20th December 2015

VOL. 24 NO. 04 20TH DECEMBER 2015
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

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT – (Page 45, 452 & 490)
4th Week of Advent
Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 4
Entrance Antiphon
Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let down the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.
1st Reading
(Micah 5:1-4) Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over Israel.
Psalm
God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
2nd Reading
(Hebrews 10:5-10) Here I am! I am coming to obey your will.
Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the hand maid of the Lord: let what you have said be done to me. Alleluia!
Gospel
(Luke 1:39-45) Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
Children
Mary rushed to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was having a baby too. Her baby jumped for joy when Mary arrived. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to Mary, “You are blessed and your baby is blessed. You are blessed because you believed God’s promises.”
Communion Antiphon
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Christmas Eve
Christmas
Day
6.30pm

9.30am

9.30am
Eileen Brogan
9.30am
Joseph Patrick McCullough
6.30pm
Colm McCoy
9.30am
Nora McKee
Confession at 6.00pm
11.30am
Midnight
11.00am

Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve – 6.30pm and Midnight
Christmas Morning – 9.30am and 11.00am

Please note there will be no Vigil Mass,
next Saturday, 26th December

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 Tuesday at 12.00 noon and will reopen on Monday 4th January. Material for the bulletins on Sunday 27th December and Sunday 3rd January need to be in the parish office by 10.00am this Tuesday morning.

YEAR OF MERCY
Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year, dedicated to living out in our daily lives the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us.  By showing mercy to others, we are witnessing to our faith in God. The Year of Mercy began last Tuesday.
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 January in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.

PARISH FAMILY
To mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising – The Irish Catholic newspaper is publishing a special edition this week. The 40-page edition of the paper will set the context for the centenary celebrations and look at some of the neglected aspects of the celebrations, particularly: The humanitarian role of the pro-cathedral; How parishes coped with the carnage; The Catholic Faith of the leaders; The Church’s reaction to the Rising; A map of ‘Catholic Dublin’ at the time of the Rising; Insights from the archive; Reflections from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Mary Kenny, Martin Mansergh etc. and the morality of the Easter Rising.
DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN DIRECTORY – copies of the Down & Connor Diocesan Directory, price £3.00, are on sale at the back of the Church. Please put money in either of the Candelabra boxes. The Directory gives information about every parish in the Diocese, listing the names and addresses of the Priests and Religious, the times of Masses, Parish Schools, Pastoral and Spiritual organisations and useful contact numbers.
MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – who take the Blessed Sacrament to the housebound, should sign their name on the list in the Sacristy on each occasion.
Opportunity – part time SPRED Coordinator sought to help support fellow parishioners with learning disabled in our Diocese. Duties include providing training for our groups, giving presentations, raising awareness, recruitment, administration and planning. 15 hours per week @ £8 per hour. For more information and to apply, please contact or send your CV to spreddc@gmail.com Closing date for applications, 3rd January 2016.
Lourdes 2016 – we are currently seeking doctors (post foundation training) and nurses (on the NMC live register) to join the volunteer staff of the Diocesan Pilgrimage (11-16thJuly 2016). For more information please email us at lourdes@downandconnor.org
THE WEDNESDAY WORD – is a national prayer mission which links parishes throughout the country through regular weekly prayer. The Wednesday Word contains the following Sunday’s scripture readings and reflections and is an excellent way of preparing to come to Mass. It is available each week at the back of the Church to take home. Please do consider starting to use this Christ centred, scripture based, method of praying, in spiritual solidarity with many parishioners throughout the country
MONEY MATTERS
Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.
The Christmas Voluntary Collection will be taken up at all Christmas Masses.

DECEASED
We pray for the repose of the souls of Lourdes Mistelro and Joseph Patrick McCullough, who died recently. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Colm McCoy, Winnie McCallan, Bernard Murray, Eileen Brogan and Nora McKee.
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.

