Sunday 22nd February

VOL. 23 NO. 13  22ND FEBRUARY 2015

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

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

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT– (Page 141, 452 & 116)

1st Week of Lent

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 1

Entrance

Antiphon

When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory.  I will grant him length of days.
1st Reading (Gensis 9:8-15)  God’s convenant with Noah after he had saved him from the waters of the flood.
Psalm Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
2nd Reading (1 Peter 3:18-22)  That water is a type of Baptism which saves you now.
Acclamation Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!  Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory.
Gospel (Mark 1:12-15)   Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels looked after him.
Children Jesus went into the desert by himself for forty days.  He was tempted by the devil but the angels looked after him.  After this time Jesus went into Galilee to tell everyone the Good News that God loves them.  He told people to turn back to God and believe in him.
Communion

Antiphon

One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.    

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH OFFICE

The parish office will be closed this Monday.

 

 

 

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
Ted O’Neill, Moya Dalton, James Dalton & Teresa Barclay Hugh Close & Harry McGarry Frank Donnelly Mary Paul
11.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am
Maureen McGonnell & Charles Doherty Brenda Quinn 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.

THE GIFT  – An inspiring and practical series aimed at people of all ages to help them encounter the Holy Spirit and empower them to share their faith.  Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am on Friday mornings during Lent, in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments. The next session in the series is ‘The Joy of the Gospel’.

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place next Sunday, Sunday 15th and Sunday 29th March after the 9.30am Mass.  Everyone is welcome for free refreshments in the hall. Children are invited to the Iona room for activities. The theme of the first short talk is ‘Can Mass make my life more meaningful?’

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

SACRED SPACE – ‘One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’. (Matthew 4:4) Let us open our hearts to God’s holy word in scripture, for each of us personally, as we journey through this season of Lent. The purple cloth reminds us of the journey, with our offerings to God of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes symbolize our penance and contrition. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. The candle is the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to developing our personal relationship with Jesus, by placing a stone in the desert oasis.

 

PARISH FAMILY

Proclamation of the Word  –  volunteers are urgently required for this important Ministry. To meet this need a series of four training sessions begins this  Monday evening at 7.30pm in the Church. If you are interested in contributing to this fulfilling  aspect of Parish life please contact John Barry on 9065 4395 / 078 4072 8477 or email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk.

ANNUAL 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) – £570 in hotel or £450 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £625; Youth Team (Age 16-25) – 8th-17th £520.  Closing date for youth applications is 27th March.  For more information see the poster in Church Porch or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email dcpilgrimage@gmail.com

MONEY MATTERS                        

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

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

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Father Fred Hassan, Harry McGarry, Thomas Varkey and Charles Doherty who died recently. We also pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:

Ted O’Neill,  Moya Dalton,  James Dalton,  Teresa Barclay,    Hugh Close,

Maureen McGonnell,  Frank Donnelly,  Mary Paul,

Brenda Quinn,  John Feenan,  and  Olga Hughes.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

 

PARISH DRAW

There is still time for you to participate in this year’s Parish Draw. Please show your support to the Parish by purchasing a ticket or two by contacting Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463, or Philomena in the Parish Office.

 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We are greatly helped in our work of support for the poor and needy by “The Larder” the food bank attached to St. Christopher’s Church in Mersery Street.  Over fifty of our clients have received generous food parcels from one to six times in the past year.  The food is provided by neighbouring churches and we feel particularly as our clients are amongst the major beneficaries, we should try to contribute to them.  So starting next weekend and up to Sunday 29th March members of the St Vincent de Paul will be in the Church Porch to receive donations of food for onward transmission to “The Larder”.  The following are suggested items: cereal, jam, pasta, rice, pasta sauces, tinned fruit, tinned meat and fish, tinned vegetables, tinned soup, tinned tomatoes, biscuits, tea, coffee, toilet rolls, washing powder, toothbrushes, toiletries and washing up liquid.  They have always loads of baked beans.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com

 

THIS WEEK

stations of the cross  –  will be celebrated each Saturday evening at 6.00pm.

Apostolic Work Lenten Lunch  – in the Parochial Hall after both Masses this Sunday. If anyone cannot be there but would like to make a contribution please give it to any member of Apostolic Work at any time. Volunteers on the day will be very welcome.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT  –  each Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

THE GIFT  –  will take place on Friday Mornings after the 9.30am Mass.  The next session in the series is ‘The Joy of the Gospel’.

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place next Sunday morning after the 9.30am Mass.  The theme of the first short talk is ‘Can Mass make my life more meaningful?’

