Author: JoeWalsh

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 22  4^TH MAY 2014

 

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.   191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.         Tel. 9065 4157.   Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
6.30pm Josie McReynolds	9.30am Special Intentions	9.30am Special Intention	9.30am Thomas Donnelly	9.30am William Kells	No Mass
Confessions at 6.00pm	11.30am

 

Please note there will be no Mass this Friday morning due to the Giro d’Italia

The Upper Newtownards Road will be closed this Friday

from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 4.00pm to 8.30pm

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BAPTISM IN OUR PARISH

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 20^th May 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 PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Elections to the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Saturday 31^st May and Sunday 1st June. The Council supports and advises our Parish Priest and represents the views of parishioners in matters affecting parish life.  Nominations will be sought for candidates willing to serve for four years. A Leaflet will be given out this weekend entitled “Parish Pastoral Council? Me? Why not me!” another one next weekend entitled “We all have something to give”.  If you would like further information please speak to any member of the Parish Pastoral Council or contact Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463.  Nominations forms will be available in the middle of May .

 

PARISH FAMILY

EASTER PRAYER SPACE – ‘I am risen and I am still with you.’ Ps 138:12. The empty tomb was the Tabernacle of Repose.. The lit candle reminds us that Christ is here with us. The long winding sheet represents the cast off grave clothes. Grave clothes bind us. Christ invites us to cast off our grave clothes and come out of our tomb, free from the restraints of the past and anything that binds us like worry, fear, unforgiveness, negativity etc As Paul urges us: ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’.  Colossians 3:12

EASTER DUTY – “ … each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year.  This precept must be fulfilled during Paschal time unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year.”  Canon 920.

CTS BOOKLETS –  a new range of resources is on sale in the Church porch. There is also a variety of cards to purchase, to celebrate special occasions. Payment may be placed in any of the money boxes in the walls next to the candelabras.

EXAM BUDDIES–  all students  preparing for exams are invited to take an exam pack from the table in the Church porch and to place their name on the Exam Buddies notice board there. Parishioners are invited to place their name on the Prayer Sponsors board and then pray for the students over the exam period in May and June

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR  –  entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God”will be held next Saturday from 1.00pm to 4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Kingsway, Finaghy.  It will be conducted by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm. The Seminar is open to all, and will be especially interesting to Ministers of the Word. Seminar Fee £5.  To book, please contact: Malachy McKeever on 077 6010 8903 or e-mail: malachy.mck@gmail.com

BOOKING OF PAROCHIAL HALL  – Pat is available from Monday to Friday for bookings.  Parishioners wishing to book the Parochial Hall need to speak to Pat on 9067 1036 from 7.00pm to 8.00pm on these evenings.

ST. COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP  –  has vacancies for three Playgroup Assistants.  Temporary posts – 23 ½ hours per week from this September  to June 2015.  Essential qualifications – Minimum NVQ Level 3 Early Child Care and Education or equivalent, Child Protection Training.  Essential experience – Minimum of one year’s paid employment in a PSEP Pre-school Playgroup, working with children with additional needs. Please apply in writing to the playgroup for an application form by this Wednesday.  We are an equal opportunities employer.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE  – in accordance with the requirements of the Diocese of Down and Connor, please contact Father Ciaran to make arrangements for marriage at least three months before the date of the wedding.

DECEASED –   We pray for the repose of the soul of Rosaleen Armstrong, who died during the week, and whose Funeral Mass took place on Friday and for Rosie Reynolds, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Annie Nelson,  Molly McEvoy,  Thomas Donnelly  and Vera Kelly.

MONEY MATTERS

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

TROCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish as soon as possible.  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.  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 be returned to the parish by Sunday 18^th May.

The Monthly Stipend Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.

THIS WEEK

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  continues to Sunday afternoon as we celebrate 20 years of the Art of Caring.

APOSTOLIC WORK  –  will meet in Iona Room at 8.00pm this Tuesday evening.

DTIM – The ‘Do This In Memory of Me’ pre sacramental programme for all children preparing for the sacrament of Holy Communion, will take place at the 9.30am Mass next Sunday. The children will receive the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday 18^th May at 11.30am Mass.