ADVENT
TAP Christmas Gift Cards – Shop Early for Christmas! The Annual Tanzanian Africa Project (TAP) Christmas Gift Cards, in support of our twinned parish in Moita Bwawani Tanzania, will be available from this weekend and all the weekends of Advent. Attractive Christmas Gift Cards for School Uniforms (£10), Sponsor a Catechist (£10) and Mother and Baby Care (£20) will be available in the Porch after each of the Masses during the season of Advent. We look forward to your usual generous support for this fundraising event.
TROCAIRE GIFTS – buy a Trocaire gift and make a lot more people happy. Booklets regarding this year’s Trocaire gifts are available at the back of the Church. For more
information log on to www.trocaire.org/gifts or call 080 0912 1200. “A gift works like a talisman for one who holds it: it brings prosperity at every turn.” Proverbs 17:8. Trocaire gifts have helped thousands of people in the developing world improve their lives and prosper despite being denied opportunity and suffering injustice at every turn.
LIVING YOUTH – Come and join us for our third Monthly Diocesan Youth Mass on this Sunday at 5.00 pm (Confessions and Music Practice from 4.30pm) in Holy Family Church, Newington Avenue.  Refreshments after in the Church Gathering Space.  All welcome.

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

SCHOOL INFORMATION
Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock – Open Morning on Saturday 9th January 2016 from 9.15am to 12.30pm for Year 7 Pupils and Parents. Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am. Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

REPORTS
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – our fourth and last collection in local shops raised £834.39 in Tesco Express. A truly magnificant sum making a total of £2,064.90 from our four collections. Particular thanks to our volunteers, where collecting took place in the most awful conditions. And thanks again to Tesco Express, The Spar, Asda Dundonald and Super Value Kings Square and to their extremely generous customers.

OTHER NOTICES
IRISH DANCE CLASSES – starting on Thursday 14th January 2016 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall. Age 4+. For more information or to book a place contact Nicola Oakes on 077 1892 7242 or email: leonardnicola@hotmail.com
NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice Charity Concert – Laganside Sinfonia. Join us on 29th December in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast at 7.30pm with music by Rachmaninov, Sarasate and Marquez, as well as a few seasonal carols and mystery encores! Entry is free, with a retiring collection in aid of NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice Charity Concert.
The Live Crib in Belfast – is now open at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast. Come along to The Grotto and meet the Holy Family, Shepherds and Kings. Alsofeaturing: Henry and Poppy the donkeys; goats Emily, Billy and Gruff; sheep Sean and Larry; and Alpacas Chewy and Snowy. School groups, choirs and carol singers are welcome.  The crib will run until 6th January 2016. Animals arrive at 10.30am and go home at 5.00pm each day. Entrance is free. Donations to the crib will go towards Tuesday’s Child Following Yonder Star Christmas Appeal for children in Gaza, Kenya, Nigeria and child boat refugees rescued in the Mediterranean. There will be prayers each day in the crib for peace for every child, born and unborn. For further details e-mail events@tuesdayschild.org.uk or text 078 0881 4807.
ALHomecare – we provide live-in carers for the elderly in their own home. Our service is a lot more affordable than nursing home care. Our service costs from 350 euro per week for a live-in carer. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie.
Interested in fostering? – Do you think you have the skills, patience and desire to support vulnerable young people- then we would like to talk to you. We are currently looking to recruit 8 foster carers in your local area. We offer a good financial package to support young people in placement. Please contact Action for Children duty social worker on 02890460500 or email:  nioffice@actionforchildren.org.uk
2016 CENTENARY OF THE ANGEL OF FATIMA. – Pilgrimage to Fatima & Santiago de Compostela,   from 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.

