Bulletin

SUNDAY BULLETIN

VOL. 22 NO. 23  11^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 Carmen Carey	9.30am Brona Cullen	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am	9.30am Daniel McConnell Anointing of the Sick
Confessions at 6.00pm	11.30am

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

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 “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

CONGRATULATIONS – to the twelve young people who have been commissioned this weekend as Special Ministers to read the Prayers of the Faithful: Aoife Beard, Alan Paul, Aleena Paul, Ellen Long, Harsha Abraham, Harvins Abraham, Kewin Philip, Nimisha Jose, Nisha Jose, Noel Shaji, Sarah Long, Tenson Joseph. May the Holy Spirit guide and nourish  them in their role of leading the intercessory prayers on behalf of all of the people of God.

JOHN PAUL 11 AWARD – Congratulations to Sara Raju and Chelsea Braga who have been presented with the John Paul 11 Gold Award by the Diocese, for their commitment to our parish ministries and voluntary work in the local community, bringing to life the Gospel values of love, service and community.

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.

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.

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.

DOWN AND CONNOR VOCATION VIGIL  –  will be held in St. Comgall’s Church, Antrim this Thursday evening from 8.00pm to 10.00pm.  Prayer, Music, Witness – for vocations.  All ages welcome

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Liadan Aoife Hill O’Keeffe, who was baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.

WEDDING  –  our congratulations and best wishes go to Kristoffer Campbell and Kathleen Bogue who were married on Saturday 3^rd May in St. Colmcille’s.

DECEASED –   We pray for the repose of the soul of Maureen Corrigan, who died recently and for Hilda Fernandez, whose month’s mind occurs this weeekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Carmen Carey,  Brian Cullen,  Daniel McConnell, Elizabeth Logue  and John Logue.

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 by next Sunday.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN COLLECTION FOR OUR STUDENTS TO THE PRIESTHOOD  – will be taken up at all Masses next weekend. There are currently ten young men in training for priesthood for the diocese, three of whom, Dominic, Andrew and Conor, are deacons. The other students are James, Manuelito, Tony, James, Michael, Kevin requested. Your financial contribution is another concrete way of supporting our students as they journey towards priesthood for service in our parishes.

THIS WEEK

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 this Sunday. The children will receive the sacrament of Holy Communion next Sunday at 11.30am Mass.

HALL COMMITTEE  –  next meeting will be held this Monday evening at 7.30pm

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL  –  will meet this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.

DIOCESAN REVIEW FEEDBACK  –  following the recent Diocesan Review, the Living Church has organised a series of meetings to provide feedback to priests and parishioners in the Diocese.  The meeting for the parishes in our Vicariate will take place this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Parochial Hall.  All parishioners are invited to attend.

COMING EVENTS

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER GROUP  –  we will meet again on Tuesday 20^th May, at 8.00p.m in the Committee Room. Focus will be on  “entering more fully into the Pascal Mystery ”.

WEDNESDAY CLUB  – trip to Co. Meath on Wednesday 21^st May.  Cost £30, includes bus, lunch and entertainment, tea before we leave for home  Bus leaves at 10.15am and returning home at about 7.00pm.  If you wish to join us please ring Pat on 9067 1036 or Anna on 9065 1351.  We need final numbers by this Wednesday.  Don’t delay.

APOSTOLIC WORK ANNUAL DISPLAY AND SALE  –  will take place after all the Masses on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th May.  Please support our missionary work by going to the Parochial Hall and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and freshly made scones.  There will be cakes, plants, books etc. for sale and the popular tombola and raffle.  You are encouraged to Gift Aid cash donations of ANY AMOUNT so that Apostolic Work can claim the tax.  Forms will be available at the door or from a member of Apostolic Work in the hall.   Thank you for your faithful support.

