28th February 2016

VOL. 24 NO. 14 28TH FEBRUARY 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

 

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT – (Page 171, 452 & 493)

3rd Week of Lent

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

 

Entrance Antiphon My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare.  Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor.
1st Reading (Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15)  I Am has sent me to you.
Psalm The Lord is compassion and love.
2nd Reading (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12)  The life of the people under Moses in the desert was written down to be a lesson for us.
Acclamation Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!  Repent, says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.   Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Gospel (Luke 13:1-9)  Unless you repent you will all perish as they did.
Children Jesus was told a parable about a man who had had no figs for three years.  He told his gardener to cut it down, because it was wasting the soil.  The gardener said he would leave it alone for one more year and dig manure around it to fertilise it.  It would be good if figs grew, but if not he would chop it down.
Communion Antiphon The sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for her young: by your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.  Blessed are they who dwell in your house, for ever singing your praise.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am
  P J Joseph Sylvia Dlamini Adrian Forde      
  11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
  Gerry Hughes Adrian Forde Adrian Forde     Anointing of the Sick

 

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

 

PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

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

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.  You are invited to make a Lenten commitment to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on one or more occasion, by adding your name to the Adoration timetable on the clipboard at the back of the Church.

MARY –  A Biblical Walk Through the Bible, presented on Friday mornings in Lent, continues this Friday, at 10.00am with refreshments in the Iona Room. You will experience an extraordinary pilgrimage through Mary’s life and see why she is an essential part of our faith. The DVD presentation, by Dr Edward Sri, will guide us through Mary at the Cross this week.

WALK WITH ME BOOKS – A Lenten Journey of Prayer for 2016, are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in the box beside Confessional.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS LENT!  –  many people choose to abstain from alcohol during Lent. Why not take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom from addiction.  Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!   Register your pledge with local Pioneers or the Down and Connor Pioneer office- Tel: 9089 4070 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com.  Please give your name, address and phone number and you will be send a Pledge Certificate which includes the daily prayer.

TROCAIRE FAST BOXES   –   are available in the foyer of the Church.  “Learn to do good, search for justice, discipline the violent, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:10-17. Trócaire’s Lenten campaign 2016 is asking people here at home to join the fight for justice by supporting Trócaire’s work. The injustices faced by the world’s poorest people are many and can only be tackled with your help. To find out more visit trocaire.org/lent

YEAR OF MERCY – WELCOME THE STRANGER

“The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us.  He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful.  This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel!”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 9

EMBRACE is an inter-church organisation, which began as as support group for refugees and people seeking asylum.  Their main role is one of encouraging church communities to be more welcoming places for all people from other countries and minority-ethnic backgrounds.  Research their work on www.embrace.org and find out what help you could offer.  Or perhaps you could adopt an attitude of openness and kindness to the next stranger you meet?

A PILGRIMAGE COMPANION FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY  –  is a book of prayers and reflection, and is available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in the box beside Confessional.

Mission of Mercy  –  a Lenten Mission of Mercy in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast from this Saturday to next Sunday.  The mission will be preached by the Dominican Fathers and take as its theme ‘The Church as the Door of Mercy’.  Sunday Masses will be at 7.00pm (Vigil), 8.00am, 10.00am, 12.00 noon and 7.00pm.  Weekday Masses will be at 8.00am and 1.00pm with a Holy Hour of devotions at 7.00pm.  The Rosary will be prayed before all Masses and Confessions will be heard before and after every Mass and Holy Hour.  The priests and people of the diocese are most welcome to join the parishioners of St. Patrick’s for what is hoped will be a grace-filled period of preparation for Easter.

YEAR OF MERCY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £550 in hotel or £430 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £600; Youth Team age 16-25 (8-17th) –  £500.  For more information contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email Lourdes@downandconnor.org

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 15th March 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 DRAW

If you wish to find out more information about the Parish Draw or sign up for this please contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Lucy Traynor on 079 0080 7589 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463.

PARISH FAMILY

FIRST FRIDAY – Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish this Tuesday.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM  –  is a small group who meet on a weekly basis to add their voices to yours, presenting your needs to God. Requests for prayer can be made by completing a Petition Slip and placing it in the Prayer Request Box, both of which can be found in Our Lady’s Prayer Space, or by emailing colmcilleprayer@yahoo.co.uk.  All requests are treated with the strictest confidence and you can make your request anonymously if you wish.

MINISTERS OF OUTREACH  –  packs for the Easter delivery will be ready for pick up in the porch after all Masses next weekend.   If you are unable to do your delivery this time, please let Philomena know during the coming week, by emailing stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org or ring the parish office on 9065 4157.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL  –  from this weekend up to and including Palm Sunday the society is collecting foodstuffs, washing powder, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, toiletries and washing up liquid for “The Larder”, who provide help to approximately 150 people every month throughout East Belfast.  The scriptures throughout the Season of Lent emphasise our duty to help the poor.  Helping “The Larder” is a way for us to fulfil this duty.  Boxes are available in the Church porch for your donations.

GIFT – Growing in Faith Together is a fun-filled parish based faith programme for post Confirmation young people. It offers young people in Year 8 (1st year) and Year 9 (2nd Year) the opportunity to connect more fully with parish and to develop their Catholic faith. Gift continues this Monday evening, 6.00pm – 7.30pm.

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.

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

The Monthly Stipend Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Sylvia Dlamini and Adrian Forde who died recently.  We also rmember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

P J Joseph,  Gerry Hughes,  Grainne Flynn Ruddock,  Bridget Allen  and  Mary Paul.