 

OTHER NOTICES

SLOW DOWN SATURDAY  –  enjoy a cup of tea and a bit of calm, time to think and pray, time for you and God, guided gently by Breige O’Hare, next Saturday from 11.00am to 12.45pm, in The Old School, beside St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street (room opposite Veritas bookshop). Donation £1. Booking essential. To book, ring Breige at well.com on 9031 9530 or contact her through her website www.athomewithgod.co.uk

THE POPE FRANCIS EFFECT  –  a series of talks being held in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar during the Tuesday’s in Lent.  Tuesday 24th February – Signs of hope in the Church today? By Father Brian D’Arcy.  Brian McKee will give the following talks: Tuesday 3rd March – A Voice in the Wilderness?  Tuesday 10th March – Pope Francis – Where does he fit into the papacy?  Tuesday 24th March – Building a Church of the People.  Each evening begins at 7.30pm.  Come along for one evening or for the full series of talks.  Voluntary donation.  Everyone welcome!

ST MARK’S CHURCH – are running an early evening programme on a Wednesday evening until 25th March.   The timing for each evening is: 6.00pm – Lenten Office in the Church; 6.30pm – Supper in the Church Hall; 7.00pm  – after Supper Speaker.  People are welcome to come for the entire evening, or even just for supper and/or the speaker.  There is

no cost for each evening, although there will be an opportunity to contribute towards the cost of supper each week on an entirely voluntary basis.  Please phone St Mark’s Parish Office on 9065 9047 if you are planning to come for supper, just to give us a sense of numbers for catering!

Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church Women’s Guild  –  are holding a Concert featuring Ballyclare Male Choir at 7.45pm this Wednesday evening in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church Hall.  For tickets (£10 inc. supper) contact Anne in Gilnahirk Church Office  on 9040 3589 or Audrey on 9079 4477 or pay at the door.  Everyone welcome.

STRESS CONTROL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME  – Belfast Health and Social Care Trust are offering a choice of a free  six week stress control programme.  Choice 1 – in the Skainos Centre, Newtownards Road on a Monday evening commencing this Monday evening.  Choice 2 – Falls Road Library on a Thursday evening commecning this Thursday evening.  Each evening runs from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.  There is no need to book.  Just turn up on the night.  For more information please contact Audrey at 9504 2689 for more information.

Adopters  Needed  Now  –  Family Care Adoption Services is presently seeking families who would be interested in adopting children aged between 2–6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family.  Could this be you?  If you would like to find out more please contact Family Care Adoption Services on: 9069 1133 email: email@familycaresociety.org. Website: www.familycaresociety.co.uk

You are invited to – an evening of reflection on the plight of persecuted Christians around the world, this Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Carryduff.  Christianity is now the most persecuted religion in the world.  Pope Francis has called on us to remember our fellow Christians who are suffering for their faith.  The evening will consist of a series of accounts of the difficulties suffered by Christians in different parts of the world interspersed with prayer, sacred music and personal reflection. The service will conclude with Benediction. An opportunity for further discussion with a cup of tea/coffee will follow in the St. Mochumma room in the Church.  The evening is being organised by the Knights of St. Columbanus and some young people undertaking their John Paul II award. Please come along and join us.

IN JOYFUL HOPE  –  a new step in Eucharistic Communion.  The next gatheirng will be held in St Peter’s Cathedral on Tuesday 3rd March at 7.30pm.

 

 

 

15th February 2015

VOL. 23 NO. 12  15TH FEBRUARY 2015

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

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

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 713, 452 & 499)

6th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 2/4

Entrance

Antiphon

Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me.  For you are my rock, my stronghold!  Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.
1st Reading (Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46)  The leper must live apart, he must live outside the camp.
Psalm You are my refuge, O Lord; you fill me with the joy of salvation.
2nd Reading (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)  Take me for your model, as I take Christ.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Mark 1:40-45)   The leprosy left him at once and he was cured.
Children A man with a skin disease asked Jesus to make him well.  Jesus felt sorry for the leper and healed him.  Jesus asked the man not to tell anyone, but to go to the priest and show that he was cured.  The man told everybody!  Lots of people came from all around to find Jesus so that he could heal them.
Communion

Antiphon

They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.    