December 13th 2015

VOL. 24 NO. 03 13TH DECEMBER 2015

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

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – (Page 41, 452 & 490)

3rd Week of Advent

Readings : Sunday Cycle C, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 3

Entrance Antiphon Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.  Indeed, the Lord is near.
1st Reading (Zephaniah 3:14-18)  The Lord will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.
Psalm Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
2nd Reading (Philippians 4:4-7) The Lord is very near.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  The spirit of the Lord has been given to me.  He has sent me to bring good news to the poor.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Luke 3:10-18)  What must we do?
Children The people asked John the Baptist what they had to do to get ready for God’s chosen one.  John told them they must share what they have, they must not cheat people and they must treat people fairly.  Everyone started to think that John might be God’s chosen one.  But John told the people that while he baptised them with water, someone was coming who would baptise them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Communion Antiphon Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear.  Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Jim Forrester

9.30am

Maurice Melville

9.30am

Vera McGurran

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

Anointing of the Sick

Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

Kay & Tom O’Neill

 

 

     

 

YEAR OF MERCY

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

  1. COLMCILLE’S DOOR OF MERCY – will be opened during a Special Liturgy at the beginning of the 11.30am Mass this Sunday.

THE DOOR OF MERCY  –  this Sunday Bishop Noel Treanor will open the Door of Mercy for the Diocese in St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street. This will take place during 7.00pm Evening Mass and parishioners from across the Diocese are invited to attend.  The link for the Pilgrim’s journey of St. Patrick’s Church, Belfast  can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LuNl9AAquA

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 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

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

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

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

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Rose Mary McCullagh, Vera McGurran, mothers of parishioners, who died recently.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Bernadette Kane,  Joseph Conway,  Mary Conway,  Nathaniel Tio, 

Maurice Melville,  Jim Forrester,  Kay O’Neill  and Tom O’Neill.

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.

ADVENT

ADVENT FESTIVAL  –  Take some time out and feel well prepared for Christmas, by enjoying a time of reflection this Sunday at 6.00pm in St. Colmcille’s Church.  Join the parish Choir and St. Joseph’s Primary School in singing the joyful story of the coming of the Lord.  Refreshments served afterwards in the Hall.

TAP Christmas Gift Cards – Shop Early for Christmas! The Annual Tanzanian Africa Project (TAP) Christmas Gift Cards, in support of our twinned parish in Moita Bwawani Tanzania, will be available from this weekend and all the weekends of Advent. Attractive Christmas Gift Cards for School Uniforms (£10), Sponsor a Catechist (£10) and Mother and Baby Care (£20) will be available in the Porch after each of the Masses during the season of Advent. We look forward to your usual generous support for this fundraising event.

TROCAIRE GIFTS –  buy a Trocaire gift and make a lot more people happy. Booklets regarding this year’s Trocaire gifts are available at the back of the Church.  For more information log on to www.trocaire.org/gifts or call 080 0912 1200.

PENITENTIAL SERVICES

“Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.”  (Luke 6:37)

Next Saturday                           St. Colmcille’s                 7.30pm

Next Sunday                              St. Brigid’s                      4.00pm

Monday 21st December                 Holy Rosary                     7.30pm

Tuesday 22nd December                Drumbo                           7.30pm

St Vincent de Paul

Christmas Appeal 2015  – continues to next Sunday.  Once again this year we are asking for donations of cash or shopping vouchers.  Cash is required to buy essentials such as vegetables, meat and other fresh food and is also practical as it may be used towards a top up card for the electric or gas meters or to buy heating oil stamps.  Your donations can be popped into our normal collection boxes with our members at the church exits any time up to Sunday 20th December.  SVP Envelopes marked as Gift Aid can be found at the Chapel porch. If you are a UK tax payer then using the Gift Aid envelope will enable us to claim the money back from government, increasing your donation.  As most of our families live near a Tesco store this would be the best supermarket voucher to donate. Heating oil stamps can be purchased from many oil suppliers or you can specify on the envelope if you wish us to spend your donation on fuel.  The annual appeal in 2014 was a great success and as a result we were able to help many families in the East Belfast area, of which our Church plays an important part. No matter how small (every £1 counts) all donations help to relieve the dreadful pressure our families suffer. Many have the simple choice of heat or eat.

