4th January 2015

4TH JANUARY 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

SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS – (Page 83, 452 & 491)

Christmas Season

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, 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 We discover that Jesus has existed since the beginning of time. God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone that Jesus was coming. Jesus is the light who came to live among us. Those who believe in him are the children of God.
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

Molly O’Flaherty, Kenneth Mains & Geraldine Woollams

9.30am

Arthur & Mary Devlin

9.30am

Mary Mullan

 

9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

Anointing of the Sick

 

Confessions at 6.00pm 11.30am

 

7.00pm

 

     

 

TUESDAY IS THE FEAST THE EPIPHANY – and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses in the parish will be at 9.30am and 7.00pm on Tuesday.

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH WEBCAM

Parishioners are invited to view parish Masses and other parish services with the help of the parish website: www.st-colmcilles.net where you will find the Webcam. Click on ‘WEBCAM’ and scroll to view. The picture quality has been greatly enhanced recently. The Webcam is normally on 24 hours a day. It should also work on iphones, ipads and Android devices. The sound is normally only on during Mass and other Church services.

 

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 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

BAPTISM – we welcome into the parish family John Terence Gilmore who was baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.

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.

SUNDAY MISSALS – our stock of missals has decreased by 70+ over the past months. Perhaps you have borrowed one to reflect more on a Sunday’s readings, or in the hustle and bustle of meeting friends on the way out of Church have forgotten to leave the missal behind. At this time of the year with more visitors coming to our Church we need to have sufficient missals available. Please, can you look around your home and car to see if you find one of our missing missals and return it to the Church next Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation!

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 Geraldine Woollams, whose months mind occurs around this time and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;

Molly O’Flaherty, Kenneth Mains, Arthur Devlin, Mary Devlin, Bill Knox,

Mary Mullan, Eileen MacNeill, Peter Hughes and Therese Hughes.

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.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR YOUNG MEN – in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February 2015.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015. For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9508 8030.

 

THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY CLUB – reopens this Wednesday afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Come along and join us. New members made very welcome.

LITURGY FOR FAMILIES OF RECENTLY BAPTISED CHILDREN  –  there will be a Liturgy for Families of Recently Baptised Children in the Church next Saturday at 12.00 noon.   Tea and coffee will be served in the Parochial Hall afterwards. Everyone is very welcome.

 

COMING EVENTS

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL – will meet on Tuesday 13th January at 7.30pm in the Committee Room

 

A CRIB MEDITATION

My brother, my sister, here at this crib, be silent!

Look! Pray!

Be open. Allow the barriers to fall:

The barriers of comfort, the barriers of hate,

Those of your ready excuses and ready made prayers.

 

Be silent! Look! Pray!

Do you know what it means to be cold?

Do you appreciate what is means to sleep on rough straw?

Do you know the suffering of all who search for a place to stay, for a place to work?

 

Do you feel for those parents in the agony of not knowing what tomorrow holds for their children?

If you do not, then you risk passing before this crib without seeing the depth that is here.

You risk understanding nothing of what God has done in choosing to become one of us, in Jesus.

Be silent! Look! Pray!

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St. Colmcille’s Pre-school Playgroup – will be hosting an Open Night this Wednesday between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Please come along and bring your son/daughter to meet with staff, see our pre-school and view some of the wonderful arts and craft work by the children.   For application forms please call into the pre-school or telephone 9047 2724.

OUR LADY AND ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCK – Open Morning next Saturday from 9.15am to 12.30pm. Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am. All Year 7 Pupils and Parents are invited . Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

St. Dominic’s Grammar School – for girls Open Day next Saturday 2015 from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Principal’s Address at 9.30am and 11.30am. Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils are welcome

  1. MALACHY’S COLLEGE – Open Nights will take place on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th January, commencing with the Principal’s Address at 7.00pm.

 

OTHER NOTICES

Adult Irish Dance classes – in Holy Family Parish Centre Cavehill Rd  from Tuesday 6th January  at 8.30pm. Contact Anne on 077 1423 3298 or annereidirishdance@gmail.com

THE WAY OF ST JAMESCamino de Santiago. Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago from 22nd to 28th May 2015. 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with Breakfast and dinner daily; Coach and back-up car with group throughout; Walk leader with group throughout; All airport and local taxes; Travel insurance included. Flying from Dublin Airport. Cost – £715.00. Seats are limited. Single room supplement is extra. £50.00 deposit secures a seat. For further details contact Jean Reynolds on 4483 0979 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA – from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2015. 7 nights full board en suite £589.00 fully inc. free insurance, free tax, free coach to airport. For more information contact the Spiritual Director Rita O’Neill on 075 5435 4157.

