29th March 2015

VOL. 23 NO. 18  29TH MARCH 2015

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.  191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

St.  Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk   Phone – 9065 0039

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

PALM SUNDAY – (Page 186 & 493)

Holy Week

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

Entrance

Antiphon

Six days before the Passover, when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet him; in their hands they carried palm branches and with a loud voice cried out:  Hosanna in the highest!  Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!  O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors.  Let him enter, the king of glory!  Who is this king of glory?  He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.  Hosanna in the highest!  Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!
1st Reading (Isaiah 50:4-7)  I did not cover my face against insult – I know I shall not be shamed.
Psalm My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
2nd Reading (Philippians 2:6-11) He humbled himself, but God raised him high.
Acclamation Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory:  Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.  But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names.  Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory.
Gospel (Mark 14:1-15:47)   The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
Children Jesus shared a special meal with his disciples.  He blessed bread and wine and said it was his body and blood.  Jesus knew that Judas would turn against him. He also knew that his friend Peter would let him down.  Peter didn’t believe him and said he would always stand up for Jesus.  After supper Jesus and his friends went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray.  Soliders carrying weapons came and arrested Jesus.  The chief priest questioned Jesus and decided that he deserved to die.  Peter was waiting in the courtyard outside.  When Peter heard a cock crow for the second time he realised that Jesus had been right and felt sad.  Jesus was whipped and beaten.  He had a crown made of thorns put on his head and was led away to be crucified.
Communion

Antiphon

Father, if this chalice cannot pass without my drinking it, your will be done.    

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Holy Thursday Good Friday
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.30pm  
Anne O’Keeffe Eammon Conway John Coyle
11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
Danny Acton & Francis & Isa Quigley

 

Could 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 Wednesday at 1.00pm and will reopen on Monday 13th April.   Material for the bulletins on Easter Sunday and Sunday 12th April needs to be in the parish office by 10.00am this Wednesday morning.

THE PARISH LITURGY FOR HOLY WEEK

PALM SUNDAY  –  Holy Week begins with the Blessing of Palms and the Solemn Procession to commemorate the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem which takes place before the 11.30am Mass on Sunday morning.  Palms will also be blessed at the Vigil Mass and the 9.30am Mass.  Holy Week is a time for the whole parish family to come together as a faith community and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

MONDAY                               Masses at 7.15am and 9.30am.

Parish Passover Seder Meal at 7.30pm.

TUESDAY                              Masses at 7.15am and 9.30am.

WEDNESDAY                       Masses at  7.15am 9.30 am.

HOLY THURSDAY             If anyone has any daffodils in their garden and would like them to be used for decorating the Church on Holy Thursday, please leave them in the Church porch by 10.00am on Holy Thursday Morning.

                                                  Parishioners are invited to join the Bishops, Priests and Laity of the Diocese for the Mass of Chrism which will be celebrated in St. Peter’s at 11.00am.

The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at 7.30pm.

Night Prayer of the Church at 9.15pm

GOOD FRIDAY                    Good Friday (a day of fast and abstinence)

The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm.

Good Friday                          Stations of the Cross have been prepared by young people of the parish, and will take place on Friday at 7.30pm. A collection for Catholics in the Holy Land will be taken up at both ceremonies.

HOLY SATURDAY             The Easter Vigil at 9.00 pm

EASTER SUNDAY               Mass in St. Colmcille’s at 9.30 am & 11.30 am

Mass in Ulster Hospital at 10.45 am.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD  –  notes and commentaries for the readings on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil are now available from the Sacristy after Mass.  If you are reading at any of the ceremonies, please collect your copy after Mass this weekend.   Copies of the Passion for Good Friday are available from the Sacristy.