THE LARDER  –  is a food bank in Mersey Street which has been most helpful in supporting many of the clients of our St. Vincent de Paul.  The St. Vincent de Paul propose collecting food to deliver to the Larders throughout Advent and would particularly appreciate any donations of food.  Boxes will be availabe in the porch for this collection, commencing at all Masses next weekend and concluding on the weekend of the 19th/20th December.

SVP ANNUAL LOCAL COLLECTIONS  –  the last one will take place at Tesco Expres in Ballyhackamore next Saturday.  Anyone willing to help out should contact Paddy Donnelly.

THANK YOU  –  the St. Vincent de Paul Conference wish to thank the Spar Ballyhackamore, Super Value at Kings Square and Dundonald Asda for allowing us to hold collections over the last three Saturdays, enabling a total of £1,230.51 to be raised.  We would particularly wish to thank the 20+ collectors who stood out in the most awful weather collecting on one or more than one occasion.

For further information on what SVP contributes to our society, check the web site at SVP.IE

THIS WEEK

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  our last meeting for 2015 will be at 8.00pm in the Committee Room this Tuesday evening.  All are welcome.

PARENTS MEETING  – this Wednesday at 7.00pm in the Parochial Hall, for parents of the children who are preparing for First Holy Communion. Parents will be able to enrol their child for this Sacrament at the meeting.

ADVENT PROGRAMME concludes this Friday morning at 10.00am, starting with refreshments, in the Iona Room.

artisan market  –  will be held in the Church Grounds next Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  There will also be more stalls available.

DTIM – The Do This In Memory of Me monthly Mass will take place at 9.30am next Sunday. The children who are preparing for First Holy Communion will be presented to the parish at this Mass.

BAMBINELLI SUNDAY – For several decades, an Italian tradition, has been to bring a Christ-child figure to St Peter’s Square, to be blessed by the Pope on a Sunday in Advent. As part of our Advent celebrations, all children and adults are invited to bring their Christ-child figure from home, to be blessed at the 9.30am Mass at St Colmcille’s next Sunday.    A suggestion is, following the blessing, take your ‘bambinelli’ home and place it in a gift box, wrap it, and save it for Christmas. Let this be the first gift your family opens on Christmas, when together you place the Christ-child figure in your Crib.

TEA & BUNS – for everyone next Sunday after both morning Masses. No charge. Come along, relax and catch up with friends and family.

LIVING YOUTH – Come and join us for our third Monthly Diocesan Youth Mass on next Sunday at 5.00 pm (Confessions and Music Practice from 4.30pm) in Holy Family Church, Newington Avenue.  Refreshments after in the Church Gathering Space.  All welcome.

COMING EVENTS

Ballyhackamore Business Association  –  has always taken Christmas seriously, and this year is no exception.  Engaging the irrepressible talents of Young at Art, Northern Ireland’s leading arts organisation for children and young people, this year Christmas is turning into a hunt for Santa. That’s right Santa has been kidnapped!  The ‘Nearly True’ Christmas Tour is an exciting walking tour around the village of Ballyhackamore, where no stone will be left unturned in the search for Santa.  The hour-long tour with the elves will be running every Saturday to 19th December and further tours will be held on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd  December to ensure that Santa is found before December 25th ! There are three tours each day beginning at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available to buy from Greens Pizza in Ballyhackamore.  Tickets are priced at £12 per child and £8 per adult and this will include a gift and a photo with Santa.

Reunion Dinner  –  to mark the 50th anniversary since the re start of the Scouts in the parish, a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance has been arranged for the 6th February 2016 in the Stormont Hotel. All ex members of the Group, leaders and committee people are invited to attend, as are all parents and supporters. The Scout Group has been an integral part of the youth provision in St. Colmcilles Parish during good and bad times and it’s fitting that we celebrate the continued success of the Group. Please let family members no longer living in the parish know of this event. A dedicated Facebook page will be developed and further details about the reunion will be given as they become available.

