27/08/2025
These are our new arrangements from 1st September
New Arrangements for the Parish of Lusmagh
At the end of June, Bishop Michael accepted the resignation of Fr Michael Kennedy as Parish Priest of Lusmagh. Fr Michael had generously served the faith community in Lusmagh for many years. We wish him well in his deserved retirement from the responsibilities of the office of Parish Priest and pray good health and happiness for him into the future.
As you are aware, declining congregations and a lack of vocations to the priesthood mean that the Parish of Lusmagh will no longer be served by a resident Parish Priest. It is envisaged that in due course the Parish of Lusmagh will be served from Eyrecourt. In the meantime, as and from September 1st, 2025, Bishop Michael has appointed Father Michael Byrnes while remaining as Parish Priest of Portumna, Gortanumera and Boula and Administrator of the Parish of Fahy and Quansboro to also take up the role of administrator of the Parish of Lusmagh
Fr Byrne’s will be responsible for guiding the overall life of the parish, coordinating the work of the re-constituted Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Committee along with organising and planning for the provision of sacramental and pastoral care for the Parish. In this latter task he will be helped by the priests of the Portumna Faith Community Area. We are extremely thankful to Fr Byrnes for taking on this additional responsibility along with his many other duties. We are also thankful to the priests of the Portumna Faith Community Area for their continued assistance.
It is now more important than ever that the local faith community comes forward to actively maintain support and grow the faith-life of their parish. This new reality will take time to get used to. Let us pray that God who always walks with his people will be especially near to the people of Lusmagh during these days of change and in the days ahead.
PTO
Future Sacramental and Pastoral Provision
As a consequence of these new circumstances and following from discussion with the Parish Pastoral Council and the Priests of the Portumna Faith Community Area, the following arrangements will apply from September 1st, 2025.
Weekend (Sunday) Mass Going Forward
From Saturday September 6th, 2025, there will be one weekend Mass. This will be a Saturday Evening Vigil Mass at 6pm in the Church of St Cronan, Lusmagh.
Weekday Mass and Holy Days
There will be no weekday Masses going forward. Weekday Masses and Holy Day Masses are available in adjoining parishes as per their parish newsletters.
Emergency Calls
Will be covered by Father Michael Byrnes Adm and the Priests of the Portumna Faith Community Area. Tel. (090) 974 1092/087 6227468 (emergency only)
Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals and Months Mind Masses
By arrangement with Father Michael Byrnes Adm Tel. (090) 974 1092
The date and time of funeral services will be dependent on the availability of a priest. Time for funerals is 12 noon and for Baptisms 12 noon on Saturdays.
First Friday Calls by arrangement with Father Michael Byrnes Adm Tel. (090) 974 1092
Baptismal Certificates and other certificates are available at the Parish Office, Portumna Tel. (090) 974 1092
Matters to do with parish life or property or school need to be referred to Fr Michael Byrnes Adm Tel. (090) 974 1092
Booking of Masses/ Parish Newsletter please contact Ms Assumpta Kelly on 085 7444403 or [email protected]
Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee
Father Michael Byrnes Adm will also coordinate the work of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Committee.
Please note these arrangements are subject to change in the future.
