Bulletin

VOL. 24 NO. 08 17^TH JANUARY 2016

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net

E-mail: stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org

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

St Colmcille’s Pre School – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 831, 452 & 499)

2^nd Week in Ordinary Time

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

Entrance Antiphon	All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High!
1st Reading	(Isaiah 62:1-5)  The bridegroom rejoices in his bride.
Psalm	Proclaims the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.
2nd Reading	(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)  One and the same Spirit, who distributes gifts to different people just as he chooses.
Acclamation	Alleluia, alleluia!  Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life: you have the message of eternal life.  Alleluia!
Gospel	(John 2:1-11)  This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee.
Children	Jesus is baptised by John.  The Holy Spirit comes down from heaven like a dove.  God the Father is heard saying to Jesus, “You are my Son, the Beloved.”.
Communion Antiphon	You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
6.30pm	9.30am Tom Toland	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am Anointing of the Sick
Confession at 6.00pm	11.30am Thomas Varkey

 

 

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

 

PARISH OFFICE

The parish office will closed this Friday.

 

YEAR OF MERCY

Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, dedicated to living out in our daily lives, the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us.  By showing mercy to others, we are witnessing to our faith in God.

CTS BOOKLETS  – for the Year of Mercy, are now available to purchase from the stand in the Church porch.

 

BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place this Tuesday evening in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

PARISH FAMILY

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN DIRECTORY  –  copies of the Down & Connor Diocesan Directory, price £3.00, are on sale at the back of the Church. Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes. The Directory gives information about every parish in the Diocese, listing the names and addresses of the Priests and Religious, the times of Masses, Parish Schools, Pastoral and Spiritual organisations and useful contact numbers.

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

THE WEDNESDAY WORD – is a national prayer mission which links parishes throughout the country through regular weekly prayer. The Wednesday Word contains the following Sunday’s scripture readings and reflections and is an excellent way of preparing to come to Mass. It is available each week at the back of the Church to take home. Please do consider starting to use this Christ centred, scripture based, method of praying, in spiritual solidarity with many parishioners throughout the country

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION COLLECTION  – will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  Living Youth (the Down & Connor Youth Commission) is now 3 years old and working with more young people than ever before and they need our help if they are to continue growing and reaching more children, young people and young adults.  The number of young people currently engaged with Living Youth is impressive & includes 1551 young people on the Pope John Paul II Award over the 3 years, almost 1,000  11 and 12 year olds on the Parish GIFT programme this year and a large group of young adults on the Catholic Youth Alpha programme, summer pilgrimage, leadership training and the Papal Cross Award.

 

DECEASED

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

Gerald McGuckian  Nicholas Nelson,  Margaret Boylan,  Kathleen McKenna, 

Tom Toland,  Thomas Varkey  and  George Hugh Thompson.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eithne Daly, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

 

THIS WEEK

SERVICE OF LIGHT – is a Confirmation Commitment ceremony that will take place at the 6.30pm Mass this Saturday.

BELMONT AND DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHURCHES  –  will hold its Church Unity Week Service this Sunday at 7.00pm in Knock Methodist Church.   Please come along and join the members of the other Churches in prayer.

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  our next meeting will be this Tuesday evening at 8.00pm in the Committee Room.  New members are welcome.

FRIDAY MORNING – this week please come along to the Iona room at 10.00am for hot coffee and scones. There will be an opportunity to view a 20 minute DVD presentation about Thomas More. In an age when Christain faith is once again on trial, St Thomas More’s witness speaks to us today with renewed power. In every aspect of his life, from his spectacular legal and political career, to his everyday home life as a father and husband, he sought to be true to his Christian faith.