LIVING YOUTH  – Summer Pilgrimage.  Are you 17-23?  Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio.  2nd – 7th August 2015.  £690 includes flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie.  Application forms available from the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org.  Closing date:  Thursday 29th January 2015.

 

 

Sunday 28th December

VOL. 23 NO. 05  28TH DECEMBER 2014

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

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH – (Page 70, 452 & 491)

Christmas Season

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

Entrance

Antiphon

The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manger.
1st Reading (Gensis 15:1-6, 21:1-3)  Your heir shall be of your own flesh and blood.
Psalm He, the Lord, is our God.  He remembers his covenant for ever.
2nd Reading (Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)  The faith of Adraham, Sarah and Isaac.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days; he has spoken to us through his Son  Alleluia!
Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)   The child grew, filled with wisdom.
Children Newborn boys were taken to the Temple to be dedicated to God, so Mary and Joseph took Jesus.  An elderly man names Simeon had been told by God that he would not die until he had ssen the Messiah.  He went to the Temple and saw baby Jesus there.  Simeon took Jesus in his arms and thanked God for him with a speical prayer.  He said that Jesus would be a light for all the world.
Communion

Antiphon

Our God has appeared on the earth, and lived among us.    

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday NEW YEAR’S DAY Friday
6.30pm

Martin Campfield

 

9.30am

Paddy Kearney

No Mass

 

No Mass 12.00 noon

Vera Donnelly, Mary Elliott & Jackie Quigley

9.30am

Anointing of the Sick

 

Confessions at 6.00pm 11.30am

Harry McKenna

 

 

     

 

Please note Mass on New Year’s Day

will be at 12.00 noon.

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH WEBCAM

Parishioners are invited to view parish Masses and other parish services with the help of the parish website: www.st-colmcilles.net where you will find the Webcam. Click on ‘WEBCAM’ and scroll to view. The picture quality has been greatly enhanced recently. The Webcam is normally on 24 hours a day. It should also work on iphones, ipads and Android devices. The sound is normally only on during Mass and other Church services.

 

PARISH OFFICE AND BULLETIN

The parish office will be closed until Monday 5th January.  

 

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 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

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.

SUNDAY MISSALS – our stock of missals has decreased by 70+ over the past months.  Perhaps you have borrowed one to reflect more on a Sunday’s readings, or in the hustle and bustle of meeting friends on the way out of Church have forgotten to leave the missal behind. At this time of the year with more visitors coming to our Church we need to have sufficient missals available.  Please, can you look around your home and car to see if you find one of our missing missals and return it to the Church next Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation!

 

MONEY MATTERS                        

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 all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;

Martin Campfield, Paddy Kearney,  Harry McKenna, Vera Donnelly,

Mary Eliott,  Jackie Quigley and Winnie McCallan.

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.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR YOUNG MEN  –  in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February 2015.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9508 8030.

 

COMING EVENTS

LITURGY FOR FAMILIES OF RECENTLY BAPTISED CHILDREN  –  there will be a Liturgy for Families of Recently Baptised Children in the Church on Saturday 10th January at 12.00 noon.   Tea and coffee will be served in the Parochial Hall afterwards. Everyone is very welcome.

 

A CRIB MEDITATION

My brother, my sister, here at this crib, be silent!

Look! Pray!

Be open.  Allow the barriers to fall:

The barriers of comfort, the barriers of hate,

Those of your ready excuses and ready made prayers.

 

Be silent!  Look!  Pray!

Do you know what it means to be cold?

Do you appreciate what is means to sleep on rough straw?

Do you know the suffering of all who search for a place to stay, for a place to work?

 

Do you feel for those parents in the agony of not knowing what tomorrow holds for their children?

If you do not, then you risk passing before this crib without seeing the depth that is here.

You risk understanding nothing of what God has done in choosing to become one of us, in Jesus.

Be silent!  Look!  Pray!

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St. Colmcille’s Pre-school Playgroup –  will be hosting an Open Night on Wednesday 7th January between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.  Please come along and bring your son/daughter to meet with staff, see our pre-school and view some of the wonderful arts and craft work by the children.   For application forms please call into the pre-school or telephone 9047 2724.

OUR LADY AND ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCK  –  Open Morning on Saturday 10th January 2015, from 9.15am to  12.30pm.  Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am.  All Year 7 Pupils and Parents are invited .  Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

St. Dominic’s Grammar School  –  for girls Open Day on Saturday 10th January 2015 from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Principal’s Address at 9.30am and 11.30am.  Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils are welcome

  1. MALACHY’S COLLEGE – Open Nights will take place on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th January, commencing with the Principal’s Address at 7.00pm.

