Welcome

“ ‘Tis the season to …” support our twinned parish of St. Bakhita’s, Moita Bwawani through your purchase of Christmas Gift Cards for the parish Tanzania Africa Project. Give a really worthwhile Christmas present this year.

Choose from three life changing themes:

  • Buy a uniform and daily meal for a Maasai child at St. Colmcille’s Pre-School, Moita Bwawani, for £10
  • Sponsor a Catechist to spread the Word of God, for £10
  • Fund antenatal and postnatal care for Maasai mothers and their new-borns with our Mobile Medical Clinic Appeal for £20

Cards will be sold in the church porch after each of the weekend masses (Saturday 5.30pm Vigil, Sunday 9.30 and 11.30am) from Saturday 2nd December. Alternatively, an order form is available on the Parish website, as a PDF to complete and return by email or print.

ALPHA

ALPHA provides a space to meet new people and to freely explore life’s big questions together. This free programme is a mixture of video presentations and live talks, to help prompt discussion on life, faith and meaning.

Every session begins with a meal! ALPHA will begin in St Colmcille’s Parish Hall this Wednesday 18th January from 8.00pm to 9.30pm. To register your interest, or make enquiries, please email n.dunn@downandconnor.org or text to 07879 498131. Please share this information and also watch Fr Conor’s personal invitation on Facebook by clicking on the link below.

Watch | Facebook

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for December 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For further information on their work and to download a copy of the report please click on the link below.

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST VACANCIES

We currently have vacancy for a Parish Safeguarding Support Officer based at our Safeguarding office. For further information click on the link below. Closing date 12noon 26th January 2023

Full details relating to the vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: JOB VACANCIES and on the Community NI website. 

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BISHOP NOEL TREANOR

GROSVENOR CHORALE – ST COLMCILLE’S CHURCH: MONDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2022

Grosvenor Chorale warmly invites you to join them for their Annual Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols at St Colmcille’s Parish church on Monday 19th of December at 8.00 pm.

  Retiring collection in aid of Marie Curie Hospice. Light refreshments will be served in the parochial hall after the service. 

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for November 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For further information on their work and to download a copy of the report please click on the link below.

TO CLERGY AND PARISHIONERS

BISHOP NOEL TREANOR – APPOINTMENT AS APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

BOOK LAUNCH – JOURNEYING WITH POPE FRANCIS:

ST. COLMCILLE’S PAROCHIAL HALL : WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2022 @7.30PM – PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS EVENTBRITE

Book Launch: ‘Journeying with Pope Francis’ by Fr. Alvaro Grammatica Tickets, Wed 14 Dec 2022 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thursday 8th December 2022 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be held at 9.30am on that morning. A Vigil Mass will be held on Wednesday 7th December at 7.00pm.

APOSTOLIC WORK CHRISTMAS SALE

For the first time in 3 years we will be holding our Christmas Sale after all Masses this weekend, 26th and 27th November, in the Parochial Hall.

If anyone can help out at this event we would be very grateful and will also welcome donation of items for Tombola or other stalls.  If you are interested or can help please contact Patricia White or any member of Apostolic Work known to you.

TANZANIAN AFRICA PROJECT APPEAL

Give a really worthwhile Christmas present this year – a Christmas Gift Card to support our twinned parish of Moita Bwawani, in our Tanzanian Africa Project.

Choose from three life changing themes:

¨ Buy a uniform and daily meal for a Maasai child at St. Colmcille’s Pre-School, Moita Bwawani, for £10

¨ Sponsor a Catechist to spread the Word of God, for £10

¨ Fund antenatal and postnatal care for Maasai mothers and their new-borns with our Mobile Medical Clinic Appeal for £20

Cards will be sold in the church porch after each of the weekend masses (Saturday 5.30pm Vigil, Sunday 9.30 and 11.30am) from Saturday 26th November. Alternatively, an order form is available below, as a PDF to complete and return by email or print.

