VOL. 23 NO. 51 15TH NOVEMBER 2015
Father Ciaran Feeney Adm. 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.
Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net
E-mail: stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org
St. Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk Phone – 9065 0039
St Colmcille’s Pre School – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk. Phone – 9047 2724
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 823, 499 & 452)
33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 1
| Entrance Antiphon | The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place. |
| 1st Reading | (Daniel 12:1-3) When that time comes, your own people will be spared. |
| Psalm | Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. |
| 2nd Reading | (Hebrews 10:11-14, 18) By virtue of one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! Stay awake and stand ready, because you do not know the hour when the Son of Man is coming. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (Mark 13:24-32) He will gather his chosen from the four winds. |
| Children | Jesus was telling his friends that he will come back to gather all his people together. There will be signs to let the disciples know he is coming. Only God the Father knows when that time will be. |
| Communion Antiphon | To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord. |
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
| Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 6.30pm
|
9.30am
Michael Fay & Michael Dawson |
9.30am
Paddy Dawson |
9.30am
|
9.30am
|
9.30am
Bill Doherty Anointing of the Sick |
| Confession at 6.00pm | 11.30am
Sean McDermott, Mary McCaffrey & Christopher Robinson |
7.00pm
Annual Mass for Deceased |
Would those who are last to leave the Parish grounds in the evening please close the car park gates.
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
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 at the rear of the Church. If you wish to donate an offering for the Masses, please include it with the List in the envelope provided. Completed Lists can be placed in the collection baskets or in the box on the Sanctuary area of the Church.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH FAMILY – will be celebrated this Tuesday at 7.00pm. This is an opportunity for our parish family to pray for our own deceased relatives and friends as well as the deceased members of our parish who have prayed with us and celebrated the liturgy with us throughout the years.
November Pledge – please consider taking the November Pledge to be alcohol-free and offer this up for the benefit of the Holy Souls and to help an addicted friend. For further information, please contact Ian at the Diocesan Pioneer Office, 68 Berry Street, Belfast or phone 9089 4070.
Tidy Graves – are offering a great clean up service on a loved one’s grave and all from only £30 for a basic clean for the month of November. Contact Andrew on 9029 2140 or mobile 077 1828 2816
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 24th November 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.
PARISH FAMILY
WALK WITH ME – A journey of Prayer for Advent and Christmas. Copies are available at the back of the church. Price £1. Please put money in any of the Candelabra boxes.
PERMANENT DIACONATE – the Diocese initiated training for the Permanent Diaconate two years ago and twelve men have completed their Preparatory Year and are in their second year of formation. Preparations are under way to begin another Preparatory Year in 2016. Men, between 35 and 60 years of age who would like to consider the Permanent Diaconate should contact Father Alan McGuckian at the Living Church Office for more information and an application form. Phone 9096 0920, or email livingchurch@downandconnor.org. Completed applications should be returned to the Living Church on or before the 30th November 2016.
THE WEDNESDAY WORD – is a national prayer mission which links parishes throughout the country through regular weekly prayer. The Wednesday Word contains the following Sunday’s scripture readings and reflections and is an excellent way of preparing to come to Mass. It is available each week at the back of the Church to take home. Please do consider starting to use this Christ centred, scripture based, method of praying, in spiritual solidarity with many parishioners throughout the country
Eucharistic Prayer Vigil – for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life will take place in St. Comgall’s Church, Bangor on Thursday 26th November from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. The Vigil will conclude with Mass at 9.00pm.
MONEY MATTERS
Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.
BISHOPS’ COMMISSION COLLECTION – will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. This collection helps defray the contributions from the Diocese for the work of the various National Episcopal Commissions. To help it fulfil its aims more effectively, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has established various commissions, agencies, councils and other bodies which focus on specific tasks and areas of responsibility within the mission of the Church. These are grouped into five departments as follows: Department of Catholic Education and Formation; Department of Pastoral Care; Department of Planning, Communications and Resources; Department of Social Issues and International Affairs and Department of Worship, Pastoral Renewal and Faith Development. The Diocese is obligated to pay the amount levied by the Bishops’ Conference each year and this annual collection helps cover part of the annual levy.
DECEASED
We pray for the repose of James McConnell, a parishioner, who died last weekend, and for Bill Doherty. We also remember Mary McCaffrey, whose month’s mind occurs this weekend and pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Michael Fay, Michael Dawson, Sean McDermott, Christopher Robinson, Jean Nelson, James Nelson, Dan Conway, Martin Nugent, Alfred Fusco.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT – we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458. Our members are Regiena Babu, Eithne Daly, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.
St Vincent de Paul
CHRISTMAS CARDS – will be on sale at a price of £3.00 per packet – there are 10 different designs for those who still like to keep contact with friends and family in the traditional way. They will be on sale in the Chapel porch.
