20th March 2016

VOL. 24 NO. 16  20TH MARCH 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

 

PALM SUNDAY – (Page 186 & 493)

Holy Week

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

 

Entrance

Antiphon

Six days before the Passover, when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet him; in their hands they carried palm branches and with a loud voice cried out:  Hosanna in the highest!  Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!  O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors.  Let him enter, the king of glory!  Who is this king of glory?  He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.  Hosanna in the highest!  Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!
1st Reading (Isaiah 50:4-7)  I did not cover my face against insult – I know I shall not be shamed.
Psalm My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
2nd Reading (Philippians 2:6-11) He humbled himself, but God raised him high.
Acclamation Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory:  Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.  But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names.  Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory.
Gospel (Luke 22:14-23:56)   The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Children Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and then went to pray in the garden of Gesthsemane, where he was arrested. Two of Jesus’ disciples let him down.  Judas pointed Jesus out to the soliders and Peter said he didn’t know Jesus three times before the cock crowed in the morning.  Jesus was treated very cruelly; the soliders beat him and called him names, they made him a crown of thorns and he was sent to be crucified.
Communion

Antiphon

Father, if this chalice cannot pass without my drinking it, your will be done.    

 

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Holy Thursday Good Friday
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.30pm  
Gerry O’Flaherty & Paddy Macauley         Francis Quigley  
  11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am    
  Bernard Neeson          

 

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

 

 

PARISH OFFICE AND BULLETIN

The parish office will close this Wednesday at 1.00pm and will reopen on Monday 4th April.   Material for the bulletins on Easter Sunday and Sunday 3rd April needs to be in the parish office by 10.00am this Wednesday morning.

THE PARISH LITURGY FOR HOLY WEEK

PALM SUNDAY  –  Holy Week begins with the Blessing of Palms and the Solemn Procession to commemorate the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem which takes place before the 11.30am Mass on Sunday morning.  Palms will also be blessed at the Vigil Mass and the 9.30am Mass.  Holy Week is a time for the whole parish family to come together as a faith community and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

MONDAY                       Masses at 7.15am and 9.30am.

Parish Passover Seder Meal at 7.30pm.

TUESDAY                      Masses at 7.15am and 9.30am.

Liturgy for Good Friday, Stations of the Cross, is being prepared by young people in the parish. There will be a practice for all those who would like to become involved, at 6.30pm in the Church. Contact Noeleen, 078 7949 8131.

WEDNESDAY                Masses at  7.15am, 9.30 am.

HOLY THURSDAY        If anyone has any daffodils in their garden and would like them to be used for decorating the Church on Holy Thursday, please leave them in the Church porch by 10.00am on Holy Thursday Morning.

                                      Parishioners are invited to join the Bishops, Priests and Laity of the Diocese for the Mass of Chrism which will be celebrated in St. Peter’s at 11.00am.

The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at 7.30pm.

Night Prayer of the Church at 9.15pm

GOOD FRIDAY              Good Friday (a day of fast and abstinence)

The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm.

                                      Stations of the Cross have been prepared by young people of the parish, and will take place on Friday at 7.30pm. A collection for Catholics in the Holy Land will be taken up at both ceremonies.

HOLY SATURDAY        The Easter Vigil at 9.00 pm

EASTER SUNDAY         Mass in St. Colmcille’s at 9.30 am & 11.30 am

Mass in Ulster Hospital at 10.45 am.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD  –  notes and commentaries for the readings on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil are now available from the Sacristy after Mass.  If you are reading at any of the ceremonies, please collect your copy after Mass this weekend.   Copies of the Passion for Good Friday are available from the Sacristy.

 

CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL

SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

This Saturday                          St. Colmcille’s                        7.30pm

Palm Sunday                             St. Brigid’s                             4.00pm

Monday evening                         Holy Rosary Parish                  7.30pm

Tuesday  evening                        Drumbo and Carryduff Parish     7.30pm

Wednesday evening                     St. Bernadette’s Parish              7.30pm

 

YEAR OF MERCY – WELCOME THE STRANGER

“The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us.  He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful.  This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel!”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 9

EMBRACE is an inter-church organisation, which began as a support group for refugees and people seeking asylum.  Their main role is one of encouraging church communities to be more welcoming places for all people from other countries and minority-ethnic backgrounds.  Research their work on www.embrace.org and find out what help you could offer.  Or perhaps you could adopt an attitude of openness and kindness to the next stranger you meet?

