The uncertain future facing many small rural schools in Ireland has been highlighted by both His Lordship Most Reverend John Fleming, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Killala - and The Very Revd Patrick Rooke, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.  Bishop Fleming has said that any decisions regarding the review of small schools need to be made, first and foremost, with the child’s best interest at heart.

A fundraising draw in aid of the work of The Newman Institute, Ballina, takes place at  the Newman on Sunday, June 3rd, at 8pm, with over €20,000 in prizes. Tickets are still available at €50.

The death has been announced of the former Bishop of Killala Bishop Thomas Finnegan (86) who passed away in Sligo General Hospital on Christmas morning.

A poignant and moving documentary that followed a Mayo pilgrimage group to Medjugorje earlier this year will be broadcast on TG4 on December 23rd at 8.30pm.  The film entitled ‘Sólás na Maighdine’ -  The Peace and Tranquility of the Blessed Mother; shadows a pligrimage group from Tourmakeady as they embark on an enthralling and fascinating journey to Medjugorje. 

The sudden death of Monsignor Joseph Quinn, PP Knock, has robbed Mayo of a wonderful servant to the church and the community at large, Mayo Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony has said in a tribute.

Mass-goers in Ballina were told on Sunday that Parish Prish, Fr Brendan Hoban, is being moved to Moygownagh. Fr Hoban is a well known writer and broadcaster.

St. Colman's Church, Claremorris, Centenary celebrations will include a Heritage Night on Friday next, 11th November, at 8.30pm, in the  Town Hall.

A sad and controversial period in the history of Achill island will be recalled at a Memorial and Healing Service at St Thomas’s, Dugort, at 2pm, on September 24, when Achill’s Catholic and Church of Ireland people will begin the marking of 19th century Achill Mission graves in the four churchyards and graveyards of the old Mission.

The Very Revd Patrick Rooke has been ordained and conscrated as a Church of Ireland Bishop of the Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, The Most Revd Alan Harper. The ceremony took place at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, on Thursday. Bishop Rooke has strong family connections with Mayo.

An Ecumenical Memorial Service for deceased patients of Galway University Hospitals will take place in the Salthill Hotel, Galway, at 2pm on Saturday, September 24.  The service is being held to remember the deceased patients of GUH who passed away during the period of July 2010 to June 2011.