Christmas Appeal 2015 – will be launched on this Monday and we at St Colmcille’s will be collecting donations up to Sunday 20th December. Once again this year we are asking for donations of cash or shopping vouchers. Cash is required to buy essentials such as vegetables, meat and other fresh food and is also practical as it may be used towards a top up card for the electric or gas meters or to buy heating oil stamps. Your donations can be popped into our normal collection boxes with our members at the church exits any time up to Sunday 20th December. SVP Envelopes marked as Gift Aid can be found at the Chapel porch. If you are a UK tax payer then using the Gift Aid envelope will enable us to claim the money back from government, increasing you donation. As most of our families live near a Tesco store this would be the best supermarket voucher to donate. Heating oil stamps can be purchased from many oil suppliers or you can specify on the envelope if you wish us to spend your donation on fuel. The annual appeal in 2014 was a great success and as a result we were able to help many families in the East Belfast area, of which our Church plays an important part. No matter how small (every £1 counts) all donations help to relieve the dreadful pressure our families suffer. Many have the simple choice of heat or eat.
THE LARDER – is a food bank in Mersey Street which has been most helpful in supporting many of the clients of our St. Vincent de Paul. The St. Vincent de Paul propose collecting food to deliver to the Larders throughout Advent and would particularly appreciate any donations of food. Boxes will be availabe in the porch for this collection, commencing at all Masses over the weekend of 28th/29th November, concluding on the weekend of the 19th/20th December.
ANNUAL LOCAL COLLECTIONS – many volunteers from the Parish will be getting involved by standing at our local Spar and Tesco stores in Ballyhackamore and Supervalu at King’s Square on nominated days as organised by Paddy Donnelly. Those of you who have not already been approached to volunteer by Paddy can still come forward if you wish. We would like to thank those volunteers for donating their time at this very busy time of the year.
We will let you know after Christmas, how your donations have been used, but for now thank you so much for your invaluable kindness and support.
For further information on what SVP contributes to our society, check the web site at SVP.IE
THIS WEEK
Clothes Donation – it’s approaching another New Year. Are you doing a clear out – if so, the Guide Unit are interested in your old clothes. This weekend you can leave any unwanted/old clothes after all Masses to the Den. We will be recycling them via the recycling clothes points. Any funds made from this will go towards our summer camp to France 2016. Thank you in anticipation!
LIVING YOUTH – Come and join us for our second Monthly Diocesan Youth Mass on this Sunday at 5.00 pm (Confessions and Music Practice from 4.30pm) in Holy Family Church, Newington Avenue. Refreshments after in the Church Gathering Space. All welcome. The December Monthly Diocesan Youth Gathering will take place on Sunday 20th December also in Holy Family Church. More information to follow.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH FAMILY – will be celebrated this Tuesday at 7.00pm.
Scripture and Prayer Group – will resume meetings this month. Our next meeting will be this Tuesday 17th November at 8.00pm in the Committee Room. We will look at the readings for the Feast of Christ the King and remember Joan in a short prayer reflection.
artisan market – will be held in the Church Grounds next Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The market hours have been extended till 4.00pm for this month and December. There will also be more stalls available.
JEFF CAVINS – at the Waterfront Hall Belfast: 10.00am to 5.00pm next Saturday. Bring your own lunch. It will be a very rich day which will give good material to people who have already made a beginning with Bible study and yet it will not be intimidating for beginners. Jeff will cover four specific themes: Abraham our Father in Faith: David, Warrior and Worshipper, Jesus the Rabbi who calls us, and The Church: God’s family in the world. For those who feel they are beginners in relation to the Bible the day will be an attractive
exposure to some of the great themes of our Catholic faith. With a full programme including prayer and music it will be a day not to be missed. People will leave the Waterfront with an appetite for further exploration and pointers for how that can be facilitated in their own community. Noeleen has a small number of tickets for sale. Please contact her on 078 7949 8131 or book directly through the Waterfront box office www.waterfront.co.uk / phone 9033 4455.
COMING EVENTS
SOS – we are currently seeking volunteers, who would be able to assist housebound parishioners with shopping/errands, on a short term ad hoc basis. A meeting, where you can find out a bit more and register as a volunteer, will be held on Thursday 26th November at 7.30pm in the Iona Room.
Advent Family Weekend in Corrymeela – from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November. Why not join our neighbours from Gilnahirk and fellow parishioners in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of Corrymeela for a weekend of conversation, craic and relaxing walks on the beach or the forest, liberally interspersed with tea, coffee and home-made scones or biscuits? For more information please contact John Barry 078 4072 8477, email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk or Paula Sheils 075 9033 1477, email paula.sheils@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Walsh on 9029 5795.