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 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

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 19th April in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

PARISH 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

FIRST FRIDAY – Father Ciaran will attend the sick and housebound in the parish during the coming week.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – please volunteer for Holy Week ceremonies and Easter weekend Masses, by writing your name on the sheet on the notice board in the porch, or by texting / emailing  Noeleen 078 7949 8131 or colmcilleyouth@yahoo.co.uk

WALK WITH ME BOOKS – An Eastertide Journey of Prayer for 2015, are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1.  Please put money in paper box beside Confessional.

DAILY MEDITATION FOR EASTER  –  copies of the “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the Church.  Price £1, please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes.

HALL BOOKINGS  –  Pat will not be available till Monday 4th April to take hall bookings

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.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL  –  up to this Sunday the society is collecting foodstuffs, washing powder, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, toiletries and washing up liquid for “The Larder”, who provide help to approximately 150 people every month throughout East Belfast.  The scriptures throughout the Season of Lent emphasise our duty to help the poor.  Helping “The Larder” is a way for us to fulfil this duty.  Boxes are available in the Church porch for your donations.

WEDDING  –  our congratulations and best wishes go to Stephen Morrissey and Alice Canning who were married on Saturday 12th March in St. Colmcille’s.

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

NEEDY PARISHES COLLECTION  –  will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  This collection was established to create a special fund to assist “Financially Needy” Parishes.  There are already several Parishes within the Diocese that have accumulated debt and are financially stretched.  However, through financial re-structuring schemes it is hoped that many of these parishes, with the aid of this fund, will be able to return to a positive financial position.  Through this collection “better off Parishes” can help those less fortunate Parishes to have some hope of returning to sound financial footing.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin on Sunday 3rd April.  New boxes of envelopes, will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend.  If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please speak to Philomena after any of the Masses this weekend.

TRóCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish this Sunday, Palm Sunday, if possible.  After Sunday, boxes may be left in the parish office or returned through the Offertory collection baskets at Mass.  It would be appreciated if any small coins could be changed to larger denominations.  All cheques should be made payable to Saint Colmcille’s Parish.

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of  Patricia Clydesdale, the sister of a parishioner, who died this week and for Rory McVeigh, who died recently and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Gerry O’Flaherty,  Paddy Macauley, Bernard Neeson, Francis Quigley  and  Margaret Kerr, 

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

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on this Monday evening, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend.

 

COMING EVENTS

Art of Caring Exhibition & Sale –  is returning this year from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April in the Parochial Hall.  This event raises money for Marie Curie Hospice Centre, St Joseph’s Primary School, St Colmcille’s Guide Unit, 11th Belfast Scout Group and St Colmcille’s Parish. More details will follow nearer the time but if you would like further information about the event or wish to put your name down for volunteering please contact either Artie O’Neill on 077 0326 9058 or Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019.

OTHER NOTICES

YEAR OF MERCY GOOD FRIDAY FALLS/SHANKILL WALK  – on 25th March beginning at 4.45pm outside Clonard Church and finishing there through Clonard’s Holy Door at 6.00pm. Join with others in marking this special Year of Mercy with the 13th Annual Good Friday Prayer Walk. All are welcome! Contact Ed Petersen in Clonard for more details on 9044 5950.

Matt Talbot Pilgrimage  –  the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 2nd April. Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm. For further details and booking,  please contact Josephine O’Hagan on 9061 7116 or Mary Holden on 9442 3956.

  1. AGNES’ CHORAL SOCIETY – are delighted to return once again to the Grand Opera House Stage, with the hit musical 9 to 5. Performances are from 11th to 16th April, and tickets can be purchased from the box office on 9024 1919, or by going towww.goh.co.uk/nine-to-five. Please come and support our company, and enjoy some top class entertainment. This year St Agnes’ will be fundraising on behalf of Pretty’n’Pink Breast Cancer Charity.

