1st May 2016

VOL. 24 NO. 23  1ST MAY 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

 

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – (Page 385, 452 & 495)

Easter Time

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

Entrance

Antiphon

Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth:  The Lord has freed his people, alleluia!
1st Reading (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29)  It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to saddle you with any burden beyond these essentials.
Psalm Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
2nd Reading (Apcoalypse 21:10-14, 22-23)   He showed me the holy city coming down out of heaven.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  Jesus said: “If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him.”  Alleluia!
Gospel (John 14:23-29)  The Holy Spirit will remind you of all I have said to you.
Children It was time for Jesus to go back to heaven, and he knew his friends would miss him.  Jesus promised his friends that his Father would send a Helper, who would remind them of everything he had said.
Communion

Antiphon

If you love me, keep my commandments, says the Lord, and I will ask the Father and he will send you another Paraclete, to abide with you for ever, alleluia.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Julia Roddy & Annie Nelson

9.30am

 

9.30am

Aidan Connolly

 

9.30am

Nora Sweeney

9.30am

 

9.30am

Teresa Wilkinson

Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

 

       

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Pat McCanney,  Aidan Connolly and Nora Sweeney who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Julia Roddy,  Elizabeth Logue,  John Logue,  Teresa Wilkinson, 

Vera Kelly,  Annie Nelson  and  Margaret McKenna.

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.

ADORATION

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT –  in the parish will be held in the parish this Monday and Tuesday from 2.00pm – 9.00pm in the Chapel of Adoration (also known as the Confession Room). Entrance will be from the outside door at the left side of the Church. Parish Adoration teams are being set up to cover specific hours. Each person in the team has committed to spend an hour with Jesus and will also pray for priests and parishioners. There is still the opportunity to join the rota: details beside the Bulletin box in the Church porch.

CHAPEL OF ADORATION –  of St Colmcille’s will be suitably furnished for Adoration and details will be available next weekend for those who wish to sponsor or contribute towards the purchase of items for the chapel.

YEAR OF MERCY – GIVE TO THOSE WHO THIRST

“We will entrust the life of the Church, all humanity, and the entire cosmos to the Lordship of Christ, asking him to pour out his mercy upon us like the morning dew, so that everyone may work together to build a brighter future.”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 5.

It is a tragedy that people still live without clean water.  Charities like Trócaire and Habitat provide basic resources for people in developing countries.  Are you in a position to support their work?  Or you could be conscious of the amount of water you use and work to reduce waste?

YEAR OF MERCY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £550 in hotel or £430 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £600; Youth Team age 16-25 (8-17th) –  £500.  For more information contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email Lourdes@downandconnor.org.

YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND St. Patrick’s Parish, which hosts the Door of Mercy for Down and Connor Diocese, will lead a Pilgrimage of Mercy to Poland from 8th to 15th September. Pilgrims will be accommodated on a half-board basis in a luxury 4* hotel in the historic city of Krakow. Pilgrims will have an opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the shrine at Czestochowa, Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, the tomb of St. Faustina, the shrine of Divine Mercy and Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Itineraries and booking forms are available from St. Patrick’s Parish Office, 199 Donegall Street, Belfast (Tel: 9032 4597). The cost of the pilgrimage is €995 per person sharing (a single supplement applies). Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR – will be held next Saturday from 1.00pm-4.30pm in St Brigid’s Parish Hall, 38 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP. The seminar entitled ‘The Liturgical Service of God’s Mercy’, and presented by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm., costs £10 and is open to all. To book, please contact Malachy McKeever on 07760 108903 or liturgy@downandconnor.org.

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

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 17th 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 DRAW

The winners of the 1st Parish Draw for 2016 are: £100 – Rebecca Strain, £75 – Paula Shiels & £25 – Celine Molloy

The winners of the 2nd Parish Draw for 2016 are: £100 – Peter MacSorley, £75 – Noeleen Dunn & £25 – Damien & Geraldine McCorry

Congratulations to all our winners.  It’s still not too late to enter, if you are interested in taking part please speak to any member of the Social & Fundraising Committee or drop your details along with payment into the Parish Office or contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019.

 PARISH FAMILY

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

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish Kyle Cross who was baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.