 

COMING EVENTS

11^th Belfast Scout Group 50^th Anniversary Dinner Dance  –  All ex members, friends and supporters of the Scout Group are invited to attend the 50^th Anniversary Dinner Dance to celebrate the re-establishment of the Scout Group in the parish. The dinner will be held  on 6^th February in the Stormont Hotel. Already ex members are travelling from far and near to be with us; Dubai, Brussels, Peru, Seoul, Boston, Leeds, Glasgow, London, Drogheda, Dublin and Carryduff! This will be a tremendous celebration of the proud history of the parish Scout Group, a history dating back to before World War Two and a history of friendship, achievement and fun, a celebration of quality scouting, admired the length and breadth of the country. Tickets at £35 per person are available by contacting Paul Browne on 90291935

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St Joseph’s College Open Night  –  will be held on Thursday 28^th January, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm with the Principal’s address at 7.00pm.

OTHER NOTICES

Ulster Rugby Players speaking in St Anne’s Cathedral–  three well known Ulster Rugby Players will be talking about their faith at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on Monday, January 25^th at 8.00pm.  They are Ruan Pienaar, Wiehahn Herbst and Paul Marshall.

CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME  –  with Professor John Sweeney and Nellie McLaughlin RSM in Drumalis from  Friday 5^th to Sunday 7^th February. The recent publication of the papal document “Laudato Si” has highlighted many of the issues regarding the future of the planet – our common home.  This annual Spring Conference weekend will offer an opportunity to “enter into dialogue with all people about our common home”.  It is possible to attend either on a residential or non-residential basis, or for Saturday only.   For further details or to book a place, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196/2827 6455.  Further details and booking forms are also available on the Drumalis website www.drumalis.co.uk.

NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES  –  from Friday 27^th May to Wednesday 1^st June.   The price of £599 (with price reduction for Cancer Patients) will include: Return flights from Belfast International Airport, operated by JWT License T.O. 052. Full board and accommodation at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes for five nights based on twin/double/treble rooms.  Travel insurance cover for persons up to 85 years on date of return.  The party will consist of patients, ex-patients, relatives and friends accompanied by medical, nursing and other staff.  To enquire or to obtain a booking form please contact:-Mrs Jean Clarke, Hon. Secretary,  c/o Drumbo & Carryduff Parish,  6 Knockbracken Drive,  Carryduff,  Belfast,  BT8 8EX, or speak to us on 075 1675 9646, or  e-mail  mail@nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk  Chairman:- Dr Seamus McAleer, Spiritual Directors: Rev. Dermot McCaughan, Fr. Adrian Eastwood, Fr. Andrew Black.

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9^th to 18^th August 2016.  3 Nights H/B Los Abetos Hotel Santiago, 6 Nights F/B Hotel Avenida Fatima.  Visiting Pontevedra, Tuy & Balasar.  Spiritual Directors are Fr Gerry McCloskey & Fr Sean Gilmore.  Special Group Price £709 inclusive of tax & insurance. Full Religious Programme. For further details contact Joe Catney on 9071 4001 or 077 7642 5631. Early booking is advisable. Deposit secures.

PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND  –  from 19^th to 26^th May.  Spiritual Director Canon Sean Rogan. Highlights  include tour of the old town of Krakow, the shrine of Madonna at Czestochowa, the birth place of St. John Paul 11, Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Memorial Museum, Wieliczka Salt Mine & The shrine of Divine Mercy. Cost  £849 pp Includes return direct flights from Belfast  seven nights accommodation in 4 star hotel, three course meal, four nights in hotel and one night in  city centre restaurant, All entrance fees (Wawel Hill, St. Mary’s Basilica Wadowice Museum, Auschwit, Salt Mine)  Full coach travel for all tours.  To book please call Downe Travel 4461 3288

 

VOL. 24 NO. 07 10^TH JANUARY 2016

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net

E-mail: stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org

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

St Colmcille’s Pre School – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

BAPTISM OF OUR LORD – (Page 102, 452 & 490)