HABITAT GALA BALL  –  for the fourth successive year Living Youth is sponsoring a Habitat team who will travel to Ethiopia in August. To help raise funds a Gala Ball will take place on Friday 22nd April in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena. Tickets £40 per person; £400 per table. Dancing to The Housem8s. Come enjoy a wonderful evening and help build hope. For more information or to reserve tickets please log on to info@habitatni.co.uk

NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES  –  from Friday 27th May to Wednesday 1st 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.

PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND  –  from 19th to 26th 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

 

13th March 2016

VOL. 24 NO. 16  13TH MARCH 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

 

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT – (Page 181, 452 & 493)

5th Week of Lent

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

 

Entrance Antiphon Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless.  From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.
1st Reading (Isaiah 43:16-21)  See, I am doing a new deed, and I will give my chosen people drink.
Psalm What marvels the Lord worked for us!  Indeed we were glad.
2nd Reading (Philippians 3:8-14)  Reproducing the pattern of his death, I have accepted the loss of everything for Christ.
Acclamation Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!  Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and that the Lord of hosts may really be with you.  Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel (John 8:1-11)  If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.
Children A woman, who had behaved badly, was brought to Jesus.  The law said that she should be punished by having stones thrown at her.  The men who brought her to him asked Jesus what he thought.  He said that if any of them had never done anything wrong they could throw the first stone at her.  They all left straight away.  Jesus told the woman to go home and not behave badly again.
Communion Antiphon Has no one condemned you, woman?  No one, Lord.  Neither shall I condemn you.  From now on, sin no more.

 

THURSDAY IS THE FEAST ST. PATRICK  –  and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses in the parish will be at 7.00pm on Wednesday evening and 9.30am on Thursday morning.

 

 

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

 

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am   7.15am
Moya Boyle & Desmond

Anderson

           
  11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
          Norah Rogan Anointing of the Sick
        7.00pm    
        Joseph Forde    

 

 

PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

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

FRIDAY MORNING GROUP  -as we draw close to the end of Lent and the conclusion of the Friday Lent programme, there will be a light breakfast for those who would like to join us in the Iona Room after Mass this Friday.

TROCAIRE FAST BOXES   –   are available in the foyer of the Church.

DAFFODILS FOR HOLY THURSDAY  –  if anyone has any daffodils in their garden and would like them to be used for decorating the Church on Holy Thursday, please leave them in the church porch by 10.00am on Holy Thursday Morning.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – liturgy for Good Friday is being prepared by young people in the parish. There will be a practice for all those who would like to become involved, on Tuesday 22nd March at 6.30pm in the Church. Contact Noeleen, 078 7949 8131.

 

CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL

SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

Next Saturday                           St. Colmcille’s                        7.30pm

Palm Sunday                             St. Brigid’s                             4.00pm

Monday 21st March                     Holy Rosary Parish                  7.30pm

Tuesday  22nd March                    Drumbo and Carryduff Parish     7.30pm

Wednesday 23rd March                 St. Bernadette’s Parish              7.30pm

 

 

YEAR OF MERCY – WELCOME THE STRANGER

“The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us.  He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful.  This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel!”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 9

EMBRACE is an inter-church organisation, which began as a support group for refugees and people seeking asylum.  Their main role is one of encouraging church communities to be more welcoming places for all people from other countries and minority-ethnic backgrounds.  Research their work on www.embrace.org and find out what help you could offer.  Or perhaps you could adopt an attitude of openness and kindness to the next stranger you meet?

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 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

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 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 OUTREACH  –  Ministers of Outreach have started to visit every home in the parish with a pack containing an Easter Card from Father Ciaran detailing the times of Holy Week Services and the 2nd edition of St. Colmcille’s Causerie.

HALL BOOKINGS  –  Pat will not be available from this Wednesday to Monday 4th April to take hall bookings

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.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL  –  up to and including Palm Sunday the society is collecting foodstuffs, washing powder, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, toiletries and washing up liquid for “The Larder”, who provide help to approximately 150 people every month throughout East Belfast.  The scriptures throughout the Season of Lent emphasise our duty to help the poor.  Helping “The Larder” is a way for us to fulfil this duty.  Boxes are available in the Church porch for your donations.