 

PENITENTIAL SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

This Sunday (Palm Sunday)           St. Colmcille’s                                 3.00pm

Monday evening                                St. Bernadette’s Parish                   7.30pm

Tuesday evening                               Holy Rosary Parish                         7.30pm

Wednesday evening                          Drumbo and Carryduff Parish      7.30pm

PARISH FAMILY

FIRST FRIDAY – Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish during the coming week.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – please volunteer for Holy Week ceremonies and Easter weekend Masses, by writing your name on the sheet on the notice board in the porch, or by texting / emailing  Noeleen 078 7949 8131 or colmcilleyouth@yahoo.co.uk

WALK WITH ME BOOKS – An Eastertide Journey of Prayer for 2015, are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in paper box beside Confessional.

DAILY MEDITATION FOR EASTER  –  copies of the “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1, please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

Parent & Toddler Group Needs Help  –  a few volunteers are needed urgently to help with running the Parent & Toddler group.  If you have a couple of hours to spare on Wednesday mornings, please think about spending it with this lovely group of children and their friendly parents, grandparents and carers.  The group offers an invaluable service to young families but cannot continue without some more help.   Please contact Elizabeth on 077 2978 2471 if you would like any more details.

LIVING YOUTH – Music Ministry Day with DCF on Saturday 25th April in St Bernadette’s Parish, Belfast.  £15.00 per person.  Contact Living Youth to register:  info@livingyouthni.org or phone 9023 2432.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £570 in hotel or £450 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £625; Youth Team (Age 16-25) – 8th-17th £520.  For more information see the poster in Church Porch or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email dcpilgrimage@gmail.com

MONEY MATTERS                        

Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.

The Easter Voluntary Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin on Sunday 12th April.  New boxes of envelopes, will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend.  If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please leave your name, address and telephone number in the bulletin box and Philomena will be in contact with you during the coming week.

TROCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish this Sunday.  After Sunday, boxes may be left in the parish office or returned through the Offertory collection baskets at Mass.  It would be appreciated if any small coins could be changed to larger denominations.  All cheques should be made payable to Saint Colmcille’s Parish.

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Conrado Santos and Eammon Conway, who died recently and for Anne O’Keeffe, whose months mind occurs this weekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Danny Acton,  Francis Quigley,  Isa Quigley,  Norman Fusco,  Jim Norton,  Edward Hassan,  Jane Connor,  John Connor,  John Coyle,  Monica Hassan  and  Wilfred G Gibson.

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.

 

PARISH DRAW

Don’t worry it is not too late to enter this year, members of the Parish Social & Fundraising Committee will be at the back of the Church after all Masses this weekend to sign you up. For those who have already purchased their tickets please speak to a member of the committee this weekend to receive your tickets.   If you need any more information you can contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463 or any member of the Social & Fundraising Committee.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.

THIS WEEK

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME – the Sacramental Preparation Programme for those children who are about to receive First Holy Communion, will be held at the 9.30am Mass this Sunday.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place this Sunday morning after the 9.30am Mass.  The theme of the final short talk is ‘Is Faith Possible Today.’

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm this Monday evening, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend.

PARISH BREAKFAST – this Wednesday morning at 10.00am.  If you would like to attend please sign your name on the sheet at the back of the Church and tick your choice of breakfast.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – liturgy for Good Friday is being prepared by young people in the parish. There will be a practice this Wednesday at 6.00pm in the Church. Contact Noeleen on 078 7949 8131 or colmcilleyouth@yahoo.co.uk

 

COMING EVENTS

GIFT 2 – Growing in Faith Together, is an activity based programme of 6 sessions for year 9 and year 10 students. It will commence on Wednesday 15th April in the Iona Room, Parochial Hall from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. Contact Noeleen on  078 7949 8131  or colmcilleyouth@yahoo.co.uk

Concert   –  by St.Colmcille’s Choir, St. Joseph’s Primary School & the Sing for Life Choir will be singing an extravaganza of contemporary & familiar songs on Friday 17th April at 7.30pm  in St. Colmcille’s Church, to raise funds jointly for Cancer Focus NI and our own Parish. Light refreshments included in the Parochial Hall afterwards.  Tickets £10, Children 11-17 £5, Children under 11 Free. Please put the date in your diary now.  Not to be missed!