1^ST Week in Ordinary Time

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

Entrance Antiphon	After the Lord was baptised, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered:  This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
1st Reading	(Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11)  The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it.
Psalm	Bless the Lord, my soul!  Lord God, how great you are!
2nd Reading	(Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7)  He saved us by means of the cleansing water of rebirth, and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit.
Acclamation	Alleluia, alleluia!  Someone is coming, said John, someone greater than I.  He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  Alleluia!
Gospel	(Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)  While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened.
Children	Jesus is baptised by John.  The Holy Spirit comes down from heaven like a dove.  God the Father is heard saying to Jesus, “You are my Son, the Beloved.”.
Communion Antiphon	Behold the One of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
6.30pm	9.30am	9.30am Vera Donnelly	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am Anointing of the Sick
Confession at 6.00pm	11.30am

 

 

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

 

PARISH OFFICE

The parish office will closed this Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

 

YEAR OF MERCY

Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, dedicated to living out in our daily lives, the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us.  By showing mercy to others, we are witnessing to our faith in God.

CTS BOOKLETS  – for the Year of Mercy, are now available to purchase from the stand in the Church porch.

 

BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 19^th January in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

PARISH FAMILY

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN DIRECTORY  –  copies of the Down & Connor Diocesan Directory, price £3.00, are on sale at the back of the Church. Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes. The Directory gives information about every parish in the Diocese, listing the names and addresses of the Priests and Religious, the times of Masses, Parish Schools, Pastoral and Spiritual organisations and useful contact numbers.

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

THE WEDNESDAY WORD – is a national prayer mission which links parishes throughout the country through regular weekly prayer. The Wednesday Word contains the following Sunday’s scripture readings and reflections and is an excellent way of preparing to come to Mass. It is available each week at the back of the Church to take home. Please do consider starting to use this Christ centred, scripture based, method of praying, in spiritual solidarity with many parishioners throughout the country

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION COLLECTION  – will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.  Living Youth (the Down & Connor Youth Commission) is now 3 years old and working with more young people than ever before and they need our help if they are to continue growing and reaching more children, young people and young adults.  The number of young people currently engaged with Living Youth is impressive & includes 1551 young people on the Pope John Paul II Award over the 3 years, almost 1,000  11 and 12 year olds on the Parish GIFT programme this year and a large group of young adults on the Catholic Youth Alpha programme, summer pilgrimage, leadership training and the Papal Cross Award.

 

DECEASED

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

Vera Donnelly,  Frank Kelly,  Kenneth Mains,  Arthur Devlin,  Mary Devlin

Monica Spence,  Dan McNaughton,  Fred Loder  and  Bridie Loder.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eithne Daly, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

 

THIS WEEK

SAINT COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT  – reopens for the Cygnet, Brigin and Guide sections this week.  Ranger section will reopen on Monday 18^th January.  Brigin Section – Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.  Ranger Section – Monday evening from 8.15pm to 9.30pm.  Cygnet Section – Wednesday evening from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.  Guide Section – Wednesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.  For further information please contact Philomena on 077 6194 3649

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL  –  will meet this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the Committee Room.

CONFIRMATION PARENTS MEETING – this Wednesday at 7.00pm in the Parochial Hall. Parents will be invited to enrol their child for the Sacrament and to find out more about the Service of Light liturgy next Saturday and their role in it.

SERVICE OF LIGHT – is a Confirmation Commitment ceremony that will take place at the 6.30pm Mass next Saturday.

BELMONT AND DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHURCHES  –  will hold its Church Unity Week Service next Sunday at 7.00pm in Knock Methodist Church.   Please come along and join the members of the other Churches in prayer.

 

COMING EVENTS

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  our next meeting will be Tuesday 19^th January at 8.00pm in the Committee Room.

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

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

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

 

REPORTS

TAP Christmas Gift Cards – The Christmas Gift Card Appeal this year raised the magnificent total of £4050, a record amount since the fundraiser began. The extremely generous response from parishioners  and friends is to be warmly applauded.  The total will be transferred to the Moita Bwawani Mission account and we can be confident that Fr. Janutz will be thrilled with the gift from St. Colmcille’s Parish.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal –  St Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who contributed to our Christmas Appeal. Thanks to your extraordinary generosity we raised £6,941 in our December appeal. This money all goes directly to help local people in need. Thanks also to all those who contributed food to our collection for the Larder food bank, which provides a vital service to those in food poverty in East Belfast. Thank you for all your support, not only for the Christmas appeal, but throughout 2015.