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.

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Anna Grace Barbour, Ned Brown and Joss Alexandra Haslam who were baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

NEEDY PARISHES COLLECTION  –  will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.  This collection was established to create a special fund to assist “Financially Needy” Parishes.  There are already several Parishes within the Diocese that have accumulated debt and are financially stretched.  However, through financial re-structuring schemes it is hoped that many of these parishes, with the aid of this fund, will be able to return to a positive financial position.  Through this collection “better off Parishes” can help those less fortunate Parishes to have some hope of returning to sound financial footing.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR  –  begin on Sunday 3rd April.  New boxes of envelopes, will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend.  If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please speak to Philomena after any of the Masses this weekend.

TRóCAIRE BOXES  –  parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish next Sunday, Palm Sunday, if possible.  After Sunday, boxes may be left in the parish office or returned through the Offertory collection baskets at Mass.  It would be appreciated if any small coins could be changed to larger denominations.  All cheques should be made payable to Saint Colmcille’s Parish.

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the soul of Moya Boyle, who died recently and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Desmond Anderson,  Mayoyo Marelino,  Kevin Crummy,  Maureen Murphy,Brendan McGuckian,  Joseph Forde and Nora Rogan

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

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  our next meeting will be this Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. Venue is 14 Kensington Gate. For further information call 9070 5412.

FRIDAY MORNING GROUP  -as we draw close to the end of Lent and the conclusion of the Friday Lent programme, there will be a light breakfast for those who would like to join us in the Iona Room after Mass this Friday.

artisan market  –  will be held in the Church Grounds next Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.  Volunteers to help stallholders set up and pack up would be greatly appreciated.

 

COMING EVENTS

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on the Monday evening of Holy Week, 21st March, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend.

Art of Caring Exhibition & Sale –  is returning this year from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April in the Parochial Hall.  This event raises money for Marie Curie Hospice Centre, St Joseph’s Primary School, St Colmcille’s Guide Unit, 11th Belfast Scout Group and St Colmcille’s Parish. More details will follow nearer the time but if you would like further information about the event or wish to put your name down for volunteering please contact either Artie O’Neill on 077 0326 9058 or Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019.

 

REPORTS

11th Belfast Scout Group 50th Anniversary Dinner  –  the Scout Group’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance, held on 6th February past was an outstanding success. 188 ex members, current members, friends and supporters attended, including two from the original intake in December 1965. We had ex members who travelled from Indiana, (Gerry Gillen) Boston, (Dominic Grew) Dubai, (Sean Rogers) Brussels, (Robert Wright) Peru, (Megan McCrea) and Seoul, (Matthew Dawson). These intrepid travellers were joined by fellow guests from all over the UK, including, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Exeter. The craic was mighty, the dinner great, the band superb and all in all the event was a tremendous celebration of all the Scout Group has contributed to the development of young people in the parish over 50 years. To cap the proceedings, £1340 was raised to support the work of the Concern Charity, support the Group has given over many many years.  Make a note to your diaries.. the next reunion will take place in February 2021, the venue is already booked!

OTHER NOTICES

Music for St Patrick’s Day –  in Drumalis this Sunday at 7:30 pm.  This will be an evening of entertainment for St Patrick’s Day in the beautiful surroundings of Drumalis in Larne.  The McAuley Traditional Singers and Players featuring a trio of harps under the direction of Loreto McAuley will perform a selection of Irish and Scottish music and there will be a fork supper.  The cost of the evening is £28 per person and admission is by pre-paid ticket only.  For further information or to book tickets, please contact Drumalis on 2827 6455/2827 2196.

Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church present ‘Noah’ – a thought provoking musical drama based on the life of Noah exploring thoughts around standing out from the crowd, sin, faith and new beginnings. The show is being performed this Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm in the Jack Britton Hall at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The cost is £5 (group reductions available) with all proceeds going to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children’s project ‘Change our World’. Tickets are available from Gilnahirk Church Office on 9040 3589 or gilnahirkpres@btinternet.com  The target audience is secondary school aged youth and adults.

