VOL. 23 NO. 41 6TH SEPTEMBER 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
23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 783, 452 & 499)
23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 3
| Entrance Antiphon | You are just, O Lord, and your judgement is right; treat your servant in accord with your merciful love. |
| 1st Reading | (Isaiah 35:4-7) The ears of the deaf shall be unsealed and the tongues of the dumb shall be loosed. |
| Psalm | My soul, give praise to the Lord. |
| 2nd Reading | (James 2:1-5) God chose the poor to be the heirs to the kingdom. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (Mark 7:31-37) He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak. |
| Children | Some people brought a man to Jesus who could not hear or speak properly. They asked Jesus to make him better. Jesus took the man to a quiet place where he put his fingers in the man’s ear and touched his tongue, saying loudly, “Open up.” At once the man could hear and speak well. Everyone was amazed. |
| Communion Antiphon | Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God; my soul is thirsting for God, the living God. |
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
| Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 6.30pm
Moya Arnold & Kitty Clarke |
9.30am
|
9.30am
Comm. Service |
9.30am
Comm. Service |
9.30am
Comm. Service |
9.30am
Comm. Service |
| 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.
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 15th September 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.
Faith and Life Convention
Bishop Treanor invites you to attend our second Faith and Life Convention on Saturday 26th September in Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock, Belfast beginning at 10.00am.
This year our Keynote Speaker will be Fr Brendan Comerford SJ. He will speak to us on the theme: What hope for faith?
In the afternoon each participant will have the opportunity to take part in two workshops from a range of twenty. The workshops fill up quickly so it’s best to book now!
Perhaps the best part of the day is the pleasure of meeting up with a great crowd of committed people from all over the Diocese and beyond!
Online booking is available at: www.faithandlifeconvention.org. Booking forms are also available in the Church Porch. We look forward to seeing you in September.
LIVING YOUTH – Are you aged 16-21? Why not register for the youth workshop and spend the day on Saturday 26th September with other young adults, from across the Diocese at the Faith & Life Convention. Find out more about your faith, discuss issues and join in the annual celebration of our faith. £5 (includes lunch and refreshments) if you register through Living Youth. For more detail or to register contact Claire at Living Youth, on 9023 2432 or email: info@livingyouthni.org.
PARISH FAMILY
BAPTISM – we welcome into the parish family Alexis Gaye Castillo, Sofia Gibson Diaz, Clara Jane Lyons and Conán Eiméid McCann who were baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.
WEDDING – our congratulations and best wishes go to Lynore Mary King and Ronan Toland who were married on Friday 28th August in St. Colmcille’s.
PARISH CENSUS – is constantly changing due to new families moving into the parish, and existing families moving homes. The parish makes a conscious effort to ensure the information we hold is correct and up to date, but we need help from all families to ensure this is done. If you have moved into the parish and have not registered, please complete a yellow census card at the back of the Church, and place in the bulletin box. If you have moved house please fill out a white card at the back of the Church, and again leave in the bulletin box. Parishioners who are moving out of the parish are asked to inform Philomena in the office when they have moved. Your co-operation in keeping our census up to date is appreciated.
THE MATER BOOK – the story of the Belfast Teaching Hospital and its Community is available in the Sacristy. Price £10
HALL BOOKINGS – Pat will be available from Monday 14th September to take bookings for the Parochial Hall.
PATHWAYS – Adult Faith Development Programme at Drumalis. Enrol now for 2015-2017 intake. Pathways is a broad-based adult faith development course which explores spirituality, theology and prayer. Now in its tenth year, Pathways is geared towards those who want to reflect about life, faith and relationships with God and others. The course takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Drumalis in Larne. No academic qualifications are necessary and there is no coursework attached. This two-year programme supported by the Diocese of Down and Connor runs from October to June each year and will be held on nine Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.30pm. For further information and booking form, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196/2827 6455, email maura@drumalis.co.uk or see the Drumalis website: www.drumalis.co.uk
MONEY MATTERS
Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.
The Monthly Stipend Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.
DECEASED
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Moya Arnold, Kitty Clarke, John McGivern, Frank Thompson and John Judge.
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.
THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY CLUB – resumes this Wednesday in the Parochial Hall from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
St. Colmcille Indoor Bowling Club – our Parish Indoor Bowling group meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for indoor bowling, supper and good craic. New members are always welcome. No previous experience is needed nor equipment. We do not play in any competitions. Our new season starts this Thursday evening. Come along for the evening and see if bowls is for you.
PARISH RETREAT AT DRUMALIS – will take place next Saturday and Sunday. For further details please ring Pat on 9067 1036. Bus will leave Church Grounds at 2.30pm
Girl Guide Brunch – St Colmcilles Girl Guide Unit are currently fund raising for their summer camp to France in 2016. Therefore they are having a brunch after both Masses next Sunday. Join us for sausages/bacon/eggs …… tea, coffee, a chat and lots more! Adults £4 and Children £2. We look forward to seeing you there.