 

OTHER NOTICES

IHCPT  –  want to bring a smile to the face of a young person with a disability and make their year? Then join us (IHCPT) in Lourdes this Easter (5th to 11th April). IHCPT bring young people aged 11-30 with varied abilities to Lourdes each year from Easter Sunday until the following Saturday. We are looking for carers (aged 18 or over) to make 2015 for these young people. You can get more information on this experience by visiting http://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com. If you are interested please contact Kate Acton on 079 6653 6515.

THE WAY OF ST JAMES  –  Camino de Santiago. Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago from 22nd to 28th May 2015.  6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with Breakfast and dinner daily; Coach and back-up car with group throughout; Walk leader with group throughout; All airport and local taxes; Travel insurance included.  Flying from Dublin Airport.  Cost – £715.00.  Seats are limited.  Single room supplement is extra.  £50.00 deposit secures a seat.  For further details contact Jean Reynolds on 4483 0979 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA –  from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2015.  7 nights full board en suite £589.00 fully inc. free insurance, free tax, free coach to airport. For more information contact the Spiritual Director Rita O’Neill  on 075 5435 4157.

LIVING YOUTH  –  Summer Pilgrimage.  Are you 17-23?  Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio.  2nd – 7th August 2015.  £690 includes flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie.  Application forms available from the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org.  Closing date:  Thursday 29th January 2015.

21st December

VOL. 23 NO. 04  21ST DECEMBER 2014

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 ADVENT – (Page 29, 452 & 490)

4th Week of Advent

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

Entrance

Antiphon

Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.
1st Reading (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16)  The kingdom of David will always stand secure before the Lord.
Psalm I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
2nd Reading (Romans 16:25-27)  The mystery, which was kept secret for endless ages, is now made clear.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  I am the handmaid of the Lord: let what you have said be done to me.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)   Listen!  You are to conceive and bear a son.
Children God sent the angel Gabriel to take a message to a girl called Mary.  The angel said, “The Lord is with you and has blessed you!”  Mary was worried, but the angel told her not to be afraid.  He told Mary she would have a son and should call him Jesus.  Mary wondered how this could happen.  Gabriel said that God would be with her and the baby would be holy and be called the Son of God.
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 Christmas Eve Christmas Day Friday
6.30pm

Special Intention

9.30am

Special Intention

9.30am

 

6.30 pm

Kay O’Neill

9.30am

 

No Mass

 

Confessions at 6.00pm 11.30am

Lizzie & Joe Dawson

  12.00 Midnight

 

11.00am

 

 

 

Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve – 6.30pm and Midnight

Christmas Morning – 9.30am and 11.00am

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH WEBCAM

Parishioners are invited to view parish Masses and other parish services with the help of the parish website: www.st-colmcilles.net where you will find the Webcam. Click on ‘WEBCAM’ and scroll to view. The picture quality has been greatly enhanced recently. The Webcam is normally on 24 hours a day. It should also work on iphones, ipads and Android devices. The sound is normally only on during Mass and other Church services.

 

PARISH OFFICE AND BULLETIN

The parish office will close this Tuesday at 12.00 noon and will reopen on Monday 5th January.   Material for the bulletins on Sunday 28th December and Sunday 4th January needs to be in the parish office by 10am this Tuesday morning.

 

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 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

Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish for Christmas this Tuesday.

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

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.

SUNDAY MISSALS – our stock of missals has decreased by 70+ over the past months.  Perhaps you have borrowed one to reflect more on a Sunday’s readings, or in the hustle and bustle of meeting friends on the way out of Church have forgotten to leave the missal behind. At this time of the year with more visitors coming to our Church we need to have sufficient missals available.  Please, can you look around your home and car to see if you find one of our missing missals and return it to the Church next Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation!

MONEY MATTERS                        

Weekly Offering Cash Collection – £1,198.38

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 soul of Thomas McAuley, Joan McClure and Eileen Fleming,   who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;

Colm McCoy,  Joseph Conway,  Mary Conway,  John Graves,

Bernard Murray,  William O’Neill  and  Bernadette Clarke

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.