LIVING YOUTH – Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia Team 2016: Following our successful Habitat for Humanity projects over the past three years Living Youth is excited to announce recruitment for another youth team due to travel to Ethiopia next summer. Provisional dates: 8th to 22nd August 2016.  Applicants should be 18 years or over and all team members will be expected to contribute to the cost of the trip as well as engage in an extensive fundraising campaign. The budget for this trip is £2,000 p/p. This includes a non-refundable deposit, travel, in-country expenses and a £600 minimum donation to Habitat’s work. To register or get more information visit: www.habitatni.co.uk, call 9263 5635 or email gv@habitatni.co.uk

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock  –  Open Morning on Saturday 9th January 2016 from 9.15am to 12.30pm for Year 7 Pupils and Parents.  Principal’s Address 9.30am and 11.00am.  Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome.

REPORTS

TO THE ELVES AND THEIR LEADERS  –  “Many thanks for a lovely Christmas Dinner.  The food was lovely, the service was impeccable, the entertainment entertaining and the present from Santa Claus was a wonderful surprise – a lot of work was done to prepare for this event.  Many thanks again.” From a grateful attendee at the Christmas Dinner.

REFUGEE CRISIS – A SINCERE THANK YOU  –  “In October I spent some time in Greece distributing the aid from SVP members in the Northern Region.  I do not have the words to describe the horrific things I saw, nor can I convey the joy of being able to help these poor people with money, food and clothes from home.  I am writing to thank the parish for the humbling and generous donation of £1,413.23.  The money that has been donated will be used to provide real and practical support for the Syrian refugees. You can be sure that each penny will have a positive and lasting impact on these people as they try to make a new life in Europe.  Aidan Crawford, Regional President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

OTHER NOTICES

The Live Crib in Belfast –  is now open at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast. Come along to The Grotto and meet the Holy Family, Shepherds and Kings. Also featuring, Henry and Poppy, the donkeys, goats, Emily and Billy and Gruff, sheep Sean and Larry and Alpacas Chewy and Snowy. School groups, choirs and carol singers are welcome.  The crib will run until 6th January 2016, animals arrive at 10.30am and go home at 5.00pm each day. Entrance is free. Donations to the crib will go towards Tuesday’s Child Following Yonder Star Christmas Appeal for children in Gaza, Kenya, Nigeria and child boat refugees rescued in the Mediterranean. There will be prayers each day in the crib for peace for every child, born and unborn. For further details e-mail events@tuesdayschild.org.uk or text 078 0881 4807.

To mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising  –  The Irish Catholic newspaper is publishing a special edition next week. The 40-page edition of the paper will set the context for the centenary celebrations and look at some of the neglected aspects of the celebrations, particularly: The humanitarian role of the pro-cathedral; How parishes coped with the carnage; The Catholic Faith of the leaders; The Church’s reaction to the Rising; A map of ‘Catholic Dublin’ at the time of the Rising; Insights from the archive; Reflections from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Mary Kenny, Martin Mansergh etc. and the morality of the Easter Rising;

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

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

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

6th December 2015

VOL. 24 NO. 02 6TH DECEMBER 2015

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

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

E-mail: stcolmcilles@downandconnor.org

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

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

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT – (Page 37, 490 & 452)

1ST Week of Advent

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

Entrance Antiphon O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.
1st Reading (Baruch 5:1-9)  God means to show your splendour to every nation.
Psalm What marvels the Lord worked for us!  Indeed we are glad.
2nd Reading (Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11) Be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, and all mankind shall see the salvation of the God.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Luke 3:1-6)  All mankind shall see the salvation of God.
Children John the Baptist heard the word of God and started to tell people to turn back to God.  He spoke the words which had been written by the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Communion Antiphon Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and behold the joy which comes to you from God.

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

 

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Jim Gibson, John & Annie Coulter & Desmond Kneeland

9.30am

Geraldine Woollams

9.30am

Lily Rice

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

Claire Heverin

Anointing of the Sick

Confession at 6.00pm 11.30am

James McConnell

7.00pm

Mary Tully

     

TUESDAY IS THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION  – and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses in the Parish are on Tuesday morning at 9.30am and Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.