 

REPORTS

  1. VINCENT DE PAUL – wishes to express their sincere thanks to our parishioners who contributed so generously to our appeal for the Larder which concludes this weekend.  The Rev. Adrian McCartney wishes on behalf of the Larder to also thank you and our wonderful children from St. Joseph’s who also contributed hugely every week.

 

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN LONDON

The Outreach Mission of the Philippine Embassy in London will be present in the Parochial Hall on Saturday 11th April from 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sunday 12th April from 9.30am to 12.00 noon.  Contact details for on site arrangements are Katrina Albarico – 077 9678 7513 and Vhee Benasa – 078 2809 5361.  The following services will be offererd: e-passport applications; Civil registration (reports of birth, marriage or death); Notarization and Legalization services (affidavits, SPAs, etc); NIB clearance form servicing (fingerprinting); Acceptance of application for visa to the Philippines; Philippine citizenship Retention/Re-acquistion; Overseas voter registration; Assistance to nationals and Advice on Philippine laws’ PAGIBIG membership/inquiries and SSS membership/inquiries.  Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirments at www.philembassy-uk.org and to download the applications forms in advance from the same website.

 

OTHER NOTICES

St. Malachy’s College Annual Concert  –  on Sunday 19th April at 4.00pm  in the Ulster Hall.  Adults £10, Concession £8, Family(4) £30. Tickets available from College Reception  on 9074 8285.

Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration  –  third All Ireland pilgrimage to Knock, on Sunday 26th April.  Buses will be available for this event. £15 return.  To book your seat phone or text 077 3828 2199.

Catholic Singles – is an organisation which helps single adult Catholics of all ages meet, either one to one or through social events. Please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk

 

22nd March 2015

VOL. 23 NO. 17  22ND MARCH 2015

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.  191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

St.  Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk   Phone – 9065 0039

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT– (Page 159, 493 & 121)

5th Week of Lent

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

Entrance

Antiphon

Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless.  From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.
1st Reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34)  I will make a new covenant and never call their sin to mind.
Psalm A pure heart create for me, O God.
2nd Reading (Hebrews 5:7-9) He learnt to obey and became the source of eternal salvation.
Acclamation Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!  If a man serves me, says the Lord, he must follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too.   Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Gospel (John 12:20-33)   If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.
Children Jesus knew that he was going to suffer.  He reminded his friends that when a grain of wheat dies it goes into the ground and produces new grains.  Jesus wanted everything he did to be for God.  He prayed to God, his Father.  Then a voice spoke from heaven.  The people who heard the voice thought it was thunder, or an angel.
Communion

Antiphon

Amen, Amen I say to you:  Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain.  But if it dies, it bears much fruit.    

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am
11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
Gerry O’Flaherty & Antonio Fusco Bernard Neeson Kathleen Davey Anointing of the Sick

 

 

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

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.You are invited to make a Lenten commitment to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on one or more occasion, by adding your name to the Adoration timetable on the clipboard at the back of the Church.

THE GIFT  – An inspiring and practical series aimed at people of all ages to help them encounter the Holy Spirit and empower them to share their faith.  Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am this Friday morning, in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments. The final session in the series is ‘Living in the Spirit”.

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will conclude next Sunday after the 9.30am Mass.  Everyone is welcome for free refreshments in the Hall. Children are invited to the Iona room for activities. The theme of the final short talk is ‘Is Faith Possible Today’

TROCAIRE FAST BOXES  –  are available in the foyer of the Church.

SACRED SPACE – ‘One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’. (Matthew 4:4) Let us open our hearts to God’s holy word in scripture, for each of us personally, as we journey through this season of Lent. The purple cloth reminds us of the journey, with our offerings to God of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes symbolize our penance and contrition. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. The candle is the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to developing our personal relationship with Jesus, by placing a stone in the desert oasis.