IN JOYFUL HOPE – A Step in Eucharistic Communion  –  St. Columba’s Church, invites everyone to “A Celebration of Holy Communion” this Thursday, The Ascension Day, at at 8.00pm.  Each year, since its inception in 2010, clergy and laity from a number of Christian traditions have met ‘In Joyful Hope’, four times yearly, at a variety of church venues to experience, through the Eucharist/Holy Communion/Lord’s Supper, the realisation that Christ is present with us. We acknowledge the differences that exist in theological interpretation and liturgical practice, but believe that the joy of being present at the Eucharistic worship of another Christian tradition is greater than the pain experienced by some attendees, in being unable to practice fully in the sacrament.  ‘Our focus is on the sharing of who we are with one another.’  ‘Spread the word that we may spread the welcome.’

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 is available to take bookings for the Hall.  Please phone her on 9067 1036, Monday to Friday evening from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

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.

THIS WEEK

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

COMING EVENTS

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION  –  will be celebrated in the parish at the 11.30am Mass on Sunday 15th May.

WEDNESDAY CLUB  –  outing to Lissan House, Cookstown on Wednesday 18th May.  Bus leaving at 11.00am.  Cost £20.  To book please ring Pat on 9067 1036 or Anna on 9065 1351.  We welcome anyone who would like to join us on this day out.

APOSTOLIC WORK  ANNUAL DISPLAY AND SALE  – will be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May.

SAVE A DATE  –  Friday 3rd June is the date for St Colmcilles annual BBQ. More details to follow but gather your friends to book your table for this fabulous evening.

OTHER NOTICES

INTERESTED IN ADOPTION?  –  Family Care Society specialises in finding forever families for children aged 3 years old and upwards and for brothers and sisters. This year we have successfully placed more brothers and sisters together and half of them were over the age of 3.  Many more children need forever families. Could you be their new family? We are also seeking families who would be interested in becoming concurrent carers for babies under 2 years old.  If you would like to talk to one of our specialist adoption practitioners please contact: Rachael on 9069 1133, Julie or Brian on 7136 8592 or email: email@familycaresociety.org.  We look forward to hearing from you.

DIVINE HEALING MINISTRIES –  will be hosting an interdenominational service at Good Shepherd Church, this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. The former BBC journalist Sr. Martina Purdy will be the main speaker and will share on her journey of faith. Worship will be led by the music group from West Church, Bangor. There will be opportunity to receive personal prayer ministry at this service. Everyone is welcome to this service of hope and healing.

BRYSON FUTURE SKILLS –  is hosting an Open Day for 16/17year old school leavers this Wednesday from 4.00pm to 7.00pm at Bryson Future Skills, Stockman House, Bedford Street.  An opportunity to find out about training for success in: Business Administration, Catering, Childcare, Construction/Bricklaying, Hairdressing, IT for users, Joinery, Playwork

or Retail.  For further details please call 9074 5408 or text 077 8620 6696. Keep up to date with all our latest updates on our Facebook page.

THE THIEL CHOIR  – from Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania are holding a concert in Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on Wednesday 11th May at 7.30pm.  For more information please phone 9047 1103

EMBRACE  –  finding refuge in Northern Ireland.  First hand experience from some of our new neighbours on Thursday 12th May at 7.30pm in Edgehill Theological College, 9 Lennoxvale, Malone Road, BT9 5BU.  This will inlcude an update on the government programme to re-settle Syrians in Northern Ireland and first hand accounts of the experiences of refugees and people in the asylum process.

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS WITH THE REDEMPTORISTS  –  Pope Pius 1X presented the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to the Redemptorists for veneration in their newly built Church of St. Alfonso, Rome in December 1865.  It was solemnly installed there on 26th April 1866.  Follow the Icon, Jubilee Pilgrimage, will be in St. Peter’s Cathedral from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th May.  Thursday – Mass of Welcome celebrated by Bishop Treanor at 7.30pm; Healing Service at 9.00pm; Prayer around the Icon at 10.30pm.  Friday – Mass at 10.00am; Prayer Service for Primary Schools at 11.00am.  Saturday – Mass at 10.00am; Procession to Clonard Monastery at 11.00am

THE BETHANY BEREAVEMENT TEAM  –   in Holywood Parish, would like to invite you to the Mass of the Angels, on Friday 20th May at 7.00pm.  We welcome anyone who has suffered the loss of a child whether it be in the womb, at birth or later life to come to our parish to join us for this Mass of the Angels.

FAMILY FUN DAY – in Knock Methodist Centre on Saturday 21st May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.  Admission £2.50 person, which includes: bouncy castle, nail and facepainting, tattoos, badge making, sausage sizzle, duck hunt, teas, ice cream, bouncy slide, tug of war and bran tub.  Everyone welcome.

