9th February

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 11  9TH  FEBRUARY 2014

 

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.   191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.  Tel. 9065 4157.   Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

 

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

 

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds 

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BAPTISM IN OUR PARISH 

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 18th February in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

FUNDRAISING WITHIN THE PARISH

Due to the many financial appeals to parishioners, it has become necessary to regularise special collections and fundraising events, so that parishioners don’t feel overburdened.

Therefore, permission to collect money within the Parish will be required.  If the fundraising event is being hosted outside the Parish, organisers will be able to advertise in the bulletin, but will not be able to market the event in the Parish grounds.

In order for collections to be evenly spread out and for parishioners not to feel overburdened, an application form needs to be completed at least 3 months before the event.  Application forms are available to download from the parish website or from Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

PARISH FAMILY

TROCAIRE  –  Eamonn Meehan has written on behalf of Trócaire and the families and communities they help, to thank the people of Down and Connor for the most generous donation of €471,741.77 to the shared Philippines and Syria Emergency Appeal.   With regard to the work being carried out by Trócaire, Eamonn Meehan states:  “In Syria thousands of families are being supported through the provision of emergency shelter, food, water, hygiene kits and other basic needs.  We are also providing educational support to ensure children have access to education during this crisis.  In the short term, families in the Philippines are also being supported through the provision of emergency shelter, food, water and other basic needs.  In the longer term, Trócaire expects to provide further support to enable families to rebuild their lives.  Once again I would like to express our deep appreciation for the remarkable and invaluable support of the Diocese of Down and Connor to the emergency appeal.  Following on from the support of Lent we are deeply grateful for this remarkable display of solidarity and generosity with the people of the Philippines and Syria.”

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN DIRECTORY  –  copies of the Down & Connor Diocesan Directory, price £3.00, are on sale at the back of the Church. Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

EVANGELII GAUDIUM  –  “The Joy of the Gospel” by Pope Francis, copies of the book are at the back of the Church.  Price £5 each, please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

WEEKLY CATHOLIC PAPERS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE –  the following are available on a weekly basis in the porch of the Church: Ireland’s Own, Universe, Catholic Times, Irish Catholic and Catholic Herald.  Please put money in box at any of the Candelabras.

TRAINING – for young people who would like to join the Prayer of the Faithful rota begins this Wednesday in the Hall. Enquiries to Noeleen 078 7949 8131.

DECEASED –   We pray for the repose of the soul of Manus McGuinness, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Kevin Ballantine,  Gerard Kiely,  John McKenna,  Agnes McKenna,

Frank McEvoy,  Pat O’Callaghan,  Patricia O’Callaghan  and Pat Slack.

MONEY MATTERS

Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.

The collection for Sick and Retired Priests will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.  This collection is required for the ongoing needs in respect of the Sick & Retired Priests of the Diocese. Despite the availability of the funds raised through the recent ‘Planning for the Future’ Campaign, the ‘Priests’ Provident Fund’ continues to require ongoing funding if it is to carry on meeting the needs of Sick & Retired Priests into the future.

VOCATIONS

VOCATION WEEKEND – A Vocation Weekend for Students and young men will take place in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne from this Friday to next Sunday.  The Weekend is for anyone who is thinking about the possibility of a Vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life.  Anyone interested should contact Fr. John Murray St. Michael’s Presbytery, 200 Finaghy Road North, Belfast BT11 9EG or phone 9091 3761 for further information.  You can also email Fr John at mail@frmurray.co.uk.

DISCERNING VOCATIONS – a retreat for young women who are considering their vocation in the Church – a look at married life, the single life, lay missionary work, the religious life, consecrated life in the world and the contemplative life. Venue: Drumalis Retreat House, Larne on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March. Cost: a donation is acceptable. If interested contact the Diocesan Vocation Director: Fr. John Murray at 9091 3761 or email: mail@frmurray.co.uk or also contact Mags Tierney at 075 3741 4387 (text only) or magstierney08@gmail.com.

THIS WEEK

SPECIAL MASS FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND  –  each year we mark the World Day of the Sick by holding a special liturgy. The sick and housebound in the parish, together with their families and carers are invited to Mass, in the Church this Saturday at 6.30p.m.  We hope to be able to provide transport so that people will get the opportunity to join us for Mass. If you require transport contact Mary Walsh at 078 1549 3463 or Marina McConville on 077 7563 2066.   After the Mass, there will be refreshments served in the Parochial Hall for the sick and their carers.

DTIM  – The ‘Do This In Memory of Me’ pre sacramental programme for children preparing for the sacrament of Holy Communion, will take place at the 9.30am Mass this Sunday.