GIRO d’ITALIA

FAMILY FONDO CYCLE  –  this Sunday morning from Stormont Presbyterian to Comber.  All ages and abilities welcome.  Meet at Stormont Presbyterian Church at 8.00am, returning for breakfast at 10.00am.  For more information please contact Stormont Presbyterian Church on 9065 6642 or www.stormontchurch.org.

BIG COMMUNITY PARTY  –  this Friday from 4.00pm to 8.00pm in Stormont Presbyterian Church.  Watch all the action from the race as well as the following free activities – turbo bike challenge, smoothie making, bouncy castles, face painting, Dr. Bike, BBQ nad much more.  For more information please contact Stormont Presbyterian Church on 9065 6642 or www.stormontchurch.org

COMING EVENTS

HALL COMMITTEE  –  next meeting will be held on Monday 12^th May at 7.30pm

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL  –  will meet on Tuesday 13^th May at 7.30pm.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY  –  the return of the Parish Sirloin Steak/Chicken BBQ & Disco on Friday 30^th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

OTHER NOTICES

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

ANNUAL LE CHEILE TOGETHER LECTURE  –  the new Vice Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, Dr Francis Campbell, will deliver a public lecture entitled: ‘Faith and education in a pluralist world’ in St Mary’s University College, Belfast, this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.  Chair: The Most Rev. Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.  All welcome.

IN JOYFUL HOPE –  an inter-church celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in St John’s Presbyterian Church, Newtownbreda, at 8.00pm this Thursday evening. Everyone is welcome. Catholic Eucharistic discipline observed.

SPRING CRAFT AND PLANT MORNING  –  at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church next Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Plants, Crafts and Cakes for sale. Admission £3.50 to include tea/coffee, shortbread and scones. Children free.

 

VOL. 22 NO. 20  20^TH APRIL 2014

 

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.   191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.         Tel. 9065 4157.   Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9.00pm Brendan Sharkie, Antonio & Florence Fusco	9.30am
	11.30am

 

DAILY MASS TIMES IN NEIGHBOURING PARISHES

Holy Rosary               Monday to Friday at 10.00am

St. Bernadette’s          Monday to Friday at 9.30am

St. Matthew’s             Monday at 1.00pm, Tuesday to Friday at 10.00am.

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH OFFICE

The parish office will be closed until  Monday 28^th April.  

 

PARISH FAMILY

PARISH LITURGY FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER  – a sincere thank you to our Choir and all the participants in the Parish Liturgy for Holy Week and Easter.  Our thanks to the members of the Liturgy Committee and also to the people who helped to prepare the Church for Lent and Easter.  The effort of everyone is very much appreciated.

EASTER DUTY – “ … each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year.  This precept must be fulfilled during Paschal time unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year.”  Canon 920.

CTS BOOKLETS –  a new range of resources is on sale in the Church porch. There is also a variety of cards to purchase, to celebrate special occasions. Payment may be placed in any of the money boxes in the walls next to the candelabras.

HALL BOOKINGS  –  Pat will not be available until Monday 28^th April to take bookings for the Hall.

OBLATE MISSIONS  –  Father Paul Byrne will be speaking at all Masses next weeked on the work of his congretation the Missonary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM  –  is a small group who meet on a weekly basis to add their voices to yours, presenting your needs to God. Requests for prayer can be made by completing a Petition Slip and placing it in the Prayer Request Box, both of which can be found in Our Lady’s Prayer Space, or by emailing colmcilleprayer@yahoo.co.uk.  All requests are treated with the strictest confidence and you can make your request anonymously if you wish.

A SEVEN DAY CANDLE  – burns continuously at Our Lady’s Prayer Space in the Sanctuary for the intentions of a sponsor. Candles cost £5 each and this offering should be placed in the box in the wall when you light your candle.

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 PASTORAL COUNCIL INFORMATION LEAFLET  –  a Diocesan Pastoral Council has been established.  A leaflet outlining Why, and How this Council was formed, also detailing members names and their objectives is available at the back of the Church.