 

OTHER NOTICES

Belfast Beginning Experience –  is continuing its weekly support group meetings during 2016.  Are you suffering the pain of loss of a partner? Looking for help and understanding?  Beginning Experience (a support group for widowed, separated and divorced people) meets every Wednesday from 8.00pm to 10.00pm in St Bride’s Hall, 38 Derryvolgie Avenue, commencing this Wednesday evening. A Residential Weekend will be held in Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, Larne from Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th February. Application forms available on request. For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 078 9611 9669.

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

CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME  –  with Professor John Sweeney and Nellie McLaughlin RSM in Drumalis from  Friday 5^th to Sunday 7^th February. The recent publication of the papal document “Laudato Si” has highlighted many of the issues regarding the future of the planet – our common home.  This annual Spring Conference weekend will offer an opportunity to “enter into dialogue with all people about our common home”.  It is possible to attend either on a residential or non-residential basis, or for Saturday only.   For further details or to book a place, please contact Drumalis on 2827 2196/2827 6455.  Further details and booking forms are also available on the Drumalis website www.drumalis.co.uk.

 

VOL. 24 NO. 06 3^RD JANUARY 2016

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net

E-mail: stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org

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

St Colmcille’s Pre School – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

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

Season of Christmas

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

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

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

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

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

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

 

YEAR OF MERCY

Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, dedicated to living out in our daily lives, the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us.  By showing mercy to others, we are witnessing to our faith in God.

CTS BOOKLETS  – for the Year of Mercy, are now available to purchase from the stand in the Church porch.

 

BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 19^th January in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

PARISH FAMILY

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN DIRECTORY  –  copies of the Down & Connor Diocesan Directory, price £3.00, are on sale at the back of the Church. Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes. The Directory gives information about every parish in the Diocese, listing the names and addresses of the Priests and Religious, the times of Masses, Parish Schools, Pastoral and Spiritual organisations and useful contact numbers.

PARISH CENSUS  –  is constantly changing due to new families moving into the parish, and existing families moving homes.  The parish makes a conscious effort to ensure the information we hold is correct and up to date, but we need help from all families to ensure this is done.  If you have moved into the parish and have not registered, please complete a yellow census card at the back of the Church, and place in the bulletin box.  If you have moved house please fill out a white card at the back of the Church, and again leave in the bulletin box.  Parishioners who are moving out of the parish are asked to inform Philomena in the office when they have moved.  Your co-operation in keeping our census up to date is appreciated.

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

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

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

THE WEDNESDAY WORD – is a national prayer mission which links parishes throughout the country through regular weekly prayer. The Wednesday Word contains the following Sunday’s scripture readings and reflections and is an excellent way of preparing to come to Mass. It is available each week at the back of the Church to take home. Please do consider starting to use this Christ centred, scripture based, method of praying, in spiritual solidarity with many parishioners throughout the country

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

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

DECEASED

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

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

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eithne Daly, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

THIS WEEK

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

COMING EVENTS

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

ST Colmcille’s Pre-school

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

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

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

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

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

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

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

 

OTHER NOTICES

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

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

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

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

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9^th to 18^th August 2016.  3 Nights H/B Los Abetos Hotel Santiago, 6 Nights F/B Hotel Avenida Fatima.  Visiting Pontevedra, Tuy & Balasar.  Spiritual Directors are Fr Gerry McCloskey & Fr Sean Gilmore.  Special Group Price £709 inclusive of tax & insurance. Full Religious Programme. For further details contact Joe Catney on 9071 4001 or 077 7642 5631. Early booking is advisable. Deposit secures.