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Ash

Wednesday

Thursday Friday
      7.15am 7.15am 7.15am
6.30pm

Ouseph Joseph

9.30am

 

9.30am

 

 

9.30am

 

9.30am

Maureen McGonnell

9.30am

Anointing of the Sick

Confessions at 6.00pm 11.30am

Gary Morris & Gerry Keane

 

 

7.00pm    

LENT COMMENCES THIS WEDNESDAY

WITH ASH WEDNESDAY

 

Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

 

THE PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT

IS ON THE ENCLOSED FLYER

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

PARISH OFFICE

The parish office will close this Friday and Monday 23rd February.

SAFEGUARDING

Important information for all parishioners who wish to volunteer to work with children and young people: The next vicariate children and young people Safeguarding  Information Session is on Monday 23rd February at Drumbo and Carryduff Parish Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. For anyone who is unable to attend there will be two more sessions in the vicariate before June. More details on dates for these additional sessions will follow. We urge all leaders of groups to encourage their volunteers to attend one training session. If you are planning to attend the session on 23rd February please let Karen Diamond 077 1110 9268 or Noeleen Dunn 078 7949 8131 know by this Sunday.

PARISH FAMILY

Proclamation of the Word  –  volunteers are urgently required for this important Ministry. To meet this need a series of four training sessions begins on Monday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the Church. If you are interested in contributing to this fulfilling  aspect of Parish life please contact John Barry on 9065 4395 / 078 4072 8477 or email jb654395@yahoo.co.uk.

ANNUAL 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) – £570 in hotel or £450 in hospital; 7 nights (10-17th) – £625; Youth Team (Age 16-25) – 8th-17th £520, closing date for youth applications is 27th March.  For more information see the poster in Church Porch or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 9064 6040 or email dcpilgrimage@gmail.com

CHURCH OPENING TIMES  –  the church will be open each day at the following times:  Monday – 10.00am  to 3.30pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 9.00am to 3.30pm; Friday – 9.00am to 1.00pm; Saturday – 6.00pm to 7.30pm and Sunday – 9.00am to 1.00pm.

WEEKLY CATHOLIC PAPERS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE –  the following are available on a weekly basis in the porch of the Church: Ireland’s Own, Universe, Catholic Times, Irish Catholic and Catholic Herald.  Please put money in box at any of the Candelabras.

RECENTLY BAPTISED CHILDREN  –  if your child was baptised last year in the parish and you wish to keep your child’s card from the Baptism Tree it will be available in the Sacristy after all Masses this weekend.

MONEY MATTERS                

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

The collection for Sick and Retired Priests will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  This collection is required for the ongoing needs in respect of the Sick & Retired Priests of the Diocese. Despite the availability of the funds raised through the ‘Planning for the Future’ Campaign, the ‘Priests’ Provident Fund’ continues to require ongoing funding if it is to carry on meeting the needs of Sick & Retired Priests into the future.

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Michael McHugh who died last Saturday and Winnie Fitzgerald who died last Sunday.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;

Ouesph Joseph,  Gary Morris,  Gerry Keane,  Maureen McGonnell,

Bridget Allen  and  Eva Haan.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

PARISH DRAW

If you missed the launch last weekend, there is still time for you to participate in this year’s Parish Draw. Please show your support to the Parish by purchasing a ticket or two by contacting Roisin McMullan on 078 5414 0019, Mary Walsh on 078 1549 3463, or Philomena in the Parish Office.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com

THIS WEEK

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  Our normal meeting for this Tuesday evening has been cancelled.

Apostolic Work Lenten Lunch  – in the Parochial Hall after both Masses next Sunday. If anyone cannot be there but would like to make a contribution please give it to any member of Apostolic Work at any time. Volunteers on the day will be very welcome.

OTHER NOTICES

SLOW DOWN SATURDAY  –  enjoy a cup of tea and a bit of calm, time to think and pray, time for you and God, guided gently by Breige O’Hare, on Saturday 28th February from 11.00am to 12.45pm, in The Old School, beside St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street (room opposite Veritas bookshop). Donation £1. Booking essential. To book, ring Breige at well.com on 9031 9530 or contact her through her website www.athomewithgod.co.uk

THE POPE FRANCIS EFFECT  –  a series of talks being held in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar during the Tuesday’s in Lent.  Tuesday 24th February – Signs of hope in the Church today? By Father Brian D’Arcy.  Brian McKee will give the following talks: Tuesday 3rd March – A Voice in the Wilderness?  Tuesday 10th March – Pope Francis – Where does he fit into the papacy?  Tuesday 24th March – Building a Church of the People.  Each evening begins at 7.30pm.  Come along for one evening or for the full series of talks.  Voluntary donation.  Everyone welcome!