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

 

YEAR OF MERCY

PASTORAL LETTER  –  launching the Year of Mercy is available at the back of the Church this weekend.

  1. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL – the 9.30am Mass this Wednesday morning will be attended by the staff and children from our Parish Primary School, to mark the opening of the Year of Mercy.
  2. COLMCILLE’S DOOR OF MERCY – will be opened during a Special Liturgy at the beginning of the 11.30am Mass next Sunday.

THE DOOR OF MERCY  –  this Tuesday Pope Francis will open the Holy Door: the Door of Mercy in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, inaugurating a Year of Mercy. He hopes this will be “a special time for the Church”: a time to “gaze more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives.”  Next Sunday Bishop Noel Treanor will open the Door of Mercy for the Diocese in St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street. This will take place during 7.00pm Evening Mass and parishioners from across the Diocese are invited to attend.

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 December 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

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

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

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

MONEY MATTERS                 

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

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

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Ted Brennan, a parishioner, who died on Monday and Rita O’Neill, the relative of a parishioner, who died recently and for James McConnell, whose month’s mind occurs this weekend.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Jim Gibson,  John Coulter,  Annie Coulter,  Desmond Kneeland,  Edward Trainor,

Mary McBrinn,  Mary Tully,  Tommy Tully,  Bernadette Kane,

Pauline Trainor,  Geraldine Woollams,  Lily Rice and Claire Heverin

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.

ADVENT

WALK WITH ME  –  A journey of Prayer for Advent and Christmas.  Copies are available at the back of the church.  Price £1.  Please put money in any of the Candelabra boxes.

ADVENT SERVICE  –  come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas next Sunday at 6.00pm in St. Colmcille’s Church.  Join the Choir and St. Joseph’s Primary School Choir in singing the joyful story of the coming of the Lord.  Refreshments served afterwards in the Hall.

TAP Christmas Gift Cards – Shop Early for Christmas! The Annual Tanzanian Africa Project (TAP) Christmas Gift Cards, in support of our twinned parish in Moita Bwawani Tanzania, will be available from this weekend and all the weekends of Advent. Attractive Christmas Gift Cards for School Uniforms (£10), Sponsor a Catechist (£10) and Mother and Baby Care (£20) will be available in the Porch after each of the Masses during the season of Advent. We look forward to your usual generous support for this fundraising event.

TROCAIRE GIFTS –  buy a Trocaire gift and make a lot more people happy. Booklets regarding this year’s Trocaire gifts are available at the back of the Church.  For more information log on to www.trocaire.org/gifts or call 080 0912 1200.

St Vincent de Paul

Christmas cards –  have all been sold but are still available from the local SVP shops at the Ormeau Road and Antrim Road if anyone still requires them.

Christmas Appeal 2015  – continues to Sunday 20th December.  Once again this year we are asking for donations of cash or shopping vouchers.  Cash is required to buy essentials such as vegetables, meat and other fresh food and is also practical as it may be used towards a top up card for the electric or gas meters or to buy heating oil stamps.  Your donations can be popped into our normal collection boxes with our members at the church exits any time up to Sunday 20th December.  SVP Envelopes marked as Gift Aid can be found at the Chapel porch. If you are a UK tax payer then using the Gift Aid envelope will enable us to claim the money back from government, increasing your donation.  As most of our families live near a Tesco store this would be the best supermarket voucher to donate. Heating oil stamps can be purchased from many oil suppliers or you can specify on the envelope if you wish us to spend your donation on fuel.  The annual appeal in 2014 was a great success and as a result we were able to help many families in the East Belfast area, of which our Church plays an important part. No matter how small (every £1 counts) all donations help to relieve the dreadful pressure our families suffer. Many have the simple choice of heat or eat.