St. Patrick’s Day Charity Dinner Dance and Concert with ‘The Priests’  –  St. Patrick’s Parish is delighted to announce a spectacular Dinner and Dance Event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and raise much-needed funds for the Church’s Stone Restoration Fund.   The Parish will host a Dinner Dance in Titanic, Belfast this Thursday. The evening will commence at 7.00pm with a drinks reception. This will be followed by a sumptuous three-course meal at 8.00pm. Internationally renowned singing trio ‘The Priests’ will give an after-dinner concert. Guests can then dance the night away to swing sensation ‘Dave Martin and the Casino Cats’.  Tickets are priced at £60 each. Tickets are available from the Church Sacristy after Masses and the Parish Office, Monday to Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm or by contacting the parish by phone on 9032 4597 or by email stpatricks@downandconnor.org

Mass for Ireland  –  in the beautifully restored St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, next Saturday, Feast day of St. Joseph, with prayers for wellbeing of families, and protection of human life.  Rosary at 2.30pm, and Procession to Altar of The Holy Family. Mass at 3.00pm, Holy Hour 4.00pm. Bus leaving Belfast at 9.00am picking up at Sprucefield, returning to Belfast for 7.30pm.  Tickets £10 return. Contact Orla 075 4545 2362 or email info@anteaghlachnaofa.ie. Further information available at www.anteaghlachnaofa.ie

Brain Injury Matters NI, –  together with another brain injury charity are the beneficiaries of a Musical evening featuring Fr Martin O Hagan (from The Priests) and a number of choirs next Saturday in Campbell College.  Brain Injury Matters is a local charity and all funds raised support children, teenagers and adults with brain injury to improve their quality of life through therapy and rehabilitative activity.  For more information contact Brain Injury Matters on 9070 5125 or 075 5336 5895.

YEAR OF MERCY GOOD FRIDAY FALLS/SHANKILL WALK  – on 25th March beginning at 4.45pm outside Clonard Church and finishing there through Clonard’s Holy Door at 6.00pm. Join with others in marking this special Year of Mercy with the 13th Annual Good Friday Prayer Walk. All are welcome! Contact Ed Petersen in Clonard for more details on 9044 5950.

6th March 2016

4TH SUNDAY OF LENT – (Page 176, 452 & 493)

4th Week of Lent

Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 4

 

Entrance Antiphon Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.  Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.
1st Reading (Joshua 5:9-12)  The People of God keep the Passover on their entry into the promised land.
Psalm Taste and see that the Lord is good.
2nd Reading (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)  God reconciled us to himself through Christ.
Acclamation Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!  I will leave this place and go to my father and say: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”  Praise, and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)  Your brother here was dead and has come to life
Children A man has two sons.  The younger one asked for his share of his father’s property.  He then sold it and went far away with the money, which he wasted and so was left with nothing.  This younger son had to take a job looking after pigs, but still was given no food.  So he went back to his father, to say he was sorry and to ask him for a job.  When his father saw his son coming he was so pleased that he threw a party to welcome him home.
Communion Antiphon You must rejoice, my son, for your brother was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.

 

 

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

 

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
6.30pm 9.30am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am 7.15am
Maureen Bradshaw & Bridgeen Trainor            
  11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
  Teresa Judge         Anointing of the Sick

 

 

PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

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

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.  You are invited to make a Lenten commitment to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on one or more occasion, by adding your name to the Adoration timetable on the clipboard at the back of the Church.

MARY –  A Biblical Walk Through the Bible, presented on Friday mornings in Lent, continues this Friday, at 10.00am with refreshments in the Iona Room. You will experience an extraordinary pilgrimage through Mary’s life and see why she is an essential part of our faith. The DVD presentation, by Dr Edward Sri, will guide us through “Mary Crowned with Glory” this week.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS LENT!  –  many people choose to abstain from alcohol during Lent. Why not take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom from addiction.  Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!   Register your pledge with local Pioneers or the Down and Connor Pioneer office- Tel: 9089 4070 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com.  Please give your name, address and phone number and you will be send a Pledge Certificate which includes the daily prayer.