ST MARK’S CHURCH – are running an early evening programme on a Wednesday evening from 25th February to 25th March.   The timing for each evening is: 6.00pm – Lenten Office in the Church; 6.30pm – Supper in the Church Hall; 7.00pm  – after Supper Speaker.  People are welcome to come for the entire evening, or even just for supper and/or the speaker.  There is no cost for each evening, although there will be an opportunity to contribute towards the cost of supper each week on an entirely voluntary basis.  Please phone St Mark’s Parish Office on 9065 9047 if you are planning to come for supper, just to give us a sense of numbers for catering!

NORTHERN IRELAND HOSPICE SHOP IN BALLYHACKMORE  –  are very dependent on the local community to fund their services.  The shop is looking for volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer please contact the shop manager on 9065 1706.

STRESS CONTROL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME  – Belfast Health and Social Care Trust are offering a choice of a free  six week stress control programme.  Choice 1, in the Skainos Centre, Newtownards Road on a Monday evening commencing on Monday 23rd February.  Choice 2 – Falls Road Library on a Thursday evening commecning on Thursday 26th February.  Each evening runs from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.  There is no need to book.  Just turn up on the night.  For more information please contact Audrey at 9504 2689 for more information.

Adopters  Needed  Now  –  Family Care Adoption Services is presently seeking families who would be interested in adopting children aged between 2–6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family.  Could this be you?  If you would like to find out more please contact Family Care Adoption Services on: 9069 1133 email: email@familycaresociety.org. Website: www.familycaresociety.co.uk

 

8th February 2015

VOL. 23 NO. 11  8TH FEBRUARY 2015

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

Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net  E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com

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

St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk.  Phone – 9047 2724

 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 709, 452 & 499)

5th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings : Sunday Cycle B, Weekday Cycle 1, Psalter Week 1

Entrance

Antiphon

O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us, for he is the Lord our God.
1st Reading (Job 7:1-4, 6-7)  Restlessly I fret till twilight falls.
Psalm Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted.
2nd Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23)  I should be punished if I did not preach the Gospel.
Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia!  I am the light of the world, says the Lord, anyone who follows me will have the light of life.  Alleluia!
Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)   He cured many who suffered from diseases of one kind or another.
Children Simon Peter’s mother-in-law had a temperature.  When Jesus heard this he went and made her well.  Lots of other people in the town wanted Jesus to heal them too.  Jesus was kept very busy healing everyone.  Very early next morning Jesus got up and went away by himself to pray.  He decided to go to another town to spread the good news about God’s love even further.
Communion

Antiphon

Let them thank the Lord for his mercy, his wonders for the children of men, for he satisfies the thirsty soul, and the hungry he fills with good things.    

 

MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6.30pm

Danny Barclay

9.30am

 

9.30am

James McCaskey

9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

Anointing of the Sick

Confessions at 6.00pm 11.30am

Dennis Noonan

       

 

 

Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds

in the evening please close the car park gates.

 

LENT COMMENCES WITH

ASH WEDNESDAY ON 18TH FEBRUARY

Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

 

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.

DAILY MEDITATION FOR LENT  – copies of “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the Church.

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

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

Awakening Faith Programme  –  will take place on Sunday 1st, Sunday 15th and Sunday 29th March after the 9.30am Mass.  More details about each week’s programme will follow.

THE GIFT  – An inspiring and practical series aimed at people of all ages to help them encounter the Holy Spirit and empower them to share their faith. The six sessions cover: The Father’s Loving Plan; The Joy of the Gospel; The Gift of the Spirit; Unwrapping God’s Gift; Encountering God’s Spirit; Living in the Spirit.  Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am on Friday mornings during Lent, in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments.

DOWN AND CONNOR PIONEER ASSOCIATION  –  Do you feel we live in a drinks culture? Are you concerned about alcohol abuse? Are you thinking of giving up alcohol for Lent?  If so, we invite you to take a Temporary Pledge with the Pioneer Association, say a short prayer daily and offer up your decision not to take alcohol for the sake of someone else, perhaps someone who is living with addiction. You can make a difference.  Register your pledge with the Down and Connor Pioneer office on 9089 4070 or email dandcpioneers@gmail.com.  Please give your name, address and phone number and you will be sent a Pledge Certificate which includes the daily prayer.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BAPTISM IN OUR PARISH

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome.  The next Baptismal Course takes place this Tuesday 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.