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 COLMCILLES SCOUT TROOP

The Scout Troop retained the Columbanus Shield last weekend after two days of competition at Castlewellan Forest Park. The shield, presented 80 years ago has been competed for on 58 occasions and St. Colmcilles have now secured 18 victories, the first being in 1938. This year the troop entered two patrols and over the weekend they canoed the length of Castlewellan lake, built natural shelters, cooked wheaten scones on an open fire, prepared a superb “one pot meal” of chorizo sausage stew, attended a fantastic campfire and demonstrated their proficiency at scout camp craft. When the final marks were announced, the patrols from St. Colmcilles had been placed first and second, a fantastic achievement and testimony to the quality of scouting here in this parish. Many congratulations to Eagle patrol led by Amy Truesdale and including, Michael O’Hare, Niamh Mallaghan, Ronan Cunningham, Aisling Dawson, Niamh McMordie, Sinead Lavery and Hans Abraham who came first and Bull patrol led by Tim Cunningham and including Oonagh Lavery, Lorcan Short, Eve Truesdale, Eve Gilsennan, Michael Walsh, Caitriona Mallaghan and Robin Dane who came a very close and Christopher. Please remember them in your prayers.  Thank you for your support of this collection last year. Your continued support of this annual church collection is again

second. The foundations for this success were carefully laid throughout the year at weekly troop meetings and in particular at various camps and activities, particularly Easter camp. At Easter this year, we had 34 scouts split into 6 patrols under canvas with an additional 11 leaders in attendance. The weather was very kind and added to an active scout programme of pioneering, bivying, cooking and camp games. Visitors to the site included the original leaders from the sixties, Mike Loder and Seamus O’Flaherty, who were very happy that the seeds sewn so long ago continue to bear fruit. The Concern cycle marathon organized by the Scout Group as a whole, realized a final total of £720 for disaster relief in the Philippines. A huge thank you to all who supported this charity fundraiser.

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

DAY OF PRAYER FOR OUR LAND  –  this annual day of prayer will take place in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall Street next Saturday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.  The theme this year will be ‘Moving Forward Together’.  Amongst the officiants will be Father Oliver Crilly, Father Ciaran Dallat and David O’Connor leader of John the Baptist, Koinonia.  You will be welcome to join us.

IN FAITH, THROUGH FORGIVENESS TO THE FUTURE  –  an roundtable discussion on Saturday 24^th May  from 1.30pm to 5.30pm in All Saints Parish Centre, Cushendall Road Ballymena.   Guest Speaker, Dr Geraldine Smyth OP, of Trinity College Dublin and the Irish School of Ecumenics, well known theologian and writer, will be accompanied by Fr Paddy Delargy, Mrs Janice McKeith and Baroness Nuala O’Loan. Explore the true meaning of forgiveness for all Christians and its importance for the way we live our lives and build our future.  No charge.  All welcome. Tea and tray bakes.  Donation basket to cover the costs.  We hope you will come. For further information contact Nuala 077 6997 4970 or Janice 079 2708 9125.

PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE  – from 25^th July to 1^st August, 6 nights in San Giovanni at Parco Della Rossa and 1 night Benevenuto at Grand Hotel Italiano.  Meals included. Full itinerary escorted.  Price €849. For more information contact Annemarie at Joe Walsh Tours 00 353 1241 0800 or Joanne/Michael  on 9022 8436

ARE YOU SUFFERING THE PAIN OF LOSS?  –  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, Malone Rd, Belfast.  A Residential Weekendwill be held fromFriday 17^th to Sunday 19^th October 2014 in Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, Larne. Application forms available on request.  For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 075 4207 0835.

BREDAGH –  girls get active in the park on Friday nights from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.  All girls are invited to come along and get involved in girls activity with their friends in Cherryvale Playing Fields with Bredagh Gaelic Club  For more information contact 078 4973 7102. A fun way to get introduced to gaelic games.  Under 10s (Born 2004 or 2005) Under 8s (2006 or 2007/ includes all girls in Primary 2).  Other activity in Cherryvale includes: Camogie and Hurling Saturday 1.00pm and Boys Football Sunday 10.00 am

 

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.