COMING EVENTS
Scripture and Prayer Group. – our group will not meet during September. We will however, recommence regular meetings in October.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY –resumes at the 9.30am Sunday Mass. Annual registration for children takes place on Sunday 20th September after Mass in the Parochial Hall. Refreshments will be provided. All children attending the Liturgy, must wear their name badges. Leaders help to engage children in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, by simplifying the Liturgy of the Word to their needs. Leaders help them to grasp the Gospel message through activity based learning, including role play, games, discussion and song. Children should be at least 3 years old. Additional volunteer helpers are needed. Please speak to any of the Leaders.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION – evening classes are provided in the Parochial Hall, for children who are not being prepared in their school. Parents should attend on the first evening to enroll their children: First Confession and First Holy Communion preparation class begins on Tuesday 29th September at 6.00pm, class ends at 7.00pm; Confirmation students on Thursday 8th October at 6.15pm, class ends at 7.15pm. Enquiries to Noeleen 078 7949 8131
SAINT COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT
The unit caters for girls who are in Primary One and above. All sections will reopen during the month of September as follows: Cygnet section (age 5 to 6½) on Wednesday 23rd September from 6.15pm to 7.15pm; Brigin section (age 6½ to 10½) this Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8.00pm; Guide section (age 10½ to 14) this Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and Ranger section (age 14+) on Monday 14th September from 8.15pm to 9.30pm. The Unit is operated completely by female volunteers, who attend relevant training courses and we are always looking to extend our team. Anyone over the age of 18 who is willing to help us out should contact Philomena on 077 6194 3649. Training and support will be given to any new volunteer. At the end of June the unit had over 80 young people between all the sections. Please think if you can help these young people continue the experience of Guiding within St. Colmcille’s Parish. For more information please contact Philomena.
QUEEN’S UNIVERISTY CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
Email – qubcc@downandconnor.org
Website – www.qubcc.org
Twitter – @CatholicChapQUB
The Catholic Chaplaincy, 28 Elmwood Avenue, Re-opens on Monday 21st September.
Sunday Mass at 8.00pm starts 27th September.
Daily Mass at 12.15pm (12.45 during exams) from 28th September.
Come and use the Chaplaincy facilities (Corpus Christi Chapel, library, lounge and prayer room)
Trust Café –Opened from 9.30am -Free Tea & Coffee. Food served from 12.00 noon to 2.15pm. All welcome.
The Dedication of Studies Mass will be on Sunday 11th October 2015 at 8.00pm. All students, staff, family and friends welcome.
Please sign up with the Chaplaincy as part of the Online Enrolment Procedures.
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queens University Belfast, 28 Elmwood Avenue, will be open for the Undergraduate Open Days this Thursday and Friday. The Chaplaincy will also be open for the Queens University Undergraduate Family Open Day next Saturday. All Welcome. Free Tea & Coffee.
OTHER NOTICES
European Heritage Open Day – at Drumalis, Larne next Saturday from 12 noon to 4.00pm. The house and grounds will be open for all to enjoy – there will be opportunities for guided tours and afternoon teas will be served. Everyone is welcome – admission is free. For further details, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196 or 2827 6455.
A Service of Hope, Healing and Love – in the week of World Suicide Prevention Day. Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle, next Sunday at 3.00pm. This Service is for everyone, those concerned about suicide, those who may be in crisis and those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide. People of all faiths or none are welcome. Please join us in the Parish Centre afterwards for light refreshments. If anyone wishes to speak confidentially to someone who is experienced in supporting others, this will also be available.
Belfast Annual Pioneer Mass – the Annual Belfast Region Pioneer Mass will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th September in Good Shepherd Church, Ormeau Road, Belfast. Holy Rosary Pioneer Centre are celebrating their Centenary this year and this event will help to mark the occasion. If anyone wishes to be presented with gold, silver or other Pioneer emblems please contact Pat (Tel: 9262 9959), Josephine (Tel:.9061 7116) or the Diocesan Pioneer Office (Tel: 9089 4070) for details.
JOY TO THE GOSPEL – an exciting new course, focusing on the training and development of lay people to share their faith. This will be held in St. Brigid’s Hall, Derryvolgie Avenue on Saturday 19th September and Saturday 3rd October from 9.30am to 4.00pm for more information contact M Vernon on 9032 6349 or email m.vernon300@btinternet.com.
LOUGH DERG ONE DAY RETREATS – have recommenced and will continue until Sunday 20th September. For more details please see poster in Church Porch or contact Lough Derg on 00 3537 1986 1518 or email info@loughderg.org.
Weekend Centering Prayer Retreat – from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar. Bookings/Registration to Eileen on 00 3538 7601 7709, or contemplativeoutreachireland@gmail.com. Prayer Group meets every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.00pm in Tobar Mhuire.
Fund Raising Concert for Tobar Mhuire – ‘Donegal Catch’ in Concert on Friday 25th September in Tobar Mhuire featuring: Ian Smith, Jacqui Sharkey, and Jody Gallagher. For further information contact Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre on 4483 0242.
- PETER’S FOLLOWERS OF THE CROSS – annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 7th to 12th October. Spiritual Director – Rev. Patrick McCafferty. Fare – £599 per person inclusive of Belfast/Lourdes return flights, full board accommodation and all taxes. For bookings and further information please contact James Hyndman on 9032 7218, Julieanne Hughes on 9024 6901 or Jimmy Barr on 90249745.
Could you help a child in need? – Northern Ireland is currently experiencing a severe shortage of Foster Carers, and particularly carers from the Catholic Community. Kindercare Fostering is a not-for-profit organisation which works to find safe, secure and loving homes for children and young people in need in Northern Ireland. We need Foster Carers in your area! If you would be interested in finding out more about Fostering, please contact Gillian on 9094 1690, or email Gillian.devlin@kindercare.co.uk or check us out at www.kindercareni.co.uk
Retired Teachers urgently needed – one morning per week, across Belfast. The children’s special needs charity Sólás urgently needs the help of Retired Teacher Volunteers to provide 1:1 support to children, with additional educational needs, in primary schools in West, North and South Belfast. One morning per week, during term time, is required and full induction and ongoing support will be provided. Please contact Anne at Sólás on 9024 7600, or 075 1891 5430 or email anne@solasbt7.com for further details and information pack.