APOSTOLIC WORK

There will be a meeting of Apostolic Work on Tuesday 1st November after 7.00pm, followed by Mass at approximately 7.45pm in the Iona Room. New members or former members who would think of re-joining will be very welcome.

For the first time in 3 years we will be holding our Christmas Sale on 26th and 27th November after all the Masses. If anyone can help out at this event we would be very grateful and will also welcome donation of items for Tombola or other stalls.  If you are interested or can help please contact Patricia White or any member of Apostolic Work known to you.

IMPORTANT CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

All SAINTS DAY

An evening Mass in celebration of All Saints Day will be held in the Church on Tuesday 1st November 2022 at 7.00pm.

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NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SOULS

During the month of November Mass will be celebrated each day for the repose of the souls of those deceased whose names have been included in the November Dead Lists. Lists are available on the tables at the back of the Church. Completed lists can be placed in the collection baskets or in the box at the front of the Church at the November Prayer Space.

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ANNUAL MASS FOR THE DECEASED

The Annual Mass for deceased parishioners will be held on Tuesday 8th November 2022 at 7.00pm.

Everyone is welcome. If you wish to attend but are unable to please join us via our Church Webcam: https://st-colmcilles.net/web-camera/ or https://www.churchservices.tv/stcolmcilles

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

The Parish Pastoral Council is aware of a number of parishioners with restricted mobility, who are no longer able to make their own way to weekend Mass.  The PPC is, therefore, seeking volunteers with transport, who would be able to drive mainly elderly parishioners to and from the church for Mass on a weekly basis. 

A rota will be put in place if enough people volunteer.  If you think you would be able to help with this pastoral work, please contact us as soon as possible.

Contact details:

¨ Patricia Kernaghan, mobile number: 07876 395480

¨ Claire Dowds, mobile number: 07766 934246

COLMCILLE LECTURE

There will also be a presentation in the Hall to Fr. Tony Fitzsimons and Fr. Vincent Cushnahan, to mark their almost five years of service to St. Colmcille’s Parish.

A DAY WITH THE BENEDICTINE MONKS

You are invited to come for a day away with the Benedictine Monks at Holy Cross Abbey, Rostrevor on Saturday 8th October 2022. For further information email Claire Dowds at: cdowds181@gmail.com or telephone: 077 6693 4246

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST VACANCIES

We currently have a number

of Vacancies as follows:

  • Sacristan, St Brigid’s Parish. Closing date Thursday 29th September at 12noon.
  • Diocesan Assistant Finance Officer x 2, Diocesan Curia Office. Closing Date: Thursday 6th October at 12noon.
  • Executive Support Officer, Diocesan Curia Office. Closing Date: Thursday 6th October 2022 at 12noon.

Full details relating to the vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: JOB VACANCIES and on the Community NI website. 

DIOCESAN RCIA PROGRAMME FOR 2022-23

What is RCIA? 

RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process to introduce the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church to individuals who wish to learn more about Catholicism, including the opportunity, if they wish, to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation. RCIA is a time of teaching, formation and conversion to come to know, love and develop a relationship with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

For further information on the Programme and how you can help, please view or download the following documents:

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Holy Day of obligation

Assumption of Mary is a Catholic holiday that celebrates, through a feast, the Virgin, the mother of Jesus Christ when her spirit and body went to heaven. This holiday is celebrated on the 15th of August each year.

Monday 15th August 2022Mass 7.00pm

You can also view Mass on-line at:

https://st-colmcilles.net/web-camera/

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST

Vacancy – Sacristan – St Brigid’s Parish, Windsor Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP

NEWSLETTER OF THE IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for June 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST

Vacancy –Living Church – Support Officer/Personal assistant. Closing date 12.00noon on Friday 18th July 2022

Vacancy – Pastoral Renewal and Faith Development Worker – 2 Posts. Closing date 12.00noon on Friday 18th July 2022

Vacancy – Sacristan St Brigid’s Parish. Closing date 12.00noon on Friday 8th July 2022

CLONARD NOVENA MASS TIMES

To view or download a copy please click on the link below.

