception of Holy Communion, we are receiving the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, without which “you shall not have life in you” (John 6:53)
FIRST EUCHARIST (HOLY COMMUNION)
Not only is the celebration an important event in the life of your child, it is also important for you their parents/guardians, other family members, their classmates in school, their teachers, and also for the parish community. It is an important annual event in the life of all parishes.
Your child’s faith journey began the day you brought your child to the Church to be baptised. Now that child has grown, they are about to take another step in their faith journey, as they prepare for FIRST EUCHARIST. And we all have a part to play.
The Home is the primary learning place for all children and in preparation for the first Communion Day, each parent/guardian will be asked to take on a special role, to journey with their child as they prepare to receive the sacraments, as there is only so much that can be taught in school. Our teachers do a wonderful job in preparing the children for their special day, but ‘home is where the heart is’. And the home is the domestic Church, where our children are influenced by what they see and learn.
The Ceremonies of FIRST EUCHARIST will take place this year 2026 in the parish
- on Saturday 25th April at 11am in St Michael’s Clogherhead for the pupils of St Denis’
- on Sunday 19th May at 10.45am in Ss Peter & Paul’s Walshestown for the pupils of St Paul’s.
As part of our preparation for First Reconciliation and Eucharist, we have a children’s liturgy once a month at the Parish Mass inwhich the children preparing for Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation have a special involvement. We may also run a parish-based programme, ‘Do this in Memory’ – a programme which takes place outside the school but which compliments the school preparation the children undertake by providing resources for parents and guardians to help them to prepare their children for the sacraments. It also highlights the importance of the Sunday Eucharist ‘as a celebration where we gather, are nourished by the word and the Bread of Life, and are sent forth to live the Gospel.’ This programme has also been beneficial to the wider parish community by helping them to be involved with the sacramental preparation, through their prayers, support and witness, but it also helps the community to be renewed in their own understanding of the Eucharist and their faith.
As part of the programme, there is an Information Night (where we meet the parents/guardians), an Enrolment Ceremony for you and your child, and there are a number Sundays set aside where you and your child will have some participation in the Sunday Mass. On these Sundays parents/guardians will be involved in the Mass by doing readings or reflections, helping the children light their communion candles, helping them with gifts and setting up their ‘KIDSZONE’, which sacred area in the Church each month with its different theme. It is also hoped that you and your child will frequent Mass regularly as your child prepares for their special day.
THUMB
Each of the children preparing are also provided with a special THUMB book. THUMB stands for: That’s His / Her Useful Mass Book. THUMB contains a variety of ways in which parents and children can engage with the programme before, during and after Mass. The content of the THUMB book is as follows:
Introduction to the Do This in Memory programme including a guide for parents that suggests ways they might use the programme most effectively
What Happens at Mass?: An explanation of the Mass in ten parts.
Two characters, Kath and Qumen, who are also preparing for their First Eucharist, help the children and their parents learn more about the Sunday celebration
The Rite of Mass: This will help parents and children to participate more fully each time they attend Mass
KidStuff: Activity sheets to be completed at home after each Sunday of the programme.
GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTERS
There are five Grapevine Newsletters to be distributed after each Do This in Memory Mass. The Grapevine helps parents to engage more fully with the programme at home. There is also a poster to be distributed on the final Sunday of the programme.
C O N FI R M A T I O N
The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered in our parish here in Clogherhead and Walshestown every year. Our next Confirmations will take place on Saturday May 16, 2026.
CONFIRMATION IN THE FAITH
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation along with Baptism and Holy communion. It is usually the last of the initiation sacraments to be celebrated. Confirmation celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles we read of the Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit. They had been hiding after Jesus’ death, afraid and uncertain. The coming of the Holy Spirit with his gifts inspired them and enabled them to take the step of preaching the Good News.
We are made members of God’s family at Baptism. At Confirmation, our Baptism is completed or “sealed” by the Holy Spirit and we are called to be Christian witnesses, just like the apostles. The whole of our Christian living and the life of the Church, too, are sustained by the same Spirit.
WHO CAN RECEIVE?
Any baptised Catholic wishing to advance on the path of developing their faith. For our young people, this is usually part of the 6th class primary school programme.
SPONSOR
A sponsor stands behind the candidate for Confirmation at the Confirmation ceremony and places their hand on the shoulder of the candidate as a sign that they will support them in living out their baptismal promises. However, the role of the sponsor is not just for one day. The sponsor undertakes to assist the confirmed person in growing in the fullness of their faith and in their membership of the Catholic Church.
A person qualifies as a sponsor by being a reasonably mature adult, who is at least 16 years old, and has already received the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) themselves. The Confirmation sponsor may be one of the people who was a sponsor at Baptism (subject to the notes here).
CHOOSING A SPONSOR
(Ref. Code of Canon Law §874) To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:
- be appointed by the candidate, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister;
- to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;
- to be not less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;
- to be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;
- not be either the father or the mother of the candidate.
NAME
The tradition of taking a new name at Confirmation emphasises the new identity of a Christian being called to witness to their faith. People are encouraged to take the name of a saint or a person from the Bible who inspires them in some way.
OIL
The oil used is called the Oil of Chrism. It is olive oil mixed with balsam that is blessed by the bishop and priests of the diocese in the Cathedral at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday (or sometimes on another day chosen by the diocesan Archbishop. The Sacrament is conferred with the anointing with this ‘Oil of Chrism’ on the forehead as the Bishop says ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’.
YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESS
Like the “Do this in Memory” parish programme for First Communion, “You Shall be My Witnesses” is a parish-based programme of preparation for children preparing for Confirmation, which takes place outside of the school environment but which compliments their school-based preparation. The programme takes place over five sessions and explores aspects of what it is to be a Christian.
Each of the sessions has a different theme: Belonging:
Believing, Being, Becoming and Beginning Again.
Each of these sessions will help to encourage and challenge the children in their faith and help the children understand what being a Christian can mean. Four of the sessions take place before the Celebration of Confirmation and the fifth and final one takes place after the children receive the Sacrament.
This programme has also been shown to be beneficial to the parent/guardians of the children as it helps them to explore these themes for themselves also. The programme cannot be run without the valuable support of the parent/guardians as a number of parents/guardians become leaders of the programme for their children during the sessions. Those who volunteer to be leaders receive training to help them in their role, which takes place in the week prior to the first session. *
* DATE FOR CONFIRMATION IN OUR PARISH
The Ceremonies of Confirmation will take place this year in the parish in two celebrations on the same day – 16 May 2026 –
- at 11am in St Michael’s Clogherhead for the pupils of St Denis’
- at 2pm in Ss Peter & Paul’s Walshestown for the pupils of St Paul’s.