ARDS CCE HOST ULSTER FLEADH – in Bangor from July 16th – 24th, with many events including Irish Music Sensations BEOGA on Saturday 16th July at St Comgall’s Parish Centre, Bangor and THE SANDS FAMILY on Thursday 21st July at Bangor Abbey.  Tickets cost only £10 for each concert – More info on www.ulsterfleadh.com.

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9th to 18th 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.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE  –  are you suffering the pain of loss of a partner? Looking for help and understanding? Beginning Experience is a support group for widowed, separated and divorced people that meets every Wednesday evening from 8.00pm to 10.00pm in St Bride’s Hall, Derryvolgie Avenue. For further information please contact Phil on 9020 7645 or Marie on 078 9611 9669.

PARISH LIFE IN BRAZIL IN RECENT TIMES  – Fr. Paul Turley and Fr. Brendan Callanan, Redemptorist Priests, will give a talk on their experiences in Brazil, in Dundrum Parish Centre, at 7.30pm on Monday 25th May. Everyone welcome.

 

24th April

VOL. 24 NO. 22  24TH APRIL 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

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – (Page 381, 452 & 495)

Easter Time

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

Entrance

Antiphon

O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders; in the sight of the nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.
1st Reading (Acts 14:21-27)  They gave an account to the church of all that God had done with them.
Psalm I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.
2nd Reading (Apocalypse 21:1-5)   God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:  love one another, just as I have loved you”.  Alleluia!
Gospel (John 13:31-35)  I give you a new commandment: love one another.
Children Jesus told his friends that he had a new commandment to give them.   They were to love one another just as he loved them.  Then everyone would know that they were his followers.
Communion

Antiphon

I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord.  Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Gerry Edwards

9.30am

 

9.30am

Kay Hill

9.30am

Margo Reid

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

William Murphy

       

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Marie Finaly, Margo Reid, and Jacqueline Morgan who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Gerry Edwards,  William Murphy,  Phillip Hess,  Alexandria Hess,  Molly McEvoy, 

Mary Ellen Tansey  and  Claire Mullaly.

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.

ADORATION

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT –  in the parish begins Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd May from 2.00pm – 9.00pm in the Chapel of Adoration (also known as the  Confession Room). Entrance will be from the outside door at the left side of the Church. Parish Adoration teams are being set up to cover specific hours. Each person in the team has committed to spend an hour with Jesus and will also pray for priests and parishioners. There is still the opportunity to join the rota: details beside the Bulletin box in the Church porch.

CHAPEL OF ADORATION –  of St Colmcille’s will be suitably furnished for Adoration and details will be available next weekend for those who wish to sponsor or contribute towards the purchase of items for the chapel

INAUGURAL MASS FOR THE Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – will take place this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.  All adorers, parishioners and friends are warmly invited to this Mass to celebrate ‘watch for an hour with Jesus’ in our parish.

YEAR OF MERCY – REMEMBER THOSE IN PRISON

“May the message of mercy reach everyone, and may no one be indifferemt to the call to experience mercy.  I direct this invitation to conversion even more fervently to those whose behaviour distances them from the grace of God.”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 19

Could you reach out to someone you know in prison or their family?  Simply write a letter or drop an email of encouragement.  Also, remember imprisonment takes many forms.  Those who are sick can be housebound and isolated.  Can you help someone trapped or suffering from sickness?

YEAR OF MERCY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  application forms are now available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11-16th) – £550 in hotel or £430 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £600; Youth Team age 16-25 (8-17th) –  £500.  For more information contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email Lourdes@downandconnor.org.

YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND St. Patrick’s Parish, which hosts the Door of Mercy for Down and Connor Diocese, will lead a Pilgrimage of Mercy to Poland from 8th to 15th September. Pilgrims will be accommodated on a half-board basis in a luxury 4* hotel in the historic city of Krakow. Pilgrims will have an opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the shrine at Czestochowa, Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, the tomb of St. Faustina, the shrine of Divine Mercy and Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Itineraries and booking forms are available from St. Patrick’s Parish Office, 199 Donegall Street, Belfast (Tel: 9032 4597). The cost of the pilgrimage is €995 per person sharing (a single supplement applies). Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR – will be held on Saturday 7th May 2016 from 1.00pm-4.30pm in St Brigid’s Parish Hall, 38 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP. The seminar entitled ‘The Liturgical Service of God’s Mercy’, and presented by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm., costs £10 and is open to all. To book, please contact Malachy McKeever on 07760 108903 or liturgy@downandconnor.org.