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – SPECIAL EDITION ON SYNODAL PATHWAY JUNE 2022

In this issue, we profile Dr Nicola Brady’s cover story interview from the June issue of Intercom magazine.

This special edition also includes a piece on the Day of Prayer on Sunday 5 June which is being offered in thanksgiving for the Diocesan Phase of the Universal Synod. We also invite people to pray for the National Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place in Athlone and Clonmacnoise on Saturday 18 June. The Liturgical Resources mentioned in the newsletter have already been sent on to dioceses and parishes and they will also be available on www.synod.ie and on www.catholicbishops.ie. We will also be making available a series of social media images to promote the Day of Prayer and the National Pre-Synodal Assembly. 

COLMCILLE LECTURE – FRIDAY 10TH JUNE 2022

PRAYER FOR LIFE NOVENA

The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Monday 23 May to the Feast of the Visitation on 31 May 2022.  Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland.  Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers.  This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

*The Pray for Life website will be live this coming weekend.

VACANCY – DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST

Anniversary Prayer Service

This year marks the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, on the Care of Our Common Home.  St Colmcille’s Parish Ecology Group will be holding a Laudato Si’ Prayer Service in the church, on Tuesday, 24th May, at 7.30pm. 

Refreshments will be provided in the Parochial Hall afterwards. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SR PASCHAL MCMEEL – FORMERLY OF POOR CLARE MONASTERY

Sr Paschal McMeel, who for 55 years was a sister & abbess at the Poor Clare monastery on the Cliftonville Road until its closure in 2012, went home to God in the Poor Clare Carlow monastery on 8th May 2022.

The month’s mind Mass for Sr. Paschal will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Oldpark Road, Belfast at 12 noon on Saturday 4th June. Celebrant will be Bishop Donal McKeown.

Sr Paschal was much loved and respected in Belfast and beyond. Blessed with a wonderful personality, she made numerous friends throughout her life taking all their worries and anxieties to the Lord in prayer.

May she enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven.

Colmcille Lecture

Save the Date!

St Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council invites you to attend the first Colmcille Lecture, which we hope will become an annual event.  The lecture will take place in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on Friday, 10th June (the day after the feast day of our parish’s patron).  The speaker will be Linda Ervine, the Irish Language advocate, who will speak on the theme of Reconciliation and the Irish Language, with allusion to the life of St. Colmcille.  There will be opportunity for questions and discussion, and refreshments will be served. 

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for April 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

A pastoral reflection by the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland on the forthcoming NI Assembly Election.

An Easter Message from Bishop Noel Treanor

The Message of Easter is the celebration of life over death, of hope over despair, of offers of assurance in situations of vulnerability. The scriptures attest to how the resurrected Christ awakened faith. They tell of how He awakened new hope and new understanding in the disciples and then entrusted them to be courageous messengers of this Easter hope. His risen presence gave them new purpose and a new identity. You can download a full copy of the message below.

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for March 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

HOLY WEEK MASS TIMES

A SYNODAL MOMENT – FISH ON FRIDAY, 8th April 2022

Pope Francis has called the entire Catholic Church to be in dialogue, not only within our Church communities but also in dialogue with other faith traditions and groups who contribute to society. We are encouraged to approach the Synod creatively when it comes to imagining events, and to listen as Christ listened. We know that Christ often listened to people while gathered for a meal.

On Friday 8th April at 1pm we will host a lunchtime event in the Stormont Hotel. At this informal event people will gather in small groups over food to share their experience of Church and hopes for the future of the Church and its contribution to our society.

We are delighted that we will be joined by Nicola Brady, Chair of the Irish Synodal Pathway and General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland along with Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire. Nicola and Caoimhe will provide short inputs to stimulate our conversations.

We invite you to come along and enjoy some fish & chips. What’s the catch? It’s quite simple we want to have a conversation with you about the Mission of the Church here in our place. To register go to the website https://www.downandconnor.org/synod/fish-on-friday.html or e-mail synod@downandconnor.org

VACANCY – DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST

SYNODAL LISTENING IN OUR PASTORAL COMMUNITY

Our local parishes are encouraged to come together, pray and enter into a conversation about our Church at this time.  Bishop Treanor has encouraged each area of the Diocese to come together as part of the Synod. 