PENITENTIAL SERVICES

“The Lord your God is in your midst,… He will renew you by his love.”  (Zephaniah 3)

This Saturday                                    St. Colmcille’s                       7.30pm

Sunday afternoon                              St. Brigid’s                               4.00pm

Monday evening                                Holy Rosary                           7.30pm

Tuesday evening                                Drumbo                                   7.30pm

ADVENT

ADVENT PRAYER SPACE –  Advent is the liturgical season that precedes and prepares for Christmas. It is a season of hope and longing, of joyful expectation, of prayerful and peaceful preparation. Advent refers to the “Coming of the Christ-child into the world” but also the “Second Coming of Christ” – the Advent of Our Lord. The traditional colour of Advent is VIOLET. The Advent wreath with its evergreen leaves and candles symbolises the approach of Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.

O COME, O COME TO OUR ADVENT SERVICE  – this Sunday at 6.00pm in the Church.  A musical celebration of the Christmas journey.  Take time out from the hustle and bustle to listen to Advent music, hymns and carols performed by our Choir and by an 80 strong cast of children from our Primary School.  Admission is free but a retiring collection will be taken up with the proceeds going towards Cancer Focus.

CHRISTMAS MASS BOUQUET CARDS –  are available in the Parish office or Sacristy after Masses.

TAP CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS  –  give a really worthwhile Christmas present this year –  a Christmas Gift Card to support our Tanzanian Africa Project and our twinned parish of Moita Bwawani. Choose from 3 life-changing themes. Buy a year’s School Uniform for a Masaai Child for £10. Sponsor a Catechist to spread the Word of God, also for £10. Give pre-natal medical care to Masaai mothers-to-be with our Mother and Baby Care for £20.  Cards on sale in the Church porch this weekend.

11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles  –  the Group held its annual investiture and AGM in the Parochial Hall on the 16th November. Members of the Group, parents and supporters packed out the hall and witnessed a large number of youth members making their scout promise and either joining the Group or moving from one section to the next. Following on from this, the Group registered the largest ever number of members with National Headquarters in Dublin, 20 Beavers, 40 Cub Scouts, 45 Scouts and 13 Venture Scouts, not to forget 23 Adult leaders.  Since then the various sections have been busy with weekly section meetings and in addition; the Beavers attended the East Belfast District Beaver Christmas Party at Gilnahirk; the Cubs attended the County activity held at W5; the senior Scouts held an overnight camp in the Mournes and hiked along the Brandy Pad to the Hare’s Gap and beyond. The troop then held its final troop meeting at the top of the Black Mountain, overlooking Belfast, following a hike to the summit in snow and ice!  The Venture Scouts are actively planning their annual expedition with attention turning to Poland, Germany or France as potential venues.  The Group wishes all its members, parents and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

  1. VINCENT DE PAUL – wishes to thank Tesco Express, The Spar at Ballyhackamore and Super Value, Kings Square for giving us permission to hold collections outside their stores, which raised £1,316.65.  We would particularly like to thank our many collectors all of whom made a significant contribtion.

OTHER NOTICES

IHCPT  –  want to bring a smile to the face of a young person with a disability and make their year? Then join us (IHCPT) in Lourdes this Easter (5th to 11th April). IHCPT bring young people aged 11-30 with varied abilities to Lourdes each year from Easter Sunday until the following Saturday. We are looking for carers (aged 18 or over) to make 2015 for these young people. You can get more information on this experience by visiting http://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com. If you are interested please contact Kate Acton on 079 6653 6515.

THE WAY OF ST JAMES  –  Camino de Santiago. Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago from 22nd to 28th May 2015.  6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with Breakfast and dinner daily; Coach and back-up car with group throughout; Walk leader with group throughout; All airport and local taxes; Travel insurance included.  Flying from Dublin Airport.  Cost – £715.00.  Seats are limited.  Single room supplement is extra.  £50.00 deposit secures a seat.  For further details contact Jean Reynolds on 4483 0979 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA –  from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2015.  7 nights full board en suite £589.00 fully inc. free insurance, free tax, free coach to airport. For more information contact the Spiritual Director Rita O’Neill  on 075 5435 4157.

LIVING YOUTH  –  Summer Pilgrimage.  Are you 17-23?  Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio.  2nd – 7th August 2015.  £690 includes flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie.  Application forms available from the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org.  Closing date:  Thursday 29th January 2015.