ST. JOSEPH’S PTA  –  are holding their annual fundraising cake sale in the Parochial Hall, this Sunday, after 9.30am and 11.30am Masses.  Everyone welcome.  Come and join us! Buy some treats and have a cuppa and a catch up with your fellow parishioners. All proceeds will go directly to improving the educational experiences of the pupils at the school. Donations of buns/cakes also welcome.  Contact Louise on 079 9070 0169.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL  –  will meet this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY CLUB  –  are having a Butter Making Demonstration in the Parochial Hall this Wednesday afternoon at 2.00pm.  All welcome.  Why not come along and enjoy the craic.

COMING EVENTS

 

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER GROUP  –  this group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 18th February in the Committee Room at 8.00pm.

ST. VINCEMT DE PAUL UPDATE

As president of St Colmcille’s I was invited to attend a one afternoon civic forum titled Tackling Poverty Together at Belfast City Hall. The event took place on 20th January and was hosted by Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Councillor  Mairtin O’ Muilleoir.

The forum focused on poverty, the impact of welfare reform and the role of Government.  Examples were outlined which demonstrated what is actually happening on the ground as a result of current policy.

Figures released by the Government this year show parts of East Belfast as one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.  Three of the ten most deprived areas in the UK are located in Northern Ireland.

St Colmcille’s and St Matthew’s SVP Conferences jointly cover the East Belfast area. This includes the Clarawood, Braniel , Tullycarnet, Dundonald and Ballybeen areas of our Parish .

We are a busy conference visiting on average 6 families each week. At present, the majority of our members are near or above retirement age and this is a significant concern given the increasing demand for our services.

We need to recruit new members from our parish to strengthen the group and enable us to meet the needs of our local community.

As members of conference, we feel that the voluntary work we do is essential, worthwhile and rewarding.

We are asking you to consider joining us to provide this vital service to those less fortunate than ourselves.

If you would like more information please speak to any member of the Society after any of the weekend Masses.

OTHER NOTICES

IN THE FOOTSEPS OF ST. PAUL  –  Fr Paddy Delargy, All Saints Parish, Ballymena proposes to organize a pilgrimage in April or September/October 2014 flying Dublin Instanbul or Dublin Antalya.   To express interest contact All Saints Parish Office 2564 1515.

CURIOUS CHRISTIANS  – plan to look at “How do we read the Bible”, with particular reference to the book of Isaiah. Bill Boyd will lead our thinking, and it would be useful to have read Chapter 28 before we arrive.  We meet at 8.00pm in the Stye Brae Centre, Gilnahirk, this Monday and all will be welcome.

GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  – Women’s Guild Concert with the ‘Contact Singers’ will be held at 7.45pm this Wednesday in the Church Hall.  Tickets £10 (including supper) are available from the Church Office Tuesday to Friday mornings on 9040 3589).

ST. BRIGID’S DAY LECTURE  –  on Thursday 20th February 2014 at 7.30pm in St Brigid’s Church, Windsor Avenue, Belfast.  Speaker: Fr Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.  Fr Timothy Radcliffe is a member of the Dominican Community, Blackfriars, Oxford and was Master of the Order, 1992 – 2001. He is the author of a number of books and is internationally renowned as a teacher, preacher and speaker.  He will, in his lecture, reflect on new paths for the Church’s journey in the light of Pope Francis’ recent document “The Joy of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium).  All are welcome.

“IN JOYFUL HOPE – A NEW STEP IN EUCHARISTIC COMMUNION”  –  this special event is being held in St. Anne’s Church on Tuesday, 25th February at 8.00 pm.  Everybody is Welcome.  Spread the word and spread the Welcome!

THE PERFECT TREAT FOR YOUR VALENTINE  –  based on the play ‘The Matchmaker’, St. Agnes’ Choral Society is delighted to announce that it will be performing the much loved classic ‘Hello, Dolly!’ in the Grand Opera House, from Wednesday 26th February to Saturday 1st March. Tickets can be booked by phoning 9024 1919 or online at www.goh.co.uk.

 

PRAXIS CARE  –  has received funding to offer a Befriending Service within the Belfast Trust area to individuals who face social isolation as a result of their mental ill health.  This service is delivered by trained volunteers who meet up with their Praxis Care friend approximately once a week to go for a coffee, out for a walk, to an event – anything that will help reduce the isolation felt by the individual. We are now recruiting volunteers to get involved with this vital work in our community, do you know anyone that would make an excellent Befriending volunteer?  More and more people around us feel isolated and lonely, this is one way to reduce that and make a difference in our local community.  For more information contact Catherine on 9072 7161 or catherinelittle@praxiscare.org.uk