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.

THIS WEEK

Apostolic Work meeting –  this Tuesday at 8.00pm in the Iona Room.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER  –   in St. Colmcille’s Church this Friday at 8.00pm. A good attendance would be appreciated to welcome people from the local churches and to join together in prayer.  Young, old, male and female all welcome.

COMING EVENTS

Art of Caring Exhibition & Sale –  is returning this year from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April in the Parochial Hall.  This event raises money for Marie Curie Hospice Centre, St Joseph’s Primary School, St Colmcille’s Guide Unit, 11th Belfast Scout Group and St Colmcille’s Parish. More details will follow nearer the time but if you would like further information about the event or wish to put your name down for volunteering please contact either Artie O’Neill on 077 0326 9058 or Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019.

OTHER NOTICES

Catholic Singles –  is an organisation which helps single adult Catholics of all ages meet, either one to one or through social events. Please phone 00 44 161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE  –  need counsellors and facilitators in your area.  Should you wish to avail of ACCORD’s services, or would like to  be considered for the personally and professionally fulfilling work as an ACCORD Facilitator or Counsellor, please contact ACCORD on 9023 3003, email – info@acordni.com

Gilnahirk Women’s Guild  – are hosting a Musical Evening with Festival Brass in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church at 7.30pm next Saturday.  Tickets are available from Gilnahirk Church Office on 9048 3589 or gilnahirkpres@btinternet.com  Donation £10 (inc. supper).

YOUNG ADULTS CONFERENCE  –  on Saturday 12th March in the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queens a one day conference for Young Adults (age 18 to 40) will take place.  Registration starts at 9.00am with the conference from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  There will be talks, workshops, Mass, Adoration and Confession.  The cost is £10, includes lunch and refreshments.  For more details contact 077 5337 9110 or email cyaconference16@gmail.com

Mary In The Gospel” – is a course being facilitated by Elizabeth Lavery beginning this Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Kilmegan Centre in Castlewellan.  The course will run for 8 weeks.  Cost for 8 weeks is £20.  For further information please contact Fr Fleck on 4375 1212 or 078 4110 1853.

The Seven Last Words of Christ – by Fr Conor McCarthy is a new musical setting of the Lenten devotion, in St Anthony’s Church, Craigyhill, Larne on Friday 11th  March at 7.00pm and in St Anne’s Church, Dunmurry on Sunday 13th March at 7.00pm. It is a time of prayer and reflection on the words Christ speaks during his crucifixion. The music will be provided by Fiona Flynn (soprano), James McConnell (organ) and Fr Conor (cello). All are very welcome to attend.

CAPPELLA CAECILIANA  –  present their 20th anniversary concert at 7.45pm on Saturday 12th March in the Good Shepherd Church, Ormeau Road.   The programme includes Vivaldis ‘Gloria’, with orchestra.  The concert also features The Priests and worldwide composer James MacMillan.  Tickets (£15, students £10) are available from Matchetts Music, Wellington Place and online at www.caecilian.org.

Music for St Patrick’s Day –  in Drumalis on Sunday 13th March at 7:30 pm.  This will be an evening of entertainment for St Patrick’s Day in the beautiful surroundings of Drumalis in Larne.  The McAuley Traditional Singers and Players featuring a trio of harps under the direction of Loreto McAuley will perform a selection of Irish and Scottish music and there will be a fork supper.  The cost of the evening is £28 per person and admission is by pre-paid ticket only.  For further information or to book tickets, please contact Drumalis on 2827 6455/2827 2196.

Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church present ‘Noah’ – a thought provoking musical drama based on the life of Noah exploring thoughts around standing out from the crowd, sin, faith and new beginnings. The show is being performed on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th March at 7.30pm in the Jack Britton Hall at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The cost is £5 (group reductions available) with all proceeds going to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children’s project ‘Change our World’. Tickets are available from Gilnahirk Church Office on 9040 3589 or gilnahirkpres@btinternet.com  The target audience is secondary school aged youth and adults.

St. Patrick’s Day Charity Dinner Dance and Concert with ‘The Priests’  –  St. Patrick’s Parish is delighted to announce a spectacular Dinner and Dance Event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and raise much-needed funds for the Church’s Stone Restoration Fund.   The Parish will host a Dinner Dance in Titanic, Belfast on Thursday, 17th March. The evening will commence at 7.00pm with a drinks reception. This will be followed by a sumptuous three-course meal at 8.00pm. Internationally renowned singing trio ‘The Priests’ will give an after-dinner concert. Guests can then dance the night away to swing sensation ‘Dave Martin and the Casino Cats’.  Tickets are priced at £60 each. Tickets are available from the Church Sacristy after Masses and the Parish Office, Monday to Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm or by contacting the parish by phone on 9032 4597 or by email stpatricks@downandconnor.org00

Matt Talbot Pilgrimage  –  the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 2nd April. Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm. For further details and booking,  please contact Josephine O’Hagan on 9061 7116 or Mary Holden on 9442 3956.

HABITAT GALA BALL  –  for the fourth successive year Living Youth is sponsoring a Habitat team who will travel to Ethiopia in August. To help raise funds a Gala Ball will take place on Friday 22nd April in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena. Tickets £40 per person; £400 per table. Dancing to The Housem8s. Come enjoy a wonderful evening and help build hope. For more information or to reserve tickets please log on to info@habitatni.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.

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