16th March

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 15  16^TH MARCH 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

 

Sat.	Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.
6.30pm	9.30am	9.30am	7.15am	7.15am	7.15am	7.15am
Joseph Forde
	11.30am	11.00am	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am
		Norah Rogan			Bernard Neeson	Anointing of the Sick

 

MONDAY IS THE FEAST ST. PATRICK  –

and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses in the parish will be

at 9.30am and 11.00am on Monday.

 

You are warmly invited to make a journey this Lent to revisit a familiar story with a new twist.  Along the journey we will look at the Passion of Jesus through the eyes of men and women who were present and find that as we share in their experiences we become more involved in the story. Through film clips, scripture sharing and discussion we explore in an engaging way the meaning of the Passion in our lives today – on Wednesday 26^th March, 2^nd and 9^th April from 7.30pm – 9.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall.

 

 

 

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 this Tuesday evening 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.

 

MORNING MASS  –  will be celebrated Monday to Friday mornings at 7.15am and 9.30am.

BELIEVE –   a DVD presentation on a series of reflections on the Creed, exploring the treasures of our faith as expressed in the Nicene Creed. This is an opportunity on Thursday mornings during Lent, to explore the beliefs that we proclaim publically, every time we attend Mass. Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments. This week’s theme: ‘How We Believe’

LENT SACRED SPACE –The sack cloth represents us on our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes call us to repentance and spiritual renewal. The purple cloth reminds us of the royalty of Christ our King and also represents contrition and preparation. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to this period of repentance, good works and abstinence, by taking a stone from the sack cloth and placing it at the candle, the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances.                                                                                                                             TROCAIRE FAST BOXES   –   are available in the foyer of the Church.

OUTREACH  –  currently every home in the parish is being visited by a member of the Outreach Team with; a leaflet giving details of Lenten talks being held in the parish called “Stepping into the Passion”; informaion on the Holy Week and Easter Ceremonies in the Parish; a leaflet on the Parish Pastoral Council; an update from the Social and Fundraising Committee and an appeal for volunteers to help with the Outreach Ministry.  If you haven’t received the information into your home by next weekend please contact Philomena in the parish office on 9065 4157 to arrange for a pack.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN SEMINAR  –  entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God” will be held on Saturday 10^th May from 1.00pm to 4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Kingsway, Finaghy.  It will be conducted by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm. The Seminar is open to all, and will be especially interesting to Ministers of the Word. Seminar Fee £5.  To book, please contact:      Malachy McKeever on 077 6010 8903 or e-mail: malachy.mck@gmail.com

PERMANENT DIACONATE  –  after a long period of discussion within the diocese, Bishop Treanor has given the ‘Green Light’ for the permanent Diaconate as a ministry of service within the diocese of Down & Connor.  If you are interested please contact Fr John Murray, Vocation Director, at 200 Finaghy Road North, Belfast, or phone 9091 3761 or 9508 8030 or email mail@frmurray.co.uk.  Applicants should be male 35 years and older and if married should be married for a least 10 years.

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 29^th and Sunday 30^th 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.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

WEDDING  –  our congratulations and best wishes go to Maria Dolores Ramirez and Jaimee Rodoloso  who were married on Wednesday in St. Colmcilles.

DECEASED –   We pray for the repose of the soul of Olga Hughes, a former parishioner, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Bella Logue, William Logue,  Bernard Neeson,  Peter Neeson,  Teresa Deane,

Paddy Macauley,  Margaret Kerr, Joseph Forde,  Norah Rogan  and  Tony Gibson.

 

MONEY MATTERS

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

NEEDY PARISHES COLLECTION  –  will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  This collection was established to create a special fund to assist “Financially Needy” Parishes.  There are already several Parishes within the Diocese that have accumulated debt and are financially stretched.  However, through financial re-structuring schemes it is hoped that many of these parishes, with the aid of this fund, will be able to return to a positive financial position.  Through this collection “better off Parishes” can help those less fortunate Parishes to have some hope of returning to sound financial footing.

IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION  –  on behalf of Feis an Duin will be taken up outside the church on St. Patrick’s Day.  All proceeds go towards Gaeltacht scholarships for the local schools.

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER GROUP  –  we meet again this Tuesday at 8.00 pm in the Committee Room to reflect on the readings for the 3rd and 4th Sundays of Lent. All welcome.

BALLYHACKAMORE GOLF SOCIETY  –  first outing of the 2014 season will be to Carnalea this Friday . The first tee is reserved from 1.30pm. The cost is £20. Members, guests and visitors will be welcomed. For further details contact Peter at 9076 3822.

 

ST. COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT  –  invites you to a Fancy Dress Theme Disney Disco on Sunday 6th April from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Parochial Hall Admission £3.  Activities include face painting, spot prizes and refreshments.  Please bring a friend.

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th May we will celebrate 20 years of the Art of Caring.  The exhibition will have the usual range of artists and activities Please put dates in your diaries.  We need sponsors and buyers and lots of help particularly during the days before the opening.  Proceeds as usual will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Scouts and Guides and St Joseph’s Primary School.  Bring your family and friends  To volunteer phone 077 0326 9058.

