Author: JoeWalsh

VOL. 24 NO. 06 3^RD 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

 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY – (Page 83, 452 & 490)

Season of Christmas

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

Entrance Antiphon	When a profound silence covered all things and night was in the middle of its course, your all-powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.
1st Reading	(Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2, 8-12)  The wisdom of God has pitched her tent among the chosen people.
Psalm	The Word was made flesh, and lived among us.
2nd Reading	(Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18)  He determined that we should become his adopted sons through Jesus.
Acclamation	Alleluia, alleluia!  Glory, be to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the pagans; Glory be to you, O Christ, believed in by the world.  Alleluia!
Gospel	(John 1:1-18)  The Word was made flesh, and lived among us.
Children	Today we learn about Jesus, God the Son.  We learn how he has lived with God the Father since the beginning of time and how he was born on earth so that we could come to know and love God more.
Communion Antiphon	To all who would accept him, he gave the power to become children of God.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
6.30pm Harry McKenna	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am Rose Mary McCullagh	9.30am	9.30am Anointing of the Sick
Confession at 6.00pm	11.30am		7.00pm

WEDNESDAY IS THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY  – and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses in the Parish are on Wednesday morning at 9.30am and Wednesday evening at 7.00pm.

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

 

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.

 

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 19^th January 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

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.

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.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – who take the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound, should sign their name on the list in the Sacristy on each occasion.

Opportunity  – part time SPRED Coordinator sought to help support fellow parishioners with learning disabled in our Diocese.  Duties include providing training for our groups, giving presentations, raising awareness, recruitment, administration and planning.  15 hours per week @ £8 per hour.  For more information and to apply, please contact or send your CV to spreddc@gmail.com  Closing date for applications, 3^rd January 2016.

Lourdes 2016  –  we are currently seeking doctors (post foundation training) and nurses (on the NMC live register) to join the volunteer staff of the Diocesan Pilgrimage (11-16^thJuly 2016). For more information please email us at lourdes@downandconnor.org

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 Patrick Joseph Proctor, the grandfather of a parishioner, who died last week, and for Rose Mary McCullagh, whose month’s mind occurs this coming week.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Harry McKenna, John Graves,  Marie Kerr  and  Eileen Nelson.

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

WEDNESDAY CLUB  –  the club resumes this Wednesday.  The year kicks off with a six week programme of the very popular games with John.  Why not join us in the Iona Room each Wednesday afternoon and get fit and energetic for 2016.

COMING EVENTS

11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance  –  Plans are now very advanced for the Scout Group’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance. We have ex members and current members flying in from Seoul, Brussels, USA, Dubai, Glasgow, London, Leeds, and friends joining us from all parts of Ireland. We want all our ex members, friends and supporters to join us in celebrating our anniversary – 50 years of quality scouting in St. Colmcilles and 50 years of fun, friendship and achievement. Because we can’t contact everyone, we need your help in spreading the word. We have established a dedicated Facebook page which can be accessed via the scout troop Facebook page and details of the dinner can be seen there. Tickets at £35 are now available from Paul Browne at 9029 1935.

ST Colmcille’s Pre-school

We are holding an Open Evening this Thursday evening at 7.00pm.  Everyone welcome!

Application forms are available at www.eani.org.uk/admissions for those who wish to apply online.  Paper copies of the application form will be available to collect from the Pre-School at our open evening and until the closing date.  The deadline for submission of forms is noon on Wednesday 13th January 2016.

All children in their pre-school year are entitled to apply for a place in St Colmcille’s Pre-school.  We offer free places to 96 children and have a long-standing tradition of providing pre-school education in the area. The places are allocated according to criteria drawn up by the Management Committee of the pre-school.

We aim to provide a stimulating, happy and friendly environment where children, staff and parents can learn from and support each other.

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock  –  Open Morning next Saturday from 9.15am to 12.30pm for Year 7 Pupils and Parents.  Principal’s Address at 9.30am and 11.00am.  Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

7. MALACHY’S COLLEGE – Open nights on Wednesday 13^th and Thursday 14^th January.  Principal’s Address at 7.00pm in the College Hall.  Primary 6 pupils are welcome to attend on the Thursday night.  If coming by car, please access via Lincoln Avenue.

