4th October 2015

VOL. 23 NO. 45  4TH OCTOBER 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

 

27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 799, 452 & 499)

27th Week in Ordinary Time 

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 3

Entrance Antiphon Within your will, O Lord, all things are estabished, and there is none that can resist your will.  For you have made all things, the heaven and the earth, and all that is held within the circle of heaven; you are the Lord of all.
1st Reading (Genesis 2:18-24)  They become one body.
Psalm May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.
2nd Reading (Hebrews 2:9-11) The one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  Your word is truth, O Lord, consecrate us in the truth.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Mark 10:2-16)  What God has united, man must not divide.
Children Jesus teaches us about marriage.  He said that God joins a man and woman together when they get married.  God wants us to live in love.  The disciples were worried that Jesus was tired and told people to take their children away.  But Jesus blessed them and told his friends that his kingdom belongs to children.
Communion Antiphon The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the soul that seeks him.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Bobby Devine

 9.30am

Alice Johnston

 9.30am

Special Intention

 9.30am

Special Intention

 9.30am

 

 9.30am

Anointing of the Sick
Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

Stella Keane & Noreen Alford Smith

        

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 20th October 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.

 

REFUGEE CRISIS: WANT TO HELP?

There will be a special Parish “Fund for Food Aid” collection next weekend at all Masses.  This proceeds from the collection will be divided between St. Vincent de Paul and Trocaire.

The Down & Connor Refugee Response team set up by Bishop Treanor is asking Parishes across the Diocese to help in the following ways:

  • We are asking people to pray personally, at home and in the parish for a resolution to the social, political and other causes giving rise to the refugee crisis;
  • The most urgent need is money to buy food in those places where the refugees are now. Please consider holding a special Parish ‘Funds for Food Aid’ collection. The proceeds of this special collection will be divided between SVP and Trócaire who are both working on the ground with refugees in different parts of Europe and the Middle East. SVP are also helping refugees from the region already living in the Diocese;
  • Please donate any clothes, furniture, baby slings, toiletries, tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment (no gas canisters or food) you can to your nearest Vincent’s shop (details online atsvp.ie);
  • Contact your local Parish SVP volunteers to offer even a small amount of your spare time to SVP and SVP Youth to help sort out the clothes and other goods being donated, and;
  • contact your parish with details of any non shared property you have that you would be willing to make available on a short to medium term basis for incoming refugees.

While thanking those who are willing to offer space in their own home, the refugee specialists on the Diocesan team have advised that spare rooms with local families are not likely to be required at this stage. The Diocese is in contact with local government to establish when refugees will begin to arrive and what additional needs they may have once they are here. It is clear that the most important thing they will need is to experience a warm and hospitable welcome from local parishes and other communities. The Diocesan Refugee Response team will be in touch with further details and recommendations over coming weeks. Thank you for your generosity and support.

SHOE BOX APPEAL – you are invited to participate in this scheme, to give a gift-filled shoe box to a disadvantaged child this Christmas. Deadline for donating boxes is Sunday 1st November. Please leave your filled shoe box in the Church porch or Sacristy.

Cleaner required –  for the Parochial Hall.Three hours per week.  Applications  forms are available from Philomena in the Parish Office.  Closing date for completed application is Monday 19th October.

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Orla Catherine Maguire who was baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.

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 the repose of the souls of Nora McKee, Gerry Gillan and Alice Johnston, who died recently and for Noreen Alford Smith, whose month’s mind occurs this weekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Bobby Devine,  Stella Keane, Clement J Haan,  Gertrudes Ruales and Joaquin Ruales

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  – the first meeting of Apostolic Work will be held in the Iona Room  this Tuesday evening at 8.00pm.   New members are always welcome!

CONFIRMATION 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: Confirmation students should attend this Thursday evening at 6.15pm, class ends at 7.15pm. Enquiries to Noeleen 078 7949 8131.