WALK WITH ME BOOKS – An Eastertide Journey of Prayer for 2014 are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR  –  entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God”will be held on Saturday 10^th May from 1.00pm to 4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Kingsway, Finaghy.  It will be conducted by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm. The Seminar is open to all, and will be especially interesting to Ministers of the Word. Seminar Fee £5.  To book, please contact: Malachy McKeever on 077 6010 8903 or e-mail: malachy.mck@gmail.com

ST. COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP  –  has vacancies for three Playgroup Assistants.  Temporary posts – 23 ½ hours per week from this September  to June 2015.  Essential qualifications – Minimum NVQ Level 3 Early Child Care and Education or equivalent, Child Protection Training.  Essential experience – Minimum of one year’s paid employment in a PSEP Pre-school Playgroup, working with children with additional needs. Please apply in writing to the playgroup for an application form by Monday 28^th April.  We are an equal opportunities employer.

DECEASED –   We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Brendan Sharkie,  Antonio Fusco,  Florence Fusco,  Eileen Nelson  and Gerry Edwards.

MONEY MATTERS

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

TROCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish as soon as possible.  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.  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 adition, 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 by Sunday 18^th May.

 

 

COMING EVENTS

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th May we will celebrate 20 years of the Art of Caring.  The exhibition will have the usual range of artists and activities Please put dates in your diaries.  We need sponsors and buyers and lots of help particularly during the days before the opening.  Proceeds as usual will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Scouts and Guides and St Joseph’s Primary School.  Bring your family and friends  To volunteer phone 077 0326 9058.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY  –  the return of the Parish Sirloin Steak/Chicken BBQ & Disco on Friday 30^th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

OTHER NOTICES

1500^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLUMBANUS  –  to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12^th October 2014 with a Mass in St John Lateran, the Cathedral Church of Rome.  There will also be a concert given by ‘The Priests’ and an International Meeting of countries and parishes evangelised by St Columbanus.  A Pilgrimage, led by Bishop Treanor, will depart from Dublin on 8^th October and return on 15^th. Accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Rome and the cost per person sharing is 995 euros.  Application  forms can be downloaded from the Diocesan website.   Early booking is encouraged as places are limited.

OPEN DAY AT DRUMALIS, LARNE  –  this Monday from 12 noon to  4.00pm.  The house and grounds will be open for all to enjoy, with opportunities for guided tours of the heritage house.  Afternoon teas will be available.  Everyone is welcome – admission is free.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact 2827 2196 or 2827 6455.

DISCERNMENT DAY  – (Age: 16-35): A day of discernment and prayer with the Passionist Family (Priests & Brothers, Sisters and Lay Passionists). The day includes Adoration and Mass. Soup and sandwiches for lunch. Next Saturday, from 10.30am to 4.00pm (Tea/Coffee at 10.00 am). Passionist Retreat Centre, Crossgar. Phone 4483 0242.

MATT TALBOT PILGRIMAGE  –  the Diocesan Pioneers Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin takes place next Saturday.  Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm.  For further details, please contact Mary Holden on 9442 3956, Frances Doole 077 1891 4692 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com

FEAST OF THE DIVINE MERCY  –  will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Cathedral, next Sunday, commencing at 2.30pm.  The Rosary will be followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Mass.  Confession available.  Car parking available.  All welcome.

FACES OF THE PHILIPPINES  –  Concern will be hosting a special free event on Tuesday 29^th April at 6.00pm in the Waterfront Hall.  It is a unique series of portraits by award winning Belfast photographer Matt Machey capturing the moving stories of four individuals whose lives were forever changed by Typhoon Harijon and yet remain determined to rebuild their livelihood and communities.  A local Filipino community band will be providing music and light refreshments will also be provided.

AQUINAS DIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL  –  past staff and pupil reunion being held on Friday 2^nd May at 7.00pm in the Europa Hotel Belfast.  Dress: Smart/Casual.  For more information please phone the school office on 9064 3939.

ANNUAL LE CHEILE TOGETHER LECTURE  –  the new Vice Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, Dr Francis Campbell, will deliver a public lecture entitled: ‘Faith and education in a pluralist world’ in St Mary’s University College, Belfast, on Tuesday 6^th May at 7.00pm.  Chair: The Most Rev. Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.  All welcome.

LIVING YOUTH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GALA BALL  –  a Diocesan Living Youth Team will be travelling to Ethiopia in July 2014 to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, the world’s leading housing charity.   As part of their fundraising campaign a Gala Ball will be held on Friday 16^th May in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena.  Tickets £40/£400 per table.  To reserve tickets or for more information please contact Claire Smylie, Living Youth Office Manager at 16 Chapel Lane, Belfast, BT1 1HH, phone 9023 2432, email  clairesmylie@livingyouthni.org or log on to www.livingyouthni.org.  Please help build homes and hope in Ethiopia.