MATCHED FUNDING FOR TROCAIRE LENTEN APPEAL  –  Trocaire has secured matched funding from the UK Government for their Lenten Appeal this year.  It means that every pound that is donated to Trocaire from Northern Ireland will be matched by the government, meaning donations will be effectively doubled.  In addition, Gift Aid can still be claimed. In order for Trocaire to benefit from the matched funding all Trocaire boxes need to return to the parish as soon as possible.

DAFFODILS FOR HOLY THURSDAY  –  if anyone has any daffodils in their garden and would like them to be used for decorating the Church on Holy Thursday, please leave them in the church porch by 10.00am on Holy Thursday Morning.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – liturgy for Good Friday is being prepared by young people in the parish. There will be a practice for all those who would like to become involved, this Friday at 6.30pm in the Iona room, Parochial Hall. Contact Noeleen, 078 7949 8131.

 

 

CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL

SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

Next Sunday (Palm Sunday)           St. Colmcille’s                                 3.00pm

Monday 30th March                          St. Bernadette’s Parish                   7.30pm

Tuesday 31st March                          Holy Rosary Parish                         7.30pm

Wednesday 1st April                         Drumbo and Carryduff Parish      7.30pm

PARISH FAMILY

Proclamation of the Word  –  the course for new readers will conclude this Monday evening at 7.30pm in the Church. Come along on Monday evening or contact John Barry on 9065 4395 / 078 4072 8477 or email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk.

Parent & Toddler group   –  meets every Wednesday morning during term time in the Parochial Hall.  It provides a friendly welcome to local parents/carers and their children.  We need a few more volunteers to help with setting up equipment and clearing up afterwards, welcoming people, preparing and serving snacks and leading the singsong.  We would also welcome anyone who would like to undertake an activity with the children (crafts/music/games etc).  If you have a few hours to spare every week/once a month/once a term we would love to hear from you. Please contact Elizabeth 077 2978 2471.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £570 in hotel or £450 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £625; Youth Team (Age 16-25) – 8th-17th £520.  Closing date for youth applications is 27th March.  For more information see the poster in Church Porch or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email dcpilgrimage@gmail.com

MONEY MATTERS                        

Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin on Sunday 12th April.  New boxes of envelopes, will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend.  If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please leave your name, address and telephone number in the bulletin box and Philomena will be in contact with you during the coming week.

TROCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish next Sunday, Palm Sunday, if possible.  After Sunday, boxes may be left in the parish office or returned through the Offertory collection baskets at Mass.  It would be appreciated if any small coins could be changed to larger denominations.  All cheques should be made payable to Saint Colmcille’s Parish.

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Maureen Taggart, Brian McManus and Frank McGoverm, relatives of parishioners, who died recently and for Kathleen Davey, whose month’s mind occurs this weekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Gerry O’Flaherty,  Antonio Fusco,  Bridie‎ McMullan,  Bella Logue,  Willie Logue,  Margaret Kerr,  Bernard Neeson  and  Peter Neeson

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.

PARISH DRAW

Don’t worry it is not too late to enter this year, members of the Parish Social & Fundraising committee will be at the back of the Church after all Masses next weekend to sign you up. For those who have already purchased their tickets please speak to a member of the committee next weekend to receive your tickets.   If you need any more information you can contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463 or any member of the Social & Fundraising Committee.

PARISH SAFEGUARDING

Saint Colmcille’s Parish Safeguarding Committee is pleased to inform you that it will be hosting a Diocesan Safeguarding Information Session this Wednesday evening from 7.00pm to 9.30pm in the Parochial Hall for all those volunteers who work with vulnerable adults. This session is mandatory for all those who work with or intend to work with vulnerable adults. Eucharistic ministers who visit the sick and housebound and those who volunteer with SPRED have a mandatory obligation to do this training before they become active volunteers. The Diocesan Safeguarding Office recommends that members of the Bereavement Group take part in this training. As a matter of urgency we would like those from the parish who will be attending the session on 25th March to inform Karen Diamond 077 1110 9268 or  Noeleen Dunn 078 7949 8131.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We are greatly helped in our work of support for the poor and needy by “The Larder” the food bank attached to St. Christopher’s Church in Mersery Street.  Over fifty of our clients have received generous food parcels from one to six times in the past year.  The food is provided by neighbouring churches and we feel particularly as our clients are amongst the major beneficaries, we should try to contribute to them.  So starting this weekend and up to Sunday 29th March members of the St Vincent de Paul will be in the Church Porch to receive donations of food for onward transmission to “The Larder”.  The following are suggested items: cereal, jam, pasta, rice, pasta sauces, tinned fruit, tinned meat and fish, tinned vegetables, tinned soup, tinned tomatoes, biscuits, tea, coffee, toilet rolls, washing powder, toothbrushes, toiletries and washing up liquid.  They have always loads of baked beans.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.

