VOL. 24 NO. 10 31ST 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
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 840, 452 & 499)
4th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 4
| Entrance Antiphon | Save us, O Lord our God! And gather us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and make it our glory to praise you. |
| 1st Reading | (Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19) I have appointed you as prophet to the nations. |
| Psalm | My lips will tell you of your help. |
| 2nd Reading | (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13) There are three things that last, faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord; no one can come to the Father except through me. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (Luke 4:21-30) Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus is not sent to the Jews only. |
| Children | Jesus tells the people that God loves everyone just the same. This makes some people angry because they think that they are more special than anyone else. |
| Communion Antiphon | Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your merciful love. O Lord, let me never be put to shame, for I call on you. |
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
| Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 6.30pm
John Doyle, Danny Barclay & Noel O’Hare |
9.30am
|
9.30am
Mary Josephine McCaffery |
9.30am
|
9.30am
|
9.30am
Anointing of the Sick |
| Confession at 6.00pm | 11.30am
|
Would those who are last to leave the Parish grounds in the evening please close the car park gates.
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
“Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful.”
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.
This Sunday we celebrate the conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation on young people of our parish. 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.
Today we pray that the Holy Spirit will come into the lives of all who are asking to be confirmed in their faith. We pray for: James Babu, Erris Boyle, Christopher Campbell, Hannah Carroll, Ryan Carson, Luke Cusick, Maja Czechowska, Tara Dawson, Rosa Gillespie, Conor Hardon, Chloe Harkin, Niamh Hatfield, Finn Hutchinson, Tom Kaimoolayail Bijo, Niall Kennedy, Katy Kernohan, Lauren MacAirt, Raphael Magdale, Killian Marshall, Aneesha Mathew, Odhrán McCallum, John McCarney, Liam McCloskey, Erin McClure, James McCourt, Anna McElroy, Mick McGuinness, Martha McKinney, Ciara McManus, Isabella McMullan, Ronan McPeake, Dominic McQuillan, Laura Mitchell, Catherine Muir, Louis Napier, Emmet O’Kane, Fionn O’Neill, Roksana Pazera, Ashleigh M Penaranda, Michael Sinclair, Ava Small, Connie Small, Katrine Swerhun, Daniel Vance, Brendan White and Kacper Zak.
“Send forth your Holy Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the Earth.”
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Begins this Sunday and ends next Sunday. 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, this Wednesday. 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 this Thursday with the children from St Joseph’s school.
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.
LENT COMMENCES WITH
ASH WEDNESDAY ON 10TH FEBRUARY
Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
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.
MARY – A Biblical Walk Through the Bible, will be presented on Friday mornings in Lent, starting on Friday 12th February, 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 The Presentation & Finding of Jesus in the Temple, The Wedding at Cana, Mary at the Cross and Mary Crowned with Glory.
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 from this weekend.
MINISTRY IN PARISH
The success of building this parish into an open and welcoming faith community is due to the work of those involved in the various parish pastoral ministries. Through serving others, they are responding to the words of Jesus “Love one another as I have loved you’. Many pastoral activities go on in a quiet way in the background and can go unnoticed.
Those who are involved in leading, coordinating and assisting, with the numerous pastoral activities, have been invited to a gathering next Saturday: 9.30am -1.00pm in the Parochial Hall, in order to acknowledge the invaluable contribution they make to the life of the parish community.
The morning will begin with refreshments and finish with a light lunch. Sean Goan will facilitate and give us his insights into the whole area of service and pastoral ministry in the context of the gospel. He hopes to encourage us personally and show how we as a parish can be a ‘Door of Mercy’ in bringing an experience of the love and mercy of Jesus to others, in this Year of Mercy.
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.
vulnerable adult training information session
Will take place in the Iona Room on this Wednesday evening 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.
PARISH FAMILY
FIRST FRIDAY – Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish this Tuesday.
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 soul of Amado Toria, who died recently. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
John Doyle, Danny Barclay, Noel O’Hare, Arthur McBrinn, Peter Duffy,
Mary Josephine McCaffery, William Neeson, Mary Neeson and Annie Price.
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 next weekend. 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.
DIOCESAN VOCATION WEEKEND
The “Door of Mercy” has been opened in this Jubilee Year of Mercy! Have you ever considered the possibility that God is calling you to be His ambassador of mercy as a priest in the Church? If so, why not take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood? This retreat will create the time and space to help you discern God’s call in your life.
The retreat will take place in Drumalis Retreat Centre, from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st February. If you wish to attend this retreat or would like further information contact: Fr. Kevin McGuckien, on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.
THIS WEEK
St.Brigid’s Crosses – this Monday is the feast of St.Brigid. St.Brigid’s crosses will be available after all Masses this weekend. Suggested donation £1. Crosses are made by the Third World Group in Downpatrick Parish. All proceeds go to Third World charities.
Apostolic Work – the next meeting of Apostolic Work will be held in the Iona Room this Tuesday evening 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 next Saturday evening 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 9029 1935.
OTHER NOTICES
4 Corners Festival Belfast – continues 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.
Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Anam Cara – are holding a Bereavement Information Evening this Wednesday evening 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 this Friday to next Sunday. 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.
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
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS – will take place in St. Matthias’ Church, Glen Road, next Saturday at 3.00pm. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions followed by Mass at 4.00pm.
Lenten Retreat Days in Dromantine. Dromantine is offering two retreat days during Lent. These will provide an opportunity to reflect and pray in the peaceful environment of Dromantine on important themes of Lent, and to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Saturday 20th Februray is conducted by Fr. Aodhán McCrystal, SMA and Saturday 12th March is conducted by Fr. Des Corrigan, SMA. Both days run from 10.00am to 5.00pm. All are welcome. For bookings ring 3082 1964 or email admin@dromantineconference.com
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.org
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