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 20  13^TH APRIL 2014

 

Father Ciaran Feeney Adm.   191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.         Tel. 9065 4157.   Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

 

Sat.	Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Holy Thursday	Good Friday
6.30pm	9.30am	7.15am	7.15am	7.15am	7.30pm
	11.30am	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am
	Joseph & Ann McEvoy & Danny Acton			Noel Bowden

 

 

The parish office will close this Wednesday at 1.00pm and will reopen on Monday 28^th April.   Material for the bulletins on Easter Sunday and Sunday 27^th April needs to be in the parish office by 10am this Wednesday morning.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

MORNING MASS  –  will be celebrated Monday to Friday mornings at 7.15am and 9.30am.

LENT SACRED SPACE –The sack cloth represents us on our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes call us to repentance and spiritual renewal. The purple cloth reminds us of the royalty of Christ our King and also represents contrition and preparation. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to this period of repentance, good works and abstinence, by taking a stone from the sack cloth and placing it at the candle, the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – young people who would like to participate in this liturgy on Good Friday should attend a practice this Thursday afternoon at 3.00pm in the Church.

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

                                                               St. Brigid’s Parish                             4.00pm

Monday                                               Holy Rosary Parish                         7.30pm

Tuesday                                               Drumbo and Carryduff Parish      7.30pm

Wednesday                                         St. Bernadette’s Parish                   7.30pm

St Peter’s Cathedral: A Reconciliation Service will take place this Sunday after 6.30 pm Mass.

St Mary’s, Chapel Lane: Monday to Wednesday, 11.30am to 12.55pm; Good Friday,  12.00 noon to 1.00pm; Holy Saturday,  12.00 noon to 1.00 pm.

St Malachy’s Church, Alfred Street:  Wednesday, 7.00pm to 8.00pm; Holy Thursday, after the 7.30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Good Friday, 11.00am to 1.00pm; Holy Saturday, 11.00am to 1.00 pm.

St Patrick’s Church: Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays before the 10.00am and 1.00pm Masses and on Holy Saturday at 12.00 noon

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

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – some additional volunteers are needed for ceremonies during Holy Week and Easter. Please add your name to the rota list on the Church notice board.

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 PASTORAL COUNCIL INFORMATIN LEAFLET  –  a Diocesan Pastoral Council has been established.  A leaflet outlining Why, and how this Council was formed, also detailing members names and their objectives is available at the back of the Church.

LIVING YOUTH – why not join us to celebrate this Sunday, Palm Sunday, the 3^rd Annual Youth Gathering between 10.30am and 6.00pm at St Mary’s University College, Falls Road, Belfast.   The day will include a guest speaker, an opportunity to take part in various workshops including, art, prayer, social awareness and faith development.  We will then process to Corpus Christi Church for Mass.  More information on our website www.livingyouthni.org  and download a registration form or contact us at info@livingyouthni.org

WALK WITH ME BOOKS – An Eastertide Journey of Prayer for 2014 are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR  –  entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God” will be held on Saturday 10^th May from 1.00pm to 4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Kingsway, Finaghy.  It will be conducted by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm. The Seminar is open to all, and will be especially interesting to Ministers of the Word. Seminar Fee £5.  To book, please contact: Malachy McKeever on 077 6010 8903 or e-mail: malachy.mck@gmail.com

ST. COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP  –  has vacancies for three Playgroup Assistants.  Temporary posts – 23 ½ hours per week from this September  to June 2015.  Essential qualifications – Minimum NVQ Level 3 Early Child Care and Education or equivalent, Child Protection Training.  Essential experience – Minimum of one year’s paid employment in a PSEP Pre-school Playgroup, working with children with additional needs. Please apply in writing to the playgroup for an application form by Monday 28^th April.  We are an equal opportunities employer.

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Oliva Campbell and Grace Elizabeth Reford, who were baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.

DECEASED –   We pray for the repose of the soul of Mary Wright, a former parishioner, who died on Tuesday, and whose funeral took place here on Friday, and Noel Halfpenny, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Joseph McEvoy, Ann McEvoy, Danny Acton, Cyril Gibson,

Sheila Sheils, Gerard Vallely and  Noel Bowden

MONEY MATTERS                        

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

TROCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish this 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.  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 adition, 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 by Sunday 18^th May.

