20th April

VOL. 22 NO. 20  20TH 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 28th 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 28th 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 10th 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 28th 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 18th May.

 

 

COMING EVENTS

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th 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 30th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

OTHER NOTICES

1500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLUMBANUS  –  to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12th 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 8th October and return on 15th. 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 29th 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 2nd 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 6th 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 16th 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.

13th April

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 20  13TH 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

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    

 

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 28th April.   Material for the bulletins on Easter Sunday and Sunday 27th April needs to be in the parish office by 10am this Wednesday 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 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.

 

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.

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.

PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

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.

CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL

SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

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

PARISH FAMILY

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 3rd 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 10th 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 28th 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 18th May.

THIS WEEK

 

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.

COMING EVENTS

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th 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 30th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

REPORTS

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 6th 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.

OTHER NOTICES

1500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLUMBANUS  –  to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12th 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 8th October and return on 15th. 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 21st 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 26th 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 26th 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

6th April

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 19  6TH 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

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

Nugh McCaffery

           
  11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

      Special Intention Anointing of the Sick

 

STEPPING INTO THE PASSION

You are warmly invited to make a journey this Lent to revisit a familiar story with a new twist.  Along the journey we will look at the Passion of Jesus through the eyes of men and women who were present and find that as we share in their experiences we become more involved in the story. Through film clips, scripture sharing and discussion we explore in an engaging way the meaning of the Passion in our lives today – this Wednesday evening from 7.30pm – 9.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall.

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

Thank you to the members of the Guide Unit who are doing litter pick ups in the Church grounds as part of their

Environment Programme.

 

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 15th April 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 PROGRAMME FOR LENT

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

BELIEVE –   a DVD presentation on a series of reflections on the Creed, concludes this Thursday morning.   Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments.

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.                                                                                                                            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 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 18th May.

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 – young people who would like to participate in this liturgy on Good Friday should contact Noeleen asap on 078 7949 8131.

HALL BOOKINGS – Pat will not be available for Hall bookings until this Thursday evening.

CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL

SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

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

                                               St. Brigid’s Parish                   4.00pm

Monday 14th April                     Holy Rosary Parish                  7.30pm

Tuesday 15th April                    Drumbo and Carryduff Parish      7.30pm

Wednesday 16th April                St. Bernadette’s Parish              7.30pm

St Peter’s Cathedral: Next Saturday after 10.00am Mass and between 6.00pm and 6.20 pm.  A Reconciliation Service will take place next Sunday after 6.30 pm Mass.

St Mary’s, Chapel Lane:            Holy Week: 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:  Next Saturday, 12 noon to 1.00pm and after the Evening Mass from 6.45pm to 7.30pm; Wednesday 16th, 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

PARISH DRAW

The winners of the 1st Parish Draw for 2014 are:

Colin McShane – £100, Billy Dunn – £75 & Richard Duffin – £25.

Don’t worry its not too late to still get your tickets.  Please speak to any member of the committee or tickets will be available after all the Masses, this weekend.

 

PARISH FAMILY

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.

LIVING YOUTH – why not join us to celebrate next Sunday, Palm Sunday, the 3rd 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 Candleabra boxes.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR  –  entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God” will be held on Saturday 10th 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

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Finlay Paul Davidson, Leo Patrick Kavanagh, Madison McKenna and Tara McKenna who were baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.

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

Jane Connor,  John Connor,  Maureen Nugent,  Nell McNicholl  and  Hugh McCaffrey.

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

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

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin this Sunday.  If you have not received your new box of envelopes, they 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.

THIS WEEK

 

ST. COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT  –  invites you to a Fancy Dress Theme Disney Disco this Sunday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Parochial Hall Admission £3.  Activities include face painting, spot prizes and refreshments.  Please bring a friend.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION –  Please pray for the sixty six children from our parish, who will make their First Confession at 6.30pm in the Church this Thursday evening.

BALLYHACKAMORE GOLF SOCIETY  –  next outing is to Downpatrick this Friday. The first tee is reserved from 2.00pm. Members, visitors and guests are welcome. The fee is £20. For further details, contact Peter on 9076 3822.

ST. COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE  –  are holding a Table Quiz this Friday in the Parochial Hall.  The tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from the Pre-School Office or on the night at the door. It’s BYO and nibbles are included. Everyone is very welcome. The fun starts at 8.00pm. Please support this great cause.

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 next Sunday.

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, 14th April, 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  –  we will meet again just prior to Easter Sunday on Tuesday 15th April at 8.00 pm.  We will reflect on selected readings and themes from Holy week liturgies.

ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING  –  from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th 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 30th May, tickets £15 per person.  More details to follow nearer the time

OTHER NOTICES

1500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLMUMBANUS  –  to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12th 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 8th October and return on 15th. 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.

JOB VACANCY  – mature part-time child minder required three days per week for two children in East Belfast. Own transport required. Contact: 078 330 4259.

BELFAST CENTRE OF LEARNING  –  Rossmore Avenue, Ormeau Road will be holding an Open Day this Tuesday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, for free careers advice for all school leavers.  For more information call 9064 0446.

STORIES OF LIFE AND DEATH FROM THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS   –  a series of Four Lenten Talks in preparation for Easter at Drumalis, Larne, given by Pádraig Ó Tuama, popular facilitator of scripture courses.  This Thursday – Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of Luke.  Each session takes place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, including tea/coffee.  The suggested contribution is £5 per evening.  If you would like to attend, please contact Drumalis to book a place  on  2827 2196 or 2827 6455 (during office hours, Monday to Friday)

FREE HEARING AID CLINIC  –  do you wear an NHS hearing aid or know someone who does? Action on Hearing Loss runs a free drop-in clinic at Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street. The next session is scheduled for this Thursday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon.  If you’re having trouble with your hearing aid, need new batteries (they are free), need the tubing changed, or just need some information, come along and talk to our trained Action on Hearing Loss volunteers. They’ll be glad to help.

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 on Tuesday 15th April. For more information visit our website www.amazingbrains.co.uk

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 26th 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

FEAST OF THE DIVINE MERCY  –  will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Cathedral, on Sunday 27th April, commencing at 2.30pm.  The Rosary will be followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Mass.  Confession available.  Car parking available.  All welcome.

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

DIVINE HEALING MINISTRIES TRAINING  –  the team of Divine Healing Ministries will be doing training for those who would like to be involved in the healing ministry.  This will take place every Thursday during the month of May at 8.00pm in St. Anne’s Cathedral Hall.  People can come if they want to learn more about the healing ministry, if they wish to use the skills learnt in their own church, or if they would like to work with us.  There is no charge for the course but on the last night participants will have a chance to make a freewill offering.

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 16th 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.