VOL. 23 NO. 49 1ST NOVEMBER 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
FEAST OF ALL SAINTS – (Page 1030 & 452)
31st Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 3
| Entrance Antiphon | Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honour of all the Saints, at whose festival the Angels rejoice and praise the Son of God. |
| 1st Reading | (Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14) I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language |
| Psalm | Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord. |
| 2nd Reading | (1 John 3:1-3) We shall see God as he really is. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdneed, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (Matthew 5:1-12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. |
| Children | Jesus went up a hill and spoke to the crowds. He told everyone that it is important to: be a person who needs God; be gentle; be sad sometimes; be a person who knows the right thing to do; be kind; be loving; be peaceful; be honest; be a strong person. Jesus said these things will make us happy and bring happiness to others. |
| Communion Antiphon | Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. |
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
| Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 6.30pm
Leo McCarney |
9.30am
Chris Graham |
9.30am | 9.30am
Therese Carville |
9.30am
Comm. Service |
9.30am
|
9.30am
Anointing of the Sick |
| Confessions at 6.00pm | 11.30am
Mary Duffin |
FEAST OF THE HOLY SOULS – is this Monday and Mass will be celebrated at 9.30am.
Would those who are last to leave the Parish grounds in the evening please close the car park gates.
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SOULS – during the month of November Mass will be celebrated each day for the repose of the souls of those deceased whose names have been included in the November Dead Lists. Lists are available at the rear of the Church. If you wish to donate an offering for the Masses, please include it with the List in the envelope provided. Completed Lists can be placed in the collection baskets or in the box at the rear of the Church.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH FAMILY – will be celebrated on Tuesday 17th November at 7.00pm. This is an opportunity for our parish family to pray for our own deceased relatives and friends as well as the deceased members of our parish who have prayed with us and celebrated the liturgy with us throughout the years.
Annual Mass for Deceased Pioneers – the Annual Mass for deceased members of the Pioneer Association will take place at 7.30pm this Wednesday in Good Shepherd Church, Ormeau Road, Belfast. All Pioneers and friends are warmly invited to attend this special occasion.
November Pledge – please consider taking the November Pledge to be alcohol-free and offer this up for the benefit of the Holy Souls and to help an addicted friend. For further information, please contact Ian at the Diocesan Pioneer Office, 68 Berry Street, Belfast or phone 9089 4070.
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 24th November 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 FAMILY
FIRST FRIDAY – Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish this Tuesday.
DAILY MEDITATION FOR NOVEMBER – copies of “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the Church. Price £2.25 each, please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes
BAPTISM – we welcome into the parish family Robin Aidan Carlin, Lana Gillespie, Gabriel Greer and Michaela Grace McMath who were baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.
PERMANENT DIACONATE – the Diocese initiated training for the Permanent Diaconate two years ago and twelve men have completed their Preparatory Year and are in their second year of formation. Preparations are under way to begin another Preparatory Year in 2016. Men, between 35 and 60 years of age who would like to consider the Permanent Diaconate should contact Father Alan McGuckian at the Living Church Office for more information and an application form. Phone 9096 0920, or email livingchurch@downandconnor.org. Completed applications should be returned to the Living Church on or before the 30th November 2016.
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.
The Monthly Stipend Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.
DECEASED
We pray for the repose of the soul of Mary Duffin, the mother of a parishioner who died during the week. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Leo O’Reilly and Chris Graham.
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
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 this Monday at 6.00pm, ring Living Youth to book your place on 9023 2432
- COMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT – will hold their Annual General Meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm for all parents, and any parishioners who may wish to find out more about the Guide Unit in the parish.
UNITY PILGRIMS – it is a tradition in St Colmcille’s that on Remembrance Sunday, next Sunday, we visit the other Christian Churches in the Belmont Area – a list of which is at the back of the Church together with the times of their Remembrance Day Services. If you can therefore attend one of these services please put your name on the list in the space provided.
ANNUAL UNITED PEACEMAKING SERVICE – will be held in Belmont Presbyterian Church next Sunday at 7.00pm. The topic will be “Can we have peace without forgiveness?”
COMING EVENTS
vulnerable adult training information session – at St Oliver Plunkett’s on Wednesday 11th November 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. 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.
Clothes Donation – it’s approaching another New Year. Are you doing a clear out – if so, the Guide Unit are interested in your old clothes. On the Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November you can leave any unwanted/old clothes after all Masses to the Den. We will be recycling them via the recycling clothes points. Any funds made from this will go towards our summer camp to France 2016. Thank you in anticipation!