TROCAIRE FAST BOXES   –   are available in the foyer of the Church.  “Learn to do good, search for justice, discipline the violent, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:10-17. Trócaire’s Lenten campaign 2016 is asking people here at home to join the fight for justice by supporting Trócaire’s work. The injustices faced by the world’s poorest people are many and can only be tackled with your help. To find out more visit trocaire.org/lent

YEAR OF MERCY – WELCOME THE STRANGER

“The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us.  He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful.  This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel!”  Pope Francis, Misericordia Vultus 9

EMBRACE is an inter-church organisation, which began as a support group for refugees and people seeking asylum.  Their main role is one of encouraging church communities to be more welcoming places for all people from other countries and minority-ethnic backgrounds.  Research their work on www.embrace.org and find out what help you could offer.  Or perhaps you could adopt an attitude of openness and kindness to the next stranger you meet?

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.

Mission of Mercy  –  a Lenten Mission of Mercy in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast concludes this Sunday.  The mission will be preached by the Dominican Fathers and take as its theme ‘The Church as the Door of Mercy’.  Sunday Masses will be at 7.00pm (Vigil), 8.00am, 10.00am, 12.00 noon and 7.00pm.  The Rosary will be prayed before all Masses and Confessions will be heard before and after every Mass.  The priests and people of the diocese are most welcome to join the parishioners of St. Patrick’s for what is hoped will be a grace-filled period of preparation for Easter.

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

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 15th March 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

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.

MINISTERS OF OUTREACH  –  packs for the Easter delivery are available in the porch after all Masses next weekend.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL  –  up to and including Palm Sunday the society is collecting foodstuffs, washing powder, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, toiletries and washing up liquid for “The Larder”, who provide help to approximately 150 people every month throughout East Belfast.  The scriptures throughout the Season of Lent emphasise our duty to help the poor.  Helping “The Larder” is a way for us to fulfil this duty.  Boxes are available in the Church porch for your donations.

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.

BAPTISM  –  we welcome into the parish family Zhian Allen Dangcal, Jamie Robert Gailey Hamilton, Michael Desmond James Hutton, Riónach Catherine Anne Hutton and Sebastian Miguel Tanguanco who were baptised in St. Colmcille’s last weekend.

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 Bridgeen Trainor, whose month’s mind occurs this coming week, and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Maureen Bradshaw,  Teresa Judge,  Teresa Deane

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

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

COMING EVENTS

CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER  –  the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar.  It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus.  Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.  The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on the Monday evening of Holy Week, 21st March, three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend.

Art of Caring Exhibition & Sale –  is returning this year from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April in the Parochial Hall.  This event raises money for Marie Curie Hospice Centre, St Joseph’s Primary School, St Colmcille’s Guide Unit, 11th Belfast Scout Group and St Colmcille’s Parish. More details will follow nearer the time but if you would like further information about the event or wish to put your name down for volunteering please contact either Artie O’Neill on 077 0326 9058 or Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019.

OTHER NOTICES

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE  –  need counsellors and facilitators in your area.  Should you wish to avail of ACCORD’s services, or would like to  be considered for the personally and professionally fulfilling work as an ACCORD Facilitator or Counsellor, please contact ACCORD on 9023 3003, email – info@acordni.com

BRING US HOME  –  a Lenten Reflecton faciliated by Hilary Musgrave and Monica Brown, this Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne.  An offering of £10 would be appreciated.  Supper will be provided.  Bookings are essential.  Please phone Drumalis on 2827 2196.  Hilary and Monica will provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on the scripture imagery and themes of this Lenten season through scripture story-telling, music, imagery and ritual, drawing people into a reflective space where they can ponder the meaning and relevance of the Paschal Mystery in their own life journey.

YOUNG ADULTS CONFERENCE  –  next Saturday in the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queens – a one day conference for Young Adults (age 18 to 40) will take place.  Registration starts at 9.00am with the conference from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  There will be talks, workshops, Mass, Adoration and Confession.  The cost is £10, includes lunch and refreshments.  For more details contact 077 5337 9110 or email cyaconference16@gmail.com

The Seven Last Words of Christ – by Fr Conor McCarthy is a new musical setting of the Lenten devotion, in St Anthony’s Church, Craigyhill, Larne this Friday at 7.00pm and in St Anne’s Church, Dunmurry, next Sunday at 7.00pm. It is a time of prayer and reflection on the words Christ speaks during his crucifixion. The music will be provided by Fiona Flynn (soprano), James McConnell (organ) and Fr Conor (cello). All are very welcome to attend.