 

OTHER NOTICES

IRISH DANCE CLASSES  –  starting on Thursday 14^th January 2016 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall. Age 4+.  For more information or to book a place contact Nicola Oakes on 077 1892 7242 or email: leonardnicola@hotmail.com

The Live Crib in Belfast –  is now open at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast. Come along to The Grotto and meet the Holy Family, Shepherds and Kings. Also featuring: Henry and Poppy the donkeys; goats Emily, Billy and Gruff; sheep Sean and Larry; and Alpacas Chewy and Snowy. School groups, choirs and carol singers are welcome.  The crib will run until this Wednesday.  Animals arrive at 10.30am and go home at 5.00pm each day. Entrance is free. Donations to the crib will go towards Tuesday’s Child Following Yonder Star Christmas Appeal for children in Gaza, Kenya, Nigeria and child boat refugees rescued in the Mediterranean. There will be prayers each day in the crib for peace for every child, born and unborn. For further details e-mail events@tuesdayschild.org.uk or text 078 0881 4807.

ALHomecare  –  we provide live-in carers for the elderly in their own home. Our service is a lot more affordable than nursing home care. Our service costs from 350 euros per week for a live-in carer. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie.

Interested in fostering? –  Do you think you have the skills, patience and desire to support vulnerable young people- then we would like to talk to you. We are currently looking to recruit 8 foster carers in your local area. We offer a good financial package to support young people in placement. Please contact Action for Children duty social worker on 02890460500 or email:  nioffice@actionforchildren.org.uk

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9^th to 18^th August 2016.  3 Nights H/B Los Abetos Hotel Santiago, 6 Nights F/B Hotel Avenida Fatima.  Visiting Pontevedra, Tuy & Balasar.  Spiritual Directors are 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.

 

VOL. 24 NO. 05 27^TH DECEMBER 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

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH – (Page 75, 452 & 490)

Sesaon of Christmas

Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 1

Entrance Antiphon	The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manager.
1st Reading	(1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28)  Samuel is made over to the Lord for the whole of his life.
Psalm	They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord.
2nd Reading	(1 John 3:1-2, 21-24) We are called God’s children; and that is what we are.
Acclamation	Alleluia, alleluia!  Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son.  Alleluia!
Gospel	(Luke 2:41-52)  Jesus is found by his parents sitting among the doctors.
Children	Jesus went to Jerusalem with his family, to celebrate a special feast called Passover.  On the way home, Mary and Joseph realised that Jesus was not with them.  They were very worried.  Mary and Joseph hurried back to Jersualem and found Jesus in the temple listening to the teachers and asking questions.  Jesus explained that he was doing his Father’s work.
Communion Antiphon	Our God has appeared on the earth, and lived among us.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	New Year’s Day
	9.30am				12.00 noon Vera Donnelly, Jackie Quigley and   Mary Elliott
	11.30am Ted Brennan

Please note Mass on New Year’s Day

will be at 12.00 noon.

 

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

 

PARISH OFFICE AND BULLETIN

The parish office will reopen on Monday 4^th January.  

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.

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 19^th January 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

BISHOP TREANOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE  –  copies are available at the back of the Church.

DAILY MEDITATION FOR JANUARY  – 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

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.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – who take the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound, should sign their name on the list in the Sacristy on each occasion.

Opportunity  – part time SPRED Coordinator sought to help support fellow parishioners with learning disabled in our Diocese.  Duties include providing training for our groups, giving presentations, raising awareness, recruitment, administration and planning.  15 hours per week @ £8 per hour.  For more information and to apply, please contact or send your CV to spreddc@gmail.com  Closing date for applications, 3^rd January 2016.

Lourdes 2016  –  we are currently seeking doctors (post foundation training) and nurses (on the NMC live register) to join the volunteer staff of the Diocesan Pilgrimage (11-16^thJuly 2016). For more information please email us at lourdes@downandconnor.org

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                 

Weekly Offering Cash Collection and Standing Orders: £1,803.34

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 Ted Brennan, whose month’s mind occurs this weekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Ailish Hanvey,  Eilie Hughes,  Vera Donnelly,  Jackie Quigley, 

Mary Elliott  and  Harry McKenna.