THE LARDER  –  is a food bank in Mersey Street which has been most helpful in supporting many of the clients of our St. Vincent de Paul.  The St. Vincent de Paul propose collecting food to deliver to the Larders throughout Advent and would particularly appreciate any donations of food.  Boxes will be availabe in the porch for this collection, commencing at all Masses next weekend and concluding on the weekend of the 19th/20th December.

ANNUAL LOCAL COLLECTIONS  –  many volunteers from the Parish will be getting involved by standing at our local  Spar and Tesco stores in Ballyhackamore and Supervalu at King’s Square on nominated days as organised by Paddy Donnelly.  Those of you who have not already been approached to volunteer by Paddy, can still come forward if you wish.  We would like to thank those volunteers for donating their time at this very busy time of the year.

We will let you know after Christmas, how your donations have been used, but for now thank you so much for your invaluable kindness and support.

For further information on what SVP contributes to our society, check the web site at SVP.IE

THIS WEEK

Christmas Party  –  Calling all you who are just over 60 as it’s time to get ready for the Christmas party! It is this Sunday in the Parochial Hall at the slightly earlier start time of 4.00pm, dining at 4.30pm and finishing at 7.00pm. Bring your friends and enjoy this lovely event, delicious food and of course Santa will be there! We are delighted to say that Alan will be back by popular demand to provide the music and entertainment. It is important for the catering that we get numbers so please let us know as soon as possible how many places you wish to book. Also if anyone needs transport to attend let us know as this can be easily arranged. The social and fundraising committee will be in the porch after all Masses this weekend for your queries or to take your booking, or you may call Roisin McMullan 078 5414 0019, Mary Walsh 078 1549 3463 or Lucy Traynor on 079 0080 7589. It really is a great event, help us make it even better.

ST COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP  –  are holding Open Days this Tuesday and Wednesday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm for parents to view the premises and meet the staff.   Application forms to apply for a pre-school place are available at www.eani.org.uk/admissions for those who wish to apply online.  Paper copies of the application form will be available to collect from the Pre-school at our open days and until the closing date.  The deadline for submission of forms is noon on Wednesday 13th January 2016.  All children in their pre-school year are entitled to apply for a place in St Colmcille’s Pre-school.  We offer free places to 96 children and have a long-standing tradition of providing pre-school education in the area. The places are allocated according to criteria drawn up by the Management Committee of the pre-school.  We aim to provide a stimulating, happy and friendly environment where children, staff and parents can learn from and support each other.

MARY –  A Biblical Walk Through the Bible will continue this Friday morning at 10.00am, starting with refreshments, in the Iona Room. The focus this Friday is The Nativity.

COMING EVENTS

Ballyhackamore Business Association  –  has always taken Christmas seriously, and this year is no exception.  Engaging the irrepressible talents of Young at Art, Northern Ireland’s leading arts organisation for children and young people, this year Christmas is turning into a hunt for Santa. That’s right Santa has been kidnapped!  The ‘Nearly True’ Christmas Tour is an exciting walking tour around the village of Ballyhackamore, where no stone will be left unturned in the search for Santa.  The hour-long tour with the elves will be running every Saturday to 19th December and further tours will be held on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd  December to ensure that Santa is found before December 25th ! There are three tours each day beginning at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available to buy from Greens Pizza in Ballyhackamore.  Tickets are priced at £12 per child and £8 per adult and this will include a gift and a photo with Santa.

Reunion Dinner  –  to mark the 50th anniversary since the re start of the Scouts in the parish, a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance has been arranged for the 6th February 2016 in the Stormont Hotel. All ex members of the Group, leaders and committee people are invited to attend, as are all parents and supporters. The Scout Group has been an integral part of the youth provision in St. Colmcilles Parish during good and bad times and it’s fitting that we celebrate the continued success of the Group. Please let family members no longer living in the parish know of this event. A dedicated Facebook page will be developed and further details about the reunion will be given as they become available.