APOSTOLIC WORK  –  thanks to all who supported the Lenten Lunch last Sunday.  As a result of your generosity we are able to send approximately £1,400 to support missionaries in their important work.  Every penny is appreciated by those who benefit and it is acknowledged in the prayers offered in many parts of the world for you all.

The Group held a sponsored 12 hour cycle marathon on Sat 1 March for Concern’s Philippines’ appeal. Using a variety of static bicycles, scooters and assorted two wheeled vehicles, the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts enthusiastically participated in this initiative and have to date raised more than £650 for Concern. Well done to all who took part and also to those who donated to this worthy appeal.

The programme for the Group in the coming months includes a “BIG DAY OUT” for all members on Sunday 6^th April in Crawfordsburn, a Cub Pack weekend away at Ballyhornan, Easter camp for the Scout Troop and participation by two patrols in the annual Columbanus Shield at Castlewellan. Summer camp for the Cubs will be at Castlewellan, Zellhof International Scout Campsite in Austria for the Scouts and Barcelona for the Venture Scouts where the senior section will spend time at a Youth Hostel in the city before decamping to hike in the Pyrenees.

The Scout Group wishes to publically acknowledge the huge contribution made by Noel O’Hare over more than 40 years to the development  of the Group and to the many 100s of young people who were in membership during his tenure. Noel raised funds, repaired halls, chaired Group Council meetings, drove minibuses, settled disputes, encouraged young leaders and ran Cub pack meetings and Cub pack camps. He also attended Regional meetings, was elected as Regional Deputy Chairman and held the position of Assistant Regional Commissioner for Cubs. He regularly attended National Council, speaking on behalf of the Group to a national audience. He was an inspiration to  the Group and is sorely missed by each and every member. May he rest in peace.

 

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICES  –  are recruiting Counsellors & Facilitators in the Belfast area.  If you are interested in joining ACCORD and would like more information on how to apply, please contact the ACCORD Belfast Centre on 9033 9944 or email: belfast@accordni.com.

FROM BERGOGLIO SJ TO POPE FRANCIS: “ THE MAKING OF A POPE” –         Fr Conall O‘Cuinn SJ will lead us in a dynamic seminar on getting to know and understand our charismatic new leader in the Good Shepherd Centre, Ormeau Road this Wednesday form 2.00pm to 4.30pm.  A donation of £5.00 would be appreciated.  Organized by the Conference of Religious of Ireland.

STORIES OF LIFE AND DEATH FROM THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS   –  a series of Four Lenten Talks in preparation for Easter at Drumalis, Larne, given by Pádraig Ó Tuama, popular facilitator of scripture courses.  This Thursday – Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of Matthew.  Thursday 27^th March –  Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of John.  Thursday 3^rd April – Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of Mark.  Thursday 10^th April – Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of Luke.  Each session takes place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, including tea/coffee.  The suggested contribution is £5 per evening.  If you would like to attend, please contact Drumalis to book a place  on  2827 2196 or 2827 6455 (during office hours, Monday to Friday)

BEGINNING EXPERINCE  –  Are you suffering the pain of loss? Looking for help and understanding?  Beginning Experience (a support group for widowed, separated and divorced people) is offering a Residential Weekend from this Friday  to next Sunday at Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, Larne.  For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 075 4207 0835.

TRAVELLING LIGHT IN LENT –  a quiet retreat day at the Passionist Retreat Centre, Crossgar next Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  Cost £45.  Leaflet and booking form available at back of Church.  Refreshments and lunch included.  Additional overnight on either Friday and/or Saturday can be arranged.  For further details please contact Mary Cairns on 9087 7936 or 078 8120 4514

 

 

DOWN AND CONNOR PIONEER COUNCIL  –  invites Pioneers and friends to attend a Lenten retreat in Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey, Portglenone on Sunday 6^th April. The cost of the day is £25.00 (this includes light refreshments on arrival and lunch). Enquiries should be made directly with the Pioneer office in Belfast on 9089 4070 or alternatively e mail dandcpioneers@gmail.com .  Spaces are limited and early booking is advisable.

INTENSIVE GCSE CCEA MATHS REVISION  –  revision courses being held in Stormont Hotel on Easter Monday and Tuesday.  For more information contact examsuccessni@outlook.com.  Places filled on first come first served basis.

MATT TALBOT PILGRIMAGE  –  the Diocesan Pioneers Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 26^th April.  Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm.  For further details, please contact Mary Holden on 9442 3956, Frances Doole 077 1891 4692 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com

LIVING YOUTH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GALA BALL  –  a Diocesan Living Youth Team will be travelling to Ethiopia in July 2014 to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, the world’s leading housing charity.   As part of their fundraising campaign a Gala Ball will be held on Friday 16^th May in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena.  Tickets £40/£400 per table.  To reserve tickets or for more information please contact Claire Smylie, Living Youth Office Manager at 16 Chapel Lane, Belfast, BT1 1HH, phone 9023 2432, email  clairesmylie@livingyouthni.org or log on to www.livingyouthni.org.  Please help build homes and hope in Ethiopia.