VOL. 23 NO. 08 18TH JANUARY 2015
Father Ciaran Feeney Adm. 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.
Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com
St. Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk Phone – 9065 0039
St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk. Phone – 9047 2724
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 698, 452 & 499)
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, 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 | (1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19) Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. |
| Psalm | Here I am Lord! I come to do your will. |
| 2nd Reading | (1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20) Your bodies are members making up the body of Christ. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternla life. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (John 1:35-42) They saw where he lived, and stayed with him. |
| Children | Jesus begins to make friends with people who will help him spread the Good News of God’s love. |
| 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
Nicholas McKenna |
9.30am
|
9.30am
Prayer Service |
9.30am
Prayer Service |
9.30am
Prayer Service |
9.30am
Prayer Service |
| Confessions at 6.00pm | 11.30am
Adelina Limisip |
Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds
in the evening please close the car park gates.
CREATING PASTORAL COMMUNITIES
As we look towards the future in our diocese we have learned quite a bit from the experience of other dioceses in Ireland and around the world. They have learned that successful communities are focussed on mission, have good working relationships between clergy and laity and a substantial population. They should reflect existing community networks and, in rural areas, they should be gathered around a central hub. You are invited to read the Consultation Document available on the Diocesan Website perhaps paying particular attention to our local proposed Pastoral Community. www.downandconnor.org
FUNDRAISING WITHIN THE PARISH
Due to the many financial appeals to parishioners, it has become necessary to regularise special collections and fundraising events, so that parishioners don’t feel overburdened.
Therefore, permission to collect money within the Parish will be required. If the fundraising event is being hosted outside the Parish, organisers will be able to advertise in the bulletin, but will not be able to market the event in the Parish grounds. In order for collections to be evenly spread out and for parishioners not to feel overburdened, an application form needs to be completed at least 3 months before the event. Application forms are available to download from the parish website or from Philomena in the Parish Office.
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 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
PASTORAL LETTER – following the publication of Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace Message 2015 Bishop Treanor has published a Pastoral Letter on the topic of Slavery & Human Exploitation. The Pastoral Letter explores themes such as human dignity, Catholic social teaching, our attitude towards the marginalised and our baptismal and corporate responsibility to do what we can to address these issues in our parish community and in our society.
BAPTISM – we welcome into the parish family Daniel Thomas Harkin who was baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.
RECENTLY BAPTISED CHILDREN – if your child was baptised last year in the parish and you wish to keep your child’s card from the Baptism Tree it will be available in the Sacristy after all Masses this weekend.
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. There is a flyer called “Supporting our Young People and Young Adults on their Faith Journey” available at the back of the Church, giving details of the work being carried out by the Youth Commmisson in the Diocese.
DECEASED
We pray for the repose of the souls of Thomas Varkey, Thomas Fusco and Moya Hinds, who died recently. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;
Nicholas Nelson, Margaret Boylan, Kathleen McKenna, Nicholas McKenna,
Raymond O’Neill, Daniel McNaughton, Nuala McKinley,
Adelina Limisip, Paddy O’Callaghan and Patricia O’Callaghan
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.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Begins next Sunday and ends on Sunday 1st February. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2015 is: ‘Catholic Schools – Called to Serve’. This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique contribution that Catholic schools, both primary and post-primary, make to the mission of the Church in our local faith communities and throughout the wider church.
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY – in conjunction with the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, St. Joseph’s Primary School are inviting all Grandparents to visit the school and see your grandchild hard at work, on Tuesday 27th January. Tea and tray bakes wil be provided for our special grandparents at 11.00am in the School Hall. Following this Grandparents are welcome to walk around the school, visit the classes and help your grandchild with their work
SCHOOL MASS – the parish will join in the celebrations by having a special Mass at 9.30am on Wednesday 28th January with the children from St Joseph’s school.
PARISH DRAW
This year’s Parish Draw is being launched on Saturday 7th February & Sunday 8th February. Committee members will be available at all the Masses for you to purchase a ticket. Tea & Coffee will be available after both Masses on Sunday in the Parochial Hall. Please show your support to the Parish by purchasing a ticket or two! Any queries please contact Roisin McMullan 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh 078 1549 3463.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest? If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. This retreat will create the time and space to help you discern God’s calling in your life.
The retreat will take place in Drumalis Retreat Centre, from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February. If you wish to attend this retreat or would like further information contact: Fr. Kevin McGuckien, on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.
VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015. For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9508 8030.
THIS WEEK
SERVICE OF LIGHT – a service of commitment for the young people who are preparing for Confirmation, will be held this Saturday at the 6.30pm Mass. Confirmation will take place on Sunday 1st February at 11.30am Mass.
BELMONT AND DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHURCHES – will hold its Church Unity Week Service this Sunday at 6.30pm in Knocknagoney Parish Church. Please come along and join the members of the other Churches in prayer.
Scripture and Prayer Group – Our next meeting is this Tuesday at 8.00pm in the Committee Room. We will continue with our reflections on the Gospel of St Mark.
PTA – cake sale on next Sunday in the Parochial Hall after each Mass. Proceeds are in aid of St. Joseph’s School.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal 2014
St. Colmcille’s Conference of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who contributed to our Christmas Appeal. Thanks to your extraordinary generosity the Appeal in the Parish raised £12,000, of which more than £6,000 was gift aided, an astonishing sum in one parish. This enabled us to help more than 40 families in the weeks before Christmas, and will enable us to help those who seek assistance from us throughout this winter with fuel, food, clothes and other necessities. Thank you for your tremendous support.
OTHER NOTICES
HELP WANTED – parishioner seeks help 2 to 3 hours a week for light domestic work, no heavy lifting expected. Remuneration negotiable and time flexible. Please contact Peter Stobart on 9045 9491 for further details.
Belfast Beginning Experience – 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,. For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 075 4207 0835.
Special Pioneer Meeting – of the Down and Connor Diocesan Pioneer Council will take place on Sunday 1st February at 3.00pm in Clonard Monastery, Falls Road, Belfast. Special Guest speakers will be Mr Robert Shannon (National President of the Pioneer Association) and Mrs Mary Brady (Development Officer for the Pioneer Association). All Pioneer Council representatives within the Diocese are warmly invited to attend this important meeting.
PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS – with Padraig O’Tuama at Drumalis, Larne on Thursday 5th and Thursday 12th February. An opportunity over two evenings to deepen your prayer in preparation for Lent and Easter. 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 2196/2827 6455.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA – from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2015. 7 nights full board en suite £589.00 fully inc. free insurance, free tax, free coach to airport. For more information contact the Spiritual Director Rita O’Neill on 075 5435 4157.
LIVING YOUTH – Summer Pilgrimage. Are you 17-23? Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio. 2nd – 7th August 2015. £690 includes flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie. Application forms available from the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org. Closing date: Thursday 29th January 2015.