You are invited to join in the synod conversation on:

Thursday 31st March, 7pm – 9 pm

St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall, 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JB  

The session will be facilitated by Paula McKeown, Director, Living Church office and Catherine McCoy, Pastoral Worker in St John’s Parish, Falls Road. 

NEWSLETTER OF THE IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

ST COLMCILLE’S PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL – PILGRIMAGE TO IONA AUTUMN 2022

St Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council are planning a Pilgrimage to the island of Iona, part of the Inner Hebrides, in early Autumn to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the birthday of St. Colmcille. You can pick up a leaflet from the Church Porch or download a copy below.

JOB VACANCY – DIOCESE OF DOWN AND CONNOR – INTERNAL AUDITOR

St Patrick’s Day Mass Times

Wednesday 16th March – St Patrick’s Day Vigil Mass: 7.00pm

Thursday 17th March – St Patrick’s Day Masses: 7.15am and 9.30am

Lent Programme 2022

To view or download a copy of St Colmcille’s Lent Programme please click on the link below

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners for January/February 2022

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR LENT 2022

NEWSLETTER OF THE IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

DIOCESAN VOCATION WEEKEND

There are very few men who realise what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves entirely to his hands.”  (St. Ignatius of Loyola).

Join us at the Vocations Weekend in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne, from Friday 11 – Sunday 13 March 2022. You are invited to take this opportunity to carve some time out of your busy schedule, in order to listen to what God might be saying to you and what He might be calling you to. It may be that He is calling you to serve as a priest in His Church. 

If you wish to attend this weekend or would like further information contact: Fr. Kevin McGuckien Tel: 02890614567; Email: vocations@downandconnor.org

From SVP – To the Parishioners in St Colmcille’s, Ballyhackamore

We would like to start by saying an enormous thank you for your generosity in response to the Christmas appeal but also for your generosity throughout the year.

For further information on the work that you have supported in our Christmas Appeal and your generosity throughout the year please click on the link below or download button.

Ash Wednesday and Lent Mass Times

Please click on the link below to view Lent Mass times or download a copy.

Lourdes Pilgrimage Office

This year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage, our first since 2019, will, due to the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, be smaller and different from previous pilgrimages.

Please read the information contained below, and in the booking-form carefully before proceeding with your
booking
.

Bishop Treanor will celebrate the Ordination to Diaconate on Saturday 19 February 2022 at 12 noon.

The ordinandi are:

  • Jackie Breen (Downpatrick)
  • John Downey (Belfast)
  • Kieran Hunt (Belfast)
  • Paddy Keown (Belfast)
  • Mark Leneghan (Castlewellan)
  • Ricky Looney (Larne)

In order to accommodate the family and friends of those to be ordained, along with those who have participated in their formation, while keeping to current health guidance, attendance at the Cathedral will be by invitation only.

The wider diocesan community is invited to participate by joining online (https://www.churchservices.tv/stpeterscathedral)

We ask you and the parish communities across the Diocese to hold the six ordinandi, their wives and families,  in your prayers over the next weeks as they make final preparations for ordination and enter into their diaconal ministry.

Newsletter of the Irish Catholic Bishop’s Conference

Bishop Tom Deenihan to open Catholic Schools Week 2022. Catholic Schools Week 2022 will be celebrated in parishes across the island from Sunday 23 to Sunday 30 January on the theme: ‘Catholic Schools: Living Life to the Full’. To view or download a copy of the Newsletter please click on the link below.