THIS WEEK

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT  –  each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

THE GIFT  –  concludes this Friday Morning after the 9.30am Mass.  The final session in the series is ‘Living in the Spirit”.

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME – the Sacramental Preparation Programme for those children who are about to receive First Holy Communion, will be held at the 9.30am Mass next Sunday.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place next Sunday morning after the 9.30am Mass.  The theme of the final short talk is ‘Is Faith Possible Today.’

COMING EVENTS

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on the Monday evening of Holy Week, 30th March, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend.

PARISH BREAKFAST – on Wednesday 1st April at 10.00am.  If you would like to attend please sign your name on the sheet at the back of the Church and tick your choice of breakfast.

Concert   –  by St.Colmcille’s Choir, St. Joseph’s Primary School & the Sing for Life Choir will be singing an extravaganza of contemporary & familiar songs on Friday 17th April at 7.30pm  in St. Colmcille’s Church, to raise funds jointly for Cancer Focus NI and our own Parish. Light refreshments included in the Parochial Hall afterwards.  Tickets £10, Children 11-17 £5, Children under 11 Free. Please put the date in your diary now.  Not to be missed!

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN LONDON

The Outreach Mission of the Philippine Embassy in London will be present in the Parochial Hall on Saturday 11th April from 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sunday 12th April from 9.30am to 12.00 noon.  Contact details for on site arrangements are Katrina Albarico – 077 9678 7513 and Vhee Benasa – 078 2809 5361.  The following services will be offererd: e-passport applications; Civil registration (reports of birth, marriage or death); Notarization and Legalization services (affidavits, SPAs, etc); NIB clearance form servicing (fingerprinting); Acceptance of application for visa to the Philippines; Philippine citizenship Retention/Re-acquistion; Overseas voter registration; Assistance to nationals and Advice on Philippine laws’ PAGIBIG membership/inquiries and SSS membership/inquiries.  Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirments at www.philembassy-uk.org and to download the applications forms in advance from the same website.

OTHER NOTICES

THE POPE FRANCIS EFFECT  –  a series of talks being held in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar during the Tuesday’s in Lent.  Brian McKee will give the final talk this Tuesday evening – Building a Church of the People, begininning at 7.30pm.  Voluntary donation.  Everyone welcome!

The Class of 1971  –  were you, or a relative, a student teacher who commenced their course (Cert Ed, BEd or Post Grad) in St Mary’s or St Joseph’s Colleges of Education, Belfast in September 1971? A Mass followed by a cup of tea will be held to celebrate 40 years associated with the Colleges as Alumni and to remember deceased friends and classmates. Venue: St Mary’s, Falls Road, this Friday at 6.00pm,in the College Chapel. Please contact John on 077 0133 6308 for more details.

Building Hope  –  a concert in aid of St Colmcille‘s/Gilnahirk Habitat for Humanity Project, India 2015 and celebrating 50 years of Corrymeela will be held in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church this Friday at 7.30pm. Tickets  £10 Adult, £5 child, available from Maureen Verdon on 079 2962 4395 and John Barry on 9065 4395 or 078 4072 8477.

St. Malachy’s College Annual Concert  –  on Sunday 19th April at 4.00pm  in the Ulster Hall.  Adults £10, Concession £8, Family(4) £30. Tickets available from College Reception  on 9074 8285.

Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration  –  third All Ireland pilgrimage to Knock, on Sunday 26th April.  Buses will be available for this event. £15 pounds return.  To book your seat phone or text 077 3828 2199.

Catholic Singles – is an organisation which helps single adult Catholics of all ages meet, either one to one or through social events. Please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk

 

 

15th March 2015

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 23 NO. 16  15TH MARCH 2015

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.  191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

St.  Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk   Phone – 9065 0039

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT– (Page 154, 493 & 121)

4th Week of Lent

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 4

Entrance

Antiphon

Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her.  Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.
1st Reading (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23)  The wrath and mercy of God are revealed in the exile and in the release of his people.
Psalm O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!
2nd Reading (Ephesians 2:4-10)  You who were dead through your sins have been saved through grace.
Acclamation Glory and praise to you, O Christ!  God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son; everyone who believes in him has eternal life.  Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Gospel (John 3:14-21)   God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved.
Children God loves us so much that he sent us his Son, Jesus.  God sent Jesus into the world so that everyone can have new life with him.  Jesus helps us to know God better. People can see by the way we behave that we love God.
Communion

Antiphon

Jerusalem is built as a city bonded as one together.  It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord.    

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am
Paddy Macauley Antonio

Fusco

11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
Maureen Murphy Anointing of the Sick
7.00pm

Joseph Forde

 

 

TUESDAY IS THE FEAST ST. PATRICK  –

and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses in the parish will be

at 7.00pm on Monday evening and 9.30am on Tuesday morning.

 

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

MORNING MASS  –  will be celebrated Monday to Friday mornings at 7.15am and 9.30am.  No 7.15am Mass this Tuesday.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.You are invited to make a Lenten commitment to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on one or more occasion, by adding your name to the Adoration timetable on the clipboard at the back of the Church.

THE GIFT  – An inspiring and practical series aimed at people of all ages to help them encounter the Holy Spirit and empower them to share their faith.  Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am on Friday mornings during Lent, in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments. The next session in the series is ‘A Personal Pentecost”.

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place this Sunday and Sunday 29th March after the 9.30am Mass.  Everyone is welcome for free refreshments in the Hall. Children are invited to the Iona room for activities. The theme of the next short talk is ‘The Church and Me.’

TROCAIRE FAST BOXES  –  are available in the foyer of the Church.

SACRED SPACE – ‘One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’. (Matthew 4:4) Let us open our hearts to God’s holy word in scripture, for each of us personally, as we journey through this season of Lent. The purple cloth reminds us of the journey, with our offerings to God of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes symbolize our penance and contrition. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. The candle is the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to developing our personal relationship with Jesus, by placing a stone in the desert oasis.

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 this Tuesday 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.

PARISH FAMILY

Proclamation of the Word  –  the course for new readers will continue this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Iona Room in the Parochial Hall. It is still possible to participate in the remaining parts of the programme.  Come along on Wednesday evening or contact John Barry on 9065 4395 / 078 4072 8477 or email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk.

Parent & Toddler group   –  meets every Wednesday morning during term time in the Parochial Hall.  It provides a friendly welcome to local parents/carers and their children.  We need a few more volunteers to help with setting up equipment and clearing up afterwards, welcoming people, preparing and serving snacks and leading the singsong.  We would also welcome anyone who would like to undertake an activity with the children (crafts/music/games etc).  If you have a few hours to spare every week/once a month/once a term we would love to hear from you. Please contact Elizabeth 077 2978 2471.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £570 in hotel or £450 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £625; Youth Team (Age 16-25) – 8th-17th £520.  Closing date for youth applications is 27th March.  For more information see the poster in Church Porch or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email dcpilgrimage@gmail.com

St Patrick’s Day  –  climb Slemish on St Patrick’s Day, after 11.00am Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Braid.  You are welcome to join a group which celebrates St Patrick’s Day by walking around 12 miles. Refreshments available in Braid Old School. Consider getting some sponsors and donate funds to Trocaire’s Lenten Campaign.