 

 

 

11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles  –  the Group held its annual investiture and AGM in the Parochial Hall on the 16th November. Members of the Group, parents and supporters packed out the hall and witnessed a large number of youth members making their scout promise and either joining the Group or moving from one section to the next. Following on from this, the Group registered the largest ever number of members with National Headquarters in Dublin, 20 Beavers, 40 Cub Scouts, 45 Scouts and 13 Venture Scouts, not to forget 23 Adult leaders.  Since then the various sections have been busy with weekly section meetings and in addition; the Beavers attended the East Belfast District Beaver Christmas Party at Gilnahirk; the Cubs attended the County activity held at W5; the senior Scouts held an overnight camp in the Mournes and hiked along the Brandy Pad to the Hare’s Gap and beyond. The troop then held its final troop meeting at the top of the Black Mountain, overlooking Belfast, following a hike to the summit in snow and ice!  The Venture Scouts are actively planning their annual expedition with attention turning to Poland, Germany or France as potential venues.  The Group wishes all its members, parents and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

  1. VINCENT DE PAUL – wishes to thank Tesco Express, The Spar at Ballyhackamore and Super Value, Kings Square for giving us permission to hold collections outside their stores, which raised £1,316.65.  We would particularly like to thank our many collectors all of whom made a significant contribtion.

OTHER NOTICES

IHCPT  –  want to bring a smile to the face of a young person with a disability and make their year? Then join us (IHCPT) in Lourdes this Easter (5th to 11th April). IHCPT bring young people aged 11-30 with varied abilities to Lourdes each year from Easter Sunday until the following Saturday. We are looking for carers (aged 18 or over) to make 2015 for these young people. You can get more information on this experience by visiting http://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com. If you are interested please contact Kate Acton on 079 6653 6515.

THE WAY OF ST JAMES  –  Camino de Santiago. Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago from 22nd to 28th May 2015.  6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with Breakfast and dinner daily; Coach and back-up car with group throughout; Walk leader with group throughout; All airport and local taxes; Travel insurance included.  Flying from Dublin Airport.  Cost – £715.00.  Seats are limited.  Single room supplement is extra.  £50.00 deposit secures a seat.  For further details contact Jean Reynolds on 4483 0979 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA –  from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2015.  7 nights full board en suite £589.00 fully inc. free insurance, free tax, free coach to airport. For more information contact the Spiritual Director Rita O’Neill  on 075 5435 4157.

LIVING YOUTH  –  Summer Pilgrimage.  Are you 17-23?  Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio.  2nd – 7th August 2015.  £690 includes flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie.  Application forms available from the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org.  Closing date:  Thursday 29th January 2015.

TROCAIRE’S 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.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR YOUNG MEN  –  in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February 2015.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9508 8030.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS APPEAL

The St Vincent de Paul annual appeal finishes this Sunday. As with last year, we would like to request only cash and vouchers so that our families can buy exactly what they need. Cash is required to buy the essentials such as vegetables, meat and other fresh food. Money is also more practical as it may be used towards a top up card for the electric or gas meters or to buy heating oil stamps.

Your donations can be popped into our normal collection boxes with our members at the Church exits this weekend.

SVP Envelopes marked as Gift Aid can be found at the Church porch. If you are a UK tax payer then using the Gift Aid envelope will enable us to claim the money back from government increasing you donation.

We will let you know after Christmas, how your donations have been used but for now thank you so much for your invaluable kindness and support.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St. Colmcille’s Pre-school Playgroup –  will be hosting an Open Night on Wednesday 7th January between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.  Please come along and bring your son/daughter to meet with staff, see our pre-school and view some of the wonderful arts and craft work by the children.   For application forms please call into the pre-school or telephone 9047 2724.

OUR LADY AND ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCK  –  Open Morning on Saturday 10th January 2015, from 9.15am to  12.30pm.  Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am.  All Year 7 Pupils and Parents are invited .  Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

St. Dominic’s Grammar School  –  for girls Open Day on Saturday 10th January 2015 from 9.30am to 1.00pm.  Principal’s Address at 9.30am and 11.30am.  Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils are welcome

  1. MALACHY’S COLLEGE – Open Nights will take place on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th January, commencing with the Principal’s Address at 7.00pm.
  2. COLMCILLE’S SCOUTS AND GUIDES –  would like to thank all those who supported our Christmas Fair last Saturday, it was a great success and we couldn’t have done it without the magnificent support of the parish. A special thanks to the volunteers who set up Santa’s Grotto and for Santa himself, who took time out of his busy schedule to pay us a visit.  We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

REPORTS

COLMCILLE’S SCOUTS AND GUIDES –  would like to thank all those who supported our Christmas Fair last Saturday, it was a great success and we couldn’t have done it without the magnificent support of the parish. A special thanks to the volunteers who set up Santa’s Grotto and for Santa himself, who took time out of his busy schedule to pay us a visit.  We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.