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

 

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 17th 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 DRAW

If you wish to find out more information about the Parish Draw or sign up for this please contact Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Lucy Traynor on 079 0080 7589 or Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463.

 

PARISH FAMILY

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.

HOLY GHOST MISSIONS  –  Father Noel Moynihan wishes to thank all parishioners, for their generous support during his recent visit to the parish.  The envelope collection that weekend raised £1,115.69.  If you have still an envelope to return, please do so this coming week.

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 is available to take bookings for the Hall.  Please phone her on 9067 1036, Monday to Friday evening from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

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

TRÓCAIRE 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. 

THIS WEEK

INAUGURAL MASS FOR ADORATION MINISTRY  – will be celebrated this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm. All those who have joined the new Adoration teams and all parishioners are invited to attend. This occasion will celebrate the beginning of hourly Eucharistic Adoration in our parish, on Monday and Tuesday of each week.

FRIDAY MORNING – meet for refreshments in the Iona Room at 10.00am, to watch a DVD presentation on St Catherine of Sienna, whose feast day is today.

OTHER NOTICES

GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHthis Sunday at 7.00pm “Commemorating 1916- Easter Rising & Battle of the Somme” with Rev Laurence Kirkpatrick (Professor of Church History at Union Theological College & Queen’s  University) in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The Service will conclude at 8.00pm but it will be followed by a cup of tea, an opportunity for discussion for all who wish to stay afterwards (finishing at 8.45pm). Everyone will be welcome.

MAKE 29TH APRIL A RED LETTER DAY FOR LIFE! – Before you vote in the Assembly elections on 5th May, we are calling on you to make 29th April a RED LETTER DAY for unborn children. We need you, your family and friends to contact candidates by phone, email, facebook, twitter or just call into their offices, and ask them one question: If elected, will you defend the right to life of all unborn children? For more information on individual candidates, please visit our website www.preciouslife.com or phone Precious Life on 9027 8484.

BRYSON FUTURE SKILLS –  is hosting an Open Day for 16/17year old school leavers on Wednesday 4th May from 4.00pm to 7.00pm at Bryson Future Skills, Stockman House, Bedford Street.  An opportunity to find out about training for success in: Business Administration, Catering, Childcare, Construction/Bricklaying, Hairdressing, IT for users, Joinery, Playwork or Retail.  For further details please call 9074 5408 or text 077 8620 6696. Keep up to date with all our latest updates on our Facebook page.

ARDS CCE HOST ULSTER FLEADH – in Bangor from July 16th – 24th, with many events including Irish Music Sensations BEOGA on Saturday 16th July at St Comgall’s Parish Centre, Bangor and THE SANDS FAMILY on Thursday 21st July at Bangor Abbey.  Tickets cost only £10 for each concert – More info on www.ulsterfleadh.com.

2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA.  –  Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 9th to 18th 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.

 

17th April

VOL. 24 NO. 21 17th APRIL 2016

 

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

E-mail: stcolcmilles@downandconnor.org

St Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk Phone: 90650039

St Colmcille’s Pre School – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk Phone: 90472724

 

MASS  TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

 

       

 

PRAYER FOR THE DECEASED

As a parish family we pray for the repose of the soul of Kathleen Hill and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

                                  Dermot Allister, Noel Boden and Brendan Sharkie

 

EASTER SEASON

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.

DAILY MEDITATION FOR EASTER  – copies of “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the Church. Price £2.50 each, please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

GENERAL PARISH

MONEY MATTERS – the weekly offering cash collection and standing orders were £1,900. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.

TROCAIRE – to date : £4304.28.  Please return your  Trocaire boxes before the end of April. If your making a payment by cheque  please make it payable to St. Colmcilles Parish.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES – Please collect your envelopes from the table at the back of the church if you have not already done so.

NIGHT TIME SECURITY – Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds in the evening please close the car park gates. Thank you.

 

THIS WEEK

BAPTISM INDUCTION – takes place monthly. The next induction will be held this Tuesday 19th April in the Iona Room from 8.00pm – 9.30pm. All new parents preparing their child for Baptism are invited to attend. Please book through the Parish Office.

GRAND PARENTS/UNCLES/AUNTS – next gathering is this Thursday 21st April at 10.00am in the Iona room, Parochial Hall, beginning with refreshments. All are welcome to come along. The purpose of the gathering is to assist each other in- affirming our vital role in family life; developing loving relationships with grand children/neices/nephews; furthering intergenerational dialogue; passing down our faith to the younger generation; supporting each other in person and prayer.

