24th January 2016

VOL. 24 NO. 09 24TH JANUARY 2016

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

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 835, 452 & 499)

3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 3

Entrance Antiphon O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
1st Reading (Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10)  Ezra read from the law of God and the people understood what was read.
Psalm Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.
2nd Reading (1 Corinthians 12:12-30)  You together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21)  This text is being fulfilled today.
Children Jesus goes to the synagogue and reads a passage from the scripture to all the people.  Jesus reads about the Messiah.  The Messiah will bring Good News to the poor, will help blind people see, and bring freedom to everyone.  Jesus is saying that the reading is all about him.
Communion Antiphon Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Antonio Logronio,  Hugo McCaffrey,  Bill & Claire Knox

 9.30am

Brendan Small

 9.30am

 

 9.30am

 

 9.30am

 

 9.30am

Laura McDowell

Anointing of the Sick

 
Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

Pat Morris

        

 

Would those who are last to leave the Parish grounds in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

YEAR OF MERCY

Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, dedicated to living out in our daily lives, the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us.  By showing mercy to others, we are witnessing to our faith in God.

CTS BOOKLETS  – for the Year of Mercy, are now available to purchase from the stand in the Church porch.

BAPTISM

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 16th 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.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Begins next Sunday and ends on Sunday 7th February. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2016 is: ‘Catholic Schools – Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy’.  This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique contribution that Catholic schools, both primary and post-primary, make to the mission of the Church in our local faith communities and throughout the wider church.

WEDNESDAY THEME  –  is “Grandparents are the face of God’s mercy.  St. Joseph’s Primary School invites all grandparents to the school, on Wednesday 3rd February.  The Principal’s welcome will be at 10.30am.  There will then be an opportunity for grandparents to visit classes and engage in activities with their grandchildren.

SCHOOL MASS – the  parish will join in the celebrations by having a special Mass at 9.30am on Thursday 4th February with the children from St Joseph’s school.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is a time of Christian commitment and renewal, a time of courage and growth.  How appropriate that Confirmation in this parish usually occurs at the beginning of Spring, a time of new life, a time of year when plants have the courage to show their roots above the cold hard ground.

Next Sunday we celebrate the conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation on young people of our parish during the 11.30am Mass.  The visiting prelate is Bishop Noel Treanor and we welcome him to St. Colmcille’s.  This is an occasion of great joy for the whole parish.  It is a time for all of us to renew our commitment to our Christian calling.  Please remember especially in your prayers the 46 young people who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  We pray that the Holy Spirit will come into the lives of all who are asking to be confirmed in their faith.

PARISH FAMILY

vulnerable adult training information session – in the Iona Room on Wednesday, 3rd February from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Attendance at one information session is a mandatory requirement for volunteers with vulnerable adults and in particular those involved with SPRED, and as Eucharistic Ministers of the Sick and Housebound.  While it is not mandatory for members of Bethany or Bereavement Support groups to attend it is still advised to be good practice  to do so. This is the only information session for those volunteering with adults which will be held in the parish this year so it would be advisable to attend.The Safeguarding Committee must provide names in advance of this session, if you hope to attend please email st.colmcillespsc@gmail.com or contact Karen Diamond on 077 1110 9268.

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. The Directory gives information about every parish in the Diocese, listing the names and addresses of the Priests and Religious, the times of Masses, Parish Schools, Pastoral and Spiritual organisations and useful contact numbers.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – who take the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound, should sign their name on the list in the Sacristy on each occasion.

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

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Maureen Shields and Gosia Darnbrooke, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Father Henry Tansey,  Julie Gibson, Bill Knox,  Claire Knox,  Pat Grant,

Bridie Grant,  Francisco Lapena,  Victoria Caterto,  Antonio Logronio,

Hugo McCaffrey,  Brendan Small,  Pat Morris  and  Laura McDowell.

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.

PARISH DRAW

This year’s Parish Draw is being launched on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February.  Committee members will be at the back of the church on the Saturday night and on Sunday after all the Masses.  There will be free Tea & Coffee available in the Parochial Hall.  Please show your support to the Parish by purchasing a ticket or two! Any queries please contact

Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Lucy Traynor on 079 0080 7589 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463.

COMING EVENTS

Apostolic Work  –  the next meeting of Apostolic Work will be held in the Iona Room on Tuesday 2nd February at 8.00pm.   New members are always welcome! Parishioners please note, the annual “Lenten Lunch” will be on Sunday 14th February after both Masses.  For those unable to support the Missions at the event, there will be a Church door collection after 6.30pm Mass on Saturday 13th February.  Thank you for your past, and continued support, of the Missions.

11th Belfast Scout Group 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance  –  All ex members, friends and supporters of the Scout Group are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance to celebrate the re-establishment of the Scout Group in the parish. The dinner will be held  on 6th February in the Stormont Hotel. Already ex members are travelling from far and near to be with us; Dubai, Brussels, Peru, Seoul, Boston, Leeds, Glasgow, London, Drogheda, Dublin and Carryduff! This will be a tremendous celebration of the proud history of the parish Scout Group, a history dating back to before World War Two and a history of friendship, achievement and fun, a celebration of quality scouting, admired the length and breadth of the country. Tickets at £35 per person are available by contacting Paul Browne on 90291935

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St Joseph’s College Open Night  –  will be held this Thursday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm with the Principal’s address at 7.00pm.