 

DTIM  – The ‘Do This In Memory of Me’ pre sacramental programme for children preparing for the sacrament of Holy Communion, will take place at the 9.30am Mass this Sunday.

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

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER GROUP  –  will meet this Tuesday evening at 8.00 pm.  We will reflect on “entering more deeply into the Paschal Mystery.”

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th May we will celebrate 20 years of the Art of Caring.  The exhibition will have the usual range of artists and activities Please put dates in your diaries.  We need sponsors and buyers and lots of help particularly during the days before the opening.  Proceeds as usual will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Scouts and Guides and St Joseph’s Primary School.  Bring your family and friends  To volunteer phone 077 0326 9058.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY  –  the return of the Parish Sirloin Steak/Chicken BBQ & Disco on Friday 30^th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

ST. COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT  –  the Ranger section along with Cara Collins and Amber Gregg, 2 guides who are doing their Chief Commissioner’s Award this year, held a Disney theme disco last Sunday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Parochial Hall.  When about 30 young girls had arrived (even a few boys too!), the disco began, with more people joining us throughout the time.   The DJ had a line up of many Disney songs from Walt Disney films. Everyone who arrived was dressed up as their favourite Disney character. There was the Gruffalo, Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, Pochahontas, Mary Poppins and more! The DJ played an upbeat track, and everyone began to dance. Spot prizes were given to best dancers, best dressed girl and best dressed boy and the prizes included Disney stationery sets, Disney hair bobbles, Disney Easter eggs and more! Everyone danced with their friends and had fun. About an hour through the disco, a game of musical statues was held. Once the game was over, each person got a bottle of juice and a packet of crisps and had a rest before the dancing started again. A good afternoon was had by all.

ST. COLMCILLE’S SCOUT GROUP  –  the Group held a BIG DAY OUT at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre on Sunday 6^th April. A total of 94 youth members and 15 adult leaders attended, joined at lunchtime by nearly 40 parents and other family members. Working with the warden staff at the centre, the leaders put on a series of activities for every section from grass sledges to caving, archery to abseiling. At lunch time we fired up the BBQ and fed the whole ensemble hamburgers and hot dogs, the day being rounded off by a series of team based games involving every youth member. The consensus of one and all was that the event was a complete success and a brilliant way of bringing all sections of the group together for a BIG DAY OUT in the fresh air! This weekend the Cubs are camping at Ballyhornan Scout Centre and the Scouts are camping at Castlewellan over the Easter weekend. Hopefully we will have decent weather for both.

1500^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLUMBANUS  –  to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12^th October 2014 with a Mass in St John Lateran, the Cathedral Church of Rome.  There will also be a concert given by ‘The Priests’ and an International Meeting of countries and parishes evangelised by St Columbanus.  A Pilgrimage, led by Bishop Treanor, will depart from Dublin on 8^th October and return on 15^th. Accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Rome and the cost per person sharing is 995 euros.  Application  forms can be downloaded from the Diocesan website.   Early booking is encouraged as places are limited.

EASTER REVISION SEMINARS  –  Amazing Brains NI are holding an interactive, practical exam preparation workshop for students sitting GCSE, AS, A-Level or other formal examinations at Skainos, Newtownards Road this Tuesday. For more information visit our website www.amazingbrains.co.uk

OPEN DAY AT DRUMALIS, LARNE  –  on Monday 21^st April from 12 noon to  4.00pm.  The house and grounds will be open for all to enjoy, with opportunities for guided tours of the heritage house.  Afternoon teas will be available.  Everyone is welcome – admission is free.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact 2827 2196 or 2827 6455.

DISCERNMENT DAY  – (Age: 16-35): A day of discernment and prayer with the Passionist Family (Priests & Brothers, Sisters and Lay Passionists). The day includes Adoration and Mass. Soup and sandwiches for lunch. Saturday 26^th April, from 10.30am to 4.00pm (Tea/Coffee at 10.00 am). Passionist Retreat Centre, Crossgar. Phone 4483 0242.

MATT TALBOT PILGRIMAGE  –  the Diocesan Pioneers Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 26^th April.  Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm.  For further details, please contact Mary Holden on 9442 3956, Frances Doole 077 1891 4692 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com