REMEMBERING THE BELFAST BLITZ  –  This Sunday, 17th April at 3.30pm, a Service of Remembrance will be held in St. Anne’s Cathedral at which Fr Michael Sheehan, Administrator of St. Patrick’s Church, will preach. The faithful of Belfast and the Diocese are warmly invited to attend both events.

COMING EVENTS

HOLY CROSS MISSIONS – This missionary group from Bethlehem, The Holy Land will visit St Colmcilles Parish next weekend (23rd and 24th of April) to briefly talk about the Holy Land and to sell religious articles made out of olive wood to help and support the poor Christians families. Any help you could give them will be highly appreciated.

ARDS CCE HOST ULSTER FLEADH – in Bangor from July 16th – 24th, with many events including Irish Music Sensations BEOGA on Saturday 16th July at St Comgall’s Parish Centre, Bangor and THE SANDS FAMILY on Thursday 21st July at Bangor Abbey.  Tickets cost only £10 for each concert – More info on www.ulsterfleadh.com.

SCRIPTURE STUDY GROUP– Our next meeting is on Tuesday 19th April at 8.00pm in the committee room . Reflections will be on the 5th and 6th Sunday of Easter. Everyone welcome .

GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – Sunday 24th April 7.00pm “Commemorating 1916- Easter Rising & Battle of the Somme” with Rev Laurence Kirkpatrick ( Professor of Church History at Union Theological College & Queen’s  University) in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The Service wil conclude at 8.00pm but it will be followed by a cup of tea an opportunity for discussion for all who wish to stay afterwards ( finishing at 8.45pm). Everyone will be welcome.

ADORATION

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is spreading to many parishes in the Diocese of Down and Connor. Why not St. Colmcille’s?  Eucharistic Adoration teams are being set up in our own parish.  You will find out more about what Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament means this weekend (16th / 17th ) and the blessings it will bring to you, your family and the parish.

Would you like to be on the rota for the Adoration parish team?

All you need is one hour at your disposal in a week … and a willing heart!

If you did not get the opportunity to sign up yet it is not too late. The Adoration hours are Monday 2.00pm – 8.00pm , Tuesday 2.00pm – 8.00pm. The Adoration ministry will begin on Monday 2nd  May, Tuesday 3rd May and continue weekly through the year.  If you would like to commit to an hour during these times, please pick up a card next to the bulletin box in the porch and return it to the box when completed.

YEAR OF MERCY

“May the message of mercy reach everyone, and may no one be indifferent to the call to experience mercy.  I direct this invitation to conversion even more fervently to those whose behaviour distances them from the grace of God.” 

Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 19.

Could you reach out to someone you know in prison or their family?  Simply write a letter or drop an email of encouragement.  Also, remember imprisonment takes many forms.  Those who are sick can be housebound and isolated.  Can you help someone trapped or suffering from sickness?

A PILGRIMAGE COMPANION FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY  –  is a book of prayers and reflection, and is available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in the box beside Confessional.

YEAR OF MERCY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES –  Application forms are available from the Parish Office.  Fare, inclusive of all charges, return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels in Lourdes, is: 5 nights (July 11th-16th) – £550 in hotel or £430 in hospital; 7 nights (10th-17th) – £600.  For more information contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email lourdes@downandconnor.org.

YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND St. Patrick’s Parish, which hosts the Door of Mercy for Down and Connor Diocese, will lead a Pilgrimage of Mercy to Poland from 8th to 15th September. Pilgrims will be accommodated on a half-board basis in a luxury 4* hotel in the historic city of Krakow. Pilgrims will have an opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the shrine at Czestochowa, Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, the tomb of St. Faustina, the shrine of Divine Mercy and Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Itineraries and booking forms are available from St. Patrick’s Parish Office, 199 Donegall Street, Belfast (Tel: 9032 4597). The cost of the pilgrimage is €995 per person sharing (a single supplement applies). Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR – will be held on Saturday 7th May 2016 from 1.00pm-4.30pm in St Brigid’s Parish Hall, 38 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FP. The seminar entitled ‘The Liturgical Service of God’s Mercy’, and presented by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm., costs £10 and is open to all. To book, please contact Malachy McKeever on 07760 108903 or liturgy@downandconnor.org.

 

PARISH FAMILY

BAPTISM – Those wishing to have their child baptised should contact the Parish Office.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT– is available from the team on 07456 989458.

HALL BOOKINGS– can be made by ringing Pat on 9067 1036 between 7.00-8.00pm Monday to Friday.