MONEY MATTERS                 

Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.

NEEDY PARISHES COLLECTION  –  will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  This collection was established to create a special fund to assist “Financially Needy” Parishes.  There are already several Parishes within the Diocese that have accumulated debt and are financially stretched.  However, through financial re-structuring schemes it is hoped that many of these parishes, with the aid of this fund, will be able to return to a positive financial position.  Through this collection “better off Parishes” can help those less fortunate Parishes to have some hope of returning to sound financial footing.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin on Sunday 12th April.  New boxes of envelopes, will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend.  If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please leave your name, address and telephone number in the bulletin box and Philomena will be in contact with you during the coming week.

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the soul of Mary McCann, who died recently  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Paddy Macauley,  Maureen Murphy,  Joseph Forde,  Norah Rogan,  and Antonio Fusco.

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.

PARISH DRAW

Thank you to everyone who signed up to this year’s Parish Draw a couple of weeks ago.  We are delighted to announce that the winners of the 1st Parish Draw for 2015 are: Fr Ciaran Feeney – £100, Raju Varughese- £75 & Cormac Browne- £25.  Don’t worry it is not too late to enter this year, members of the Parish Social & Fundraising committee will be at the back of the church to sign you up over the weekend of 28th and 29th March.  For those who have already purchased their tickets please speak to a member of the committee that weekend to receive your tickets.   If you need any more information you can contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463 or any member of the Social & Fundraising Committee.

PARISH SAFEGUARDING

Saint Colmcille’s Parish Safeguarding Committee is pleased to inform you that it will be hosting a Diocesan Safeguarding Information Session on 25th March from 7.00pm to 9.30pm in the Parochial Hall for all those volunteers who work with vulnerable adults. This session is mandatory for all those who work with or intend to work with vulnerable adults. Eucharistic ministers who visit the sick and housebound and those who volunteer with SPRED have a mandatory obligation to do this training before they become active volunteers. The Diocesan Safeguarding Office recommends that members of the Bereavement Group take part in this training. As a matter of urgency we would like those from the parish who will be attending the session on 25th March to inform Karen Diamond 077 1110 9268 or  Noeleen Dunn 078 7949 8131 within the next five days.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We are greatly helped in our work of support for the poor and needy by “The Larder” the food bank attached to St. Christopher’s Church in Mersery Street.  Over fifty of our clients have received generous food parcels from one to six times in the past year.  The food is provided by neighbouring churches and we feel particularly as our clients are amongst the major beneficaries, we should try to contribute to them.  So starting this weekend and up to Sunday 29th March members of the St Vincent de Paul will be in the Church Porch to receive donations of food for onward transmission to “The Larder”.  The following are suggested items: cereal, jam, pasta, rice, pasta sauces, tinned fruit, tinned meat and fish, tinned vegetables, tinned soup, tinned tomatoes, biscuits, tea, coffee, toilet rolls, washing powder, toothbrushes, toiletries and washing up liquid.  They have always loads of baked beans.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.

THIS WEEK

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place this Sunday morning after the 9.30am Mass.  The theme of the next short talk is ‘The Church and Me.’

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  the meeting scheduled for this Tuesday evening, has been cancelled.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT  –  each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

THE GIFT  –  will take place on Friday Mornings after the 9.30am Mass.  The next session in the series is ‘A Personal Pentecost”.

Ballyhackamore Golf Society  –  the first outing will be to Carnalea this Friday.  The first tee is reserved from 1.15pm. Cost is £20. Members, guests and visitors are welcome to attend. For further information contact Peter 9076 3922.

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

COMING EVENTS

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on the Monday evening of Holy Week, 30th March, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend

Concert   –  by St.Colmcille’s Choir, St. Joseph’s Primary School & the Sing for Life Choir will be singing an extravaganza of contemporary & familiar songs on Friday 17th April at 7.30pm to raise funds jointly for Cancer Focus NI and our own Parish. Light refreshments included. Please put the date in your diary now.  Not to be missed!