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

The winners of the 7^th Parish Draw for 2015 are: Noeleen Dunn – £100, Emma Fisher – £75 & Jerome & Betty Dawson – £25.

The winners of the 8^th Parish Draw for 2015 are: Aideen & Kevin O’Neill – £100, John O’Brien – £75 & Joe Keane – £25.

The winners of the 9^th Parish Draw for 2015 are: Eoin Browne – £100, Ciara Reynolds – £75 & Artie O’Neill – £25

The winners of the 10^th Parish Draw for 2015 are: Richard Duffin – £100, Claire Dowds – £75 & Artie O’Neill – £25.

COMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY CLUB  –  the club resumes on Wednesday 6^th January.  The year kicks off with a six week programme of the very popular games with John.  Why not join us in the Iona Room each Wednesday afternoon and get fit and energetic for 2016.

11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance  –  Plans are now very advanced for the Scout Group’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance. We have ex members and current members flying in from Seoul, Brussels, USA, Dubai, Glasgow, London, Leeds, and friends joining us from all parts of Ireland. We want all our ex members, friends and supporters to join us in celebrating our anniversary – 50 years of quality scouting in St. Colmcilles and 50 years of fun friendship and achievement. Because we can’t contact everyone, we need your help in spreading the word. We have established a dedicated facebook page which can be accessed via the scout troop

VOL. 24 NO. 04 20TH DECEMBER 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

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT – (Page 45, 452 & 490)
4th Week of Advent
Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 4
Entrance Antiphon
Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let down the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.
1st Reading
(Micah 5:1-4) Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over Israel.
Psalm
God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
2nd Reading
(Hebrews 10:5-10) Here I am! I am coming to obey your will.
Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the hand maid of the Lord: let what you have said be done to me. Alleluia!
Gospel
(Luke 1:39-45) Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
Children
Mary rushed to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was having a baby too. Her baby jumped for joy when Mary arrived. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to Mary, “You are blessed and your baby is blessed. You are blessed because you believed God’s promises.”
Communion Antiphon
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Christmas Eve
Christmas
Day
6.30pm

9.30am

9.30am
Eileen Brogan
9.30am
Joseph Patrick McCullough
6.30pm
Colm McCoy
9.30am
Nora McKee
Confession at 6.00pm
11.30am
Midnight
11.00am

Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve – 6.30pm and Midnight
Christmas Morning – 9.30am and 11.00am

Please note there will be no Vigil Mass,
next Saturday, 26th December

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

PARISH OFFICE AND BULLETIN
The parish office will close this Tuesday at 12.00 noon and will reopen on Monday 4th January. Material for the bulletins on Sunday 27th December and Sunday 3rd January need to be in the parish office by 10.00am this Tuesday morning.

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. The Year of Mercy began last Tuesday.
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 19th January 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
To mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising – The Irish Catholic newspaper is publishing a special edition this week. The 40-page edition of the paper will set the context for the centenary celebrations and look at some of the neglected aspects of the celebrations, particularly: The humanitarian role of the pro-cathedral; How parishes coped with the carnage; The Catholic Faith of the leaders; The Church’s reaction to the Rising; A map of ‘Catholic Dublin’ at the time of the Rising; Insights from the archive; Reflections from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Mary Kenny, Martin Mansergh etc. and the morality of the Easter Rising.
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.
MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – who take the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound, should sign their name on the list in the Sacristy on each occasion.
Opportunity – part time SPRED Coordinator sought to help support fellow parishioners with learning disabled in our Diocese. Duties include providing training for our groups, giving presentations, raising awareness, recruitment, administration and planning. 15 hours per week @ £8 per hour. For more information and to apply, please contact or send your CV to spreddc@gmail.com Closing date for applications, 3rd January 2016.
Lourdes 2016 – we are currently seeking doctors (post foundation training) and nurses (on the NMC live register) to join the volunteer staff of the Diocesan Pilgrimage (11-16thJuly 2016). For more information please email us at lourdes@downandconnor.org
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 Christmas Voluntary Collection will be taken up at all Christmas Masses.

DECEASED
We pray for the repose of the souls of Lourdes Mistelro and Joseph Patrick McCullough, who died recently. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Colm McCoy, Winnie McCallan, Bernard Murray, Eileen Brogan and Nora McKee.
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.