Apostolic Work – will hold their Christmas sale on Sunday 29th November. Please put the date in your diary and come along to support our missionary effort.
CHRISTMAS WITH CONCENTIO – on Monday 30th November at 8.00pm in St. Colmcille’s Church. Doors open at 7.30pm. You are invited to join SOS NI and the Conentio Chamber Choir for an enchanting evening concert. Admisson is free, although there will be a retiring collection on the night in support of SOS Bus services. The highly acclaimed Concentio Chamber Choir are an award winning classically trained choir who have performed across Europe.
Christmas Party – the over 60’s Christmas party will be held on Sunday 6th December in the Parochial Hall. Get together with your friends and come and enjoy the fun and great food on this super day. More details to follow next week but any queries in the meantime call Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Lucy Traynor on 079 0080 7589 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463.
ADVENT SERVICE – come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas on Sunday 13th December at 6.00pm in St. Colmcille’s Church. Join the Choir and St. Joseph’s Primary School Choir in singing the joyful story of the coming of the Lord. Refreshments served in afterwards in the Hall.
Reunion Dinner – to mark the 50th anniversary since the re start of the Scouts in the parish, a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance has been arranged for the 6th February 2016 in the Stormont Hotel. All ex members of the Group, leaders and committee people are invited to attend, as are all parents and supporters. The Scout Group has been an integral part of the youth provision in St. Colmcilles Parish during good and bad times and it’s fitting that we celebrate the continued success of the Group. Please let family members no longer living in the parish know of this event. A dedicated Facebook page will be developed and further details about the reunion will be given as they become available.
LIVING YOUTH – Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia Team 2016: Following our successful Habitat for Humanity projects over the past three years Living Youth is excited to announce recruitment for another youth team due to travel to Ethiopia next summer. Provisional dates: 8th to 22nd August 2016. Applicants should be 18 years or over and all team members will be expected to contribute to the cost of the trip as well as engage in an extensive fundraising campaign. The budget for this trip is £2,000 p/p. This includes a non-refundable deposit, travel, in-country expenses and a £600 minimum donation to Habitat’s work. To register or get more information visit: www.habitatni.co.uk, call 9263 5635 or email gv@habitatni.co.uk
OTHER NOTICES
PRISON WEEK – runs from this Sunday to next Saturday. An Ecumenical Service for ‘Prison Week’ will be celebrated in St George’s Church, High Street, Belfast on this Wednesday at 7.30pm. Prison Week is a week of prayer for all those involved in prison life. An invitation is extended to all those involved with prison life, those working with victims of crime and all those family members who have been affected by family members in prison.
Fortwilliam Musical Society – will be in Ballyearl Courtyard theatre from this Tuesday to next Saturday. Come along to a fantastic week of concerts with music from the musicals, some old time favourites and other tunes to get your toes tapping! Book early to avoid disappointment tickets available at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by phone 9034 0202. Fortwilliam are also available to hire for concerts or fundraisers.
COULD YOU GIVE ME LOVE, FUN AND SECURITY… – ‘til I grow up. Across Belfast there are children of all ages who may never be able to live with their birth parents – they need a permanent home for the rest of their childhood. If you are resilient, flexible and have the energy and time to care for the demands of a child come along to our information evening this Wednesday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in the Wellington Park Hotel to find out more information.
INTERFAITH ENCOUNTER – Belfast born Redemptorist theologian Fr Brendan McConvery will reflect on ‘Nostra Aetate’ – the Vatican Council’s Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, issued 50 years ago in October 1965. Responses from Rabbi David Singer (Belfast Synagogue) and Sheik Anwar Mady (Belfast Islamic Centre). All welcome this Wednesday at 7.30pm in Clonard Monastery.
JESUS HEALS – Koinonia John the Baptist invites you to a meeting of healing through praise, prayer and the Word of God. Venue: St Paul’s Pastoral Centre, Falls Road, (beside St Paul’Church). Date: Wednesday 25th November from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Come and enjoy a new experience of faith and return home refreshed.
SOS BUS SLEEP OUT – on Friday 27th November from 7.00pm to 7.00am in Writer’s Square, Belfast. Registration £20 + suggested sponsorship £100. Please help SOS raise funds for their services and awareness of homelessness and vulnerable people on the streets of Northern Ireland. To register phone 9066 4505 or email alison.steers@sosbusni.com
LEPROSY MISSON CHRISTMAS FAIR AND COFFEE MORNING – on Saturday 28th November in Knock Presbyterian Church, from 10.00am to 12.30pm. Come and buy your Christmas cards and gifts and support the work of the Leprosy Mission.