LIVING YOUTH – Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia Team 2016: Following our successful Habitat for Humanity projects over the past three years Living Youth is excited to announce recruitment for another youth team due to travel to Ethiopia next summer. Provisional dates: 8th to 22nd August 2016.  Applicants should be 18 years or over and all team members will be expected to contribute to the cost of the trip as well as engage in an extensive fundraising campaign. The budget for this trip is £2,000 p/p. This includes a non-refundable deposit, travel, in-country expenses and a £600 minimum donation to Habitat’s work. To register or get more information visit: www.habitatni.co.uk, call 9263 5635 or email gv@habitatni.co.uk

REPORTS

APOSTOLIC WORK  –  thanks to the support we had from so many people last weekend £3,000.00 was raised for the missions. Thank you all very much.  Grateful thanks to those volunteers who set up and cleared up in the hall. Happy Christmas everyone.

11th Belfast Scout Group, St. Colmcilles  –  On Friday the third of  December 1965, the 11th Belfast Scout Troop was restarted in the parish, under the leadership of Seamus O’Flaherty and Mike Loder with an intake of 12 boys. On Friday the fourth of December 2015, 50 years later, the troop celebrated its’ fiftieth birthday with 40 young people, boys and girls, in membership. And what a 50 years this has been…in that time approximately 1700 troop meetings have been held, 48 summer camps have been completed, the Columbanus Shield has been won 18 times, the troop has been represented on 37 occasions at the Melvin / Phoenix all Ireland Scoutcraft competition, often achieving a top ten position and many hundreds of young people have enjoyed the friendship and scout programme provided by a dedicated band of leaders. And in addition to the troop, we now have a Group structure with Beaver Scouts, Cubs and Venture Scouts meeting weekly in the Scout Hall, 120 young persons from all types of background mixing freely and enjoying their friendships. At present, plans have been laid for the Scouts to camp in Nottinghamshire and the Venture Scouts travelling to Kandersteg, the International Scout Chalet in the Alps. We have Scouts completing an 8 week canoe course and our Beaver Scouts completing cross community activities with their Gilnahirk counterparts. Our Beaver Colony is vibrant and active and provides a welcome entry point for membership of the Group. As part of our celebrations, a Dinner Dance has been organised for the 6th February 2016 in the Stormont Hotel. All ex members, fundraisers, committee people, parents and friends of the Group are invited to attend.  Spread the word! We will have a blast!

OTHER NOTICES

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

The Falls Road Library – is celebrating local female authors this December and have invited three to hold Author Talks on the first three Tuesday evenings of the month.  The talks will be held at 6.30pm, and finish around 8.00pm.

the official launch of Jim Deeds’ book – ‘Surfing Life’s Waves’ this Sunday, in St Teresa’s Parish Hall, Glen Road, following 12.00 noon Mass.  There will be refreshments served and there’ll be music too.

KNOCK ALL NIGHT VIGIL  – buses will depart from King Street and Kennedy Way this Monday at 3.00pm returning to Belfast this Tuesday at 12.00 noon.  Price £40.  This includes dinner and breakfast.  To book please call the Pilgrim Shop, on 9031 1652.  £10 deposit required.  Vigil starts at 11.00pm and consists of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Benedicition and finishes with Mass at 4.00am

Advent Day of Reflection  –  at Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre, Crossgar next Saturday 12th December from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The theme will be ‘Looking At The Biblical Themes Of Mercy Through The Lens Of Luke’s Gospel’.  Pope Francis has declared this coming year as the Year of Mercy. Sean Goan links this Year of Mercy to the Year of Luke in the lectionary, in his own reflective and scholarly way. A wonderful preparation for Christmas and for celebrating the Year of Mercy.  For more information contact Tobar Mhuire on 4483 0242 or email secretary@tobarmhuirecrossgar.com

CANDLE-LIGHT ROSARY FOR LIFE – Please join Precious Life in a beautiful candlelight service for the protection of Ireland’s unborn babies, outside Marie Stopes Belfast at 4.00pm next Saturday, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. For more information contact 9027 8484 or info@preciouslife.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.