CAPPELLA CAECILIANA  –  present their 20th anniversary concert at 7.45pm next Saturday in the Good Shepherd Church, Ormeau Road.   The programme includes Vivaldis ‘Gloria’, with orchestra.  The concert also features The Priests and worldwide composer James MacMillan.  Tickets (£15, students £10) are available from Matchetts Music, Wellington Place and online at www.caecilian.org.

Music for St Patrick’s Day –  in Drumalis next Sunday at 7:30 pm.  This will be an evening of entertainment for St Patrick’s Day in the beautiful surroundings of Drumalis in Larne.  The McAuley Traditional Singers and Players featuring a trio of harps under the direction of Loreto McAuley will perform a selection of Irish and Scottish music and there will be a fork supper.  The cost of the evening is £28 per person and admission is by pre-paid ticket only.  For further information or to book tickets, please contact Drumalis on 2827 6455/2827 2196.

Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church present ‘Noah’ – a thought provoking musical drama based on the life of Noah exploring thoughts around standing out from the crowd, sin, faith and new beginnings. The show is being performed on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th March at 7.30pm in the Jack Britton Hall at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The cost is £5 (group reductions available) with all proceeds going to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Youth and Children’s project ‘Change our World’. Tickets are available from Gilnahirk Church Office on 9040 3589 or gilnahirkpres@btinternet.com  The target audience is secondary school aged youth and adults.

St. Patrick’s Day Charity Dinner Dance and Concert with ‘The Priests’  –  St. Patrick’s Parish is delighted to announce a spectacular Dinner and Dance Event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and raise much-needed funds for the Church’s Stone Restoration Fund.   The Parish will host a Dinner Dance in Titanic, Belfast on Thursday, 17th March. The evening will commence at 7.00pm with a drinks reception. This will be followed by a sumptuous three-course meal at 8.00pm. Internationally renowned singing trio ‘The Priests’ will give an after-dinner concert. Guests can then dance the night away to swing sensation ‘Dave Martin and the Casino Cats’.  Tickets are priced at £60 each. Tickets are available from the Church Sacristy after Masses and the Parish Office, Monday to Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm or by contacting the parish by phone on 9032 4597 or by email stpatricks@downandconnor.org

Mass for Ireland  –  in the beautifully restored St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, on Saturday 19th March, Feast day of St. Joseph, with prayers for wellbeing of families, and protection of human life.  Rosary at 2.30pm, and Procession to Altar of The Holy Family. Mass at 3.00pm, Holy Hour 4.00pm. Bus leaving Belfast at 9.00am picking up at Sprucefield, returning to Belfast for 7.30pm.  Tickets £10 return. Contact Orla 075 4545 2362 or email info@anteaghlachnaofa.ie. Further information available at www.anteaghlachnaofa.ie

Brain Injury Matters NI, –  together with another brain injury charity are the beneficiaries of a Musical evening featuring Fr Martin O Hagan (from the Priests) and a number of choirs on Saturday 19th March in Campbell College.  Brain Injury Matters is a local charity and all funds raised support children, teenagers and adults with brain injury to improve their quality of life through therapy and rehabilitative activity.  For more information contact Brain Injury Matters on 9070 5125 or 075 5336 5895.

Matt Talbot Pilgrimage  –  the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 2nd April. Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm. For further details and booking,  please contact Josephine O’Hagan on 9061 7116 or Mary Holden on 9442 3956.

HABITAT GALA BALL  –  for the fourth successive year Living Youth is sponsoring a Habitat team who will travel to Ethiopia in August. To help raise funds a Gala Ball will take place on Friday 22nd April in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena. Tickets £40 per person; £400 per table. Dancing to The Housem8s. Come enjoy a wonderful evening and help build hope. For more information or to reserve tickets please log on to info@habitatni.co.uk