ADVENT
TAP Christmas Gift Cards – Shop Early for Christmas! The Annual Tanzanian Africa Project (TAP) Christmas Gift Cards, in support of our twinned parish in Moita Bwawani Tanzania, will be available from this weekend and all the weekends of Advent. Attractive Christmas Gift Cards for School Uniforms (£10), Sponsor a Catechist (£10) and Mother and Baby Care (£20) will be available in the Porch after each of the Masses during the season of Advent. We look forward to your usual generous support for this fundraising event.
TROCAIRE GIFTS – buy a Trocaire gift and make a lot more people happy. Booklets regarding this year’s Trocaire gifts are available at the back of the Church. For more
information log on to www.trocaire.org/gifts or call 080 0912 1200. “A gift works like a talisman for one who holds it: it brings prosperity at every turn.” Proverbs 17:8. Trocaire gifts have helped thousands of people in the developing world improve their lives and prosper despite being denied opportunity and suffering injustice at every turn.
LIVING YOUTH – Come and join us for our third Monthly Diocesan Youth Mass on this Sunday at 5.00 pm (Confessions and Music Practice from 4.30pm) in Holy Family Church, Newington Avenue.  Refreshments after in the Church Gathering Space.  All welcome.

COMING EVENTS
11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance – Plans are now very advanced for the Scout Group’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance. We have ex members and current members flying in from Seoul, Brussels, USA, Dubai, Glasgow, London, Leeds, and friends joining us from all parts of Ireland. We want all our ex members, friends and supporters to join us in celebrating our anniversary – 50 years of quality scouting in St. Colmcilles and 50 years of fun friendship and achievement. Because we can’t contact everyone, we need your help in spreading the word. We have established a dedicated facebook page which can be accessed via the scout troop facebook page and details of the dinner can be seen there. Tickets at £35 are now available from Paul Browne at 9029 1935.

SCHOOL INFORMATION
Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock – Open Morning on Saturday 9th January 2016 from 9.15am to 12.30pm for Year 7 Pupils and Parents. Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am. Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

REPORTS
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – our fourth and last collection in local shops raised £834.39 in Tesco Express. A truly magnificant sum making a total of £2,064.90 from our four collections. Particular thanks to our volunteers, where collecting took place in the most awful conditions. And thanks again to Tesco Express, The Spar, Asda Dundonald and Super Value Kings Square and to their extremely generous customers.

OTHER NOTICES
IRISH DANCE CLASSES – starting on Thursday 14th January 2016 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall. Age 4+. For more information or to book a place contact Nicola Oakes on 077 1892 7242 or email: leonardnicola@hotmail.com
NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice Charity Concert – Laganside Sinfonia. Join us on 29th December in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast at 7.30pm with music by Rachmaninov, Sarasate and Marquez, as well as a few seasonal carols and mystery encores! Entry is free, with a retiring collection in aid of NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice Charity Concert.
The Live Crib in Belfast – is now open at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast. Come along to The Grotto and meet the Holy Family, Shepherds and Kings. Alsofeaturing: Henry and Poppy the donkeys; goats Emily, Billy and Gruff; sheep Sean and Larry; and Alpacas Chewy and Snowy. School groups, choirs and carol singers are welcome.  The crib will run until 6th January 2016. Animals arrive at 10.30am and go home at 5.00pm each day. Entrance is free. Donations to the crib will go towards Tuesday’s Child Following Yonder Star Christmas Appeal for children in Gaza, Kenya, Nigeria and child boat refugees rescued in the Mediterranean. There will be prayers each day in the crib for peace for every child, born and unborn. For further details e-mail events@tuesdayschild.org.uk or text 078 0881 4807.
ALHomecare – we provide live-in carers for the elderly in their own home. Our service is a lot more affordable than nursing home care. Our service costs from 350 euro per week for a live-in carer. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie.
Interested in fostering? – Do you think you have the skills, patience and desire to support vulnerable young people- then we would like to talk to you. We are currently looking to recruit 8 foster carers in your local area. We offer a good financial package to support young people in placement. Please contact Action for Children duty social worker on 02890460500 or email:  nioffice@actionforchildren.org.uk
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 are 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.