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners, December 2021

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

4 CORNERS FESTIVAL 2022

The 4 Corners Festival 2022 is a 10th Anniversary celebration that begins in St Anne’s Cathedral and ends in St Peter’s. This year the week long series of thought-provoking events will be around the theme Common Ground, Common Good and includes participants as diverse as boxer Carl Frampton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Dr Austen Ivereigh, the Pope’s biographer. There’s sure to be something to pique your interest at this unique Christian Festival 

Come and join us between January 30th and February 6th, somewhere across Belfast’s four corners or online. Browse events here, or see highlights programme attached:

Enrolment for St Colmcille’s Pre-school September 2022 

Application forms for children starting pre-school or primary school in September can be made online now at www.eani.org.uk/admissions 

 The closing date for applications is :

FRIDAY 28TH JANUARY AT 12 NOON 

St Colmcille’s virtual tour can be found at  www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk

You can also email the pre-school at stcolmcilles@outlook.com for further information.

Christmas Message from Bishop Noel Treanor 2021

“…they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.” (Mt 2:9)

To view or download a full copy of the Christmas message please click on the link below.

Sunday 19th December – 4th Sunday of Advent

The Synod on Synodality:  Preparing to listen

Pope Francis has affirmed that: “A synodal Church is a Church which listens. The faithful People, the Bishops, all listening to each other; and all listening to the Holy Spirit.”  

Listening from a place of prayer is the foundation of our synodal process, and it requires an open mind and heart, without prejudice.

As pilgrims on this synodal journey we recognise that no one person has the answer and that through authentic listening everyone has something to learn. For further information click on the link below.

Alpha Course via Zoom commencing Tuesday 11th January at 8.00pm

What is Alpha?

An opportunity to explore:

  • life
  • faith
  • meaning

In a friendly and informal setting.

For further information and how to register please click on the link below to download a leaflet.

2021

Christmas Eve (Friday 24th December 2021)

4.00pm – Indian Community

Vigil Masses

6.30pm

8.00pm

10.00pm

Christmas Day (Saturday 25th December 2021)

8.00am

9.30am

11.00am

Masses will also be live streamed. Download a copy of the Masses by clicking on the link or download button below.

Sunday 12th December 20213rd Sunday of Advent

The Synod on Synodality: Preparing to speak boldly and listen humbly

On this Gaudete Sunday as we pray with the Gospel we are reminded of our Baptism – a Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that came upon the apostles at Pentecost. As we consider the synodal journey we are embarking on we do so with the courage and joy of the Holy Spirit.

For further information please visit the link below.

Sunday 5th December 20212nd Sunday of Advent

The Synod on Synodality: Preparing to journey together

Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together! This invitation isn’t just for Bishops or Clergy it is an invitation to every Baptised person – all the People of God.

The Synodal process invites each one of us – the People of God – to recall that we journey together as a community of faith.   As we walk on our journey of faith we are called to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to one another. For further information please visit the link below.

Give a really worthwhile Christmas present this year – a Christmas Gift Card to support our twinned parish of Moita Bwawani, in our Tanzanian Africa Project.

Choose from three life changing themes:

  • Buy a year’s school uniform for a Maasai child for £10
  • Sponsor a Catechist to spread the Word of God, also for £10
  • Fund pre-natal and ante-natal care for Maasai mothers-to-be with our Mobile Medical Clinic Appeal for £20

A preview of the cards will be displayed at the back of the church. An order form is available as a PDF to complete or print.

This year you can purchase cards in the following ways:

  • In the church porch after each of the masses during Advent – 6.30 on Saturdays, 9.30 and 11.30 on Sundays
  • Using the order form below which can then be returned to the church porch via the collection box at the back of the church *marked for TAP
  • Or you can phone, post, or email an order – details on how to do this are laid out on the order form
  • Payment can be made by cheque with your order or through BACS *details on the order form
  • Filled orders for cards will then be posted or delivered to your address OR they can be collected at the church by arrangement *please communicate your preferred means when placing your order.

Sunday 28th November 20211st Sunday of Advent

The Synod on Synodality: Preparing our hearts and minds

Pope Francis has invited every Diocese around the world to participate in the Universal Synod on Synodality. This Synod is a process of journeying together.

As the Church, we will listen to each other, dialogue with each other, pray together, discern together, and make decisions together for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world! For further information please visit the link below.