SAFEGUARDING

Important information for all parishioners who wish to volunteer to work with children and young people: The next vicariate children and young people Safeguarding  Information Session is on Monday 23rd February at Drumbo and Carryduff Parish Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. For anyone who is unable to attend there will be two more sessions in the vicariate before June. More details on dates for these additional sessions will follow. We urge all leaders of groups to encourage their volunteers to attend one training session. If you are planning to attend the session on 23rd February please let Karen Diamond 077 1110 9268 or Noeleen Dunn 078 7949 8131 know before 14th February.

 

PARISH FAMILY

CHURCH OPENING TIMES  –  the church will be open each day at the following times:  Monday – 10.00am  to 3.30pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 9.00am to 3.30pm; Friday – 9.00am to 1.00pm; Saturday – 6.00pm to 7.30pm and Sunday – 9.00am to 1.00pm.

WEEKLY CATHOLIC PAPERS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE –  the following are available on a weekly basis in the porch of the Church: Ireland’s Own, Universe, Catholic Times, Irish Catholic and Catholic Herald.  Please put money in box at any of the Candelabras.

RECENTLY BAPTISED CHILDREN  –  if your child was baptised last year in the parish and you wish to keep your child’s card from the Baptism Tree it will be available in the Sacristy after all Masses this weekend.

MONEY MATTERS                        

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

The collection for Sick and Retired Priests will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.  This collection is required for the ongoing needs in respect of the Sick & Retired Priests of the Diocese. Despite the availability of the funds raised through the recent ‘Planning for the Future’ Campaign, the ‘Priests’ Provident Fund’ continues to require ongoing funding if it is to carry on meeting the needs of Sick & Retired Priests into the future.

 

DECEASED

We pray for the repose of the souls of Dympna Gullery, a parishioner, who died last weekend, Mary Joseph McCaffrey and James McCaskey who died during the week.  We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;

Danny Barclay,  Denis Noonan,   Willie Gallagher,  Frank McEvoy,

Gerard Kiely and Kevin Ballentine.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  –  we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458.  Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.

 

PARISH DRAW

This year’s Parish Draw is being launched this weekend after all Masses..  Committee members will be available at all the Masses for you to purchase a ticket.  Tea & Coffee will be available after both Masses this Sunday in the Parochial Hall. Please show your support to the Parish by purchasing a ticket or two! Any queries please contact Roisin McMullan 078 5414 0019 or Mary Walsh 078 1549 3463.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the Church as a priest?  If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.  This retreat will create the time and space to help you discern God’s calling in your life.

The retreat will take place in Drumalis Retreat Centre, from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February. If you wish to attend this retreat or would like further information contact: Fr. Kevin McGuckien, on 9061 4567 or email:kevinmcguckien@hotmail.com.

VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015.  For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9061 4567.

 

THIS WEEK

ST COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT – will be holding their Enrolment Ceremony this  Saturday evening, at the 6.30pm Mass. The unit would like to invite all parishioners to this celebration when our new members will be enrolled into their relevant sections.

Ballyhackamore Golf Society  –  will hold their AGM in the Iona Room of the Parochial Hall this Sunday at 4.00pm. Members and new members welcome.

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

 

COMING EVENTS

Scripture and Prayer Group  –  Our normal meeting on Tuesday 17th February has been cancelled. We will meet again in March.

 

OTHER NOTICES

NORTHERN IRELAND HOSPICE SHOP IN BALLYHACKMORE  –  are very dependent on the local community to fund their services.  The shop is looking for volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer please contact the shop manager on 9065 1706.

PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS –  with Padraig O’Tuama at Drumalis, Larne this Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, including tea/coffee.  The suggested contribution is £5.  If you would like to attend, please contact Drumalis to book a place on 2827 2196/2827 6455.

KNOCK METHODIST DRAMA GROUP  –  presents “The Wizard of Oz” in the Knock Methodist Centre from this Thursday to next Saturday at 7.30pm each evening.  Tickets can be obtained from Nicola Peden on 078 0249 9628 or 9058 1069.

THE POPE FRANCIS EFFECT  –  a series of talks being held in Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar during the Tuesday’s in Lent.  Tuesday 24th February – Signs of hope in the Church today? By Father Brian D’Arcy.  Brian McKee will give the following talks: Tuesday 3rd March – A Voice in the Wilderness?  Tuesday 10th March – Pope Francis – Where does he fit into the papacy?  Tuesday 24th March – Building a Church of the People.  Each evening begins at 7.30pm.  Come along for one evening or for the full series of talks.  Voluntary donation.  Everyone welcome!