CAMEL RACING & DISCO  –  will take place this Friday evening in the Parochial Hall, doors open at 7.30pm.  First Race at 8.00pm sharp!  It’s very similar to the Night at the Races but if you chose, it can be more hands on!  Bring your own refreshments.  Music will be on until 12.30am.  It’s guaranteed to be a great night out.  Tickets are only £5 per person and will be available to purchase from Roisin McMullan 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463 or after all Masses this weekend. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

COMING EVENTS

AN INSIGHT INTO SEEKING ASYLUM IN NORTHERN IRELAND  –  a talk will be given by Margaret McNulty, Information Officer for Embrace on Monday 12th October in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm.  Embrace is a group of Christians from different denominations whose primary role it to provide information and resources for Churches and individuals in order to make Northern Ireland a more welcoming place for minority – ethnic people.   In view of the Syrian Crisis this is a most relevant talk by an expert in ths field.

 

Cherishing Life – Accepting Death

Day for Life – is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to celebrating and upholding the dignity of human life.  This year’s ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated in Ireland this Sunday and focuses on End of Life decisions.  The theme is Cherishing Life – Accepting Death.  Prayer Cards are available at the back of the Church.   For further information please visit the website www.dayforlife.org

 

PARISH FAMILY

“Come and See” Day  – in St. Malachy’s Seminary, on Saturday 17th October from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Why not explore it further and come along to the “Come and See” day. This event will provide you with an opportunity to visit our Diocesan Seminary, to meet those young men who are studying for the priesthood and to spend time in prayer and reflection.  If you’re interested in coming to this event, please contact Father Kevin McGuckien (Vocations Director) – by email at kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com or on 9061 4567.

THE ROSARY – is traditionally attributed to St Dominic. The month of October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily due to the fact that the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on October 7th  – this Wednesday. Originally the rosary had 150 beads, the same number of psalms in the Bible. In the twelfth century, religious orders recited together the 150 Psalms – the Divine Office. Those people who didn’t know how to read wanted to share in this practice, so praying on a string of 150 beads or knots began as a parallel to praying the Psalms. The 150 “Hail Marys” were subsequently subdivided into 15 decades by a young Dominican friar and then further divided into the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries to help us meditate on the significant episodes in the history of salvation.  In the 20th century the addition of the Fatima Prayer to the end of each decade became more common. There were no other changes until 2002 when John Paul II instituted five optional new Luminous Mysteries, focusing on the public ministry of Jesus. Rosaries and leaflets, showing us how to pray the Rosary, are available in the Church porch

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

JOHN PAUL 11  AWARD – enables young adults to become more actively involved in the life of their  parish and community. It is open to students currently in Year 13 (6th year). As well as the feeling of personal achievement that they will gain from taking part in the award, participation will help to show future employers and educators that they can make an on-going commitment to a task. Commitment to the Award is for 16 months, during which time, each young person registers 20 sessions or activities in their parish and 20 sessions or activities in their community or with a charitable or social justice organization.  Application forms from Noeleen 078 7949 8131 or email colmcilleyouth@yahoo.co.uk

LIVING YOUTH  –  ‘Light the Blue Touchpaper’. If you are 18+ and would like to join us for our latest programme which includes music, speakers, debate, visits and pizza why not join us for our Monday evening sessions.  Starts Monday 2nd November at 6.00pm, ring Living Youth to book your place on 9023 2432

LIVING YOUTH – Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia Team 2016: Following our successful Habitat for Humanity projects over the past three years Living Youth is excited to announce recruitment for another youth team due to travel to Ethiopia next summer. Provisional dates: 8th to 22nd  August 2016.  Applicants should be 18 years or over and all team members will be expected to contribute to the cost of the trip as well as engage in an extensive fundraising campaign. The budget for this trip is £2,000 p/p. This includes a non-refundable deposit, travel, in-country expenses and a £600 minimum donation to Habitat’s work. To register or get more information visit: www.habitatni.co.uk, call 9263 5635 or email gv@habitatni.co.uk

 

REPORTS

  1. COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT – its hard to believe that one month of the Guiding year is now over. All sections are now up and running, and what a busy September it has been.  Our year started by hosting a Brunch after the Sunday Masses.  This was a great social occasion, which raised £500 towards the Unit’s trip to France in 2016.  The Ranger section has completed an accredited Drug Awareness Course.  Representatives from the Guide Unit attended Croke Park last Saturday, where Sophie Cannet, Cerys Maxwell and Ella Stacey received their Chief Commissioner’s Award.  A display is in the porch of the Church this weekend, illustrating the work required to complete the Chief Commissioner’s Award and the girls’ projects.  Congratulations to our Guide Section, who are the only Unit in Ireland, to have had recipents in every year for this award.