St. Colmcille’s Parish Pastoral Council

Report to Parishioners, November 2021

The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to revive the practice of issuing to parishioners a report on their discussions after each meeting. The Council meets approximately every 6 weeks. For a copy of the report please click on the link below.

Safeguarding Sunday  – Sunday 21st November 2021

This year, as Bishop of the Diocese, I have designated Sunday 21st November as ‘Safeguarding Sunday’.  This is an opportunity for all the parishes to come together and acknowledge the dedication of hundreds of parish volunteers who serve in the ministry of Safeguarding across the Diocese.  During the celebration of the Sunday liturgy, we will renew our commitment to the pastoral care of victims of sexual abuse as well as children, young people, and adults in our parishes. 

On Sunday 21 November at 3pm, I will lead a Prayer Service from St Peter’s Cathedral.  Everyone is welcome to join online with me and diocesan representatives of Safeguarding for this Prayer Service via Church Services TV. To join, kindly follow the links to the Cathedral webcam:  http://www.churchservices.tv/stpeterscathedral

+ Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor

Diocese of Down and Connor Job Opportunities

Two vacancies (Job Share) has arisen within the Diocese of Down and Connor for a Parish Centre Manager within St Brigid’s Parish, 42 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP. For further information about the role and how to apply click on the link below.

Change of Dates: Church Collection 13th and 14th November to Support Trócaire Emergency Appeal

The Bishops of Ireland have called for a national Church collection to support Trócaire in providing life-saving aid to vulnerable communities in East Africa and DRC, where millions of people are being pushed to the edge of starvation. We already have 2 collections being taken up on the dates stated in the poster, therefore we have had to change the collection dates to 13th and 14th November.

Trócaire teams are already responding on the ground, and are ready to provide more life-saving assistance but need more resources. Any support the Parish can give to this Emergency Appeal will help the urgent work of Trócaire and their hardworking local partners. For more information see www.trocaire.org

IMPORTANT CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

All SAINTS DAY

Mass in celebration of All Saints Day will be held in the Church at 9.30am and 7.00pm on Monday 1st November 2021 @ 7.00pm.

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NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SOULS

During the month of November Mass will be celebrated each day for the repose of the souls of those deceased whose names have been included in the November Dead Lists. Lists are available on the tables at the back of the Church. For further information please check the Church noticeboards.

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ANNUAL MASS FOR THE DECEASED

The Annual Mass for deceased parishioners will be held on Tuesday 16th November 2021 at 7.00pm.

(Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 Regulations we are forced to restrict numbers to family members of those who have died in the past year. Please note: one pew per family).

Everyone welcome to join in via our Church Webcam: https://st-colmcilles.net/web-camera/ or https://www.churchservices.tv/stcolmcilles

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SYNOD: AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Last week Pope Francis opened a new pathway of listening to the People of God that will culminate in a Synod in Rome in 2023.  This is an important time as we pray and think together on Communion, Participation and Mission in the Church. 

Bishop Treanor invites us all to enter into a time of prayer so that we too in our Diocese may be attentive to our experience of Church and how the Holy Spirit is prompting and guiding us as we journey on our pathway into the future. 

We ask you to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Church at this time and we look forward to opening a forum of listening in Advent.

St Vincent de Paul in St Colmcille’s Parish

The pandemic and its effects on the economy have caused hardship for many people in our community including people in this Parish.  Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners SVP are  here to help anyone who is in need in whatever way we can.  Please be assured you will be treated with dignity and respect. And what you say to us is kept confidential. If you need a helping hand  please contact us on 02890351651. Or you can request help online at Help Request

Laudato Si’ Reading Group

St Colmcille’s Parish Ecology Group in association with Trócaire is hosting a Laudato Si’ reading group via zoom over 6 evenings this autumn and you are warmly invited to join us. For further information about the group and details on how to register please follow the links below:

Diocese of Down and Connor Job Opportunities

A vacancy has arisen within the Diocese of Down and Connor for a Parish Centre Manager within St Brigid’s Parish, 42 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP.