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN LONDON

The Outreach Mission of the Philippine Embassy in London will be present in the Parochial Hall on Saturday 11th April from 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sunday 12th April from 9.30am to 12.00 noon.  Contact details for on site arrangements are Katrina Albarico – 077 9678 7513 and Vhee Benasa – 078 2809 5361.  The following services will be offererd: e-passport applications; Civil registration (reports of birth, marriage or death); Notarization and Legalization services (affidavits, SPAs, etc); NIB clearance form servicing (fingerprinting); Acceptance of application for visa to the Philippines; Philippine citizenship Retention/Re-acquistion; Overseas voter registration; Assistance to nationals and Advice on Philippine laws’ PAGIBIG membership/inquiries and SSS membership/inquiries.  Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirments at www.philembassy-uk.org and to download the applications forms in advance from the same website.

OTHER NOTICES

Music for St Patrick’s Day –  in Drumalis this Sunday at 7:30pm.   The McAuley Traditional Singers and Players under the direction of Loreto McAuley will perform a selection of Irish and Scottish music and there will be a fork supper.  The cost of the evening is £25 per person and admission is by pre-paid ticket only.

THE POPE FRANCIS EFFECT  –  a series of talks being held in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar during the Tuesday’s in Lent.  Brian McKee will give the final talk on Tuesday 24th March – Building a Church of the People, begininning at 7.30pm.  Voluntary donation.  Everyone welcome!

ST MARK’S CHURCH – are running an early evening programme on a Wednesday evening until 25th March.   The timing for each evening is: 6.00pm – Lenten Office in the Church; 6.30pm – Supper in the Church Hall; 7.00pm  – after Supper Speaker.  People are welcome to come for the entire evening, or even just for supper and/or the speaker.  There is no cost for each evening, although there will be an opportunity to contribute towards the cost of supper each week on an entirely voluntary basis.  Please phone St Mark’s Parish Office on 9065 9047 if you are planning to come for supper, just to give us a sense of numbers for catering!

St Columba’s Knock, Ladies Guild – are hosting a talk about Traffiking in Northern Ireland this Wednesday at 7.45 pm, in St. Columba’s Church. This topic has been talked about on the media for many months and now you will have an opportunity to learn how to help these poor people who have been brought here under false pretences.

Are you suffering the pain of loss? –  looking for help and understanding?

Beginning Experience (for separated, widowed and divorced people) is holding a residential weekend from this Friday to next Sunday in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne. A few places still available. For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on  text: 075 4207 0835.

ORGAN RECITAL  –  by James O’Donnell, the organist at Westminster Abbey.  In St Brigid’s Church, Windsor Avenue, this Friday at 7.30pm.  All Welcome.  There will be a Retiring Collection.

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST DOROTHEA’S CHURCH  –  to mark this special year, the church will be decorated with floral and fruit display from this Friday to next Sunday.  On Friday and Saturday, the church will be open from 10.00am to 4.30pm and refreshments will be available.  Next Sunday from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.  Rev. Dr. Peter Thompson will give an organ recital on the Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm.

The Class of 1971  –  were you, or a relative, a student teacher who commenced their course (Cert Ed, BEd or Post Grad) in St Mary’s or St Joseph’s Colleges of Education, Belfast in September 1971? A Mass followed by a cup of tea will be held to celebrate 40 years associated with the Colleges as Alumni and to remember deceased friends and classmates. Venue: St Mary’s, Falls Road, March 27th at 6.00pm,in the College Chapel. Please contact John on 077 0133 6308 for more details.

Building Hope  –  a concert in aid of St Colmcille‘s/Gilnahirk Habitat for Humanity Project, India 2015 and celebrating 50 years of Corrymeela will be held in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church on Friday 27th of March at 7.30pm. Tickets  £10 Adult, £5 child, available from Maureen Verdon on 079 2962 4395 and John Barry on 9065 4395 or 078 4072 8477.