 

OTHER NOTICES

ANNUAL LEGION OF MARY ROSARY PROCESSION –  will take place this Sunday afternoon. The procession leaves St John’s Church, Falls Road at 3.00pm and will process to St. Michael’s Church where there will be a short service of Benediction.  Refreshments available afterwards.  Rosary beads and leaflets provided.  All welcome.  Please gather at 2.45pm.

THE PARENTING CHILDREN COURSE  –  for those parenting 0 to 10 year olds.  For 5 Tuesday evenings (this Tuesday & 20th October, 3rd, 17th & 24th November) at 7.30pm in Knock Presbyterian Church.  Topics include: building strong foundations, love in action, setting boundaries, building character and our long term aim.  To register or find out more information contact Jacqui on 078 4092 4505 or njemphrey@knockpresbyterian.co.uk.

Charity Premiere of Sunset Boulevard  –  St. Patrick’s Choral Society in association with the Stuck for Words Campaign are bringing the Irish Premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard to the Grand Opera House, Belfast from this Wednesday  to next Sunday to raise funds for 4 local brain injury charities (CRY, Brain Injury Matters, Mind Yourself Your Mate, Declan McMullan Fund). The show features Mark McMullan, who appeared on the Nolan show and RTE’s Late Late Show, following his brother being left with Locked In syndrome. Tickets are now on sale via the www.goh.co.uk or by calling 9024 1919.

Dr Michael Downey – will give a talk whose title is: Mission, Mercy, Margins: Hallmarks of the Ministry of Pope Francis, on Tuesday 13th October, at 7.30pm, in Holy Cross Monastery (Rostrevor Co. Down).

YOUTH 2000  –  invites all young adults between ages of 16 to 35 to a Catholic weekend retreat taking place from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October at Lough Derg.  This will be an exciting weekend attracting over 150 young people from all over the country.   The weekend is being organised by young people for young people.  Parental consent is essential for all those under 18.  Al meals are provided for and accommodation is on site.  Don’t let money be an obstacle; just bring any donation and a sleeping bag.  Newcomers very welcome.  For more details phone 075 9887 6339 or visit www.youth2000.ie.

Apostolic Work Ceili  –  Antrim Ceili Club invite you to a Ceili Night on Saturday 17th October in St Joseph’s Parish Centre, 56 Greystone Road, Antrim BT 1JZ.  Dancing to Raymond Loney Ceili Band from 9.30pm to 12.30am.  Admission £5 (inc supper).  Proceeds in aid of Apostolic Work.  Come along and enjoy a good night’s craic whilst helping to raise funds for this worthy cause.

Josef Locke: A Grand Adventure  –  a unique piece of music theatre by Felicity McCall exploring Josef Locke’s life, music and legacy by The Playhouse Derry will be presented at The Lyric Theatre Belfast from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November. For further information contact the Box Office on 9038 1081 or www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.

A Concert by Candlelight –  to be given by the Irish Harp Orchestra in collaboration with the combined choirs of St. Patrick’s Parish, Belfast and Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch.  The ensemble will perform an orchestral-choral suite, Brian Boru, the Lion of Ireland, and will be directed by the suite’s composer, renowned harpist, Dr Janet Harbison.  The concert will be performed by candlelight in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, one of Belfast’s most beautiful and historic churches.  Do join the priests and people of St. Patrick’s, on Saturday 24th October, at 8.30pm for what promises to be an enchanting evening of music and song.  Admission is free and a retiring collection in aid of the Church’s Restoration Project will be taken up.

Hidden Pearls  –  is a retreat day, on Saturday 24th October, for people with learning disabilities, their friends, families and carers.  Led by Maria Garvey and Jillian Gould, it will be a time to recognize and celebrate people’s gifts through sharing stories, music, dance and art.   The day will begin at 9.00am with registration and end at 4.45pm and costs £40 per person or £70 when two people book together.   For further information or to book please contact Drumalis on 2827 6455 or 2827 2196.

Beginning Experience –  is a peer ministry to the bereaved, separated and divorced, based within the Family Ministry of the Diocese of Down and Connor. We are offering a Residential Weekend from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October at Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, Larne.  The loss of a partner through death, separation or divorce is devastating. To find out more, contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 075 4207 0835.