For further information about the role and how to apply click on the link below.

Monday 4th October is the feast of St Francis of Assisi and also marks the conclusion of Pope Francis’ Season of Creation.

To mark this day there will be a BLESSING OF PETS and refreshments, in St Colmcille’s Church garden at 3.00pm on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER. Everyone welcome.     

Please share with family and friends who have any kind of pets. 

Day For Life

This year’s Day for Life will be celebrated in Ireland on Sunday 3 October on the theme ‘The Good Samaritan: A Model of Compassion’.  For further information click on the link below:

Diocese of Down and Connor Job Opportunities

Vacancies have arisen within the Diocese of Down and Connor for a Parish Secretary within the Newtownards Parish, 71 Upper North Street, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 4JD and a Parish Centre Manager within St Brigid’s Parish, 42 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP.

For further information about the roles and how to apply click on the links below.

Priests Welfare Fund Appeal September 2021

Please find attached letter from Bishop Noel to parishioners in relation to the Diocesan Priests’ Welfare Fund relating to Sunday 19th September.

Return to Public Worship

Church Leaders, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive, agreed on a cautious return to Public Worship from FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2021

Our Civil and Religious Leaders have agreed that COVID-19 Prevention Measures will still apply:

  • Please use hand sanitizer upon entering the Church.
  • Please keep your distance, 2 metres apart inside the Church.
  • Please wear face coverings throughout your visit to the Church, (Except for the Reception of Holy Communion.)
  • Please when arriving for Mass fill out our, ‘Track and Trace,’ Slip in the Church Porch and place it in the basket. Your Contact Information may be passed to, ‘NHS Track and Trace,’
    Your information will be destroyed after 21 days.

Mass times resume as normal.

Track & Trace Form

Stations of the Cross

Join us as we journey with Jesus this lent by following the Stations of The Cross. New stations every Tuesday and Friday during lent.

Church Opening Times for Private Prayer

Monday – Saturday 10.15am – 5pm
Sunday 11.30am – 5pm.

Act of Spiritual Communion

Communion of the Apostles, Palaichori

My Jesus,
I believe that you are present in the most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things,
and desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
please come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you now as if you were already there
and I unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen. 

Offertory Collections

As Masses are no longer taking place in public, no Offertory Collections, or other Collections, are able to be taken up in our Parish. As you will appreciate, Parish and Church services are continuing;  the bills and the Parish’s financial commitments carry on, with attendant and ongoing expenses.

Parishioners have been in contact with us inquiring how they can carry on supporting their Parish during this unprecedented time and this is very much appreciated. Your continued generosity is and will be invaluable during this period.

We would strongly encourage as many of you as possible to continue making your Offering by using your bank or building societies online banking app. It’s very easy to set up your regular weekly or monthly offering, and you have complete control to change the payments at any time. Please contact Philomena for our bank details. Email Philomena

If online banking is not for you, please consider posting a cheque to the Parish Office at 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JB. Where you have envelopes, please include the relevant envelopes to help us maintain our records. If you have not yet received your new box of envelopes, please include your name and address with your cheque.

If you have any other queries relating to Parish finances please email Philomena who is available to assist you in whatever way she can.

I understand that we are in a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, during which many jobs and incomes are at risk. We fully appreciate that some of our Parishioners may be unable to support the Parish at this time. However, for those Parishioners who can continue to support their Parish I would urge them to do so.

Our Parish is wholly dependent upon your generosity.

Finally, I would take this opportunity to thank all our Parishioners for the fantastic support you have given to the Parish in the past and for your continued support.

Father Tony

Welcome to our Parish Web Site.

The Parish of St. Colmcilles is located in East Belfast and our church, is on the Upper Newtownards Road. We are approximately 2 miles from the city centre.

The purpose of the Website is to give our visitors, and every member of our parish family, information about the times we celebrate the liturgy of the Church and also to inform people about the various ministries, groups and organisations in the parish; what they do, where and when they meet and whom to contact if you would like to know more about them.

Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about us.