Jeff Cavins coming to the Waterfront Hall – in the last few years many people in Ireland have done Jeff Cavins’ Quick Journey through the Bible. Participants found that it gave them new insight into the overall shape of the Bible story and filled many gaps in their understanding. Saturday 21st November will give those who have done the Quick Journey an opportunity to hear Jeff speak in person. He will give his audience an enhanced appreciation of key moments in our faith story and its challenge and relevance for our lives today. For those who feel they are beginners in relation to the Bible the day will be an attractive exposure to some of the great themes of our Catholic faith. With a full programme including prayer and music it will be a day not to be missed. People will leave the Waterfront with an appetite for further exploration and pointers for how that can be facilitated in their own community. Tickets can be booked directly through the Waterfront box office on 9033 4455 or www.waterfront.co.uk
Advent Family Weekend in Corrymeela – from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November. Why not join our neighbours from Gilnahirk and fellow parishioners in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of Corrymeela for a weekend of conversation, craic and relaxing walks on the beach or the forest, liberally interspersed with tea, coffee and home-made scones or biscuits? For more information please contact John Barry 078 4072 8477, email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk or Paula Sheils 075 9033 1477, email paula.sheils@hotmail.co.uk or Mary Walsh on 9029 5795.
Reunion Dinner – to mark the 50th anniversary since the re start of the Scouts in the parish, a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance has been arranged for the 6th February 2016 in the Stormont Hotel. All ex members of the Group, leaders and committee people are invited to attend, as are all parents and supporters. The Scout Group has been an integral part of the youth provision in St. Colmcilles Parish during good and bad times and it’s fitting that we celebrate the continued success of the Group. Please let family members no longer living in the parish know of this event. A dedicated Facebook page will be developed and further details about the reunion will be given as they become available.
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 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.
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
Camel Night – well we had another successful night when the camels came to St Colmcille’s earlier this month! The social and fundraising committee was delighted to welcome new parishioners to this event and hope even more people will attend future events so we can build on our already strong community and raise some much needed funds for the Parish. We thank everyone who supported this fun and indeed very competitive (!) evening and we are thrilled to report a profit was made of £640.
OTHER NOTICES
Christmas Pioneer Gifts – Sacred Heart Calendars and Diaries for 2016 as well as Christmas cards are available from the Diocesan Pioneer Office, 68 Berry Street, Belfast Phone – 9089 4070.
STRESS CONROL – a free 6 week Stress Management Programme. Monday evenings, in Skainos Centre , Newtownards Road from 6.30pm to 8.00pm commencing 2nd November. Tuesday evenings, in Falls Road Library from 6.30pm to 8.00pm commencing on 3rd November. Wednesday afternoons, in Linen Hall Library from 12.30pm to 1.30pm commencing on 4th November. To register interest or find out more information please contact Audrey on 9504 2689
St Agnes’ Choral Society – presents, an evening at Clonard with Guest Kate McCarney, this Friday at 8.00pm. Tickets £10 – available from Clonard reception, or pay at door. All proceeds to Northern Ireland Kidney Patients Association (NIKPA) and Clonard Pilgrimage Fund.
Loss and Blessings Day – at Tobar Mhuire, next Saturday, from 10.30am to 4.00pm. This is day of reflection and symbols, and to take time aside to reflect upon the memory of those who have gone before us, and to give thanks to those who have touched our lives. Cost £35 (includes tea/coffee and lunch). Please contact 4483 0242 to book or for more information.
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
CHORAL SINGING WORKSHOP FOR CHRISTMAS – with Loreto McAuley and David Stewart, on Saturday 14th November at Drumalis, from 10.00am to 4:30pm. This workshop is particularly useful for church/school choirs and individuals looking for material for the Christmas & Advent season. The cost for the day is £35 per person, including tuition, refreshments and lunch. For further details or to book a place, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196 or 2827 6455. Booking forms are also available on the Drumalis website www.drumalis.co.uk.
KNOCK ALL NIGHT VIGIL – buses will depart from King Street and Kennedy Way on Monday 7th December at 3.00pm returning to Belfast on Tuesday 8th December at 12.00 noon. Price £40, this includes dinner and breakfast. To book please call into the Pilgrim Shop, 14 King Street, Belfast or phone 9031 1652. £10 deposit required. Vigil starts at 11.00pm and consists of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Benedicition and finished with Mass at 4.00am
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.