OTHER NOTICES

Ulster Rugby Players speaking in St Anne’s Cathedral–  three well known Ulster Rugby Players will be talking about their faith at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast this Monday evening at 8.00pm.  They are Ruan Pienaar, Wiehahn Herbst and Paul Marshall.

4 Corners Festival Belfast  – from this Sunday to Sunday 7th February.  The 4 Corners Festival seeks to inspire people from across the city of Belfast to transform it for the peace and prosperity of all through a series of innovative events.   Join us as we celebrate our city through music, prayer, storytelling, discussion, and more.  Full details of all events: www.4cornersfestival.com and www.facebook.com/4cornersfestival.  Please email info@4cornersfestival.com if you would like to receive details of all the events.

Divine Mercy Holy Hour  –  this Thursday evening at 7.30pm, in The Church of the Nativity, Poleglass.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  Mass at 8.00pm

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Anam Cara –  are holding a Bereavement Information Evening on Wednesday 3rd February from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in Tullyglass House Hotel, Galgorm Road, Ballymena.   The guest speaker for the evening is Brid Carroll. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice & Anam Cara will need to confirm numbers for room set up.  We would appreciate if you could RSVP to info@anamcara.ie before Tuesday, 2nd February 2016 or call us on 9521 3120.

CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME  –  with Professor John Sweeney and Nellie McLaughlin RSM in Drumalis from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th February. The recent publication of the papal document “Laudato Si” has highlighted many of the issues regarding the future of the planet – our common home.  This annual Spring Conference weekend will offer an opportunity to “enter into dialogue with all people about our common home”.  It is possible to attend either on a residential or non-residential basis, or for Saturday only.   For further details or to book a place, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196/2827 6455.  Further details and booking forms are also available on the Drumalis website www.drumalis.co.uk.

NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES  –  from Friday 27th May to Wednesday 1st June.   The price of £599 (with price reduction for Cancer Patients) will include: Return flights from Belfast International Airport, operated by JWT License T.O. 052. Full board and accommodation at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes for five nights based on twin/double/treble rooms.  Travel insurance cover for persons up to 85 years on date of return.  The party will consist of patients, ex-patients, relatives and friends accompanied by medical, nursing and other staff.  To enquire or to obtain a booking form please contact:-Mrs Jean Clarke, Hon. Secretary,  c/o Drumbo & Carryduff Parish,  6 Knockbracken Drive,  Carryduff,  Belfast,  BT8 8EX, or speak to us on 075 1675 9646, or  e-mail  mail@nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk  Chairman:- Dr Seamus McAleer, Spiritual Directors: Rev. Dermot McCaughan, Fr. Adrian Eastwood, Fr. Andrew Black.

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9th to 18th August 2016.  3 Nights H/B Los Abetos Hotel Santiago, 6 Nights F/B Hotel Avenida Fatima.  Visiting Pontevedra, Tuy & Balasar.  Spiritual Directors are Fr Gerry McCloskey & Fr Sean Gilmore.  Special Group Price £709 inclusive of tax & insurance. Full Religious Programme. For further details contact Joe Catney on 9071 4001 or 077 7642 5631. Early booking is advisable. Deposit secures.

PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND  –  from 19th to 26th May.  Spiritual Director Canon Sean Rogan. Highlights  include tour of the old town of Krakow, the shrine of Madonna at Czestochowa, the birth place of St. John Paul 11, Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Memorial Museum, Wieliczka Salt Mine & The shrine of Divine Mercy. Cost  £849 pp includes return direct flights from Belfast, seven nights accommodation in 4 star hotel, three course meal, four nights in hotel and one night in  city centre restaurant, all entrance fees (Wawel Hill, St. Mary’s Basilica Wadowice Museum, Auschwit, Salt Mine), full coach travel for all tours.  To book please call Downe Travel 4461 3288

Summer school  – The Cultural Dimensions of Christian Spirituality  – from Monday 11th to Friday 22nd July in the University Sant’Anselmo, Rome (Italy).  Organiser is the Monastic Institute.  The Monastic Institute of the Pontifical University of Sant’Anselmo was founded in 1952 and is dedicated to teaching and research in the Theology of Spirituality from a Benedictine point of view.  In July 2014 we launched a new short formation programme (60 European transferable credits). It is entitled Cultural Dimensions of Christian Spirituality.  The Master programme is aimed at members of monastic communities, clergy (ministers), oblates, professionals in religious or social areas, scholars, etc. Applicants are welcome from those who want to earn European Credits, as well as for personal formation or further education.  The courses are run in English in a two-year cycle, requiring presence in Rome for two weeks in each year. New enrolments are possible and welcome in every year.  Students will be accommodated (full board) in the Benedictine College of Sant’Anselmo.

St. Brigid’s Day Lecture –  the speaker this year is Dr. Edward Sri.  Dr Sri is a lay-theologian, author, and Catholic speaker, who appears regularly on EWTN.  He holds a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.  He lives, with his wife and seven children, in Colorado, U.S.A.  The Lecture is on Saturday, 6th February, from 1.00pm to 4.00pm,  in St. Brigid’s Parish Centre, Derryvolgie Avenue.    Dr Sri will give two talks: the first one is Living Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel” and “The Year of Mercy” and the second one is the “Vibrant Faith in a Secular Culture: Today’s Challenge to Parents, Teachers, and Laity”.  There will be opportunity for questions and inter-action.  It promises to be a very interesting occasion